Christmas Week 2006
Christmas Day 2006 started with an early (9am) day at William, Marissa, and Beatrice's home. I helped make monkey bread, and a breakfast veggie sausage casserole was there with squeezed orange juice. Kelly, Mom, and Dad arrived a little later. Since I was rushing to choir, after dining, I was first to open my gifts from my family. As I departed, the family noted that we were so polite and genteel in opening the gifts so carefully and in turn. I sang in choir the noon prelude and Mass. I spent the afternoon at Mom and Dad's.
On Tuesday, the 26th of December 2006, Marissa and I alternated with William babysitting and going out. We went to the Waterworks Mall, returned to their home so William could go to the Apple Store, and then went out again to the Waterfront. The girls and Mom and Dad enjoyed Christmas high tea at my house. In addition to tea, juices, fruits, fruitcake, savory crispies, and homemade cookies; we enjoyed a theme of mint chocolate in the remaining cookies and candies. mMMMmm Delicious. That evening I had a chance to talk for a while about the Ireland trip with my friend Donough.
On Wednesday, the 27th of December 2006, I recorded my show at the radio station, gave a ride home to Joe and Tina, Louise and Dylan. Soon after I met up with Jen to practice our sung carols for Maggie and Ken's wedding prelude. We met her husband Brian at the Carnegie Library, where I picked out CDs and travel books on Ireland, visited with the people in the children's department, and where Brian selected a cookie the size of a face. That evening Charles and I talked about the end of this year...
On Thursday, the 28th of December 2006, I walked to get some bloodwork done as ordered by my primary care physician, then walked to Mom and Dad's for some breakfast, and took a well-deserved nap. As there was no choir rehearsal that evening, Babs invited me for a holiday/Christmas evening on the town. We started by viewing the presepio and trees in Architecture Hall at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History; dined at Phipps and visited the Winter Flower show and the new Thai Rainforest Addition at Phipps Conservatory; listened to a bit of a Christmas program by the East End Kids; then headed to Hartwood Acres for the Eckerd Festival of Lights. What a show! I remember the light displays at Oglebay as a child (back in the day), and how the lights seemed to move then...these lights at Hartwood had finer detail and the themes of scenery were broader than what I recall from the Oglebay lights many moons ago. "There's something for everyone here!" I exclaimed to Babs. "There's Christmas scenes, and Santa scenes, and Hanukkah scenes, and the 12 days of Christmas, and Santa's elves, and Christmas bears, and tunnels of LIGHTS!" We thought it was well worth the 12 miles/one hour wait.
On Friday, the 29th of December 2006, I had an appointment with my specialist physician south of Pittsburgh. I returned, took care of some things at home, then met up with Jen downtown, visited the creche--the only replica of the Vatican creche--then met up with Brian to help set up the reception hall for Maggie and Ken's dinner. The rehearsal at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church started at 6pm. Jen and I had a chance to marvel at the interior of the domed church and the ornate decorations and Christmas decorations, as well as to visit each altar in the building. As usual, the church was festooned in garlands and trees and lights and poinsettias. It was well-appreciated by us. Jen and Brian and I headed to Del's Restaurant for the rehearsal dinner, during which we met coworkers Bob and his wife Sis, and Patty. The food was outstanding, as usual: Pizza, salad, pasta, meatballs, chicken, etc.
Today, Saturday, the 30th of December 2006, I arrived ~an hour and a half before Ken and Maggie's nuptial Mass to practice with the organist, Doris. I explained my situation to Toni, who guided me through the Church building (while the soloist Jody sang) and led me to the choir steps. I entered the loft where Doris and Jodi, who is 28 weeks pregnant, greeted me as soon as the song was over. After introductions, I waited for Jen to arrive, after which we practiced the two carols, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming and Coventry Carol. We looked around for programs and encountered the bride right before her wedding....The ceremony went smoothly and we marvelled at the view from the choir loft. After greeting them with sparklers, I followed Jen and her parents to the reception site, which held all their family and friends as well as cookie, drink, dip, and snack tables. I saw and chatted with Maggie's friends Donna and Kianna, and Patty, Bob and Sis, and Esther. We took pictures of Jen's family and me, and CAC alumni pictures before enjoying some wedding cake.
Labels: Carnegie, Christmas, Church, friends, Mass, Phipps, read, RIS, singing
Christmas Eve 2006
Yesterday/Christmas Eve 2006 consisted of singing, singing, gifts, and eating.
I started the day off early doing laundry and cleaning. Then, I shopped for wild Canadian salmon; had lunch with Kelly, Mom, and Dad; sang at Mercy Hospital choir; dined again with Mom, Dad, William, Marissa, Kelly (with SANTAtrice, present, of course!), sang with the St. Paul Cathedral choir, and then dined again and waited for midnight to open gifts.
Went to the Iggle (transl.: Market District Giant Eagle) for some salmon to marinate for Christmas dinner.
Mid-morning I received a call from Pat B. saying that Jesse, her dog, had taken ill, and that she could not join up with the choir at Mercy Hospital today. I sang in the soprano section of the choir at Holy Family Chapel, Mercy Hospital, seated next to Teri and Donna. We practiced for about an hour and a quarter and then Dan gave us a break until Mass started. The songs were simply beautiful, and included What Child is This; Hark, the Herald Angels Sing; Ave Maria (Norbet), O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, If Now My Mind was Still. During the Liturgy, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Gloria Deo; the psalm: "All the Ends of the Earth", the Festival Alleluia, Jesu Bambino, Silent Night, and Joy to the World were sung.
SANTAtrice visited our family, and sat on our laps. Kelly told SANTAtrice that she wanted a pony ("that's all")...a pink one. We then had a pleasant dinner during which William and Dad pacified Beatrice, and after which NO ONE opened any presents....("must wait for right time...")
Then, I went to choir. Judi handed me a sprig of live holly ("from Babs") which I pinned to my sweater. How festive! The St. Paul Cathedral choir practiced for about an hour. We presented the prelude music for the Mass, which included Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Gaudete, and In the Bleak Midwinter (arrangement by H. Darke). Auxiliary Bishop Paul Bradley celebrated Mass, along with other priests including our pastor, Fr. Donald Breier, who has made a fast turnaround within the year with his cancer treatments and is miraculously cancer-free. (Our prayers and his treatments have been fruitful.)
The order of worship Christmas Eve 2006 at Pittsburgh's St. Paul Cathedral included these pieces sung by the choir:
O Come, all Ye Faithful
Gloria from Proulx's Community Mass
Psalm 96
Chepponis's Christmastime Alleluia
Where Shepards Lately Knelt
Acclamations from Proulx's Community Mass
Agnus Dei from Isele's Holy Cross Mass
The First Nowell
Rutter's Christmas Lullaby
Silent Night
Joy to the World
The brass ensemble joined us for various selections, and also played Gabrieli's O Magnum Mysterium as a prelude. Ken played modern variations on Noel Nouvelet by R. Hann, and In dir ist Freude by Bach as a postlude. This year I sang soprano (next to Stephanie, whose son Nathan was an altar server); and brought cards as last year; and brought gifts (from all of us) for Don, Ken, and Judi.
After Mass, the choir remained to see the gifts for Don, Ken, and Judi. The designer iron and bevelled glass lanterns, which Amy and I selected, were appreciated. I met up with Dad, Mom, and Kelly at Dad and Mom's place, where we followed the tradition of eating, and some of us followed tradition with the opening of (some) gifts.
We had various crackers and dips, baked tortilla chips, organic bread, spiral-cut ham, maple sweet potatoes, pineapple, and various sparking juices.
Then, the fun of opening gifts began, with Mom, Dad, and I opening some of our presents--I opened gifts only from my friends--shortly after midnight.
Mom, Kelly, and I caught the schoolyard and lamp scenes of "A Christmas Story," before heading to bed, departing with Kelly on the sofa, dreaming of her pony from SANTAtrice.
Labels: Beatrice, Choir, family, friends, singing, TV
Kelly's arrival day, December 2006
YESTERDAY
Mom finished all but her signature on the counted cross-stitch quilt for Beatrice Felisa. She stayed up 'til 5-6am working on it. She has had me threading needles, as the work is trying on her eyesight..."This is the last [quilt] I'm doing like this [counted cross-stitch]," she vows.
Sent a Christmas card out to ma famille Belge. Visited Joe and Tina to help Joe Braille-type some songs for Christmas Mass, then we went to noon Mass. I met up with Babs after the Reconciliation/Penance service, and she and I picked up some sandwiches which we ate with Carol and her dog Princess. [D. has someone's car keys!!] Babs was kind to give me a lift to the Mercy Hospital choral practice, where I met up with Pat and Debby Z. I delivered some gifts for her, and finished my last Christmas cards, and wrapped gifts while Mom, Dad, and Kelly napped.
Kelly, Mom, and I watched the end of the Sound of Music on Dad & Mom's new television set. We, as usual, discussed the movie as we watched it. It's good to have Kelly home for the holidays.
Labels: family, friends, Mass, read, St. Lucy, TV
What's it all about?
So, this Christmas we'll have brunch chez William, Marissa, and Beatrice; and tea chez moi. Which means I need to prepare my home for Christmas guests. I started this morning by organizing some of my travel items and handbags. I need to pick up ALLLLL the papers in the living room...While cleaning I found Bunny sleep-eye, who has got me through summer solstice in Northern Scotland; my new boots (never been worn!); and three homemade DVDs, the earliest one of Grandma's funeral and wake.
Redding up and Grandma--if cleanliness is next to G-dliness, Grandma is currently sweeping Saint Peter IN-to the gates of Heaven. We all remember how Grandma used to sweep the leaves at Uncle Sonny's and then wait for the next leaves to fall from the trees. When she became bored with that, she would sweep the neighbors' driveways. Bless her soul, Grandma was a neat-nik.
I guess I used to be a neat-nik at one time: I suppose I still am (to a certain degree) at work. Forget my house, though. Maybe I should make Grandma my patroness of cleanliness. That would please her to a great extent. I'll have breakfast, watch a little of these DVDs, do some laundry, clean house...say my Thankfulness list.
Everyday I have a Thankfulness list. Part of my prayers. I am most thankful of my family and friends, who have helped to make me who I am today (not too shabby). Down to thankful for seemingly minor concepts in my life, which, when thought about for a while, aren't really minor. An example is my short commute. I have had two-hour-long commutes before on public transit (most notably for my first research job); and also have had ~two-mile walks uphill to work (no, only uphill on the way TO work) during which my coworkers spread a rumor that my car was in the shop...the idea of commuting by foot was foreign to them, even in liberal north central California.
Why do I have a Thankfulness list? Because I feel more than just lucky, I feel blessed. I know it is chance which family you end up in, and that your family determines so much of what happens to you in life, and that's why I'm so thankful for my family. If it has to do with caring properly for each other, I'm blessed. If it has to do with being warm and dry and loved, I'm blessed. If it has to do with being well-fed, I'm especially blessed. And my friends--I have been blessed with friends and family who have ensured that I have made it this far in life, and that I am alive and well today. And I'm lucky to be where I am, who I am today. What more to ask for? I am blessed with a job that allows me to teach in a laboratory, to use my skills and talents. As the year draws to a close, I realize that my daily Thankfulness list is a launching point for me to realize how blessed I am and how I am now best prepared to give back to the greater community. To give back to others everyday in little ways. I guess I need to take responsibility and redd up my little corner of the world so I can give back first to my family this Christmas. As Voltaire wrote:Il faut necessaire cultiver votre jardin.
There! And who said Oprah was the only thank-full woman?
Labels: cleaning, Grandma, thankfulness
Winter Vacation Days 2006-2007
I've started my winter vacation days for 2006-2007. What a great feeling! I just spoke with Babs and Vickie last night, planning all the fun for this time of the year. I've already had a chance to visit with Joe while he typed in Braille his Christmas carol, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly. While I was visiting, Tina turned on their set of automated, magical Christmas bells, which play a series of carols, including Ding Dong Merrily on High.
That evening, I visited the post office for the second time in a week---this time to mail packages from Mom to Greg and to Velia. The line had snaked into the alcove/vestibule and then curled within the alcove. "Who's package is going the farthest?" I asked, then called out, "Mine is only going to California!" Soon after I arrived, Mike, a former supervisor of mine when I worked for the library as a Head Start coordinator, arrived in line. We talked about life after the library, and what we are currently doing.
~~~
approximately 9:45pm, Wednesday, 20 Dec 2006
Today I spent ensuring grades with the records office, chatted with Nancy K. about opportunities for our undergraduates, and went carolling with the Sacred Heart parish 20+ group before attending the party at the Sacred Heart convent above the elementary school. Carolling at the Shadyside Rehab Center was fun; several of the residents sang along with our group for all the songs! Exchanging gifts for Toys for Tots was fun, too.
~~~
identity crisis--a different list
split personality
swing [vote]
AC/DC
defector (by an alto)
and other names for what other musicians "classify" a mezzo-soprano who sometimes sits in the alto section and sometimes sits with the soprani.
I've been singing in the alto section since Jim Noakes was director of the St. Paul Cathedral Choir. Actually, I started out as a mezzo-soprano when I started singing with Lynn/Linda Smith in Albany, California. Michael was our gifted piano accompanist who could transpose keys of music seemingly instantaneously. At our class's first concert, my kuya shook Linda's hand and said a broad, "Thank you," to her, as she really had taught me how properly to listen to music and properly to warm up my voice. Linda and Bill moved to Washington State to raise their children near their grandparents, and our little singing group continued to meet with Michael. When I moved to Riverside, my research group used to occasionally lock the lab door and sing and dance in the lab [Bob, did you know that?]--many times to Elvis, a favorite of Jodi's.
Well, there's been a hiatus of a few years after Jim Noakes left and I sang in the Oratory choir for a year or two. I went to work full-time and to school half-time, going dancing ~three times a week (at folk, swing, ballroom, and Latin venues)--too busy for singing. I ran into Jonathan and Jonathan (whom I know from the Oratory) during Lent 2005; they asked me to join the choir, and I ended up joining again as an alto in the Cathedral choir, with Don Fellows as the director this time.
Just recently for this last concert and for the practice for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have I sang with the soprani.
Labels: Choir, list, philosophical
Went to church twice today
After singing for the noon Mass with Nancy C.'s section; Mom, Dad and I went out for lunch at Lulu's Noodles. We enjoyed honey pork, lo mein noodles (delicious!), and eggplant with veggies and fried tofu. Shia-Pih stopped by our table with her mango smoothie (my favorite) while waiting for her carry-out order. We were inspired, and ordered mango smoothie, too.
Later that afternoon, Nancy C. and I headed to Pitt's Alumni Hall for the presentation of Black Nativity, presented by the Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble. The first half of the program was the story of Jesus' birth, and the second part of the program celebrated the community of the Gospel church. Kuumba workshop joined with them, as did many CAPA High School students. Of particular note were the inclusion of generations in the production, including the very young, some of whom are burgeoning, talented dancers. The drumming was reminiscent of the celebration of reading at the Homewood Library, with poetry, singing, and dancing. It also reminded me of the drumming at the UCRiverside Native American Students' group, with women singing behind the immediate drumming circle. The heartbeat of the nation...
Visited Mom, Dad, and Beatrice after that, and sat and snacked and chatted with William and Marissa, too. Took some photos of Mom and Dad with Beatrice, too.
Labels: Christmas, Church, friends, Marietta, theater
Jen & Bri's Christmas Party 2006
Jen and Brian held their second annual Christmas party tonight. Jen invited her choir buddies, and after some visits to the appetizer and dinner room and the dessert room, the group (including Anjali and I) broke into song with the help of a couple of guitars. The first piece was "O Holy Night," a favorite in my family's household. In addition to some church carols and secular carols, we were joined by some of Jen and Brian's nieces and nephew for two rounds of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. After some more noshing, we sang the "Christmas Song" and "Silver Bells," which I've been singing since my first Christmas many moons ago. We all had a chance to meet the CAC group.
me: Are our coats upstairs or downstairs?
B: We threw your coat away.
me: Then I can't leave. I have to stay here forever. That's your punishment for that.
and other words of endearment were exchanged with our hosts before our departure.
Maggie and Ken did not make it to the party, but their wreath did. It will find refuge chez Jen and Bri's, probably in the cool shed until Maggie and Ken's wedding rehearsal on the 29th.
Labels: Christmas, friends
Absolutely Positively
finished grading for this calendar year. I've gotten the approval to enter my grades, and I've posted my grades to the central computer, and it should update shortly. I've prepared the exams for their return to the students. I'm ready for the holiday season, and the weather is 60F today. What a lovely day for a walk before my last appointment before dinner.
Labels: weather, work
St. Lucy's Day 2006
Today is St. Lucy's day. I arose early today, not to prepare sticky buns and to wear a lit garland crown of holly (as I am the ate in the family) but to get some work done in the wee hours of the morning before the rest of my day begins. I'll attend the Mass for my patron saint, St. Lucy, as I did last year. St. Lucy is important to me not just because of her being patroness of my Confirmation, but because she is the patron saint of eyesight preservation.
I remember travelling with Dad to Charleston, West Virginia as a tenth grader to Dr. Pedro Casingal's ophthalmologic office to have my eyesight checked (just for a second opinion from our hometown opthalmologist). I returned home with correction, marvelling at the individual leaves on the trees as we drove on the interstate highway. I didn't know the previous year when I was confirmed in the Church that St. Lucy was patron saint of the light of our eyes.
My reading at the radio station and lectoring at Church and teaching allow me to give back to the greater community by using my gift of eyesight, with which I have been blessed.
~~~
posted ~5:30pm
Went to noon Mass, said by Fr. Drew from the Oratory with Carole as altar server.
Delivered my last wreath from the choir wreath sale after Mass.
I went to the radio station to read my weekly show this afternoon and stayed for the holiday/farewell-to-Laurie party. There was quite a spread of munchies, accompanied by lively conversation. At about 4:15 various individuals made remarks and speeches honoring Laurie, and then she was presented with her farewell gifts. Laurie was moved emotionally during the remarks, as she has made a difference not only as RIS's executive director but also as a mentor, a friend, and a listener. I told her that I have a fairly tight schedule and have decided to stay volunteering with RIS because of the collegial atmosphere she encourages here. She is a special person who knows how much she will be missed.
It was nice to see Tina, Joanne, Louise, and Joe there; and to meet Sylvia, and Margie.
~~~
posted ~9:30pm
Headed to help on Gloria L's team that set up for my building's holiday party. We had a spread including cheeses and crackers, fruits, mixed nuts, cookies and chocolate pastries, diabetic pastries, and homemade fudge, chocolate cake, and lemon pound cakes. I met some people I rarely see during the year (including Karen, with whom I used to work with), and touched base with old and new friends alike. Gloria and I agreed that the party was a great success.
Labels: Christmas, Church, lector, Mass, neighbors, read, RIS, St. Lucy, thankfulness
Redding up will have to wait
There is a phrase in Pittsburghese, "redding up," which means getting reading, picking up, cleaning up. It is found in the Pittsburghese glossary as "tidying up." As I take care of the last few duties at work this week, I have put off redding up my home, including decorating for the holiday. Wait, scratch that--I have let my house GO. I have not tucked my laundry into the bin, I need to run the dishwasher, I need to pick up my papers and books around the house, I must recycle some of my clothing. I emanate a sigh, and get back to my grading until then.
Labels: cleaning, work
more than 3/4 there
In the last part of grading papers before posting grades this week, it's sooo good to know that I'm more than 3/4 finished with the thick stack of multi-colored and multi-leafed papers in front of me. It will make my sections happy to see their color-coded papers neatly arranged, awaiting their approval--or remorse, for not studying certain concepts more. Until then, I emanate a small sigh, have breakfast, and return to grading.
Labels: work
Christian Leaders Fellowship: Christmas Festival 2006
Tonight, Barbara, Jonathan, Ornella, and I went to Heinz Hall for the Christmas Festival, after running into Debby Z. at Curtain Call. The Christmas Festival included singing by various religious choirs from around Pittsburgh (accompanied by organ, piano, and various instruments; as well as blessings from religious leaders from around the city and readings of Scripture by people of all ages. There were sing-along carols and songs written by various music directors. We saw our friends in Diocesan choir, as well as Fr. Jim Chepponis, Auxiliary Bishop Paul Bradley, and Donald K. Fellows on organ. This was the first year that Ornella and I had attended the Christmas Festival. There was a particularly rockin' gospel piece entitled "Praise Ye the Lord," directed and composed by Mr. Trini Massie, with sustained moments of FORTISSIMO by the relatively small choir; a particularly moving reading of Luke 2:8-20 by two young people, Cherise and Colin; a pianist who played as if she lacked power steering; and wonderful solo interpretations for the Deaf audience by Jody Longo.
We made the trek to the stage after the show and said hi to Debby Z., Judi, Mary Beth, and Don after the concert. After waiting for 20 minutes to exit the parking garage, we walked downstairs (me: Did we miss the concert?). We opted for a snack of fried calamari at a bar close by--and I saw my bus rider friend P. on the way there (couldn't tell if she were still clean and sober). We ran into Rick D. and friends nearby at Six-Penn. Headed back to the parking garage for the ride home. Made mom a sandwich for a snack, and thought about how great our city is to have events such as this.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, Church, friends, Pittsburgh, singing
St. Paul's Cathedral Concert Series--St. Paul Cathedral Choir, Crystal Strings, and Organ
Today, after singing the noon Mass, the St. Paul Cathedral choir with other musicians held a concert in the 2006-2007 St. Paul's Cathedral Concert Series in Pittsburgh.
The choir was joined by the Crystal Strings quartet, and Kenneth Danchik on the organ. The string quartet was composed of David Seward, Crystal Lennartz (violin); Louise Farbman (viola); and Anne Simpson (cello). We were conducted by Donald K. Fellows, Cathedral music director.
The program consisted of:
Pastorale, from Christmas concerto, #8, op. 6 (Corelli)
E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (Manz)
Carol O Come, O Come Emmanuel
In the Bleak Midwinter (H. Darke)
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (arr. Willcocks)
Organ SoloLa Nativite (#2 from Poems Evangeliques) (J. Langlais); Ken Danchik (organ)
Carol Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Ave Maria/Angelus Domini (Franz Biebl)
Coventry Carol (Martin Shaw)
Carol Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!
Organ SoloNoel Grand Jeu et Duo (L. C. Daquin); Ken Danchik (organ)
Gaudete from (from Piae Cantiones, 1582) (Medieval Carol Arr. by R. Batastini)
Where Shepherds Lately Knelt (Carl Schalk)
Carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Christmas Lullaby (John Rutter)
encore: Ding Dong! Merrily on High (16th C. French Tune harm. by Chas. Wood)
The first piece was played by the string quartet. During the concert, the carols were sung by all. During the concert Mariann F. and I agreed that the Schalk piece was particularly moving: "I think it's the most beautiful of all the pieces this afternoon." I sang with both the altos and with the soprani this afternoon, causing shifts with Gabe after every several pieces.
My parents and my friends came to hear me sing with the choir, including a friend from work, Jen and her parents, Louis and his girlfriend, and Babs and Renee. Frs. Brian, Tom, and Don Breier attended.
After the concert Ornella and I worked on her paper that has been consuming her time lately.
Labels: Choir, friends, research, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Dinner party at Ornella's
Ornella held a dinner party to celebrate several happy occasions, including her new niece, her new green card, and her friend Teresa's return to Pittsburgh. There were appetizers and tapas--bread, cheeses, roasted and marinated veggies and salmon, fruits (including grapes and pomegranates)--followed by Thai sesame noodle salad, confetti couscous, chicken curry on sticky rice, pineapple and banana, and finally Judi's famous chocolate-cream cheese bars for dessert. The side board held various wines, juices, sparkling juices, and the rooms held warm conversation for all who attended. One conversation went from topics of driving, to traffic accidents, to encounters with policemen around the world. Ornella and I agreed to meet tomorrow after the Cathedral choir concert for a look-see at her paper. We'll have a look over coffee and tea.
Lunch with Louis
Thursday, Louis and I had lunch at the Middle Eastern restaurant in the neighborhood. I ran into Gabe and Jennifer from the choir there, before seating. We shared the big platter of various vegetarian dips and finger foods, as well as a spinach pie. We decided to get the spanakopita next time. Louis said that he and his girlfriend would attend the choir concert on Sunday. It was a nice, relaxing meal and we braved the elements as we departed.
Just a week ago, the weather on Monday the 27th of November through ~10am on Friday the 1st of December was downright balmy, ranging from the high 50's to mid-60s F during the day. There was talk of the weather then, and the occasional discussion of global warming. I would then mention that my cousins in the Nederlands have yet to see the canals freeze over, in contrast to the stories of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates. For over 30 years, the canals have yet to freeze. Either way it does not bode well for general environmental concerns.
Auntie Norma
Auntie Norma, Uncle Dodong's wife and Gaby's/Gabe's Mom, passed away this week after having open-heart surgery. Dad will be going to the funeral, and will probably see her family, including her apos, Maria and Anna. Auntie Norma was a wonderful woman who is well-known for being able to retoke most any meal into other versions of itself. She and Uncle Dodong were supportive of each other, despite their problems with their eyesight. May God bless her soul as it finds its way to Heaven.
Freaks
...nasaan? Mom and just I saw Side Show at Carnegie Mellon University tonight, a student production. It is based on the life story of Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined twins. The student production was dramatic, with the stark set lit magically by the lighting designer, Ms. Nigrosh. Mom and I particularly enjoyed the romantic tensions between the twins and their beaux, and the atmosphere created by the people in the community of side show attractions.
This musical was produced on Broadway, and the music is a favorite of William and Marissa's. It is playing at CMU tomorrow at a matinee and an evening performance before closing the run.
Labels: CMU, family, theater
11 lords a leapin'
...eleven lords (seminarians)...
..and a cantor at the ambo
replaced the li'l ol' lector (me) at Mass this morning.
Why is this such an important day of celebration in the Church? Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This is a very special day in the Church, when we celebrate Mary being conceived, born, and living without original sin. I like this feast day because it celebrates Mary, who is the patroness of our country. This is also a special day, too, because Mary holds such a special position in the Church; as well as St. Mary's parish and school being the one I grew up within as a child.
brave girl...
Beatrice was a brave girl last night, while we looked for the keys and calmed her down after the event. Her daddy sang to her and danced with her to reassure her after she returned home, and she had a 1/2 ounce of expressed snack. What would parenting be without these incidents?
babysitting Beatrice...
Last night I discovered that I am a sleeping aid to Beatrice. When Marissa, William, and Christine went to see Side Show at Carnegie Mellon University, Beatrice and I listened to the CD of the show and, after a little bit of fussing, settled on a binky. She actually turned her nose up at the "liquid gold" (as William refers to her expressed mini-meals). She slept pretty much for the whole time they were away at the show. Marissa and Christine shook their heads, as she had fussed duiring that afternoon, thereby validating the statement that "William's relatives all think she's a calm, quiet baby."
William got tickets for Side Show for mom and me (later this week). We're really excited about going to see this CMU production.
Philippine Consul General; Philippine Nationality Room Committee Meeting
Last night I had a chance to meet the Philippine Consul General and two from her office, Carissa and Larry. They visited at Mom and Dad's home and I shared with Carissa my poem for the Philippine Nationality Room classroom. She has recently published a book, Surreality, about the adventures of a young person in New York City.
We went to Dr. Pat's home, who hosted a lovely home-cooked dinner buffet for the Philippine Nationality Room committee; and included the visitors from NYC and Maxine Bruhns, Directrice of the Nationality Room Classrooms at the University of Pittsburgh. Warren shared the architectural boards with us, and a lively discussion ensued. Departing at ~10 in the evening after many Filipino goodbye's, we found our way home to Pittsburgh.
Nationality Room Open House, Duquesne University's Advent and Christmas Concert 2006
I was walking to Fifth Avenue when I ran into Alroy, a fellow chorister from the Cathedral choir. He was looking for a place to eat, and I told him about the Nationality Room Holiday Open House. We met people, got munchies, toured some of the decorated rooms, and I ran into Dr. Pat, Colette, and Mary Lou and Dr. Pat's apos while touring the Early American Room. We had a chance to see the Italian, Scottish, and Chinese dance performances. We saw FAAP members, including Nenette, the outgoing president, and Tina, the incoming president. We ran into Barb and Renee on the first floor. I saw Dewi tatting lace in the Croghan-Schenley room. We ate some Turkish and Pinoy food, ran into Mom and Dad, and then arrived at 3pm at St. Paul's Cathedral for Duquesne University's Advent and Christmas Concert.
Alroy and I said "Hi," to Don as we entered the Church, and were held spellbound for most of the concert. We marvelled at Amelia Chapman's breath control--she sang the soprano solo for Lux Aurumque (E. Whitacre). Amazing!
I look forward to meeting the Philippine Consul General this afternoon and dining with her tonight.
Pasko--FAAP Christmas Party 2006
Last night, Mom, Dad, and I went to Pasko, the FAAP Christmas Party 2006. We came bearing wreaths from the choir wreath sale. Mom and I helped fold Christmas cards for sale. The children engaged in Mano Po . I was honored to be invited to sing the US national anthem once all had gathered, and we all sang the Philippine national anthem. Charise's father, Rev. Shively blessed the food.
The buffet dinner included:
agua fresca (cantaloupe)
arroz caldo
vegetable and shanghai lumpia
chicken adobo
three types of pancit: malabon, bihon
lechon at sarsa
steamed rice
fresh tropical fruit, including mango (at bagoong) and pina
suman at cassava bibinka
candies
After the Filipino pinata (during which Maria's daughter grabbed some candies for us), Santa showed up, and thereafter the music started us dancing line dance favorites such as the Electric Slide, the Macarena, YMCA, and the Locomotion. Everyone is keyed up for the Nationality Room open house tomorrow.
Labels: Christmas, Pilipino culture
Pitt Women's Basketball
After a dry run after our meeting at work, my friend and I went for dinner and warm cookies!! We caught the campus shuttle up to Petersen Events Center, and joyfully watched the Panther women's basketball team trounce the Nittany lions. I talked to Jen during the game; and ran into Greg, who used to work in my neighborhood. We were pleased with how my friend's student, Selena, played. What a great game!
Babysitting Beatrice, Heinz Chapel Choir
This past Thursday I babysat with Beatrice with ~4oz. of expressed lunch for her. She spent some time in the baby swing, with tunes that I sang along with, sleeping for about an hour, feeding, fussing (just a bit), feeding some more, then resting. Marissa came home when there was ~1oz. left in the bottle, while Amy and I were chatting about baby shower plans, and then Beatrice spent some time in the baby massage chair (Hmmmmmmm). Then I went to pick up our lunch (pizza!)
Later, I met with Joe and Tina W. to enjoy the Heinz Chapel Choir concert. We three particularly enjoyed a Brasilian piece, Tres Cantos Nativos, which has the sounds of birds and monkeys playing, as well as rain; and we were pleased with the performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which was performed with dramatic dynamics. I saw Rachel H, a former Cathedral Chorister, performing that night.
