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May. 21st, 2008
Writer's Block: Nicknames
May. 21st, 2008 02:15 pmI don't often answer the "writer's block" inquiries, because I have my own things to write about. However, this one struck me interestingly, and I thought I'd share.
Having a name like "Jeremiah" is a blessing and a curse. I loved that my name was fairly unique, and didn't want people to shorten it to the typical "Jeremy" that you hear every day. Add to that the fact that there was a Jeremy living down the street, whom I disliked with the burning passions of a million light-bulbs, and you'll understand why I wanted to be called "Miah."
The curse, however, comes not just during childhood, though it was worse then. The curse comes from meeting new people for the first time.
Sing it with me, folks.
I've heard that song more times in my life than George W. Bush has mispronounced the word "Nuclear." I've heard that song more times than Jack Thompson has made an ass out of himself.
But as a child I didn't have the best weapon in my arsenal for those that think it's original to sing that song immediately upon meeting me; my brain.
Now, when they start singing, I look started. I pause, and I appear to listen intently. They usually falter at this point, and I prod "No, please, go on." As they look at me inquiringly I ask them, "Is that something you just made up? It's good! You should try to get it on the radio!"
But yes, this song is why, when I was 18 and at my job as a parts delivery truck driver, the call came over the intercom, "Would..um...Bullfrog please report to the office? Bullfrog, please report to the main office."
The person that I worked with, every day for three months, had forgotten my first name, but remembered that song. The name stuck for the entire time I worked there.
Having a name like "Jeremiah" is a blessing and a curse. I loved that my name was fairly unique, and didn't want people to shorten it to the typical "Jeremy" that you hear every day. Add to that the fact that there was a Jeremy living down the street, whom I disliked with the burning passions of a million light-bulbs, and you'll understand why I wanted to be called "Miah."
The curse, however, comes not just during childhood, though it was worse then. The curse comes from meeting new people for the first time.
Sing it with me, folks.
I've heard that song more times in my life than George W. Bush has mispronounced the word "Nuclear." I've heard that song more times than Jack Thompson has made an ass out of himself.
But as a child I didn't have the best weapon in my arsenal for those that think it's original to sing that song immediately upon meeting me; my brain.
Now, when they start singing, I look started. I pause, and I appear to listen intently. They usually falter at this point, and I prod "No, please, go on." As they look at me inquiringly I ask them, "Is that something you just made up? It's good! You should try to get it on the radio!"
But yes, this song is why, when I was 18 and at my job as a parts delivery truck driver, the call came over the intercom, "Would..um...Bullfrog please report to the office? Bullfrog, please report to the main office."
The person that I worked with, every day for three months, had forgotten my first name, but remembered that song. The name stuck for the entire time I worked there.