Here is this week’s Friday Five.

1. Is the name you have now the same name that’s on your birth certificate? If not, what’s changed?

Yes, it is the same. However, I am getting married in about a year, so I might change my last name then. Although, I’m really not sure. It’s a difficult decision

2. If you could change your name (first, middle and/or last), what would it be?

I used to dream about changing my name when I was younger. I wanted a first name that could be shortened into a cute nickname, and I wanted a middle name that was a bit more elegant. And most of all, I wanted initials that weren’t so silly – HEH just didn’t cut it. But now that I’ve grown, I’ve come to appreciate my name. I’m still not overly fond of my middle name, so I just don’t use it very often. Besides, I’ve got an alias, why would I need to change my real name? 🙂

3. Why were you named what you were? (Is there a story behind it? Who specifically was responsible for naming you?)

My parent’s were originally expecting a boy, who they were planning on naming Dennis. I came as a bit of a surprise, but they picked my name more or less because there was no way to shorten it into a nickname. Why that was an issue, I have no idea.

4. Are there any names you really hate or love? What are they and why?

I’m not really keen on the name Michelle. No offense to any Michelles who may be reading this. My problem with that name is that when someone forgets my name, I am, without fail, called Michelle by them. It’s very odd. This has happened many times with people who do not know each other, or who I have not mentioned this fact to.

5. Is the analysis of your name at kabalarians.com accurate? How or how isn’t it?

It is somewhat accurate. I don’t think that I am particularly refined or easy-going, although I’d like to be. I do find myself in a bit of a rut right now, although I’m not sure it is procrastination. I think I am rather sympathetic, and I do think that I have been taken advantage of in the past because of that. And I am the sort of person that people like to share their problems with, and I do my best to help or offer some good advice. I also do lack self-confidence.

Here is this week’s Friday Five.

1. What housekeeping chore(s) do you hate doing the most?
Cleaning the bathroom. Ick!

2. Are there any that you like or don’t mind doing?
I don’t mind dusting or cooking. In fact, I rather like to do them.

3. Do you have a routine throughout the week or just clean as it’s needed?
I tidy as needed. But I do dust and vaccum a bit on Wednesday, and do a whole house clean on Sunday.

4. Do you have any odd cleaning/housekeeping quirks or rules?
I don’t think so… Nothing that seems odd to me, anyway.

5. What was the last thing you cleaned?
The cat box. Ick!

Pagan Speak for August 2003
Topic 2: Oaths
The taking of oaths is an integral part of many religious ceremonies. What types of oaths do you think are appropriate or inappropriate? Is it ever OK to break an oath? What are the consequences to breaking an oath?

When someone talks about oaths, I generally get the creeps. I mean, if you aren’t doing anything illegal, or immoral, or really weird, why do you need an oath? Yeah, I know there are a lot more to oaths then just asking people to cover up or not reveal what’s going on.

Looking at oaths a little deeper, I can see how they are useful, in some situations. Requiring an oath before teaching someone some knowledge can help to make sure that the student recognises the importance of what they are learning. The oath can also help to reinforce some of the ideas, especially if the lesson include ideas about how to uphold a faith or present yourself to the world.

I’m not sure I agree with oaths of secrecy as part of joining a society. Personally, I’ve never been part of a “secret society”, so perhaps that colours my opinion. But I tend to see their oaths and “secrecy” as a bit silly. I suppose they have their place though.

As for breaking an oath, I think there are times when it is appropriate. If you have sworn an oath of secrecy, it would be appropriate to break it if something illegal occurs. And in this case, there should be no ramifications arising from the breaking. But if an oath is broken for no good reason, then some sort of consequence is appropriate. For example, if you swear an oath to uphold your faith against all detractors, yet you consistantly allow friends make fun of your faith, then you have broken your oath. The consequeneces in this case would be personal, I believe, but also should be imposed by the group to which you swore the oath. Perhaps it would be wise to revisit some lessons, or to do some volunteering, or something similar.