Gecko on the Garage Door

Today I spotted a gecko on the garage door (alas there is no photo as this particular gecko was incredibly camera shy). Just when I think I'm getting used to my surroundings something happens to remind me that I am actually in unchartered waters (metaphorically speaking mind as despite two nights of epic lightening storms, Texas is still land locked. N.B. Texan rain is torrential and Texan lightening is akin to being strobed non-stop for 60 mins minimum. I will never understand weather.)

Did you know geckos are considered to a sign of good luck as well as a symbol of keeping one eye on the past while focusing the other on the future?

Well my gecko was without a doubt looking out for me today. The car and I took three trips today to get acquainted. It's actually a ford escort like my first EVER car (I've had four in total. This doesn't mean I have totalled four cars!) - spooky!! Journey one and two went without a mishap (driving mistakenly through a red light at a six way junction on your first trip in a foreign country doesn't count ;-)). Plus my first journey took me to an ATM!! and my second resulted in the safe ownership of my replacement bank card -WAHOO. So my cash issues are now mercifully resolved.

All in all driving Stateside in an automatic hasn't been too hair raising although my navigation still sucks - I have basically now been down every back street possible in the locality including some of the areas where I was recommended to avoid. Whoops. I only had one notable 'I curse Automatics' moment when on my third trip I backed the car out of the drive and it ended up slap bang perpendicular across the road (despite braking but to no avail). I then realised that the engine wasn't turning over but try as I might the car refused to start. Traffic appeared on both sides wanting to get past but couldn't as, of course, I was blocking the way - cue minor meltdown and pondering life, the Universe and whether Texan heat was sufficient to overheat a car in less than 20 mins in the sun. Eventually we figured out le problem, le car started and the traffic was allowed to flow freely again. Sometimes my popularity knows no bounds ;-))

Plus today I finally unpacked!!! I even did some laundry AND I purchased a pink hairdryer - drying my hair outside, even in this heat is not the done thing apparently!!!!!!! and MOST IMPORTANTLY I established a snack cupboard with both Paleo options (for when I just need a sweet fix) and non Paleo options (for when I am a moment away from complete and utter despair OR for when things implode inexplicably like so:)

I was just eating dinner when KABOOM!

Pyrex appears to be more Justine-proof in the UK

SF - obvs I will purchase you a new dish. Soooooorrry xx

After pondering life, universe and the Texan heat, I decided only a cookie could provide a solution to the current imploding conumdrum so I headed to my 'snackus cupboardicus' (see my University grade Latin has so not gone to pot ;-))

And just cos I'm proud of finally unpacking - it only took me a fortnight - check out how much PINK clothing I own ;-))

Just remembered: I forgot to purchase some hangers whilst I was out. DOH!

Best development of them all: I can now fall asleep without a light on. Progress and a definite sign that my somewhat massive new abode is finally starting to feel like a home.

But like the gecko caught between the headlights, I once again have an eye on the future and I'm packing again, as tomorrow I depart to go a'travelling for a few days. So typical!! And yet so exciting!! xx