What’s In A Name?

I am not going to do a “Get To Know All About Me” post for the thing that’s happening this weekend that I said I would only write about once before and once after*, in case you’re wondering. The way I see it, the two people who might be interested in meeting me already sort of know me from reading this blog, and those who don’t read my blog, well, they won’t see that post, will they?

I’ve been called many names in my life. I know, I know, you can only imagine. But I’m not talking about nicknames or insult names. I’m talking about celebrity names.

The first name I remember being called was “Sarah Bernhardt”, by my mom. If you’re wondering who the heck that is, you can read about her here. To summarize her in one sentence, I’ll just quote from that wiki page: “She developed a reputation as a serious dramatic actress, earning the nickname ‘The Divine Sarah.'” Why would my mother call me that, you might ask?

Did you just start reading this blog today?

I tend to have a flair for the dramatic. I can’t say for sure (my family and close friends would have to put their two cents in on this one), but I don’t think I cause drama among other people, or that I thrive on drama. If I do, ugh. I would be so disgusted with myself. My dramatic tendencies revolve around–who else?–myself. (I did, once, after a particularly bad day, exclaim “I’ve given all I can give!”) (Really. I did. And I haven’t heard the end of it!) So, call me Sarah Bernhardt if you must. I don’t mind.

I have also been called Martha Stewart for years, due to my creative talents. If you are in the room with me and start thinking out loud about how you can create a *fill-in-the-blank* out of whatever is in the room (or, better yet, at the local craft or hardware store), I won’t be able to help myself. I will pounce on that idea and come up with a solution for you before you even have a chance to finish your sentence. (sorry about that.) Had I been on the S.S. Minnow, I would have gotten Gilligan and company (including that obviously mentally challenged Professor) off the island within the hour. So, call me Martha if you feel the urge. It’s sort of flattering.

On occasion, people will call me Cesar Millan. That’s the funny one, because I am TOTALLY not the leader of the pack in my house. Do I love dogs? OH YES, I do. Am I good with dogs? Yes. Do I believe in “Exercise, Discipline, and Affection” as Cesar preaches? Yup. Do I always follow that? Uh, no. But call me Cesar if you want. It amuses me.

Due to my resourcefulness, Weaselmomma recently (on our trip to meat Momo) called me “a cross between Martha Stewart and Macgyver“. I like that better than just Martha by itself because that gives me an air of danger and adventure. So, call me “a cross between Martha and Macgyver” if you feel the need. I’m fine with it.

This week, in planning for the train and Thursday dinner arrangements for the four other bloggesses that are spending the night here at Casa Melisa on Thursday night (WOO!), I got another nickname, Julie McCoy, which wouldn’t be funny in the slightest if I were, say, younger than 35 or so. But the Cruise Director of the Love Boat is actually someone I can totally relate to. I love to plan FUN. If you’ve been hanging around here for a while you already know that I’m a list-maker, a researcher, a planner. Intense? Yes. But I’m also FUN. So call me Julie McCoy if it strikes you to do so. I’ll answer to it.

Lots of names, all complimentary. They all make me smile inside. Call me any of those names, any time you want.

Or, if all else fails, you can call me Melisa. That works too.

*Though I have immensely enjoyed reading all of the other bloggers’ posts!

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9 Comments

  • seashore subjects

    These names are great. I had a boss who told me everyone always called her "pollyanna" because she was so naive. She said she makes a choice to be optimistic and now she wears the name with honor. (she is one of my favorite people)

    Wishing you an excellent sleep-over and conference.

  • k a t i e

    After educating Cameron in the awesomeness that is the (new) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (you know, with Johnny Depp…let's just pause for a moment to appreciate him fully….mmmm…) I have been learning to answer to the name…

    Veruca. Veruca Salt.

    Why, you might ask?

    "But Daddy…I WANT ONE!"

  • WeaselMomma

    You are way better looking than that Sarah Bernhardt chick. I always found her and her lips kind of gross.

  • Bad Momma

    Julie McCoy. I like that! Should be a fun weekend.

    My college nickname was "Sybil" 'cause after a few drinks my other "personalities" came out. Fun times!
    I'm kind'a feeling a bit schizo with Flat Bad Momma. Something tells me she is having too much fun!

    Can't wait to see photos!

  • surprised mom

    You're such a well rounded person you need more than one name! Have a great time at your sleepover and a blast at BlogHer! Have a drink on me!

  • Kat

    Ok Martha McWells. I give you: shoelaces, a candle, a paperclip, some chewing gum and ink…. GO! Just kidding. That is hilarious…I'll stickt to calling you Melisa or twin sis 🙂

  • Anonymous

    You do fit all of those names. But I like Melisa with one s best. I know it has been hard sometimes to have one s in your name but I did see it in a baby name book and I thought that would be different and as you know that is me to be different. But would you rather be called Maurice (that is what it would have been if you were a boy) you were named after your great grandfather. I think not!
    Have a great time.
    Lots of love.
    Grandma W

  • Tom

    You must be doing things right, to be called names that you can post on a public blog.

    As for getting Gilligan and the others off the island, that's a tall order. Have you ever tried making a telephone from a conch shell and tree sap?