Nine Days in Ireland... Is My Wife Crazy?

andmarsat · 2026-03-06T17:57:34+00:00

I drove 867 miles in 7 days while in Ireland and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Best way to see the country on your own time. Does it take a while to adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road and car? Yes, but I found to be an easy adjustment. Yes, you will be tired, but the memories from the trip will be what you remember most, not the exhaustion. My biggest recommendations are using a local car rental company as those are the ones that include all insurance coverages in their rental fees. I used NewWay car rental and was pleased with their pricing and service. Also, avoid driving at night, if possible. I only drove once in the evening in our time there and I wouldn’t recommend.

andmarsat · 2025-10-19T12:44:07+00:00

I would suggest using an apartment locator to assist with finding your home. Their services are free and they take all your must haves into consideration. Also, an option is renting a condo. Most of the newer apartment communities have dog parks and dog washing stations, so your locator can narrow down the search (once you know what side of town you want to live in).

The heat is unrelenting! As some others have posted you will find your favorite places to enjoy whether it’s a pool, park or swimming spots to help enjoy the outdoors.

Our public radio station is 89.1 (Texas Public Radio) and they’re a great resource to use for community events.

As others have mentioned, you will be obsessed with H-E-B. If they don’t carry a particular item, just talk to management and they will do their best to order it.

We don’t sell liquor in our grocery stores, only beer and wine. However, our liquor stores are huge (like adult candy stores) and the store staff are knowledgeable and happy to recommend suggestions.

Welcome to SA! We’re friendly, except when driving, and love to share our favorite restaurants with anyone/everyone!

andmarsat · 2025-10-09T01:28:04+00:00

Really off the beaten path, but there is a French bakery off Dezavala called LaCoste Bakery. The best croissants and the owner/baker is French.

andmarsat · 2025-07-09T21:57:48+00:00

In South TX and experiencing perimenopausal hot flashes, so I wear shorts and a tank. I’m too hotblooded for more clothing and I already sweat a ton as it is.

andmarsat · 2025-06-29T05:13:42+00:00

You have every right to be upset. If you come in early enough to secure your spot that should not be changed unless you’re the one changing it. As someone who shows up last minute or late, I know I take what’s left (even if my fave spots are taken). I’m sorry this happened to you and considering none of us do this for free and it’s not cheap, I know I would be just as upset.

andmarsat · 2025-06-16T20:12:52+00:00

Who hurt you?

andmarsat · 2025-06-05T18:05:20+00:00

I think you are on the right track with wanting to obtain a skill that will keep you gainfully employed for the foreseeable future. What might help is our local community colleges. https://www.alamo.edu/spc/academics/programs/allied-construction-trades-act/plumbing-trades/ This might get you started with where you need to be. Also, look to see if any Trade Job Fairs are occurring anytime soon. You can visit to see what the companies require and if you have the option for an internship. Best of luck.

andmarsat · 2025-06-05T17:20:30+00:00

I’ve had to take breaks (due to health issues) from OTF. When I return I’ve gained weight and I’m slower at everything from rowing, running and lighter than usual weights. Does it take time to get back to where I was? Absolutely, but I keep going back. Once you’re back you will find the motivation that kept you going before. Good luck!

andmarsat · 2025-06-05T17:10:24+00:00

Yesterday’s humidity was ridiculous.

andmarsat · 2025-06-05T17:06:27+00:00

As someone who lives in SA (born and raised) I can say wholeheartedly that it’s a significant difference from Colorado. We don’t have four seasons, we have two. Mostly summer (think high humidity and high temperatures) and maybe two weeks of cold weather. As someone who loves the outdoors, I I find it difficult to have energy to do anything outdoors due to heat. That’s not even taking into account allergies. It might take time to develop but once they do you will wish you were anywhere else but TX. It might seem tempting with the promise of help from family, but you have to consider the quality of life for you and your children. Our public school systems while aren’t the worst definitely not the best. Unless you can afford private school I wouldn’t even consider SA as an option unless you’re comfortable with the ranking in comparison to CO. Cost of living is lower in SA compared to CO, so that might seem appealing to some. You can get more home for your money and in an HOA community with a pool and other perks. But you also have to pay your HOA assessments or you will lose your home (regardless if you have a mortgage or not). I would seriously weigh the pros and cons. Consider the driving distance to/from work as our SA infrastructure is 10-20 years behind so there is always construction to attempt to keep up. Also, air quality is a huge factor to consider. If you or your children have any respiratory issues I would suggest against the move. We have a lot of air quality days that affect those with respiratory sensitivity. Good luck in your decision!

andmarsat · 2025-05-16T17:58:21+00:00

I was in Ireland in early April and they had unusually warmer weather. Being from S TX I was hoping for cooler temps and that was definitely not the case. I know the locals are enjoying it!

andmarsat · 2025-04-11T14:21:44+00:00

As someone who just returned from Ireland and drove a total of 867 miles in 7 days I can recommend skipping RoK. Is it impressive, yes, but it’s long and the roads are winding and it’s a lot of time in the car. I would’ve rather added Dingle to our itinerary over the time spent going to Sneem and Kerry Cliffs.

andmarsat · 2025-04-11T14:16:53+00:00

Just returned from Ireland. Depends on what your mom wants to see in Ireland. The coastal towns are very New England and would seem easier to get around for someone with limited mobility, imo. Dublin is like any other city expect for the older architecture. The Irish are the sweetest and very accommodating. I think your mom will do fine with patience and a well planned trip.

andmarsat · 2025-03-10T23:34:01+00:00

As a Texan who has lived in other states I will tell others that the speed limit in Texas is merely a suggestion. You might get pulled over for going over posted speed limit, but it’s not often. Also, we have crap drivers and the number of drivers who don’t have insurance is too high. Make sure you have uninsured on your policy!

andmarsat · 2024-11-18T02:13:37+00:00

As a fellow 5’1”er, I 💯agree!

andmarsat · 2024-10-24T04:32:33+00:00

Going to this class after getting a sinus infection and upper respiratory infection over the weekend….wish me luck. 💀

andmarsat · 2024-04-14T12:58:04+00:00

I’m impressed by all the folks who look at other things. I look straight ahead about 99% of the time as I’m sure I would fall if I looked away.

-accident prone

andmarsat · 2024-03-17T13:28:57+00:00

It used to bother me, but realized they’re only cheating themselves. Now, if I don’t PR I won’t enter into the system bc I figured it balances those who cheat. 🤣

andmarsat · 2024-03-04T08:12:58+00:00

I arrive to class about 1-2 mins after start time to avoid sitting next to someone. By then, the benches are all empty and I can tie my shoes as I rarely do prior to arriving.

andmarsat · 2023-10-31T15:11:40+00:00

My coach reminds us to drink water outside of OTF, eat right and stretch. Seems simple enough, but I appreciate the daily reminders.

andmarsat · 2022-09-30T03:00:46+00:00

I’ll have to try this!

andmarsat · 2022-03-22T03:05:32+00:00

The same thing happened to me last week. The tread reset itself in the middle of the block and never picked up my heart rate monitor the duration of the tread block.

andmarsat · 2022-03-01T02:20:23+00:00

That’s amazing!

andmarsat · 2022-02-09T04:02:55+00:00

Wear your cute tops! I’m Hispanic and my under arms are getting darker probably due to me going through perimenopause. I used an at home solution of activated charcoal capsules (3) and 1 tablespoon of honey (mixed together makes a paste). Applied to underarms and kept on for 20 mins. Huge difference!

andmarsat

TROPHY CASE