Oh hey blog. Haven’t written on you in awhile. As my friend Angie said in her latest blog post, major life milestones have been happening:

• Took over as president of 85 Broads (Pittsburgh Chapter). I will be writing more about this kickass organization. Meantime, learn all about us here and then join!
• Helped with PodCamp Pittsburgh again (it’s happening tomorrow — October 5!)
• Got a new job in June and have been traveling and social media-ing like crazy
• Moved in August to a cute little apartment with my main squeeze
• Oh and one other detail: Wedding planning. I’M GETTING MARRIED NEXT SATURDAY!
• I also want to mention the duck here for good measure just because I love it a lot

Yeah yeah excuses. But this little blog was low priority the last few months.
Speaking of getting married, it brings me to this post. Before I tie the knot next weekend, a little dilemma has been swirling around in my head for a couple of months: My name change. I’m legally changing my name to match my new husband’s, but when it comes to a professional perspective, I’m torn. I thought about going by my FULL new name, Deanna Ferrari Tomaselli, but that is long, vowel-heavy, and it won’t fit in Twitter (I tried already…I’m a loser). So am I still Deanna Ferrari, or am I Deanna Tomaselli and hope people just come to learn my new name? Ferrari is VERY distinctive. It’s been that way my whole life. I sure love my last name. I love it so much it’s becoming my middle name. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy about my new name too. But when it comes to the social media and online world, I’ve built up my identity on it. I’m @dferrari or @d_ferrari everywhere. Yeah it’s a pain to change it, but my biggest concern is losing who I’ve built.

The Atlantic ran an article that couldn’t have come at a better time this week in regards to this same subject and gmail. Oh snap. I didn’t even THINK about email yet. The subhead is exactly what’s on my mind: that it’s more than just legal. You’ll need to rebuild your digital identity, too.

The article brings up excellent points, as does the comments. So I ask you, what do you think? I’m borderline crowdsourcing my decision here, people!
At the end of the day, it’s my decision. But I’m looking for what you did and your experience…so weigh in. I’d love your thoughts.

Signed,
Deanna Ferrari, maybe Tomaselli
(PS Will be blogging about the big day coming this November! Get ready)