Once upon a time there was a girl who worked at her local fairgrounds over the summer. She slaved away in a BBQ joint where the pit was in the middle, with no air-conditioning and it was at the end of July. From open of the day to close, she worked the carry-out window, slinging pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, ribs, chicken, hot links, and slaw-dogs. (for the unknowing, a slaw-dog is a foot-long hot dog with mustard, relish, onions, chili, and coleslaw) Much to her chagrin, her older sister knew of said summer employment and indulged in visiting her sweaty sibling. Upon discovery of the sacred slaw-dog, her sister bestowed this upon her as a nickname.
Yup, that's right dear readers my sister Amy called me "slaw-dog" for at least another 6 months after my BBQ job was over. And even now, 15 years after this fairground career ceased to exist, she randomly throws out the loving nickname of yore and calls me "slaw-dog" for old time sake, while laughing her ass off.
Nicknames, I have had quite the load of them. Here's a list for you, not only the nickname but the giver as well:
Blossom - my dad
Number 2 - my momma
Shan Juan Puerto Rico - my grandpa
Shan Juan - shortened version of previous
Shanny -majority of my family, but I believe my sister is the starter of this one
Shenanigans - many a co-worker
Shan-ager (like manager) - my employees at Lou Malnati's in River North
Shan - majority of family, especially my aunt Marcy
Shanny Shanny Fun Pants - Katie Todd
Slaw Dog - my sister
Pink - Josh Goins, (Dazed and Confused reference)
Camry - also Josh Goins, and Rich
Stinker Bear - Matt Clements
Channon - Rita Drake
Chano - 95% of my Latinos at Lou Malnati's
Shanoonoonoonoonoon - Mr. Ashton
ShanTawn - my dad
These are just a few. Nicknames are fun, and looking over my list here it cracks me up to think of all the stories behind all these and how they came to be. Everyone on this list who bestowed a nickname upon me also has names that I have in return bestowed upon them. However I will not be listing all those, except for one. He has no nicknames for me on this list, but to those of you who have read my blog, I have been getting the question "who is this Mr. Handsome you have spoke of"? (I feel like Carrie on Sex and the City and I'm finally revealing what Mr. Big's name is). My Mr. Handsome is...drum roll please.... my wonderful boyfriend Jay! He doesn't mind, he just asked that I never refer to him as my "man-friend". Man-friend makes me giggle. teehee.
Something I've noticed about nicknames, it's not always something completely off base from your name, in fact my good friend Jackie, to me she's Mrs. Jackson, has always called me Shannon Taylor. Never just the first name, never a shortening of the name, it's always Shannon Taylor to her.
On an ending point, I have decided to say thank you to all those who have nicknamed me, but I will be listing your nicknames, can you figure out who is who? (I know I said I wouldn't list them all earlier, but I changed my mind)
Thank you,
Barickford
Marse
Chief
Poppi
Weiner Bear
Jules
My Sista from Anotha Mista
Weeza
Mrs. Jackson
Kathy Topp
Old Man
G-Unit
Biscuit
Ami-son
and Mr. Handsome
