Cleaning/Organizing/Purging VIII; Physical Therapy
This morning I spent about an hour organizing items that I had used at Mom and Dad's home back at my homestead. Mom had kindly kept the afghan from Miranda and Benny which was burnt to put a few stitches in it where the burn holes were.
This afternoon, Dad drove me to physical therapy, where I did seven minutes on the bicycle before stretches, quad lifts, heel slides, hamstring curls, "clamshell" opening and closings, then went to the pool for water walking, sidestepping, plies and releves, and front/side/back leg lifts.
Labels: BAD, cleaning, exercise, health, organizing, surgery, water exercise
New Cell Phones; Encyclopedia Article, First Draft Reworking
Today, Mom and Dad and I went to Eat and Park at the Waterfront for lunch. We then went to Verizon for our new cell phones, as our first cell phones were not holding a charge. The gentleman who helped us indicated two other brands that were better at holding a charge. We selected a model that has Bluetooth capabilities, though we rarely used a similar option on our first phones. It has photo capabilities, as well. Mom was nonplussed that the phone could not play the "Skater's Waltz" ringtone (Miranda's favorite), and I was not pleased that it wasn't obvious how to record sounds, and turn those sounds into ringtones, as was obvious on our first phones. Other than that, we were happy with our new phones, and I requested that we transfer our address books to our new ones.
~~~
After a stop at CVS, I spent ~two hours at Hillman Library reworking the first draft of my encyclopedia article after editorial comments. Dinner was leftovers, and Mom and I watched some Curb Your Enthusiasm (the restaurant opening), as well as the episode of Wife Swap in which the New York househusband family swaps with the pet crematory family.
Labels: accessibility, Curb Your Enthusiasm, dining, encyclopedia, New York, phone, writing
'Hugging' Lion Owners Talk 2008
'Hugging' Lion Owners Talk 2008. Today Show interviews the lion Christian's owners/rescuers.
Physical Therapy, 3 Repairs at Home
Physical therapy went on today without a hitch, as well as without crutches.
It is great that I live in a cooperative building, as so many things are taken care of by the maintenance here. The garbage disposal (for the second time within half a month), a bulb stuck in the main light fixture of the masters bedroom, and the shower drain (snake, as usual) repairs were requested at ten this morning. I was pleased with all of the repairs---Bob even reworked the whole wiring and fixture in the masters bedroom--except there were tiny burn spots in the embroidered afghan through to the underlying pink coverlet. I sadly explained to Ida and Ralph what had happened.
~~~
Mom, Dad, and I watched the DVD/still photos of Dad's fiftieth medical school reunion. It was a greatly festive event, including a group photo, a march by the sixtieth and fiftieth reuniting classes, choreographed group dances in which Dad and Mom competed, and two demonstration dances with thirty-four couples. The audience was whooping it up for the 34 dancers as they danced in unison.
Labels: BAD, cleaning, dance, health, home, medical mission, music, organizing, Philippines, Pilipino culture, pool, repair, school, surgery, water exercise
LA Earthquake 5.8
I saw breaking news about a 5.8 earthquake in the Los Angeles area...
~~~
4:45 pm EDT
...which has been revised to 5.4...
~~~~
2:00 to 2:22 pm, PDT
My friend, who works at the USGS at Pasadena, emailed me:
it was a pretty good little shake! It got my attention,
and I got ready for further action!
And my uncle wrote:
Things went back to normal here at work,
a few minutes after the quake. We
didn’t even evacuate our building.
~~~~~
~8:23pm, PDT
My friend and a current Southern California geology professor emailed me:
All is fine except I was a little rattled! I was giving a test
to 17 adult students who got panicky with the shaking
which lasted at least 6 seconds. I remember yelling
"extra credit" as a joke and then telling them to get under the tables.
When I looked up a few seconds later every student was under their lab bench.
Amazing. I wish that they would always be so well behaved! We all hurried out
onto the lawn away from the building. And then we saw a big cloud from a landslide
on Cucamonga Peak. It was more than 15 minutes before the last of the dust settled
on the mountain.
Labels: science, soils, stress, surprise
Encyclopedia Article, First Draft; Cleaning/Organizing/Purging VII
This afternoon, I went to Hillman Library on campus. I spent a short time looking at the Greenwood Encyclopedia of African American Folklore--I looked at the "Blues" entry and the information on the entry's author...just as a comparison. I also printed up the reviewers' first comments to me about my encyclopedia entry. Marissa, who used to edit for a large, renown encyclopedia published in North America, was surprised that the editors were requiring the entry authors (in this case, me) to revise the documents to fit the encyclopedia's standard format. I was surprised, too.
After dinner and Jeopardy! Mom and I spent three hours moving my HEAVY coffee table, cleaning the living room and the refrigerator, and, after Dad arrived, cleaning out my cupboard in the basement. Whew! By the end, my unoperated hip had given out. I used the cart as a walker. I may have to use the crutches again tomorrow.
~~~
8am Tuesday 29th of July 2008
I can get by this early morning with just a cane.
Labels: accessibility, cleaning, dolls, encyclopedia, health, home, organizing, photos, surgery, writing
Encyclopedia Article, First Draft Reviewer's Comments
Today, near the end of five hours of cleaning out my master bedroom closet with Mom, I received a call from one of the encyclopedia editors. The call was to prepare me for the first draft reviewers' comments, and other related discussions. A serious, but necessary talk.
Labels: accessibility, cleaning, encyclopedia, organizing, writing
Wendy and Ed's Wedding, July 2008
Yesterday, I stopped by Elaine's home to pick her up to go to Wendy and Ed's wedding. On the way downstairs we stopped by Mary Lou's apartment and picked up Joan K., said a wide "welcome home!" to Mary Lou, and said a fond hello to her daughter Soozan. Roseann and Grace M. joined us in the lobby, and we made our way to St. Paul Cathedral.
Matt, Elaine, Roseanne, Dave, and I sat in the same pew for the ceremony. I actually stood for parts of the ceremony (for the entrance procession, Gospel reading, Communion rite, and recessional hymn). Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, John and Carol were the main altar servers, Linda cantored, and the other musicians were Don at the organ, Linda Fischer from the PSO, and Jordan Winkler from the River City Brass Band.
For the ride to the reception, Rosemary, Elaine, and I rode with Carmella and her husband Bob. I had the pleasure and responsibility of riding "shotgun," as I was the designated navigator. I took my job seriously and found us there safely, mostly due to Bob's driving. Our table consisted of Roseanne, Elaine, me, Carmella and her husband Bob, Vickie, Karen, and her husband Chuck. There was a caricaturist, a children's craft table, a balloon artist (I spotted a sword, a butterfly headdress, and a Spiderman headdress on various children), an hors d'oeurves table, toasts to the couple, Italian wedding soup, green salad, bread, three different choices for a main course (accompanied by twice-baked potato and green beans), a four-tiered white cake with buttercream frosting, coffees, and flaming desserts (of which bananas foster and cherries foster were two). There was dancing and merriment, and of course, the cookie table. We all enjoyed ourselves, wished the couple the best, and signed their Centennial book as a departure gesture.
Labels: art, BAD, celebration, dance, dining, excited, health, home, neighbors, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, writing
My Indented Hips
Before my total hip replacement operation, when I looked at myself straight-on in the mirror, I could see the indentation on each hip, due to my dysplasiae.
Since my operation, I could see that my operated hip no longer has a concavity, but is slightly rounded. My unoperated hip appears the same---with the big concavity.
Just noticing.
Labels: BAD, excited, health, surgery
Mom and Dad's Anniversary 2008
Today is Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary. All three of us went to Mass this morning. Fr. Kim Schreck celebrated the Mass, John was the altar server, Ed S. was the lector, and Ken provided the music ministry. People stopped after Mass to venerate the relic from St. James. Fr. Kim is our new parochial vicar.
We went to Eat and Park for breakfast, and we got breakfast smiles and waffle smiles for the meal. Yummm!
Mom and Dad went across the street for big sandwiches for dinner, then departed for "The Rat Pack" downtown at Heinz Hall to celebrate the day.
Other activities today were mentioned in earlier posts.
Labels: anniversary, dining, Mass, St. Paul Cathedral
Time with Solomon
For the late morning and early afternoon today, Solomon spent time with Lola and me. We sang songs, and played games, and watched him roll over and get in prime crawling position. We fed him one+ bottles and he slept for about an hour. Marissa and Beatrice returned from the Pittsburgh Children's Museum at about 2:30 pm and we enjoyed a short time with them before Dad and I departed for our afternoon pursuits, mine at UPMC and Dad's at the library.
Labels: health, library, niece and nephew, research, science, work
A Group Meeting
This afternoon I attended a research group meeting at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. We discussed a research article in Molecular Psychiatry that discussed human blood genetic biomarkers related to mood. This led to a general discussion of mental health research.
Labels: accessibility, health, research, science, Wellesley, work
Last Lectures
I just read the obituary of Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon professor who succumbed to pancreatic cancer. My friend linked his "Last Lecture" to a blog, and I pondered the case of another friend with pancreatic cancer who has, to this day, gone into remission to survive the odds.
Pancreatic cancer, until recently, has been a swift sword for the end. In recent times, more are surviving for longer periods of time.
It brings to mind the first discussion of my outpatient intake nurse and physical therapist and I the week I was discharged from the hospital after my operation. We discussed Amy Knapp's passing, listed in that day's Post-Gazette obituaries. Margie stated that she was "so young, in her early forties." She, too, died of cancer. She was the School of Information Sciences professor who taught government documents.
You never know when your day [to go] will be..."It's always best to have your affairs in order," as one of my friends always says.
Labels: farewell, friends, research, school, teaching
Physical Therapy, Chez Mimi's Renaissance
This morning I gained an additional exercise at physical therapy: five minutes on the stationary bicycle without resistance. My stationary exercises in the pool were done in a pool empty save me...I spoke with two PT aides. Kevin told me when the arthritis classes were held, and I mentioned seeing birds run into the large windows by the waiting room.
"Is that a question for physical plant or facilities management?"
The car needed jumping by AAA before Dad could leave the public library to pick me up.
After lunch, Mom and I spent about two hours cleaning the living room and bathroom, and I put away some of my clean laundry.
William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon joined us to celebrate the Renaissance chez Mimi's and for dinner of seafood pizza and plain cheese pizza with soda.
Auntie Mimi: Beatrice, what color is Auntie Mimi's living room?
Beatrice: Green!
Beatrice (enjoying her pizza and water): Tea!
Auntie Mimi: Yes, you can have tea when Miranda comes to visit, too.
After dinner, Beatrice enjoyed rocking in the century-old child's rocking chair, in the big rocking chair, and going to and fro in the swivel chair. She liked the butterflies on her placemat and in the painting I made; and she appreciated the art in my home. She called the Australian aboriginal sand painting a "flower," and identified the tree and saw the panda bear in my watercolors on the wall. She saw the bees and hive in the crewel work wall hanging Mom made. She enjoyed running back and forth down the hallway, toward the floor-length mirror on the bathroom door. She also walked slowly down the hall when requested to do so. Finally, she enjoyed a fresh batch of dried banana from William's student and listened to wind-up musical bear right before she called it a night.
Mom and I watched Muppets from Space at the end of our evening.
Labels: art, BAD, Beatrice, celebration, cinema, cleaning, color, dining, dolls, excited, exercise, family, health, home, light, niece and nephew, organizing, surgery, tea, water exercise
Hanging Curtains
After Mom did a great job of laundering the curtains, Dad and she started to hang them this evening, despite some "eyes" paired with the "hooks" having been destroyed in the removal process. All three of us spent ~five hours at my home. I sorted through some last containers/boxes, while they hung 3 out of 4 window treatments.
I invited William and family over for dinner tomorrow night---I hope they can make it!
Labels: cleaning, dining, family, home, niece and nephew, organizing
Cleaning/Organizing/Purging VI
Today I spent two and a half hours this afternoon going through my clothes to donate some of them...I emptied a suitcase, and went through my T shirts, light shirts, and some of my closet to donate.
After Jeopardy! Mom and I spent a little over four hours cleaning and organizing my winter layers, post card collection, stationery, gifts, games, files, photos, and hats. Dad showed up in the last half hour to help take down the curtains, and he brought a shoe rack, too. I organized the shoes.
We are all very tired after returning, and I just gobbled down two ES Tylenol.
Labels: cleaning, deltiology, excited, games, organizing, pain, photos, shoes
Morning Light
From about an hour ago until now the sky has been a steel gray with occasional golden/orange highlights. Throughout the hour the facade of the cathedral across the street has echoed this changing light, with the uppermost northeastern windows of the cathedral intermittently glowing from the orange sky.
Really, truly a summer sight to behold.
Labels: light, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral
Encyclopedia First Draft Update
After handing in my encyclopedia article's first draft earlier this month, I received an email early this morning from one of the editors that feedback would be forthcoming by August first. I look forward to finishing the succeeding drafts of this article, and seeing it in print.
Labels: accessibility, encyclopedia, health, work, writing
Physical Therapy, Day of Rest, Dining Out
Yesterday Mom drove me to physical therapy, then she stopped to donate items. We went home for a lunch of spaghetti and meatballs and fruit. Mom ran errands in the afternoon, Dad and I rested.
This week, I have started sometimes to ambulate indoors without a cane. After discussions with Lisa at my doctor's office and with Keelan at physical therapy, I will be trying same outside for short distances.
After getting gasoline at the Oakland Sunoco ($3.97/gallon, a couple of pennies cheaper than the price the day before---crude sweet oil prices have dropped, but there is a lag in the corresponding drop in gas prices), I treated Mom and Dad for dinner at our favorite soup and salad bar and sandwich place in Squirrel Hill. It poured rain outside while we dined.
Labels: dining, economy, exercise, Pittsburgh, sleep, transportation, walking, water exercise
FAAP Picnic 2008, Building Picnic 2008
Yesterday we enjoyed the FAAP Annual Picnic, complete with roasted lechon and rice; grilled hamburgers and hot dogs; and potluck salads, main dishes, and desserts. There was a contest for best potluck items, and All Clad pots were the prizes. We brought green bean casserole and red strawberry orange jello salad with mandarin oranges. (Marissa made berry crisp.)
William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon met Jun and Arnie and Carol, all chemistry graduate students who prompted Beatrice with questions (and whom I had earlier tried to recruit for choir). While Solomon enjoyed a bottle with Lola, Beatrice, her mom and dad and I took off to go to the swings! Beatrice chortled joyfully while swinging...
Auntie Mimi: Is this as fun as Kennywood?
Beatrice: Yeah.
William interviewed Beatrice while on the swing.
Soon after eating William and Marissa and family departed, as the kids were very hot and sweaty.
A little later, the sky opened up and the winds blew, causing all to take cover under the one shelter and shrieks to arise from the edges of the shelter with each change in wind direction. Voting was orderly and straightforward. Dad and Tito Larry P. partook of the games, and they donated their winnings. Dad diagnosed a Colles fracture. We departed soon after, while it was still raining lightly. We got $15+ of gasoline (4.0 gallons) on the way home, happy with the price of $3.99
~~~
The building picnic had fewer attendees than last year, probably due to the weather. I sat next to Martha M., Ann L., and spoke with John, a newcomer to the building on the floor above me. Dinner was potato and pretzel chips; grilled chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers; potato salad, bow tie pasta salad, cole slaw, and fruit salad; and bottled water or sodas. A bevy of desserts (of which I had a pecan pie bar) rounded out the meal. I enjoyed myself, and felt fully stuffed at the end of the meal.
Labels: Beatrice, berries, children, Choir, economy, friends, neighbors, niece and nephew, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, rain, science, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, water, weather
Faith Sharing, Dining Out; Cleaning/Organizing/Purging V
Yesterday, Chad, Jose, Jonathan, Christina, Karina, (a new) Nick, Alpana, Maureen, Stacy, Jeff, and I attended faith sharing. (Maureen and I arrived late, as we were looking for her keys.) Jose and Christina departed after faith sharing, the rest of us went to Vic's restaurant to dine. Alpana, Jonathan's friend, entertained Chad, Nick, and Jeff. Jonathan failed to do same at our end of the table--however, we found Maureen's sizzling dish entertaining. I enjoyed papad, aloo paratha, garlic naan, and plain naan; part of a samosa, and (mutton) makhni over rice. After dinner Stacy departed, and the remainder of us went to Dancing Goats/Crazy Mocha for cool drinks. I had an iced decaf. Many of the rest had fruity Italian sodas, even though the passionfruit was gone...
~~~
earlier yesterday...
Before a late lunch, Mom and I spent two hours cleaning another side of my office bedroom. We decided to donate an electric typewriter, three more briefcases, and a fax machine with paper. Lots accomplished.
Labels: Church, cleaning, dining, Faith, international culture, organizing, St. Paul Cathedral
Santo Tomas Singers
It's been a while since the Santo Tomas singers visited to sing a fundraiser at Point Park College, and to sing Thanksgiving Mass at St. Paul Cathedral. Being a multinational-award-winning choir, they sang for John Paul II and for Pavarotti. What a talented group!
Labels: Choir, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, St. Paul Cathedral
Take It Easy II
Today Mom and I took it easy today...and went grocery shopping at Walgreen's Drug Store and the Strip District Market, Lotus. We were amazed to have dinner for three (with leftovers) less than for the price for dinner for one.
We had
egg omelet/torta with veggies and ham
freshly boiled crabs
butterfish with kalamansi
shrimp soup with spinach
fresh mangoes
mmm delicious.
Mom has just proposed a short cleaning stint after dinner (and after Jeopardy, I imagine).
~~~
11:30 pm
Mom and I cleaned half of my office bedroom for two hours tonight, donating a leather briefcase, electric typewriter, fax machine with paper, and clothing. I tossed a LOT of paper, including a phone book and medical providers lists. Boy, that felt good.
Labels: cleaning, dining, organizing, Pittsburgh, TV
Cleaning/Organizing/Purging IV
Yesterday morning and evening, Mom and I spent 1 + 3.5 hours cleaning, organizing, and purging clothes, papers, gifts, books, jewelry, and hair clips in my master's bedroom. The room looked absolutely marvelously better when we were finished. Time for two ES Tylenols...
Physical therapy went by yesterday without a hitch, while keeping the exercise level the same as Monday.
Dad and I went to an early Mass to celebrate the memorial birthday of my granddad. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, Bob H. lectored, and Ken provided music ministry.
Labels: BAD, cleaning, exercise, family, hair, health, Mass, organizing, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, water exercise
Dining chez Beatrice
Yesterday, I had lunch with Marissa and Beatrice, who fed herself pasta and meatloaf with a spoon. I also had pumpkin curry, and also blueberry muffins (which Beatrice had, but I had a la mode/a la "frozen yogurt"). Marissa told me about their rhyming games and card games (War w/o the face cards) earlier today. We read a number of books, and then Beatrice and I took a nap (only after a crying duet by both Beatrice and Solomon). Dad then stopped by to pick me up (after Phyllis and Gene had departed), and we enjoyed dining at their parklet picnic. The neighbors were nice and opinionated, as well. We enjoyed liquid nitrogen ice cream, too.
Labels: Beatrice, dining, family, games, ice cream, neighbors, niece and nephew, outside, sleep
Rest Day
Yesterday was a rest day. I rested my hips by doing a lot of resting (sitting, lying about), spent ~three hours at Hillman Library/computer lab, and used crutches when I had to get about. I printed my teaching schedule for fall semester, and let my friends know that Jonathan had filed his dissertation yesterday, making him officially "Dr. Jonathan."
Labels: BAD, biology, celebration, Choir, Church, friends, health, library, Pittsburgh, school, science, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, surprise, teaching, work
Happy Campers
"Attention all campers!..." Does anyone remember a book entitled From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler ? This book was the basis of many Camp-In programs at various museums across our great country. I was fortunate to have been the co-coordinator of a CI-3 (one of the top 3 Camp-In programs nationwide) program on the East Coast. I've also attended Soils Science 105 (a course then taught jointly through the University of California, Davis and Berkeley campuses), and was a key researcher on several remote field trips I co-organized with NASA, the University of California at Riverside, and CICESE in Baja California. If not a happy camper, I was an organized camper...
Were all campers during my grown-up camping experiences happy campers? I must say that most were. However, the children and adults during Camp-Ins weren't always happy campers, and it was a challenge as my job as coordinator to ensure a happy camping experience. I'd like to think that most everyone who entered the museum portals for a weekend Camp-In experience exited with a good experience (albeit less sleep).
Camp-In experiences are totally different than childhood sleep-away camp experiences, which the linked article discusses. Camp-In experiences are held indoors; in sometime-familiar surroundings; with other children and adults who are part of your family, class, or youth group; and are heavily programmed by the education department of the museum; thus, basically ensuring a positive experience.
Good camp experiences stick with you---I saw it in Fr. Tom, when he delivered his last homily as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Cathedral. He spoke of leaving the campsite better than when you arrived. Wait, good camp experiences transform you.
Is it time to pack up and go camping yet?
Labels: camping, children, Church, excited, museum, organizing, read, science, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
Benny's Birthday 2008, I Overdid It
After physical therapy, lunch, and a nap; Mom and I cleaned in my hallway and master bedroom. I think some movements irritated my unoperated (left) hip, so I have started to use my crutches again. Dad, Mom, and I had dinner of pot roast with potatoes and carrots, salad, rice, corn on the cob, and lemonade.
Then, I announced that it was after nine o'clock (when we have unlimited calling), and before dinner on the West Coast...so we called Benny and sang/played piano "Happy Birthday" and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" for him. He liked our singing, though he sounded a little tired.
Labels: BAD, Birthday, California, dining, exercise, family, health, home, music, niece and nephew, pain, singing, surgery, water exercise
Cleaning/Organizing/Purging III
After a 2.5 hour nap, Mom and I spent two hours organizing and cleaning my dining room and my masters bedroom, respectively. I organized and purged some jewelry, books, and sunglasses; and foundation garments were effectively organized in the bathroom. Mom vacuumed the dining room area, and we happily loaded seven bags to donate into the car trunk.
Labels: cleaning, organizing
Visiting Priest, Chinese Buffet
Today at noon Mass, Ken and Lisa's friend Mnsgr. Jeffrey said the Mass. The Gospel reading was from Matthew 13:1-23. He also quoted at length during the homily from a poem about how a duck is like one's soul. At the end of the Mass he announced that he felt lucky to be able to celebrate the Mass with us and that he is a guest of Ken and Lisa. I said "hi" to E. and L. after Mass, and heard E's story of birth and baptism. Lisa introduced me as an alto to Mnsgr. Jeffrey from the Raleigh area. It was pleasant to chat with him and with my friends after Mass.
Mom, Dad, and I went to a Chinese buffet for lunch, and ran into some FAAP friends. We exchanged contact information and as we said goodbye, vowed to see them at the next event.
Labels: BAD, Choir, Church, dining, health, Mass, music, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
Like a Steel Trap!
My mom's brain is like a steel trap. For example, this week, we were watching a historical movie about Alexander the Great, which included Angelina Jolie as one of the actresses in the movie. Mom asked if Brad Pitt were her partner, if she has adopted and natural children...if her father is Jon Voigt,...etc.
Please look it [the information] up online, she gently requested of me.
It never ceases to amaze me that Mom knows the medical conditions of so many celebrities. If a condition arises, she can quote the celebrities who have/had that condition, as well as other conditions of the same celebrities, living or dead.
A daily Jeopardy fan since its inception, Mom can name many of the questions for the show.
I never cease to be astounded, amazed, and in awe of my Mom's recall. I imagine that there may come a time when that may fade gradually, but she has taken after Grandma in that her mind is sharp as a tack.
Labels: cinema, family, Grandma, health, politics, surprise
The REAL reasons II--Failure Analysis
What are some of the REAL reasons I am still single?
Because I said "NO" to proposals by a guy--over and over and over...and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over..and over and over again
WHY?
Because I found irreconcilable differences between his idea of married life and my idea
Because we were TOO different psychologically
Because he didn't know how to take "no" as an answer
Because...just because.
and generally:
* I am too discerning/picky
* I don't fit the idea of what they think I should be.
* I DON'T agree that the man is The Head of the family: I come from a matriarchal culture [generally], and I believe in egalitarian heads of households. I also believe in sharing the load. That is, if one person is in charge of the finances, then one is to be benevolent towards others in the household in management practices; if one is managing the time and/or transportation in the family, then one is to be fair and benevolent to the family members in the use of resources.
"Good luck, girl, in finding a mate!"
Labels: family, list, love, philosophical
The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Faith Sharing, List VII
Dad and I started watching a Hallmark movie borrowed from the public library entitled The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I finished watching the movie this afternoon. Quite remarkable, actually. Parts reminded me of It's a Wonderful Life.
Maureen and I went to faith sharing late this afternoon/early evening. I led the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Andy led the discussion of John 3:16+. I made a comment that hearkened back to the Scripture that we "must be[come] like little children (Matthew 18:3)," and that children love structure...religion provides a structure. If we are to create, many writers, artists, and musicians create by having a structure daily: They write/paint/create music daily. Maybe they only get 20 good days out of a year, but every day they sit down and create...they are like little children in that they have daily structured creative time.
We decided after 6:35 to continue the discussion next week. Maureen and I decided to pick up Karina and dine at the nice Thai restaurant that my friend Debbie likes. Our discussion turned to meeting our life partner. Maureen asked me what was on my list of qualities I was looking for. I listed:
normal BMI
nice
good credit record (in more ways than one)
tolerant and tolerable
similar sense of humor as I
available (geographically and emotionally and otherwise)
[willing to humor me] i.e.--is a "seashell boy"
passionate about at least one thing in life
does not have to be as hypereducated as I
N.B.--I bring to the table what I expect, too. This off-the-top-of-my-head list echoes my original list.
Our discussion turned interesting, and we ended up talking until 10:20pm.
Labels: Carnegie, children, cinema, dining, Faith, library, list, love, music, painting, philosophical, school, writing
Dining chez Beatrice and Solomon
After a nap yesterday afternoon, Mom, Dad, and I had dinner at William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon's home. Dinner was
Spinach salad with cherries, slivered toasted almonds, and grape tomatoes
cheddar spinach pasta
rice
marinated salmon
corn on the cob
juices and sparkling apple-peach juice
homemade chocolate (carob) cake a la mode
with small raspberry-filled doughnuts drizzled with chocolate
all prepared by Marissa.
We were treated to the antics of the kids--Solomon's calmer demeanor while awake, his tracking us, and his "talking" to us; Beatrice's showing us her running and slow moves, her desire to read about half a dozen books after dinner, her fairness in reminding us of Solomon/"Yaamin" when she is offered something.
A fun evening by all.
Labels: dining, niece and nephew, sleep
First Draft In, Early
My first draft of my encyclopedia article is due on Tuesday, the fifteenth. Today I spent an hour and a half working on this first draft. I have emailed the two editors my article (with two figures and references list) and my contact sheet about an hour ago. What a good feeling!
I was debating whether to include all my middle initials, and settled on my given names, along with my surname initial and family name. As we prepare lunch today, Mom and I discussed over boiling (Anne Boleyn pasta?!) pasta the fact that as I get older, more of my name is important, as my maternal grandpa's cousin was a national hero. I talked to Marissa about it via phone while I was at the library, typing. She said if someone were to do a general Google.com search for me, they would find me, regardless of my initials.
For about half an hour before writing/editing today I chatted with Arif. He indicated how to make a faculty request to purchase a book (in my case, the encyclopedia). We talked about work, my surgery, and other campus issues. He expressed an interest in writing an encyclopedia article, too.
The current version (4) of my article and references list (version 5) have 3872 and 959 words, respectively. I expect Grace Y. and Edith C. to edit it down...
Labels: accessibility, BAD, encyclopedia, health, library, name, Philippines, philosophical, Pilipino culture, politics, surgery, work, writing
Just Waiting...Lady In Waiting II
I updated my LINKS this morning to include Alroy and Kay's website, replete with movies of our choir singing this season. I also checked my emails.
Right now, in my recuperation process, I am trying to strengthen my operated hip and to wait for the implant to "take," i.e., to knit to my bone. This is so that my operated leg (right) will be stronger and can help to support me...as my unoperated (left) hip joint is structurally weak and thus has pain. This problem has developed since I have been using a cane last Thanksgiving, as I have been favoring my right side. Most recently, I had been doing exercises with my right leg and hip while supporting my weight with my left leg....too much loading. My physical therapist, Keelan, has changed my routine to decrease loading on my left (unoperated) hip and to include more pool exercises, which unload my left hip.
Labels: BAD, Choir, cinema, exercise, health, music, Pittsburgh, pool, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
Encyclopedia Article
I spent five hours this morning and afternoon working on the encyclopedia article for publication. At the Hillman computer lab, I fine-tuned the figures, title, byline,...made corrections to my version two, worked on the references, returned the books due from the Health Sciences Library system at the main (Hillman) library (after harumphing about the cost of 15 cent photocopying).
I have yet to: Fine-tune the format of the in-text references and references list, ensure double-spacing for all of the document, properly format the HEADINGS and Subheadings.
At this point in the editing process, my "version 3" document is 3948 words long, and my "version 4" references list is 876 words long.
I have had a retired medical professional and a layperson with extensive encyclopedia editing experience read version two, with references (Mom and Marissa, respectively). Both thought that it flowed nicely; "v. well written" was one comment.
I am pleased with my writing process, to this point.
~~~
Ran into a former student of mine, Zach, while waiting for Dad to pick me up from the library this afternoon. I introduced him to Dad, as they both share a penchant for chess.
I snacked (I worked straight through lunch), then napped happily for a couple of hours. Went home to pick up the mail and to sort through my knickers, getting rid of the small pairs. Then, I hand-shredded sensitive documents.
A productive day.
~~~
23:30
Just finished reading and hand-editing the print version 3 with figures and references version 4...Made comments, vowed to run it through spell- and grammar-check. Also, I still need to standardize the format of the in-text references and of the references list, and to ensure double-spacing for all of the document. Fun abounds for me during the end of this week.
Labels: accessibility, cleaning, computer, encyclopedia, international culture, languages, library, organizing, Pittsburgh, school, student, surprise, writing
Physical Therapy--Intern
Today at physical therapy there was an intern. Also, we added a gluteal "clamshell"/Jane Fonda exercise, which I do lying on my side. There was, of course, the POOOOOL exercises, which I explained to the intern (,who was a former ballet performing arts student,) were mainly modified ballet exercises: plie/releve, front-side-back rond de jambe en l'air-type exercises, all without turnout.
Mom, Dad and I went to Subway for lunch, and shared two foot-long subs: Tuna and seafood. MMM good meal!
We dropped Mom off at home, then I progressed to Hillman library to return some books and to work at the computer lab for my encyclopedia article; Dad visited the main branch of the Carnegie Library. I forwarded a late version of my article and reference list to Marissa, updated it, then printed out several copies. I delivered one printed set to Marissa via William at his work...he was kind enough to meet us behind the main Carnegie Mellon University library, where he also inspected the results of Dad's run-in with a parking meter. I called Marissa to insist that she read for "flow" of the article, vs. referencing citations. We will see them Friday night for dinner.
Mom, Dad, and I briefly vacuumed and rearranged furniture in my living room this afternoon.
Today is Unka Sahnee's birthday; so Mom, Dad, and I plan to call him soon to sing him a "Happy Birthday"!
Labels: BAD, Birthday, Carnegie, cleaning, dance, dining, exercise, family, health, library, organizing, pool, read, research, surgery, transportation, water exercise
Cleaning/Organizing/Purging II
Mom and I spent five hours yesterday afternoon cleaning, purging, and organizing books and papers for donation and recycling from my work and former work places. I focussed on the living room, Mom focussed on the kitchen. We accomplished a lot, even though it didn't look like it in the living room...The CPU will be donated from the PC, as will a box of books from under the macaroni table.
I keep trying to remember the mnemonics for cleaning and organizing:
Only
Handle
It
Once
(as mentioned by my friend, Sue),
and
Sort
Purge
Assign a home
Containerize
Equilibrate
(after concepts mentioned in Julie Morgenstern's book, Organizing from the Inside Out.)
I will read her When Organizing Isn't Enough book on the S.H.E.D. concept soon:
• Separate the treasures - What is truly worth hanging on to?
• Heave the trash - What’s weighing you down?
• Embrace you - Who are you without your stuff?
• Drive Yourself Forward - Which direction connects to your genuine self?
Labels: cleaning, family, organizing, read
Physical Therapy--The Unoperated Leg
For the past two physical therapy sessions (last Wednesday and yesterday), Keelan has avoided loading the unoperated leg, as I told him it bothers me when I use my hip extension muscles. We have modified my on-the-table exercises, and I spend more time in the pool.
~~~
We enjoyed a delicious lunch salad prepared by Mom, and all of us napped. Mom and I spent the late afternoon cleaning in my living room, selecting books to donate. Dinner was pompano and salmon, grilled---mmm, delicious!
Labels: BAD, cleaning, dining, health, organizing, pain, pool, surgery, water exercise
FAAP Fashion Show 2008
Yesterday Mom, Dad, and I participated in Sariling Atin, Style Filipino: Bazaar, Brunch, and Fashion Show at the South Hills Country Club. We arrived at 9am, to allow Mom time to dress and rehearse one last time. I helped Marietta set up the PAMS bazaar items (clothing, bags, jewelry, and trinkets). People wandered about, enjoying the bazaar and clothing exhibit. A little after noon both she and I enjoyed the buffet. Dad and I sat at a table with Tito Larry, Tita Lydia, and other friends. The fashion show started at half past noon, and we enjoyed the music, fashions from FAAP and YFAP members' personal collections, and people.
Mom wore a red terno with a fine black print, and with black and white 3-dimensional lace accents. The ensemble was capped off with the signature butterfly sleeves.
The proceeds benefit the YFAP Palawan Humanitarian Project and the FAAP Dance troupe. Proceeds from our booth benefit the PAMS medical missions. I enjoyed a second helping of ice cream when we returned to our booth for more sales.
~~~
Afterwards, we went home to enjoy a well-deserved nap, followed by a bout of cleaning in my living room with Mom. After dinner, dad and I watched the fourth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Labels: cinema, cleaning, dance, dining, ice cream, medical mission, organizing, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, sleep
One Year Since
It turns out that it's been a year since we departed for Ireland, as Don pointed out this evening. At this time last year, I would be over the Atlantic snoozing away.
Today Mom and I spent the morning organizing my clothes closets, then Dad and I went to run an errand in Squirrel Hill, and then to pick up Mom's fave seafood pizza in our neighborhood.
I took a Looooong nap after lunch, and it was great to go to the anticipated Mass at 6pm. Fr. Breier celebrated, Matt lectored, Christina cantored, and Don provided the organ music. Mom and I spoke with our friends Joel (whose fiancee is from Bulacan, Philippines), Mrs. Mary T. (a neighbor), the Cruz family, Matt, Don, and Tom (Nancy Mc's husband). Mom got worried: "They're blinking the lights at us," as they dimmed more and more of the lights, as our conversing was loud, and as there were confessions being held.
We returned home to pizza and Lawrence Welk, and I worked on the References section of my encyclopedia article.
~~~
I watched the last two hours of a Harry Potter movie---the third in the series.
Labels: cinema, dining, encyclopedia, Ireland, Mass, Philippines, Pittsburgh, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
Fourth of July 2008
Mom, Dad and I spent the best part of the day eating meals, napping, and watching Vertigo; after which mom and I decided to clear off my telephone table and my macaroni table in my living room. We debated getting pizza for dinner, and we finally decided on leftovers. Mom and I watched some Jeopardy and Curb Your Enthusiasm after dinner---Harry Potter is on tap currently.
Labels: cinema, cleaning, Curb Your Enthusiasm, dining, organizing, sleep, TV
"First" Campfire and Mountain Pie Party 2008
Last night Jen, Brian, and I drove to Houston to partake of Ken, Maggie, and Drew's First Third of July Campfire and Mountain Pie Party. Ken has been doing campfire/mountain pie parties since then-Pittsburgh Mayor Sophie Maslov announced Third of July celebrations back in the day. In fact, two years ago Jen, Bri, and I attended their campfire engagement party...but this is the first one for him and Maggie and eight-month-old Drew. There was the usual fare at their new home: Hot Dawgs, S'mores, dough boys, and the ubiquitous mountain pies. Jen kindly made a chocolate/cherry one for me. The rain rain rain came down down down, and the rain rain rain came down down down....It was great to chat with Ken and Maggie, and to see Drew; since I had not seen their family since the beginning of January 2008. Drew is a big eight-month-old, in the 75 percentile, and at 22 pounds plus, he is about the length and weight of my twenty-month old niece Beatrice! He is also not a slender child, being somewhat chunky and long. As we departed, we noted that he looked so sweet slumbering in Maggie's arms.
I described the view of the fireworks to the west of I 79 as we drove past the cars pulled over on both sides of the highway. Jen appreciated the described view as we whizzed north on the wet pavement. I am thankful for my friends from CAC. When they suggested that I join the Club again, I insisted that I have become too busy with the Church....
~~~
What to do about me? Jen has decided to set me up with an acquaintance of hers. Her last attempt to set me up failed, as the other party was "afraid of getting hurt again." I told them the story of my declination of a proposal when I was younger, citing our irreconcilable difference, a difference that our friend Anjali wholeheartedly agreed was fully irreconcilable and that she agreed would elicit a denial from her, too.
Despite all this, I remain open to possibilities...I also am prepared resign myself to a life of teaching, alone, as I am fully happy and feel fulfilled as a mentor to young people in this capacity.
Labels: Beatrice, Blind, CAC, career, celebration, children, Christmas, Church, dreams, friends, list, love, outside, painting, science, transportation, weather, work
Cleaning/Organizing/Purging I
Yesterday, Mom and I started purging from the top of my "coffee table." We also shredded documents, boxed up a boom box for donation, and were joined by William, who set up the old computer from Vickie to test it. He also went to test my CD-R drive from the old Mac from Deb, which we could not get to work. He proffered that if I should ever want to get a dining room table off my hands, that he would be happy to take it...Mom and I discussed this later, and I said that the table may have to be sold with the apartment coop. This table is the one we dined on when we lived in the Bronx, when we were about five years old. It is the one William hid under when our teacher came to visit, and he had Winnie-the-Pooh as a puppet.
I showered after, and William joined Mom, Dad, and I for dinner (Marissa and the kids were enjoying the afternoon at IKEA). William shared with us oven-dried honeyed banana/plaintain with us from one of his students, which we had for dessert with sweet sliced pineapple that Dad had prepared. We chatted for a bit, then he caught the bus for home.
I noted to Mom that my left leg is bothering me lots more than my right, operated one.
Labels: BAD, computer, dining, health, home, New York, pain, St. Lucy, surgery, tea, teaching, transportation
Take It Easy
After yesterday, when Mom and I ran errands at stores and at the bank after getting our hair styled, I felt sore. It almost felt as if I had a tear, when I moved certain ways. Time for a rest, time for my Tylenol. (I think I overdid it.)
Sometimes I think I'm in a new stage of healing---it feels as if my muscles are knitting together, they feel delicate. I still feel as if I have a dressing or something in my back pocket when I lie down. This is probably my experience of swelling.
Today I will spend my day reading and writing.
Labels: BAD, exercise, family, hair, health, pain, stress, surgery, travel
Hair Cut, July 2008
Mom and I have hair appointments with Mary Jane today to get our hair cut. I am excited, it has been a while since I last visited her. My hair has got considerably longer, and right after I left the hospital fell out in small clumps as I brushed or washed it...probably the stress of it all.
It doesn't fall out at such a high rate now, but this week Dad made a comment reminiscent of Kathe', the lab manager from graduate school: She'd be sweeping the lab floor and noting that she saw a LOT of my hair on the floor (I was the only brunette in the group; all the rest of the lab clan were blondes). We came to the conclusion that I was under a lot of stress and losing my hair...
I just hope that this is not the beginning of my hair really going white. :n(
We all look forward to our trips to Mary Jane's salon. Phyllis recommended her to us, and still visits her in her old neighborhood. Marissa has also gone to her, and blogged on the event.
Labels: excited, family, hair, health, research, soils, stress, surgery
