Say my name

 

I like my name; "Kristin Swenson" --it kind of rythmes, I think it sounds happy, and my parents gave it to me.  Its cute, but hard for folks to here to say. Kreeshc-tein they say, like they are trying real hard and I know it isn't easy. I also know its impossible to remember something that you have no mental framework for. I know it is embarrassing not to know someone's name and that people tend to fill in the blanks. A Chinese guy whose name sounded to me like "Shit, yeah!" and who went by "Jay" taught me this. Our new teacher asked me if I every go by "Cris." I don't, but I could. My Grandma once suggested Kris, and I think it's okay. Carol and I tried it with the guy at our nearby bar-restaurant when he asked our names. "Carol and Cris" we told him. "They both start with 'C'" he informed us. That felt like a win, so I am going to transition to "Cris" and see how it sticks.