Big Event January

Well,

As some of you know, I had my interview today at Pacific University. I have to say that as an experience, regardless of outcome, I met some of the coolest people from all different medical backgrounds, from all over the states today. I spoke with students about how they managed being away from their families, how it is to be $100 k in debt, how they continue going on when they feel there is no way they are going to be able to retain the wealth of information they are expected to. Every student was enthusiastic about the program, passionate about communicating to us the willingness of the faculty to help students succeed.

I really enjoyed the experience. I have never interviewed for a graduate school before, especially since I don't have my Bachelor's degree. I think that I was the only one in today's group that didn't yet earn a bachelor's degree. I was one of two who showed up wearing an outfit that was not a suit. I was the only one who went to the wrong campus first, therefor showing up a mere 5 minutes prior to program start time.

Surprisingly, the admission invitations and denials will go out Monday or Tuesday, so we should be informed of our status by next week. How lucky are we? The earlier groups have been waiting for months! The agony!

Dan and I went up and stayed at the Grand Lodge, had dinner with a friend, and soaked in the pool before heading to bed last night. We are glad to be home, and I am thankful that this chapter is done, and I can get back to my full load of classes. I have neglected them over the past week because its been so hard to think about anything but this day. And now this day is over, and I have done the best I can.

Austin: Take 2

Our first few nights in Austin, I, unfortunately, forgot to bring my perfect little camera (which missed fish tacos and margaritas at Guerro's- the site of a scene from Death Proof-by Quentin Tarantino), so the pictures begin somewhere around day three when we wandered down the street from Lucy and Gabe's to see the cheesy and fabulous Trail of Lights:

Today's Highlights

1. The White Stripes interview on NPR that began and ended just as I left my house and arrived at work (yes, it takes me 7 minutes to get to work in the morning commute in Eugene, Oregon. It's great!).
2. Being the first to arrive of my crew at the office. There is just something nice about being alone there in the morning.
3. Drinking coffee and eating an apple fritter (I have developed a near-daily donut habit, its been about a week now, still going strong.) while logging on to my computer.
4. Reading emails that were advising me my pre-requisites for Organic Chemistry 2 would be waived and I would be free to register at LCC, and then five minutes later receiving one stating the same from the UO.
5. Hearing "thank-you-for-being-there-I-appreciate-the-time-and-effort-you-have-spent-helping-our-family-through-this" on the phone before 11 am.
6. Not hearing "your-office-is-so-disorganized-I-can't-express-how-frusterated-I-am-that-you-can't-help-me" once during the day.
7. An hour long nap at 3.
8. Dinner at Ambrosia's with Dan and Lisa (Dan's Aunt). Great food, good wine, fabulous conversation, and even better chocolate mousse to finish the event.
9. Coming home to Family Guy and The Office re-runs on Channel 55.
10. Realizing that tomorrow is my "Friday", I have Thursday off, and then Dan and I travel to Austin, Texas Thursday evening!

End of an Era

Well today I moved my stuff out of my own private office and back into the office staff cubicle quartet. It was sad, and fun, and honestly its not so bad losing an office. A bit harder to concentrate, but then what am I doing working at work anywah? Sheesh....

Dan and I are now in our final days of preparation for our first "goin' on a jet plane" trip together! On Thursday we leave for Austin, Texas and return the following Friday. We will be staying with his brother Gabe, and his girlfriend, Lucy. I think aside from golfing, shopping, sleeping in, and moz-ee-ing around, our plans are at a minimum, which sounds perfect.

We will be there over Christmas, and for Gabe's big 3-0 birthday, which as every child fears, falls on the day after Christmas. Such sadness for a little boy!