That's Life 12-12-08

Posted

Issue of  Dec. 12, 2008 / 15 Kislev 5769

Dear That’s Life,

So you think it’s easy being Miriam Wallach in this neighborhood? Not when you’re consistently mistaken for Miriam L. Wallach, editor of this column, and you often have to introduce yourself as the other Miriam Wallach.

We have been mistaken for each other before. It’s not that we look alike, but if you’ve never met us and I say, “Hi, I’m Miriam Wallach,” people then often say, “Oh! You write for the Star!” and I say “No, I’m the other Miriam Wallach.”

Recently, I went into a store on Central Avenue where I had a credit from long ago. I don’t frequent this store but since we have a family simcha, I decided to splurge and get my kids special outfits. When I was ready to pay, I told them I had a credit on file.

“What’s your name?” the lady asked me. “Miriam Wallach,” I replied.

Looking at me askance and with an accusatory tone, she replied, “What are you doing with Miriam Wallach’s credit?!” Clearly, there was some confusion, but I’ve been in this spot before and knew exactly what the problem was.

“I’m the other Miriam Wallach,” I replied. Very embarrassed and profusely apologetic, she had not realized there was more than one. In fact, because of that, all of the “Miriam Wallach” credits at the store had been lumped into one –– and MLW had already used them, obviously not realizing they were not all hers, as she must shop in this store more than I do. Not to fear –– they issued me a new credit for the amount lost and put it towards this purchase, as the mistake was theirs.

Being Miriam Wallach is not always all it’s cracked up to be.

Miriam Wallach

Cedarhurst

Dear That’s Life,

It goes both ways –- I, too, have been mistaken for Miriam Wallach of Cedarhurst. (Note: I don’t use my middle initial to be pretentious –– I use it to try and differentiate between the two Miriam Wallachs in the area.)

Over the summer, there was a longwinded, sing-songy message on my machine inviting me to a surprise party in Brooklyn. It was a particularly cheery message that included all of the people who were going to be at the restaurant and also the people from the Five Towns who were going to carpool together to save money on gas. Sounded like fun.

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