Adjusting

OK, so I actually wrote this post almost a week ago, but I was waiting on the ability to post some pics along with it. We're not there yet (almost, but not quite), so pics will come soon - I promise!

Finally, I am beginning to feel more like I live here instead of like we are squatting in an abandoned house in some strange town. While the house still does not look any different, our routine and outings are what's making it feel more permanent.

We have been incredibly busy. Not only are we both still working full days (though I work two days less), we work for hours to unpack, to set up functional systems (like bill paying, etc.) and to set up computer stuff. We do a lot of yard work, we run endless errands, and take what seems like a trip to Home Depot everyday. As a child, I hated Home Depot, but now it is my favorite shopping spot. We browse every aisle looking at hardware for doors, interior paint, molding, lumber and yard stuff. Now that Erik has a big ol' saw (thanks dad!), and now lots of wood, I will surely never see him again. Remember the bench he made? That was just the beginning. And I can't wait! First he is going to tackle making a box for our compost. Then shelves for our bedroom (we have to hang them on the wall because the room is not big enough for a bookshelf). Then he will tackle a huge built-in for our living area. My MAN!

This may not seem like much, but when you add visiting family and friends, there's not a spare moment. But we are loving every minute and are enjoying the process.

Work-wise, we've got the routine down. We work on DC time (Eastern Standard), which makes for very early mornings, but without the commute. We get up, get fully ready and have tea while we work for the first hour or two. Then we take a quick break to eat breakfast on the screened-in porch (the Blackberry & iphone join us). I think Erik has eaten tacos for every meal from two nearby taco stands (one for breakfast tacos, another for everything after). But he finally made bread so that he doesn't turn into a chorizo taco with cheese and potatoes. Now he has his bread and spreads, and I make my everyday Mexican breakfast (one fried egg, spoon of organic refried beans and sautéed kale, all topped with avocado and hot sauce). I am not supposed to eat eggs everyday because of asthma, but I'm loving this breakfast right now...

Then we work until lunch, and we do the same thing - make a quick lunch and eat outside with our Blackberries.

Life without a commute is very different, and working from home is off-the-charts different. I thought I would struggle more with motivation and distraction, but I actually get much more done at home - no more hallway/cubicle conversations, and I don't get pulled into nearly as many meetings. I'm actually motivated to hammer through my tasks, and not to do personal stuff. However, when 2-3pm rolls around, I become increasingly antsy as I notice the beautiful weather and the neighborhood streets calling my name: "Come take a walk," they say. The margaritas also call my name, but I try to ignore them.

We have taken a many great walks to explore our neighborhood. On my first day, we bought a bike at a garage sale down the street before we even pulled into the house from the airport. So we also trade off taking the bike out (total retro cruiser), and we're working on getting another one so that we can venture out together. It's so great for going to the library and for getting breakfast tacos. I referred earlier to squatting in "some strange town" because it does not feel like Austin at times. I have never lived or hung-out in this part of town, so it is a totally different place for us both. We seek out our favorite places for dinner some times, but mostly we are being exposed to all new territory.

We met our neighbors on one side and across the street from us. We know more about these people and surrounding folks in the 15 mins that we talked than we did about our neighbors for 7 years in DC. People are so comfortable talking to others out here. It's hard to explain the contrast. If you've lived somewhere friendly, and then moved to DC, and then visit the friendly place, you will often notice how different interactions are in DC (if you're lucky enough to have any at all). As Erik put it, he forgot how much of a "westerner" he is. He says that the people are just different, and that he feels so much more comfortable out west vs. on the east coast. He said they're not exactly "bad" on the east coast, but that he can just be himself more - not as uptight. I definitely see that.

I sure do miss the Dupont Circle farmers market. Though there is a huge, bustling farmers market not far from here, I instead go to Boggy Creek Farm on Wed morning for an intimate (and quiet) shopping experience right on the farm. The variety is not what it is in Dupont (5 zillion types of apples and kale), but I still get everything we need, and I'm actually less overwhelmed. There are several varieties of mixed greens and squash, there's lamb and beef, feta and other cheeses, and much more (including gluten free brownies...) - we want for nothing, and it's a little cheaper. It's super different because it's on an actual farm, and during that time of day, there's maybe 5 other people there. And the other shoppers aren't exactly hippies, but they're definitely funky (tatoos, etc.), and they're super nice and genuine. Totally different vibe from the very urban and crowded market in Dupont. I love both, but I'm enjoying the change in pace.

All-in-all, we are settling very nicely, and we're enjoying the creative outlet of doing new things to this big open canvass that is our house. I have to be the luckiest women in the world to have such an amazing partner, a great house, a job at home, and all in a super great town that houses almost my entire family. Life is very, very good.