Posted on by Emily

The Nerd is Strong with This One

One of my mom’s closest friends once said to me, “You know, your mom and I used to talk about how we hoped our kids would be just *slightly* nerdy.”

At the time I was in high school and thought that was a classic case of “be careful what you wish for.” I mean, I was more than slightly nerdy. I was the president of the marching band, for the love of God.

Now, though, I have a different perspective and completely understand where they were coming from. Being popular or in the in-crowd is a pretty loaded proposition and comes with a lot of pressure. (Or so I’ve heard.)

Her words stuck with me and I now share that wish for my own kids. However, for the last few years I’ve had the nagging feeling that maybe the dorkiness thing wouldn’t work out for Kate. I worried that because she is so pretty, so smart, and so outgoing, that – despite family tradition and a strong genetic predisposition – she might not have any nerd in her.

I was wrong.

My first hint that things might be going my way happened the other night when I walked in her room to find her reading a bedtime story and marking typos with a red pen.

Tears of pride, people. Tears of pride.

But I have to tip my hat to my husband, who recently solidified her membership into the dork club for life.

He made her a Star Wars fan.

It all started about a month ago, when Andy was home with the kids on what seemed like an endless run of snow days. They were all bored, so he took the opportunity to introduce the kids to Star Wars movies, and when that went well he brought out the big guns – the boxes (and boxes and boxes) of Star Wars paraphernalia (1976-present) that had been living in our garage (and now live in our basement. yay.).

The kids are hooked.

Now I am constantly getting hit with light sabers and hearing fascinating conversations that start out “Daddy, who was See See Tin’s padawan?” It is seriously all I can do not to yell out “WHO CARES???”

My eyes are sore from all the rolling.

My worries about Kate not being dorky enough??

Gone.

Frankly, “band nerd” is the best-case scenario at this point.

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23 Replies to “The Nerd is Strong with This One”

  5. She was quizing Sam about Star Wars on the way home Sunday. “What color was Master Yoda’s light saber? Also, I hate to tell you this, but you were not all that dorky in high school, just dorky enough to barely keep you off prom court, as I remermber. I think mom’s wish came true.

  6. You cannot escape the force, it is all around you.

    Being a pretty girl into dorky things, she’ll get her pick of the dorky boys!

  7. I’ve always been happy my kids were band geeks! I knew where they were on Friday nights!

    Oh, and I live in fear and trepidation that you’ll read my post and shudder! Red pen, ahem…

    UP

  8. Best. Title. Ever.

    I was captain of the Academic Team (aka, Nerd Bowl). Is there any question why we are bloggy friends?

    Just tonight, I was looking at the “In like a lamb, out like a lion” worksheet Annalyn’s preschool sent home. We’re supposed to keep track of the lion days and lamb days throughout the month to help teach the concept of more and less. That’s great, except the sides are labeled like this: “Lion Day’s” and “Lamb Day’s.” I’m not even kidding. I seriously thought about marking out the apostrophes before sending it back to school, but I’m not sure that would be received well. But come on! I’d like to think the people teaching my children are smarter than me!!!

    1. So funny – my husband is the proud academic team coach!

      The apostrophe thing PAINS me. Apostrophes do not mean “look out, an S is coming!”

    1. Dear Emily & Chrissy,

      It’s Saesee Tiin. Normally I wouldn’t say anything, but since we are talkin’ about Star Wars nerds, red pens, and teachers messin’ up, I had to set the record straight. It’s Saesee Tiin.

      Sincerely,
      andy berry
      Star Wars Nerd
      Husband of a Grammar Junkie
      Academic Team Coach
      High School Science Teacher

  13. HYSTERICAL!!! Band nerd? I thought it was cool to be in band…I mean seriously what else was there to be in, drill team?! I don’t think so!! LOL!!!
    You had to know the Star Wars thing was coming though, hell I did and I don’t live in your house! I just happen to know your husband well!! HA!!
    PROUD band nerd…clarinet, oboe and cymbals!! GO BLUE!!

  15. I like how you used the word “paraphernalia” instead of “memoribilla”.

    Well at least you know what they are going to dress up as for Halloween.

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