It’s well past time to give an explanation of the amalgamation that is FIIGMO Mulligan. So far past that the contrary little FIIGie that I am, I’ve almost left you, dear reader, to wonder. Wonder no more. My desire for knowledge and therefore resolution is far more voracious than the path of ignorance.

Firsties first, shall we?

FIIGMO was a gift given to me years ago by someone in the armed forces. Is it coincidence that I’m delving in on Veterans Day weekend? Absolutely, yes. But thank you for your service anyway.

FIIGMO or Fuck It, I Got My Orders – was, is, and will always be a phrase that brings a wry smile to this writer’s lips. It is the spirit to which I want to approach the endeavor of writing, of publishing, of baring my heart and soul through my words.

Fuck It, I Got My Orders, as explained to me, is an attitude more than an action, but can be carried out there as well. It is an approach to not taking the current task at hand too seriously as there is another assignment already on the way. Give it the respect it deserves, yes. But not so much that it stops you from looking forward. Always look forward.

Mulligan almost seems the antithesis of FIIGMO at first glance. As a Mulligan in the sport of golf gives you an extra stroke – a “do over” of sorts – that doesn’t count against you toward your final score. And while I’m always in favor of an extra stroke, or two, the last name of Mulligan has been a temptation to adopt since I was quite young.

My given maiden surname was always being butchered in spelling and pronunciation, nearly to the point where I wanted to legally change it before the bonds of marriage offered the opportunity. And even now, as a widow with a name that is no longer mine, the temptation remains. Make me a Mulligan, I say, as my entire life has been one big “do over” after another – a reinvention through circumstances that may have made others break their irons over their knee to give up on the game itself. But that’s not me.

I am a walking, talking, thoughtful to my core, eyes wide open on the world observer and dreamer. I bring those observations and dreams and hopefully weave them into something enjoyable to read. I am FIIGMO Mulligan.