That's wonderful :-)

I in no way meant to imply that keeping one's maiden name is always a bad thing. I know many women keep their maiden name, or that of their first husband, for professional reasons--they're well-established with a given name, and it's too much trouble to change email, thousands of business cards, advertising, etc. But in my case, my maiden name reminds me too much of things I'd rather not be reminded of. Using my husband's last name is one more way I can distance myself from the Parental Units. For me, it's like starting over with a clean slate. I can move forward with my new name. Keeping my old name anchors me in the past.

I hadn't taken what you said as any sort of judgement other than a purely personal one for you. I know from reading your entries that you have an unhappy family history and totally appreciate that you do what you can to put some distance there.

I just love the - how can I put this? - the *compactness* of my name. Changing it to Butler didn't seem right. Besides, my MIL is also Anna, and two Anna Butlers in the family seemed excessive!