My very first stalker

Okay boys and girls, gather round for another exciting episode of Father Knows Best? Today’s episode gets a little creepy as I answer a question from Tara, a possible stalker. 

I recently began following you and this may have already been asked/answered but I’m a busy lady and I don’t always have time to read the archives so stop judging me. Where did you come up with Chandler’s name? And if you say “Friends” I may have to leave my husband & children behind so I can come stalk you. I may have a sickness. 

-Tara

P.S. The sickness is in reference to my obsession with the show not with blog-strangers that I would potentially stalk. Hmmmmm. I think that “explanation” may have made it worse. I’m going to stop talking now.

Okay, I just checked and all my doors are securely locked. So now I can tell you that yes, Chandler’s name was at least partially inspired by “Friends”. Ashley suggested the name originally as a possible girl’s name. She remembered liking the name when she first read it in the book “Prince of Tides” (can you believe they made a book out of that movie?). Even though she was just 10 years old at that time, she made a plan to someday name her child Chandler. Kind of creepy how even her plans she made 19 years ago come true. 

Anyway, as soon as she mentioned the name Chandler I thought it was a great idea. I liked it because of “Friends,” but I really had to down play that as my reasoning because I could tell she didn’t want people to think we named our son after a character from a sitcom (albeit one of the best sitcoms ever). 

That being said Tara, I think we need to discuss your deeper issues here. I myself was once obsessed with “Friends.” To this day every time I move a couch I yell, “Pivot!”, I often sing the hit song “Smelly Cat”, and the phrase “We were on a break!” still resonates in my head. So I can’t blame your for your immense affection for such an iconic show. 

I just don’t think stalking me, simply because I named my son Chandler, which was partially inspired by “Friends”, is the proper way to express your feelings. Perhaps you could take a different approach. Maybe you could knit life-size dolls that resemble the entire “Friends” cast. Or maybe you could kidnap the cast and force them to re-enact your favorite episodes in your basement where you have replicated their set.

Whatever you choose, go big or go home. Stalking me just doesn’t seem hardcore enough. 

PS. Did I mention that Chandler is his short name? His full name is Chanandler Bong…Ms. Chanandler Bong.