Wow. I can't believe how long it's been since my last post! I have gone from a "newly licensed ham" to a "Rookie ham" and from KG7LNG to W7CYL, my new vanity call sign. Choosing a new call sign is a story in itself and a lesson in navigating the somewhat confusing world of the FCC.
For my first 25 call sign choices, I carefully arranged my favorites, mostly 1 x 2's (a girl can dream), from most desired to least desired; paid my $16.10, one of the highest fees in several years; and waited for good news. Unfortunately, I was not chosen to receive any of my 25 choices, so ...
For my second 25 call sign choices, I carefully arranged my favorites, this time mostly 1 x 3's, from most desired to least desired; paid my $21.40, the highest fee in several years; and waited for good news ... this time successfully ... I would now be known as W7CYL ... my first choice.
When trying to pick my favorite from the list of available 1 x 3's, I first narrowed it down to any W7's (just personal preference), then started looking for combinations that stood out to me ... and YL, of course, immediately resonated ... Young Lady.
As for the C, I like to think, Cute as in Cute Young Lady, but I have discovered that CYL can actually accommodate any given mood of mine on any given day of the week ...
Cute Young Lady on Sunday, Cranky Young Lady on Monday, Creative Young Lady on Tuesday, Crazy Young Lady on Wednesday, Caring Young Lady on Thursday, Capable Young Lady on Friday, and Captivating Young Lady on Saturday ... hence, seven call signs in one ... approximately $3 per call sign! (Perhaps, Cheap Young Lady is most fitting.)
(Note: Effective 9-3-15, the FCC eliminated the regulatory fee for vanity call signs ... applicants are now able to file all vanity applications, new and renewal, free of charge.)
73, W7CYL
