Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Barb23]

Names are interesting. I definitely have an older first name & laugh when another person with my name asks who  I was named after.   ( I was named after a great aunt of my mother's who she really liked.)  There was only one other girl with my name in school but she moved away in elementary school.  I think I've told this story before but I share my first name with my husband's paternal grandmother and aunt.  He said it was really spooky seeing "my" name on his grandmother's headstone the first time.

ETA:  I do like my name & that I was named after someone that my mother really cared for.

Edited September 10, 2017 by Barb23

[MargeGunderson]

My name has not been out of the top 20 since I was born. I'm not surprised - we're everywhere!

[Jynnan tonnix]

Of my kids, my two boys have names which were fairly popular in the 50' and 60's, but are not "old people" names, exactly...Neither name was at the top of the charts when they were born (in the 80's and early 90's), and have fallen even since then, but neither is so old fashioned as to raise eyebrows. My daughter's name did actually have a bit of a surge around the time that she was born, but was never so popular that she ever had to deal with multiples of the same name in her classes. She says she only remembers having another girl with her name in a single class between kindergarten and grad school.

[ChiCricket]

14 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

Growing up, I had two besties with my name. One even with my MIDDLE name as well, although hers was an alternate spelling the did NOT go with her Irish last name. 

 It's funny how parents usually try to make the baby to be's name sound good together. Then it is a crap shoot for what last name you're going to end up with when you  get married (for most women.)

   My daughter had some success as a newscaster, and when she got married everyone already knew her by her maiden name.

    She said she was keeping her name because of that. Privately, she told me that if she changed her name to his, it would sound awful for broadcasting.   So now she has a different name than her three kids. (I find names fascinating, I could go on all day) 

Edited September 10, 2017 by ChiCricket

[ChiCricket]

22 minutes ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

Of my kids, my two boys have names which were fairly popular in the 50' and 60's, but are not "old people" names, exactly...Neither name was at the top of the charts when they were born (in the 80's and early 90's), and have fallen even since then, but neither is so old fashioned as to raise eyebrows. 

 I think, generally speaking, that boys names (used to) tend to stay more in fashion.

      Popularity of girl's names seemed to change a lot more often.

 I do think boys are now getting more trendy names, which will probably go out of fashion at some point, if they haven't started to already.

  Last thought, it's kind of easy to pick up on who's parents used to be hippies, by their kid's names. I know what those parents were probably smoking. ;-)

Edited September 10, 2017 by ChiCricket

[GeeGolly]

My aunt's name was Evelyn. It ranked 12th the year she was born, 1925 and also ranked 12th in 2016. Everything old becomes new again.

[emma675]

For our Florida peeps here, check in when you can and stay safe!

[SnarkyShark]

15 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

Growing up, I had two besties with my name. One even with my MIDDLE name as well, although hers was an alternate spelling the did NOT go with her Irish last name. My first and middle names are as about white bread as you can get. Marrying ethnic spiced it up a bit. LOL

eta: that baby name wizard is SCATHING about my name. I KNOW it's an old lady's name and I came in at the very tail of the trend. I still had 3 in my class and 2 besties growing up, one with my middle name as well (a very popular name, although I think more in England) LOL

When my grandmother started school, she was one of three girls with the same name, one of the top fifty for girls born in the 1940's. The teacher decided that two of them would go by their given first name, and the third would go by her middle name. My grandmother ended up being the third, and went by her middle name from that point on. 

I have a very white bread name as well. When I told one of my good friends (who's Indian) my full name, she dubbed it, "the most perfect white name ever." Although I'm not sure about that, I appreciate that my name is basic enough that I never have issues with people misspelling it or mispronouncing it.

[bigskygirl]

Switching topic to we are having a storm head our way with rain and even the usual dreaded snow heading our way starting on Wednesday. We need all the moisture we can get to help get the fires out and give some relief for the fire fighters and other emergency personnel. Let it rain, let it snow!!!

[allonsyalice]

1 hour ago, SnarkyShark said:

I have a very white bread name as well. When I told one of my good friends (who's Indian) my full name, she dubbed it, "the most perfect white name ever." Although I'm not sure about that, I appreciate that my name is basic enough that I never have issues with people misspelling it or mispronouncing it.

I'm very jealous. I grew up in Canada, but I (as well as my siblings) have African names. I would give anything for a white bread, common name where people can say it and I don't get a million questions I can't answer. (lately i've been getting "where is it from?" I don't know, leave me alone) and I'm often spelling it out phonetically, which is hard. I just graduated university and it was said wrong there too)

I mean I guess, sure, it's nice. But as a kid it just made me more of a target. 

I'm so jealous!

[marypat57]

My name was the #1 name for girls the year I was born, and always had more than one classmate with my name (or variation thereof).  In high school it got to be kind of a joke--out of the 6 of us that hung out together, 5 of us had the same name (different middle names for 3 of the 5).  The one friend who did not share our name was simply called "un".  It made for some very interesting cafeteria conversation.

[Marshmallow Mollie]

13 hours ago, doodlebug said:

I've got one of those names that was fairly popular in the 50's to early 60's.   In grade school, I was one of 3 girls with that first name in a class of about 25.  However, it is now decidedly out of fashion and anyone hearing my name can easily guess my age.  I'm kinda an expert on baby names due to my profession and I can safely say that, over 35 years and many thousands of babies, I have never, EVER delivered a baby that was given my first name (there are at least 2 boys (now men) who've got my surname as either a first or middle name.  My surname is shortened from the Polish original, but not a 'real' boys' name when spelled, although the pronunciation comes close to sounding like a traditional male name and one friend and one patient decided to use it.

My daughter is named for the l&d nurse ;) 

[SnarkyShark]

5 hours ago, allonsyalice said:

I'm very jealous. I grew up in Canada, but I (as well as my siblings) have African names. I would give anything for a white bread, common name where people can say it and I don't get a million questions I can't answer. (lately i've been getting "where is it from?" I don't know, leave me alone) and I'm often spelling it out phonetically, which is hard. I just graduated university and it was said wrong there too)

I mean I guess, sure, it's nice. But as a kid it just made me more of a target. 

I'm so jealous!

I feel like it is hard to win with names. Do you go in the direction of choosing something distinct and beautiful that ties into your culture or go with something that fits in comfortably? I see the pros and cons of both sides. Sometimes I wish I had a name that was less common and I could really have all to myself, so I wouldn't share with a given 5-10 people in my school at any time. On the flip side, I live in a very diverse area and attend school with a lot of Indian students, whose names are often mispronounced or flat-out butchered. Overall though, the staff is excellent about asking how students' names are pronounced.

[lookeyloo]

My name is fairly common but my mother fancied it up with a Y where there is normally an I so I am always spelling it and people are confused by it. I used to want to change my name to Jane Doe. Something one could say and not have to spell it out. But of course I didn't and can you imagine the questions if I did!!

[Marshmallow Mollie]

My son is named for a family friend, and the name is also in the Bible. I knew it was an old-fashioned name, but I didn't realize it had fallen so far out of favor. Now when I introduce him, I say his name, spell it, then say it again, and people sometimes still don't even say it right. Even though it's a bit of a hassle, it's fine. My real fear is that people think I am on trend of having the most novel name ;) Now THAT would be horrifying 

[Barb23]

Just found out my brother is OK  in St. Petersburg.  Has power but cable is out including his landline (only) phone.  I think he's one of few people left without cell & has been using neighbor's cell to call my mom.  He is well prepared with extra food & water.  He said doesn't look like too much damage where he's at.  My son's response was his concern that Uncle Larry won't have cable.  "What will he do?"  I'm hoping he has some good books to read.  

[Jynnan tonnix]

42 minutes ago, Barb23 said:

Just found out my brother is OK  in St. Petersburg.  Has power but cable is out including his landline (only) phone.  I think he's one of few people left without cell & has been using neighbor's cell to call my mom.  He is well prepared with extra food & water.  He said doesn't look like too much damage where he's at.  My son's response was his concern that Uncle Larry won't have cable.  "What will he do?"  I'm hoping he has some good books to read.  

Reminds me of when we were stationed in Guam, after our "welcoming" super-typhoon" we had no  power for a good couple of weeks, and, since we had just moved there and had no cable set up yet, we had to wait until all the existing customers were taken care of, which meant that we were without cable for the better part of six months. Luckily we had a VCR to keep the kids occupied here and there, but no other television reception at all (Guam is a good 1500 miles from anywhere else). It really was quite wonderful.

[lookeyloo]

15 minutes ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

Reminds me of when we were stationed in Guam, after our "welcoming" super-typhoon" we had no  power for a good couple of weeks, and, since we had just moved there and had no cable set up yet, we had to wait until all the existing customers were taken care of, which meant that we were without cable for the better part of six months. Luckily we had a VCR to keep the kids occupied here and there, but no other television reception at all (Guam is a good 1500 miles from anywhere else). It really was quite wonderful.

Interesting isn't it?  I used to record and watch several daytime talk shows.  Then we moved and I have a sort of different life here especially since I have my own space to quilt.  Well, I don't watch those shows anymore and don't even miss them!  I do like to read about them on this site though.  Mr. lookeyloo and I also have cut way back on our teevee watching not out of any intellectual pursuits, just because there are other things to do.  I think, too, that having access to information/entertainment through the interwebs contributes to it too. Don't need to watch the news, etc.  Right now we are waiting for Irma to hit us.  The winds are picking up.  Yuck.  

[Love2dance]

3 hours ago, lookeyloo said:

Right now we are waiting for Irma to hit us.  The winds are picking up.  Yuck.  

Good luck Lookeyloo, hoping you and your neighbors will be minimally affected and you keep your power. Stay safe!

 Our hearts are with you.

[lookeyloo]

17 minutes ago, Love2dance said:

Good luck Lookeyloo, hoping you and your neighbors will be minimally affected and you keep your power. Stay safe!

 Our hearts are with you.

Thanks! It is very blowy and wet out there. I cooked something in the Instant Pot so at least we will have a meal if we lose power. 

[Porkchop]

I have a fixed trailer in a park in central northern Florida ... but I'm at home in Massachusetts, not planning to go south until Thanksgiving. I hear that there was very little damage (two trees down, one shed roof gone), but the electricity is off. One of my neighbors took a gun to a shelter and ended up spending the night in jail. This is going to make a great story around the campfire this winter.

[CherryMalotte]

Glad to hear people are safe - please keep checking in.  

One of my daughter's names is Louise, for Louise Brooks.  She is not impressed.  One day maybe...I put a lot of thought into that name.  I love love love silent film but while she does share some of my film enthusiasm, she's never taken to that particular film period.  At least I can console myself that she loves Jimmy Cagney and Edward G Robinson.  

Anybody know of anyone or yourself that's worked for Amazon?  I'm curious to hear how they are as employers. 

[doodlebug]

Just now, CherryMalotte said:

Glad to hear people are safe - please keep checking in.  

One of my daughter's names is Louise, for Louise Brooks.  She is not impressed.  One day maybe...I put a lot of thought into that name.  I love love love silent film but while she does share some of my film enthusiasm, she's never taken to that particular film period.  At least I can console myself that she loves Jimmy Cagney and Edward G Robinson.  

Anybody know of anyone or yourself that's worked for Amazon?  I'm curious to hear how they are as employers. 

I have a friend whose son works for Amazon out in Seattle.  He wasn't happy at first, mainly boss-related.  He was able to switch into another division and now is happy, especially since he ends up going to Europe on business several times a year.  Pay and benefits very good per my friend.  He's an IT security specialist and works at headquarters.

[CherryMalotte]

Quote

I have a friend whose son works for Amazon out in Seattle...  

Nice to hear about the benefits, thanks.  My daughter will be starting a part time job there shortly, not doing anything like your son's friend, I think this is just a packer/sorter kind of thing at one of their new warehouses near where we live.  She had to quit her other job that was really well paying, which was a shame, because it interfered with her school schedule.  It won't be what she's used to but I told her that she may actually find other jobs within the company if she sticks it out.  

[ariel]

1 hour ago, Porkchop said:

 One of my neighbors took a gun to a shelter and ended up spending the night in jail. This is going to make a great story around the campfire this winter.

What was his reason to take a gun to a shelter?

[lookeyloo]

Reporting in to say we made it through Irma with no problems at all.  We are on the west side of town and it seems that we got not much of anything.  It was rainy with a few minor gusts during the day.  The power flickered once.  Son on other side of town did well too, but, he says lots of folks around him were without power and there are trees down.  We are very lucky!!  

[GeeGolly]

Why is it only Wednesday?? :(

[allonsyalice]

19 hours ago, CherryMalotte said:

One of my daughter's names is Louise, for Louise Brooks. 

as a side note, I adore the name Louise. I'm writing a book about a young woman set in 1925 and I nearly named her Lela, but Louise won out and seemed to suit her more. Its a brilliant name!

[Mrs. P.]

doodlebug, you must be over the moon with the Indians winning their 21st straight game today. As an Astros fan, I'm not thrilled with our falling so far behind, but I can appreciate what the Indians are doing.

[Westiepeach]

Just now, Mrs. P. said:

doodlebug, you must be over the moon with the Indians winning their 21st straight game today. As an Astros fan, I'm not thrilled with our falling so far behind, but I can appreciate what the Indians are doing.

I'm also so excited! The city is going happy wild!

[Sew Sumi]

6 minutes ago, Mrs. P. said:

doodlebug, you must be over the moon with the Indians winning their 21st straight game today. As an Astros fan, I'm not thrilled with our falling so far behind, but I can appreciate what the Indians are doing.

As an A's fan who actually appeared in Moneyball when the walkoff was hit to get to 20 (they used real footage for that shot .. I was also at wins 17 and 19), I am not pleased, but I am impressed. I thought that record would stand for a while. Congrats to the Tribe.

[doodlebug]

12 minutes ago, Mrs. P. said:

doodlebug, you must be over the moon with the Indians winning their 21st straight game today. As an Astros fan, I'm not thrilled with our falling so far behind, but I can appreciate what the Indians are doing.

I wanted to play hooky from work this afternoon, but I just came back from medical leave and will be on vacation next week so I had to be a grownup about it.  Didn't stop me from bringing a radio to work and blasting the play by play in my office, though.

Going tomorrow night, hoping 22 is my lucky number!  The city is abuzz with Indian Fever and tickets are going like hotcakes.

[CherryMalotte]

As a Cubs fan (shhhhh don't tell my husband, but I do enjoy them) I can appreciate the happy happy you are feeling doodlebug - enjoy!

Moneyball!  My fave movie from that year, along with Margin Call.  It's still a great film, always will be.  

Edited September 13, 2017 by CherryMalotte
spelling is a good thing...

[AUgirl]

I'm a Dodgers fan and thrilled for our 2-game streak after our recent struggles. 

I told everyone they couldn't maintain the level they were playing. Hopefully they have turned their slide around. 

[bigskygirl]

It is cool and raining outside! Yes! Finally some moisture! It is hard adjusting to the cooler weather and driving in rainy conditions, but I am willing to give it a shot. *lol*

I am now looking at getting another type of CPAP Machine because the one I have now is driving me crazy. I do not care for the mask or the six foot hose connected to humidifier side of the machine, so I am waiting to hear from the sleep specialist. I am still trying to find ways to pay for my dental care since Medicaid will only pay for basic care. The joys of being sick with multiple health issues and getting older.

[MORGANH]

 Just wanted to add a little levity to the baby naming discussion. Back in the day when I was expecting, we decided to be surprised and not know the sex of the child. It was assumed back then that this might be my only chance do we wanted to be a bit different.  That was fun, especially when people asked "oh, what are you having?" My stock answer was always, "a baby"?. This left people completely baffled which was delightful. We were also surrounded by family, parents, in-laws, etc., that were so darn opinionated on names. We kept hearing, "well, you can't name the child X because it will remind us of so and so or I knew someone with the name of X that who just awful. So, even though names for both sexes were chosen early on, I absolutely refused to reveal the names until after the birth.  No one was told until she ? was born  and the name was recorded. After the initial shock of a slightly unusual name, they all loved it. When I revealed what the boy's name would have been, I was met with loads of criticism of course.

On the hurricane end of things, my mom's place in SC's (her getaway home) garage flooded again for the 2nd time in 1 year, 1st being Matthew. All fixable again and no other damage thank goodness.  Matthew was way worse.  My heart goes out to others that continue to struggle.

I'm extremely proud of my West Coast 1st responders that went to help out those in need during Harvey only to come back and turn right around and be deployed to Florida the next day to assist with Irma. True caring individuals.

[Westiepeach]

Hey @doodlebug! 22!!!!!! We did it!!!!! High five!!!!!!!!

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, Westiepeach said:

Hey @doodlebug! 22!!!!!! We did it!!!!! High five!!!!!!!!

Oh baby!! So much fun, the crowd was electric last night!  And what a game!  

[Westiepeach]

You guys, I know many of you don't care, but I am sitting on the couch with a glass of wine watching Our Cleveland Indians start the game. This is like the freakin' World Series! I guess we're practicing! ❤️⚾️

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, Westiepeach said:

You guys, I know many of you don't care, but I am sitting on the couch with a glass of wine watching Our Cleveland Indians start the game. This is like the freakin' World Series! I guess we're practicing! ❤️⚾️

Am sitting on the patio of a local watering hole doing the same. Go Tribe!

[louannems]

Ha!  I've blanket trained my dog!  She's 2 years old and we've only had her 3 weeks. With clicker training and lots of treats and praise, I've trained her to stay on a very small fleece blanket while we eat and when I'm my tablet. She is only 9 lbs and seems to love lying on her little blanket!

[ozziemom]

Sorry to all the Indians fans, tough loss tonight. Terry Francona is my favorite major league manager (Red Sox fan here) 

[doodlebug]

5 hours ago, ozziemom said:

Sorry to all the Indians fans, tough loss tonight. Terry Francona is my favorite major league manager (Red Sox fan here) 

Thanks, but we're still feeling pretty lucky to have been along on this ride.  And, perhaps the best is yet to come.  Terry Francona is a terrific manager and seems to be an even better human being.  I've liked him since way back when he played for the Indians 30 years ago (yes, I am old).  The Red Sox loss was Cleveland's gain.

[BitterApple]

Random aside, but I was out running errands today and I decided to stop into Dairy Queen for an ice cream on the way home. I order, pay and drop my remaining change into what I thought was one of those charity donation boxes in front of the register. However when I stepped back to wait, I realized it was a freaking tip jar! When did this start happening at fast food restaurants?! I know they dont make much, but I think its rather tacky. What's next, tips jars at Walgreen's and Bank of America? Sheesh.

[doodlebug]

2 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

Random aside, but I was out running errands today and I decided to stop into Dairy Queen for an ice cream on the way home. I order, pay and drop my remaining change into what I thought was one of those charity donation boxes in front of the register. However when I stepped back to wait, I realized it was a freaking tip jar! When did this start happening at fast food restaurants?! I know they dont make much, but I think its rather tacky. What's next, tips jars at Walgreen's and Bank of America? Sheesh.

Anymore, I see them everywhere, including at carry-out places.  Went to the county fair a few weeks back and several of the vendors selling cotton candy and hot dogs on a stick had tip jars, too.

[Marshmallow Mollie]

7 hours ago, BitterApple said:

Random aside, but I was out running errands today and I decided to stop into Dairy Queen for an ice cream on the way home. I order, pay and drop my remaining change into what I thought was one of those charity donation boxes in front of the register. However when I stepped back to wait, I realized it was a freaking tip jar! When did this start happening at fast food restaurants?! I know they dont make much, but I think its rather tacky. What's next, tips jars at Walgreen's and Bank of America? Sheesh.

As a result of my own work history, I am a frequent tipper. I tip for carry out. But I went to Panera yesterday and there was an option to tip the gal taking my order when I ran my card, and I passed. I agree, it's weird. 

[momofsquid]

I have a tip jar in my laundry room. My daughters don't always clean out their pockets before dumping their clothes in the wash. After years of trying to track down the owner of money found in the washer, I labelled an old detergent scoop TIPS and announced that everything I find goes into my my vacation fund. It was piling up fast for a while but has slowed down since my youngest went away to school. After she left I cleaned out her room and made a killing off loose change on her bedroom floor. 

[Tabbygirl521]

39 minutes ago, momofsquid said:

I have a tip jar in my laundry room. My daughters don't always clean out their pockets before dumping their clothes in the wash. After years of trying to track down the owner of money found in the washer, I labelled an old detergent scoop TIPS and announced that everything I find goes into my my vacation fund. It was piling up fast for a while but has slowed down since my youngest went away to school. After she left I cleaned out her room and made a killing off loose change on her bedroom floor. 

I love this!

[BitterApple]

2 hours ago, momofsquid said:

I have a tip jar in my laundry room. My daughters don't always clean out their pockets before dumping their clothes in the wash. After years of trying to track down the owner of money found in the washer, I labelled an old detergent scoop TIPS and announced that everything I find goes into my my vacation fund. 

That's awesome!!!!

[FakeJoshDuggar]

On 9/10/2017 at 11:27 PM, marypat57 said:

My name was the #1 name for girls the year I was born, and always had more than one classmate with my name (or variation thereof).  In high school it got to be kind of a joke--out of the 6 of us that hung out together, 5 of us had the same name (different middle names for 3 of the 5).  The one friend who did not share our name was simply called "un".  It made for some very interesting cafeteria conversation.

That reminds me of the movie Heathers.