Gifts, Movie w/ the Chicks
Mom, Dad, and I brought the gifts to the altar today during Mass. Fr. Breier greeted us.
~~~
After Mass, I spoke with Marie M., and said hi to Lisa and Ken. Lisa noted that we would see each other on Thursday (for choir practice, already!)
Mom, Dad, and I dined in Oakland on Forbes Avenue for dinner, then went to the drugstore (CVS) for household supplies. I met Karina and Maureen for a trip to Century III Mall's dollar movie. We saw "Sex in the City."
Labels: Choir, Church, cinema, family, friends, gift, Mass, St. Paul Cathedral
Dining out, Newman Center Faith Sharing
Mom, Dad, William, and I enjoyed dining out at Wai Wai. The lunch boxes were a great deal, and we ordered three and the seafood platter and shrimp lo mein. De-Lish! I talked about going to the opera with my work buddy for the first opera of the season.
~~~~
After a much-needed nap, I walked to the Newman Center for Faith Sharing. Jose led the group, Karina, Fabiola, Andy, Kyle and his friend EJ, and a newcomer, Joey, all spent an hour praying a novena and in faith-sharing. We were invited by Fr. Dave to the build-your-own taco dinner (with delicious cheesecake nibbles). Ingrid from choir said, "Hi," and I asked her if she intended to become an RD. She said yes, but said that she would not be returning to choir. We called Maureen, and she joined us at the tail end of our discussion about the Pauline year Eucharistic adoration and meeting a life partner with Fr. Dave.
~~~
After saying our farewells, Maureen, Karina, Jose, and I all skipped out to Dozen (THE cupcake shop) in Lawrenceville for coffee, cupcakes, and pastries. I opted away from the red velvet cupcake for the cinnamon bun rated "the best in Pittsburgh," and took half of it home for Mom and Dad.
~~~~~
Mom and I watched (alternately) "I Love Lucy" (the diner episode) and "The Sound of Music" when I arrived home. Dad watched sports. It was time to go home.
Labels: cinema, dining, family, friends, international culture, list, love, music, opera, St. Lucy
Pratima Over
Pratima spent the night after she, Ellen, and I had dinner out at the restaurant on Craig St. I said hi to my former student who works there, hi to Brenda, and we all enjoyed large, hearty meals with lemonade.
Pratima and I chatted into the midnight hour, then called it a night. She left this morning soon after I showed her my Ireland photos.
I will treat Mom, Dad, and William to lunch at the new Chinese restaurant on Liberty Avenue today.
Labels: dining, home, international culture, sleep, work
End of my first week back to work, Fall 2008
Yesterday, I lectored at the early Mass (with Fr. Breier and Fr. Steve Palsa concelebrating, and John serving, and Ken providing music ministry), I had my glasses cut at the optical shop in Presbyterian Hospital (the right lens was foggy), went to pick up supplies at the drugstore, and I taught my last section for the week in G9 (at least the room doesn't make noises like G7 does...I teach in G7 on Wednesdays). I took a total of 1500mg of acetaminophen yesterday, due to the pain in my left hip from getting back to work.
~~~
This morning, I went to physical therapy and described my problems with shifting weight and hip extension for my left (unoperated) leg to Keelan. I spent some time in the pool, too. We had an in-service meeting after lunch, and I am now waiting at the office for Pratima to arrive to have dinner with her. She is driving in from Georgia, and she had called Ellen from West Virginia at 4:30pm.
Labels: BAD, exercise, international culture, meeting, pain, St. Lucy, surgery, water exercise, work
O My Poor...
O my poor left hip! Yesterday, despite only having half a day (three hours) on my feet---with the morning spent sitting---and walking to and from work, I had serious pain yesterday evening through to this morning, despite bed rest. I took two acetaminophen with breakfast this morning.
~~~
Yesterday, my coworker, Karen C., stopped by during my office hours and I demonstrated for her the stability of my new hip by doing a mini-arabesque.
And that's my operated hip...
I switched to my other hip, and I simply stood upon both legs... :n(
And that's my unoperated hip...
She was amazed, simply astounded. Many of my coworkers are, when comparing my status with that of spring semester. I assured her that I would eventually have my other hip done.
~~~~~
I spoke earlier this week on the phone with Maria, Kirsten's sister. We had a wonderful discussion during which I heard a blow-by-blow account of her walk through her home (to discover various "experiments" her sons had conducted), and I told her stories I tell my students the first day. I said, "I'm more together than when I thought I was together," and she agreed for herself. We have both been through so many changes, it is good to be friends for each other.
Labels: BAD, California, dance, friends, pain, surgery
Second Day of School, Physical Therapy, Farewell Dinner to Jonathan
This morning, I taught another section of laboratory. I had walked to and from work yesterday and today, and was still a little sore from all the standing and walking, despite "taking two acetominophen and going to bed" last night.
After lunch at home, and a short nap, I went to physical therapy where I warmed up by bicycling through the painful left hip, dutifully did my exercises, and spent twice as much time on the sidestepping part of my pool exercises. I also did not do deep knee bends (les grands plies), rather, I did demi-plies in the water.
I went to Joe and Tina W's home, where Jonathan and I dined on goat gouda appetizers, sukiyaki, rice, and homemade polenta orange pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream and Rainforest Crunch decaf coffee. We chortled our way through dinner, and Joe and Tina said their fond goodbyes to Jonathan, who has been delayed due to visa issues (but not for long, as he found out today).
Labels: BAD, biology, dining, exercise, international culture, pain, teaching, water exercise, work
First Day of School, Fall 2008
Today I awoke at about 5am and did some last minute prepping. I fell back to sleep and my dad called me to awaken ~7am. I had breakfast and headed to work to set up lab in G9 at about 7:50am.
About halfway through the class, I was informed that I would be teaching at Monday afternoon from now on, instead of Monday morning. The rest of my 4-section schedule would stay the same (, after several changes).
Whew! After teaching two sections back-to-back, I am physically tired...and no physical therapy today.
I printed up some documents from Rebecca, the librarian in health sciences, who is helping me with some searches. I'll be heading home soon....
~~~~~
My boss, C., had called before I had arrived at home...another change, involving teaching on Thursday afternoons. My schedule shifted once again (to accomodate medical appointments), and only one original section remained from my three original sections. Much jockeying for position. Ah, well.
Labels: BAD, biology, encyclopedia, exercise, research, sleep, teaching, water exercise, work
Mamma Mia! and smoothies
Nancy C. and I went to Squirrel Hill to see Mamma Mia! the movie today. As Doug said, it's an uplifting, lighthearted musical. I sang the songs along with the credits and applauded during the credits. Kinda weird, I was the only one doing that in the theatre....
Nancy and I then went for smoothies (we got pina colada ones) and snacks/dinner in Oakland.
Labels: cinema, dining, music
Encyclopedia Research, Cardinal DiNardo
Today I went to the library to do some online research for my encyclopedia article. I stayed until my eyes hurt, then went to the reference desk for more information, then returned to print out one more article in the computer lab.
I went back to eat a hearty lunch of pasta, potatoes, and beef; some veggies, and soy milk flavored with syrup.
After a short nap, I went to choral warm up at four o'clock in Synod Hall. We practiced by ourselves and with Linda, the cantor; and Ken, the accompanist; and with the Carnegie Brass Quartet. We then proceeded to the Sacristy, where I was greeted warmly by Carol. The Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by His Eminence, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of metropolitan Houston-Galveston, Texas. The Mass was celebrated together with the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh and Bishop Paul Bradley, as well as other Bishops and priests.
The choir sang:
O Christ the Great Foundation
Gloria (Vatican Mass VIII)
Psalm 138 (M. Guimont)
Festival Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
The Lord Bless You and Keep You (J. Rutter)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Memorial Acclamation
Amen
(all from the Jubilation Mass, J. Chepponis)
Agnus Dei chant
Take and Eat (M. Joncas)
Ave Verum Corpus (C. Gounod)
Great Father of Light
I spoke to Linda's parents Sal and Connie after Mass. Gloria and I ran into Joel and his brother (I took their picture in Church), then headed downstairs for the reception. We had a chance to see the long line to talk to Cardinal DiNardo, said a 'lo to Fr. Breier, and said hello to Stacy's family (Gail, Richard, and her mom), as well as to Joan K. and Sr. Marietta.
I headed to dinner on Craig St. with much of the choir gang. Linda, Jonathan, and I all had fish tacos, Brenda said a hello to us, I ran into J., one of my former students and his parents, and our waiter Drew indicated that J.d., one of my former students, still worked there.
Jess, Karen, Ornella, Andrew, and I walked back as a group, and we bid each other a fond farewell after singing our goodbyes to Brenda.
Labels: Church, DiNardo, encyclopedia, friends, Mass, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, thankfulness, writing
Queenship of the BVM, Dinner at William and Marissa's Home
Yesterday morning at Mass we celebrated the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, with John serving, Bob K. lectoring, and Don providing the music ministry. Elaine, Mary Lou P., and I particularly enjoyed the homily, which stressed the scripture reading and Mary's openness to God's will for her.
~~~~~
We had a delicious dinner of curry veggie pancakes, salmon cakes, crescent rolls with veggie filling, whole steamed carrots, rice, juices, and more for dinner at William and Marissa's home. Mom, Dad, and I noted how much taller Beatrice and Solomon look. Beatrice "read" a few books to us. Quite the talented little girl. She, her brother, and mommy are preparing to visit the Illinois relatives, including Will and Grampy Bill.
~~~~~~~
I had spent part of the morning and afternoon working on the latest version of the encyclopedia article. Late morning, one of my editors called me with regards to the organization and particulars of the article. Yesterday afternoon, I was in contact with an especially helpful librarian at the health sciences library system on campus about searches.
Labels: Church, dining, encyclopedia, family, family-Marissa, library, Mass, neighbors, organizing, research, school, St. Paul Cathedral, travel, writing
Physical Therapy, Encyclopedia Article Draft 2'
Went to physical therapy today, and my exercises were uneventful. There were a number of rather friendly people in the pool today. I told Keelan of the walking (~200 feet) and standing (~1.5 hours) I did yesterday during the work meeting.
I went to the computer lab afterwards, and input some changes---which I had handwritten earlier today---to the latest (greatly shortened) draft of the article.
Labels: BAD, encyclopedia, excited, exercise, health, water, work, writing
In-Service, Fall 2008
I went to Mass this morning, and am preparing for our first in-service meeting today at work.
~~~
Our meeting went well, with discussions of administrative and educational issues; lunch of pizza, fruit, cookies, and bottled water; and preparation of the laboratory manipulatives for the students (for next week).
I sent an email to Panther Central, too.
~~~~~
Walked home and ran into Fr. Kim on the way. He spoke about his office hours at Pitt and Carnegie Mellon University, as the liaison between the Cathedral and the Oratory. He just completed office hours on the Great Lawn at Pitt. What a lovely day to enjoy being outside on the lawn!
Labels: biology, Church, Mass, meeting, school, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, work
Physical Therapy, A Call from Kim S.
This morning I went for physical therapy. It went smoothly, was uneventful, and that is good.
After taco burgers for lunch with Mom and Dad, I took a nice, long nap. Soon after awakening, Kim S. called me and said she may be moving soon. Her girls are well, and Siola is going into bilingual kindergarten this fall. She will miss her family if she decides to move.
Last night, I called Jonathan to coach him on moving the last bits from the USA to the UK. He appreciated the help, and I also offered help to pack.
Labels: BAD, exercise, health, moving, phone, surgery, surprise, water exercise
Laundry, Out and About with Mom
I slept in this morning and did my laundry in the morning. After lunch Mom and I went out to Waterworks Mall to shop and to eat Mexican food. We had a fun time, I purchased another, larger exercise ball, and we stopped to get Dad a takeout burger and fries.
Labels: cleaning, dining, Pittsburgh, shopping
Joyce's In-Laws
Kelly and I spent yesterday dinner and night at Phyllis and Gene's home. They were already hosting Joyce, Greg, Miranda, and Benny. We sat up talking after the kids had gone to bed, and ate chocolate Neapolitan cookies.
This morning, after I played with the children in the wee hours of the morning, Phyllis and I prepared bacon and pancakes for breakfast; and Joyce prepared the drinks and table for dining. I napped, then mid-afternoon we went for a swim. It was quite fun. Mom and Dad and William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon joined us for dinner.
Beatrice LOVED the watermelon. Wait: Beatrice LOVED the Watermelon. We took various permutations of family photos, and Mom and Dad had also brought the Luis Mesa portraits for more photos today (Marissa had taken photos of all four of us with our portraits and similar hairstyles from about 30+ years ago yesterday at Mom and Dad's home). We all had a grand time, watched a bit of the Olympics, and said our fond goodbyes to each and every one. Kelly and I drove home together in my car, following Mom and Dad in their car.
Labels: art, Beatrice, dining, family, niece and nephew, photography, photos, sleep, sports, travel
The Matchmaker
My friend Debbie R. who has been to Ireland thrice recommended a film with Janeane Garofalo (of Truth about Cats and Dogs and of Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion) called The Matchmaker. Noticed a couple of bloopers (namely, ambassadorial and liturgical), but all in all, a good movie---"a romantic comedy for the unromantic." I love everything I've seen Janeane Garofalo in, and the interactions between characters were understated (as interactions at a matchmaking fest can be), with beauteous scenery of the west coast of Ireland.
This film is the latest in Doug's and my volleys back and forth of film recommendations.
I echo Siskel and Ebert in their "two thumbs up"!
Labels: Choir, cinema, Ireland, singing, Wellesley
Jonathan's Choir Farewell party
Last night, after babysitting Beatrice and Solomon with Mom for a bit (and enjoying Marissa's cheese pasta), Maureen, Karina, and Jonathan retrieved me for a bit of celebrating with the choir for Jonathan's farewell party. Sara, our waitress at the Claddagh pub, was patient, organized, and nothing short of amazing as we drank and ate our way through the food and drink menu and shots< in the dark>.
Jonathan was instrumental in---no, singlehandedly accomplished---my return to choir in Lent 2005. With a simple invitation from Jonathan, another Jonathan and I were in choir by the end of Lent, 2005. Of the two, I was the only one who stuck it out. NOW, who will be our main choral recruiter?
We four departed last night making plans for Indian food before his departure next Saturday.
Labels: addiction, Choir, friends, international culture, Ireland, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, travel
Assumption 2008
This Tuesday night Stacy invited me to to Solemn vespers in preparation for the Assumption, today. The mixed voices schola group sang, and we went out for cool drinks afterwards.
Dad and I went to the Assumption celebration this morning, with Fr. Kim celebrating, John serving, Matt H. lectoring, and Debbie cantoring with Don at the organ. Fr. Kim made it a welcoming Mass for people, and a family visiting from New Jersey showed their appreciation of our Church to me.
Physical therapy went by with few problems (flexion of the unoperated left hip on the recumbent bicycle caused slight soft tissue pain). The rest of the exercises and the pool activities were not a problem.
~~~
Mom, Kelly (who arrived yesterday at PIT International Airport via JetBlue), and I had leftover meatloaf and potroast for lunch, then spent an afternoon shopping in Bloomfield and in Oakland.
~~~
Mom and us ladies will babysit Beatrice and Solomon this afternoon. Then I'll go with Maureen to the choir farewell party for Jonathan.
Labels: BAD, Church, farewell, health, Mass, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, water exercise
Lector, 14 August 2008
Today was the memorial Mass for St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, who was a confessor AND martyr saint---he confessed to the Nazis that he was a Catholic priest and offered his life for another prisoner's (who was a father and husband) when some prisoners were to be shot for one escaping. At the ceremony, the man who survived, his wife, and his child were present.
Fr. Brian celebrated, with John as server, I lectored, and Don provided the music ministry.
So! I suppose my new nickname from Don might stick---but note that I've never let Dad stand next to me with my cane!
GI flu today, Surgeon and Physical Therapy Visits Tuesday
Yesterday (Tuesday) Mom and I went to the Ortho Surgeon's office for three X Ray views (bilateral, rotated in---pigeon-toed, unilateral rotated in, and the operated hip rotated out, butterfly-style) and I asked him a bunch of questions. It was a good visit and I am pleased with the outcome. My unoperated hip now needs cane support.
Physical therapy went well, and Keelan detailed some exercises from my book (Pilates on the Ball) that I may do.
~~~
Last night/this morning at 3 AM I exhibited signs of the GI flu mom and dad had yesterday. I called them before 8am this morning to get some of the Pedialyte and Gatorade I had picked up at the drugstore earlier.
I'm exhibiting less signs of GI distress, but feel wiped out. I hope I can go to lector for Mass tomorrow morning.
Labels: BAD, health, pain, read, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, water exercise
Becoming Jane
Just sent off an email to my friend, Doug, who recommended a movie:
Just saw the end of Becoming Jane. Quite the scenery and the story. Great actors for the characters. They captured the subtleties of the events.
Labels: cinema, international culture, Ireland, transportation, travel, writing
To the Zoo, Ticket to Ride
To the zoo today with Miranda, Benny, Joyce, Greg, Beatrice, Solomon, William, and Marissa. I am ready with my giraffe gear (blouse, pin, handbag) and cat earrings with elephant bracelet. Miranda and Benny are watching the "rescue" of a baby pink flamingo on a children's animated cartoon, and I informed them of the presence of pink flamingos at the zoo. We will leave shortly for Tio Wawa's place, and depart from there for the zoo. Joyce and family will leave directly from the zoo for Phyllis and Gene's home.
~~~
20:45
We all had fun at the zoo---I rode the UPMC tram to the first stop, then walked to the food pavilion. I saw a butterfly while waiting for the tram (and many more, throughout the zoo), and photographed a large male lion, baby tiger, Beatrice petting a [python] and a turtle, zebras, elephants (both outside and inside, both baby and adult), giraffes, banana palm trees, and Marissa photographed me with the children. My last photo was of a bear before boarding the UPMC tram downhill. I rode next to a woman whose niece will be a first-year student at UNH, in zoology and marine biology. She studies sharks! Joyce's family stayed at the zoo, it was Beatrice's naptime.
~~~~~
After leaving the zoo, I sat in the windswept backseat with Beatrice and Solomon. Beatrice and I had several short conversations, including the following one.
me: You have nice hair, Beatrice.
Beatrice: Yeah.
me: Your hair is getting long.
Beatrice: Yeah.
me: Do you like your hair long?
Beatrice: Yeah.
me: Why? Why do you like your hair long?
Beatrice: I feel wind.
We put Beatrice to nap upstairs when we arrived at their home, and William took a short nap. They invited me to play Ticket to Ride, a board game about laying train tracks. (This version had the tracks in the United States and parts of Canada.)
I said, "[I'm tired.] I feel like him( indicating William, who rested, eyes half-closed, on the love seat)."
His immediate reply was to get up and stand up, saying, "See, you feel like me, then you will play this game."
We played two games of Ticket to Ride---with Marissa winning the first game, and my winning the second game. It was WAY FUN! I like it, and they have another supplement to the game in Switzerland.
Labels: Beatrice, children, family, games, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, zoo
Digital Camera, Camille's, Carnegie Museums in Oakland August 2008
Today Mom, Miranda, Benny, and I did a sneak-out to Target, where I purchased a Nikon digital camera and other school/work supplies.
Mom, Greg, and I dined at Camille's, where we saw a couple of people I know--the flower lady and Rebecca H. I had a Michelangelo wrap with lemonade. I had brought with me my cane-seat, and Greg and I met up with Joyce and their children for a trip to the Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art. Miranda was, of course, grinding corn woman.
I hosted a lemonade and tea party with Mom, Dad, Greg, Joyce, Miranda, Benny, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon at my home after the museum.
We dined on A-1 chicken, tomatoes, potatoes, salad, and leftover steak and pork chops for dinner at Mom and Dad's home.
Labels: Carnegie, dining, museum, photography, photos, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Athletic Association August 2008
Yesterday for lunch Mom, Dad, Phyllis, Gene, Joyce, Greg, Miranda, Benny, William, Marissa, Beatrice, and I dined at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. I had the tuna salad sandwich avec frites. Mom and I split the Mississippi mud cake for dessert. I "tried" about a quarter of William's strawberry cheesecake, and helped do my part to polish off Benny's mixed berries.
Before we left for the PAA Miranda, Benny, and Joyce sang karaoke. After the PAA, Gene and Phyllis stopped by Mom and Dad's place. Gene and Benny built a tall tower of big Legos.
We looked at some pictures on the high definition TV set, and Mom, Joyce, Miranda, Benny, and I went to Mass at six o'clock. After Mass I took the kids to see the organ and to meet Ken and Tom, who provided music ministry that evening. Ken introduced the digital organ to Ben and Miranda.
We watched the Olympics at night, including seeing Mike Phelps win his Olympic medal.Labels: dining, family, games, Mass, music, photos, Pittsburgh, singing, sports, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
Kennywood 2008
I went to Mass at the 6:45am service. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, with Jeff as altar server. While Dad is at Mass Benny and Miranda had breakfast while I watched the Today show from Beijing. They interviewed the oldest Olympian this year, highlighted Chinese etiquette, and showed off the Ralph Lauren fashions for the athletes. The opening ceremonies will be postponed to 7:30 tonight. The weather in Beijing was 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit at ~6am EDT, whereas it was ~60 degrees Fahrenheit locally.
Beatrice will not be joining us for Kennywood later this morning. We'll still have great fun without her chortling joy.
~~~
Saturday, 11am
We had great fun at Kennywood, spending most of our time in the Kid's part of Kennywood (including lunchtime). There was a sudden downpour at about 12:15, but we ran for cover at the Train Station for the train ride. There are some spectacular views of the Monongahela River valley below from the Kid's part of Kennywood! Benny warmed up to the bounce pounce after a while, and we went to the Turtle ride (in the shadow of the Phantom's Revenge) and the Carousel after leaving the "Bennywood" area. When Joyce and Miranda went on the Jackrabbit, Benny and I enjoyed watching the lake, with the paddle boats and the swing-out over the lake. Benny wanted facepainting (made prohibitive by a long line), and then we met Joyce and Miranda for some gift-shop crawling. We got a bag of cotton candy from a worker named Miranda right before we exited.
After dinner, we watched the Olympic opening ceremony, postponed from Beijing. It was nothing short of magnificent! Many countries' flag bearers were obviously proud of their role. The opening ceremony highlighted Chinese history, with ancient drums, airborne dancers, and it utilized body calligraphy on a large canvas. As the Chinese contingent marched in, Yao Ming walked in with a nine-year-old survivor of the last spate of earthquakes in China. The torch-lighting ceremony was nothing short of beautiful.
Labels: Beatrice, Church, international culture, Mass, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, sports, St. Paul Cathedral, weather
Lectoring; Physical Therapy
This morning was my first day back at lectoring since my surgery. John and Ken welcomed me back, Fr. Breier was the principal celebrant, concelebrating with Fr. Steve (whose mom was there) and Fr. Ryan from India. Miranda and Benny said they saw the back of Lolo's head, and Joyce said they saw me on TV.
I'll go to physical therapy later this morning.
~~~
Friday, 9AM
Yesterday afternoon Miranda, Benny, Joyce, and Lola came over to my house to visit and play (with puppets). I then microwaved/steamed in-the-husk a bunch of sweet corn for dinner last night. Mom noted that the corn tasted particularly good. We enjoyed a dinner of Florida pompano, nilaga, hydroponic(!) tomatoes, rice, and sweet corn.
Labels: Beatrice, children, Church, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, health, neighbors, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, read, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
The Transfiguration, Schenley Plaza, Sleepover Party
Yesterday morning Miranda and I were up early and watched the Mass from Church across the street. "Watch for the back of Lolo's head!" I said. Fr. Kim concelebrated the Mass with Fr. Ryan from India. Fr. Kim spoke of the streaming rays of light that explode through the (east) windows of the church building as he described the Transfiguration.
Later in the day we went to Schenley Plaza to ride on the carousel. We met up with Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon. Beatrice, Miranda, and Benny spent some time "Running, running" on the green grass. I picked up a "Becoming Jane" DVD at the public library, and met up with Fanny P. We met up with Joyce, Miranda, and Benny at the Cathedral of Learning and saw the car from the Honors College. The children were disappointed to not be able to see Lolo and Lola's home, as there were offices on the east side of the building.
Before eight in the evening Beatrice and Solomon came over for an evening sleepover while their parents went out to dinner. The children played the piano, and Miranda and Benny said their prayers and goodnight song. Beatrice called for Lola: "Lola, come!" I went to sleep at home and was up early to lector for morning Mass.
Labels: Beatrice, Church, family, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral
A Farewell Party for Jonathan and Jeff
Maureen, Jonathan, Jeff, Karina, and I carpooled to the Irish music and dance last night. I saw Susan E. and her friends, too. I danced
the Siege of Carrick
Two Hand Reel
and Waves of Tory
It was good to be back and to see my friends again--Susan, who taught the newbies the steps; Liz, who called the dances; Dan, who arrived with a coworker from the hospital; and others.
I stopped by Mom and Dad's house to say goodnight to Joyce and the children.
Labels: California, celebration, dance, farewell, international culture, Ireland, music, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh
Encyclopedia Article, Second Draft; Physical Therapy; Farewell Party
I sent off my second draft of my encyclopedia article this morning to one of my editors.
~~~
I'll go to physical therapy later this morning.
~~~
Planning for (one of) Jeff and Jonathan's farewell part(ies) tonight...
Labels: BAD, dance, encyclopedia, exercise, farewell, health, international culture, Ireland, music, pool, surgery, water exercise, writing
Miranda and Benny visiting tonight (and Joyce)
Miranda and Benny will arrive tonight!
published post...
Labels: California, family, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh
Miranda and Benny visiting tonight (and Joyce)
Miranda and Benny will arrive tonight!
Labels: California, family, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh
Mom's Haircut, Teeth cleaning
Dad, Mom, and I went to Penn Hills for Mom's haircut. We also went shopping, donated, and had lunch there. Mary Jane styled Mom's hair quite well. We discussed hip replacements as well as searching for scholarships for her daughter.
After taking my prophylactic antibiotics, I went to the dentist's office for my six-month cleaning. A new person cleaned my teeth today--Theresa. We chatted about Broadway theatre in Pittsburgh.
Labels: BAD, Broadway, cleaning, hair, health, library, Pittsburgh, school, student, surgery, teeth, thankfulness, theater
What happen
Beatrice was ill yesterday, vomiting a few times and, according to her daddy, said, "What happen" after the first time she vomited. She apparently likes Pedialyte popsicles, which probably remind her of ice cream. Mom and Dad and I visited William and family at noon, we went to Tuesday Morning, then to Trader Joe's for groceries, then lunch at the Chinese buffet.
We brought William home, then packed our groceries away, rested, and went to six o'clock Mass. Father Andrew celebrated, Linda cantored, Roz lectored, and Ken played the organ. Hearing the chimes on the Wickes digital organ was quite a treat! We spoke with Ken's children after the Mass.
Labels: Beatrice, children, Church, dining, health, ice cream, music, niece and nephew, St. Paul Cathedral, stress, surprise
WQED Pledge Drives Day 2008
Off to WQED, the home of Mr. Rogers, today. The first pledge segment will be live with Chef Lidia this morning. Chef Lidia Bastianich will be back in the WQED TV kitchen from 9am-1pm cooking with Chris Fennimore!
The evening segment will be taped with various cultural groups, including:
From Patrizio: Con Amore
This young, Italian crooner took Pittsburgh by storm last year, and has left many Pittsburghers wanting more, more, more! There will be a program that shows some of his most popular videos along with new, behind-the-scenes footage!
Celtic Thunder
Pittsburgh has a rich Irish-American heritage that is seen by the city's incredible support of Irish performers such as Celtic Thunder. During their visit this spring, the members of Celtic Thunder clearly made many friends in Pittsburgh, and consider it a little piece of the Emerald Isle across the Atlantic.
Boy, this should be fun today....
~~~
13:40
Tita Odette, Melody, Tita Baby Carla, and I volunteered for the phone bank the first shift. After a brief training, we answered phones before the 10 to noon live segment with Chris Fennimore and Lidia. They prepared: Faro with tuna and tomatoes, shell pasta with seven-minute sauce (arugula and pecorino cheese), and spaghetti with garlic and breadcrumbs and oregano. We had an opportunity to try some of this food during a break. She also prepared pasta from homemade dough, and a custard-like dessert with flour in it. The studio recorded spots for pledges during the Frontline show on Tuesday evenings. It was great fun.
I look forward to it this evening.
~~~
It was fun, with Malou H., Tita Mila L., Tita Ellen C., Jeannie and her husband John, and we met a few other people, including one woman we swear will marry Patrizio, and an MD/PhD.
We took some pledges for the Steel City Chef's recipe and coupons, the 3 DVD set about Pittsburgh, as well as tickets to Andre Rieu and Patrizio's upcoming concerts. Andre Rieu is a violinist who has a full well-produced music show. Patrizio is a technically gifted singer and a consummate gentleman, according to Stephanie, who a couple of us claim will marry Patrizio.
After a gift from the station for serving, we departed at ~9pm to let another shift take over with the pledge operations.
Labels: dining, international culture, Ireland, Philippines, Pittsburgh, TV, work
Hungarian Dinner
Mom, Dad, William, Marissa, Beatrice, and I (with Solomon, of course) were treated to a home-cooked Hungarian dinner tonight. There were antipasti/hors d'oeuvres, chicken noodle soup, langos (Hungarian fire bread), haluska (noodles and cabbage), tomatoes on noodles, cucumber salad, chicken paprikas, Transylvanian gulyas, homemade braided bread, and palacsinta (crepe, ours with apricot filling and whipped topping). Water was our drink of choice. Beatrice liked to play the piano, and asked the proprietor, "man," who we told her was named Alex, if he liked her music. Solomon fed on his bottle the whole time. Alex's daughter helped out, and both of them were attentive to our group members' dietary needs.
I particularly enjoyed the dance music and artwork by Alex. Some of the music was played on a Hungarian dulcimer. Beatrice produced ink pen artwork (embellished with stickers) throughout dinner, and presented me with a card at the end of dinner.
Labels: art, Beatrice, dance, dining, international culture, music, niece and nephew, painting
I'm a little of each...
..but mostly, I'm a Mandarin!
I'm an intellectual, and I've worked hard to get where I am now. I'm a strong believer in education, and I think many of the world's problems could be solved if people were more informed and more rational. I have no tolerance for sloppy or lazy thinking. It frustrates me when people who are ignorant or dishonest rise to positions of power. I believe that people can make a difference in the world, and I'm determined to try.
Talent: 54%
Lifer: 26%
Mandarin: 62%
Take the
Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin quiz.
Labels: career, family, philosophical
First Draft Reworking II
I'm spending ~two hours at Hillman library editing, moving text, and annotating my 3rd version of my manuscript since reviewer's comments...I want to make certain that it flows for Irene when she reads it. I have until the 5th to rework it, but don't want to take that long with it, as she has the manuscript only until the 14th. I want to get the bulk of this done by the end of August, as my lab teaching starts up again then.
Labels: accessibility, encyclopedia, science, teaching, work, writing
I'm a Sports Car!
I'm a Ford Mustang!
I'm an American classic -- fast, strong, and bold. I'm not snobby or pretentious, but Ihave what it takes to give anyone a run for their money.
"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Labels: philosophical, transportation
First Friday, August 2008
After sleeping at home last night (after recuperating at my parents for the past two months), I awoke and went with Dad to First Friday Mass. Fr. Kim celebrated, Loretta lectored, John served, and Ryan (our new morning organist) provided music ministry. We said the Litany of the Sacred Heart after Mass. It was good to sit with Elaine and Sally D. again; and to stand for the gospel, for the Amen and after; and to walk up for communion.
Labels: BAD, health, Mass, music, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
