Happy April — not me, the month. Generally I am happy but the month of April causes me some distress. For a month, I think that people are talking to me or about me but really they’re talking about a date. I hear my name in a distant conversation, prick up my ears and then realize it has nothing to do with me. Eventually, I start to ignore everyone saying “April” and then people are talking to me and get offended because I’m completely ignoring them.
Oh, I know, I could have it a lot worse. The year I as born, Jennifer was the most popular girls’ name. Luckily, April ranked 34 in the 1970s and in 2004 my name ranked 278 in the U.S. I’m kind of excited that I, or at least my name, is becoming less popular. Perhaps I’ll be the Bessie or Doris of tomorrow.
Strangely if someone can’t quite remember my name they usually call me “Rachel” or occasionally “Angel” or “Alice” but mostly Rachel. Wait a second; Rachel was 2004’s 34th most popular baby name. Even with a misnomer I can’t rank better than 34. Bummer. I think I’ll console myself with delusion that I can celebrate my birthday all month long instead of just one day. With that attitude, it just could be a happy April. Yeah me!