Nerd alert

I went to the NCTM conference today and yesterday and there were thousands of nerds walking around wearing calculus t-shirts or making pi jokes. I went to a couple of interesting sessions, but wasn't able to get into the Math in Art session. That's where I saw the king of the nerds. He was guarding the door as if there was some sacred treasure inside.

I walked by him looking for a seat and he said in his most nerdy voice "Eh, can I help you?" Have you ever been around someone who has no confidence at all unless they are in one specific situation? This was this man's moment. His place to shine. He was going to exert his authority and throw me out. Not realizing that I had invaded his temple, I said "I am just looking for a seat."

This is where he got that tone that says your an idiot and said "I am sorry, but this session is full." Now notice, what he said wasn't bad. It was how he said it. Well, let me tell you, the only people in my life that can treat me with that kind of disrespect are my children. So, I got a little upset and said "What about that empty seat right there?"

He had a line ready for that one. "Obviously, that person went to the bathroom. There is a line outside for people who are trying to get in."

I walked out calmly and saw a group of five people standing and talking. This didn't look like a line. It looked like a bunch of math geeks hitting on some slightly plump elementary school teachers. This is the one night of the year the math geeks might have a chance to get a girlfriend.

(I say all these things and completely understand that I am also a math geek/nerd. I just like to think that I am really cool. I will say that my wife is hot and I am good at sports. But, first and foremost, I am a math teacher which means, by definition, I am a dork.)