Friday, December 10, 2010

titleless in mexico


I'm stumped.


Almost three years ago I started this blog,  In fact, in a few days, I can start blowing out some candles.


Lots of things have changed since then, but the title of this blog has not. 


And I have taken some grief for what appears to be a nonsensical name for this blog.  One of my favorite blogger colleagues thinks I am nuts if I believe I can expect the same life in Mexico as I had in Oregon.


I know his point.  Others have made it.  But that was not what I was intending to convey when I chose the title.


I had been reading Mexico blogs for several months before I decided to start my own.  One recurring theme I had seen on message boards was the silly belief that moving to Mexico would solve all personal problems.


I knew better than that.  I have been around enough blocks to know that whoever you are, you are going to be the same person despite your new location.  Circumstances will change, but your personality will remain a constant.


And I think that is where the confusion comes in.  Some people think I am talking about finding the same circumstances in Melaque I would find in Salem.  Any reader of this blog knows that is not true.


With the assistance of my house sitter, I revised the look of this blog last summer.  And I have been trying to think of a new title since then.  To no avail.


So, here is what I am going to do, I am going to have an election -- Alaska style.  But I will save you the trouble of any named candidates.  I wouldn't vote for any of my proposals.  Why should you?


This will be entirely a write-in affair.  No holds barred.  And spelling is not a requirement.


Be creative.  Dare me to choose your nominee.


Of course, I am the sole judge.  There will undoubtedly be ballots where the elector's intent is not clear.


Give me a good present to start year 4 of -- whatever this thing is going to be called.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

you know that old saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it? well, that's how i feel about same life new location. i like it just fine as it is.

thanks for the great posts on all the ruins you visited.

we head out on our 9 day cruise next week. looking forward to some sunshine and warm weather.

teresa

Anonymous said...

Esteban Algodón

Kathe

Anonymous said...

Ruminations

Kathe

Unknown said...

Go with one of your blog post titles, It´s Not Chicken Pizza. I like it. Makes no sense, but I like it.

Anonymous said...

It's not original...but I like Mexico, A Sunny Place For Shady People.
Saludos,
Francisco

norm said...

Vagabond.

Chrissy y Keith said...

All points in between.

Anonymous said...

I agree with teresa, I like the current title.

Horst

Merida Mikey said...

Personally, I like and am accustomed to, the current name of your blog. I think you should keep it.

Any fool can easily see your intent in the title. If they can't, those would be the people I certainly wouldn't worry about! They probably wouldn't like your new title any better!

Great job reporting on the ruins in the Yucatan. Don't be surprised if the Gobernadora wants to put you on her payroll! Ooops! Take that back - you're not related!

Debbie said...

Hi Steve. Love the name of your blog. I vote for keeping it.

Islagringo said...

Well, since I get two votes, I put both of them for keeping the current title. You are right in the title. It is the same life, not the same lifestyle.

Irene said...

My write-in vote is: "Same Life - New Location". Of course there will be a challenge after all the votes are counted and the election process will be called into question.

Elaine said...

I had no trouble understanding your intent with your title. I've been a faithful reader since you started and I'd like to see you keep the title, I think it's a great one.
Elaine in Canada

Anonymous said...

Practically Perfect - My Life, Part 2

Michael Dickson said...

You are soooo transparent. You're using this as a post excuse, lazy boy.

Think up your own title, which is what I imagine is going to happen regardless of the suggestions.

The current title, with all due respect, is silly.

Whatever you come up with, don't use the word Muse. And Tales is out.

Esteban Algodón is kinda catchy, but there's something better out there.

And don't make the title too long, a common error. The current title is too long, but that's the least of its problems.

It's Not Chicken Pizza is good, but too long.

Moving on to another topic: Moving to Mexico will not solve all your personal problems? It did for me.

Joe S. said...

Like the current title,but: "Same Strife --New Location". "Malarky in Melaque". " The Libertarian's Guide to the Universe...Mexico Edition". Oh well, maybe I'm just upset that you published our high school graduation picture at the top of this entry. Stumped?

Anonymous said...

Cotton Tales

Kathe

Marc Olson said...

Same Steve, New Location

jennifer rose said...

"Chicken Pizza" is a good enough name. You might want to read my column about naming a blog in Internet Law Researcher from a month or so ago. It's available on Westlaw.

NWexican said...

Call it "Way too much crime in Mexico, so stay away!!"
That way there might be fewer expats there when I'm able to retire...

Gary Denness said...

Same Old Steve, Undecided Location?

Refugee From Nowhere...

The Road To Ruins...

Or...The Mexile becomes available in two months....and you wouldn't need to feel bad about stealing it. I didn't! I wasn't the first to use it, although it was attached to something other than a blog in its previous incarnation :)

JRinSC said...

How's about:

Retired Finally, Maybe?

or

Mexico Finally, Maybe

Calypso said...

Gotta go with Kathy - Cotton Tales works.

marilyn said...

I get it and like it.
You know I use hobo in my address because it means homeward bound. I know I have a calling to be in Mexico some time in my life. Think about what made you go there and why it is allowing you such an adventure at this time in your life.
I know you appreciate this awesome experience, it shows on your face, in your word and is probably in your soul. "Just do it".......IDID - MEXICO!

Mike Nickell and Cynthia Johnson said...

Oh I like Cotton Tales! But if you don't want to make Señor Zapata cranky, you could use Cotton Tails!

Michael Dickson said...

Though Cotton Tales is really good, I got to Tales first. Cotton Tails don't hack it.

jennifer rose said...

Cotton Tails is soooo gay.

Anonymous said...

"A cotton transplant grows in Mexico."

anm

Mic said...

I vote for "Cotton Tales" also....tho "a rose is a rose...." your blog is unique and interesting whatever it's named.

Your efforts and sharing of experiences / viewpoints is very much appreciated. Will always look forward to your next post.

tineke said...

same title, same life, new location

Theresa in Mèrida said...

I like the old title. None of the new ones really convey the same idea. There is a restaurant (I use the term loosely) in Merida called Chicken Itza, chicken pizza is too close.
"same guy, new place" doesn't have the pizazz either....how about "against all advice" ?
regards,
Theresa

Arny B said...

Cotton Tales has a nice ring to it......

Barb said...

I like your original title, too. Anything with Chicken Pizza is cute and catchy, but I think the humour would be lost on anyone who's just starting to read blogs.

Todd said...

Cotton Pickin Mexico

Nancy said...

Same life--new location is perfect...and you know you don't mess with perfection!!

Nancy