New in Town

Since I've been in Texas, several people have asked me if I like Texas. The standard answer is, "Yes, I do like it here.". But that answer is too general. I thought in this post that I would talk about the two things that stick out most in mind when someone asks me about what it's like living here: the sky, and the drivers.

Let's start with the drivers.

Before I proceed, I must caveat this tale with the statement that there are many cultures of people moving into Texas from all over the world. So my observations are not aimed at any particular group. I'm just saying.

I've heard people talk about California drivers. Truthfully, I've witnessed women putting on mascara while driving, men reading the newspaper while driving, and the usual smoking or talking on the cell phone while driving. Since moving to Texas, I've seen tailgating such as I've never experienced in California. And I'm not talking about football games, folks. I'm talking, driving down the freeway (or highway, whichever you prefer), and the car behind is well closer than the 2 car lengths I have in front of me, and I'm going the speed limit (maybe a touch faster). I mean really folks? You need to be THAT close to me? You need to ride me like I'm ZORRO?? REALLY? I'm not going fast enough? And the thing is - if I speed up, so do they! Do they go around? NO! The continue to tail gate me. Either they are watching WAY too much Nascar, or I'm not watching enough. And I can't count how many times I've gasped in a breath of air because I was sure that there was going to be an accident because some car has cut off another. EEEEKKKK!!! It's taking some getting used to. Driving is exponentially more stressful these days.

Now, for a topic less stressful - the sky in Texas.

The song is right: "The stars at night are big and bright - Deep in the heart of Texas" (insert Pee Wee's Big Adventure reference here). I've seen by far the most beautiful sunsets I've seen in my life here. And I've seen the sunsets over the ocean in California, and over the mountains in Alaska. But they just really don't compare. The colors are so vibrant, and they vary so much. Different colors of pink, purple, blue, orange, and yellow. And the shapes they take, and the contrast of the colors.. it's just something to behold.

Today, it was storming outside. And the ominous clouds I saw were a bit intimidating. I saw the rain coming down, and thought, "OK, I just have to run to the car, then I'll be OK.". So I put on my hood, clutched my bag close, and opened the door and ran to my car.

Needless to say there is a lessons learned here: First of all, never underestimate a Texas sized storm. Second, zip up your coat when approaching said storm. Because holding it close does not stop the Texas sized rain drops from going down your blouse, soaking you to the bone starting from the inside out. Lastly, there is no shame in investing in some galoshes. It's much easier and more comfortable than wet feet.

By the time I got to my car, my legs, feet and shirt were soaked. The only thing that seemed to stay dry was my hair, although my bangs were a bit wet (thank goodness for hairspray). And it's not that far from the door of my building to the door of my car! We aren't even talking 25 yards maybe a tad more. you would think I was standing with arms open embracing it! My goodness. I drove home, to the skies opening up, thunder crashing down and lighting in the distance. Sometimes, the thunder seemed right on top of me. I did wonder if my Ruby car was going to survive. She's such a pampered car, and this was quite different from her SoCal home.

Let's combine our two topics now - raining beautiful skies, and crazy drivers. Did they stop the tailgating and cutting each other in the monster storm? Nope. Although I was happy going 40 in the slow rain, with my wipers on HIGH just so I could see the road!

I miss California. As the thunder rages outside, I hear the AC/DC song going in my head, THUNDER! and I think of the Chargers game I attend with my dad. Its the song they play at the games when we are getting ready to do something exciting.. or sometimes when they are at commercial break. As I drove home today, the thunder would crash and I would sing back, "NA NA NA NA NA NA NAAAA NAAAA!!!". If you've heard the song - thats funny, otherwise, feel free to roll your eyes.

So yes, i do like Texas. And there is lots more that I like about it. Another time, I'll talk about some more things. But I've written enough for now. :)