It’s that time of year again. The time for all of us “freaks” to sit in front of our TVs for an entire week. To stare at the screen in awe and amazement as we explore the depths of the oceans searching for most people’s worst nightmare. That’s right, it’s Shark Week. Shark Week is probably the only reason I really like summer. Not so much the freedom from school, work, or the tanned skin. Nope, it’s because for an entire week I get to let my inner shark freak run wild and there is nothing that anyone can say that would bring me down. When you loves sharks as much as I do, Shark Week becomes your most favorite holiday. Yes technically it is not considered a holiday, but is should be, because it is that awesome. Luckily for me as a lover of sharks, the excitement of Shark Week is just the beginning of the things I know to be true. In fact there are a few things that I, and my fellow shark enthusiasts, know to be true.
1. You take up any opportunity to learn more about sharks
When I was younger and my love for sharks was developing, I decided to learn as much as I possibly could about sharks during Shark Week. So me being the nerd that I am, decided to take notes during any episode that I wanted to memorize. Pen and paper, wrote down all the fascinating facts that I could. Then I would re-read them over and over again to try and memorize all that I could. Probably the only time in my life that I put that much effort into studying. Of course my desire to seek more shark knowledge doesn’t stop there. I have enrolled in the free online course of sharks this summer. Let me just tell you that I can’t wait for that class to begin.
2. You become over the moon excited to find a fellow shark lover
When sharks are a favorite animal of yours, you find yourself to be a unique individual. Most people don’t put sharks as their favorite. It’s usually cats or dogs or any other adorable creature. But if you find that you meet someone else who has a passion for sharks, you get overly excited. You also insist that you guys become the best of friends right away. I’ve personally have only met three of them. But I couldn’t be happier that I did.
3. You don’t understand why people don’t like sharks
What’s not to like? The are everything. Majestic. Powerful. Beautiful. And so much more. They are have this mysteriousness about them that makes you fascinated by them. It’s actually a little difficult to put into words why I like sharks but I know that I can’t imagine not liking them.
4. You own a lot of shark stuff
Kind of like when you have your favorite sports team you deck yourself out in gear, you do the same for sharks. I can’t tell you the amount of shark things I own. Shirts, jewelry, etc. The color of my bedroom walls even is called shark tooth. You find yourself always looking for other cool shark things to have.
5. You know that sharks aren’t the biggest threat
When people are always concerned that they will get bitten by a shark if they swim in the ocean, you always think to yourself that they have other things to fear more because they odds are higher with them like cows. We should all fear them because more deaths have occurred because of cows than of sharks I mean don’t get me wrong, I am still a bit terrified of sharks, but I’d rather be hurt by a shark than a cow. The story would be much cooler.
6. You find yourself spitting out random facts about sharks
Since you have taken the time to learn so much about them, you know quite a bit. You then take it upon yourself to educate others about sharks. Trying to convince them to love sharks as much as you do.
7. Your family and friends don’t understand your love, but they do support it
I’m sure everyone close to me doesn’t really understand why I have such a love for sharks, but they have always supported my love.
8. You have a shark related item on your bucket list
I have two. One is to swim with sharks and be able to interact with them. The other is to cage dive with Great Whites. Both equally as exciting and both must happen in my lifetime.
9. You will always be amazed by sharks
No matter how many times I see a Great White breach on television, I think it’s as epic as it was the first time. Sometimes it’s even more amazing. Sharks will continuously peak my interest and excite me every time. There is something truly amazing about these predators of the sea.
Whether you are a fellow shark lover or not, I leave you with my favorite saying from a sweatshirt of mine: “Live every week like it’s Shark Week”.
