Monthly Challenges: Build Better Life Habits

New Year, same me, same house, same boyfriend and same cat. New Year, new adventures, new milestones, new challenges.

Medical school is rough, you work harder than you ever thought you could and you change. you change in ways that are subtle at first, but become more apparent the farther through the crucible you go. Yes, the road to becoming a doctor is a crucible: a place or occasion of severe test or trial.

My time is precious, and expensive now. Therefore I am taking it upon myself to try out new money/time/brain saving ideas each month to nail down good habits and break expensive ones before entering Intern Year.

I want to know that what precious "free time" I have, and what little "disposable income" I'll enjoy are put to the optimal use. I want to spend my down time enjoying my boyfriend's company, and playing with my Ninja, not cleaning, or working at home. I want to use what little money doesn't go to loans and cost of living to gather experiences, not things.

Join me, take on a few challenges along with me and find out how I'm doing in my hunt for good, healthy and relationship friendly life habits.

January: Meal Planning

February: $100 Budget

Fredricksburg, TX

Fredricksburg, TX
Situated in Texas Hill country is an enchanting little German town home to unique shopping, tons of romantic Bed and Breakfasts, several award winning wineries and intimate gourmet dinning experiences. Recently named on CNN's list of "6 most romantic small towns in America" Fredricksburg, TX is more than deserving of the title. Take a weekend to visit and discover the charm of the Texas Hill Country for yourself.

Stay

• Absolute Charm 



Inn on the Creek Dinning Room

• Absolute charm is a convenient B&B reservation service that has compiled the most luxurious inns and cottages in the area. Their easy to navigate website highlights the amenities, locations and close-by attractions to each unique B&B. Check-in and check-out is extremely simple and their communication prior to your arrival is very thorough without being overbearing. They also offer customizable services to make your stay even more special, such as wine or champaign upon arrival, massages, and much more.

• Inn on the Creek 
• This five room B&B just off of Main St. offers unique experiences in each suite, some with in-room Jacuzzis, elegant four poster beds, soaking tub and richly appointed decor. 
• Breakfast is an event not to be missed at this property, the chefs prepare a three course feast every morning for the guests, making sure everyone is fully satisfied and ready for a full day of exploring the surrounding town and vineyards.  

Play

• Texas Wine Country 
• Route 290 ambles through the beautiful rolling hills that serve as the back drop for one of the hottest destinations for wine enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to visit and immerse yourself in the gorgeous vineyards and unique tasting rooms at each of the thirteen different wineries along this stretch of highway. 
• Check out the event schedule at WineRoad290.com for upcoming events and festivals to make the most of your visit. There are special events nearly every weekend of the year, as well as tour busses and shuttle services available.  

• Main Street



View down Main Street

• Strolling down Historic Main Street is a great way to work up an appetite before dinner, while satisfying your appetite for unique boutiques. Enjoy the distinct art galleries and fine jewelry stores along side German preserve shops and western leather and spice stores. There is something for everyone, from the chef to the quilter to the fashionista and the kids. 
• Multiple wine bars bring the vineyard tasting good to Main Street, check out House.Wine.http://www.yelp.com/biz/house-wine-fredericksburg for a cool atmosphere and a wide selection of local and international wines. Just off of Main street, on Lincoln you will find the larger and more rustic feeling Lincoln Street Wine Bar, complete with outdoor fireplace and wicker seating. 

• Enchanted Rock
• Located a short drive out side of Fredricksburg, Enchanted Rock is a must see destination for a fun day in the great outdoors as well as a good way to work off some of the fine meals you're sure to enjoy during your visit.
• Enchanted Rock rises 425 feet above the elevation of the park, climbing the Summit Trail is similar to climbing up the stairs of a 40 story building. The highest point offers beautiful views of the surrounding Hill Country at 1,825 feet above sea level. The three visible peaks (Little Dome, Enchanted Rock and Turkey Point) are just the visible portions of the entire granite deposit, which covers over 640 acres. 
• Make sure to check the Park Website to ensure the park is open, as they hold private hunts in January and close the park on occasion. Enchanted Rock is one of the most popular destinations of the Texas State Park system. 

View headed up the Summit Trail

Eat

• Otto's



Seared King Salmon over potatoes augrauten 

• A converted house makes for an intimate setting perfectly fitting the fine cuisine you will encounter at Otto's. They have left the rafters bare to create as open of a space as possible in this tiny establishment where you are in the same room with the chefs and full service bar. With only a handful of tables you will be treated like friends by the waitstaff, and the head chef makes rounds to check on every table and gather insight about your experience. 
• A must for dinner, they are open late all year round. Unique cocktails for reasonable prices include an Absinth Old Fashioned and Black Forest Sparklers. Call ahead and make a reservation! 

• Rathskeller
• Located in the basement of the Historic Keidel Hospital Building Rathskeller's is a rough little gem serving breakfast, lunch and dinner: gourmet food at diner prices served up in a funky little basement.



Texas Hill Country Hash

• Recommend trying his spot for breakfast, the Texas Hills Hash with Duck and Poached Eggs is fantastic! Fried breakfast potatoes with onions and peppers support two poached eggs and a healthy scattering of roasted duck meat all tenderly brought together with hollandaise sauce. For the non-egg-eaters: the German Style Pancakes are reminiscent of thick crepes served with banana pieces on top, be sure to add the maple syrup!

• Java Ranch
• The only actual coffee bar in Fredricksburg. They make a great latte and cappachino with a  wide choice of flavors and prices similar to Starbucks. Stop in for a little pick-me-up. 

Great American Vacation: Take 1

Great American Road Trip 2013: Take 1 Kirksville to Las Vegas, NV

As OMS3 (third year medical students) we are gifted our last actually Christmas Vacation for more or less the next ten years. Last year we took full advantage of those precious fourteen days off and ventured off for A Great American Adventure!

Google Maps only lets you add 10 destinations!

Along the way we learned a ton of invaluable lessons, saved a few lives, ate a ton of great food, saw amazing sights, nearly broke a tailbone and drove over miles. Here are a few stories, tips and recommendations for planning and inspiring your own amazing road trip. 

Texas In January

Texas is a HUGE state, and a great location to visit no matter the time of year. I've been here in the heat of August and the mild chill of January. While there are deffinite advantages to a summer time visit, don't discount a winter visit to the lone star state.

Weather
Winter in southern Texas is mild, the farther south the more mild. But you will get temps in the 30's some days so check ahead for the forcast before you pack. While snow is rare, wet weather with rain and cloudy days is very frequent in the winter. Expect highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's.

Make several variations of plans so that a little rain or mist doesn't ruin your outside fun.

Destinations
Don't expect to enjoy water based activities like kayaking, swimming or tubing in the winter. Most of these outdoor type activities are not available in the winter, Lady Bird Lake in Austin is deffinatly a summer destination! Also, the zip lines over Lake Travis are closed for the winter, as are most amusement parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas (opens Feburary 28th).

BUT there is a wide array of activities perfectly suited to a cool weather visit! Texas is a state steeped in history, rich and waiting for you to discover it. From Spanish conquistadores and missions,  cowboys and Indians to cattle barons,  and art museums Texas is full of year-round adventure.

San Antonio 
San Antonio is a huge sprawling urban center branching out from the downtown area. While not one of my favorite destinations in the great state of Texas, it has some great highlights that are not to be missed, and a convenient little airport and central location between Austin and Houston. 

Fredricksburg
Situated in Texas Hill country is an enchanting little German town home to unique shopping, tons of romantic Bed and Breakfasts, several award winning wineries and intimate gourmet dinning experiences. Recently named on CNN's list of "6 most romantic small towns in America" Fredricksburg, TX is more than deserving of the title. Take a weekend to visit and discover the charm of the Texas Hill Country for yourself.

San Antonio

San Antonio
San Antonio is a huge sprawling urban center branching out from the downtown area. While not one of my favorite destinations in the great state of Texas, it has some great highlights that are not to be missed, and a convenient little airport and central location between Austin and Houston.

Stay
Its hard to choose a hotel in the San Antonio area, there are just so many. Identifying what you want to do during your stay can help narrow down some areas and options.

• Drury Hotels
• I am a huge fan of Drury Hotels, and San Antonio is home to some of the newer additions to this company. The happy hour, fresh breakfast, and clean rooms are wonderful, as well as the kid friendly atmosphere with pools and workout facilities. Also the price is well within budget, without feeling like it. 
• Omni Hotels
• On the pricier end of the world is the Omni Hotel and Resort chain. I have stayed at the Omni at the Colonnade and enjoyed the great workout facilities, indoor and outdoor pool areas as well as the in house bistro. Again, there are multiple Omni Hotels in the area and deciding if most of your activities will take place downtown, or in the outskirts will help you choose the best location. 
• Resorts 
• On another hand, there are a plethora of resorts with lazy rivers, day spas and the sort a short drive into the hills from San Antonio. Some of these can be booked relatively cheaply through PriceLines "name your own Price" option. 

Play
Don't cheat yourself out of some great sights while in the area. Most of these are free or inexpensive activities great for a couple, or a family. San Antonio is not know for its nightlife, nor should it be.

• Historic Mission Trail



Mission Conception 

• Not so much of a park, this trail links four of the remaining missions established by  Spanish colonization of the southern frontier. Established in the 1700's these four missions and the Alamo, formerly known as San Antonio de Valero, make up the surviving medieval outposts of Spanish presence. 
• As this trail takes you through some sketchy areas and neighborhoods I would recommend traveling by car and stopping at each mission to enjoy its history and beauty. No two missions are alike in style, and each has its own piece of history to share.
• The Mission Conception is the best preserved of the four, while the Alamo is the most famous and located in downtown San Antonio.

• The Riverwalk 
• The San Antonio Riverwalk is an impressively built up region along the canalized San Antonio river featuring a huge number of bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and beautiful sights. 
• As long as you stay on the riverwalk you can have open containers and drinks. And yes, there are margarita stands right where you enter.

• The Alamo 
• The Alamo gets it's own dot here. Yes, it is impressive and its story is unique and integral to the history of Texas independence. A must see landmark and bucket list item. 

• McNay Art Museum



McNay Mansion

• A treasure of a small museum housing everything from medieval European art to impressionists, modern sculpture, Pablo Picasso, and contemporary video art and photography. They offer an afternoon sized stroll through a wide variety of time periods and styles. Enjoy the newly expanded galleries and don't forget to stroll the grounds.
• The McNay mansion was originally built in 1927 by Marion McNay, a passionate proponent of the arts. Upon her death, the home was bequeathed to the city of San Antonio to house Texas' first modern art museum. Along with her extensive collection of books, which is the base of the art library housed here, she also dedicated a large portion of her fortune. 
• Admission is $10 for adults, Kids under 12 are free, $5 for students (13+), active military and seniors (56+). 
• Closed on Mondays, the museum opens at 10am all other days of the week. 

• Brackenridge Park 



Japanese Tea Gardens

• Home to the Japanese Tea Gardens, the San Antonio Zoo and the Sunken Garden Theater Breckenridge Park offers a whole day worth of entertainment. 
• Japanese Tea Gardens. This spot is picturesque no matter the season!
• San Antonio Zoo. The animals are more active in the cooler weather, moving around and not hiding from the blazing sun in their dens. 

Eat
I love food, you can tell from my Yelp account that I go out a lot, and love to add to the culinary conversation. Cooking and eating are a passion of mine, and here I give you a short list of the places that I am in love with in San Antonio area.

• Mariscos El Bucanero



Maricso Pina

• Don't be scared. They offer traditional Mexican seafood with live bands, bright decor and great drinks at low prices. The ceviche is fresh, there are tostadas and four sauces instead of chips and salsa (green isn't hot), the drinks are fresh and strong, and they even offer a small number of "American Dishes" for the faint of heart. 
• Get the Marisco Pina, and love your life. Seafood stew served in a hulled pineapple with fresh chunks of pineapple and broiled to crisp the cheese on top. This beast is easily shareable and served with rice, lettuce and tomatoes on the side. 
• Guacamole is actually made fresh table side and is a generous, super flavorful portion. 

• Aldo's Restorante Italiano



Beef Carpaccio 

• Don't get put off by the reviews noting the chilly service. They offer traditional Italian fare (not spaghetti and meatballs) that is worth putting up with a less than ecstatic waiter. 
• Situated in a converted home, Aldo's is visually pleasing with trees wrapped in lights, a beautify entryway and closed-in wrap around porch seating area. There is a main dinning room, but I preferred the intimacy and unique style of the porch seating areas. 
• Enjoy fresh bread with oil and garlic as you wait for the beef carpaccio and sip your choice of wine from from the extensive offerings. 
• The portions are sharable, and there is no extra plate fee here. 

• Kirby's Steakhouse 



Potato crusted calamari 

• Ranked #4 on about.travel's "Best Steakhouses in San Antonio" you cannot miss this gem if having a steak in Texas is on your bucket list too. 
• An intimate setting, great atmosphere, private party rooms, even private booths with curtains, full bar and dinning room. This restaurant is the place to go for a nice evening, and some pricey indulgence. 
• You are going to pay for culinary perfection, BUT they offer a FREE APPETIZER for YELP users (up to $14). I recommend the potato crusted calamari, not its not squid covered in mashed potatoes, they use a potato flour that gives a great crispy outside without imparting any unwanted weight or oily taste. Served with a rich, garlic tomato sauce. 
• The 18oz mesquite cold smoked ribeye is my favorite item on the menu, an absolute treat  don't pass it up for a more expensive filet minion. Bask in the glory of a professionally prepared, aged, smoked and rested steak. 
• Desert is also a must, the creme brûlée is to die for.

• Pho Cong Ly



Pho Ga with all the fixin's

• Feel like something lighter? Looking for lunch? Try my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in San Antonio. This restaurant has been here forever, living quietly in a strip mall, its the place that locals know about and rave about. 
• Enjoy a hot bowl of pho (soup), or a fresh vermicelli dish (thin noodles). Ordering by the numbers is perfectly acceptable and encouraged. The waiters will chat with you if you ask them how to pronounce the Vietnamese words, but don't worry, the menu is in English too. 
• They also offer Chinese food for the less adventurous in your party.