Name Drop (Issue #12)
This week’s theme is names: The ones we remember and the personalities behind them.
Hi friends!
This week’s newsletter is a long one, but make sure you stay tuned to the end. We have a special treat this week. We’re opening access to our P.S. section for free subscribers to give you an idea of what paid subscribers are able to access after the paywall each week!
A month ago, I got married, but my name remains unchanged. I’ve been Celisia Stanton for 28 years, and I just couldn’t part with it. Not only have I built my career with this name, but its sibilance also just makes fun to say out loud, haha. At the core, I am and always will be Celisia Stanton, even though I am so proud of my marriage and the family we’re building together.
And the fact is, names do a lot more than just differentiate one person from the next. Names hold memories, demonstrate and pay homage to culture, and become core to our identities. Later in today’s newsletter, I feature the inventor of my name – my mom, Cecilia Stanton Adams. A few years ago I gifted my mom a subscription to Storyworth, where each week she’d receive a prompt to write about whatever she wanted, and at the end of a year, they compile all of your entries into a beautiful keepsake book (If you’re interested, you can get $10 off your own subscription through my referral code). One week, my mom wrote up a story about the inspiration behind my name, which I thought would be perfect to include here:
“From the ages 7-11, Saturdays were my favorite days. Saturdays meant Cap’n Crunch cereal and jelly sandwiches, cartoons like Tom & Jerry and She-ra. Saturdays meant staying up late and watching Saturday Night Live and showtime at the Apollo. When the showgirls came on at the beginning of the show I would high-kick right along with Keke Shepard. Most of all, I loved Saturdays because it meant going to work with my dad. I, for sure, am a daddy’s girl because I think he is the most incredible, sarcastic, charismatic, and mysterious man I’ve ever known. My father was a mechanic and fixed vending machines that you would see in the lunch room of a hospital or business. On those trips with my dad, I felt like the world opened up. One of the places was called Bonwit Teller; it was a very hoity toity store. It would be on the same level as places like Tiffanys or Sax (the one on 5th ave, not the bargain basement one). We always entered stores like these through the back entrance so, oddly enough, I never got a chance to see what the inside of the store looked like. I imagined the scent of luxurious perfumes being sprayed into the air by sales ladies as you pass by. I just knew there would be counters upon counters of exquisite jewelry. Even as a middle schooler, I had a vivid imagination and superior taste. However, judging by the very white staff I watched come-and-go in the lunchroom, it was probably best we didn’t have to walk through the store. A Black man and little girl would have been very odd in the insanely upscale department store.
Another building we went to was called CRC. It was a call center where people would call homes and sell them magazines or whatever the client wanted. I would work in that call center 10 years later! But, that wasn’t the interesting part though. On the bottom floor, was a car showroom. It was the first I’d ever seen. Imagine, gleaming cars with butter-like leather interiors. That’s where I saw it. The cute little sports car, brand new, it was called, the Celica. I would remember the name of that car for years to come. The name represented, not just a car, but a memory of good times, laughter, and snacks. It was a reminder of singing with my dad and counting the change he gave me for a job well done.”
I’d always known a brief version of how she invented my name, but to hear the full story was so meaningful to me. I love the way my name connects me to my mom and my grandpa and a whole family history.
So for today’s newsletter, everything is curated around the names we know and the people behind them. Enjoy!
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
*Indicates a gift link. I know how frustrating paywalls are! When possible, I’ll try to offer gift links through my subscriptions to support access to high-quality journalism.
ProPublica: Billionaire Harlan Crow Bought Property From Clarence Thomas. The Justice Didn’t Disclose the Deal. by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan and Alex Mierjeski
This article details one of many scandals currently plaguing the reputation of the Supreme Court and its justices. It’s a fascinating read, and the implications of Clarence Thomas’ lack of disclosure are many. With public trust in the Supreme Court currently on a major downswing, I’m interested to see how the fallout of these discoveries play out.
New York Times: It’s Time to Address the Emily in the Room* by Emilia Petrarca
Between 1996 and 2007, Emily was the most popular baby name in the United States. Now, there’s an entire generation of Emilys in early adulthood, and it’s almost certain that you either know one in real life or have watched one on television. In this deep dive, Petrarca explores the history and popularity of the name Emily, interviewing various Emilys about their name and its impact on their life. It’s a cool angle, examining how names proliferate and move their way into popular consciousness.
New York Times: Liz Holmes Wants You to Forget About Elizabeth* by Amy Chozick
This profile about former Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is the first since her infamous trial. Throughout, Chozick spends time with Holmes and her kids and husband, noting significant changes in the former CEO. Chozick says Holmes has done away with her iconic eyeliner and deep voice, opting instead for a much less unusual aesthetic: a suburban mom who cares deeply about her family. I especially loved Chozick’s own reflections on Holmes’ presentation throughout their time together, and it raised a lot of questions about who Holmes really is.
The Week: The Reagans shows the roots of America's individualism problem by Neil J. Young
This piece was first published in 2020, but I recently found it and was fascinated by Young’s argument. With references to the four-part Showtime documentary miniseries about the Reagans and their rise to power and prominence, Young traces the rise of U.S. individualism to the Reagan presidency. The article explores how Reagan’s campaign and time as president shifted public consciousness away from that of a communal culture to one fixated on individualism. Young also connects this shift in attitude to the success of Trump and his vision of America. It’s a really fascinating read with great throughlines from historical moments to the present day.
Featuring someone I’m obsessed with (talking about what they’re obsessed with).
As promised earlier, today’s So Obsessed features the incredible woman who invented my name – my mom, Cecilia Stanton Adams. Outside of being an incredible mom, she is a visionary leader who is revolutionizing the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Long before I had any sort of online community, I would get recognized as “Cecilia’s daughter” by folks who’d worked with her or seen her give a keynote in the past. She currently serves as the CEO of the Diversity Institute, founded in response to the need for research, coaching, and training. With 20 years of experience as a strategic DEI expert, she is a renowned trainer and award-winning researcher in unconscious bias. She is currently gearing up for the next round of The Art + Science of DEI, an intensive 6-week live, virtual program designed by and for DEI professionals (whether they have the title or not). Through the program, participants deepen their knowledge, access best practices and tools, and cultivate the support critical to sustaining any DEI professional's impactful work. You can learn more and apply for the program here.
My mom wanted to do something a little more creative with this week’s So Obsessed, so instead of just submitting some of her favorite things, she wrote a whole mini article aptly titled “Get Your ADHD Life.” Check it out!
Get your ADHD Life
This is Cecilia Stanton Adams, your sassy DEI entrepreneur, and resident mom-fluencer. Buckle up because I’m about to share with you my secret ingredients for living my most authentic and fabulous life!
Okay, get this, I just discovered something about myself at 47. No, it’s not a secret love for reality tv or a talent for interpretive dance (those are not secrets, LOL). Turns out, I have ADHD! Yep, you read that right - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Now, don't drop your coffee mugs (or wine glasses, I'm not judging), I was surprised too.
But you know what they say - when life hands you an ADHD diagnosis, make...well...I guess you just make sense of it! I had been noticing signs but never had a label for it.
While the initial revelation was scary - My anxiety kicked in high gear with worries that my diagnosis meant I couldn't be the star I always dreamed I would become - with the help of my family, close friends, and my go-to resources, I quickly realized my brain was not a lemon but a supercharged, if slightly erratic, sports car.
Once I began to understand what it meant to have ADHD, I realized I just needed to kick it into a different gear!
When I’m all cylinders you better buckle up, because mind will take off like a hyperactive squirrel, darting from one idea to the next. But there are instances when I need it to slow down and think like a contemplative tortoise, taking each step with focus and intention.
Thankfully, I've found a few wonderful allies and tools that have helped me view my ADHD not as a stumbling block, but as a roadmap. Here's my tried-and-true trio of favorites:
My absolute ADHD guru, Kristen Carder. This woman is a wizard, I tell you. Her FOCUSED community and her I Have ADHD podcast have been my constant companions. I practically inhaled her podcast the summer I was diagnosed! It's not just information, it's understanding. It’s like she’s taken up residence in my brain - without the hefty rent!
Then there's the fabulous Tonya Leigh over at the School of Self-Image. She is the Picasso of personal transformation, helping you paint a whole new picture of yourself. She gives a whole new meaning to "selfie," empowering you to recognize and leverage your own unique image.
Last but not least, there's Emilie Wapnick's enlightening book '*How to Be Everything.' It's like a user manual for us 'multipotentialites' - those of us with endless curiosities and creative pursuits. This book should come with a warning: "may cause sudden bursts of self-discovery and empowerment."
Oh, and one more thing. My planner! *The Law of Attraction Planner, this beauty is more than just a place to jot down appointments. It’s a GPS for emotional well-being, a secret weapon in my quest to stay focused and balanced.
So, there you have it, folks. The inside scoop on how I've learned to appreciate my ADHD, see its value, and channel its energy into living my most authentic life.
Remember, every brain is wired differently, but it's up to us to learn how to use it to light up our world.
Things to try + share in the group chat.
Note: Links preceded by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links that allow me to collect a small commission when you purchase something I’ve recommended. That said, I can promise that I’ll only ever share items I truly love. Buying through these links is one way to support me and my small biz. ❤️
Although I’m not a big fan of eggs (a full explanation of those opinions can be found in my food-themed newsletter), I somehow still trust an egg recipe coming from Gordon Ramsey. In this video tutorial, he walks through all the small details required to make the perfect scrambled egg.
Speaking of celebrity recipes, these Chai cookies are the ones Taylor Swift swears by. They look so delicious, and I love the unique take on a classic sugar cookie recipe.
Last summer I listened to the audiobook *Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America and loved it. The memoir is written by President Obama’s speechwriter, Cody Keenan, and focuses on a period of just 10 days in June 2015, when Keenan worked on a series of speeches in response to a string of now-historical events. It’s such a good look of what happens behind the scenes of the White House, and how public messaging requires a lot of intentional strategy to be successful.
If you’re looking for the perfect, drama-filled summer read, you should check out *Anon Pls. a novel by one of the most infamous celebrity gossip accounts, @deuxmoi. While there’s no denying deuxmoi probably pulled from their own experience, this fictional story follows a celebrity stylist who decides to start an anonymous celebrity gossip account. There are tons of twists and turns, and it just sounds like such a fun read.
Until next week!
P.S. - An Unexpected Adventure at Penn Lake Roast Beef
Final thoughts, reflections, and vulnerable shares (This is an exclusive section to my paid followers. Thank you for your support!)
I have an extra special treat for you all this week! Today’s P.S. is not only guest-written by my incredible husband Andrew, but it comes to you today without a paywall!! As you know, the P.S. is typically an exclusive section for paid subscribers as a token of gratitude for the financial support that helps to sustain this newsletter and my broader business. However, I loved Andrew’s story sooo much, that I thought it would be great to share it with you all as a special preview of what you can expect from this section. We have a lot of fun in this space below the signature line, and I hope you’ll consider becoming a paid subscriber to be able to access this exclusive content in the future. :)
For today’s P.S., I asked Andrew to create a written version of a story he told me a few months ago. It’s a captivating tale featuring the names of multiple roast beef shops and their owners, full of twists and turns and unexpected connections. So, without further ado, please enjoy “Roast Beef Story” by Andrew Urevig:
I don’t know if this is a restaurant review or a diary entry or some unholy mix of (a) my idle personal ramblings with (b) the plot synopsis for the next great based-on-true-events inspirational blockbuster film. But whatever it is, I’m trying.
Here’s what happened: A few weeks back, I was driving home from a few thrift stores—or maybe many thrift stores, that’s fine, I love Goodwill—and ended up on something of a journey.
Thing is, in the moment that starts the little odyssey, I really need to get some gas. My tank is on E, and I’m on Google Maps trying to triangulate the nearest gas station that also has a decent discount on Upside (can’t turn down cash back).
I think I’ve settled on a good one, so I’m driving in its direction when I glance to the left and see a sign for a restaurant: Wally’s Roast Beef. A whole restaurant just for roast beef? Sounds good. And now I’m kind of hungry. Curious, I look it up. Great reviews. But this day, at this time, Wally’s Roast Beef is closed. Damn.
I keep driving. Problem is, I’m kind of shit at driving a car and following a map at the same time…so I’m getting all turned around, going the wrong way and then another wrong way and then another wrong way—until I finally get to the gas station. It’s fine.
I pull up to the pump and start filling. Against the backdrop of grimy pavement and blue sky, we’ve got the sun smiling and birds chirping and gasoline slinking into the tank—a real American scene, in like a somewhat positive and somewhat negative but also complex and nuanced way. Then, it happens.
I look up. I glance. I see.
Across the street, a storefront in the middle of a strip mall is marked with big red stylized letters: PENN LAKE ROAST BEEF.
Huh.
I’m thinking about how, honestly, I’d never in my life seen A Roast Beef Place—except, like, Arby’s, if that counts—and now I’m seeing two in one day, two in ten minutes. Maybe that’s my own ignorance. Maybe people really love roast beef. Maybe there’s a whole segment of the economy and public opinion dedicated to restaurants that specialize in roast beef, and I’m only now catching up to the zeitgeist. But, look, I’m ready to catch up, so I’m staring at the sign: PENN LAKE ROAST BEEF.
I go to Google Reviews, as always, because Celisia taught me to live my life according to Google Reviews. I’m scrolling and reading and soon I’m interested: near enough to 5 stars, rave review after rave review, and everyone seems to just love the woman who works up front (per one review, “so kind, sweet, charming, and welcoming”).
Let’s go. I hop in the car, pull across the street, park, and walk up to the spot. A red and white sign announces “fresh roast beef, slow cooked overnight.” A neon sign, green and purple, says open. Right above the door is a big banner with yellow type: Kevan’s Roast Beef.
Kevan’s Roast Beef? Isn’t this Penn Lake Roas—oh, OK, I’m getting it: a few big red banners hang in the windows, putting the two together: Kevan’s Penn Lake Roast Beef. A big yellow bull head dominates the center.
Inside, there’s a big menu overhead with colorful pictures of all the options: mostly variations of roast beef, but also some Chinese food: egg rolls, wontons, etc. You can get roast beef egg rolls! It’s a brilliant fusion concept, but not in a pretentious way; it’s the kind of fusion concept that’d never bill itself as a fusion concept. The walls are decorated with Chinese art: wood engravings, illustrations of birds and nature, beautiful red and white vases, art of bull heads, a wall-mounted string instrument, which I learn is called an erhu, a kind of Chinese fiddle.
There’s one person in line ahead of me, ordering from—as the reviews promised—a very nice woman at the counter, and through a window into the kitchen I see a guy in the back cooking. The person ahead of me is ordering, really, a lot of roast beef (maybe enough roast beef to feed a family of 4? or 6? I just found out about the roast beef economy so I’m trying to keep up) and the nice lady at the counter is deftly trying to upsell: Do you want extra sauces? All good, do you want pop? Do you want wontons? No… OK, how about a half order of wontons, for half the price? It’s great.
As I wait, I’m still looking around. On the counter stands a framed photo of two men: an older white guy in a blue jacket and an Asian guy in a red polo, both smiling wide. Next to the photo is a painting of some koi fish, and at the bottom of the painting is a white strip with black text: “kevan worked for wally from 1989 to 2011.”
Wait. Wally? Could it be…? How many roast beef guys have made their mark this one corner of Bloomington, Minnesota? And what about Kevan? Is it the case that—
Finishing their order, the person in front of me points back to the man cooking in the kitchen. “Is that Kevan?” she asks. The woman at the counter smiles and affirms that, yes, that’s Kevan.
I realize: The photo is, confirmed, Kevan with Wally—and Wally is THE Wally, from the first roast beef restaurant I stumbled upon, the establishment that had put the idea of a roast beef dinner into my head and introduced me to the roast beef economy in the first place: Wally’s Roast Beef.
I go to the internet, OK, and find out that the other spot, Wally’s, opened in 1969. Opened by Wally Erickson, the establishment apparently gets exclusive beef from out of state, then adds some super secret seasoning—to create the sandwich they’ve been serving for more than 50 years. Apparently it’s a locally famous gem, and…
Ope, it’s time. I’m back in the world, off my phone, because I’m up to order at Kevan’s: one roast beef sandwich, please. Cool. They’ll bring it to me when it’s ready.
As I sit, waiting for my food, I’m again pondering, then googling, then learning: Yes, Wally of Wally’s Roast Been and Kevan of Kevan’s Penn Lake Roast Beef knew each other. But they didn’t just know each other: After Kevan immigrated to the United States in the late 80s, he actually worked at Wally’s for decades before leaving to start his own roast beef restaurant in 2011. Penn Lake Roast Beef wasn’t just a restaurant. It was a restaurant with an origin story.
According to an article from Bring Me The News, Kevan picked out the restaurant decor himself to celebrate his Chinese roots.
Oh, and a Facebook post about his birthday revealed another fact. Kevan, like me, is a Virgo. My Astrology Friends (and my Astrology Wife) have taught me enough to know that the roast beef guy being a Virgo means his roast beef will be absolutely, perfectly delicious.
I keep searching, and things take a somber turn. A slew of articles detail an awful situation from 2020 in which Kevan had been closing up the restaurant one evening when he was robbed at gunpoint—and shot.
I can’t even imagine. Kevan was taken to the hospital. His family put up a GoFundMe: “Help Save Penn Lake Roast Beef.”
And the community came out in support, lining the storefront with flowers and balloons and signs and cards wishing Kevan a healthy recovery, and putting $65,000 toward the GoFundMe.
Three months later, after surgery and struggle, it was time. Kevan’s Penn Lake Roast Beef re-opened. Customers poured back into the little restaurant, and on day one the establishment sold out, going through all of their roast beef hours before they were supposed to close—then sold out again on day two and again on day three.
Kevan was back.
A few months later, in December, Kevan posted a message to the GoFundMe his family had set up half a year before:
As this year is coming to an end, I want to give my most heartfelt gratitude to you. You helped me keep my dream alive.
Thank you,
Kevan
I get my sandwich, and, of course, it’s great: simple yet flavorful, and absolutely filling—really, just phenomenal. The good people working there, the delicious food, the story behind it—just phenomenal. Thank you, Kevan.
Kevan’s Penn Lake Roast Beef is located in Bloomington, Minnesota at the intersection of W 90th St and Penn Ave S. The address is 8911 Penn Ave S. They’re open 10:30am–7:00pm every day except Sunday.
Local journalists covered the robbery, Kevan’s recovery, and the restaurant’s reopening. Here are some articles:
Owner of Penn Lake Roast Beef recovering after robbery attempt (June 23, 2020) by Mike Hanks for the Bloomington-Richfield Sun Current
Bloomington shows up to support Kevan Tran at Penn Lake Roast Beef (September 23, 2020) by Jason Olson for the Bloomington-Richfield Sun Current
After being shot, he closed his restaurant for months. Now he's selling out of food. (September 27, 2020) by Jackie Renzetti for Bring Me The News
You can learn more about Penn Lake Roast Beef on their Facebook page (https://facebook.com/pennlakeroastbeef), or their website PennLakeRoastBeef.com.