Pros and Cons

I like the names that I named my kids.  Obviously.  When I was pregnant with the boys, we were sold on Jackson from day one.  Charlie (Charles) took some convincing with Kevin, but once my large and uncomfortable self told him that I really felt as if there was a Charlie in there, I won.  Again, Obviously.  He tends to give in since I tend to carry the babies.  It's only fair. 

The one drawback of Charlie, is the hideous (in my opinion) nickname that it coincides with.  I dreaded the day when I would get a call from a high pitched, puberty stricken, teenage boy, asking me if "Chuck" was there.  "NO, NO Chuck here," will be my answer.  Call back when you want my son.  Thank you very much.

However lately, as I am a big fan of the TV, and all that come through it, I have noticed that I might be speaking too soon.  There are, in fact, a couple of men who not only make the nickname cool, they make it desirable.  Making mothers everywhere with sons named Charlie a bit more hopeful for the future. 

So here is our Pro and Con list.  The cool kids in one column, and the spoilers in the other. 

THE PROS:


Chuck Bass.
As dedicated Gossip Girl watchers, both Kevin and I can't get enough of this combed-over, slicked back, dark haired, eyebrow arching, too cool for school, Chuck.  His love-to-hate-him character makes us want to start using the name NOW.

Chuck Norris
What other 60+ year old can you find that can still kick some serious butt with those guns?  Not to mention dominating every American's Saturday mornings with his infomercials on how you too can have a body like his. 

Charles Schwab
Along with the handsome suit wearing actor Chris Diamanttopoulos (I didn't know his name either before google), Charles Schwab makes investing sound so cool and breezy by simply "Talking to Chuck," that I almost want to call and invest five bucks.  If this Chuck can help me save for retirement while also teaching men everywhere how to wear a skinny tie the right way, well then I'm all in. 
         
                                                      


                                                       Chuck E. Cheese

This was a close call for this famous little mouse.  He inched his way off of the "Con" list, because when you get down to it, is there anything better than Pizza and tokens?  Yes, if you add creepy dancing, life-sized animals that sing every few minutes, you have a home run for a name that can bring fond memories for generations.  Their awesomely bad pizza has transcended time, and Chuck and his Cheese are going strong, even through the worst recession since the Great Depression.

THE CONS:

Chuck Roast
Some day he will long to be called a piece of meat by the ladies.  But no mother ever wants her son to be referred to by the same name as What's for Dinner.  No matter how hunky he may be. 

Chuck Schumer
I just don't like your politics, Sir.  And I will do anything I can to prevent a google search of my son to include your articles as well.  Simple as that.

Chuck Todd
Yes, we all need to "Lean Forward," but maybe I want to do so with unbiased views and make my mind up for myself.  So I'm sorry Chuck, you annoy me every Sunday on Meet the Press.  And even if I liked you, you are on the "Con" list simply because of that beard.  It's not right.  Can you imagine this Chuck eating a Chuck Roast?  Oh the visual!






And there you have it.  Our list.  Feel free to send more suggestions our way.  We still love our little Charlie, just as he is.  There's a lot in a name, and a lot that we don't want in a name.  But I can tell you this, Chuck or Charlie, he is the best one on this list.  Just don't call asking for one, because I will have no idea who you are talking about.