still trying to adjust... (old myspace blog re-posted here)

Well as i am approaching the three week mark of living down here in alabama, the differences are still pretty apparent from seattle life but i think i am adusting decently. for example, 'starbucks' is a foreign word - its all drip coffee at gas stations or diners. however i finally found a few coffee stands and was able to order a 'mocha' the other day. (the reason i put mocha in quotes was that it wasnt a real mocha, just an alabama version. but still better than nothing!) i couldnt help but smile when i ordered a 'double tall nonfat mocha' and the man said 'umm... we have small, medium, large here...'. oh of course you do alabama, of course you do!

the 'traffic' here is greatly different too from seattle. i again put traffic in quotes because it isnt traffic at all to someone who is used to sitting for an hour on I-5 to simple go a few miles... but the locals here claim they have traffic everyday. i have yet to see it. all i have seen to even qualify slightly is the constant slow drivers who only go at green lights if they feel like it, stop in the middle of the street to wave pedestrians thru for no apparent reason, or drive ten under the speed limit to look at the 'scenery' (sorry but once you have seen a field, havent you seen them all?!). no one is in a hurry to get anywhere. ever. however, i guess i cant really complain because the lack of true traffic jams has been a great treat and i will gladly deal with slow drivers that i can pass for the trade. besides, i guess i shouldnt be in that much of a hurry myself - everywhere in town takes five minutes to get there.

oh and the pick up lines are very different here as well! now i must say before i continue that no, i dont think i am hot shit and no, i am not letting these 'compliments/pick up lines' go to my head. i simply know that here if you are a girl without a wedding ring or pregnant, you are a rare sight and will be hit on accordingly. with that said, lets proceed. the 'flirting' here is long gone. the opening line is now just a simple direct message to get to the point whether you are taken or not - and even at that most dont care. some of the gems i have recieved: "hey babe. you seeing someone? oh, you are? well, can i take you out sometime anyway?" - now while this isnt that impressive, it was only because i was asked this by a walmart employee who had literally ran towards me to catch up with me."hey girl, i will let you do my nails or hair anytime!" - ummm okay. thanks?"i could lick your legs for days. can i?" - no. just no.a guy parks in my car at the store so i cant leave. "hey baby how you doing today?" my repsonse as i got out of my car "well i was doing good until an asshole blocked in my car." he got the point and drove away.i have also been told by a guy that he was an instructor pilot for an A-30 (which doesnt exsist) and i called his bluff. he was quite embarrased but hey, this whole town revolved around pilots - do your homework! at least lie about a real aircraft!

the last bit of news to report: I FINALLY GOT A JOB! yes! i will be a receptionist at a law firm in the nearby town Dothan. the town is about 30 miles away which sucks to drive everyday - but it takes the same amount of time to drive as did for me to get from seattle to bellevue back home. besides, if you want a job out here, you gotta make sacrifices. the town is filled with over qualified army spouses that all are vying for that one spot. in other words, i am not the only college graduate working a job that a high school graduate could get. but i got the job over ten other candidates so i was pretty pleased. however, please dont ask what i make an hour. it makes me cry to think about. sure its good money for down here but lets just say the average hourly rate of college grads back home is double what i make here. *sigh*

oh and i also may be a yoga instructor at a local gym a few mornings a week! i am certified but never have taught before. i would be very excited for this opportunity - i have been wanting to be a yoga instructor since high school so i would be extremely happy for the chance. i am actually meeting with the lady later today to discuss the details so i better run. but i promise to keep you posted as the alabama adventures continue. sorry if this is an extremely long post but i miss all my friends back home and leaving these blogs make me feel somehow more connected. every weekend when i go out, i look around and wish my friends where with me to toast our beer bottles and party the night away. *sigh* i will need to come visit home soon...