One thing you can definitely say about me is that I am a nerd, I just don’t have the FunkoPops to prove it. But that’s another story for another time.
I love cramming those obscure, random facts into my brain, filed away under “For Later”. Because you never know when that, on the surface, silly fact may come in very handily. Connecting dots in seemingly unrelated topics? Here I am. Yapping away about a movie? Guilty as charged. And trust me, you don’t wanna test me here, I can nerd out about the most random thing here.
Like, for example, the first “Matrix” movie.
During my studies, I’d analyzed that one front to back and then some about all those philosophical, religious, literary, mythological etc influences throughout the film. A good 20 years later, my ass rolled in to watch “Conclave”, and all of a sudden, the Train of Thought started rolling. While Cardinal Thomas Lawrence has a different name in the book, the fact that they chose “Thomas” for him is just …fitting. Thomas was THE Disciple of Jesus who didn’t believe in the resurrection of Christ. And in the film, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence has a crisis of faith, too. He doesn’t believe he has it in him to become the new Pope. Just like he questions a lot about his Catholic faith, the Catholic church etc.
And towards the end of the film, I was like, “Wait …”
Those gears in my head started churning …and I don’t think it’s too far fetched at all. There IS a parallel to “Matrix”, after all. I know, I can see the ??? hovering above y’all’s heads but hear me out:
Neo doesn’t believe that he is indeed the Chosen One (“Neo” being an anagram of “One”). His real name? Thomas Anderson. Here ya go! Moreover, the traitor on the “Nebuchadnezzar” is named “Cypher”. Cypher stands for “zero”, and “zero” and “one” make the binary code on which computer softwares run.
See? I am yapping again.
Discussed it with some friends of mine, and all of them were like, “Wow!”
But it’s obviously not just those random facts about films that somehow make it into the “For Later” folder in my brain. There is more: geography, for example. The other day, I was doing a word search grid over on Sporcle about the Marshall Islands. It took me all of five seconds to immediately spot Kwajalein Atoll … spelled backwards. Why? Because my ass had just read yet another Tom Clancy tome where this little atoll is mentioned a couple of times. I didn’t even need the list of towns or whatever that came with the search grid, I only saw the combination of letters and BOOM!
History? Oh, yes, please!
The other day, I was watching a quiz show, and there was one question right up my alley. Namely, why the number 17 is connected with death and bad luck in Italy. Four possible answers and I picked the correct one within mere seconds again.
My BAND! lads have a song called “The Grey (VIXI)”. “VIXI” means “I have lived” in Latin. In Ancient Rome, VIXI was therefore etched onto tombstones. And just like “Neo” is an anagram to “one”, “VIXI” is one of XVII, the Roman numeral for 17.
You can thank me later.
They also have a song called “1603” on their sophomore album “The Union Of Crowns”. Coincidence? Not at all. First of, Dani is a history lover as well, and secondly, the year 1603 was indeed the year the Scottish and English Crowns were indeed united, after Queen Elizabeth I. passed away.
I could go on and on about those random things that aren’t that random once you look a little closer.
And while I may not have the Funko Pops to prove it, I do have a plethora of merch to call myself a proud certified NERD. The jacket you can see in my header photo here is my most recent “Top Gun” merch. I’ve had the patches around for some time, found some more, and somehow knew I needed to get going and have some fun here. I hadn’t worn that denim jacket in forever, but since my ass cannot afford a real Top Gun jacket, I decided to upcycle that one. Gave it a washing, and then went to work. Glueing those patches on was made a bit easier thanks to the plenty of seams on the jacket, so that I could place them somewhat straight. Also, please no debate here about the wrong placement of the patches (because their location may vary from Maverick’s jacket/s), this is MY jacket and I customized it FOR ME. Bye.
Ngl, fam, but … finding that TOM CRUISE patch in TOP GUN style really made me all giddy and excited. Too effin’ cool, y’all.
So I knew that one had to go on the front of the jacket and I think the placemant of said patch isn’t exactly shabby, hehehehe …
Also, I somehow ended up with two of those TOMCAT patches, one of them is now on my little bag which I will usually carry when I attend games or concerts whatsoever to store my belongings in. And let’s face it, those F-14s are sexy BEASTS. Oh, yeah, I am a bit of an #avgeek, too, in case you haven’t noticed whatsoever.
Anyway.
Y’all wanna know what my most favorite thing in people is? When they talk about their favorite topic and you feel their enthusiasm. The way their eyes light up. It doesn’t matter what it is that you’re so passionate about: a book (series), movie, TV show, bands/concerts, sports …you name it. You finally found that loooooong coveted piece of merch you’ve been looking for? Wow, congratulations! Happy for you! You were engrossed in a book series, or a movie? Please, tell me about it! You could talk for hours about history and geography? I’m here for you, and maybe we can learn something from each other! Let’s nerd out, and for Heaven’s sake, don’t ever feel weird or ashamed to have this one thing in your life that is your special niche or interest! Don’t ever lose that sparkle in your eyes when you talk about that one thing that makes you …happy.
I often get weird looks that I still collect teddy bears, but you know? This world is dark and scary, so why not finding some comfort in some furry friends? See …
I strongly believe that those quirky, nerdy, weird even, interests are what make us human. They bring us joy and comfort, help divert our minds from the ongoing madness outside. There are like-minded people somewhere out there who share your love and passion. And don’t ever let others ruin the fun you have with something you love.
I for one cannot wait to rock up at my fav cinema at the end of September, decked out in my TOP GUN merch, maybe even a little cosplay, and watch a special screening of the OG movie from 1986. And why? Because it’s MINE to make and keep me happy. And that? Is what it boils down to.
Please, do not hesitate to contact me or comment on here if you’re looking for that one person who’s ready and looking forward to nerding out with you!
Take care, my lovely readers!
Ocean Soul 