Monthly Archives: April 2006

Apr 21 2006

what's in a name?

The other day I was told that I should keep my maiden name, or at least hyphenate, because I need to keep my cultural identity. Taking on a Hispanic last name when I marry will make me lose my English heritage. The name is really important.

I have no intention of keeping my maiden name, mostly because I’m excited to share Paul’s name with him. The comment just made me think. What’s in a name? In modern-day United States, does someone’s name tell you something? If you just knew my name as it will be when I marry, would you be surprised to find a redhead light-skinned girl of British, German, and Irish descent? Am I losing that identity by letting go of my maiden name?

I’ve never really thought about my cultural heritage before. My ancestors on my dad’s side can be traced back to the Mayflower and eventually settled in Pennsylvania, and my maiden name is of British origins. My ancestors on my mom’s side were from England and Germany. My grandmother’s maiden name was Higgins, and she is where I got my red hair and skin from, so I know I have Irish blood in me. I don’t have family traditions that can be tied to a specific country, although I’m told that the minced meat pies we enjoy every Thanksgiving and Christmas fit into that category.

So it makes me wonder, what am I going to lose in 99 days (double digits, baby!) when I take on my husband’s last name as my own, and say goodbye to my maiden name forever? Am I losing my cultural heritage? Or am I further blending the line between a Hispanic last name and a Hispanic person? How much does it really matter in the end?

Apr 19 2006

ode to a little red car

Paul and I have been trying to figure out where we can cut back on expenses for while he doesn’t have a job. One of the ideas we tossed around was taking his car off the insurance to save that monthly payment. We didn’t really want to do that – sharing a car while living 15 minutes away from each other would be somewhat inconvenient. We decided to see what other things we could do and use that option as a last resort.

As always, God takes care of us. He didn’t want us paying for Paul’s car insurance, so He sent a cracked engine block our way to put Paul’s car out of commission. Poor Paul. It’s okay, really, because his car was on its last legs (wheels?) anyways, and we knew it wasn’t going to last much longer. We were hoping it would last until he got a job, but now we don’t have to worry about that.

I got a phone call this morning from Paul, who is in Mabelton, GA (the other side of Atlanta). He’s waiting for a tow truck to take it to the mechanic’s, but we’re not expecting to see the little red car in use again. Even if it is fixable, we don’t really have the money, and while sharing a car is inconvenient, it’s doable.

I was thinking, I’m really glad Paul got to Atlanta just fine from Rhode Island, because that would have been really bad if he had been stranded somewhere in North Carolina or so because his car was dead. I am definitely glad that Paul is okay and not hurt in any way. I am glad he has AAA so we don’t have to pay for a tow truck. I am glad it was his car and not mine, because mine is in good shape and should last us a while yet (even if I don’t like my car because it’s too big, and I keep almost hitting things because I consistently misjudge the space). I am glad that it was on the way BACK from meeting someone, instead of on the way there (it wasn’t an interview or anything, just some freelance work he’s doing).

And really, for the $600 we paid for the car two years ago, it has served Paul very very well.

Apr 17 2006

happy easter!

Well I had ambitious plans to copy down some of the words from my cantata onto my blog for Easter, but obviously that didn’t happen so… I’ll just leave with Happy Easter! I hope everyone had a great Easter, and a chance to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior!

My brother came up this weekend on a somewhat last minute road trip. I enjoyed hanging out with him… I think I’ve enjoyed my siblings a lot more now that we’re all older. :-) I really like my brother. I told Paul that he’s going to be a great husband someday!

I didn’t have to work on Friday so that gave us an extra day to hang out. Probably the highlight of the weekend was the Braves game on Saturday night. AJ convinced us that we really needed to go, and I must admit I enjoyed it immensely. The atmosphere, the company, and of course the Braves won (against the San Diego Padres). Good times, good times. (Pictures to come.)

We drove AJ to Macon yesterday to drop him off where his ride was, then Paul and I came back to watch Simpson’s, an episode of Futurama (“The Deep South” for those who are familiar with Season 2), and an episode of Gilmore Girls (my coercing). A pleasant way to end the evening, and a very pleasant weekend.

Apr 13 2006

Colossians 3

The other night, Paul and I were reading Colossians 3 and we really like this chapter. I think we’re going to use it in our wedding.

Rules for Holy Living

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Rules for Christian Households

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 3:12-25