You Can Call Me Ray, or You Can Call Me Jay, But You Doesn't Have to Call Me Johnson

How many people remember the character actor Bill Saluga? He was better known as Raymond J. Johnson. He did this schtick that was hilarious and drove people insane at the same time. And it was all about his name.

Now, how many people order coffee under their real name?

I know, personally, I often make up a name when ordering a fancy drink at a coffeehouse. I mean, it's just easier sometimes. It's noisy, the barista is busy and do they really care who I am anyway? So, instead of using my real name, I'll use a nickname or maybe I'll just say "Sue." It's not like I'm signing a contract, right? And who doesn't like to play pretend?

I started giving this more thought the other day when I went for coffee with a co-worker. Her name is Carol but she ordered her latte under "Coco." And I turned to her and said, "Did you say Coco??" And that's when I learned that I'm not the only one who plays the name game. She said Coco was the name her Dad called her.

So, me being me, I started thinking of doing this thing where every time I went to a different coffee shop (not one of my usual haunts, of course), I would order specialty coffee drinks under a different name. Maybe I'll be Zsa Zsa or Paris or Chloe or Diddy. I think it would be a kick.

I just hope I don't forget to pick my drink up at the bar when they call my name.