Changing names isn't like changing lanes....

Hrrmmmmm...I just suddenly had a thought. Men really never have to think about this, but it's very difficult to change your last name when you get married. For me, I had a hard time because of my ethnicity. I am half Ukrainian. I am the first generation also. My father was born in Germany while his parents were defecting. There is a lot of rich history and pride that goes with the struggle of being Ukrainian. I know not half of it I'm sure. My maiden name is Makarenko(Mac-a-rAnk-O). I have a Ukrainian name too: Nina (nEna) Petrovna*(Pet-trove-na) (daughter of Peter), Makarenko (Ma-karen-co). My regular middle name is Marie, how exciting...isn't your life complete now?

Anyway, over Christmas I mailed truffles, cards, packages and such to several people. One couples being Grace and Steve. Grace has maintained her maiden name. I think much for the same reason I wanted to save mine. Today I was filling out the address for her birthday package. YES, that's right damn it! It's her birthday on Wednesday, January 26. I hope she doesn't kill me for telling everyone that. So get your e-cards and birthday blogging fingers ready. Back to my point now. I started to say her married name, and if you have ever heard me talk in person, it's really fast. I'm not going to publish her married name, but it sounded like Grey Skies. Interesting, huh? O.k. maybe not, but Michael and I both thought so.

Anyway, changing your name can be some what difficult. I was glad to change mine after a while because I got married near the time that the macarena was popular. I think I have told you that before. If some one called me Nina Makarenko I know I would turn around, but I'm too used to my married name. Funny how you can go twenty some odd years with one name, change it to another and be used to it after only a few years....

Now, don't forget Grey Skies' Birthday!

***I'm not positive that is the correct spelling. Please no mean Russians...:)