Rants, Recipes, and Running

In my attempts to really embrace Texas, I accompanied Ryan and a few of his friends/classmates to a country bar last weekend called "Cowboys". I knew about this place before we arrived in San Antonio. All google, Urbanspoon, Tripadvisors -- listed it as a "bar to see". Boy, was it ever. It is the largest barn (yes, barn)I have ever seen! It has a mechanical bull. Friday & Saturday's they have live country music (this Friday Tracy Lawrence is performing...who's apparently a famous country dude). They even have dance lessons on some nights. Let me just tell you.....I am not a country girl. Yes , I grew up in North Dakota. Yes I own a cowboy hat. And yes , I drink beer (but I'm a bit a snob sticking to IPA's or Hefenweizen..) But those qualities still do not qualify me as a country gal. Here are a few things that take Ryan and I out of the equation for being "country" : (**Disclaimer, I have nothing against country. It's just n...

As I've stressed earlier, the most enticing part of moving to San Antonio was trying out new running trails and parks! I just think it's such a fun and intimate way to get to a know a new city! AND it's FREE ! There are several trails/parks I have yet to hit up. But I am going to start my review of a few that I've checked out. I'd like to think some San-Antonio-newcomer may someday stumble across this blog and find this useful. **I say this because sometimes it's really hard to find out where to run in a new city . Is it safe? Are there water fountains? Where do you park? The list of mysteries go on, and I've had to find out much of this on my own!** Leon Creek Greenway : I give this 4 out of 5 stars . My only complaint is that it was a bit overcrowded on a weekend morning. It's a nice black-top trail that literally goes on for miles and miles! I believe the full Greenway system actually has 130 miles ! There were water fountains and bathrooms al...

Almost 2 weeks down in San Antonio. It continues to grow on me. My travel nursing assignment has been....well, let's just say "Reality is not meeting Expectations". Due to some classes and paperwork that my agency wasn't aware the hospitals needed -- my contract is getting backed up a few weeks. Meaning I won't start my contract until July 8. Is it frustrating? Yes . Am I losing hair and sleep over this? You betcha.  But I've done everything I can to have control over this situation, and there is nothing further I can do but wait. I'm losing my cool keeping a positive attitude. But let's just say I don't do well with free time . And I don't even have a house to clean! Just a hotel room. I actually clean after the cleaning service comes-- but most days I tell them I don't need their services. I don't like the way they clean or fold my towels. What have I done to keep busy? I've channeled my inner "trophy wife" -- an...

You need a stove to cook a delicious pasta meal....they said. You're going to have to eat out every night if you're going to live in a hotel......they said. Well here is me defying what " they said" . Now I never said this doesn't take extra planning and patience. But it CAN be done, my friends! I was told last week while explaining our current living situation,  "It's going to get old and expensive eating out every night!" I responded in shock, "Oh, we haven't been going out to eat. I'm cooking! I bought a hot plate!" **Awkward stares......A what -plate?!** I had never heard of a hot plate either. But it's serving me well so far! I obviously miss our gas stove... Our blender..... The Kitchen-aid food processor.  The dishwasher. But "kitchen, kitchen, on the wall ( the kitchen is this room is literally a little station on the wall ), what is the most prized possession of all??? ? The Garbage Disposal. My God . ...

One of the most exciting parts for me on this move is discovering new running and biking trails. And I've decided that this hobby is one that really makes a person get out there and see the sites! Typically the popular biking and running trails are through beautiful parks and scenic areas. So it really gives you a taste of the area you are in. I don't begin my travel nursing contract until Monday - so I had this week to get settled in. Now that the week is ending, I am finding extra downtime. So have been putting my research to practice (I did my research on the best running and biking trails in SA -- as there are tons ) My first attempt was the Gruene River Trail. Gruene, Texas is a historic town outside of SA (northeast). If you are ever in the area, and you want a break from city -- this is the place! From the first glace, it has the image of "Ole Texas small town" with "Honky Tonk" dance halls etc. But the streets are cobble-stoned, and they have th...

After several days of hotel living, I think I've found a rhythm. We've made it work, to say the very least! After going through this transition, there are several things I've learned. I know the chances of ever having to make a hotel a home are very slim in most people's lifestyles. However, you never know! What if your house floods, and you have to house up in the Candlewood Suites for a month? For Ryan and I, there is a good chance that this won't be the last time we live in these types of quarters. I am now confident that I'll have it down by the next time we do this! (For those of you just joining in, if there are any.......this is for a temporary 3 month move) Here are a few tips I've found so far...... Pack what you need. Seriously .  Again, I state, Really analyze the items you use in your day-to-day life and decide what do you really need . (For example, if there's a dress that has been worn once in the past 2 years. Don't bring it...

We made it! Our 2 day drive went considerably smoothly. I'm actually quite impressed how well I did with 14 hours of driving. (I don't do well sitting). A word from the wise to anyone who may ever take a cross country trip across I-10? DO NOT STOP IN STOCKTON, TX. Although it was conveniently located on the 10, and had a decent selection of hotels......it made me worry about the state of Texas. Finding a place to eat was, well, a challenge . I could actually do a rant on our eating experience in Fort Stockton, Texas. But I'll hold my breath. But to give you a little vision ....close your eyes, picture flies, food workers touching food with bare hands, and smelliness. Okay, there you have it! Also, another tip! Be aware of the level of your gas tank while traveling through western Texas on a Sunday. It took 3 attempts to find an open gas station. It's Sunday, y'all. There's no place you should be on Sunday, except in the Lord's house! Mercy ! We had ...