Free Nights

Summer is awesome and all,

But many of us are diagnosed with this disease called boredom. And although some may crave this. It can start to  become deadly at some point..

Boredom leads to over thinking, it leads to questioning  yourself, it leads to calling randoms who you don’t normally speak to, and most importantly, it leads to wasting your precious cash monay.

Luckily, living in a co-op decreases my chances of picking up this sickness. When I’m bored, I just go downstairs and find someone who is bored, and we do something about it!

One of my house mates Al and I have been exploring the comedy scene in Austin. Last thursday night, we biked downtown and watched a FREE show at The Hideout Theatre. Not only was the show hilarious, but there is a cafe connected to it! With lots of deliciously strong coffee and juices and austiny granola bars and such. I was too involved in the hilarity of the show that I didn’t take any photos, but I did snag this one of the bar.

I got a delicious italian soda, with whipped cream on top. I heart you topo chico.

Their shows are typically 5 dollars(thats nothing for what you get!), but the 10:00pm show on thursday nights is completely and totally free!

We enjoyed this outing so much, that last night, when boredom started knocking on the door, we decided it was time to explore again. This time, we ventured off to The New Movement. We parked our bikes and seemed a little lost because this place is slightly hidden. Just look for a huge sign with a question mark on Lavaca Street.

The comedians here were alot younger, so the humor was definitely a different feel, but nonetheless hilarious.

These shows are also typically $5, but their 9:30PM Wednesday shows are FREEEEEEEEEE. And you forget how great it feels to laugh, continuously, for like 2 hours. It’s a stress reliever and it works your abs. How could you say no?!

(Reason #18272398982 why I love this city: It’s easy to have fun and be frugal at the same time)

Al and I plan to continue this habit and find plenty more of these local holes.

In the meantime, don’t allow boredom to conquer your summer days. Yes, you should relax, but get out there and enjoy yourself. There is never NOTHING to do. I will punch someone if I hear them say this.

Cody wishes you crispy days with lots of laughter and treats.

xoxo, 

Nadeen Abou-Hossa

Co-ops: The Affordable Alternative

Hello! So much going on in my life right now I can’t wait to fill you guys in!

Living in Austin where there are 19381491201092 students, you find yourself having to sign leases literally a year early. Thus, I have currently been looking at housing options for this summer/next year. I absolutely love the little area I live in now in north campus, but me being the spontaneous girl I am, I want to try something totally new and out of my comfort zone.

As of today, I officially decided I want to live in a co-op next year.

A Co-op is pretty much a house where all the members (students living there) own the organize and manage it in whichever way they please. Every house runs differently, but each members plays a vital role and they all work together to organize chores, cooking, cleaning, etc.

The more research I did, the more obsessed I became. Austin has a TON of huge co-ops that house up to 100 kids, but I’ve been looking into the smaller ones that hold about 15-20 students per house. It’s so great because they are all so close to campus, extremely affordable, and such a great experience!

I’ve been doing my research, and I narrowed down my search to a few houses. Tonight, I went to go have dinner at one house I am really interested in: Arrakis.

I wish I could’ve taken pictures inside because it was literally the coolest house I have ever been in. Every wall painted with fabulous designs, special words written on the stairs,a projector.

Not only this, but the dinner the members made was incredible: cous cous, chickpea sandwhich, and carrots. Everyone gathered around the table, ate, and talked about their days. I had never been exposed to this type of environment before, but I absolutely loved it.

Check out this video that includes a tour of the house! I promise you won’t be bored

http://www.iccaustin.coop/join/arrakis.shtml

(I took this picture on my way home today, the tower was lit up burnt orange with a #1 and I couldn’t resist)

hook em!

-Nadeen