Wishing you all the best decision-making vibes. There is no stupid choice, only the choice that's right for you.
I'm remembering so many people's stories as I read through this thread, but I had to stop at yours just to say thank you for the sensitive, caring advice you always gave in threads all over The Toast. I know I was on the receiving end a time or two, and I saw you always being so affirming and kind to so many others. Everyone in your offline life is lucky to have you on their side.
Whoa, was not expecting that! Nicole for Vice President, Nikki for Supreme Court and Mallory for, let's say, Secretary of Space Witches.
I toggled between 'verklempt' and 'dying laughing' reading this link roundup, which feels appropriate for The Toast. Thanks Nicole, Mallory, Nikki and everyone else who made this place happen. It's been a haven, and right now I'm just trying to be grateful that it ever existed at all rather than despairing that it has to end.
I'm STILL pretty sure I'd make a great hardy pioneer type, despite all evidence to the contrary.
I read the play in a college class, which helped add context, but one thing I really loved about it was how it opened up a whole alternative history of the 1980s that I hadn't been exposed to before. (Was raised on a more 'morning in America, Reagan yay!' information diet.)
Hugs and positive vibes to you. Uncertainty is awful, and I hope you get some answers quickly.
I would love to see a multigenerational study on how people name babies in relation to their own names. My husband and I both have very standard top-of-the-chart-in-1980s-America names, and we've definitely gone for more unique choices for our daughters. Not too far out there, but lower down the list. And I've certainly heard other uniquely-named people say they're giving their kids more traditional names. Grass is always greener, perhaps? Watch, if you have grandkids they'll be named Kylo and Smorgasbord, and mine will be Jane and John.
Hyperventilating at how good these are.