My husband leads a double life. On one end of the spectrum he is king of the nerds, on the other he is a “golden-god” aka semi-rock star.

I have the pleasure of being able to partake in both of those worlds and meet the vast array of interesting individuals who make up both sides of his life. I love them equally but hanging out with both groups is such a different experience.

In Omaha I am used to having to call, or sometimes even go fetch my husband from Legend Comics and Coffee to get him to stop debating Bat-philosophy (I don’t even know what that means) and come home so we can eat. Other times I find myself having conversations with his nerd-friends (grown men) over how Peeta is sooo much better for Katniss than Gale (fact. don’t even try to argue this one with me). There are Oscar and Royal Rumble parties (complete with gambling, one of these days I will win) with the nerd crew as well.  There are “bad movie birthday” parties (“Piranha 3D”, a slight misstep in Adam Scott’s career),  and of course waiting in line to see “The Avengers” on opening night ( and yes, I may have passed out 40 minutes into “The Avengers”, but really that was due to the many, many beers I consumed, not the movie) or any other comic book movie for that matter.

There have also been numerous nights when i have been sitting on the couch doing my business on the internet while Matt has been playing Xbox live with his nerds. I will tune in and out to conversations during this time. Though on more than one occasion, I’ve heard him speaking so passionately about a person, that I interrupt with a “Who?”.  Nine times out of ten it turns out that he and his friends were talking about the main character in Mass Effect 3, i.e. NOT EVEN A REAL PERSON!

On the other side of the coin, my husband plays drums in a rock band. I had the fortune to go spend six days on tour with him and his band. There are some similarities between the two groups ,both love a good pool party (okay that might be the only similarity now that I am thinking of it…), but a lot of differences as well.

First off, conversations are not about pop culture or super heroes unless one of his bandmates is teasing him or trying to fire him up during a long van ride. The conversations start normal enough then usually turn into jokes about dicks.  Sooo many dick jokes. Then there is the talk about music. I fully admit I like terrible music – but these dudes – they are music savants and can talk about almost any genre/band/style at a drop of a hat. It really is amazing. They are the rain-men of music knowledge. There is also a lot of food talk. You would think a band would be into just grabbing burgers and fries. Oh no, they are fancy. They like good food (as should you all) and are not afraid to go out and have a $400 bill when all is said and done.

Matt’s friend, band-mate and honorary little brother (Matt’s words, not mine), Ian (who is also a white rapper, Rig 1, my words and a fact), teases him about how every meal has to be a “sacrament.” Ian also is always very interested in what Matt is eating – whether it’s sushi or Korean BBQ – and always has to have a taste. He will reach over and grab a bite off of Matt’s plate and sometimes off his fork that is heading to his mouth. I am also pretty sure I have never had a dinner with the nerd friends that involved taking down six plus bottles of wine. That seems to be a rock star standard.

I am pretty sure that neither Joe (one of the Two-Headed nerds) or any of Matt’s other super hero friends have ever convinced a flight attendant right after meeting her to fly down to see them play a show the following day. Withholding this certain band members name as to not mess up his amazing game.

My liver is probably the best way to distinguish these two groups (ahem, see above). Both groups do enjoy some drinks and a good time, but my liver and my body definitely hate me way more when I hang with the band friends. I love those guys so much, though my body might disagree. In fact, I am pretty sure this gnarly cold I have is due to the many 3:30 am nights, thanks dudes.

Despite the differences there is never a time when you can’t call any of them up to “go bust chuckles” around town, and for that I am grateful.

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Kacie Baum is a professional partier, mother of two pugs, and the wife of Matt Baum. She tolerates the constant presence of the Two-Headed Nerd in her home each week. She did not write this bio. Past entries of Girl Meets Nerd can be found here.