Beta
January 31, 2008 8:23 am Daily lifeI learned a new term recently that describes me very well. It is not complimentary: Beta, as in secondary to Alpha.
This nickname was used in the 2nd century B.C. for amateur scientists and mathematicians who had many other interests. As far as their mocking contemporaries are concerned, these dabblers have too many interests to ever excel in one area.
I suppose the nearest term we have is “jack of all trades, master of none” but it’s not as concise and sneering as beta. I prefer beta.
There are so many people in every area of hobby and skill that I am interested in that easily make me look a hack by comparison. But I can honestly say that I have never met an unkind Alpha. Professional photographers are very encouraging and friendly, real webmasters freely share their knowledge and code, Mary Schettle fixes my sewing mistakes and then tells me what a great job “I” did, actual accountants and tax law professionals are so happy to discuss my questions, my 2 great scientist friends are truly humble and kind people, real theologians like Bruce Ware and Tim Porter are passionate to teach and care, the talented businessmen I know have gladly mentored me.
I will gladly sit at the feet of these Alphas, me and my intellectual ADD.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:00 pm
All kinds of flattery or inauthenticity aside (which I know you loathe), I truly consider you an Alpha techie, and PowerPoint/Technical collage master. I fully acknowledge that could just appear that way from the place I’m standing (far, far away from such a status).
But, if I’m wrong, might not be so bad to be a kindred spirit to Toby, right (short a ‘t’)? In fact, aren’t we all?
I love the way you serve and shine, Brandy…
January 31st, 2008 at 9:13 pm
All kinds of flattery or inauthenticity aside (which I know you loathe), I truly consider you an Alpha techie, and PowerPoint/Technical collage master. I fully acknowledge that could just appear that way from the place I’m standing (far, far away from such a status).
But, if I’m wrong, might not be so bad to be a kindred spirit to Toby, right (short a ‘t’)? In fact, aren’t we all?
I love the way you serve and shine, Brandy…
January 31st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Whoops - got a little happy with the send comment button. My point EXACTLY.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Thank you Vondaful- I would delete your extra comment, but I think your 3rd comment is adorable and want to keep it.
By the way, Ed is one of the scientists I was mentioning.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I agree with V.
You are definitely an Alpha.
When you and Jeff talk on your blogs I
just read and go- W.O.W.
Brain and language skills beyond my
comprehension~
February 1st, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I think you’re a pretty smart gal.
And…I’m sorry to have to do this, Brandy, but you are an Alpha in the world of Betas.
[slapping my knee and snorting a little at my own pun]
February 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I know just how you feel! I kind of let myself off the hook by telling myself that not everyone can be an alpha - there are a few alphas (and a few omegas) and the rest of us fall somewhere in between. Actually, I’m not sure there are alphas and betas, but a continuum. Being a “beta” helps keep us humble, which is one of the most important things in life.
February 3rd, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I thought the only ‘Beta’ in your office lived in a bowl of water and puffed up in front of the mirror; these don’t seem like Brandy-traits to me…
February 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Ed wrote ‘continuum’. That’s cool.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:43 am
You might enjoy this blog post with a quote by Chesterton about being a “Jill of all trades”…
http://lorishaffer.blogspot.com/2008/02/mistake-about-woman.html