I’m that mom with graphic tees of completely nerdy things. I’m pretty sure I have at least four X-Files shirts. I do have girly obsessions like doing my nails but for the most part, my obsessions revolve around TV shows and movies. I feel like there’s a struggle to retain pieces of yourself after you become a mom. It’s like once you’re a mom, that’s all you are. It consumes your life, and your personality is defined by “mom.” I’m trying to hold onto my twenties by letting myself indulge in my original nerdiness. I’m a nerdy mom and I’m proud!
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I love to collect things
I also love to display my collections all over my house. The vast majority of our figurines and Pop Vinyls come from Loot Crate. We’re actually running out of room on the shelves we’re currently using. We just ordered some new floating shelves for above the couch. Ok, so half of the stuff we have in the collection is my husband’s stuff. We share the Loot Crate subscription, he gets the shirt from it, and I get the Level Up T-Shirt. But every month it’s like Christmas for both of us! We have a rule that we have to open it together. It’s a gift we give ourselves!
I schedule uninterrupted time to watch my shows
When we did have cable, I had to make sure I was able to watch my shows at the time they were airing. Now we just have streaming and on-demand shows so I can make my own schedule. The only show I ever wanted to watch live in the last year was the X-Files revival. (Do you see a pattern forming here?) There were at least two episodes that I didn’t get Toot down to sleep in time. I had to start them 30 minutes late and it was the WORST. THING. EVER.
My friends and family associate the X-Files with me. That’s how deep I am into this show. Delaying the show by even 5 minutes hurt my soul! Since then, nothing else was of the utmost importance for live viewing so I’ve been able to schedule my shows for when Toot is napping or after she goes to bed. I cannot watch a new show while she is awake even if B is taking full responsibility for her. I just get too distracted. My shows deserve my full attention. I deserve to obsess over fictional characters in peace.
I’m a part of many fandoms
I’ve met so many great people through online fandoms. I started with the X-Files fandom in 1999 when I was 12. I more recently found a lot of new friends on Tumblr via the X-Files, NCIS, Doctor Who, and other various fandoms. I’ve since fallen away from Tumblr because Toot takes up more of my time. Also now with this blog, I have even less time for in-depth analysis of Tony and Ziva’s relationship and how awfully they ended that story line. Don’t even get me started on that. But I’ve kept a lot of friends I’ve made on Tumblr by adding them on Facebook or Twitter. It’s fun to have friends that share your nerdy interests and totally get the idea of shipping.
I have a billion movie posters
I grew up in a movie theater. Literally. I worked there from when I was 16 to 25. I became a manager around 22. This meant that I had amazing access to free movie posters and promo materials and I was always dragging something home. When I was in college I had a giant Employee of the Month standee in our townhouse living room. It was about 10 feet across. I also ended up with the 8 foot Rio beach ball. Now that we have a “grown up house” the posters are regulated to the downstairs family room and there are no more giant standees. There are 3 X-Files posters and several other various shows, movies, and video game posters. The rest of my poster collection is sadly hidden away under the guest bed collecting dust.
I’m trying to get Toot to like my nerdy obsessions
Toot is a bit young for The X-Files and a lot of my other shows. That doesn’t stop me from trying to find toddler-friendly versions of things I like. Ninja Turtles have really made a comeback, and they were always my favorite as a kid. We have Ninja Turtle toy containers, plush toys, and even snuggies! We’re also trying to get her into Pokemon by buying her stuffed toys and taking her with us to play Pokemon Go! Check out my post on how to play Pokemon Go with a toddler. We also started reading 5 Minute Star Wars Stories to her at bedtime then letting her fall asleep to the gentle sound of Bob Ross’ voice. I’m determined to get her to like all of the nerdy things I like!
I’m nerdy and I’m proud
I like that I can still be myself and not have to apologize for it. So often moms get cornered into being one dimensional as just “moms.” I’m proud to have a nerdy side and to freely express myself by wearing my graphic tees and Loot Crate 8 bit sunglasses without worrying about being judged. I know I am probably being judged but I refuse to care.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
What makes you a nerdy mom?
Let me know in the comments below!
Breharne says
good on you mama, its so important to have a hobby you love!
NikiNonsense says
Thanks!
Naya @ Lactivist in Louboutins says
We’re a nerdy family over here! My husband and oldest are Star Wars nerds, and I’m a big LOTR fan. My youngest is two and I can’t wait to see what he’s into!
NikiNonsense says
We love Star Wars too! Families that nerd together are the best! lol
Christine - The Choosy Mommy says
I love that you are just being yourself and that is the best lesson you can teach any child.
NikiNonsense says
I totally agree. Thanks!
Susan Croox says
Mad props to you for running with it! I am a sci fi/fantasy lover, but I hide it because my husband is not (although he likes super heroes which I think is the same thing).
NikiNonsense says
It is basically the same thing. You should push some of his stuff out of the way to make room for your stuff! Lol
Shann Eva says
Awesome! I love to collect things too. I have a whole collection of Itty Bittys and Hello Kitty stuff. I think it’s super cool that you know what you like and are proud of it.
NikiNonsense says
I love Hello Kitty! Thanks for reading!
Dean of Little Steps says
I do like the look of your lounge and used to love X-Files too. Still do of course 🙂
NikiNonsense says
Thanks!
Brittany says
I love it! While x-files is absolutely nerdy, the fact that you embrace and love who you are is refreshing! If all moms could do this (including myself), think of the generations of self-accepting children and adults this would create.
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
Yes definitely! Thanks!
Katherine says
Nothing wrong with that! I think everyone has nerdy things they like.. I’m a nerd but in a different way.
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
We’re all a little nerdy!
Candy mercado says
Lets just say nerding is the new hip. We do a lot of Netflix too, it just doesn’t make sense to pay for cable anymore.
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
Yes! Exactly!
Jasmine Hewitt says
Nerdy moms gotta stick together! I recently bought my son ANOTHER superhero cloth diaper to go with his themed room…and his name is bruce.yes…i named him after batman. nerdy & proud!
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
A friend of a friend gave her son the middle name of Stark after Tony Stark/Iron Man! lol Nerdy moms unite!
Kate Shelby says
Ohhh Hey Fellow Nerdy Mum! I love to collect too and my lounge boasts star wars pillows. I occasionally play video games and I’m a it of a TV buff. Enjoy it to the fullest I say!
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
Always great to meet new Nerdy Moms! 🙂
Tiffany @ shortsweetmom says
Way to go mama!!! I grew up on ninja turtles and hope that my kids will like them. I think I am a mini nerd. I enjoy nerdy things but I don’t really get into them hard core. I think it is so wonderful that you are being yourself! Everyone should follow suit!
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
Thanks!
Inez says
That Eleanor Roosevelt quote is one of my ALL time faves!! I think something a friend of mine told me years ago (actually regarding an outfit choice I had second thoughts about) applies here… you can rock anything if you’re confident!! Way to be proud of who you are. 🙂
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
Yes! I think of that quote occasionally when I feel like I’m being judged. It’s one of my all time favorites.
angie says
so much fun nothing wrong in being a nerdy mom. I share with my kids all those nerds that I went to school with are now powerful
individuals who still love to have fun
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