My journey into Geekdom is one I never thought I would take. I have a two-year-old son, and I could write pages telling you about my journey into motherhood. But that’s not what this post is about. It’s about going geek.

One of the changes I’ve noticed over the past two years is how often I find myself at home. I used to grab dinner out with my husband, hang out with my friends, and just generally be on the go. Now I find myself with some extra time, usually after the hour of 8 pm and usually feeling a bit exhausted. Now, I could spend this time getting a good night’s rest or keeping my house perfectly clean and tidy, but where’s the fun in that?

I’ve taken some advice from my coworkers and tried some new things. Things the old me would have considered “geeky.” The old me would never have watched a movie that strayed from the romantic comedy genre. The old me would have spent time reading gossip magazines rather than reading a book. Not anymore.

It probably started with Arrested Development. Easy transition, right? Generally, if I were to watch TV in my former life, I would watch something like TLC’s What Not To Wear. Or perhaps The Office. Maybe something on the Food Network. But since two of my coworkers would throw lines from AD back and forth all day, after a bit of convincing, I decided to give it a go.

And I liked it. I thoroughly enjoyed the bit where Tobias was stalking Lindsay and would blend in with the back drop – gold glitter and all. And who can resist laughing at GOB? I mean, his preferred mode of transportation is pretty darn funny. Okay, so this “nerdy thing” isn’t so bad, right?

Then I heard about the Hunger Games. A dystopian society, you say? The old me would have passed right by that type of book. But the new me picked that novel right up and read the first book in about three days - after “bedtime” and during “naptime” – even staying up until 1 am (gasp!) because the book was just that captivating. Forming thoughts on this futuristic society, considering how it applies to our society today…Thinking.

After the Hunger Games series, I wasn’t sure what to try next. There were a lot of options, but the novel Game of Thrones won out. It took awhile for me to get going, and my coworker had to give me a cheat sheet with all the characters, but I enjoyed the book a lot and the TV series even more.

Never before would I have ever read a “low fantasy” book. In fact, I would have scoffed at the thought. But Ned and Cat are very easy to admire, Arya is a little spitfire you can’t help but root for and Dany is a force with which to be reckoned. And I want to know what lies beyond that wall. I cannot wait to begin reading Feast for Crows.

The most shocking aspect of this journey on which I have embarked is the fact that I really enjoy The Walking Dead. Never in my life have I been a fan of horror movies, ghosts, zombies, or the like. I don’t do “scary” or “bloody.” But I like this series. I am currently finishing up Season 2, and I cannot stop watching.

I’ve been watching episodes in between doing laundry, cleaning the bathroom and washing the floor. I still have to be somewhat productive, but I just have to watch a few minutes more. I have been staying up until almost midnight every night (yes, that is a big deal for me – I have a two-year-old, remember?) to try to watch as much as I possibly can.

I have even started to question some of the story line. How is it that Hershel’s family just happens to have orange juice at the ready for Rick? Wouldn’t supplies be low at that point in the “crisis?” Isn’t it a bit unbelievable that T-Bone rips his arm open on the highway and the zombies just shuffle by the blood? While I’m at it - why don’t people hoard supplies – for example, why are there still supplies left in the town pharmacy? Just bring them all back to the house. Seriously. I have additional questions, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who has not watched. I can’t wait for the premier of Season 3 this weekend…

Overall, I am pretty proud that I have been open to new genres of work. People who know me well are shocked when I can discuss things like Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead. Don’t get me wrong – I am still addicted to The Next Food Network Star, and I did read the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, but I like the new things I’ve tried. I’m just not sure what to read or watch next. Any thoughts?

Photo Credits:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrested_Development_%28TV_series%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_Thrones_%28TV_series%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1520211/