It was in one of those stores where they like to put names on things to try to convince you to buy it. I was surprised to actually find my name among the millions of Ashley, Albert, and Alan cups.
I was even more surprised when I read the meaning of my name etched into the coffee mug.
Powerful man of war, it said.
I looked at the cup, set it down, and then went searching for the girl version of the cup.
Because
1) I was/am not powerful.
2) I'm scared of toy guns--and I happen to be a big fan of world peace.
3) I am not a man.
Ever since that fateful day, I have noticed more and more signs that Alec, conventionally, is not a girl's name.
Like, for example, when I had high school substitutes, they would look at me like I was trying to play an elementary trick on them every time I raised my hand as they called Alec.
And, generally, when I introduce myself to people, they feel the need to ask, "Is that short for something?"
I say, "Nope, it's just Alec."
And they say, "It's not short for Alexandra?"
And I say, "Oh ya, I'm sorry. I lied to you a second ago. My name really is Alexandra, but I prefer nicknames so you can call me Alec."
But really, my name is not short for Alexandra -- no matter how many times you ask.
My name is Alec. And I am a girl.
A mostly nonviolent girl of peacetime.
A sometimes fragile girl of twenty.
A little bit crazy girl of Arizona.
You know, just a girl who believes in off the wall happiness.
Put that on a coffee mug and I'll buy it.
