seriously miss manners

This is what I've learned so far in Texas. People suck at driving in every state, and no one has manners in the south. The driving the I can handle, because I'm used to the way Minnesotans drive (which is comatose by the way). Although (side note), everyone told me Texans drive fast and crazy, this is so not the case. If an ounce of precipitation is forecast for the next three days everyone must slow down for fear of driving off the road. (Yes, this happens when there are no clouds in the sky and the sun is shining.) Also, going the speed limit is not going fast. It is in fact the posted speed limit. If it was too fast, the Department of Public Safety, (or whatever it's called here) would probably lower the limit. (Side note over) It's the manners thing that is getting to me.

How hard is it to say a simple "please" or "thank you"? Not that hard, in fact I've been doing it since I was a child, so if I could do it then, you as an adult can probably do it. Also, why do you feel the need to interrupt me when I'm speaking to someone? Wait your damn turn. I don't understand how people don't understand that politeness will go a long ways, especially in my book. I will generally like you about ten times more if you're kind and polite to me. You see me getting snotty? Maybe think back to whether you've used your manners. Chances are probably not.

I've gotten used to it at work by now. I don't expect it from everyone anymore, but the people I do expect it from better keep it up! The part I'm not getting, it's out in restaurants/bars/retail stores (basically service industry). Waiters/waitresses/staff members are not using general manners. They're acting polite and all, but I'm there spending my money, so they have a job and get paid, and no one can thank me for that? It's not like it's hard! Two words, two syllables, it seems pretty easy. I guess some people just don't get it.

I really didn't mean for this post to become a rant, also, I did not intend to come across so crabby in this post because I haven't blogged in forever (and I feel bad because some people totally have it worse than me), but I blame it on being tired. (Also, why so many parenthesis in this post?) Anyways, now I must go learn to drive and forget my manners. This is what I must to to fit in here apparently. This is what I've learned so far in Texas.

fashionista

I guess I've always been interested in fashion. But I didn't understand how much until recently. Moving to Austin has really made me sit up and take notice of clothing styles and trends. Also, lately I've really gotten into Gossip Girl (a guilty pleasure I know), and I really like the style of all of the females on the show. I would love to be able to carry that into my life, but I'm lacking the basics, so I've been looking for ways to get the money/gift cards to redo my wardrobe.

I've recently found a new website/email program called Shop It To Me. You sign up for their email program, pick the designers and sizes you want, and what day(s) you would like to receive their emails. Then they send you your emails on your designated day(s) of everything you selected that is on sale. Also, for every ten of your friends you refer via email (and they have to accept) you get a $10 gift car to the store of your choice. I personally chose Old Navy, because I love their basics. So if you want in on this, send me your email so I can send you an invitation, and make some money!

So far I've found some really cute things that I want badly, and all at a really reasonable price!

Now I just have to save up some money, and achieve my goal of getting gift cards. I have to say I am excited for summer to come so I can start wearing my summer tank tops. I feel like this winter has been really long, and I'm ready for some sun. Then I can start exploring my style even more. It's weird that I didn't notice this side of my personality before. I guess I've always been interested in fashion.

Boots by Rocket Dog

Sold by Piperlime

Now $ 39.99

Denim By Levi's

Sold at Macy's

Now $ 34.99

Cardigan by Ann Taylor

Sold at Ann Taylor

Now $ 69.99

Dress by Silence & Noise

Sold by Urban Outfitters

Now $ 29.99

Top by Lucca Couture

Sold by Urban Outfitters

Now $29.99

busy, busy, busy

My goodness, where has time gone? Sorry I've been so slacky lately. I've been busy trying to find a job, and getting settled in my dining room/bedroom, and trying to become a TX resident (which is a lot harder than it sounds!). Also, I've been busy doing stuff! On the job front, I finally got one, yay! It's only a part time job at the service desk of a car dealership, but that's ok because that's less time to spend doing something else. So now I just need another part time job so I can actually pay my rent.

(My dining room/bedroom)

My bedroom (dining room) is coming together. I have pictures hanging on the walls and my clothes are organized, and only my shoes and some of my clothes are hanging in Kate's closet, and by some I mean all 35 of my dresses. Yes, I do have 35 dresses. It's a tight space, but we're making it work. I also discovered a really cool way to hang jewelry and scarfs.

(My awesome accessory corner)

Aside from spending time organizing my room, we've been doing stuff too. When mom was still here we took an afternoon trip to San Antonio to remember The Alamo and do the River Walk. It was fun to walk around and do a little shopping. We took the guided boat tour, and that was probably the highlight. That always turns out to be the best part of any trip. We've also eaten at some great places: The Kerbey Lane Cafe, Torchy's, Tacos #5, BJ's Brewhouse, Madame Mam's, Polvo's, Waterloo, One-2-One, and other awesome places. The food here is sooooooooo good!

(The Alamo, Torchy's and Kerbey Lane Cafe)

(Do you remember The Alamo? That will never get old!)

I'm also trying to drive around and get a feel for the city. I've only gotten lost a couple of times, but if I just keep driving eventually I get to where I need to go. The highways are a little confusing to figure out, because to get on them you have to go a round about way instead of just being there. I'm sure I'll figure it out. Also, the bridges are super high here, and I get a little scared driving on them. If only I could close my eyes!

(Freaking tall overpass)

So far things are going good. Everything is going smoothly, except getting Texas residency, but I have all of my paperwork now, so hopefully that will be resolved by Tuesday. It all still seems a little surreal, more like I'm on vacation with all of my stuff, but I'm sure once I get working that will change. Pray I can start on Tuesday. I can't believe it's been almost a month already. My goodness, where has time gone?