Does Apple = Geek?

A few weeks ago my precious iPod Shuffle was injured when Mr. B threw it on the ground during a tantrum. Afterward I couldn't get it to play and AH suggested I take it to the Apple store to see if they could fix it. Normally I am not a sentimental type when it comes to materialistic things, however, I adore my Shuffle and hoped it could be repaired. A few years ago AH gave it to me as a gift for Mother's Day and had it inscribed with our household mantra:

(click to view larger)

On Tuesday I made the dreaded trip to the "mall" where the nearest Apple store is located. I have never been in the Apple store before since I own a PC and have only ever found Mac's to be utterly confusing (I guess my previous years at MS were a perfect match for me). Actually when I told AH I wanted the Shuffle he tried to talk me into the Zune but I use the Shuffle during exercising (in theory) and thought the size and weight of the Zune would be hinder some. Regardless, the experience of the Apple store is what I am here to discuss and discuss I must.

Have you seen the sitcom "Big Bang Theory"? If you have you'll know exactly what I am talking about when I say that the stereotypical geeks all work at this particular Apple store. Yes I know it is terrible to stereotype people and I often visibly cringe when I hear people do it HOWEVER, there is no way around it, the employees at this store were the epitome of the Hollywood definition of "geek":



Only my "geeks" also had man-boobs, greasy hair and a paunch no matter their age or gender. I had a hard time not openly staring, I was horrible. I tried to politely divert my eyes but with so many employees working in such a small space is was nearly impossible.

While I gawked I realized I too was being stared at and not for my good looks or keen "mom" fashion statement of sweatshirt and jeans. Instead a few customers were trying hard not to stare at my feet while staring at my feet trying to figure out what I had on them. Can you guess? My Vibram Five Fingers of course!

Hmmm, who's the geek now? :-)

P.S. - I had to get a new Shuffle. :-( Though the new one is Turquoise!