new name

So, yesterday someone apologized because they hadn’t changed my last name on a document. It made me realize that I think I’m not fully used to this new last name of mine. I don’t even have a second thought when I see my full maiden name in print, and when I see my “new” full married name, I still kind of do a double-take and honestly think—wait—who is that again? Oh—it’s me!! :)

Silly, but when you’ve had one name for 30 years of your life, it’s kind of an adjustment to get used to the new one. When we got married, I wasn’t sure if I was going to change it. Jason had no opinion really, and everyone in my professional life knew me best by my maiden name. Options I considered were either keeping my maiden name in the profession realm only, or even possibly the whole hyphenated last name thing. It wasn’t until I was sitting in the secretary of state office that I made my final decision: to change it to VanDenBrink. I knew I had to do it for myself—hanging on to name for sentimental reasons would not have been good for me.

I really loved my last name, it was very unique with very few people actually able to claim that name in the United States. I could “hide” my Dutch heritage behind the name as well—being that it came from across the border of Germany. :) Sure, I always had to spell it for everyone, but I was used to it. Interestingly enough, I still have to spell my last name! It surprises me how apparently difficult it is to spell VanDenBrink; and evidently, not everyone who has the last name capitalizes the V, the D, and the B. What’s up with that?

So, there you have it. A brand, spanking new, Dutch last name, that is looong, AND difficult to spell. Someday I’m sure I’ll appreciate the upgrade. ;) I’m kidding of course; adjusting to this new life path has been amazing!