We have been discussing this for a while now.
I think we knew the time would come.
I've been taking steps in preparation - talking. Notifying. Planning. Writing up this post in my head. It's been in my head for a long time now.
The stars aligned, the timing was right, and the time has indeed come.
Angus and Helen, as you know them, are no more.
I'd like you to meet Alastair.
And as for me...This isn't easy for me, hence why it's been months in the planning. The last wall to come down.
I guess we're not strangers anymore.
1
Hee! Shannon wasn't even on my internal list of possible names for you.
Pleasure to meet you!
Jay
Posted by: Z. Hendirez at April 12, 2009 10:39 AM (otB//)
2
Wow. Alastair and Shannon?
Why are you coming out?
And, nice to meet you...you are the same people though right? Right?
You're freaking me out.
Kisses to the easter bunnies, Nick and Nore*
Not their real names either right?
Posted by: Donna at April 12, 2009 11:00 AM (yNLIZ)
3
Donna - yup, we are the same people. Honest. The chick in all the photos I put up really is me. And the chappie in the photos with me really is him. I'm just coming out with our real names now. I'm not a balding, middle-age man in Wisconsin who writes this site (and there are people who have met me and can vouch for this.)
But correct - Nick and Nora remain pseudonyms.
Posted by: Helen at April 12, 2009 11:04 AM (xFTk5)
4
Oh but you will always always be Helen in my thoughts.
Posted by: Mia at April 12, 2009 11:18 AM (O/ppi)
5
You keep me on my toes. First you were Vanessa, then Helen now Shannon. Of course I love your real name since it so very close to my own.
I hope this does not mean you will stop blogging. I love your blog and have to get my daily fix of you, Alastair and the babies.
Since BBC America is the only channel with anything other then paid programming at the butt crack of dawn, when I get up on the weekends, I feel like I am sitting on the couch having coffee with you every Saturday and Sunday.
And I am not a bald man in Wisconsin, just a bored mother who is unable to sleep due to husband's snoring. I am from Wisconsin though.
Posted by: Shanna at April 12, 2009 11:27 AM (g/y6g)
6
Nope, I would never have guessed Shannon to be your real name either!
I thought when I clicked on the link that you were going to tell us you two are going to get married in the near future. Or that you had already!!
Posted by: Justme at April 12, 2009 11:58 AM (h/AP8)
7
Damn, I had a whole comment typed out and the spamhound rejected it gaaah
Anyways, nice to meet you Shannon, thanks for sharing your real name with us
I had no idea what your real name was either, but I often wondered ... mind you it will take a bit of getting used to, Helen is so ingrained in my head!
Posted by: Amanda at April 12, 2009 12:22 PM (Lcghc)
8
Oh great, now I having nothing to laud above others in regard to personal things known about you. Bah!
Posted by: MsPrufrock at April 12, 2009 12:29 PM (CA+L6)
9
Hi Alastair and Shannon
What an amazing Easter surprise.... love the name tags. I can vouch for your secret identities - All the way to a wine-soaked night in Paris (and back).
The Irish say the most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens. I'm always reminded of that when I read your amazing posts about your life. Your posts are like melodies, that echo long after. And this reveal, is such a crescendo after your 'fermata'...
Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. For your courage. I admire you beyond words...
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth at April 12, 2009 12:31 PM (Y/P20)
10
Yay! It's great to know your real names. Why this drastic decision? Pleasure to meet you anyway.
x
Posted by: Vanina at April 12, 2009 01:05 PM (/HHdG)
11
for some reason I had always thought Helen was your real name but come to think of it of isn't a very American name after all. Happy coming out day!
Posted by: Betty M at April 12, 2009 01:17 PM (AIVY3)
12
It's very nice to meet you, Alastair and Shannon.
Posted by: Marian at April 12, 2009 01:55 PM (ZD4nv)
13
AH! I had Alistair down for Angus but for some reason I was convinced you were Ashley! For what it's worth, I much prefer Shannon.
Congratulations on coming out!!!!
Posted by: Alice at April 12, 2009 02:18 PM (/0Fav)
14
Pleasure to meet you both. Nice to finally put a name to a face.
Posted by: Rob at April 12, 2009 02:18 PM (pIwTk)
15
You really are a Shannon! :-) I had a lot of ideas, but that wasn't there and, of course, it suits you perfectly. I'm sorry for the circumstances that forced the outing, but I'm happy to know who you really are.
Posted by: Kimberly at April 12, 2009 02:31 PM (yWWBa)
16
*smiles* Good for you. This is much better than closing up shop.
Posted by: Lisa at April 12, 2009 02:58 PM (YEsan)
17
I should hope that you have decided to reveal yourselves for good healthy reasons and not because of something else. But for whatever reason, this revelation was a wonderful Easter morning surprise. Definately will be my pleasure to get to know you all over again under your given name, Shannon.
Posted by: Terry at April 12, 2009 03:15 PM (mxAK2)
18
Oh my gosh! After all these years knowing you as Helen and Angus, it will take me MONTHS before I have to stop thinking, "Now which one's Alastair again...?"
Posted by: Gina at April 12, 2009 03:16 PM (B3Q55)
Posted by: steff at April 12, 2009 03:21 PM (Ke87H)
20
Oh my gosh! I was not expecting this. I think you have said before you are not a huge fan of your first name but it has always been one of by favorites!
Posted by: Julia at April 12, 2009 03:30 PM (i6FJK)
21
Hey, great to see your names. I always wondered what it is. Shannon is great. Must be quite a relief not worrying about if someone will find out now.
P.S. I suppose we'll continue to know the Swunt, by the only name that becomes her.
Christopher (real name)
Posted by: Mr.Thomas at April 12, 2009 04:10 PM (Zo16W)
22
I'm with Pru. My Smug Privileged expression has just fallen a little...!
Posted by: Hairy Farmer Family at April 12, 2009 04:42 PM (K29CX)
23
Wow... This is going to call for some mental rewiring because I've thought of you as Helen and Angus for so long! But then, it won't change the fact that you're the same wonderful people and that you're the same gifted writer.
It's a pleasure to finally meet the real you.
Posted by: Star at April 12, 2009 04:49 PM (5mbtb)
24
Nice to meet you both, Shannon and Alastair!
Posted by: Katy at April 12, 2009 05:10 PM (D1v+a)
25
Gosh...in my head I think of you as 'Helen' - might take awhile for me to get over that.
Nice to meet you both!
Posted by: Orodemniades at April 12, 2009 05:19 PM (Texme)
26
It is really cool that you have decided to share your true identities with us.
All the best to you and yours
RJT
Posted by: Raul at April 12, 2009 05:36 PM (lxc1h)
27
I'm with Pru and Ms. Hairy. But my husband will now be FAR less confused!
Posted by: caltechgirl at April 12, 2009 05:38 PM (IfXtw)
28
I commend your bravery. Like, a lot.
I was madly in love with a kid named Alastair in the sixth grade. He was from England. It didn't work out.
Mostly because I was a ginormous dork.
Posted by: D at April 12, 2009 05:48 PM (2Q9WD)
29
Whatever you do, don't give us the swunt's real name. I just love that word too much. Swunt, swunt, swunt...
Posted by: Alison at April 12, 2009 06:10 PM (Xkp4J)
30
hummmmm and how do we know these names are the TRUE ones?????
Posted by: Cris at April 12, 2009 06:25 PM (KpWuU)
31
What?! Your real name is not Chica?
Posted by: Bee Cee at April 12, 2009 06:34 PM (6tPuM)
32
Wow, I kinda assumed I would never know. Very nice to meet you both!
Posted by: stephanie at April 12, 2009 06:39 PM (NImtR)
33
After all of these years I've known YOU, so while the name change might take a bit of getting used to, it will still be you.
What prompted the "coming out?"
Posted by: Stories Aside at April 12, 2009 07:25 PM (KBcpL)
34
A pleasure to meet you. Huge step. But you'll always be Helen to me
Posted by: Lori at April 12, 2009 07:38 PM (DWZmY)
35
Wow so nice to meet you. You said you had a name that could go either way and I thought you were Frances for some reason. I love Shannon!
Posted by: Judi at April 12, 2009 08:04 PM (1Y+4Z)
36
What lovely real names you have, you lucky beasts! (My name is the bane of my existence. Such a burden. Will never forgive my folks for it.)
Posted by: redsaid at April 12, 2009 08:05 PM (cuCol)
37
A definite velveteen rabbit moment- becoming and being 'real' in the very best sense x
Posted by: jane at April 12, 2009 08:26 PM (eIMs7)
38
Yeah! I am sure it hard to come out from the protection of the pseudonym. It was very brave of you, and I am glad you did.
It is very nice to "meet" you, Shannon. Very nice indeed.
P.S. I wasn't clever enough to come up with a pseudonym, so my name really is Stacie! :-)
Posted by: stacie at April 12, 2009 08:54 PM (NLFW6)
39
Well damn. You're the only person I know that can come out of the closet and turn it into a revolving door. Now it's going to take forever for me to be able to reassociate yours and Angus' (oops, I meant to say Alastair's) names with your faces. And to think I was all comfy with thinking of you as Helen. (weeps)
Okay, I'm over it. Dave (yep, that's still real) is pleased to meet the two of you, Alastair & Shannon. And I'm not a bald guy from Wisconsin either, just a slightly chubby guy from Georgia.
Posted by: diamond dave at April 12, 2009 09:03 PM (RIYji)
40
Shannon: not on my list. Alister was on my list.
Hope this means you have a book about to be published and not another reason for outing yourself. Although I seem to recall a recent post where you alluded to a co=worker happening upon your blog.
I am rally Charles and like Diamond Dave am chubby from Georgia and an Army brat.
Posted by: Charles at April 12, 2009 09:25 PM (maQJG)
41
Lovely! Now I can stop thinking of you as Helen/Shannon and just think of you as Shannon.
It'll take me a while though.
Posted by: Jen at April 12, 2009 09:27 PM (kgpBU)
42
Alastair is on our shortlist of names for this baby if it EVER comes out! I had a best friend in primary school called Shannon who's father was an acrobatic pilot! Its lovely to meet you!
Posted by: Super Sarah at April 12, 2009 10:40 PM (0TP8F)
43
Sorry I mispelled Alastair.
Posted by: Charles at April 12, 2009 11:26 PM (maQJG)
44
Wow, Shannon! I cannot believe you took this step. Good for you! BRAVO!
And while I have not been commenting, my friend, I promise that I have been reading. The kids are adorable -- so beautiful.
Please convey my very best regards to Alastair?
Posted by: rp at April 12, 2009 11:43 PM (fWrQ6)
45
By the way, am I the only one who took a look at the big labels attached to your wrist and looked for the words: "Please take care of this bear"? I had a total Paddington Bear flash when I saw the pictures.
Posted by: rp at April 12, 2009 11:48 PM (fWrQ6)
46
Oh my goodness, this post scared me for a minute! So love your writing, glad to meet you both!
Posted by: Mrs. Juicebox at April 13, 2009 12:44 AM (3FynS)
47
I'll never be able to switch over :-) Please forgive me if I keep referring to you as Helen, even though Shannon is a beautiful name.
Posted by: Mel at April 13, 2009 01:27 AM (4LRj3)
48
I feel really honored that you feel ok enough to do this for us. Nice to meet you! Your real names are so... perfect.
Posted by: Dani at April 13, 2009 01:47 AM (vQl/U)
49
OK, you might by Ag-istair and Hel-annon for awhile, but welcome!
Posted by: Jendeis at April 13, 2009 01:48 AM (bYSEF)
50
So courageous...
:-)
Lily (not my given name)
Posted by: Lily at April 13, 2009 07:28 AM (2OX68)
51
hi H... I mean S... now no more chances of making a mistake (though a small part of you will always be H in my mind
)
bises!
Posted by: stinkerbell at April 13, 2009 08:44 AM (vvJNm)
52
This is quite a surprise. You'll always be Helen to me, though. (However, you do look much more like a Shannon than a Helen)
Any particular reason for the reveal?
Posted by: ~Easy at April 13, 2009 12:48 PM (IVGWz)
53
Whoa. Thought you two broke up for a minute!! So glad that is not the case
Posted by: Heather at April 13, 2009 12:53 PM (s0rhn)
54
Hi! Thank you for sharing with us. I may not always comment, but I read without fail. Your post on forgiveness has stuck with me like you wouldn't believe.
p.s. your names totally fit you!
Posted by: Kimberly at April 13, 2009 01:39 PM (Fndcg)
Posted by: Suze at April 13, 2009 02:04 PM (0doyF)
56
Nice to meet you! Love your names... although Helen was easy for me to remember, it is my mom's name.
Sue (for real)
Posted by: sue at April 13, 2009 02:04 PM (0K+AI)
57
Congratulations on coming out of the blogging closet! I know it can be scary. I've been slowly switching over to using my real name after being burned in the past. (As you can see, I'm not quite ALL the way there.) There are still times when I cringe seeing my name all over the Internet. Good luck to you on this big step! I hope you're able to keep blogging as openly and honestly as you have in the past.
Posted by: geeky at April 13, 2009 02:06 PM (FBNua)
58
I have to admit I was never a big fan of the name Helen anyway - I had a crazy great aunt named Helen (she was married to my great uncle who, concidently, is still alive but very badly deteriorated). They used to bring their dog Digit EVERYWHERE (and I do mean everywhere) and had no kids and were just ... kooky. So I'm glad you aren't Helen anymore .. Shannon is much better. :-). And, of course like everyone else I'm curious to know the reveal.
I'm not from Wisconsin but I'm from Minnesota, is that close eonough? We think we are much more hip than Wisconsin anyway. :-)
Posted by: Jennifer at April 13, 2009 02:14 PM (6JvP5)
59
Well- there now . . . that was quite a shock. But lovely names both . . . And as Facebook has allowed you to learn my real name . . . ahem . . . Cindy . . . ahem . . . welcome to the world of the no-longer completely anonymous!
I'll stay incog on my blog though
Posted by: oddybobo at April 13, 2009 02:49 PM (mZfwW)
60
I'm curious as to what prompted this outing, but happy for you that you finally felt comfortable enough to take this step! And a little annoyed that I now have "I'm Coming Out" stuck in my head on endless repeat. Hopefully, just writing that will pass it from my brain to someone else.
Posted by: amy t. at April 13, 2009 02:55 PM (3dOTd)
61
I found your blog in 2005 when I had moved to LA instead of London as I had wanted to...I was searching for expat blogs for comfort in knowing that others had done what I hadn't (yet). After reading for so long - it's very cool, and somehow relieving (not sure why) to now know your real names. To feel like you've trusted me/us with this particular detail. Thanks for all you share and work through here. It's a great space. And I'm glad you are in the world.
Posted by: nikoline at April 13, 2009 03:06 PM (ZbAHH)
62
I found your blog in 2005 when I had moved to LA instead of London as I had wanted to...I was searching for expat blogs for comfort in knowing that others had done what I hadn't (yet). After reading for so long - it's very cool, and somehow relieving (not sure why) to now know your real names. To feel like you've trusted me/us with this particular detail. Thanks for all you share and work through here. It's a great space. And I'm glad you are in the world.
Posted by: nikoline at April 13, 2009 03:07 PM (ZbAHH)
63
Nice to meet you, I'm Elizabeth. I've been following your blog for about a year now.
Posted by: Elizabeth at April 13, 2009 03:09 PM (rY3Ox)
64
I can honestly say that I never really wondered what your name was. But I did wonder about Angus, uh Alastair. I don't know why, I just did. I just enjoy your blog.
Posted by: Tif at April 13, 2009 03:29 PM (fPmeR)
65
I seldom comment, but read daily. It's nice to put (real) names to faces--so, thank you! I'm curious, too, why you decided to tell. BTW, I've always liked my name (Patricia) but detest my nickname (Patsy)...and I'm much further south than Wisconsin.
Posted by: patndixie at April 13, 2009 03:53 PM (NlXhI)
66
Nice to finally meet you Shannon!
I actually saw both of your names, once, on flickr picture...that (I think) was quickly removed. It was right after your engagement...but you were always upfront with the pseudonym and I figured that if (ever) you really wanted us to know your name, you'd be forthcoming. I can't explain why I like this so much....I do though.
I believe you already know this, but my name is Natalie.
Posted by: wn at April 13, 2009 03:59 PM (k8TdQ)
67
Nice to meet you! Oh, and how did the pork chop casserole turn out?
Posted by: Jessica at April 13, 2009 04:02 PM (qGdcm)
68
That is too strange! I would have never imagined you two with either of those names, how do you yell ALASTAIR and have it roll off your tongue? LOL
Posted by: Cheryl at April 13, 2009 05:55 PM (6pQxe)
69
Sorry, I know too many Shannons.
Can you stay Helen to make my mental cataloguing easier?
(Kidding!)
Posted by: Sigivald at April 13, 2009 06:52 PM (WIejT)
70
Funny, I knew your name, but I always assumed that Angus was his real name - not sure why, but it never occurred to me. So are Nick and Nora not really Nick and Nora?
Curious - why now? was somebody threatening to out you?
I'm glad to have it out - now I don't have to worry about slipping up and calling you the wrong thing. I'm still to chicken to use my real first name on my blog - maybe someday.
Posted by: Carol at April 13, 2009 08:47 PM (CCDiK)
71
I love that you're Shannon! It suits you perfectly!
Posted by: Tinker at April 13, 2009 09:11 PM (rU3SM)
72
My daughter is named Shannon, after her grandmother and great-grandmother, who had that as a last name. It is my favorite girl's name!!
Still, I will have a hard time thinking of you an anything other than Helen....LOL
Posted by: kenju at April 13, 2009 10:07 PM (hMUhQ)
73
I figured out your name awhile ago from a couple things you mentioned on your blog - 1. that Angus thought you were Irish when he first met you, and 2. that your name is also a boy's name. It was confirmed later by something else you posted on your blog.
Posted by: Jennifer at April 14, 2009 12:31 AM (ZpPP3)
74
I'm glad you finally felt comfortable (?) enough to reveal your names to the world. I kinda get the feeling you did it because you felt like you had to instead of wanting it to be the right time.
I have always associated the name Alastair with that kid on You Can't Do That on Television. Although your Alastair really never looked like an Angus to me. Not Scottish enough.
Posted by: Michele at April 14, 2009 02:30 AM (rXEzC)
75
I've known for a little while what your true first names were because as a long time (3 1/2 year reader)that only comments sporadically but reads religiously "everyday", I've participated in some of your causes. I would have never given it away and as far as I am concerned the two of you will always be Helen and Angus!! Just cuz...
Posted by: kimmykins13 at April 14, 2009 02:38 AM (dU7tc)
76
I never pegged you as a Shannon, Vanessa seemed like a good fit though.
Posted by: Trace at April 14, 2009 04:19 AM (5dCs4)
77
Pleased to meet you both. However, there is no Mt. St.Shannon in WA, so I will still have to think of you as Helen as I drive by Mt.St.Helens on my way to work down I-5. For a short while anyway.
ps. my real name is still J.M. (John)
Posted by: J.M at April 14, 2009 04:47 AM (8fKwp)
78
pps.
omg...see what you have gone and done?
Henry Gross is whining in my head..
"Shannon is goooone I heard, she's drifftiing out to sea!!!" Arrrrgh!
Posted by: j.m at April 14, 2009 06:20 AM (8fKwp)
79
Beautiful Irish-Scottish mix of names you both have, and did you know that your name has its origin in the name of the Irish river goddess?
See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Shannon
and here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alastair
Posted by: Paula at April 14, 2009 10:39 AM (mUaKF)
80
You said, "I guess we're not strangers anymore."
Does that mean you're going to change the blog to "Everyday Friend" or "Everyday Acquaintance"?
You've shared so many of your thoughts over the years, would you share what brought this decision about? I'd love to hear it, and I'm sure many others would too. But if you'd rather not, I understand.
Posted by: Solomon at April 14, 2009 12:57 PM (4Dep+)
81
I also hope this means you might get published soon! Very nice to meet you both, Shannon and Alastair, and thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Meg at April 14, 2009 02:03 PM (1OdWO)
82
Wow! What a shocker! Couldn't read and run today, just couldn't.
Never thought you would reveal your real names and felt we had no business to know - I just thought it was privilege enough that you share so much already. Had you down as an Ashleigh but much prefer Shannon, it suits you perfectly. Just hope the decision to out yourself wasn't because someone forced you into a corner..
Nice to meet you both!
Posted by: Caroline at April 14, 2009 02:56 PM (Pgpwu)
83
Wow. So would not have thought that was your name. I guess I expected something way more austere/patrician/serious. I hope you don't take that the wrong way. His name is my 2nd favorite English name, next to Onslow. Love getting to peek behind the proverbial curtain. If you feel like being totally bored, friend me on Facebook - Beth Solloway (North Jersey - since there is apparently more than one of me.) My page is private since I don't want my students to find me.
Posted by: Beth at April 14, 2009 03:42 PM (KELSj)
84
oh my gosh! how crazy! its hard to think of you with any other names though! However both good, solid names.. how funny! Thanks for revealing!
Posted by: KimW at April 14, 2009 08:36 PM (0fdgP)
85
You wrote me a thank you once (I probably still have it here somewhere 'cuz I was so surprised and touched to receive it from all the way 'across the pond') and you signed it 'S'. And it completely perplexed me - thinking to myself 'what is her name? Sue? Sara? Sylvia? Samantha?...
And now I know...and I never would have thought of 'Shannon'. Which is a beautiful name. And so is Alastair.
Now, I ask this: will you ever reveal Nora and Nick's true names? I realized in a post a long time ago - with a punch in the stomach kind of feeling - that they weren't REALLY Nick and Nora. And since they feel like kids I really KNOW, it bothers me so much to not know their true name. I completely understand why you aren't sharing them and probably won't - but oh, how I wish you would. I just need to know' the real 'family'.
Hugs to you all...I love the blog, love all of you and read daily.
Mindy in Tracy, CA USA
Posted by: MindyMax at April 15, 2009 03:07 AM (ZTH+A)
86
Hello Alistar and Shannon! Ummmm...I have to say I really didn't think you'd ever reveal your real names! You definitely don't seem like a Shannon, maybe a Susan? Alistar, too doesn't seem like an Alistar! So, to me, you'll remain Helen & Angus! Though it is nice to know your real names!
Posted by: Juls at April 15, 2009 04:47 PM (QBQ4c)
87
OH my....What crazy news. Your are still Helen to me. I have been reading you for over 5 years so yeah it will take me a while to get used to Shannon.
Posted by: ysunflowergirl at April 16, 2009 02:03 AM (xx4Bk)
88
How freakin' cute are you? Love your writing.
Posted by: Lunasea at April 17, 2009 03:54 AM (zmInK)
89
I missed the big outing. Glad that you feel comfortable with us to give up your secret.
You're gutstier than I am. While you- and a few others- know my name, I'm not willing to share it with the whole world.
Unrelated: your smile gets prettier every day. Great picture.
Posted by: physics geek at April 17, 2009 05:35 PM (MT22W)
90
Holy crap I missed it. I missed the day you "came out" so to speak. It was such a crappy week I haven't had time to check and I missed it.
Although I'm not shocked with his real name I would have never guessed Shannon as your first name. It's fitting and beautiful!
Unfortunately my real name is Heidi and wouldn't know how to hide it even if I tried.
Well goodbye Helen and Angus and hello Alister and Shannon -- it's nice to meet you...finally!
Posted by: heidi at April 19, 2009 11:07 PM (Iyvgs)
91
I've known your name was Shannon for ages - I think since the kitten came to live with you, but I've only known Alastairs for a little while, since the Children in Need thing, I think. You've been Shannon (to me) for ages, but I still think of Alastair as Angus
Posted by: melanie at April 21, 2009 10:02 PM (2jBfO)
92
Pleased to meet you, Shannon. I'm Bernadette.
There's actually a couple of reasons why I sign with the initial. The first one is that, online, I'm often mistaken for a guy (no joke), so I like to see how long it takes people to figure it out.
The second is that it's so very long and I just KNOW I'd misspell it at some point.
Posted by: B. Durbin at April 23, 2009 06:54 PM (gsLfk)
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