New Additions

Now that I'm all unpacked, I've been cleaning and organizing. I've also added some new things to the house:

1. Plants to the front of the house so it looks like someone actually lives here. And a new doormat. The hibiscus remind me of Hawaii, and while it's not tropical here at all, they seem to be doing well so far.

 2. A big comfy chair for reading in. I've always wanted a chair like this, and I'm very happy that I went to the furniture store on the 4th of July because I got a really good deal on it. I also got a side table that matches our coffee table.

3. Since it's so hot outside most days, I bought a treadmill from a friend here so I can do something other than be a blob on the couch. I'm excited to be able to watch tv and walk, and not have to watch ESPN, CNN and MSNBC like at the gym.

I did discover though that I live just a few blocks from one of the nicer parks in the city. There is a paved path all the way around it and there are actually trees and grass. I think I really lucked out with the neighborhood we are in. It's close to major roads, a grocery store, the park, and it seems to be really quiet and safe. I don't think I'll be as excited about the school across the street once the school buses are coming everyday, but I do appreciate that they have big bright floodlights on all night that keep the street lit and not creepy.

We have gotten quite a bit of rain this week which is odd for El Paso. It rained steadily for several hours last night. My dining room window was leaking, and I'm glad I noticed because it was dripping on my beautiful wood table. Luckily it didn't make it through the table cloth. I'm not sure if any parts of the city actually flooded, but there are still some large puddles around today. This one is still hanging around in my backyard:

I'm doing really well here so far. Time is going by quickly and I'm so happy to have some good friends here already. I feel very blessed and I can't wait to share this life here with my husband. He just needs to get home safely, keep praying! His work days are winding down and he is looking forward to getting out of there. Until then, I'm happily holding down the fort.