Rants, Recipes, and Running

Besides all the fun I'm having discovering our temporary new "home" -- I've mostly been using that as a distraction. Let's just say it's been a frustrating few weeks on the side. It is not easy to work in TX with an AZ nursing license, through an agency in CA , who's compliancy company is in FL . However, things are finally coming to terms and I hit the ground running tomorrow! I have never been so excited to save lives! I miss the ER. This may sound very weird, but every time I hear ambulance sirens...my heart would sink. " I want to help!!! *tear* ", I would say. It's amazing what a 3 week hiatus from working will do to this girl. Let me tell you, I am not feeling rejuvenated . I used to think I wanted to live in the 1940's -- where women were trophy wives, homemakers, and wore adorable house dresses. I take than statement back! So to adorn this post with a little positivity, here are a few of the things that bring utter joy and...

We went on a double date Friday night to a local hot-spot called the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema . And this did not disappoint. In fact, I would be elated if one of these came to Tucson! It's exactly what it sounds like -- it's a movie theater with a bar that serves dinner. I initially wasn't drawn to this, as usually the food available at movie theaters isn't very healthy and is way too over-priced. Typical Theater = $7 for a ridiculous-sized glass of coke to wash down the $8 butter soaked popcorn that is large enough to feed a family of 10. No thank you . Not at the Drafthouse, though! As you enter the theater, the first centerpiece is this bar with a huge selection of tap beers -- including many local brews. (They also serve wine and do have a full bar) I would call the vibe a little bit on the "punk rock"/eclectic side. It has a selection of punk music softly playing in the background, and it's just a different vibe from your typical movie theate...

  Below is a pretty accurate depiction of ME running this past weekend. Okay, so it's an older man - but that is exactly what I did, and exactly how I felt. So I thought I'd share.....you know, to really "take you there"     There was a time in my life where I lived in a "cool climate". I now kick myself for not just relishing in that cool climate as a runner. For the past 5 years of my life, we have lived in warm climates. I will admit that in terms of lifestyle -- I love living in a warm climate! I love that you can go outdoors 365 days of the year. Snow/Ice never affect my day. But as a runner, it can be rough. June-September are the hardest. Right now in Tucson and San Antonio (where we currently reside)....there is very little respite from the heat, if any at all. The mornings can be 90 degrees at 5 am, and it only gets hotter. In San Antonio, the weather app on my Iphone tells me it's 74 degrees. I kick my heels in a fit of joy ! ...

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 . ...