April 26th, 2009
Trail names are really weird, for me anyway. It’s almost a requirement out here to have one. I know a handfull of people who still don’t, but they are generally quiet or not particularly accident prone (two things that often lead to trail names, the biggest factor being fire). A lot of people say its like a way to redefine yourself. When you come out here you can be whoever you want to be. Which is funny to me because I’ve worked at a summer school for the past four years that praises itself for being a place that allows students to try on new personas. And when I was in middle school I certainly did that, too, and had several nick names like “Zulu,” “Medicine Man,” and “Jester.” But… that was when I was 13, not 19 – 70. I mean, I’m Matthew now, it’s my name and I like it. I have to agree with a friend of a friend Jay on this one. That’s one reason why I like Bender, it is part of my actual name, my identity, and not a fabrication I am putting on or trying to connect with. I also have not lit myself on fire yet, so things could change…
April 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Well,if in fact you did light yourself on fire, and I certainly hope you don’t, your trail name could be Burning Man Bender!!!!