Lost Cause?
One of my former advisors has on his web page several of his interests, including the fact that he is also "a supporter of certain 'lost causes.'" When one clicks on the hypertext link, there appears the Red Sox home page. I suppose with their winning the World Series pennant this year (sorry, Laura), they are no longer a lost cause. Before a Newman Center meeting this evening we discussed how the Rockies came from virtually nowhere to clinch a spot against Boston. But it was not meant to be that the Rockies were to win the title this year.
So, Fenway Park's team is doing well again. My, it's been too long.
Labels: baseball, Boston, celebration, Wellesley
Twelve Angry Men
As William, Marissa, and Beatrice decided to stay home; Mom and I attended the last Pittsburgh performance of Twelve Angry Men at Heinz Hall. Quite a moving piece, it was a study of characters in a spare set. Richard Thomas was one of the key characters in this view into a jury room during a murder trial. Mom and I had orchestra seats, and we enjoyed the psychological drama in the jury room thoroughly.
Labels: Broadway, Pittsburgh, theater
Parables: Talents, Virgins, Rich Man and the Barns
At faith-sharing with Jonathan, Andy, and Julie last night we discussed some parables (from Matthew 25, and from Luke 12:16-21). We discussed the parable of the talents (resources/potentials to do good) and the parable of the rich man with the silos/barns.
I brought up the parable of the virgins (Matthew 25)---which prefaces that of the talents---which used to peeve me: I thought that the well-prepared virgins should share their oil with the others who were less-prepared (isn't that the Christian thing to do?)...but I was taking the story too literally. If the oil in the lamps represent a "share-able" resource, then, to share oil may be "enabling" unprepared behavior in others. If the presence of oil in the lamps represent the presence of faith in their souls, there is no way to share that. As Jonathan pointed out, one cannot piggyback on another's faith.
We spoke about JOY (through Jesus, Others, and Yourself---and how some "Y" tasks may arrive disguised as "J" tasks/events). We spoke about being at peace with oneself, and the road to that peace being the good habits of daily routine (as the runner, writer, and artist practice their craft daily, so does the faithful). Daily routines move us away from event-based projects (marathons, books or publishing a poem, and masterpieces), which tend to be cyclical, and depend on constancy from daily routine.
In discussing the parable of the talents, we realized that all of these workers were certain of what was expected of them from their "boss/Master": They were not new hires. To know expectations of the boss and to not fulfill them due to fear was not the desired way to produce a desired outcome. To not cause a growth of the talents/resources/potential for good when that is what is expected is a sin of omission.
The parable of the rich man and the storehouses (Luke 12:16-21) brought up a discussion of "trust in God, not in possessions."
We ended as we began, with a singing, accompanied by Andy on his guitar. It was nice to have a small group yesterday evening, as we lost some group members to the retreat at Rednal.
Labels: Church, Faith, music, singing
Hometown Phenomenon
I just spoke to Charles, who bemoaned the fact that William and he work less than 400m from each other and see each other only every month and a half. I mentioned that it is the "hometown phenomenon" at work (e.g...when one lives in NYC, you rarely, if ever, visit the Empire State Building.). We spoke about reunion, and websites that were not successful in capturing the interest of reuniting classes.
We also spoke about laundry, and how it is the great equalizer---even more so if you go to a public laundromat.
Labels: cleaning, friends, Marietta, Pittsburgh
Halloween 2007
Yesterday after work, Judi and I went to Babs's for her annual Hallowe'en Party. Karen W. from NY was there(!) and we were joined by Mike and Christina, and other friends from her work. We ate, played games, ate, played games, ate, did the Monster Mash, ate, and took pictures of the group. Judi and Gabriella won prizes for the games.
On the way home we saw the DUI checkpoint on a major highway.
Labels: celebration, Choir, dining, friends
Soil Science Colleagues
I had a chance today to visit with Rosemary and her graduate student, Tanya. We spoke about our connections to the West Coast soils crowd and the network. Soon thereafter I sat in on Dan B's soil science course. I was pleased to see that in talking about water movement in soils, he addressed water-mineral interactions.
Labels: geology, science, soils, water
colas, McDonalds, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei
What do these four things have in common? The first two were generally forbidden by mi asessor di NASA for his young children (at the time I was in graduate school). The last two were generally sang by congregations pre-Vatican II (;Holy, Holy, Holy and Lamb of God were unknown until Vatican II and following.) And, when Don was music minister for morning Masses, there was always the sung Latin Sanctus and Agnus Dei. Until today. I told Dad that his prayers were answered, as he was particularly peeved by the sung Latin. "You better thank him, otherwise, he may go back to the Latin, Dad!"
So, freely drunk colas, freely eaten fast food, and freely sung post-Vatican II acclamations have much in common--they lead to happy celebration of small freedoms!
Labels: celebration, Church, dining, family, lector, light, Mass, music, prayer, read, thankfulness
Naptime is Cool
I love to partake of a nap. See this website for more information. Sleeeeeep is so important to me. When I do not get enough sleep, I am cranky. When I get enough sleep, the world is good, and good to me.
Labels: sleep
Southern California Wildfires, 2007
There are a number of wildfires in the greater Southern California area, indicated on the map. I must contact my SoCal contacts to make certain all is well down their way. There is even a SoCal Wildfire 2007 blog.
~~~
I just returned from a meeting with Wellesley and other Seven Sisters alumnae, with the event led by Folly Patterson of the Wellesley Center for Work and Service (aka, the Career Center). The workshop was on "After Passages," about life transitions. We had a lively exchange over hors d'oeuvres and handouts. One interesting discussion ensued about computer communication and its difference from human contact. Great planning by Kelly U. and nice turnout! I handed off to Natalie M. a couple of CDs of RIS shows with Tim as guest speaker. I also shared with Natalie M. and Kelly U. the article from Jet Magazine which Marva had shared with me.
Back at Mom and Dad's home, Beatrice plays, despite a slight fever.
Back to grading!
~~~
Thursday, 25 October 2007; 9 AM
One of my friends and a University of California colleague emailed me yesterday about the fires in SoCal:
No fires in Riverside, just a lot of smoke.
Labels: alarm, Beatrice, blogs, geology, global warming, light, love, RIS, science, soils, thankfulness, water, weather, Wellesley, work
Off to work...Predawn
I'm off to work in the predawn this morning. I invited my students to get a jump on the experiment by showing up early, which means I have to be there earlier to prep.
~~~
It's going to be warm today, and
It was in the high 70's yesterday.
~~~
Jo-Anne, Stacy, and Jennifer H. and I enjoyed lunch at Lulu's yesterday after singing in choir. I saw many of my C & L friends in the narthex after Mass, and invited them to join us. They inquired about my attempt to remedy fallen fencing around a construction site, so I explained the action taken. I'm also curious as to how another incident (at work) was resolved after I called it in late Friday afternoon.
Labels: biology, C and L, Choir, dining, light, weather, work
FAAP Induction Ball 2007; Sound of Music Oktoberfest
FAAP Induction Ball 2007: After Jo-Anne and I attended the three-course surf-and-turf dinner at the PPG Aquarium, and after hearing Warren and a speech from Gawad Kalinga, and after some dancing; we headed to Lisa and Ken's Sound of Music Oktoberfest party. I quickly morphed from a Filipina Marie Clara outfit into a song, "My Favorite Things." Stacey was taking Polaroid photos, thereby making instantaneous gratification possible. Betty won a prize for having seen Mary Martin on stage. Karen, Gabe, and Kevin were marionettes. Mary Pat was a CD of the musical, and Judi brought a rockin' pumpkin dip. We appreciated Liz's 3-D plastic art (with a sense of humor!)
On our way out the door, Linda (an alpine mountain with foothills removed due to talus formation) spoke about some of the exhibits at her work. On the way to the car, I spotted a shouting star, and Jo-Anne spotted one, too.
WHAT a fun evening!
Labels: biology, celebration, Choir, cinema, family, friends, international culture, Marietta, music, Philippines, photography, photos, Pilipino culture, PNR, prayer, science, singing, stars, theater
The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat
Oliver Sacks, the physician who wrote the books The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat and Awakenings, was interviewed on Fresh Air by Terry Gross. I have read some of his work, and my neighbors Joe and Tina and I had a lively discussion a couple of days ago about the interview, which aired this week. I understood from our discussion that there is a profound difference that (either) listening to music (or) composing music has on the activity in the human brain...The interview seemed to indicate that the difference is most pronounced for music than for art, or writing, or any one of a number of other activities.
Joe and Tina also indicated that Terry Gross was good at asking probing questions, asking about Dr. Sacks's personal history. We spoke about the difference audible in good interviewers with responsive interviewees.
I think about our good friend and neighbor from Ohio, H., who loved his collection of classical music recordings and who, over holiday dinner with our families, stated clearly that he would prefer to lose the faculty of sight first before that of hearing. He has started to lose his hearing the past few years, and I pray that he still enjoys some of the activities he enjoyed when his children and we grew up on our street.
I think about our other neighbor, the Ns. Mrs. N taught us piano when we were younger. With my poor eyesight, I find it amazing that I didn't drive the poor woman (more) crazier than I probably did.
The human brain--an amazing thing!
Joe and Tina and I had discussed the difference between hearing music in one's head and hearing voices in one's head. I'm sad to say that I've never been lucky enough to hear voices. It must be exciting.
Labels: art, biology, music, neighbors, painting, poetry, prayer
Studying the Koran; VIBES
This morning I attended two events at St. Paul Cathedral. The first was the continuation in the workshop series of Studying the Koran led by Farooq, a friend and former coworker. It was quite interesting, filling the meeting room at Synod Hall. The nature of God, as viewed by the Islamic faith was introduced, and after a break a lively discussion ensued.
I then went to the VIBES meeting for RIS listeners and volunteers. Several suggestions and questions were discussed. I asked if there were a listserve for the listeners, as this exchange was useful; but not possible to have us meet as a group every month.
Tonight, Jo-Anne and I will go to two events tonight: The FAAP induction ball for Warren and the Board of Directors (including Dad), and Ken and Lisa's house party. I am dressing up for both.
Labels: Choir, cinema, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, PNR, prayer, read, RIS, St. Paul Cathedral
Yesterday, Fall (not yet!)
As I looked across Fifth Avenue to the Academic Quad, I saw in the trees a sea of greeeen, with an occasional changing of color on the edges of leaves...save for one tree. This tree, no more than three and a half meters in height, had all its leaves and was gloriously robed in orange-scarlet.
As I looked at the parklets and toward St. Paul Cathedral this morning, I saw trees with some yellow or gold on their edges--the edges of their leaves, or on the edges of their canopies. Today is the verge of fall.
The weather will be mild for the foreseeable future--mid-50's to very high 70's through to 29 October, the end of the month! O please do not let February roar in with FROST!
Labels: poetry, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, weather
Beatrice's Birthday
Beatrice celebrated her birthday today! Her mom greeted her Lolo, Lola, and I at the front door while she relaxed in her Pack N Play crib. Soon after, her dad indicated that no help was needed in the kitchen, and that we should just entertain her in the living room. Soon after, her Grandma and Grandpa arrived. Initially, we were to see her climb the (now-carpeted) stairs, but being her usual social self, she decided to visit with her company. After donning pointy hats with the #1 (which perplexed her),
we all dined in the dining room on appetizers of pepper dip with cream cheese, fruit, and then enjoyed a main course of veggie lasagna, squash, slow cook veggies and beef, tropical fruit salad and sliced fresh pineapple. Three Mylar balloons bobbled over her high chair (high and LOW!), and we all enjoyed healthy banana-pineapple cake, leche flan, and Beatrices (a new kind of cookie by William). After opening most of her gifts, she retired to the couch with Daddy and a bottle. The rest of the gifts were opened, which intrigued her, and she played a game with a spiral tower with balls with her Lolo and Grandpa. Soon before it was bedtime, we saw her holding two toys from one of her house set-ups and standing, attempting to hand the toys off to her Daddy or Lolo.
We all received goodie bags and were pleased with the evening as we departed.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday
In the book
I just finished entering my grades into my gradebook.
Last night, I went to faith sharing at the Oratory.
After singing in choir for the noon Mass, the Pastoral Council held a Town Meeting for people to voice their opinions about the parish.
This evening, I will babysit Beatrice with Mom and Dad.
Labels: Beatrice, biology, Choir, Church, Faith, pastoral council, work
Frost
in parts of the Pittsburgh area this morning. We hit a record low for this season, breaking the record low set this September. Soon, the leaves will change colors. Then after that, they will fall.
I can't believe that less than a week ago, the Fahrenheit high temperature was more than half of what the low is today!
Okay, back to the last section that needs grading!
Labels: biology, cold, weather, work
5/8ths
of all the midterms are graded!
Labels: biology, work
Broke a Heat Record: 87 in October
Yesterday it was 87 Fahrenheit. It has been in the 80's for the past week or so--and in the 70's before that. We are having an extended Indian Summer, with most of the trees still green, though a few have just started to change color.
Mom and Dad went this weekend to upstate New York to Ka-Tony's funeral. She served in the Navy and had a proper military burial. Many of her classmates showed up to send her off. Many of Rossi and Leo's children also came. Not only was she mom's relative, but she was also Dad's classmate in med school. "But I didn't know her that well," he said,"as women and men sat in separate sections half a century ago."
Labels: family, global warming, Philippines, school, seasons, weather
Paki patay ang ilaw
or, "please turn off the light" in Tagalog. I guess--in my limited knowledge of Tagalog--- that would be "please extinguish the light." It would NOT be "please extinguish the [flame]," nor the opposite of "to light up," nor "please extinguish [your] cigarette." I had to ask Mom about that word..."paki patay ang sigarilyo."
Last night, I had a discussion with Paulette (and have had prior discussions with my smoking friends) about how nicotine is more addictive than hard street substances. "You have to treat it as an addiction," I told Paulette, "It's not easy to quit." She confessed that she had been smoking since she was very young and that EVERYONE around her smoked...I indicated that there are medications to help people to quit...I have another friend who used to smoke. She now has trouble breathing. "They lied to us [about the dangers of smoking]," she intoned to me.
Labels: addiction, languages, light, Philippines
Grandma's Memorial Mass 2007, Thinking of Grandpa
This Friday was Grandma's memorial Mass. I had asked Ed S. if I could lector for him that day. Fr. John Kelly, a Redemptorist priest, said the last of three Masses for the soul of Blessed Fr. Francis Xavier Seelos, who is being considered for sainthood. (Fr. Seelos worked in the Pittsburgh area for many years and Fr. Kelly had brought a relic [os] for veneration, as well as tracts about his life.) I wore Grandma's blouse and John served, with Don at music ministry.
[Pizza for brunch and also at work right before we set up the practical midterm exams. Pratima and I "took" a version of the exam to see how it is.]
[Mom and I babysat for Beatrice yesterday afternoon. Her hair is getting denser, and the slight curl is more evident.]
[I picked up my shoes at Gene and Marc's shop yesterday afternoon. Yeah! Comfortable walking ensues.]
~~~
Last night and early this morning we went to Baby Carla's home for her daughter, Cai's, 30th. There was the usual table with foods, drinks, and desserts; a jewelry party; the watching of taped Pacquiao boxing; and a neighborly gathering all before the actual blowing out of the candles.
I thought of Grandpa when the actual fight out of Las Vegas of Pacquiao v. Barrera started at ~11pm EDT. Someone gave up their seat to me to sit next to Mom. I never watched boxing since Grandpa died while watching a televised fight. But this atmosphere was different--men and women, shrill shrieks punctuated the room, much as it probably was like in Vegas. Body checks by Barrera; Pacquiao whispering, and motioning to Barrera to aim for his head. Fast footwork and quick punches by Pacquiao, powerful punches (but too few, and too few landed) by Barrera. By the last few rounds, Barrera looked sluggish, with slower steps and a cut needing about 10-11 stitches below his right eye. In the end, the fight went to Pacquiao unanimously.
I was telling their neighbors, Bill and Paulette, that this is a Phenomenon. Pacquiao is greeted as a national treasure wheree'er he goes in the Philippines--the mayor of Manila; and the President of the Philippines, Gloria M. Arroyo, have welcomed him back after his fights. There are the usual parades, as well as talk that schoolchildren will be let out Monday (today in the PI). Not your usual sports phenomenon.
Labels: Beatrice, biology, Birthday, children, family, friends, Grandma, Grandpa, Mass, neighbors, Pacquiao, Philippines, Pilipino culture, sports, teaching, work
