Hi cat-paint....I am doing ok....nice to meet you!
Perhaps MSN already has your old nickname still in use so it can't let you have it back. Ubergato gave me an idea once to add some symbols to my name to make it a bit different. That is why I have some ^ ^ around my name. I didn't want to change it too drastically. I think they look like little cat ears.
The only other thing I can think of is to get a new passport and pick a new name that you love. I think cat-paint is cute....is there a story behind it?
I picked Bubbles in May 2000 when I joined Odd People. I thought it sounded sexy and cute. I hope I have helped you.
Take care,