I grew up as Samantha Kate Nabors.
My nickname is Katie.
(And for the first couple years of my life, it was Kati, without an E. I think it’s pretty rad. So rad that when I was in middle school, I tried to change it back. My teachers weren’t too thrilled with that so it didn’t last long.)
I’m sure you are asking “How in the world is Katie a nickname for Kate?”
Well, you aren’t the first to ask. But honestly, I have no idea. I do know that I love it though. I’m so glad that my parents weren’t afraid to be different in the 80s.
The problem I always had though? The first of the school year with new teachers.
“Samantha Nabors?!” My eyes would roll when I heard that name called. I just don’t see myself as a Samantha. I would tell the teacher I go by Katie, which would often be followed by a confused look from the teacher before she would go on to the next name. And there was almost always a teacher that would follow up with a snide comment about how that’s technically not even in my name. EVERY. YEAR.
When I got engaged and decided I was going to officially start a photography business, I decided KATE was the better choice. It’s a little more grown-up, more professional, and it sounds so much more sophisticated with my new last name. So I changed my facebook profile name. I used that name in my classes. Might as well get used to it and just use it across the board, right? However, it didn’t help. In fact, I’m almost positive it confused people even more. People who were very very close to me asked if I wanted them to call me Kate. (and if you are still one of those people who are wondering, please call me Katie).
Then we moved to Columbus, Georgia. I just knew it would be easier. I could be Kate Whitmore. All the time. I would be Kate Whitmore, the photographer, and I would be Kate Whitmore, that new girl. It would be great.
WRONG.
When we meet new people and my husband calls me Katie, they get really confused. And several of them have even asked what I want to be called, which must be followed up with an explanation of my name.
When I go to a restaurant that asks for my name and I say “Kate,” it is 75% of the time followed up with “I’m sorry. Did you say Katie?” Odd, right?
So the point of this rambling post that I said would be brief? First, to alleviate a little confusion. And also to let you inside my quaint little life. Just a tad. My photography is only a small part of me, and I want you to see the rest. Even if it is just about the confusion of my name.
[and just a little sidenote: the name Samantha came from the little girl on Who's the Boss? How awesome is that?]
by Kate
2 comments
add a comment link to this post email a friend