G33K Speak

17 Nov

I’m a geek. It’s a label I’m proud to have, right up there with you know, the other label. A-hem.

I can’t remember not wanting to check out new gadgets, download new programs and learn about computers. So when I’m in the presence of someone who is, er, a tech newb (?) well then, I’m sort of dumbstruck by it all.

My geekdom came shining through this weekend when Cathy and Darla were over. Cathy was on my computer checking out her facebook profile since she can’t access it at work or at home. Somehow, we got on the topic of watching videos on YouTube. “YouTube?” Cathy asked the rest of us. The words sounded foreign coming out of her mouth.

She typed in the URL and landed on the site. Darla explained that she could search for videos and watch them online, on the site. Cathy looked like she’d just learned the meaning of life. She had this look of total awe on her face. “You mean, I can watch videos on here,” she said turning to me, “and it won’t cost you anything extra?”

Oh, I could have mocked her mercilessly, but I decided that since she was on her best behaviour, I should be too. “You can watch whatever you like, go to whatever site you want, it doesn’t cost us anymore than the usual monthly fee.”

Using keyboard shortcuts and my rapid typing, I soon had SideReel up on the screen. A bit more typing and I had an episode from the fourth season of the L Word playing. “Ain’t that something?” Cathy said, marveling at the wonders of modern technology.

Thinking she’d find it cool, I loaded up Google Earth so that Cathy could check out more of technology’s amazing accomplishments. While doing so, I raised my voice a bit while talking in a feeble attempt to cover up the fact that S was proudly farting a few feet away.

“I think we’re going to have to get one of these for home, Darla,” Cathy quipped. I immediately went into a spiel about how I thought they’d be best served with a netbook as all they’d be using the computer for would be e-mailing and surfing. Because I’m nice – or obnoxious – I e-mailed the gals some links to netbook resources today and offered my assistance if they decided to pursue purchasing a computer.

The fact that I love shopping for computers/tech stuff has absolutely nothing to do with my offer. Nothing at all.