I am BlerdNation because...
I always do what feels authentic to me. I don't live my life trying to replicate what others do (unless it's AWESOME), I treat people how I feel is right, and, in spite of the criticism I get at times, I'm a big kid - and that's okay with me. I'm a HUGE fan of comic books, cartoons, and all forms of Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I love Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, cosplay, Minecraft, video games, and YouTube videos about Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, cosplay, Minecraft, and video games. And, though some others on BlerdNation claim to have the biggest superhero t-shirt collection ever, I'm pretty sure I win hands down. :-P
But I don't believe that those things are all being a Blerd is about. I believe it's simply about being passionate and (essentially) single-minded about ALL the things you love. That's what I am and that's what makes us all part of BlerdNation.
Who is your blerd role model? Why?
Role modes are like potato chips - you can't have just one:
1) Dwayne McDuffie - A gifted kid from Detroit who became a trailblazer in the world of comic books. He saw an imbalance in the way and frequency with which African Americans and other minorities were portrayed in comics and cartoons and did something about it. In his own way he was an activist - and blerd activists are always the best kind.
2) Melissa Harris-Perry - Thanks to Ms. Harris-Perry, her lectures, her book, her articles, and commentary, I feel like I have a better understanding of where we are in history and why. The panels on her show have introduced me to a huge bevvy of lady blerds that I may have otherwise never known existed and the associated world of #nerdland can easily be credited for connecting me with a majority of the blerds and nerds I adore most. I admire her intellect, tenacity, and humor. She is who she is, says what she means, and does what she loves. She's also a huge advocate for children, families, and communities and that's downright respectable.
3) My son J. - at 12 years old he's a veritable wunderkind: since age 8 he's become a game designer, graphic artist, animator, robotics engineer, comic artist/writer, programmer, and, most recently, app developer, anti-bullying activist and blogger. He's also my my own personal comedian. He's passionate, committed, and dauntless in the pursuit and perfection of his craft (not so much the dishes, though). I am goofy with pride and can only sit back, watch, enable, and be inspired.
How do you stay connected to other blerds?
Twitter, GetGlue, nerdy clubs, nerdy cons (i.e. Comic-Con, Dragon Con, MomoCon, LeakyCon, Ascendio), nerdy forums/websites (i.e. Nerdfighters, NerdForum, Pottermore), workshops/classes, etc.
What’s your most awkward blerd moment?
It's awkward to me when people behave as if there are set rules and guidelines for being a nerd/blerd - as if we all have to prove ourselves worthy before a committee of "them" in order to qualify. People who feel the need to place their nerd status on a pedestal above that of others just don't seem authentic to me - and that's just awkward.
What’s your favorite word/phrase?
My favorite word to hear is "Yes", except when it's paired with unacceptable phrases like "Yes, you are dying."
My favorite word to say is "Friggin'", because I find it difficult to actually curse and that's the lame best I can do.
My favorite phrases are:
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - This is my mantra for making good decisions.
or
DFTBA = Don't Forget To Be Awesome! - Just to remind myself and others. :-)
What are your goals/passions?
My goals and passions are legion, but, if I am pressed to select just a few, chief would be my desire to open a full fledged holistic practice that encompasses and espouses all aspects of natural healthcare and education. Another would be to publish the "Great american Novel" as well as children's books and a collection of poetry and short stories.
My ultimate passion that trumps all others, though, is definitely children. I absolutely love children! No other single demographic of people inspires me more than kids. I try to spend as much time around them as possible. I love to teach them and often find that I learn even more FROM them. They are truly the most genuine of people; they're very honest and open, they're uniquely curious, they forgive easily, they live in the moment, and they dream BIG. Basically, they've mastered all of the character traits that I currently aspire to without even trying! So, I guess you could add 'be more childish' to my list of goals.
What are you listening to, watching, or reading that impacts you or that is giving you a different perspective?
I've been reading (and rereading) 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking' by Susan Cain. This book has really given me a sense of power in understanding and embracing my introverted personality.
In the past I have felt guilty and somewhat strange because of my desire for solitude and quiet. My work and life demand a significant amount of contact with people and, though I really enjoy the interaction, the abundance of it can be overwhelming for me and I need time alone to recharge. I'm happiest and at my most creative /resourceful when I receive plenty of alone time to think, read, write and work. I really live in my head and that most certainly explains why I'm a fan of social media - I can share my thoughts and share in the thoughts of others without necessarily having to be "with" them. It may sound crazy, but that is my paradigm and this book has truly helped me to embrace introversion as my power and not my weakness.
Are there any famous, or not-so-famous, people that you think would be a great addition to BlerdNation?
Melissa Harris-Perry should be on here yesterday!
What advice would you give to other blerds?
In everything you do...Be passionate. Be authentic. Be audacious. Be courageous. Be accountable. Be nonjudgmental. Be kind. Don't take yourself too seriously - life is a lot less interesting if you can't have an occasional laugh at your own expense. :-)
