California: maybe a little TOO laid back

It has taken months with no word (though, in fairness, I didn't call them because being on hold is possibly my least favorite thing - and why do they play that "music"? It's the most horrible thing. It would be much better to have someone speaking, saying anything: a robot telling you about endangered species, for example, or recorded quotes of important historical figures, which would always come in clearly, but to go through that eardrum torture! WHY? I mean, is it to discourage us from calling? I can think of no other reason) to get my birth certificate from California. And then yesterday it just shows up with no explanation. Hmmm...

Now I have the great privilege of going to the DMV and finally getting my name changed!! It's happening just in the nick of time too. Yesterday I nearly introduced myself with my old last name, because in school I have to write it on everything so the professors will know who to give the grade too. I have been using the hyphen despite the fact that this might confuse them. I figured it would be less confusing in the long run.

But it's funny, I feel like I haven't really accepted the name change yet because of all this and now it's really happening!

Tom felt bad yesterday because I found out online that my old last name means "peaceful bear cub" which he thinks is adorable. I told him one of our children will have it as a middle name and it's cuter to have one peaceful bear cub than try to apply it to a whole family.

Our last name is far less goochy goochy goo but it is ultimately derived from Hebrew - though it passed through some European countries to get here, just like Thomas and Dinah. Thomas actually comes from an Aramaic word - but they are sister languages and they're all from the Bible which is another connection.

So, thank you, Tom, for the great name - I'll be usin' it.