How many dinner and a movie dates have you been on? Probably dozens. Waiting 30 minutes to an hour for a table because you forgot to make reservations, then an hour for dinner, then two hours at the movies, then it's so late that you end up going straight home. Well, Ryan planned date night last weekend and took me to Studio Movie Grill @ CityCentre - where you sit at a small table, instead of being cramped without any arm or leg room, with a full-service dinner and drink menu and waiter. I know these exist in other cities, but this was the first time for both of us. Not to mention CityCentre is a modern outdoor district with plenty of shopping and dining - a popular weekend hangout.
We sipped cocktails and ordered appetizers while we watched Taken 2. Even though the movie isn't getting rave reviews, I really liked it. Maybe because I have a slight crush on Liam Neeson, but hey, who else in the world has his particular set of skills? ;) It was what you'd expect for a sequel, not quite as exciting as the first, but it was still a good action-packed movie that kept you on the edge of your seat. At least it had the same cast.
As far as Studio Movie Grill, it gets two thumbs up from the Clayton's. I think movie theaters are overpriced and usually don't go unless I absolutely have to see the movie (which hasn't happened often in the past couple years.. ask Ryan), but this set up seems much more worth your $10 movie ticket. The food and drinks were good, we had much more room than an average theater and after the movie we still had time to walk and shop around CityCentre.
Fun date night courtesy of my hubby! I'm excited for the next new experience.
Much love,
The Clayton's
After a few crazy weeks, we finally feel settled and our apartment feels like home. The final items left of the list to become Texas residents included getting our Texas driver's licenses and registering our vehicle. We knew we were in for a different DMV experience when we pulled up and the line outside was wrapped around the entire building. And that was just to get your number. Sigh. Three hours later, we walked out of the DMV with Texas licenses in hand.
Registering your vehicle is much more complicated in Texas than in Indiana. Texas requires your vehicles to be inspected each year, then you must file for license plates at the Tax Assessor's office. I mean, of course they can't make your life any easier by doing everything in the same place, right? We took our inspection form and all other required documents to the courthouse only to find another wrap-around line. You know, like the lines at Cedar Point or King's Island. Except, instead of a thrill ride at the end of the line, you get to sign your name, pay a bill and come home with stickers, plates and a lot of paperwork.
After a long day, we survived and are officially Texans... even though in our hearts, we will always be Hoosiers.
In other news, Ryan is still loving his job - he's learning a lot and even teaching me some things about how his profession relates to every day life. I started coaching at a cheer gym a few nights a week. It feels great to get back in the gym and I'm excited to experience Texas-style cheer. For anyone who doesn't know, cheer was basically founded in Texas.
The "fall" weather here feels like the beginning of summer back in the midwest. Temperatures are in the mid-to-high-80s during the day and low 60s overnight. A "cool down" is heading our way with highs in the 70s, haha. Maybe it will feel cool to us by Christmas.
We can hardly believe that we've been here for a month already, but life is really starting to feel "normal" again. Except for the fact that we aren't spending our fall tailgating at our alma mater. Sigh. Go Hoosiers!!
Much love,
The Clayton's
