Final Discernment 2008
Yesterday was the final discernment step for new Parish Pastoral Council Members. Vickie designed a beautiful meeting, with Ed R. and I assisting.
Karen Mc
Ed H
Elizabeth B
Dave S
Roseanne S
Tom B
were seated around the table and all discerned for the four-year term starting in 2008.
~~~~~
Wednesday was our pastoral council meeting during which we installed our new and returning members. We rotated duties, and goal teams, too.
Labels: pastoral council, St. Paul Cathedral
Renaissance and Baroque Society--Il Fondamento
Last night, Roseanne and I attended the Pittsburgh Renaissance and Baroque Society's presentation of the Brussels, Belgium group Il Fondamento, who play early Bach pieces. We attended as guests of Joe and Tina W., and the group consisted of up to sixteen wind and string musicians. They played J.S. Bach's
Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C Major, BWV 1066
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067
~intermission~
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068
Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, BWV 1069
I was pleased to hear movements from the second and third pieces that sounded familiar, as they were pieces to which I studied in college. Roseanne and I spoke about good restaurants to dine in Pittsburgh, and we met a couple who had hiked into Kings Canyon!
We "held the group captive" for two encores.
~~~
Early music groups remind me of the Musica Antiqua Koln. I befriended a member of that group while traveling through Europe right before the Berlin Wall came down.
Labels: Bach, international culture, music, Pittsburgh, travel
Peace Rally, March 2008
Dad and I went out to eat down the street for lunch today. When we exited the restaurant, we heard the strains of the Peace Rally in front of the Software Engineering Institute in front of St. Paul Cathedral. People had gathered, there were several police cars to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
Labels: celebration, dining, Peace
A, B, B puzzle
After dinner last night I went to visit William, Marissa, and Beatrice ("Mimi! Mimi!" I was greeted, happily). I watched her feed herself pancake and orange (and NOT eat the apple sausage "ah-puh"), and drink milk from her cup. We read Max's "A, B, B" book, with Beatrice identifying all the letters and naming objects in some of the pictures, as well as naming some things that begin with some of the letters--"M, Mimi; L, Lola, Lola." We retired to the living room for more book reading (a Sesame Street book of Baby Lapsit rhymes, and a Dinosaur Bones book I gave to her for Easter), and to play with her "A, B, B" puzzle. She would pick up the letter, name it, I would repeat the letter, then she would place it in the correct puzzle position in the alphabet. What fun!
Beatrice cannot pronounce some letters readily, due to a lack of teeth. These letters are namely, C, F, J, and S. She does her best to pronounce them, though, and C becomes B, F becomes H, J becomes A, and S (may appear at times to be a Z).
Labels: Beatrice, games, gift, read
PSO--Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra
Last night, after a serendipitous run-in with Charles at Lulu's Noodles (where I had a mango smoothie), I met up with Joe and Tina W. and Jonathan P. for the
Brahms X 6: The Sextet, the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland (as described by PittArts). The principal players included:
Andres Cárdenas -conductor and violin
Damian Bursill-Hall -flute
Charles Lirette - trumpet
Jeffrey Turner - bass
Co-Principal Trumpet Charles Lirette performs Tomaso Albinoni's Trumpet Concerto. Two living composers are also featured, as the Chamber Orchestra performs Balada's "Caprichos No. 4" and a piece by PSO Composer of the Year, the award-winning John Corigliano. Plus hear the lush sounds of Brahms' masterful "Sextet in B flat major."
The surprise of the evening was the change in order of the program and a substitution, due to a last-minute injury by the flautist, Damian Bursill-Hall. The program started with
Clarinet Quintet by Heinrich Bern (1784-1847)
followed by Corigliano's Scherzo from the Symphony No. 2 for String Orchestra
Balada's Capricho's No. 4 (Quazi Jazz) for Solo Contrabass & Chamber Orchestra
Albinoni's Concerto for Trumpet (bugle) in B-flat "San Marco" Op.7, No.3
~intermission~
Brahm's sextet No. 1 in B-flat, Op. 18
The first movement of the Balada piece sounded like the themes from the "Wicked Witch of the West" from the Wizard of Oz. The second movement picked up themes of heart beats. There was strumming of the pianoforte strings and of the large stringed instruments (below the T bar).
The Albinoni piece had a 1/2 length bugle (with no valves) played with a harpsichord and strings.
The Brahms piece was played on 2 violins, 2 violae, and 2 cellos.
~~~
The pieces all had themes running through them, just that some themes (later in the program) were more melodic than others (earlier in the program).
Labels: dining, friends, PSO
Exercise this Week, March 2008
Tuesday I took about half an hour to pedal on the recumbent bicycle about ten minutes, then to do ball exercises and elastic band exercises for an additional twenty minutes.
Yesterday, I took a half hour out of my day to do water walking. It is always fun, and I look forward to doing that after my surgery, too.
I've thought about what I want to do before I have surgery---Irish ceili dancing (with video evidence of it) is high on my list. I dance ceili dance like it is aerobic dancing, so I would like to do this before my surgery. (Post-surgery hips preclude aerobic dancing.)
This Tuesday I commented to Mom that "after hip replacement, I won't be able to do the moves on Dancing with the Stars." My mom countered, "Can you do those moves Now?" I replied, sheepishly, "No."
Labels: BAD, dance, exercise, international culture, Ireland, TV, water exercise
Happy Easter 2008! Happy Spring!
Mom and I sat right behind Elizabeth B's family (I serve on Parish Pastoral Council with her) for the noon Mass celebrating Easter. Fr. Breier concelebrated with Fr. Tom Burke. Some highlights of the Mass included
Renewal of Baptismal Rites (with sprinkling to "Springs of Water" [DKF])
Preparation of the Gifts ("Hallelujah" from the Mount of Olives, [Beethoven])
and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, which drew the whole congregation into applause after it ended.
Fr. Breier thanked the various ministries, but especially the choir, "whose volunteer membership has sang about ten liturgies since last Sunday," he said.
I stopped by the loft to see what it looks like before they close it for organ repairs after Easter. Also to say hi to my choir friends.
~~~~
We had for lunch at Mom and Dad's with William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Jujube:
Mixed green + spinach + mandarin orange + button mushrooms + craisins + walnut + scallions + sweet/sour dressing
Pompano (Florida) big fish with black bean sauce
Pot Roast w/ veggies
Green Bean Casserole
Strawberries
Filtered Water
Collin St. Bakery Blueberry Shortbread (from Grampy Bill)
I left briefly to put gasoline in the car for our guests, Tina P. and her family. When I returned, they had just arrived. They took photos of the interior and exterior of the car. "It's really in good shape," one of her sons said.
~~~~
Soon thereafter, I left to buy some supplies for this week at Trader Joe's. Luce called me, saying this is the first time in two weeks that she called me that I wasn't in a funeral cortege or in Church.
"Okay, talk to you next week," she said, causing me to burst out laughing in TJ's. "I guess I'll talk to you next weekend, when we will play phone tag with each other, with the possibility of our talking with each other again then!!"
As I exited TJ's Marissa asked if I would like to go in the store again, as Beatrice was expecting me there.
I went back in, and bought a few more items.
Returned home, to type away, and (soon) to take a nap.
~~~~~
At ~35 Fahrenheit, today is colder than Christmas 2007!
Labels: berries, Choir, Church, cold, dining, family, friends, global warming, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, weather
Holy Week 2008--Easter Vigil 2008
As I was on my way out their door for the Easter Vigil Mass, Mom and Dad encouraged me to feel better and recover a little more before standing in the drafty cathedral, as the bishop and the musicians and clergy entered. So Mom and I watched the Mass from the comfort of their home on Christian Associates cable TV.
If one is up for it, I highly recommend this Mass for attending each year. I have explained in years past how this is special, due to the light service, liturgy of the Word, rite of Christian initiation, and liturgy of the Eucharist. Daphne and Linda cantored tonight. Bishop Zubik was the main celebrant. We saw him insert into the Easter candle markers of Christ's wounds, light the candle, and process with it as the seminarians and clergy lit candles of parishioners in the dark Cathedral.
The litany of the saints was chanted by Daphne.
"Springs of Water" Alleluia was sung after each and every baptism.
"Hallelujah!" from the Mount of Olives by L. Beethoven was sung at the preparation of gifts.
"Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus," by C. Schalk was sung during communion, followed by brass pieces and by "Hallelujah!" from Messiah (G.F. Handel).
The Mass ended about three hours after it started, and I saw Nancy Mc, my alto seatmate from Christmas, graduating from RCIA.
Labels: Church, friends, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
Holy Week 2008--Good Friday 2008
After a bout of the flu, I returned to work Good Friday. This was followed by delivering candy to my colleague Elia, some photocopying, and attendance at St. Paul Cathedral of the Good Friday Passion of the Lord, celebrated by Bishop Zubik. As my friend Tina, indicated, we get to hear Don sing
Eli, Eli, lama lazabhtani?
[God, why hast thou forsaken me?]
as part of the responsorial psalm (Ps. 30, Chrysogonus Waddell, O.C.S.O).
The Gospel acclamation was by Proulx, and the Passion Narrative was read with
Jesus Remember Me (J. Berthier).
This was followed by veneration of the Cross, accompanied by
Were You There (Spiritual)
Jesu, Salvator Noster (R. Farrell)
O Vos Omnes (G. Croce)
Then by Communion, accompanied by
Attende Domine
De Profundis (W.A. Mozart).
I was particularly pleased with the fullness and the balanced sound of the choir. I sat at the break in the pews at the new addition on the east side of the nave, on the center aisle. Hearing De Profundis was a treat, as the last 5-10 measures always seem they should be reminiscent of Christ's last breaths and heartbeats.
I saw my friends after Mass, Dan from ceili dancing, a neighbor who appreciated my reading, and I congratulated Matt on his participation in the Passion reading. My friend invited me to a fish fry, which I did not attend due to my so-recent recovery from the flu.
Labels: Choir, Church, health, Mozart, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, Zubik
Five Years Later
we are still at war. As expressed in the recent WTAP interviews of our family friends, war affects us, whether we are aware of the efforts by our servicemen and -women far away. Chris expressed that he has felt that his efforts have made an impact when he recalls the people, and particularly the children, in Iraq.
Labels: friends, Parkersburg, Peace, TV
Back from the Flu (So THAT'S what that sounds like!)
My first foray out into the world after the flu was to the orthopedic surgeon's office. I have my surgery scheduled for late this spring.
After an afternoon nap, and a couple of phone calls (one to my boss, that I would be in at work tomorrow; one to Don that I would not be singing tonight), Mom, Dad, and I attended the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper. Bishop David Zubik celebrated the Mass, including washing of the apostles' feet, the homily, and stripping of the altar at the end of Mass. His homily referred to a nun, Sr. Eugenia, who taught him and his classmates a prayer upon receiving the Eucharist for the first time:
Let me remember this Eucharist
as if it were the first time I am receiving the Eucharist
as if it were the last time I am receiving the Eucharist
as if it were the only time I am receiving the Eucharist
and he also referred to the
taking
blessing
breaking and
giving of the
bread at table
and the body of Christ for our sins.
It was good to hear Ubi Caritas again (one of my favorite hymns).
Mom, Dad, and I sat right behind Karina this evening in Mass.
Labels: BAD, Church, cold, diocese of Pittsburgh, health, St. Paul Cathedral, tradition, Zubik
achy
I have the flu. This year's flu shot did not account for strains that were active at the end of last season. I have the flu. It started yesterday afternoon with post-nasal drip, aches, and a slight fever. I woke in the middle of the night vomiting. I called my boss and my primary care physician. I have the flu. Boy, my voice is shot. My PCP says there's no medicine for that. I have the flu. (is that TMI?)
~~~~~
Tues 16 March 2008 ~17:30
I awoke and am still a little achy, have chills. My voice is better than before. I'll have some sho-bao soon for dinner...Mom and Dad just arrived from their vacation at 18:00.
Labels: health, work
Holy Week 2008--Palm Sunday 2008
Today I sang in the Cathedral Choir. The order of worship included
Hosanna to the Son of David (Proulx)
All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Psalm 22 (Proulx)
Gospel Acclamation by Proulx
Jesus, Remember Me (J. Berthier) with readings from Matthew 26:14-27:66
O Sacred Head Surrounded
Acclamations by Vermulst, Kraehenbuhl, and Lamb of God by L. Deiss
Communion: Parce Domine and Jesus so Lowly (H. Freidell)
Recessional Hymn: Lenten Prayer
Jonathan, Stacy, and I dined at Union Grill--that soup was great, as were the BBQ chicken quesadillas, and the pierogies.
I took a nap and went to
~~~~~~
The Cathedral Concert Series at three o'clock in the afternoon with
Daphne Alderson (contralto), Elisa Kohanski (cello), and Donald K. Fellows (portative organ). The program was
Stabat Mater (Mary's vigil at the cross when Jesus expired) (Antonio Vivaldi)
Sicilienne, for cello and piano, Op. 78 (Gabriel Faure)
and two spirituals arr. by H.T. Burleigh, Give Me Jesus and Don't Be Weary, Traveller
Daphne has a wonderfully rich, expressive alto voice. I was particularly moved by the first spiritual. She sang the last piece with no music.
~~~~~
William, Marissa, Beatrice and I dined at Royal Caribbean restaurant in East Liberty. I had the goat curry with greens and potatoes. Delicious!
Beatrice had figured out that Daddy is a man, and Mama and Auntie Mimi are ladies (in addition to names, we fall in a category, too). She, of course, is a baby. A baby girl.
I had to depart from dinner with them early to join Joe and Tina at
~~~~~
St. Ferdinand Youth Ministry's 25th Anniversary of "The Living Stations."
It consisted of tableaux vivants in the order of worship. Joe, Tina, and I sat next to the parents of the student who was "The Voice of Christ" and a Woman in the crowd. Apparently, the text seems to be the same year after year. The combined "readers" and my verbal descriptions for Joe and Tina were emotionally moving for my seatmates. We congratulated Fr. Steve K. for sharing the talents of his young people with our parish.
Labels: Beatrice, Choir, Church, Faith, family, light, prayer, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, theater, tradition
Auntie Teng's Surprise Birthday
See Randy's video (a la Mastercard commercial) of Auntie Teng's surprise birthday party.
Labels: Birthday, celebration, family, surprise, TV
Mahna Mahna
Here is a segment from the Muppet Show that, I believe, appeared as an earlier version on Sesame Street. It is Mahna Mahna.
Labels: dolls, singing
St. Patrick's Day 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day 2008..with some memories from back in the eighties.
Labels: dolls, Ireland, singing
uh, I can't drink coffee
Why I can't have coffee...
Labels: dolls, excited
Mimi's Feelings
Please don't hurt Mimi's feelings.
Labels: dolls, singing, TV
Holy Week 2008--Palm Sunday Vigil Mass 2008
The Palm Sunday Vigil Mass was celebrated this evening by Bishop David Zubic, with other diocesan priests celebrating, and the seminarians serving. Linda was our cantor tonight, with ~15 choristers, Ken at the organ, and Don directing. Betty, Alice, Donna, and I opted out of "doin' the step drill" up to the choir loft before and after the entrance hymn by Proulx.
The homily was interesting and significant. The bishop described how, when in Green Bay, he was invited to Reading Week at a 3rd grade public school classroom. He read a passage from The Little Prince when the Prince meets the fox. The English translation is, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye." (I recall this passage from when William and Marissa tied the knot. My friend Stacy and I also recalled other parts of this novelette, which I had read first in Mahan's class.) The kids seemed disinterested in the passage, but asked deep questions about God of him, including, "Will you pray for me?" Which prompted a response of "If you write your [prayer requests] on a sheet of paper, I will collect them and pray for you." All the children opted for this exercise. And he shared three of those requests with us.
He also mentioned the short, three-word sentence that Jesus' best friend, John, wrote, "God is love."
I saw my friend Joan after Mass, who encouraged me to meet the bishop. She showed our appreciation for his being in the St. Patrick's parade today, and I expressed my appreciation of his passage selection. After retrieving some palms, I exited the Cathedral.
Labels: Choir, Church, diocese of Pittsburgh, Faith, international culture, love, Pittsburgh, read, St. Paul Cathedral, water, Zubik
Hillary in Pittsburgh, March 2008 II
Hillary will be at the St. Patrick's Day Parade here in Pittsburgh this morning. I would like to go, (Jeff and some other friends from Faith Sharing at the Newman Center are going), but I don't think my legs/hips will hold out...I don't think I can stand that long; and I have an obligation at the time (see earlier draft posted this afternoon---but written earlier, below)
I realized that I had represented various people by seeing her on the stage at the rally yesterday ("Senator Hillary Clinton Makes Local Stops," and "UNCUT: Sen. Hillary Clinton Rally in Oakland"). Besides my sweatshirt, campaign buttons I wore (Asian American Pacific Islanders for Hillary, Wellesley Women for Hillary), and the Wellesley banner I waved when she discussed economic issues around education; I represented others who could not attend the rally---my friend who I had dined with earlier this week, various Filipino/as in the Pittsburgh area, educators/environmentalists at work, friends in the Pittsburgh Wellesley Club, Church friends (choir and otherwise), family members in the medical profession and not, immigrants/diaspora, librarians, Irish dancers, and on and on. After the rally, my friend and I discussed who we knew who were voting for her, and she also joked that I knew 20%...wait, 25%,...WAIT, 35% of the people at the rally. Every time she turned around, I was saying hello to someone I knew, or was finding a connection to the people around us. I didn't even have to bring a camera, as Tita Tina took my picture at the rally!
...Mom had waved the banner that I toted at the rally earlier at a rally that Hillary held in support of Bill's campaign when she visited Marietta, Ohio back in his first bid for the Presidency. Now, the banner has been passed to me.
In a way, we all represent others who cannot vote or cannot make it to the polls. We all represent each other; we all pull for each other.
Labels: American history, BAD, celebration, Church, citizenship, dance, diaspora, Faith, family, global warming, Marietta, neighbors, Philippines, Pittsburgh, Wellesley
Hillary in Pittsburgh, March 2008
Hillary stopped by a Bloomfield gasoline station early this afternoon, where she fielded questions by reporters.
My friend and I lined up, and entered Soldiers and Sailors Memorial after filling out some demographic information and passing through the security checkpoint. As we entered the auditorium we were approached by a gentleman who asked us a few questions and seated us on the stage(KDKA's clip, "Senator Hillary Clinton Makes Local Stops"). We sat in the second row, and were joined by some veterans, some with spouses, in front of us. I saw some of my friends: from FAAP and PAMS, Titas Tina and Leila and more; from CHOIREland and choir, Linda and her sister Carol; and I met Marjorie, an organizer at S & S; as well as P, who will be going to Wellesley in the Fall.
Governor Ed Rendell spoke briefly, then gave his support; as did Luke Ravenstahl, our mayor, and did Dan Onorato, Allegheny County's chief executive. Soon after, Hillary arrived at 5:45pm and spoke about the issues--energy, renewable sources, the economy, the war in Iraq, veteran's issues, making education affordable (here Luke R. answered positively for "How many of you have student loans?" "How many are still paying for them?"), and on and on. She stayed to sign banners, books, and a baseball from a child. She was still meeting and greeting when we left for a meal of Chinese food at 6:45pm.
On the way out, I met Brie, who is a campaign worker. We also saw her and her colleague at the Chinese restaurant. What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon--hearing a great candidate for President.
Labels: American history, celebration, citizenship, economy, Wellesley
that Clinical Eye...
While at the ice cream shop last week, I noted to William that Beatrice was developing a clinical eye: She noted something clinically different, placed her hand on the spot, and then imitated the problem with her own body.
Labels: Beatrice, health, languages, philosophical
Tot can Read
A couple days ago I pointed out to William a news story about a 17-month-old baby who can read words and phrases--and cursive, too. Pretty amazin' stuff. WE never had kids who read at that age when WE were children.
I must note that in the linked video that the child Elizabeth requests a favorite book by name, as Beatrice often does with her own home library.
Labels: children, read, surprise
Leap Frog Caterpillar
How absolutely appalling! The Leapfrog company has produced a child's learning toy that spouts a curse word when two "keys" are pressed on it. A grandfather is interviewed (in this news story segment hypertext linked above) about this toy and the lack of concern from the company that created it.
Labels: alarm, children, games, surprise
Carmencita Lozada
Carmencita Lozada was officially nominated posthumously for a Philippine National Artist Award, or Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining for 2009. She was an inspirational violinist who had many students and played 'round the world, finding a home base in Europe.
Labels: music, Philippines, Pilipino culture
Reconciliation, Today
what a relief!
Met my friend for Thai iced tea and a mango smoothie before. Mmhmm.
My friend jokingly said that "[I'm] a bad influence on [her]....[I] take [her] to loose places.....like confession," as we walked to the chapel.
Labels: Church, Faith
my current work
My current work has echoes of what I thought I would do as a seventeen year old. I recall from an interview in high school that I said I would like to be a lawyer or a scientist.
When asked as a chemistry major in college what I would like to do, I said that I would like to be a professor at a small women's college.
When queried by Bob, my graduate advisor, before starting my graduate program about what I would like to do with my graduate degree, I said that I would like to teach--not necessarily in a traditional environment, but maybe at a science museum.
I have done all but be a lawyer and a tenure-track professor at a small women's college.
It's funny how life brings you to places. I've become the woman I used to informational interview. I am the exception to the rule. I've come full circle to review the dreams, live the dreams, and revel in the dreams of that young seventeen-year-old student in the Mid-Ohio Valley. I am blessed to have those dreams---to have lived those dreams.
Mom has said to her siblings at Grandma's funeral that "if [grandma] didn't have all [eight] of us kids, she would have been a Supreme Court justice." My grandma definitely had it in her to have lived that dream. So, part of me smiles inside and part of me cheers my brother on when he shares his dreams for Beatrice with us.
Labels: Beatrice, dreams, Grandma, Marietta, science, thankfulness, Wellesley, work
old friends
After a long conversation with Charles last night, I realized that I am blessed. Blessed by several longstanding friends--Kelli C., Charles, Julie D. Good friends from elementary school and junior high school. Notably, Julie and I have a long shared history: Junior high school, high school, college, graduate school I, and after. We used to muse that our husbands would play raquetball together. Now, we live in separate large cities in the Northeast. No chance of our husbands playing raquetball together on a regular basis (besides, I'm not married). But Julie's choice to combine her love of the arts and sciences parallels my desires. And her welcoming Larry, then Chloe, into her life delineates parallels I have considered for my own life.
Kelli and I were such close friends when I was a 'tween (before the term was coined, alas) that my youngest sister was named after her and a friend from first grade. My parents had given me, the ate, the honor of providing a name for their new arrival to the family. I did what 'most any other self-absorbed nine-year-old would have done: I named her after my best friends in my life. I don't know if my sister would ever forgive me for names she feels don't go well with our surname....
Charles has the distinction of being my longest standing male friend. We have known each other since middle-school age. I feel comfortable *not having to explain myself* to my friends, but to Charles particularly. I'm pleased that he has found a lovely significant other with whom to travel down life's road: They make a wonderful couple. We've decided that we need to get together sometime in the near future...
And then there are my other friends from college, graduate school, and work. I bookend my old friends article/posting with a quote. As I said in a newspaper interview when I was seventeen, Life is so much better going through with friends than all by your lonesome self.
Labels: art, children, friends, games, Marietta, philosophical, science, Wellesley
Graduate School II
So, I still keep in touch with my friends from graduate school in environmental and soil sciences. We are all still email buddies and occasionally write to each other. Most notably, Katherine had married Bob, and added two more to their brood--she stays active with the Geological Survey. Lynn, my labmate and housemate, is happy back at SLO with her hubby; my classmate Jane and I talk occasionally and she still keeps in touch with the geomorphology groupies. Jane has a tenure-track position at a local community college. Jodi has a tenure-track position at the University of Idaho, and is still happily married with children. I don't know what happened to Julie C. and her brood, or to Sylvia, our then-undergrads in the lab. April and Wendy are still on Bob's website/radar, as is Debbie, the first graduate from the group. What a great group. All women. I "broke the barrier" [ha, ha] by being the first brunette in the group. We made quite a sight at the national meetings...the only all-female research group at the SSSA meetings.
I guess things have changed since the early/mid-nineties. More guys have decided to go into the environmental sciences. Bob's group has male alums now and I suppose there are more women in the other research groups, now, too.
Labels: school, science, soils
Graduate school I
I received an email missive from Sheila about what Evan is up to...he and his wife are running an artisan restaurant and a bakery in Seattle. I have recommended it to Anjali, who will be there in April.
William writes most recently of our graduate school colleagues... where are they now. The only two from the chem department whom I keep in touch with are Julie and Kim, both of whom could not remember family names of some of our colleagues/friends at the time. Julie is working as a graphic designer for a large firm that works for museums in the greater Boston area, Kim teaches chem at a community college in the South Bay. I have even gotten out of touch with Angy and Marcin, who Kim reminds me "live in a different world than we do...who have, in some ways, sacrificed much to be where they are [professors at a large, internationally competitive research university]."
I remember signing up to work with Angy as an undergraduate because I wanted to know how a young (female) assistant professor pulled it off--how she BALANCED it all.
O the (career only) sacrifices I have made--but it's made all the difference. I would not trade my life now for another position. I am immensely content with my relations to my family, neighborhood, community, and work.
Labels: biology, career, Pittsburgh, Wellesley, work
Hillary's coming to town!
This weekend Hillary Clinton will be in Pittsburgh. She will be at the St. Patty's day parade, and two rallies, according to the radio station I listened to this morning...locations TBA. I will go to her website to check current information...there's an event tomorrow!
Labels: celebration, citizenship, Pittsburgh, Wellesley
Hillary
a current list:
assertive health care
positive changes in environmental care
experience
a cadre of advisors
Wellesley alum
a borrowed library book
pins/buttons for her campaign
Labels: accessibility, Carnegie, global warming, health, library, list, Pittsburgh, Wellesley
"...except he's cold."
"...except he's cold," Anna said about her dad. "He looks like [he's sleeping], except..."
Anna's dad is now at peace. He's no longer in any pain.
This post will be saved for after the funeral.
~~~
After departing Freyvogel funeral home, I dined chez Elaine's, on pizza from Schwan's, and we listened to the NBC six o'clock news, discussed voting (she is a poll worker), and generally had a pleasant evening. I departed when Jeopardy! was being broadcast.
~~~
~16:00, 15 March 2008
The Greek Orthodox service at St. Nicholas' Cathedral in Oakland was beautifully sung by the priest and deacon. They sang, read scripture, delivered homilies/eulogies, and we all had a chance to bid farewell to John. Tito Ben acted as videographer, and Fanny's brother Jerry was main photographer. Anna seemed unmoved emotionally by the whole event, being a child. After we all piled in our cars (me with Tita Tina and Tita Leila) and the Freyvogel people placed funeral cortege flags on the cars, the fire truck and EMT/ambulance pulled into the street in front of the Cathedral. Fanny's sister was taken, as she was not feeling well.
After a brief sung service at the gravesite, we each placed flowers on his casket. We piled back into our cars and drove back to the cathedral dining room for a sit-down lunch.
As we said our farewells, we briefed Fanny about what to expect. We saw Anna as we departed, who was preoccupied with her friends.
Labels: Church, cold, farewell, friends, health, international culture, Pilipino culture, TV, Wellesley
Back to the Station
This Monday, a week after the Birmingham Bridge reopened to traffic, I boarded the bus to the radio station to record two shows and a spot for the Q & A show that will air the week of April 4th through 10th, which includes Joe Wasserman, RIS board member and listener, with Carol Sikov Gross, certified elder law attorney. It is the latest interview episode that will air on my program, and the second one that includes Joe and Carol. The first one was a show on Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Wills.
I hope that my interview shows are helpful to my listening audience. I try to provide insights on topics that would be of interest to the listener through the Q & A format.
Labels: neighbors, personal finance, Pittsburgh, read, RIS, transportation, will
Frighteningly Frigid
I awoke at about 3:30 AM to sinks that ran only freezing water--from BOTH taps. At 8AM, the story was the same. Gloria L. and I spoke after Mass about how frighteningly frigid the water is. I'm just glad that I don't have to make the trek to campus to get a hot shower--since I'm near Mom and Dad's, there's a warm shower there.
Labels: cold, seasons, water, weather
Charlie Batch, March 2008
Today, Charlie Batch, one of the quarterbacks for the Steelers, came to read to a large group of children for a literacy initiative at the Homewood Library. His Mom introduced him. He read a book by Queen Latifah. I saw Mary Monaghan there, chatted with her for a bit, and told her and Suzanne (Communications) about the story of Beatrice seeing the CLP logo and recalling "baby"--the fact that she goes to baby lapsit at a[nother] branch with the CLP logo.
I met William there, and Beatrice and Marissa followed soon after. William had brought a Terrible Towel (Myron Cope had passed on earlier this month), which I enthusiastically waved at specific times before and after the reading. Beatrice and I waited patiently for him to autograph the Terrible Towel for her little brother (code name Jujube), who will be arriving sometime in the earlier part of April. As William said to me, "You're good at this [getting autographs from celebrities for unborn children]. You do it." So, since there was a precedent set with Twinkle's autograph from Mr. McFeely, I was bound to get an autograph from Charlie Batch.... Which Beatrice and I did.
After the autograph session, Beatrice played in the children's room of the library and pushed the "behbee" in the stroller. (She reminds me a lot of Miranda at that age, who received a stroller and doll from her other ninang.) We then went to their home to rest, relax, read, and eat a meal of lemon & pepper couscous and shrimp...delicious. I caught the bus home and am relaxing by reading, catching up on electronic correspondence, etc.
Labels: Beatrice, Carnegie, children, dining, family, library, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, read, sports
Mail, March 2008
Both my parents and I have received our updated voter registration forms in the mail this past week. Both they and I had been registered to vote in the past, but had abstained from stating a party affiliation.
We designated our party affiliation on our forms, and received the new voter reg forms.
I had also ordered some buttons from Hillary's campaign, which I had received yesterday evening. I proudly bear a "Wellesley Women for Hillary" button on my purse, and had purchased two buttons, one for each of my parents.
I am taken by her health care policy--I hope she gets the Dem nomination.
Labels: citizenship, family, health, Wellesley
If You're Irish...
Elaine and I had orchestra seats for the performance of "If You're Irish..." at the Benedum courtesy of Kelly M. The show included Derek Moloney (tenor), Deirdre Shannon (soprano), Cora Smyth (fiddle), the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, an orchestra with harp, and Frank McNamara (conductor, producer, and pianist), who brought us the Irish Tenors. The featured performers were superb, with the solid tenor voice of Derek; Deirdre's soaring, lilting trills (or is it trilling lilts?); the infectious, foot-tapping energy of Cora Smyth's fiddle; and the talented accompaniment by Frank, and the orchestra and the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. The performance consisted of both traditional Irish songs ("Fields of Athenry") and dance tunes ("Irish Washerwoman," "Rakes of Mallow," reels), as well as Irish-American tunes ("Toora Loora Looral" and "Love's Old Sweet Song").
The audience was moved to a standing ovation, which brought forth an encore rendition of "Danny Boy" by Derek and a second encore by Derek and Deirdre, accompanied by the audience and orchestra, of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling." Yes, there was audience participation!
Elaine and I ran into various folk from our neighborhood and church after the performance. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon!
Labels: dance, friends, international culture, Ireland, music, singing
Newman Center on Saturday March 2008
Yesterday evening at the Newman Center Karina led a multimedia group discussion of the physical implications of Christ's death, with a JAMA medical article, DVD/video, and discussion. I sat in on part of it, and also read in the library The Photo Album of St. Therese of Lisieux, as well as other texts. Ten of us prayed a Novena, and Maureen, Jeff, Karina and I went to dinner at the Thai restaurant in Bloomfield. It was delicious and the conversation was warm. We ventured back out into the swirling, dry snow that delighted us whilst it lay over treacherous patches of iced footprints on the sidewalk and over wet slush in the street.
Labels: dining, Faith, friends, library, read, seasons, weather
Homewood Library, March 2008
After running a couple of errands in Squirrel Hill, I joined William and Beatrice for an outing at the Homewood Library. Beatrice greatly enjoyed the children's room, with "A-B-B" (her version of A,B,C's), "booh" (books), "cahr" (a cart), and "behbee" (baby, or a doll). She likes to push the baby in the stroller both forward and backward, put the baby in the "cheh" (various chairs, including the rocking chair) or in the "cheh" to "rock" the baby. William picked up some great books to read and do crafts. I looked out the window at about 12:30 and commented to William that it had started to snow. " 'no, 'no!" Beatrice commented, looking out the window, too. After checking out one more book and bidding farewell to my friend Diane, we donned our jackets and headed out. When we went outside there were big clumps of big flakes, and William commented how the snow was ON us! "Look at Auntie Mimi!" "Auntie Mimi has snow in her hair!" Beatrice started to laugh heartily. We then headed back to their place, where I departed into the snow storm of heavy flakes for home.
Labels: Beatrice, children, dolls, games, library, niece and nephew, read, seasons, weather
Fish Fry Lent 2008
William called me up this afternoon to see if I were interested in attending a fish fry in Oakmont with him and Beatrice. I said yes, and headed to their home. Marissa has been under the weather of late with the flu.
We had both the baked and fried fish, haluski (made by Lucy at our table), onion rings, macaroni and cheese. Beatrice sampled some mac and cheese, and bread, and !black olives! She "told" the story of this evening with her limited vocabulary, including the parts about meeting the baby and the nice lady. It also turns out that Lucy and I know someone in common. What a great evening of good food, drink, and fellowship.
Labels: Beatrice, Choir, dining, family, fish fry, friends, niece and nephew
St. Paul Parish Pastoral Council Discernment Team
This past month, St. Paul Parish Pastoral Council Discernment Team (consisting of me, Vickie E, and Ed R) have been posting announcements requesting parishioners who are interested in discerning (whether they should serve on PPC) to contact us. Sunday, we had the first discernment meeting (with 5 discerning candidates) and yesterday, we had fourteen discerning candidates attending Parish Pastoral Council meeting. We all felt that both meetings were fruitful events. We are all looking forward to preparing for future discernment events, as well as praying for those discerning.
Labels: diocese of Pittsburgh, pastoral council, St. Paul Cathedral
Exercise, again
Today, I went back to exercise (for less than a half hour, albeit), enjoying the recumbent bicycle and large, bouncy exercise ball. I had hunted for my swim bag, but in not finding it, settled on the gym equipment. This, all before a talk on "Leading Classroom Discussions" by Carol, a relative of a neighbor of mine.
Needless to say, the exercise (physical---and mental) and two-hour long nap were good for my hips.
~~~
Yesterday, I showed up five minutes before Mass started and was greeted by John, who asked me if I wanted to read (lector). I said, "I guess, but I'm not properly dressed," indicating the bright billowy yellow T-shirt and zippered hooded sweatshirt under my jacket and scarf, for I was ready to teach the lab on enzymes later that day. He indicated that that was fine, and I proceeded with a reading from Isaiah (Is 49:8-15), and Psalm 145:8a. Ken had written the order of worship for the day on the slip for me, and Father Tom gamely stated, "You're hired!" as I entered the Sacristy.
Ken, John, and I all hoped that all was well with the scheduled lector....
My parents' neighbor, Elaine, told me at our meeting last night that she was surprised that I had read so well that morning. I shared with her that it was the Spirit that had moved me.
Labels: BAD, Church, exercise, lector, Mass, read, St. Paul Cathedral, weather
Famous Women Feminists
I took a "famous women feminists" quiz earlier today, and I scored a perfect score on it! Hey, I'm proud to know my feminist history! I am thankful for the strides these women have made for all people.
Labels: excited, honor, read, research, thankfulness
Fire Alarm on a Balmy Day
Today, most of my class had finished their independent variable data collection, so I sent them to the computer lab in the adjacent building until 45 minutes later. As they were finishing cleaning the lab, gathering their books and papers, the fire alarm went off. I reminded them to unplug hot plates, take items of value with them, as they exited. I grabbed the seating chart as I exited and mentally took roll at our designated meeting place. I reminded them to meet back in our lab before class ends, that I had locked the door, and they scattered to plot data in Excel in the computer lab.
When I returned at the agreed-upon time, some were already waiting. We did last-minute cleaning, and then had a brief discussion with overheads and Powerpoint slides about the data they had just collected today.
The weather, by the way, was balmy when we exited the building through increasingly loud, screaming alarms. I enjoyed the walk to and from campus today, with my (stately) cane and tugging my backpack-on-wheels with me.
Lunch, a couple of errands, and a nap followed.
Marissa and Beatrice have invited me to join them for an ice cream run. I gladly, unhesitatingly accepted.
~~~
Serendipitously, William had left a meeting with the dean up the street, so we met up and surprised Marissa and Beatrice with both of our presences. We had ice cream at DQ's (Mint Oreo sundae for me, plenty of babies) followed by dinner at Kassab's. Delicious hummus, gyro platter with a little bit of house dressing on the side. Yum. Beatrice charmed the waitress and the people at the table next to us.
William, Beatrice, and I returned to DQ's for a turtle sundae for William. Marissa spoke genealogy with her Mom whilst we dined there. Beatrice even "taught" her daddy the word "cane" which she had learned last week. She was making an attempt to get up (to walk?) and hold the cane concurrently. She was also corrected for trying to put her feet on the table's edge.
On the way home, we worked on inside voices. I played "big toe, little toe" with Beatrice, as I used to play "Low, high" with her balloon on the drive across the Birmingham Bridge.
What a nice way to end a great day as we crossed the Birmingham bridge, reopened again after several weeks closed for repairs.
Labels: alarm, Beatrice, biology, children, dining, genealogy, languages, library, museum, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, work
Just for Fun
I received an email from Laura, in which the point is to complete abbreviated lists. Here are mine:
4 jobs I have had in my life
1) Biology Lab Instructional Faculty, Univ of Pittsburgh
2) one of the last staff at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Science and Tech Dept.
3) NASA research fellow: Jet Propulsion Lab, Pasadena, CA; Univ of CA, and remote locales
4) Jewish Community Center, nursery and Kindergarten aide, Pittsburgh
4 movies I would watch over and over:
1) The Lake House
2) Dead Again (the lead character is a "Grace")
3) ----
4) ----
4 places I have lived
1) by Yankee Stadium and Joyce Kilmer Park, Bronx, NY
2) in a beautiful home on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers
3) in a gothic dorm, in a room overlooking the green and the lake, Wellesley College
4) within 2 miles of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley, CA
4 TV Shows that I watch:
1) Monk
2) Curb Your Enthusiasm
3) Keeping Up Appearances
4) Dancing with the Stars
4 Places I have been:
1) the Philippines
2) the "Continent"
3) S. Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales
4) Baja California, Mexico
4 people who e-mail me regularly
1) Mom (at least once daily, when she's not away from the computer)
2) Joyce
3) My students
4) My girlfriends--Lisa, Laura, my choirfriends, Marva, etc.
4 of my favorite foods:
1)Mom's home cooking
2) Anything I don't have to prepare
3) Thai/Filipino
4) Irish/Scottish salmon
5 places I would rather be right now:
1) At home, in bed, asleep (Just came from choir practice, Mass, and a 3-hr. mtg...boy, I'm tired).
2) In a warm bubble bath
3) Lying down, with my legs up.
4) Visiting with my family, either distant or not-so
5) In the kitchen, drinking good grape juice...
4 Things I am looking forward to:
1) tomorrow
2) and tomorrow....and tomorrow (a great Vonnegut title).
3) I agree with Laura: A Liberal in the White House
4) whatever the next thing brings!
~~~~
This email Laura sent me today reminds me of one I received on March 16th 2006: Tag, You're It! from Marissa. That email asked for fave hobbies, and I listed "exercise: Dance and swimming" as favorites. My current condition makes dance unable to be done. My, how fast things change....
~~~~
10 March 2008
I thought of a great movie to add to my "list" of two--Sliding Doors...
...and another, The Rock.
Labels: career, Carnegie, children, color, dance, health, list, love, Monk, New York, Philippines, Pittsburgh, pool, science, soils, teaching, travel, TV, Wellesley, work
The Real Reasons III
I just read Carissa's mid-February blog post, entitled "Will You Marry You?" I think her point is well-made, asking questions such as "Would you hire you?" and "Will you marry you?"
I think a big reason I have not "settled" down yet is I am
too independent
too independent
too independent-minded (long story)
and
AM I ready for a metamorphosis into another life?
Thoughts on being ready to metamorphose: In the past I have never shied away from choosing the path less taken--in fact, that is a big reason why I never married, why I chose my second go at graduate school back in the 1990's on a project of my own devising, and why I live in Pittsburgh currently. I LIKE the challenge of the "path less taken," and to quote Frost, "it HAS made all the difference"!
I guess part of it is my attitude toward new projects in general--"I'm going to do this project, and you're welcome to come along; but if you don't, I'm STILL going to do this project on my own." I guess I've just been lucky to share my projects with my close friends and family. Some people have a partner/spouse they share their travels through life. I haven't chosen that path.
~~~
9pm
Nancy and I discuss someone, who may have a very different political leaning than I. I don't think I could pull that off.
Labels: color, family, friends, list, love, NASA, philosophical, research, science, teaching, travel, work
A day with Beatrice; Faithsharing evening
Marissa, Beatrice, and I spent a girl's day out at Waterworks Mall today, after I ran an errand in Squirrel Hill. We had a light lunch/snack at Taco Bell, did some light shopping, (during which I taught Beatrice the word and function of belt), and ate a snack at Wendy's while waiting for a woman to deliver some baby items. She never showed up, and I don't know if she ever answered Marissa's attempts to contact her.
I babysat Beatrice while Marissa watched the second half of a play at CMU with William, who had the fortune of seeing the first half, too. We walked with her pull-toy doggie (dog: Ruff, ruff), and met Dorothy and Marlin. We read books (Mousekin's Special Day; Go, Dog, Go! and Grandma and Me a.k.a. Lola and Me), played with toys, sang, drank some bottle (babu) and generally had fun all the way up to the point her mom and dad arrived.
I departed soon after Wawa and Marissa's arrival, for the Saturday faith-sharing with our regular group. Jose led the group in a discussion of Job. Nellie, Nick, Jose, and I dined together at Lulu's, and continued the discussion at Kiva Han over hot cocoa and coffee. We talked about the Church (Roman Catholic, Eastern, Oriental, Coptic, etc.), the Bible and its history (including the Apocrypha), the Church's role in conversion of countries affected by the Spaniards, the meeting of the Archbishop and the Incan king, why Magellan never made it 'round the world with his ship, and on and on...
Labels: Beatrice, children, Church, dining, Faith, international culture, languages, Pilipino culture, read, water
