So the name change isn’t as easy of a transition as one would think. It is not so much that others are having trouble with Will as I am remembering that I am no longer Billy. Last night, before a hockey game I stopped at a bar for a beer and waited on a phone call.. The bartender asked me what I wanted and for my ID. The conversation went like this:
Bartender: Hey man, what ‘ll ya’ have?
Me: I’m going to go with a Mich Ultra, pal.
Bartender: Sure thing! Do you have your ID?
Me: I do. Here you are.
Bartender: Happy soon to be Birthday. Do you go by William, Bill….?
Me: Billy is fine…………………NO! WAIT! (With exaggerated arm flailing) It’s Will. You can call me Will.
*awkward pause*
Bartender: Okay, you sure…………Will?
Me: Yeah. I’m Will. W. I. L. L. Will.
Sheesh! Smooth as silk I say. I have seen less awkward transactions by nurse and patience over a stool sample. But what can I say? I have dropped and added a different letter to my name after 30 years. There are bound to be a few hiccups here and there. It’s not like I am requesting people call me Nezbittle Flammigan Son Of William or anything like that? It’s just Will.
Oh yeah, that phone call I was waiting on? Right when the bartender delivered my beer the call came through. Wouldn’t you know it, I answered in my regular business tone, “Bill Webster”. Another awkward glance. I covered the reciever and mouthed the words, “It’s still Will.” Why can’t I just leave things alone?
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the poor bartender probably thought you were a little crazy, or just trying to play with his mind. It is an amusing story none the less though.
You nerd.
Two things: first, I kinda LIKE Nezbittle Flammigan, Son of William–say it w/ a Scottish burr, and it’s DEAD SEXY. Second, your name change made me think what would happen if I were to change my name (I’ve often comtemplated going by my first and middle name together, cause I think it sounds ‘cute’). The story above has cured me. Not only would it be a mouthfull, but typing or writing it out would take a year (15 letters total).
I just said “Will Webster” out loud and I frickin said “Will Webstow.”
I find it odd that the bartender even asked your name. Is that a southern thing? I’ve never been addressed by anything other than “There ya go.” or “That’ll be four-fifty.”
Told you. But hopefully (for your sake, because you want this so badly) it will be just as challenging as in the beginning of the year when you are getting used to writing the new year on your checks.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Will,
Happy Birthday to you!
I don’t normally do this, Will, but here’s our Aquarius horoscope for today:
Glamour is the key word for you today as you will be looking and feeling absolutely fabulous. It’s a shame that today is a work day or school day for you, but you can make up for it tonight when a surprise invitation is likely to take you into some exciting social circles and very lively company!
I hope your birthday is fab.u.lous! Glam it up! But shield your eyes from the ‘lively company’… nothing would be worse than putting your eye out on your birthday!
You rock! Thank you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Make it a good one, Will! Wahoooo!
Are you going to change your name on your WordPress display, so then when you leave comments, people will fully recognize the changed you?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILL!!!!!
Try wearing a name tag- so people will start calling you Will.
And stare at yourself in the mirror and say Will to yourself- you will connect this name with your physical identity.
And in your thoughts- if you think to yourself in words, call yourself by Will, and replace the word ” I “.
It’s going to be harder than you think… But If you do the right tricks, it should work.
Witness Protection Participants have to learn their new names SOMEHOW.
Happy Birthday, man….this is for you…..
You name the time and place…I’ll bring da hooch
hey, waaay off topic. What was that one youtube video that you sent me that one time with the lady and the trumpet and Star wars music? I cannot find it anywhere.
I missed your birthday.
I suck.
Worse than Arlen Specter.
Worse than one of Trump’s orally fixated hookers.
You called me on your birthday and I wasn’t home. God, my Judeo/Catholic guilt is overwhelming.
I am so sorry. As penance, I’m going to to start my own blog and write some really weird shit.
Seriously, my darling WIlliam, WIlly Bill–hope it was a good birthday. I want NOTHING but good things for all three of you in 2008.
Your big sister,
Laurie
(let’s talk this week..I’ve got absolutely NOTHING to tell you).
Watching this unfurl was even funnier than your story.
Radom guy in bar – What’s your name?
You – Billy
Random guy – I’m sorry?
You – Bill…uh… awww… well see… I just changed my name, and obviously it’s not going very well. It’s Will, my name is Will. (nervous laughter)
You crack me up! I love the new name, but I have to admit it’s tough for me too.