Who is Penny?

Once upon a time, when Jamba Juice was Zuka Juice and Zuka Juice was still fairly new and novel, I spent a lot of time with a friend who was also named Megan. We were both pretty active in the theater scene, and had started to get parts with names, so we thought it would be fun if, when asked for our name when ordering a smoothie, or at restaurants, or any place else it might be helpful to differentiate ourselves, we gave our character's name. Before long, it became a habit.

The first time I did Bye Bye Birdie, I played Penelope, and that name stuck. That production closed twelve years ago, but I continue to give my name as "Penny" (sometimes "Peggy"). After all, there are a lot of "Megans" out there, and sometimes people hear the name as "Becky" anyway.

Yesterday I stopped at the local KFC/Taco Bell for a 360 Calorie meal. The following conversation ensued:

Slightly Flirty Very Young Cashier (male): Welcome to KFC/Taco Bell. How are you today?

Me: I'm happy, how are you?

SFVYC: I'm happy, too! It's a good day. (Flashes smile at me.) May I take your order?

Me: I'd like the 360 Calorie Meal.

SFVYC: (Cheerfully and possibly joking) Would you like to order a slice of chocolate cake? It's only a dollar-fifty.

Me: (Cognizant of my just ordering the healthy meal option and all the Halloween candy I have at home) Oh, no, thanks.

SFVYC: Okay. (Takes my credit card and swipes it.) What name can I put on your order?

Me: Penny.

SFVYC: Penny? (Puts in order.) That's my aunt's name!

Me: (Smiling) I like it.

SFVYC: Me too. It rhymes with Jenny!

Me: And Denny!

SFVYC: And Lenny!

Me: And too many!

SFVYC: There aren't too many Pennys, though.

Me: Yeah, but it's kind of nice. That way there aren't six of me in a class. I've been in classes where there are four Megans. Glad that's not my name.

SFVYC: Yeah! (Laughs; obviously didn't notice the name on my credit card) Well, here's your order. Hope you have a great day!

Me: Thanks, you too!

I have a friend whose name is "Beth" but always orders as "Betty" because nobody ever gets her name right. I have another friend with the last name "Gyllenskog" who orders as "Kelly" for the same reason.

Have you ever given a false name when ordering food or making reservations? I'm not talking about a Date Night situation where you claim to be someone else to usurp their spot. Do you use a pseudonym to avoid confusion (or just as a fun private joke)? If so, what name and why?

Or, do you think I'm totally silly for telling people my name is Penny when it isn't?

Hello, my name is Clive Bixby. What's yours?