What's in a name?

It took me a while to contemplate on what name to use for this blog. When my colleague found out I finally decided to use my whole name she was somewhat shocked - "How will you be able to pour your heart out?". She insisted that I instead use:

http://lasagne-santacameandleftagain.blogspot.com

Coz, according to her, it wasn't my real name but sounded like it anyway. hahaha. I must disagree but i don't blame her. Over the years i've heard different versions of my name (i.e. sanfransisco) with different spellings and have a few stories to tell about it.

story #1

this is a more recent one and is partly the reason why the above suggested address cam about.

in my line of work i have to call a lot of people. once, this guy said he'd call me back and so i left my name and number. after a few hours, i receive a phone call to which the person on the other end says "hi, i'm looking for lasagna pls." what the! i knew he must've been referring to me which made be want to both laugh and shout "that's not my name!". still, i kindly replied "sorry, who?" and he repeated "i'm looking for lasagna pls." i coudn't take it anymore, "sorry, there's no one by that name here, this is lavinia, may i know who this is?" true enough, it was the guy i called earlier. when he realized (finally!) he got my name wrong he got a bit flustered and gave out a nervous laugh. hehe poor guy.

story #2
this was when I was in highschool and i was at the treasurer's trying to pay for some school related free.
Cashier: Anong pangalan mo? (What's your first name?) - so she could write it on the receipt
Me: Lavinia po
Cashier: Ano?? (What?)
Me: (louder) Lavinia po
Cashier: Surname mo nalang..? (How about your surname instead?)
Me: Santelices
Cashier: Ay yung first name mo nalang (Oh, let's just use your first name)

Sigh.

But what the heck, I'm happy with my name. As difficult as it is to others, I've always liked how unique it is. Or was...

One day, H saw this....

http://profiles.friendster.com/4800188

That is so NOT me.

Oh well, so much for having a unique name. :)