Nanny wanted... potential for job growth

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed his children's nanny to a board that oversees the guide dog industry. The nanny's name is Lindsay Schnaidt and she will be a part-time state regulator. She will get paid $100 whenever the board meets, which is about 8 times a year.

Sure, we're not talking about a high-powered, high-paid position, but the cynic in me feels uncomfortable with this. I immediately think she blackmailed the governor into appointing her to this position in return for sealed lips about their affair, or an affair she knows about, or the weird bathroom habits he is hiding. (Please note that I have no evidence that any of this is true.)

One may refute this by arguing that a part-time regulator on the Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind doesn't seem like a fair trade for eternal confidentiality, but I would say, well, what's next, Secretary of Child Care? Fine, that position doesn't exist, but hey, who says Arnold won't create the position for her. The nanny has expressed interest in serving California. She is clearly climbing the political ladder.

Maybe I picked the wrong career. I guess job growth in the nanny world doesn't just mean being promoted to mistress. Hmmm... I'm gonna go check out Craig's List.

Am I too old to change my first name?

For the last 28 years, my name has been Megan. It's been fine for the most part. (Although too many people say MAYG-in, when it's to be pronounced MEGG-in. A subtle nuance to you perhaps, but a huge difference to me.)

As I get older and start to claim my grown-up identity, the name Megan just doesn't suit me much anymore. For one, I am Jewish and Megan is a Welsh name. It just doesn't go with my new, married last name Schwartzman. It's confusing. It's a mismatch. I might as well be named Shmuley Gonzalez.

It really bums me out that I have this beautiful middle name that just goes to waste. My middle name is Sloan. Yes, Sloan! Now that's sophisticated. I mean, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" people. I almost feel entitled to change my first name to Sloan. But I just don't know how to make it happen. It feels a little overwhelming.

And then I start to realize how ridiculous I am being. I had a friend growing up whose name was Inbal. Every time she introduced herself, she would automatically say, "I'm Inbal. What? Inbal." I tend to take things for granted.

A few weeks ago, I announced to my husband, my in-laws, and some friends that I want to be called Meg from now on. My close friends and family already call me that. Easy transition. So I call myself Meg on this blog, I am beginning to sign emails as Meg, and I now call myself Meg when I talk to myself in the car. I have yet to introduce myself as Meg when I meet someone, but that's next.

For some reason Meg sounds a little more mysterious and ambiguous, which suits me. Less stereotypes come to mind. Unlike Megan, which brings about images of a slightly chubby blonde choir member who lives in Yorba Linda. That ain't me. And if I end up becoming that, I am blaming my mother.

Yes we did! But then some didn't

Nothing can wipe the smile off my face knowing that America stepped up, did the right thing, and made Barack Obama the President of the United States of America. I have never felt so proud of our country, so invigorated and hopeful.

But, why oh why did Prop 8 pass in California? Why? I don't get it. I am trying not to let it get me down. I guess change can't happen all at once.