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Hey, Ma! I'm a Giant Squid!

Ranked #5,237 in Squidoo Community, #340,309 overall

How to Maneuver Through the Murky Minds of Non-Squidooers

Want to be entertained? Watch a loved ones eyes glaze over when you try to explain that you've earned Giant Squid status.

I am convinced that Webster doesn't have an adequate definition for that type of facial expression. I doubt whether the most experienced linguist would be able to describe the feeling churning in their gut. Their child, their sibling, their pal...a "Giant Squid"? Oh. My. Gosh.

This lens is for you lensmasters who must face such bewilderment. My best advice? Fuggitaboutit! Relax. Laugh it off. You're in good company, among Squiddy friends who get it. Completely.

The Look

How non-Squidoo types react to our Squidoo news

Graffiti from the Unenlightened

What they REALLY think of our Giant Squid achievement...

Unless they've tasted Squidoo, most "regular folks" have no idea what they're missing. Sometimes it's pointless to try explaining. The more you explain, the more you sound like...well, you know. Crazy. Warped. Out of touch with dry land.

Tentacled.

Be forewarned, folks: If you receive polite smiles and formal nods, here's what they're really thinking.

*Thanks to Wordle for a fun word tool!

Brainpicker

Sorting your thoughts about Squidoo

Do you go into detail about Squidoo with your friends & family?

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Of course. They already think I'm crazy, so it's no big deal.

Joan4 says:

Of course I try, and yes, they roll their eyes. But that's okay. I roll my eyes at football play-by-plays too!

Posted July 20, 2009

Sojourn says:

I tried for awhile, then gave up. Now, my husband only asks how many lenses I have, but he doesn't really want to hear the details anymore. Imagine! LOL

Posted June 09, 2009

OhMe says:

I used to try to but you wouldn't believe the rolling of eyes and grunts. I have even been accused of belonging to a cult with Squidoo. I have decided they are all jealous of the time I spend.

Posted March 11, 2009

Midnight_Alchemist says:

I try, at least! Too bad I'm not a giant squid yet...I can't wait to see their faces when I get there, though! That'll be worth recording. XD

Posted February 25, 2009

Are you kidding? They'd have me committed.

blue22d says:

I try. My husband is very supportive but I am still working on several others.

Posted May 11, 2009

Teddi14 says:

Heck no. They would not understand! I do post updates to FB and that keeps them in the loop of my activity at Squidoo.

Posted April 10, 2009

CleanerLife says:

I gave up trying to explain what "Lenses" are, I just say that I'm working my "websites". I'll get those crazy looks when I make "Giant", though. I'll be too excited to worry about sounding insane!

Posted February 28, 2009

aj2008 says:

No, I dont talk about it much. Although the children do contribute bits and pieces sometimes. Usually in the form of poems on the more personal lenses.

Posted February 25, 2009

mulberry says:

Not anymore. The glazed over, confused, "how do I get out of here" look got old fast.

Posted February 25, 2009

 
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A Calamari by Any Other Name...

...is still a squid

Time for an Intervention?

Don't let them gang up on you!

When you were a wee little thing, did you daydream about what you'd like to be when you grew up? Did you long to become a Giant Squid? (If you answered "yes," you may need professional help.)

If your family has been giving you The Look, avoiding long conversations, or tiptoeing around you for fear of stepping on tentacles, they may be planning an intervention. An intervention is sort of like a family conference, except they close the blinds, lock the door, and post a couple of muscular goons on the front step.

Why not turn your intervention into a surprise? Turn the tables on them. Be prepared!

Take Kleenex. Show them you appreciate their concern. Cry a little, but don't blubber.

Assure them that even though you've grown into a Giant Squid, you'll always be their little boy or girl. (This would be an excellent time to pass the tissue box.)

If they think something's fishy in your behavior, don't get your tentacles in a wad. Remember, they're only human. They do not have the genetic predisposition to become a Giant Squid.

Offer them assurance of your undying devotion. Promise you won't embarrass them on Oprah, or make a fool out of yourself on YouTube.

Part with a gentle Giant-Squiddy hug, with a promise to get together soon over sushi.

The Calamari Wrestler

Trailer to a Squiddy movie...

powered by Youtube

The Best Answer

What to say when they call you a certified nutcase...

Are you shy when it comes to talking about your work at Squidoo? Too embarrassed to mention you're working towards Giant Squid status, or that you've been welcomed into the Giant Squid group? The following advice comes from Dr. Duct, whose psychiatric practice includes a large population of tentacled clients. Dr. Duct is a proponent of the Duct Tape Method, a highly publicized (and I might add, controversial) approach to putting naysayers in their place.

From page 4,231 of Dr. Duct's Duct Tape to the Rescue: My Life as a Squidoo Advocate manual:

1. Cut yourself a 7" strip of heavyweight Duct tape.
2. Slap it across the mouth of anyone who dares degrade your Squidooey ways. Use a contrasting color of duct tape to tape them securely to a chair.
3. Set your DVD player to repeat "The Calamari Wrestler" indefinitely, or until Taped-Mouth apologizes.

If You REALLY Want to Scare 'em...

Use this graphic video to explain Giant Squid status

powered by Youtube

Or, Try This...

Surprise your dinner guests...

Italian Stuffed Squid
Do you see them salivating?
Squid in Ink
Squid cooked in its own ink. What could be better?
Squiddles
My, oh my.

Wear Your Squid with Pride

Zazzle delivers!

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Learn the story behind my lenses...

Seedplanter's Porch is a Squidoo-related blog where I share the idea behind each lens, and anything else that's on my mind on a particular day. Stop by and say hello.

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Boomerang!

Your shortcut to revisiting selected portions of this lens

Whenever I read a new magazine, I like to browse quickly through it, then return to read full articles that grabbed my attention. That's also how I approach Squidoo lenses. I browse them first, then go back and explore modules that piqued my interest.

Here's an easy way to return to selected sections. Just click and go.
  1. The Look
  2. Graffiti from the Unenlightened
  3. Brainpicker
  4. A Calamari by Any Other Name...
  5. Time for an Intervention?
  6. The Calamari Wrestler
  7. The Best Answer
  8. If You REALLY Want to Scare 'em...
  9. Look Who's Talkin'
  10. Or, Try This...
  11. Wear Your Squid with Pride
  12. Leave a Tentacleprint
  13. Subscribe to Seedplanter's Porch (blog)

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seedplanter

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Photographer & writer with a passion for God, family, and a good creative challenge. View my gallery. more »

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