Early this week
Early this week, Monday, I attended the discussion of Pope Benedict's homily (from a little over a year ago) at the Newman Center with Fr. Mike.
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Tuesday was a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, who stated that my surgery for bilateral acetabular dysplasia is elective--that is, I could elect not to have it, waiting until my hip pops out of the socket, when the surgery would be necessary (and emergency, I might add myself). He explained the process well, and even ordered a set of Xrays taken, which showed that my condition had worsened considerably since the pain first onset...in 2005 my pain was worse in my R hip, but the imaging (X Ray and MRI) showed worse arthritis in the L hip. Now, the situation is reversed--the arthritis is worse in the R hip, he pointed out irregular bone tissue at the femoral head position, etc. I am wearing my bones away myself (trying not to, though, with the use of a cane). I was satisfied with the way he answered my questions, but it doesn't help my pain, nor help my need to have surgery during the school year summer. He scheduled a next appt. for a half year later. Because I have no acetabulum on my R side, the femoral head is now at the point that it is wearing bone against the side of my hip.
I was glad that Mom and Dad were there for my first surgery evaluation.
~~~~~
Jonathan and I have Joe W. to thank for tickets to hear Salman Rushdie speak at Heinz Hall. He spoke about world politics and political figures, growing up in multiculural Mumbai (Bombay), religion, literature and its role in our lives. He suggested we read books not written by English-speaking writers, that we read outside our circle of influence. To paraphase him, he said that the role of literature is to broaden our awareness (not merely to entertain), to awaken our consciousness outside our circle.
Jonathan and I rode the bus back with Dr. Carol, my parents' neighbor, and we enjoyed a discussion about the talk the whole way home.
Labels: BAD, Church, international culture, thankfulness
From a Distance
There was some reaching out from a distance today. First, I just completed viewing the HGTV show on Top 10 Amazing Kitchens. My distant cousin, Linda, and her husband Bill, from Morristown, NJ, were featured as #3 homeowners on the list, of the Family Room Kitchen. There are two of each major appliance (refrigerator, dishwasher), except for ovens--there are seven ovens, including a pizza oven. It is a highly functional kitchen and has a magnificent kick vacuum. Over 100 people can fit in the 1500+ sq. ft. space. We saw Uncle Bill making pizza in the pizza room, and Alexandra and Linda entertaining in this show's episode.
Also, Judy, Jonathan, Alroy and Kay, Ornella, Jess, and I dined with Anjali at Camille's (after a tour of eating establishments of N. Craig) as part of her self-dubbed "last supper." We shared warm food, cold smoothie, and company; followed by many hugs and well-wishing. She was kind enough to send me off with small friendship tokens from India.
And, during Mass, Karen handed her cell phone off to Don to transmit Palestrina's Sicut Cervus by remote link to Ned in NY state (or parts unknown). Karen is known to transmit by cell phone various singing to her mom. This being Ned's favorite hymn, she decided to send our live rendition to him.
Labels: children, Choir, cleaning, dining, family, farewell, genealogy, home, New York, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
Cendrillon: Everything Old is New Again
Pratima and I had dinner at Christos, and we crossed diagonally to Benedum Hall for Will Call tickets to Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo version of Cendrillon.
It was ballet steeped in modernism--the sets, the choreography (which, at moments, echoed Martha Graham), the costuming, even the concepts in casting (pleasure Superintendents, the Exotics) were modern.
There were some older elements, too. The music was Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, which I heard on the radio yesterday while in the homestretch of grading. The Shakespearean concepts continued through the ballet-within-a-ballet telling the story of Cendrillon, and the journey of the prince to faraway lands to find his...beloved's bare foot. (Is this deconstructionism at its best, or WHAT?!)
What a wonderful, magical treat to share with my friend her last weekend in Pittsburgh for a while, and to celebrate my completion of my grading midterm practical exams.
Labels: biology, dance, dining, farewell, friends, international culture, work
Lent 2008
Ash Wednesday occurred over two weeks ago, on the 6th of February. Wow! That is really early: We'll celebrate Easter on the 23rd of March. Renee and I had a discussion about that, and she said it is practically the earliest that Lent CAN be. There were only 42 days between Christmas Day and Ash Wednesday. (I wonder when the last time that THAT happened?)
So today is a Friday in Lent. I'm abstaining today, and eating smaller meals during the day. To avoid getting cranky (or is it to avoid grading--?) I took a one and a half hour nap this afternoon after administering a practical exam, doing research for dad's computer, and purchasing him the computer across town.
~~~
Dad's new computer is actually a refurbished one, with Linux on it. But he was pleased to be able to play chess on the wireless connection in the store (the sales associate was impressed by his current ranking), and he was glad to see that an external mouse was included in the package deal. He can't print or use a USB port (only floppy disc port is included) with this computer; but for checking his email, playing chess, or checking his stock quotes online while away from home, this is fine.
I was pleased to make the purchase, since I thought it to be a great bargain. In exchange, I asked him to take me out to dinner sometime.
Labels: biology, celebration, Church, computer, games, work
grrrrradin'
Now, it's grrrrradin' time.
Gr-Gr-Gradin' time
The time that consumes my day
The time that consumes my night
The time that wakes me early
That time keeps me up at night.
Grrrrradin' Time!
Say it once again,
before I get back to Grrrrradin' Time...
Oh, you get more credit for that..
Labels: biology, poetry, singing, work
The Lake House a.k.a. "What did you do Valentine's Day 2008?"
Mom and I saw a great flick last year called The Lake House with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. It is one of my fave movies/chick flicks. It made me consider what I did Valentine's Day 2008.
What did I do Valentine's Day 2008? Well, I took a look at my blog entry for that day, and I recall the Northern Illinois University/VA-Tech-style shooting that day, which brings me to recall a similar incident in my personal life. And how a phone call made all the difference that fateful day. How I had a George Baileyesque moment this past Thursday, sin the desires-at-the-bridge. And how I spent time with my (local) family on Valentine's Day 2008. I was/am one thankful person this mid-February 2008.
Labels: celebration, cinema, family, love, phone, surprise, thankfulness
Anjali's Surprise Party
Yesterday evening, about 15-20 of us choristers gathered at Ornella's place to dine together, do Jello-shots, discuss other shots, play charades, and to generally wish Anjali a fond farewell. We gave Anjali a card, cake, and our warmest wishes. I also gave her a 8x10" photo of her fave violin poster boy---Joshua Bell---together with her at intermission at the PSO downtown, as well as smaller photos of her and I at Pymatuning, Pennsylvania.
I had a chance to teach Jennifer H. and Alroy a couple of ceili dance moves--the swing hold and swing, and 7's and 3's--all despite my hips.
We had a fun evening, and were pleasantly surprised by the appearance of Rocco, too. What a great surprise party!
Labels: BAD, Bell, Choir, dance, games, Ireland, photography, photos, surprise
Suspicious Cheese Lords
I heard a concert by the Suspicious Cheese Lords from DC. Wonderful, Renaissance music...some chant sounds, as well as polyphony...some 20th Century music, as well. Saw Leona after the concert. After Renee purchased some beer glasses, there followed a light discussion with Doug and Renee and Skip about songs from our youth. We were generally thankful for their singing and their music, and that Don selected their group to come here. After being invited to leave, I made a quick getaway past the dozen or so gentlemen taking a photo opportunity at the altar where they sang earlier this evening.
Labels: music, St. Paul Cathedral
Northern Illinois University
A VA Tech-style shooting at Northern Illinois University today.
Today we commemorated Sts. Cyril and Methodius...Oh, it's ~~St. Valentine's Day, but this day was taken away from him. It was good to read from the book of Esther, Dad was the pinch-hitter for TV ministry, Fr. Brian celebrated the Mass, John was the altar server, and Don was the music ministry. I brought little candies to share after Mass, taped greeting cards to Mom and Dad's door, and graded this morning.
Marissa and Dad witnessed my signing of the combined advanced directive & POA (Beatrice was there), which I tried to deliver to my doctor's (PCP's) office. I picked up a script, and ordered tickets to the Ballets de Monte Carlo with Pratima later this month. My legs were tired after all that walking, and I took a nap.
Off to choir practice soon.
~~~~~
Choir practice went well (amid discussions that included spirometers), we enjoyed Mary Louise's chocolate snacks, after an opening of Altoids (original) before practice.
~~~~~
William, Marissa, and Beatrice were at Mom and Dad's after practice was over. It was good to see all of them to end this ~~St. Valentine's Day.
Labels: Beatrice, Choir, Church, dance, family, friends, health, music, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, will
Snow, snow, and more snow...then Rain.
Late last night it started to fall---the dry snow. Mid this afternoon it turned to rain.
I asked Ken if he used snow tires to get to Oakland this morning--"No, I just drove really slowly," he answered.
On the way home from work this afternoon, I slogged through the sidewalks and streets (dragging my backpack on wheels), past the short bus stops to Mom and Dad's place. I had a snack of cheese and milk, and plunked down in front of the TV to watch a rarely-viewed-by-me TV show, Oprah. This episode was to be about David Cassidy (Whooo! "I think I love you!"), my first rockstar-poster boy. I found that the TV station is instead continuously broadcasting breaking weather and PennDOT news and the school closings. I am so thankful for my traction.
Dad is on his way back from his medical mission in the Philippines...Mom has taken the bus to the airport to avoid the cold, crazy drive and commuter traffic combined to meet him. Can't wait to see him after a couple of weeks away.
Labels: Church, cold, diocese of Pittsburgh, family, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, Pittsburgh, seasons, shoes, traction, transportation, travel
Romantic Spots
Yes, a place in Pittsburgh made a list of the "Most Romantic Spots" in a nationwide sweep. I've visited this locale in Pittsburgh many a time, probably each time visitors from out of town stop by for a stay here. The last time was during U. Sonny's post-Christmas/Christmastide visit this past season.
Labels: excited, family, friends, Pittsburgh, travel
Lunch with Beatrice, et al.
I had lunch with William, Marissa, and Beatrice at the Carnegie Mellon UC this afternoon. Afterwards, William signed my updated combined advanced directive/power of attorney, and considered the chocolates for sale by the choir. Marissa and Beatrice drove me to Mom and Dad's (where I took a great nap) before they headed to Magee-Women's hospital.
Labels: Beatrice, dining, family, health, niece and nephew, will
Birmingham Bridge, RIS
I indicated to the RIS that I would be unable to tape my personal finance radio show until bus service to the station resumes---the Birmingham Bridge ramp had dropped 8 inches, calling for an emergency inspection. PennDOT officials found that there was a problem with a rocker (this information found through the Philly Examiner, no less). The closure should last at least two weeks. Both the 54C and 84A bus routes will no longer stop near the station during the bridge closure.
I'm not too worried, as my show has been taped about two weeks advance for a while now.
Labels: personal finance, read, RIS, transportation, travel
I Love Lucy; Mary Lou's 80th
Mom and I have been watching even MORE of "I Love Lucy" recently. Tonight is a Lucy marathon and mom claimed that the first show aired was shown at 8 tonight ("The Marriage License"). This one from 1952, however, was not the first show aired or filmed in the first season of Lucy. We're currently watching the "Lucy is Enceinte" show.
We love all the fave shows, including the "Vitaminavegtamin" show, the grape-stomping one, and the one where Ricky visits Washington DC.
~~~~~
Yesterday was Mary Lou's surprise celebration of her eightieth birthday. Her son, Steve, concelebrated Mass, said the homily, and Ken provided music ministry while Barb lectored. After Mass, we headed downstairs to the social hall, where we dined together with her and her family. It was nice to see Barb again and to share photos with her...she even had photos from our Labor Day voyage to Virginia and Maryland, where I ran into my cousin!
Mary Lou looks great for 80, and I hope to be in as good shape when I get to her age.
Labels: Birthday, dining, love, St. Lucy, surprise, thankfulness, TV
Chris Hondros
Thursday before choir practice Nancy C. and I went to a lecture/slide show by Chris Hondros. He is an award-winning international photojournalist who presented his photographs of contemporary war zones throughout the world. His images have appeared on the covers of major publications such as the New York Times, the Economist, and Newsweek.
It was a wonderful lecture/slide show in which Chris showed painterly photos, and discussed symbolism in imagery, such as crucifixion, pietas, Andrew Wyeth-like compositions, and madonna-and-child, as well as the particulars of working in war zones. A particularly riveting photo of a young Iraqi girl wailing in the dark after the accidental death of her parents in their family car moved the audience to the point that he revealed the long series of photojournalism shots taken around the story/event.
Nancy and I had a chance to discuss with him after the lecture, which filled a packed room in the Cathedral of Learning to the floor and doorways.
We then ran an errand to CVS and dined at Middle Eastern food on Forbes Avenue before heading to choir practice.
Labels: Choir, dining, international culture, photography, photos, Pittsburgh
Superbowl XLII 2008
Saturday night, I went to faith-sharing at the Newman Center. It was great to see my friends, and sing and share fellowship with them.
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Sunday night, Mom and I had dinner at William and Marissa and Beatrice's home. Beatrice, as predicted, asked for me after she saw Mom. She also asked for Lolo. We all had fun playing for a bit while Wawa watched the game (NE Patriots vs. the NY Giants). I noted that I had lived just a little longer in Giants country than I had in Patriots country...William recalled that he, too, lived in Patriots country for a while, too. We enjoyed dinner (consisting mostly of dips, including one recipe by Chere), sang "When you're happy and you know it," with Beata signature motions, and read a bit before a diydoo change, after which Mom and I returned home.
It was great to hear that the Giants won, after winning in a Steelers-type win (not being the favored team).
Labels: Church, Faith, games, read, singing, Superbowl
Ruminations on Painting 2008
My former coworker and friend from the Carnegie, Lisa R., sent me this video of Michael Israel painting. It reminded me of when I used to work on several oil canvases on a daily basis.
I still have the canvases, and a future project will be restretching them and hanging them. I have already started with one, "Entering Open Fields," done when I still lived in California. I've put a detail from the image on my cell phone, too.
I miss painting. I've not kept up recently, as I have no appropriate studio space. I still have some paint, and some stretcher bars, too. (I barely have time to go to the gym on a regular basis. What am I thinking of taking up painting in the near future?)
My love of the arts has been expressed most in the past few years in the form of choral music. I truly enjoy singing in my church choir. It is a different sensation than the creative impulse of painting a painting. But, when we all sing as a choir, there are moments--no, movements--of glory that emote core emotions.
Labels: American history, art, Choir, excited, exercise, love, music, painting, singing, St. Paul Cathedral
Philippine Geography Song
Here is a You Tube Video of the Philippine Geography Song, sung and danced by a lovely native of the islands!
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My friend Lloyd has sent me the link for another great YouTube video, this one of the Orquesta Sinfonica Juvenil.
The Venezuelan kids' youthful energy remind me of my hometown marching band.
It brings back memories of the Marietta High School award-winning marching band, under the direction of Marshall Kimball: THE Wall of Sound.
I've heard from some students that the local college, Marietta College, has taken him out of retirement to recreate the Wall Of Sound with them!
It was/(and must still be) amazing!
~~~~~
The last time/only time I went to the Proms was with Liz, Chris, and his mum in Cardiff. What a wonderful evening we had that night. I even remember the comments by his mum in the car ride back in '94. I miss Liz, and don't know her current email address anymore.
Labels: dance, friends, international culture, Marietta, music, Philippines, Pilipino culture, singing
Ground Hog Day 2008
My attempt to sleep in today was thwarted by the Ground Hog (a.k.a. Ground Pig), who saw his shadow (meaning six more weeks of winter). When I took a gander outside a short while ago, the weather was cold, but not bitingly so (as it was last week--it hurt to breathe); and if the winter lasts mildly like today, I would not mind six more weeks of it.
Try this groundhog quiz to see how much you know about our li'l groundhog friend!
Labels: cold, international culture, weather
