“Names are loaded, full of pitfalls and possibilities, and can prove obstacles to writing.” -Carmela Ciuraru

Belle de Jour didn’t invent the pseudonym. Concerned that his fantasy writings would reflect badly on his academic work, mathematician Charles Dodgson wrote under the name Lewis Carroll. As to not alert the neighbors that they were featured in their stories, the Bronte sisters published under pen names. C.L. Moore utilized her initials to disguise that she was a woman when writing science fiction, a male-dominated genre.

Google wants people to use their real names on Google Plus profiles and has threatened to delete profiles using pseudonyms. Their profile page forces you to enter a first and last name. I understand the desire to minimize the impact of the Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory but anyone who reads I’m Not Racist But… is well aware that simply attaching a real name doesn’t prevent people from saying terribly offensive stuff.

Reducing anonymity may reduce the incidence of such behavior, but it also reduces the ability of people to speak freely. We all know employers Google potential employees. Companies have fired employees over personal blogs. Blogs have been used against parents in custody disputes. Threats are made against people who dare to write about atheism or feminism or sex. Hell, bloggers make use of pseudonyms to avoid having uncomfortable discussions with their parents. These complaints aren’t even in the same universe as the oppression faced by those who use anonymity on the internet to fight against unjust governments.

I have the privilege of not facing threats against my life for what I write about. However, I do worry about what an employer might think of my writings. And my parents. So to conform with Google Plus and generally make my life easier, I’ll be officially writing under the name Molly Rene.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” -Abraham Lincoln

I didn’t do so hot with my 2010 New Year’s Resolutions.

2010 resolution: I wanted to use Bedpost regularly.

2010 result: I did okay with this, some months I was better than others.

2010 resolution: I wanted to learn how to roll a joint.

2010 result: I have not.

2010 resolution: Make a perfect red velvet cake.

2010 result: I got closer but not perfection.

2010 resolution: Watch more documentaries.

2010 result: I managed to watch a few, but not nearly as many as I wanted.

2010 resolution: Run a 10k.

2010 result: Not even close.

So let’s see, what’s on tap for 2011?

• I still want to use Bedpost and use it more regularly.
• I still want to learn to roll a joint, which may actually happen in this country.
• Use Bedpost every single time. Look, if you’re going to sleep with me, just know that I’m probably heading for my laptop to record the details as soon as I can stand. For some, that may be awhile.

Other than that, my priorities have changed a bit this year.

I want to learn to speak Dutch. I know I probably won’t be totally fluent by the end of 2011 but I’d like to be significantly more fluent than I am today.

And that’s pretty much my only new 2011 goal. Maybe I have PTSD from all the changes in 2010.

“Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self-assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.” -Eric Zorn

These aren’t all resolutions per se. Some are things I want to accomplish or things I plan to do. But it will be nice to have a list to look back on in a year to see what I have accomplished.

First, using Bedposted. I plan to keep track of every sexual encounter I have during 2010. Hopefully, I’ll gain some interesting insight into my sexual habits. The site will let you keep track of your sexual partners, each sexual act (including masturbation), and all sorts of interesting stats.

Secondly, learn how to roll a joint. I have no idea how I got to this age and can’t roll a fucking joint.

I keep trying and I keep failing, so number three is to make a perfect red velvet cake. My previous attempts have been epic, epic failures. My grandmother has offered to give me remedial training.

After watching The Rape Of Europa last night, another goal of mine for 2010 is to watch more documentaries. The only current one on my list is The Nine Lives Of Marion Berry. I’m taking suggestions!

Finally, I want to run a 10K. I’ve never run in a race before. Ultimately, I want to run a marathon, but I’m going to get my feet wet with a 10K.

Those are the big ones. I’m always striving to be a better person, be more selfless, be more efficient, learn new things, and to try to not hate humanity so much.

The last one never happens.