Name Change

Layne and I have been married for almost 3 months now (time flies by), but in the eyes of the United States government, I am still Mitzi Orkus... until today that is. It took a little encouragement from my husband, and a little support from my momma, but today I finally found it in me to wander over to the social security office and change my name.

I could go on and on about that experience, but for your sake I'll resist. Just imagine this: the building was freezing cold. The door was stuck open for some reason and wouldn't shut. It took 1 hr and 15 minutes to get called. Because I had to go at lunch, half the counters were closed. I could tell who were the other women there to change their name. It was that obvious- by their bling.

So now, I'm slightly conflicted. I'm excited by the name change, and am ready to clear up this name limbo confusion. I'm excited to have finally taken Layne's name as my own. I love being his wife. But at the same time, I loved being an Orkus. Orkus isn't just my family name- it's part of my identity. I can't tell you how many times in my life I've gotten the "Have you met Mitzi before? She's the oldest Orkus." Or, "This is Mitzi. Stephen and Susan Orkus' oldest." What will happen to me now? "Mitzi Court? Who is that? I knew a Mitzi Orkus once..."

Just joking... at least, part of me is. So this morning I woke up Mitzi Margaret Orkus. Tonight I'll fall asleep Mitzi Orkus Court. I figure it'll take some time to start answering my phone, signing my name, and introducing myself correctly. And it's weird to think that I'll spend more time in my lifetime (hopefully) as a Court than an Orkus. But Orkus came first, and it'll always hold a special place in my heart. I never understood why my mom always signed Susan R. Orkus. Now I do.

For the first time, definitely not the last time....

Much Love,
Mitzi O. Court