Moving too fast

One of my most difficult-to-hide-from-the-general-public personality defects is my inability to make decisions. I attribute this to my astrological sign. It's not my fault I was born a Libra.

Anyway, the other day, in preparation for my move, I attempted to purchase a car. My mom found it in Omaha and because I trust my mom's judgment completely, I considered buying it even without seeing it in person. The car looked beautiful in pictures and was exactly the type I wanted...small, red, hatchback, manual, low miles, ok price. My mom confirmed the car moved fast which unexpectedly kinda gave me a hard on. The salesman was also unexpectedly kind which calmed my nerves.

For three days, I was nearly consumed with this decision. I investigated every aspect...car reviews, insurance companies, car transport options, Kelly's Blue Book, loan managers. I knew this car inside and out. I decided to buy it! I would call the dealership first thing in the morning.

Naturally, the car had been purchased by someone else just 12 hours before I called.

In stunned disbelief, I thanked the man and sat quietly for a minute. I had been so proud of myself for finally feeling confident about a 60 month commitment. But, I also managed my disappointment by reminding myself that I, Rachael, cannot and will not make uninformed decisions. I cannot be rushed. When the time is right, I'll decide and not before.

This can be infuriating to my friends, lovers, and used car salesmen, I realize. But, like other things in life that moved too fast for me, stepping aside and letting them pass is, frankly, the only way I know how to react. Like other things in life, if it didn't work out, it must not have meant to be.

However, the next time a find a sporty little red rocket on wheels, I will wrestle anyone who tries to snatch it out from under me. I mean it.

Don't Wait Too Long by Madeleine Peyroux

I always feel the same...

I've always had a soft spot for the Lone Star state after spending my first year of college in Fort Worth. Also, I have an unexplainable attraction to men from Texas and I really like margaritas. If those aren't good enough reasons to pick up my life and plunk it down in Austin, I don't know what are.

I'm heading South (XSW) and bidding farewell to rats, douche bags, and a posse of amazing friends later this summer. I'm equal parts thrilled and terrified. Convincing my friends this was the correct decision was easy, for the most part. Austin is well-loved by most intelligent Americans and my clear penchant for all things Texas made my decision to move no surprise to most. There are a few stragglers that still need convincing however so here's a list of reasons why Austin is the best place ever.

1. Music.

2. More music.

3. Music everywhere, even in the airport.

4. Handsome, tall, polite men with accents.

5. Real estate is heaps cheaper in Austin than in DC.

6. My name will likely be changed to something like "Darlin'" or "Sugar."

7. Tex-mex pretty much is the best thing ever.

8. Warm weather and proper thunder storms.

9. There is a lake upon which i may be invited to float.

10. Did i mention handsome, charming men playing music?

Of course, there are other things like my job and my ever-growing aversion to life in DC (i.e. crappy apartment, horrible dating pool, etc.) that contributed to my decision. More on that later, i'm sure. Now all I need is a pair of boots (and NOT the Fluevog variety). Wish me luck!

I Can't See Texas From Here by George Strait