What's in a Name?

I've racked my brain for three days to come up with this blog name. Only to come up with MY name.

I've gone by Abby my entire life, though Abigail is my given name. With the last name Schimenek, I didn't want to confuse people further by using my full first name. So Minnesota-Nice of me eh?

Most shopgirls won't attempt my name in the usual "thank you Ms. Schimenek" as they hand over my purchases. Abigail Schimenek looks like a foreign language to some people, so they won't even say it. Like when you're at an ethnic restaurant and you point to the dish you want on the menu or call it by its English name. Pollo becomes Chicken. Fromage becomes Cheese Plate. Abigail and Abby frequently become Amber, Amy and Ashley.

Sidenote: I used to love staying at the La Fuenta Inn in Yuma, AZ because the girls at the desk would greet me with "Hi Uh-Bee-Guy-Elle!" My name sounds so singsongy in a Spanish accent.

My future last name is a lot shorter and simpler, and it sounds silly paired with Abby. To my ear. Abby Ferri. Say it out loud like a Valley Girl. Abby Ferri. I'll give you a second. Ab-by Fer-ri.

I was right, right? So, I'm getting myself used to my given name of Abigail. At least in print.
Abigail Ferri.

But please, call me Abby.