There seems to be two ideas when you refer to someone as a 'geek'. People picture someone--a guy usually--that they might consider a loser; working a minimum wage job (if working); living in mom's basement; with a pasty computer monitor 'tan'. They assume that if this 'geek' goes out at all that they go to places like Trekkie 'Cons and comic stores. The other line of thought puts the geek as a brainiac, likely working a computer job, the Steven Hawking Type. This, technically would be a Nerd but a lot of folks don't know the subtle differences (and there are many who are both so don't feel bad!).
Here's the definition of a Geek via WikiHow: How to Tell the Difference Between Nerds and Geeks
I am proud to be a geek!
Here's the definition of a Geek via WikiHow: How to Tell the Difference Between Nerds and Geeks
The term "geek" is often said to have originated from circus performers in sideshows, referring to those who performed bizarre feats.[4] However, its earliest meaning is, "one who is regarded as foolish, offensive, worthless, etc."[5] Today, the term has taken on a positive slant and a geek could be viewed as someone with an interest or lifestyle having to do with niche activities, especially fandom and technology.[6] It is not uncommon for a geek to be capable of reciting large amounts of knowledge that is unintuitive, intriguing and (at times)
long-winded. The knowledge could be anything from the mundane to 'living encyclopedia' status.[7] Geeks tend to have average grades. Geeks can vary in their interests, from fun (films) and sometimes even frivolous things (collecting plastic figurines), to heavily technological interests (computing, hacking, and programming). Urban Dictionary goes so far as to suggest that society still views computer programming as a "bizarre feat" and the term "geek" is a proud label reflecting this.[8]
- Likely to be a gamer, a Star Trek fan, technologically enthused, a film series/book series buff, a free-spirited (not malevolent) technology hacker, a creator of unusual objects (artist, etc.), etc.[9]
For a long time, and I hate to admit this, I reinforced that first stereotypical image. I lived at home, even while married. My husband pretty much took care of me. I let my geek-dom wipe out everything else. For me it was because that allowed me to escape into a MMORPG for the majority of my waking time. I wanted to get away from real life. I was not healthy and my friends and family were worried.
So what's a Geek-Girl to do when she needs to turn her life around? You can't spend your days in front of a game all day and be healthy. It's hard to respect yourself with all of the junk food that too often accompanies the lifestyle piled around you. There are so many pitfalls of being a geek.
Mind you I'm not saying being a geek is bad. Like so many things in life it's about avoiding the bad parts and bringing the good into the light!
How does one accomplish this? Baby steps, my friends, baby steps.
Technology and, yes, even gaming can play a huge role in getting yourself healthy if you want it to. Start by replacing the junk food around you. If you MUST snack (and I know how that is during a big raid or RP event!), choose something flavorful but healthy. Even if that first step is just moving from fried chips to baked, it is still a step in the right direction.
For me the first step was weening myself off of my two to three 24pack of Pepsi (diet, to lie to myself) habit. This is not to say that habit is completely broken. I still have days where I drink a lot of pop--although these days it's diet Coke as that is what is in our Employee Dining Room. Heck I'm just coming off a binge where I was having a glass of it with lunch and with dinner, along with a can or bottle whenever I could get my hands on it. Even this is a drastic cut back from where I was. I am not supposed to have it whatsoever though, and am once again trying to go off of it.
I found tea (hot or cold, your choice. I even sweetened mine because even with doing that it was likely less sugar and certainly less additives than the pop) to be a good replacement. Sugar free drinks like Crystal Light can be good for some folks too. Ice water even...by the way, drink enough water and it cuts back on the munchies too!
The next thing is to get moving. Baby steps again here, remember. You're not going to want--or be able--to run a marathon right away. Start with short walks. If that doesn't appeal, turn to gaming. That's right, Gaming. I got a hell of a workout when we had a Wii. I took pride in doing my fitness age test thing every morning and trying to get a better age! Boxing and Tennis were great workouts and I could do them actively in my home and not worry what people around me were thinking. I have not tried the Kinect yet but I sure would like to!
Keep adding in little steps as you go. Change another snack--soon all of your snacks will be healthier. Again, remember that healthy does not necessarily mean all 'rabbit food' or cardboard diet food! Walk a little further each day or do another couple minutes of an active game. Every little bit counts!!
Good luck, my Geek Brethren.
Quote: Live long and Prosper ~Spoken portion of the Vulcan Salute in the Star Trek Multiverse
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