How I got my nickname

I'm often asked, so is that how you got your nickname?
Always, the answer is, not really.

It has developed into many meanings and it's becoming appropriate. I guess we really do grow into our names... so you moms to be out there, don't name your kid something like Dweezel or Brittany! ;)

Several years ago, I had no real job and I was attempting to make money by designing landscapes & interior remodels. I have a degree in Architectural Studies (2001) from University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and took additional classes in Landscape Architecture when I moved back here. My goal at the time was earn some money and experience and get my M Arch.

Between 2001 and 2003 I got a few clients and did a few jobs. It turns out I'm a sucky business woman and it's all based on a lack of desire. About 2003 I started frittering away my time watching daytime television. This new show came on called Starting Over... it's a reality series and sadly I was hooked. This chick came on the show called PJ and she bugged me so much one day I signed up on their message board under the name "a real redhead". PJ had dyed her hair red on the show and mentioned how it changed her life and her feelings about herself... GAG ME! I don't remember now what she said, but again, it bugged me.

Eventually I started wasting my time on that board and as it is on most message boards or chats, my name got shortened... some called me 'areal', some 'real', and most 'red'. I liked Red, my friends used Red, and some of my least favorite people used Red, but sometimes in combo with other letters, lol. I went through a few variations on Red, but for the most part, that was it on various message boards in the last several years.

I followed a friend onto Blogger, and when I signed up, I decided to use just Red... and the rest is in the archives.

Red works out interesting... I do have reddish hair, technically strawberry-blonde. I now really like the color red. I have a red purse :) My iPhone cover is now red. My bedroom and bathroom sets are red... I've gotten carried away, lol. It's interesting around the house too because my brother has a dog named Redd... and his screenname is ReddLegend. He named himself after his dog... he must think he is Indiana Jones or something - ha!

In case there is still anyone left who doesn't know, my real name is Heidi... it's on the pics for the most part, lol. And for a bit of trivia... when I go to Taco Bell, I give my name as Red because not one of the workers at any restaurant I've been to ever understand how to spell, let alone repeat, Heidi.