I hope this for both of you Cal. The real issue, IMO, of the practice of Buddhism is to improve our lives and to develop a peaceful mind free from suffering. When I started into this practice, some sort of "I am a Buddhist..." was there making things really difficult for me and others. Now, and maybe I am wrong, but I have seen that the teachings left by Buddha are about the "Natural Law" or the natural way things are. This answer -to live in accordance to the Natural Law- is far more friendly, polite and respectful for others believes. Natural Law embraces any believe that leads toward happiness and a joyful live. The more meditation; the more understanding, the less the need to say "I am a Buddhist..." The same for you Cal,