Hi-de-ho, Phil?

There are many stereotypes associated with first names such as:  Tiffany – ditzy blonde, Ginger – dances on a pole, Veronica – catty, Chad – douche bag, Andrew – sophisticated, Dustin – drives his pick up truck while drinking a beer. Now I hope you’re not offended as this is just society talking, but I guarantee you can relate to at least one of these… 

Buzzfeed claims that Rachel is a girl that will always take shots with you at the bar – can you imagine what a Rachelle can handle then? I mean she has more letters in her name so that must mean something.

I was unsuccessful trying to locate stereotypes associated with the name Rachelle. (It was similar to trying to search for a tourist key chain with my name on it). I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but one thing I am sure of is I dislike when people mispronounce my name. 

It’s unfair to judge someone by his or her name and it is also unfair to mispronounce a name – it’s one thing to read it incorrectly, but it’s another thing to not listen completely. 

I believe it is important to address an individual by his/her name. It simply demonstrates that you care. I have always been very good at remembering names (I should add this to my resume). I not only ensure that I know all of the residents’ names, but I also strive to know his/her family members’ names as well – this way they are nicer to me when they have a complaint – yes, I said when. Knowing staff’s name is important as well…

In Oktober – Fess Up, I approached the wrong individual. Today, I called a staff member by the wrong name – and have again since.

There is one cook in the kitchen who is always pleasant – he is not the only one, but he always goes out of his way for the recreation staff. 

After multiple encounters I still didn’t know his name. I felt three months in was a little late to ask – especially as he was placing danishes on my desk (he had the power to take them away). 

I was sitting in the activity room when I overheard one of his colleagues refer to him as ‘Phil.’ I thought to myself, perfect. I no longer need to ask!

That morning he was walking past the activity room when I beckoned, “Hey, Phil?”

He suddenly stopped in his tracks, took three steps back, pointed at himself and asked, “are you talking to me?” (abort; abort). 

I replied, “yes… is that not your name?”

He stated, “Wil; Wilson.” (He said this without a smirk). 

I immediately apologized while avoiding eye contact.

Now, this seems like a small mishap, but one that hits close to home due to my daily run ins with Rachel. 

To this day, every time I am about to say his name, I pause and recall the show ‘Home Improvement.‘ This cook wears a hat as part of his uniform and Wilson Wilson on the sitcom also wears a hat, so that’s how I come to my final decision (you think I’m kidding, but once again Home Improvement saves the day).

Even though most days his name turns into ‘Philwil.’

Back on the Twitter with a new creative name – WreckRecreation