How’s this for torment?

So my name is Noah.  Noah… Like the ark.  The large boat that carried two of all the animals.  Yes, that is my name.  So here is my question.  Why does everyone that sees my name have to ask where my ark is?

“Hey, your name is Noah.  Like the bible?”

“Yeah…”

“Where’s your ark?” {followed by giggles or chuckles}

For years, I didn’t have a response, and after awhile it really started getting on my nerves.  I knew it was bad when at one point, while at the grocery store the checker asked those dreaded words…  “Where’s your ark?” Ha ha ha…

I snapped, I couldn’t take it anymore.  I’m pretty sure that I was giving a bad glare at the woman, for when she looked up she was slightly taken a back (literally.  She almost flinched when she looked up).  I looked at her and gave a little sarcastic smirk and said.

“You know… If I had an ark do you really think I’d be here?  No, I’d be shopping at the zoo for my animals!”

In retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have been so harsh, but it felt pretty good.  The bagger stopped bagging groceries and looked as if he was trying very hard not to laugh.  Which of course turned my mood around very quickly.  I smiled, she laughed hesitantly, and I gave her my cash and left.  All in all a good thing. 

To make matters worse though, my last name is Baetge.  Ah ha!  Pronounce that!  Well… you probably can’t.  But thats okay.  The most common would be ‘Baitage’ or ‘Betgey’ (which is close).

Its actually pronounced ‘Betkey’.  Its German.  In Germany it was spelled B-a-e-t-g.  A ‘g’ on the end of a word makes a soft ‘k’ sound… so though English bastardization it has become ‘Betkey’.  Hey, whatever. 

So ends my retoric.  Now, I know many names that are much more difficult than mine, but you know, I’d just thought I’d complain a bit.  😉  Hope you liked it.