Five Things I Wish Everybody Knew About Nerds

1. Nerds are people too.

Sure, I've embraced the term "nerd"; if you called me a nerd I'd probably say "damn straight." But not everyone is as okay with it. Name calling hurts. Don't do it.

2. Nerds are socially awkward; be nice.

Lots of times nerdy people are used to going up and initiating conversations, and sometimes they're not even used to other people going up and initiating conversations. So if a nerdy guy tries saying something to you but it's really awkward; just smile and act like he's the most sociable person in the world.

3. Nerds make great boyfriends.

And do you know why? Because a nerdy guy will never take a pretty girl for granted. Ever. (Also: If a guy can take the time to build an entire computer from scratch, at least you know he has passion)

4. Nerds are useful!

Can't figure out how to install Google Chrome? No idea which printer driver to install? (Or what a printer driver even is?) Sure, we might not be able to fix everything and the kitchen sink, but if it comes to the television, computer, or pretty much most electronic things, give us a good half hour and we'll probably figure it out.

5. Nerds will rule the world. Someday.

And the geek shall inherit the earth. Nuff said.

(On a somewhat related note, if you're the kind of person who picks on the nerds at your school, there's a chance that you might work for them someday. So play nice.)

What I'm Meant To Be

I am an engineer,

But everything isn't clear,

On what I want to be.

I'm a biologist,

But I still get kinda pissed,

When people say to me,

I'm a philosopher,

Or I'm an astronomer,

That I'm wasting my time.

Just tell me what I'm meant for,

What life I'm supposed to lead.

What type of cloth was I cut from?

What type of tree is my seed?

My dad said "Ph.D.",

A lot of good that did me,

When I majored in art.

Maybe just one degree,

Is all that's in store for me,

But if I've got the heart,

To do philosophy,

Or maybe astronomy,

Am I still wasting time?

Just tell me what I'm meant for,

What life I'm supposed to lead.

What type of cloth was I cut from?

What type of tree is my seed?

At the end of four years,

I'll have chosen my path.

Be it English, or History,

Science, or Math.

Maybe I'll get what I wanted,

I'm sure that I'll get what I need,

There's only one thing that I know though,

I'll have figured out my type of seed.

Question:

If I was a pokemon, what pokemon would I be?

(Preferably within the first 250, so that I know what I'm being compared to).

Should Have Written This Three Weeks Ago

Things That Happened In 2009:

- I applied to college.

- I got into college.

- I went to college.

- I got my driver's license.

- I came across web comics.

- I had my ass kicked by physics.

- I lost some friends.

- I made some friends.

- I loved my friends.

- I went to the beach.

- I tasted vodka.

- I watched the inauguration.

- I learned Python.

- I learned C++.

- I learned to play guitar.

- I went to China.

- I auditioned for an a cappella group.

- I lost my grandfather.

- I watched romance blossom.

- I watched romance wither.

- I watched Rome ants. (this is a joke)

- I BS'ed a techlab project.

- I created a crazy class schedule.

- I understood the challenges of having a roommate.

- I discovered vast amounts of music, movies, and television.

- I discovered how quickly green dye will wash out of hair.

- I discovered myself.

Lack // Musical

There's been a lack of blog posts over winter break. I really enjoy reading the posts that everybody writes. Yeah, I haven't really written anything either. So let's change that.

Cause the world keeps spinnin round and round

And my heart's keepin time to the speed of sound

Things seem to be taking shape. Like a piece of clay on a spinning wheel. I think my goals and my resolutions are within reach. Course, that doesn't mean things are going to be easy (au contraire, life tends to be quite messy). But I've never been one to sit on my ass and refuse to try, now have I?

The internet is for, internet is for, internet is for PORN!

People are certainly...interesting. Just when you thought you know someone, they find a new way to surprise you. And even when you don't think you know someone, they manage to throw curveballs your way. I have a lot to discover both about the people around me, and the people who aren't as close. College is supposed to be the time when you make the best friends of your life. With any luck I'm headed in the right direction.

I'd sooner buy, defying gravity

I think I'll try, defying gravity

Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity

Isn't it interesting how easily you can wind up becoming someone who you aren't? Maybe putting on an act for new friends, or leading a double life hidden from a spouse, or even lying on a resume. Creating facades seems to be something that human beings are innately skilled at. At some point you have to ask yourself, "who am I?" and be prepared to deal with the answer. Nobody likes realizing that they're obnoxious, or stingy, or arrogant. What's even more interesting though, are the character traits that remain when you put on different personalities for different audiences. The person I am for my family is not the same as the person I am for my friends from Chicago, is not the same as the person I am for my friends from TJ, is not the same as the person I am for my friends from Stanford. Not entirely. But, certain things are the same. I don't go by the same name. But I love nerdy jokes. I don't bring up certain uncomfortable topics. But I leave behind an extreme mess. I don't always sing out loud.

But I die without you.

Lions

The lions of the past are now old

Their manes have turned grey.

Fortunately, they have relied upon the strength of their roars

Rather than the strength of their claws.

If someone you loved could change the world with their death, would you allow them to die?