So what IS in a name?

I get called Brian a lot. Like, A LOT. I am, in fact, a woman and my name is NOT Brian. But I have a weird first name and people choose to ignore it and focus in on a name they can recognize and easily pronounce, so there you have it. I'm so used to it that when I pick up photos or a prescription or attend some kind of event where you give your name in advance, I often just look under my first name because that's typically where I'm listed. All this is to say that I have a particular interest in names.

Like many people, I don't want to give my name online when I'm posting, commenting, etc. None of us know what future employers, suitors or random strangers could Google us and find all kinds of information. If you Google my first name, you can find alllllll kinds of info on me including where I work (phone number and email), where I go to school and find pictures of me. Well, me and one other person who shares my name. On one hand it's interesting that my name is unique, but it's also scary that I don't have much anonymity. I doubt that I'll get "dooced" or anything like that, but what if I want to run for political office someday? Or become a CEO? Will my personal opinions expressed online offend people and prevent me from having an opportunity?

I worry about this but on the other hand, I want to write. I love to write. Communication is my passion and I find blogging to be fascinating and kind of voyeuristic but wonderful. So. Here I am, attempting to start a blog again (try number 4, I think). I hope this one sticks.