Good news came in la poste today. It seems that six months after restarting the process, I am once again covered by French healthcare. (We were bumped off when Jonathan outlived the student coverage so reapplied as grown-ups.) I was, of course, happy to receive my new card. But what really made me smile was the name they gave me.
Ever since arriving in France I have struggled to figure out and explain what exactly my name is. I'm not even talking about the pronunciation confusion of 'Kari' in French. (Does it sound like keh-ree or kah-ree? Like the word for 'cavity' or the girl on ER?) Nope. I'm talking about the fact that in 2003 I legally swapped my maiden name for my hitched name.
"Hi. I'm KariBorders Masson."
But then when I moved to France, they tied it back on me. From day one I have had to given my maiden name on all paperwork. At first I argued, trying to explain that my name was Masson. No matter how hard I tried, they insisted on using my maiden name. At my most recent prefecture appointment, the nice woman explained that they keep records based on maiden names since those don't change with marriages or divorces, so it makes paperwork easier. I can understand that, but I'm still going to pout over not getting to use my married name.
Jonathan has his own name trouble. Forget his name change issues (double paperwork for everything), his problem is at the end: III. Amazingly, here in the land of Louis XIV, they don't do suffixes. (It is funny to watch him explain to government officials that he's kind of like a king.)
"May I present his highness, Jonathan Masson III."
Back to the morning mail. My card arrived bearing the name Kari Elizabeth Masson III. I guess that'll teach me to make a fuss about having my husband's name. My husband the king, mind you.
Ever since arriving in France I have struggled to figure out and explain what exactly my name is. I'm not even talking about the pronunciation confusion of 'Kari' in French. (Does it sound like keh-ree or kah-ree? Like the word for 'cavity' or the girl on ER?) Nope. I'm talking about the fact that in 2003 I legally swapped my maiden name for my hitched name.
"Hi. I'm Kari
But then when I moved to France, they tied it back on me. From day one I have had to given my maiden name on all paperwork. At first I argued, trying to explain that my name was Masson. No matter how hard I tried, they insisted on using my maiden name. At my most recent prefecture appointment, the nice woman explained that they keep records based on maiden names since those don't change with marriages or divorces, so it makes paperwork easier. I can understand that, but I'm still going to pout over not getting to use my married name.
Jonathan has his own name trouble. Forget his name change issues (double paperwork for everything), his problem is at the end: III. Amazingly, here in the land of Louis XIV, they don't do suffixes. (It is funny to watch him explain to government officials that he's kind of like a king.)
"May I present his highness, Jonathan Masson III."
Back to the morning mail. My card arrived bearing the name Kari Elizabeth Masson III. I guess that'll teach me to make a fuss about having my husband's name. My husband the king, mind you.
ps - I'm officially requesting that Anna tell her story about her funny name experience at the prefecture.
4 comments:
All hail Queen Masson III.
Good day your highness...
That's hilarious! A good laugh picturing you telling that story was a great way to start my day. Thanks!!
Glad you liked it, Kate.
- K
Great news, Mrs. Masson! - N
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