New Job. New Car. New House.

Check, check, and check. I (Charis) started my new job at the Director of Global Outreach for Habitat for Humanity on June 1. I'm absolutely loving it and having a great time putting together a pilot program that will engage faith based organizations in building houses internationally. A week on the job and I've already got 3 deals in the mix - I love tackling new challenges and getting to be creative with solutions and strategies!

Since Duffy and I were commuting to work together at HPPC, I'd previously sold my little red sports car (Mazda RX8) and shared Duffy's pride and joy - the Escalade. Now that I'm working in West Dallas, commuting together isn't as convienient, so I started car shopping. I began the process intending to find an economical car with good gas mileage and a dependable reputation. Then I fell in love and got the car of my dreams - a white Hummer H3 with chrome bling. Ghetto-fabulous. My co-workers at HPPC fondly began referring to me as "Hummer Barbie."

Today we closed on our new house. It's a ranch-style house located conviently near the Galleria in Dallas. 15 minutes from my work, less than 10 minutes from Duffy's, and only 10 minutes away from our friends in Plano - it's the perfect location for us. We have a strenuous remodeling schedule planned, but hopefully we'll be able to move in this weekend.

Yesterday, Duffy found a little box turtle floating in our pool. Cutest little guy. We fished him out of the pool, washed him off (the pool had a lot of chemicals in it as we were trying to shock it) and set him in the grass, only to find him back on the front porch of the house trying to get in later. Sasha laid down in front of him and just stared at him with curiosity and interest. The turtle just stared back. So cute. I put him in the grass and later when I went back to check him, he popped his head up and walked out to meet me. I think I may have a new friend!