13 March 2006

Help, I'm evolving

I was out driving with a friend the other day. We were people watching while stopped at a red light. She said to me, "Texas women, they are just so funny!" I wondered what she meant and so I asked. She says, "Well, look at all the jewelry!" I looked back at a large group of women waiting to cross the street and thought, "Whoa, she's right!" There were earrings and bracelets and rings everywhere. Large trendy bags. Hair. Then I became very aware of my own adornments that day. And I thought, "Oh no, am I becoming a Texan?"

I've lived in Texas for the better part of 26 years, but have never considered myself a "Texan". When people ask where I'm from, I hesitate to say Texas because there does seem to be such a stigma attached to the culture... the southern drawl, the wranglers and cowboy boots, the big bar hair. It's nothing to be ashamed of... obviously I like Texas or I wouldn't keep coming back... it's just that I fancy myself a sleek city girl more than anything else. More East Coast. Even though I only lived there for 4 1/2 years during the first 5 years of my life. Lol.

I have definitely begun my transition to the way of the Texas woman. Gasp. I've probably traded in about half of my black streamlined wardrobe for something of color, several pairs of close toed modern dress shoes for sandals and flip flops, and yes, I do own a pair of really sassy cowboy boots (though they've never and I can guarantee won't ever be paired with Wranglers). I have added some spunky jewelry to my collection of accessories (which previously consisted only of a variety of silver hoops and lots of scarves). Last but not least, I now sport a true "hairstyle" as opposed to the long straight style that topped my head for 16 years. It hasn't reached big bar hair capacity yet, thank goodness, but it looks better "done" than swept back as I'd previously preferred.

This all brings me to another realization. My mother was a Texan. Shhh, you can probably hear her rolling over in her grave at the sound of that. She'd never have admitted it, though. Oh no. But the matching earrings, bracelet, ring, watch and shoes were solid proof. Scary.

So, I guess my fate is sealed. Texas has rubbed off on me. But only to an extent. Until it rubs off on my house and I begin hanging large metal stars on my wall or my wardrobe and I begin wearing orange on UT game days and or my collections and I begin to go nuts over Lonestar flag memorabilia, I think I am safe from having to admit it. Phew.

19 comments:

lackrik said...

So do you have a Texan drawl and say stuff like "ya'all" and "fix'n to"? lol ;)

I'm trying to picture you with a Texas accent.

Lei said...

I do not have the accent! Amazing, huh? ;)

smart mama said...

lei- i need to come visit i am way frumped out here in ne-- see a woman with no jewelry and blahh hair and clothes-- thats a new englander for you!

emlouisa said...

ROFL! That is too too funny! And I bet you have a LITTLE bit of an accent. Just a little one.

Andrea said...

I bet you have an accent too! lol

Lee said...

No accent? lol.. I have yet to meet a texan without one. I think they are pretty cool. Texas is one place I really want to visit.

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the OTHER side! LOL I didn't bring any jewelry except my wedding ring to the island, and I have felt so NAKED since moving here. I have a silver collection and a gold collection and wear them depending on the color I wear that day (brown/gold, blue/silver). And back home I would NEVER be caught out with a pony tail and no make up on...here, thats my everyday look!LOL Can't wait to get back home and be a Texan again!

Lei said...

I promise I don't have an accent! Promise!

Rachelle said...

You Texan you! And I am guessing you have a small accent too. I need to hear you talk to confirm my suspicions.

Melzie said...

So, the fact that I have a texas & barb wire bathroom here to remind me of home is scary to you? ;) *grin* I'll be worried when Idaho rubs off on me.. LOL!

Alicia said...

I have an accent when I talk to my mom (who has an accent) apparently. I don't hear it, but dh does. We're Floridians, though, not Texans.

Mama D said...

I think everyone should have a pair of 'sassy cowboy boots'. There is such a thing as being influenced in a good way. Sounds like you have adopted the good things and avoided the bad.
(Thanks for stopping by)

Kristi said...

We lived in Texas for three years, leaving about 4 years ago. We lived near Killeen, in the middle of almost nowhere as far as I was concerned. But, I enjoyed our time there. There is definately a certain Texas style and we caught on quick with the cowboy way.
Thanks for coming by my blog earlier. I see you use the same template as I do, so if you want to spice yours up, let me know and I can help. I'm by no means an HTML worker, but since I was successful with my code, I could certainly just copy, though tweak it to want you want.

Pam said...

Oh! for shame! We've got the exact opposite issue going on here. My oldest was born in Texas, lived there for 6 months and considers herself a "Native Texan". On our Thanksgiving trip last year we got rerouted through Houston and she literally kissed the ground when we crossed into Texas on our way to the airport! She loves everything "bigger and better" and can't wait to have all the matching jewelry etc. She's only 10! Here's a "Howdy!" from her.

Pam said...

BTW, I agree with Mama D about the "sassy boot" thing. I am still waiting for my red ones!

sweet mama entropy said...

Having recently moved to Texas from the East Coast (via the mountain west) I am terrified of becoming assimilated! I am an EAST COAST girl. I go to church in black and am surrounded by a sea of bold jewel tones. How long would you say I've got before I start "hankerin'" for a belt buckle or some wranglers?

And I for one don't believe you have an accent. I've been surprised how few people here actually do talk like the President :)

Anonymous said...

Its true, my cousin does not have one bit of a southern accent!!!:)

Anonymous said...

I have met Lei in real life and no she doesn't have an accent.

You had me laughing at this post. I have noticed all of the orange and stars everywhere. DD already knows what Texas looks like because she sees the state everywhere!!!

Anonymous said...

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