Sean and Belle go to Mayo...Part 1

Just wanted to write a quick posting that we are in Rochester, MN for Sean's interview at The Mayo Clinic. First impression of Rochester? It is COLD! Well, I think its cold, but I'm always cold. Sean says its not that cold, but he's used to -20F windchills during his ski racing days. My Filipino blood is not accustomed to this yet, so 25F and snow is cold to me. However, the town is nice, and the hospital is very impressive! I'm looking forward to touring more of Mayo tomorrow.

As for plans tomorrow...Sean has his interview and his day starts at 6:30am. I'm taking the day to meet with some researchers to learn more about postdoctoral opportunities, just in case our next move is out to Rochester! We're both really looking forward to tomorrow!

Ducks v Cats

Dad and I headed back down to E-town this weekend for another Duck game with the McCullys! This time we played Arizona, and in true Duck fashion they gave us another nail-biter in the 4th quarter. Lucky for us they pulled off the win, 55-45!

Here's Dad and I at the game, and me sporting my new hat. Thanks Auntie Jan for taking our picture!

We tried to be as spirited as we could, but I think this guy beat us. Is that a real tatoo?

The Ducks have next weekend off, but Thanksgiving weekend they play the Beavers in Corvallis. It'll be a great game for sure. And better yet, Sean will be home!!!! If anyone in P-town is around and wants to watch the game with us, let us know! Unfortunately we have a 8pm flight out of PDX up to Seattle, but we can at least hang around for the first half. Just our luck, we'll probably have to board our flight during the last minute of the game.

A Perfect Weekend in Eugene

This weekend I headed down to Eugene to visit the McCully's. I have to say that it was the perfect weekend. The only thing missing was Sean, but he'll be home in two weeks!

First, Diane scheduled massages for Sarah and I at Gervais. It was SOOOO great! My therapist was Melinda (love her name!) and she was fantastic. After 24hrs of travelling back from Cork, it was exactly what my body needed. If anyone schedules a massage there, ask for her.

After our massages, Sarah, Finn and I headed to pizza dinner at La Perla with Sean's parents, their neighbor Connie, and our dear friends Greyson and Renee. I'd tell you my favorite dish, but everything on the menu is equally delicious, so I really can't single out anything!

The next day the McCully's + me + Connie headed to Autzen Stadium for the Oregon/Stanford game. Our good friends Cliff and Karen usually join us for the game since they are Stanford alum, but unfortunately they couldn't make the trip this time.

I was so stoked to go...I hadn't been to a game in 4 years, and I finally made it back. I have to admit that I was a little choked up when I heard the band play 'Mighty Oregon.' We truly have the best fight song in the country!! **Note: these pics was not from the day...I still need to get those from Sarah. It was acutally pouring rain that day, but I can't officially say that because 'it never rains at Autzen Stadium!' The game was a bit sloppy in the first half, but the second half was great. In the last two minutes, the Ducks pulled off the win!!

After the game, we headed to Beppe & Gianni's for dinner. After going to La Perla, we couldn't ignore the other restaurant!!! I also realized that I never made it to B&G's during the summer, which is shocking. We indulged in great wine, my favorite appetizer (Roasted Garlic with Cambozola Cheese and Grilled Bread), and of course, the house ravioli.

On Sunday, we hung around the house, mainly to recover from the weekend. On my way out of town, I met up with Grant and Nicole at Chapala's for lunch. It was so great to catch up with them, and there is so much to congratulate them on!! Not only did they just have the most beautiful wedding on Sept 20, but Grant just submitted his PhD disseration last Friday, and they are moving to Missouri at the end of the year where Grant will start his post doc and Nicole may begin nursing school!

Sooo...massages, the best eats in town, watching the Ducks beat Stanford at Autzen, and most importantly, time with family and friends. Can anyone come up with a better weekend? I think not!

So many changes: a dual life and a new president

Monday morning, Nov 3, was my last day in Cork, which means that Sean and I have officially started our long-distance relationship. So far, its been OK. I don't miss the guy at all (just kidding...I actually miss him very much). We knew this was coming and know that we are in this for a lifetime, so six months apart is nothing in the grand scheme of things. He is also back in Oregon on Nov 22 for his OHSU interview (YAY!!), which makes the transition easier. We were apart longer this summer when he went to The Mayo Clinic, so this will be a breeze!

I want to thank all of my friends in Cork for two lovely send-offs. On Thursday I went out with the Physiology Dept, and Friday had dinner with our friends from Sean's medical school class. I am very sad to leave all of you, but as I said last week, this is only a 'see-you-later' rather than a good-bye. My time in Ireland has shown me that strong friendships will go the distance, no matter how far apart you are or how long you are away. I have made some amazing friends in Cork and I know that we'll always be in touch. And...I'll be back in May! The time will undoubtely fly by!


I have to admit that its nice to be back in Oregon. On my first day back in the US, I did the most 'American' thing that I can think of...I voted! Thank goodness that Oregon is a blue state!


My parents and I watched Sen. Barack Obama's speech on television last night. It brought tears to my eyes, as it did to millions of Americans that night. Will he live up to all of his promises? No. I don't think anybody on this earth can completely dig us out of the hole that we are in. Are his intentions genuine and will he make the effort to start the transformation of this country into a place that can be respected by the world once again? Yes, I truly believe he will. It has already started. At this stage, what more can we ask for? And does he give me that 'warm-fuzzy' feeling? Damn right he does! I need warm-fuzzy. This country needs warm-fuzzy. We need someone that brings tears to our eyes because he's an inspiration and gives us hope, and makes us feel that the people of this country actually matter. This country hasn't been inspired in 8 years, and its finally time for a change!