Tag Archives: Geek Life

Andrew Discusses Depression

This week’s post, as well as the next several Thursday posts are going to talk about something that I know is a frequent problem throughout the geek community: I’m specifically referring to depression.

While not a “geek specific” topic, depression has always struck me as something our community tends toward more than many other social groups. I say this from experience. From late high school right up through the present, I have had intermittent bouts of depression. I have not specifically been medicated for depression, but I have taken anti-depressants at various times (specifically Zoloft, prescribed to help with Tourette’s syndrome). At the moment, things are going quite well, but that has not always been the case. Parts of college were particularly awful. My sophomore year was the worst and when my depression combined with insomnia, cluster headaches and horrific nightmares, I was very nearly at the point of suicide. I saw no end to everything that was hurting me and I didn’t know what to do. That’s not to say that suicide ever struck me as a good idea, but I was nearly out of other ideas. The only thing that kept me from pursuing that option further was the fact that I had a solid group of friends. Continue reading

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Filed under Andrew Hales, Geek Life

Being More than “Just” a Geek

A geek is often described as one who is passionate about their hobbies or fandoms, and when it comes right down to it, this is a pretty accurate description of what we are. Passion is a wonderful thing and we geeks have it in abundance. Sometimes, however, passion (at least for just one thing) is not enough.

I feel rather strongly that in order to lead a truly full life, humans must have as diverse an experience as possible. As is so often the case with geeks, I sometimes tend to find out little niches and stay there, rarely venturing out into the rest of the world. Being an introvert, I can understand how this is both easy and comfortable for others as well. It’s hard to come out from under our little shelters and interact with the world as a whole. We are not the best at social interactions and it is often frustrating and emotionally exhausting. This does not mean that in the end doing so isn’t worth it. Take my job for instance. I am not by nature an outgoing person who likes to get up in front of people and speak. My choice of career however requires that I do exactly that, at times on a daily basis and for hours at a time. I often come home completely exhausted only to have to do it all again the next day. Having said all of that, my job is one of the most rewarding things in my life. I love what I do, and so I take the good with the bad. Had I refused to do something that makes me uncomfortable, I wouldn’t have this amazing job. Continue reading

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Editorial | Why I Read Vonnegut

On an earlier podcast, I briefly mentioned the story of why I finally started reading Kurt Vonnegut. It’s actually a rather embarrassing story: I like watching repeats of Criminal Minds on Netflix while doing laundry (folding clothing is insanely boring and requires distraction). The show doesn’t always have the most erudite plotlines, but I found myself intrigued by and then identifying with the FBI agent Emily Prentiss. In the second season, she confessed to Agent Derrick Morgan that she was a “huge nerd” who loved to read Vonnegut, a fandom that they share. Continue reading

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Filed under Books, Editorial, Geek Life, Tracy Gronewold

Editorial | Introducing Andrew, the Invisible Man

One of the most amusing phenomena that Andrew and I have seen since we started Therefore I Geek is that he seems to be the Invisible Man on the blog.  I often hear from readers about how much they enjoyed one of my articles, and then reference something that Andrew wrote.  So today, I would like to introduce everyone to my friend Andrew, the power behind Therefore I Geek (well, most of the power).

10414842_10101821275281781_5478974530453184889_nOn the first anniversary of the blog, we did a podcast on origin stories and talked about the Therefore I Geek origin story in the discussion.  Andrew is one of the funniest people I know.  His dry humor and ability to tell stories–fictional or otherwise–is fantastic, and I encouraged him to tell his stories to a larger audience.  After a couple of weeks of consideration (which I didn’t realize was going on) he popped the most important question I have ever been asked, “Will you be my editor?” I sobbed and screamed, and of course said yes. Continue reading

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Filed under Editorial, Geek Life, Tracy Gronewold