So there’s probably a few of you who have already experienced what I’m about to describe. For me, this is the first time it’s happened, so bear with me.
As some of you know, my first name is Erwin. Actually, who among you read this blog and didn’t know my name was Erwin. Anyways, a few weeks ago I’m sitting at my desk at work and my manager comes to me.
“Hey, we just hired a temp FE artist and I think his name is Erwin! Yeah really! Now there’s two of you.”
I kinda just nodded because I didn’t even know we were hiring additional staff. Given the unpleasantness that happened in January, I was surprised we had enough money on hand to get more people. Also, my manager didn’t seem exactly sure what this guy’s actual name was.
Fast-forward to today when the entire team gets a new e-mail announcing two new hires. One was a co-op that we’d worked with before and the second was, you guessed it, the new temp FE artist. What pray tell is the actual name of the artist? It’s Irwan. Yes, it’s spelled completely different than my name but let’s be honest, just pronounce it. For a while there, I was hoping he preferred it as Ir-WAN as in LAN (SJC Call of Duty represent!) and WAN but that was just wishful thinking. In all likelihood, it’s pronounced just like my name.
So now there are two of us (sorta) on the team, just like a Jon and John combo, a Jimmy and Gymmy if you will. I made that last one up. I can’t even remember the last time I met another Erwin (or close to it). For all my life, if anyone yelled out “Erwin” I didn’t even need to think if that might be directed to another person. I was the one they were yelling at. Now at work, I’ll have to think twice, for the first time ever.
I’ve always thought my name was unique but I have a new appreciation for it now. Having a unique first name does have some advantages (and disadvantages too). I never really thought about how life is if your name is Bob or Steve. What’s it like having the same first name as five other guys in a group of ten guys?
I hope I come to enjoy having another namesake (sorta) on the team.