I certainly hope everyone's holiday weekend was pleasant and safe. We had a great time celebrating with our friends Sarahlynn and Paul (even if I did find out that I'm a big loser when it comes to croquet)!
In addition to all the eating, visiting and fun the weekend provided, the festivities got me thinking about my blog name. In my very first post, I recounted how my mother had aptly dubbed me but I never shared the actual story that led to my nickname:
It was 1984, during the Presidential campaigns that would get Reagan re-elected. I was in the backyard playing with a neighborhood girl when her dad stopped by the house to pick her up. My mom called to us from the carport announcing his arrival and then chatted with the dad while my friend and I came running.
"You voting this year?" My mom asked.
"Nah", the neighbor shook his head distastefully. "Doesn't matter who they put in office, they're all just gonna screw ya."
Not sure how to respond, my mom fell silent as my friend and I stood there panting from our sprint.
When I finally caught my breath, I squinted up at the man and - in a moment that still makes my mom proud - inquired, "But...shouldn't you get to pick the person who screws you?"
From that day on, whenever my mom introduced me, she would always say, "And this is Jessica...my daughter of opinion."
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
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15 comments:
Great response!
That's so true, even if you feel all politicians are bad, you should at least decide who gets to "screw you".
That is a great story- when I was about 12, I spent time at overnight camp. I always hated my name and so at camp decided to go by a nickname. I came home from camp and announced my name was now "fill in blank" and have been that ever since. My mom didn't want me to have a nickname but she didn't want to thwart my burgeoning independence either, so she wisely kept her mouth shut. I have been "fill in blank" ever since.
Great story, Jessica ... and an excellent question.
Lovely story...I love a girl who has an opinion. ;-)
So that solves the mystery of your blog name for me - thanks! Out of the mouths of babes... ;)
Hee...hee...
Great story! You crack me up!
My Great-Grandmother always said - if you don't vote, you do not have the right to complain, and since I like to voice my opinion (or complain) I have voted in every election - big or small. I love your response!
I LOVE that!
Great story! I totally hope for the day when I can vote for a woman to screw me, instead of the same old gender, though.
Great comments, all - thanks.
And Landismom, 'aint that the truth?
Brilliant!
Love it!
I really love your blog...I've been reading some of your posts! They are excellent!
You have come a long way, baby. I'm proud of you for that.
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