Textiquette

I've always wondered if there was some manual out there for text etiquette in certain situations. It would really help me out.

One time I got a text from a guy I had a crush on, and it was our first time texting. We didn't know each other that well, so it's not like we had a lot of conversation topics to cover.

As a fan of the show "Tough Love," I remembered an episode where the matchmaker host told the girls that they should only text guys "need-to-know" things, such as "I'm running 20 minutes late" or "Friday works for me."

I blatantly ignored those rules and ended up texting this crush about my cat's barfing problem and gum.

Why, oh why, do I have diarrhea of the mouth, or rather fingers in this case?? Couldn't I just have responded simply and called it a day? Nope, because I like to embarrass myself. His responses to me were minimal and then kaput.

I admit that my feelings are hurt when I text someone and they don't write back. C'mon, all I'm asking for is a little acknowledgment! I mean, it's fine if the conversation is done, but if someone blatantly ignores me, well it just bugs.

Oh, and don't even get me started on my pet peeve of one-worded text messages. What a waste! Note to anyone out there who texts me: don't just write back "Cool" or "OK." Even a little ol' smiley face will do.

I know not everyone is a texter. Some people can hold long, massive, drawn-out conversations via text. Others prefer to stick to the basics. I'd like to think of myself as somewhere in between. I like to send back a couple here and there with people, like if I think of something funny to tell them. It's also good for making plans and checking in on friends without having to talk on the phone for 2 hours.

I'm still unsure how to follow text protocol when it comes to guys. I don't want to be too annoying and reveal my whole life story in 140-character long increments, but I also want to show off more of my personality than a generic "I'm doing well, thanks."

I guess there's really no in-between for me. It's either boring, mundane responses or my TMI cat barfing drama. FML.

Not All Starbucks Are Created Equal

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but occasionally I crave it and splurge.

I hate dropping the dough for Starbucks (a.k.a. FiveBucks), but today I felt like getting myself a little treat.

I was tired from going to bed pretty late, so I headed over to a Starbucks near the mall and brought my book with me to read outside with my drink. I picked up a Pumpkin Spiced Latte since I was feeling in the autumn mood, and as soon as I sat down to relax, read and drink outside, I was struck with the taste of a very bitter-tasting coffee drink. Doesn't each Starbucks have the same recipe book?

Now that I've recently done some pretty ballsy things for me, like going on rollercoasters and singing karaoke in front of strangers, I decided to ditch my usual doormat self, go inside and request a new drink.

I figured getting the same drink might lead to the same bitter taste, so I opted for a plain ol' coffee. The barista apologized for the bad-tasting latte, gave me my new drink and sent me on my way - without giving me my change back for getting a cheaper drink. The place was a bit crowded, so of course, Doormat Tracy didn't say anything. I got my cream and sugar, and returned outside for some relaxation.

Well, that didn't happen.

My original seat was taken (dammit), and then this new drink (a plain coffee) tasted even worse! What the hell was wrong with this Starbucks? I had just spent almost $4 on a regular coffee that tasted like ass.

So what does a determined girl do? I throw it out and go to another Starbucks down the street.

I decided it wouldn't be too bad if I just got a smaller size of the same coffee - it's only $1.50. So I ordered it. Then this new barista asked if I wanted a pastry. Dammit, I couldn't say no.

So now I've spent almost $8 on a microscopic-sized plain coffee (that did taste better, actually) and a lemon pound cake that probably has 3,000 calories in it.

I didn't get to read much because it was cold and windy outside, so I gave up and came home. Oh, and I barely finished my tall coffee. Why didn't I just rebel against the corporate monopoly of Starbucks and hit up a local place? Probably would have saved me time, money and lots o' calories. No wonder I'm not a coffee drinker!