Alcohol consumption is taken very seriously in the US. More seriously it seems than drug taking (if the pungent aroma of weed on many streets in San Francisco is to be taken as evidence) and this is a very strange concept for an Irish person to grasp. I knew before coming here that there was…
Author: Oonagh Grace
Welcome to OMG: The Women’s Health Brief — a space for breaking the silence around women’s health. From the chaos of perimenopause to the crash landings of menopause — and every baffling, frustrating, and overlooked medical moment in between — this blog shares the stories, research, and resources women deserve but rarely receive. Originally from Dublin, where I studied History at Trinity College before completing a Master’s in Social Science and Counselling, I’ve lived and worked across four countries on two continents. Alongside this international journey, I trained as a coach, completing programs in the UK and Singapore to become an ICF-accredited transition coach. Today, I bring that same curiosity, compassion, and drive for clarity into my writing, combining lived experience, research, and resources to help people feel better equipped — and less alone — as they navigate change. On this blog, you’ll find a blend of personal stories, clear explanations, and evidence-based resources — from research studies to expert podcasts and books — all aimed at helping women cut through the noise, ask better questions, and make informed choices about their health.
How Old Am I?
Time for a quick quiz. Based on the following how old do you think I am:
You say Potato, I say Po-tah-to
It’s the little differences that make living here strange. Sometimes it’s only the words we use to describe common occurrences that creates the difference.
The Only One on the Menu, Please!
When we first moved to San Francisco I found ordering at restaurants slightly stressful. It was often related to whom I could actually order from, not the person who saw us to our table, not the person bringing the drinks, not the person clearing the table.
(Re)Use it or Lose it
Singapore is a bit behind the US regarding recycling. People there don’t tend to sort out their rubbish in the same way as in America or even in the UK and Ireland.
Ordering from the Bottom up
There are some aspects of life in America that you can mentally prepare yourselves for, armed with years of Hollywood stereotypes.
Shopping by Name
Having made the transition to the US from Asia, it’s hard not to focus on the obvious differences, including national pastimes. Shopping is Singapore’s national free-time activity and having engaged in shopping here and there, one major differences stands out: the interaction between the shopper and the sales assistants.
The Early Days
I am Irish, and my blog is about my experiences living in different cities around the world including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and now San Francisco. This is my first post.
Foreign Faraway 