Of Mice and Lady Macbeth

I decided to change the name of my blog on the suggestion of by roommate's boyfriend. "Marla Mouse" was a nickname my uncle gave me when I was little, and I didn't give it much thought when I named the blog. But it has started to bother me, because it suggests (as Jason said) meekness (which is not necessarily a bad thing), and quietness (also can be good) and fear (definitely not good). It's disheartening when I see how I've lived up to the childhood nickname. I have never wanted to be timid and shy, but that's how I've turned out.

In my last year at UBC I took a Shakespeare class which was, unquestionably, the best class I've ever taken. Despite my enjoyment and enthusiasm for the course, I didn't say anything the whole two terms. I just sat there, dumbly, listening but not contributing. Literally no sounds came out of my mouth in that class, except for when we did a mandatory performance and I was Lady Macbeth - I had memorized the part by heart - and I completely forgot every word and had to read it (there's NO way I was convincing as the “unsexed" power whore!). It really just comes down to a fear of rejection.

But no more, I say. I will be a contributer. I will give voice to my various (and often contradictory) thoughts and opinions! No more intimidation! Thanks Jason.