13 June 2006

Let's talk about Suebob

About a month ago, I changed my name on my profile from Sue to Suebob. I know some people noticed because they commented, so I should explain.

It is not a sign of burgeoning transsexuality or of an overweening devotion to a partner named "Bob."

Suebob was simply a college nickname (thanks, Stace) that stuck. My whole name, first and last, is a total of eight letters and it is boring as hell. Names that are boring as hell are forgettable names. People were constantly, upon meeting me for the second time, saying "Hi Carol," "Hi Karen," "Debbie?" or any of a bunch of other super common names for a woman of my era (which was, in case you are wondering a long, long, time ago.

When I started going by Suebob, no one ever forgot my name. I got a few "Bobby Sue"s and other permutations, but people were generally on track. And with people who knew me well, it became a joyous shout, kind of like "Norm!" on Cheers. I would walk in somewhere and everyone would yell "Suebob!" just because "Suebob!" is a fun thing to yell.

I had Suebob on my business cards. My mom called me Suebob. I was Suebob.

But then I met Mr. Stapler, who travelled in a much more grown up and serious world than me. I could tell he didn't like "Suebob" and in deference to him, I started going by Sue again and again began dealing with people who could not remember my name.

I thought it was probably a good thing. Time for me to finally grow up and get serious. I got a serious job and more serious clothes and tried to act more my age.

The only problem was that it didn't work. Right under the surface of Sue, there was still the dreamy, goofy girl, living like a weed trapped under pavement. And you know how those weeds are. They find the tiniest crack and a drop of water and they are sprouting up again. This spring the rains came and the weeds grew, and there Suebob was, blooming like a dandelion in the breeze.



On Linkateria today: C-section stories, parents driving you batty and news from an urban farm.

15 comments:

Janet Evening said...

And it's fun to say!

Anonymous said...

It IS fun to say! I am a fan of the two-namers myself -- do people say yours with a Southern accent as well?

super des said...

I heart Suebob. My full name is 16 letters. Throw in the middle, and you get an even 20. For some reason nobody can pronounce because they assume it's difficult because it's long. But it's really not. Look at the letters, and realize there is only one way of pronouncing them. But I digress. Suebob is a wonderful name and I am jealous. Maybe I'll change my name to that...

Kristin said...

"Suebob!" is totally fun to say!

When I was in college I was called, "Trixie" and it warms my cold and aged heart when I run into people and they yell, "Trix, how are you?!"

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah said...

I like it, and now you don't get mixed up with the other commentors named Sue.

I need to add something to my name too. I was going to start going by "Goon Squad Sarah", but instead maybe I'll go by SarahBob. No? Not the same is it.

spotted elephant said...

Thanks for explaining, I'd been meaning to email you to ask! And I think it's great. That "grownup" stuff is all bs. Ever notice how people who criticize you for being immature are *always* having less fun than you are? The hell with that.

super des said...

ooh I agree with spotted elephant. Good Point!

Lisa said...

I'm glad you went back to Suebob. I like it. And who cares if the hubby doesn't like it. Its YOU!

super des said...

I need your email, "suebob." I demand to know about cheating clowns... or something.

Anonymous said...

I was also wondering, but didn't want to ask and seem overly nosy. Would you like me to introduce you at BlogHer as my roommate Suebob? Because I will!

I have a link to suggest for Linkateria-it's the perfect Father's Day Gift, The Daddle!

http://www.cashelcompany.com/dad.php

Anonymous said...

I like Suebob and I love nicknames! I've had a jillion of them, including Izzy!

Yay for the return of Suebob. May she live long and prosper!

SUEB0B said...

Thanks, everyone, for the Suebobian support.

Des - it is snackishblog@yahoo.com

Suzanne said...

I dated a guy in high school who everyone called Johnbob even though his name was just John. Adding a bob to a name is a good thing, as is retaining a non-serious character.

SUEB0B said...

Wow, Supa, I had no idea you were really a Mary Beth. That explains a lot about your URL, though.

Des - Mr. Stapler has the same problem. His last name is pretty simple, but 9 letters and Italian. Everyone is so baffled by it.

Kristin- our best dog growing up was Trixie! That name has fond memories for me, too.

Elizabeth, yes, please, call me Suebob. I am out of the closet now!

Chicky Chicky Baby said...

Let's hear it for SueBob! I like it a lot.

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