I have been a nerd for many, many years. After turning thirty and looking back at my life, I found myself in countless awkward and cringe-worthy situations, many of which I’m able to laugh about now.

The more I dissected these situations – oftentimes over one too many cocktails – I arrived at one conclusion: I shall forever remain a nerd. In my grade school days I loathed the label. Today, I fancy the alternative (and more endearing) adjectives of “eclectic,” “creative,” “artistic,” “expressive,” and “experimental.”

Nerdy Thirty, published May 2010, is a collection of these stories, all of which, I’m sad to report, are completely true. They include thirteen essays on my experiences attending a rodeo; spending an evening at a lesbian bar; discovering the Internet for the very first time; embracing Mother Nature; and more.