Meet the Staff

Posted by terraolsen on April 5, 2013 in Interviews | Leave a comment

Meet the Staff: Meg Humphrey

Interview by Terra Olsen

What are your favorite things to nerd out on?

Star Wars, obviously. Specifically within Star Wars I focus on ewoks, Hoth, Jabba’s Palace, LEGO sets, and fan-made collectables. I’m also crazy about Stargate (the movie, SG-1, and Atlantis), criminology, sea creatures, Kirby, Disney, delicious food, shoujo manga, and all sorts of things that I just retain knowledge about.

When did you realize that you were a ‘nerd’?

I didn’t associate myself with being a nerd until I was about 9 years old and OTHER people told me I was a nerd. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been obsessed with Star Wars as soon as I was able to (the Sarlaac is one of my first memories), but I didn’t think it was unusual or different or nerdy until kids at school started telling me so. I accepted it, went with it, and my nerdom is something that will always be a majority part of me.

What is your favorite ‘nerdy’ possession?

Uhh, just one?? Terra, you ask the impossible! I can get really emotionally attached to inanimate objects! Being a collector, it’s pretty hard to choose what means the most. I would say that ONE of my dearest possessions would be my very first plush ewok, Chickie, that I got on our very first trip to Disneyworld when I was 11. I love all my ewoks dearly, but he is my favorite.

What is the one book you could read over and over again?

Again, with the limiting to ONE book? I’m going to cheat and say the Young Jedi Knights series by Kevin J. Anderson because I’ve probably read those the MOST. He is in a tie for first place for my favorite Star Wars EU author (the other is Timothy Zahn, of course) and has a really great grasp on the characters. Even though they’re young adult books (I first started reading them when I was about 11 and new ones were still being written!!), they haven’t lost their value when I read them 15 years later!

Why did you join Have You Nerd (besides Terra forcing you )?

I think the best part about being a nerd isn’t the collectables or memorizing facts or anything like that. What matters most to me about everything I’m nerdy about is sharing it with other people! It’s oh-so-often at cons, standing in line for a panel or photos or autographs, that I start chatting with the people around me and SOMEONE confesses, boasting a huge smile, “this is so great! None of my other friends like ______!” I write for Have You Nerd in hopes that people won’t only discover new things, but discover new people and a new community.

Perfect meal. Describe!

Right now I would have to say it would be some Japanese food (sorry, is my weeaboo showing?)! A big omurice, thick slices of raw toro, tempura kabocha, freshly grilled takoyaki, salmon topped with kewpie and then seared with a blow torch! Don’t forget some okonomiyaki with bacon, shrimp, and scallops! Follow up the meal with a beautiful, decadent parfait – green tea and vanilla ice creams with fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream! Everything so tasty and even more delectable to look at!! Just thinking about it is making my stomach growl!!
Translations:

Omurice “Omlette Rice” – chicken fried rice folded inside a softly cooked omlette topped with a ketchup drawing
Toro – fatty tuna belly
Kabocha – Japanese pumpkin
Takoyaki – Octopus dumpling
Kewpie – Japanese mayo
Okonomiyaki – savory pancake made with cabbage, topped with meats and sauces