About my name. I made a mistake. I half took my husband’s last name. I waffled after we were married about changing Anne Marie Scheffler to Anne Marie Libbey so now the phone bill is in Anne Marie Libbey and people who wanted to hire me for jobs couldn’t find me in the phone directory. Well, older people. It’s a different search engine world now.
But really, I screwed up about half-taking my husband’s last name. You really shoot yourself in the foot when you half do anything. I love and don’t love my last name Scheffler. I love it because it is my Dad’s name, my family name, a strong name. I don’t love it because it is hard to spell, and not as common or superstar like as say “Hudson”. And mostly because I don’t know myself. Or spent so long finding myself outside of who I am to a man. When I finally snagged a husband, I thought “there Dad, I am not going to do what you tell me to do anymore! I’m dropping your name! I’m taking his!” And then we walked into the reception hall, the NHL theme playing, as “Dave and Anne Marie Libbey”. Also, I am a second wife, and Dave’s first wife did not take his last name, so I wanted to be the “first Mrs. Dave Libbey.”
But then I half took it. I forgot that I had actually made something of myself as Anne Marie Scheffler, and as hard to spell as it is, I was over a decade into an entertainment career and my name held value. And then when I was around my hubby and babies, I felt ashamed that I was promoting the Anne Marie Scheffler brand because it seemed to be contrary to wanting to be Mrs. Libbey. And then I became divided. Only being Anne Marie Scheffler out in the entertainment world. And playing Anne Marie Libbey at home and in the neighbourhood.
But now I see it’s a mistake. Because I have to be me at home too. That Anne Marie Scheffler was the woman Dave married. The one at home hiding her career plans, goals and- the big one- finances- is a half person. Who seems duplicitous. And half-sure. And brings about half-success.
So the big conclusion today is I am me. Anne Marie Scheffler. I will be my authentic self at home and at work. And see how that goes.

Get some mommy advice from Janet, the kind of competitive mother who believes that there is nothing more important than raising winners!

Don’t miss “Suddenly Mommy” – the hilarious mother of a comedy by Anne Marie Scheffler
Every woman who’s had a baby recognizes the moment when your name changes from “Hey, Sexy” to suddenly “Mommy”! Anne Marie Scheffler, the star of Second City and her own special on The Comedy Network, presents this hilarious and relatable one-woman show on motherhood fresh from Second City Hollywood and Theatre Row in New York City.

http://suddenlymommy.com/watch-webisodes?video=19

So, in less than a week, it’s my birthday. I’ve always felt very sensitive about my birthday. Because it’s a summer birthday, and yes, when I was little, my school chums were no where to be found. I was always gypped out of having a birthday party with guests… like other than my brother, sisters and my brother’s friend Duncan. And he only came because he lived next door. I’m completely fine now. I don’t even think about my sixth birthday, when no one came. And it rained. And when my mom ran down the street getting any kid not in camp or at a cottage to come and watch Cat in the Hat in our basement. My mom borrowed a movie projector from the local library. Don’t dwell on how old I must be to be watching super 8 movies, but think about how awesome my mom was to pull it together so fast. And it’s not about wearing a crown all day at school- which I never got to do- but I’m completely good with that- I’m over it. No, birthdays are about… um…
Funny, I was going to do a party or invite some girlfriends over, but a lot of people are away at cottages…
I was considering an October birthday party for to celebrate the end of July birthdate that I have. Is that okay?
It’s more of a way of life. So I like to think about every day being like my birthday… It makes up for no one coming to my parties when I was a little kid. Not that that affects me in the least. I’m good now. Really. But if you’re around, maybe stop by? I’ll be the one wearing a crown. xoxo AMS