I’ve never been one for cosplay – let’s face it, there’s a reason video game characters don’t look like me – but that doesn’t mean I will do everything in my power to acknowledge my hardcore inner nerd at every opportunity. When you go to something like Comic-Con or PAX, I’ve always found it helpful to spell out your nerd flavour. I don’t want to be cornered and made to talk about WoW, but I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to conversations with nerds of a similar nature – so I try to make it clear just what kind of nerd I am. Last year I had an assortment of nods to my favourite video games on me, which was pretty nerdy but not nerdy enough. This year, I’m making it obvious:

i have a delicious nerd flavour

Bring it, bitches.

Some of these you’ve seen before, but as you can see I’ve found new and exciting sources for nerdy merit badge goodness and I aim to HAVE THEM ALL.

The outermost badges are from Fan Boy Scouts (top to bottom, left to right):

• Kessel Run: Awarded for the completion of the legendary run within a distance of less than 12 parsecs. A full cargo load of spice or similar material must be maintained for the entirety of the route.
• Tie Fighter: Awarded for the successful and certified completion of the minimum 300 hours in a T1200 flight simulator or 45 hours live fight time in any Tie class fighter.
• Away Team: Awarded for the successful completion and safe return of a landing party mission either to a planet’s surface or another starship for exploration, rescue, resource-finding or diplomatic reasons.
• Kobyashi Maru: Awarded for displaying bravery, composure, original thinking and extraordinary leadership qualities in the face of a no-win situation.
• Browncoat: Awarded for service to the Independent Faction and its armed opposition of the Anglo-Sino Alliance during the Unification War of 2506 to 2511.
• Mount Doom: Awarded for the safe climb and descent of the infamous Mount Doom, located in the heard of the black land of Mordor.
• Broom Jockey: Awarded for the proper demonstration of how to approach, mount, ride and store any Class 3 or higher Magical Broomstick.
• Speedster: Awarded for the display of any of the following speed-related attributes: Super Speed, Speed Control, Kinetic Energy Manipulation, Infinite Mass Punch, Time Travel or Hyper-Vibration.
• Danger Room: Awarded for the successful completion of advanced battle simulation training course held annually at the Westchester School for Gifted Youngsters.
• Super Soldier: Awarded for augmented service through the use of eugenics, genetic engineering, cybernetic implants, extreme training or any other scientific, magical or paranormal means. Bonus point if you survive being frozen in ice for more than one decade.

The bottom five badges are Brooklyn Badges from Etsy:

• Tent Sex
• Attacked by a Squirrel
• Bacon Appreciation
• Drunk Texting
• Drinking Alone

And just in case you’ve forgotten how awesome the Nerd Merit Badges are (inner rows, top to bottom left to right):

• Homonyms
• Full Stack
• Shipped
• Been Boinged
• Foursquare: Local
• Foursquare: Crunked
• Super Special Elite Nerd
• Troop 202 “Skull Scouts” Badge
• Tikaro Gearxel
• Brownie “Sprite” Badge
• Family Tech Support
• Inbox Zero
• Open Source
• Foursquare: Superstar
• Foursquare: Super Mayor
• Foursquare: Jetsetter

I have two more badges on the way from Etsy: Black Mesa and Aperture Science. Plus, not all of my badges are on the bag – they don’t all fit. I still need to find a place for three more Foursquare badges (Gym Rat, Socialite, Douchebag), my “I Love Oregon” badge, and my Commando Nerd Patch.

Phew!

I am QUEEN NERD! If you’re going to PAX next week, find me and say hello!

Man, I love me some merit badges.

i am very pleased with my bag.