Mom: “So, can you copy that Take This Waltz song you liked to my iTunes so I can hear it?”
Me: “Sure. Hey, did you read that Wikipedia article about Leonard Cohen? He uses so much Christian imagery in his music; I was sort of surprised to read he was Jewish.”
Mom: (strange look)
Me: “What?”
Mom: “Leonard. COHEN.”
Strangely, after having said this stupid thing, I had to weigh in on some name etiquette for my in-laws. Sandy is throwing the last day of the wedding festivities and she wants to sign the invitations as “Mrs. Sara Za-VeryMuslim-sounding Name,” which was her married name. Ken and Wilma insisted that wasn’t right, because she divorced Dr. Za-VeryMuslim-sounding Name, and her name is Sandy, not Sara, at least that’s what THEY named her. I suppose this has been causing conflict for the last ten years, since they divorced. I know twenty years ago I caused conflict when I said I didn’t want to trade my lovely romantic maiden name for the guttural horking up of phlegm which is my married name.
I didn’t even get into the subtext, which is that they don’t want Sandy to be Muslim. I just said “Of course, that’s her legal name.”
I think I need to start paying more attention to what people call themselves. It seems to have significance.
Sincerely,
Spunky Labia.
6 responses to “Stupid Things I Have Said Today”
I mean, really…what’s in a name?… Spunky.
Hehehehe, Spunky Labia :)(I never know when a name indicates ethnicity – you pretty much have to hit me over the head)
I have to say I’m utterly delighted it wasn’t readily apparent to you what Leonard’s last name signified.
Sue – Whoa! Spunky Cohen! Now that would be a name! Jhianna – I think in my case it’s just self-absorption. You’re Jewish? Black? Muslim? What does that have to do with me? Me me me. Friend #3 – Oh, sure, you wish you were named Cohen, Ms Heuter.
Hey, coulda been! According to my aunt, one of ’em was Jewish. and why not a Cohen?Hell, I could be related to the guy who plays Borat!
Whoa! That means you have to break the glassware when I come by, since he’s Orthodox. (So sayeth Wikipedia, so shall it be.)