Sunday, June 23, 2013

Unpacked Updates

It’s so hard to believe we’ve already been in our new house for a whole month!  The past few weeks in our new city have been a bit of a whirlwind with work starting back up and weddings to attend, but we’re finally unpacked and settled in.
Here’s what we’re loving about our new abode:
1)       Our big back patio with its new ceiling fan (installed by the handyman husband) and set of outdoor furniture.  We even get a nice breeze through the backyard that makes a warm Texas summer evening bearable!

2)       Our stinking adorable suburban neighborhood. A bi-monthly newsletter was delivered to our door - this edition’s newsworthy headline: “Summer is Almost Here – Slow Down and Watch for Kids Playing Outside”.  And we just had to laugh now about a recent incident when we heard a loud *POW* outside and thought, What!? Didn't we moved OUT of gangland!?  We immediately stepped out back and turned on the porch light, at the same time our neighbor did.  “Are your dogs spooked by the fireworks too?”  Oh, haha, right.  Fireworks, not gun shots.  This is the ‘burbs after all.
3)       The Metro Rail.  Our commute has proven to be pretty awful in the mornings, averaging around 45 minutes.  But thank goodness we only live three miles away from the nearest Park & Ride where we can catch the Metro Rail.  It’s a 30 minute [wi-fi enabled] train ride to downtown and it is always an adventure (but that’s a whole ‘nother blog post!).
4)       The doggie door and “pet palace”.  You didn’t think I could make it through this update post without mentioning our sweet pups, did you!?  We let my dad cut a hole in our house.  Exhibit A: 

      But then he installed the beloved doggie door and all was right in the Cooper household. 

       Then we had the shed pet palace installed in backyard.  This cute little thing is complete with its own air conditioner and doggie door too!



  Now if we could only convince the dogs to hang out in there when it’s 100+ degrees outside....



5)       Lowe’s and Home Depot.  Everyday. (or so it seems!)  Tools, lumber, and paint, oh my!  Let us not forget Target, IKEA, and HEB(!!!), too.  HEB tortillas =  mm mmm mmmm.
6)       KGSR 93.3 radio.  Loving the jams on this station, and looking forward to attending one of their Blues on the Green free outdoor concerts this summer.
7)       Decorating!!!  Ok ok, so maybe “we’re” not loving this, but “I” sure am! (“Hey can you help me hang this picture? and move this dresser? and screw in these knobs? and build this 500 piece bookshelf?”)  Here are some of my favorite pieces and places: 













P.S. Have you ever been to a Garden Ridge!?  O.M.G. LOVE.  Also, I PROMISE to pull out my fancy camera and take better pictures some day.
8)       Lunch dates.  Working only 6 blocks away from each other has afforded us a new opportunity to meet up for lunch during our busy weeks.  Our plan?  To meet once every week and check out a new lunch spot.  We’re three dates in and I can’t wait to share our restaurant experiences - but I’ll save that for another post too :)
9)   And finally, our amazing family and friends who have helped us with everything from moving to painting to home repairs and housewarming gifts.  You name it, they've done it!  We really couldn't have done it without you all, and we are so blessed to have your help!
Until next time, keep Austin weird.
Casey