We're Here!

Written on 1/20/10

Where do I begin… Well, we’re in Texas now! We have been here for a little over a week now. We have been living as what I like to call “minimalist” until our things arrive which is supposed to be tomorrow. We still have no internet or TV. -- Time Warner will not make any installations or set-up until our TV’s arrive. As a result, we have become frequent visitors of our apartment complex office and Starbucks where free wifi is available. The office staff at our apartment have been very warm, friendly, and helpful. To keep Spencer and I entertained during the evenings, we have been borrowing movies from the DVD library located in our apartment office and watching them on our laptops.

As some of you may have already heard, we experienced our first thunder and lightning storm out here in Austin, Texas. It was pretty much one of the most frightening things ever. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if our building was hit by the lightning. When they say things are “big” in Texas… they really mean it! Most of you may find it silly to imagine unless you come out here and experience it yourself—pretty sure your arm hair would stand straight up. I’m still dreading the infamous golf ball sized hail that will eventually fall.

Roads out here are very confusing. I think its going to take me a long time to memorize where roads lead to and what direction they are running. A lot of the roads have two names, so this means that the GPS can be easily confused. Luckily, we have not gotten lost yet, but I won’t count my chickens just yet. Can I also just say… why in the world aren’t speed limit signs posted on the streets! Such a cop trap!

Spencer now has a car, and I will be getting mine in the next week or so. So far, people have been quite friendly out here. We joined a 24-hour fitness sport club close to us. It’s fairly new with a basketball court which Spencer really likes along with spin and zumba classes that I can’t wait to start.

Grocery shopping has gone quite well, prices are significantly less than the bay area. H.E.B. stores claim most of the market share which I can now see why. Prices are very competitive compared to Safeway while still maintaining equal quality. The other thing I just love is that there is no tax on unprepared food. It’s just so wonderful.

We went downtown last weekend to catch a movie, “Youth in Revolt”. We went to a small theater called “The Alamo” formally “The Ritz”. Why I feel this is so blogworthy to mention is because this was no ordinary theater. This theater was a full on service theater. It’s stadium seating with a waiter that serves you drinks (yes alcoholic drinks included) and dinner throughout the entire movie! Spencer and I thought it was the best ever. Prices are slightly cheaper for admission and picture and sound quality are absolutely up to par. They have occasional themed sing alongs which are supposed to be a blast, and $1 midnight showings. After that experience, I don’t really think I could go back to a regular theater ever again.

All in all, our apartment is quite lovely and spacious. Our location is fantastic. We are conveniently located just 10 minutes from the heart of downtown and less than 20 minutes from the airport. We are surrounded by great restaurants and shopping centers. My closet is huge, truly a dream come true—and I don’t have to share it with Spencer because he has his own equally huge closet!

We hope to have jobs soon, and will be more proactive as soon as we have an internet connection in our apartment. Until later, adios!