What's In a Name?

-

This is one of those things that goes around facebook.  I like it and it got me to thinking about name, which I didn't really like growing up.  I never met another child named Judi/Judy.  There were adults - but they were old.  In the townhouse complex I lived in for most of my life in Lansdale, there were six houses in our row.  In houses 2, 4 and 6, there were Judys.  I was one.

I started out Judy.  I changed it in 5th grade.  JudY didn't make sense.  Where did that Y come from? My full name is Judith - there's no Y in there.  So I got rid of it.  Then I became known as "Judi-with-an-I".  When I spell my name out people still say that.  It's weird.

Let's discuss what these folks say about my name.  "Praise to the Lord".  I first read that as "Praise to the Lord Judi" which I really liked.  Take that name out and the meaning changes a bit.  I'd be even more impressed if it said "Praise to the Queen Judi".  

"Emotional Spectrum - Her happiest times are with her loved ones."  Eh, maybe.  I guess that's true if you include my family of choice in that category of loved ones.

"Personal Integrity - She will fight for her good name."  Damn skippy.  

"Personality -  A closed mouth catches no flies."  No truer words have ever been said.  Yep.

"Relationships - Not many people are as giving as Judi."  I had to think about this one for a while but I'm going to agree with it.  I'm willing to give (in and up) a lot for certain people and it makes me batshit crazy when that is not reciprocated.

"Travel and Leisure - Judi knows how to relax."  Dead wrong.  I'm pretty sure I'm not going to live to see age 90 because I can't relax.  Also makes me nuts.

"Career and Money - While there may be obstacles, Judi will overcome."  Oh hell yes.  Proven time and again.  I believe Chumbawumba said it best - I get knocked down but I get up again.  Ain't nothing gonna keep me down.

"Life's Opportunities - A go-getter, Judi knows what she wants."  I wish.  I'm a go-getter but I'm never sure what I'm getting.

You don't get any say in your name - it's just given to you.  My mom told me that had I been blonde, I would have been an Amy.  I'm better with Judi.

I once knew someone named Zenobia.  That name stuck with me - such a strong name!  She lived up to that name.  I wanted my kid to be named Zenobia - she would be strong and have great long hair.  That was vetoed.  Instead we pick two beautiful names - also strong names that have personality.  My girls have made mumblings about changing their names over the years.  Then they realized they are the only ones with their names (spelled the ways we do) - they're unique.  

There's a lot to a name.  Different is good.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

It's not a bucket, it's a can

-
Image
I think something is wrong with me.  Other people have have goals.  Bucket Lists.  Must-do things.  I don't really have that. Well, I sort of do. I've been thinking about this for a few weeks, ever since Alissa over at www.clevercompass.com came up with the idea of doing a post about our bucket lists.  I feel like there's something wrong with me.  I have never had a bucket list. Now, that said, I've had a few things that I've always wanted to do.  I've come up with three I'll make public and one that is a secret.  When I make that one happen, I'll announce it from the rooftops.  Trust me. My bucket list items are pretty simple.  They all involve travel.  I would like to go to three places: Prague, Puerto Rico and Croatia.  In that order.  I'd actually like to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, too. I don't want to jump out of a plane, climb a mountain or find the world's biggest roller coaster and not throw up o...
Read more

A Life Well Lived....so far

-
Huh.  Alissa over at Clever Compass and the other bloggers came up with another stumper for me:  what have I do with my life that makes me feel proud.  Funny, one of my girls asked me about that the other day.  Finding an answer to that question is kinda hard. So let me see what I can come up with. Hmmmm.....what am I proud of?  Oh!  I have a few! I started my first business, Discovery Records, at the age of 19 with a $250 investment from my brother. I scared myself silly by flying to Poland to meet a guy I dated for about a month 6 years earlier when I did a short student exchange program in Germany.  We met in Poland (yes, we recognized each other) and went to the Warsaw Ghetto and Auschwitz and Austria (and a bunch of other places) so I could see where my family lived and possibly died. I've interpreted for Paul McCartney (a few times!), at one of President Clinton's Inaugural Balls, for Mrs. Clinton, for the births of 8 babies, THE CURE!!...
Read more

Being grateful

-
I had an argument the other day with M.  "You don't understand what it's like to have to share everything!" she yelled at me.  She's right.  I don't.  "We're the only ones in our class who haven't been to Paris!"  Well, that's tough for you, isn't it?  Since when does an 11 year old have a right to expect things like a trip to Paris, an iPad or any other electronic or a big ass house?  I left that conversation mad at her and mad at me.  Clearly, I am failing in this area as a parent.  Overall, I think I do a good job.  But this kid does not understand how to be GRATEFUL for what she has.  i don't get it. My friends tell me this is just the beginning of puberty hitting.  After getting so freaking mad at her, she has changed her tune a bit.  She doesn't like me mad, that's for sure.  I am pretty open with my kids about things - I can't buy what I want when I want because I have to be responsible and make sure things ...
Read more