Today after teaching a lab section I stopped by the old RIS offices on the South Side...they had already moved to WDUQ. Then, it was off to my penultimate physical therapy session. I received my book using the inflatable ball back, with possible exercises bookmarked by my therapist.
Labels: Blind, exercise, pain, pool, RIS, water exercise
posted by Grace @ 9/30/2008 11:13:00 PM
0 comments
Last night Mom, Dad, William, Marissa, and the children and I dined out at our favorite Chinese restaurant in Bloomfield. Beatrice is very outspoken and well-spoken. She will change what she says slightly if you indicate that you don't understand what she is saying.
Tonight I took out Mom to Wicked (PNC Broadway Across America) at the Benedum. William and Marissa arrived a little while after. Marissa and I both agreed that it is the best show we have seen in a couple of seasons here in Pittsburgh...never a dull moment. William found the first act more engaging than the second act. We all loved GALinda as she flipped her hair and her legs as she sang "Popular" to her new best friend. We spotted a popular gal as we exited; she was oblivious that the show made fun of her throughout.
Labels: Birthday, Broadway, dining, family, humor, music, Pittsburgh
posted by Grace @ 9/30/2008 11:02:00 PM
0 comments
At the end of my workday I caught a bus and saw some familiar faces: First, a bespectacled bicyclist on the sidewalk of Bellefield Avenue; and next, Dan, the musicologist, at Fifth and Craig.
More celebration for Mom on her birthday...
Labels: Bell, Birthday, family, friends, music, transportation, work
posted by Grace @ 9/29/2008 05:36:00 PM
0 comments
Today Dad, Mom, and I attended a morning Mass (during which someone passed out, causing a call to the paramedics) before we went for a short shopping trip followed by lunch out with William, Marissa, and the kids. We enjoyed the new sushi restaurant, including the ice cream. Beatrice particularly liked the pink dessert (coconut-covered bucci), perfect for a little girl just shy of two years old. I had a chance to hold Solomon at the end of the meal.
Talked to Nancy about the diocesan choir trip after returning home, then took a long nap.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday, children, Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, family, humor, ice cream, international culture, Mass, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, shopping, singing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
posted by Grace @ 9/28/2008 11:04:00 PM
0 comments
Saturday night, Popi Laudico, the Philippine Nationality Room's Filipina architect, dined with the Philippine Nationality Room committe and FAAP board members potluck-style at Dr. Pat's home. The big steamed salmon and bangus with a large turkey dinner were provided. Someone had provided the sweeeeeet corn.
I had a chance to lobby to keep the windows of our future room potentially uncoverable so that students in the room could also view their friends in the courtyard below, as indicated in the poem I wrote about the room. Popi agreed with me, citing the social nature of Filipinos. Popi and I discussed my operation, and her dog, over dinner.
After dinner the group gathered in the living room to hear Warren introduce Popi in front of the architectural boards, which had morphed over dinner from Warren's preparations to Popi's photo montages of several bahay na bato homes around the Philippines. One home featured was from Mom's hometown. Popi presented the boards, then led a discussion about the future PNR room and our designs and desires for this incipient room.
After dessert, Dad played ping pong with Warren and his children.
Labels: art, children, friends, games, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, poetry, student
posted by Grace @ 9/28/2008 10:51:00 PM
0 comments
After his office hours this afternoon, I met up with Tom to catch the bus downtown for dinner and an evening at the symphony. We had dinner at the Pan-Asian restaurant down the street from Heinz Hall. I enjoyed the fried noodles with pork, egg, and dried fish. Tom had the ribs in sauce. I had Thai iced tea and jackfruit flan for dessert, and Tom enjoyed coffee and cheesecake.
We saw Doug, and Nancy & Tom before the program started. The PSO opened the season with the Star-Spangled Banner, and we enjoyed
John Adams : Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky : Violin Concerto (Mr. Bell)
Gustav Mahler : Symphony No. 1 "Titan"
The Tchaikovsky piece was performed emotively, was simply wonderful. Josh and the orchestra moved some members of the audience to stand and applaud after only the first movement!
At intermission we were the third party to meet with Josh Bell. He signed my CD and remembered me from his visit to Pittsburgh last season. Nancy & Tom bid goodnight to Tom and I during intermission. After intermission, we listened to the Mahler piece (alternately dramatic and placid).
In catching the bus, we ran into Jan, Joe & Tina. We all caught the same bus home and enjoyed chatting with each other.
Labels: Bell, dining, friends, Mahler, PSO, Tchaikovsky, work
posted by Grace @ 9/26/2008 11:41:00 PM
0 comments
This afternoon, after a nap Marissa, Beatrice, Solomon, and I went to South Side Works. Beatrice played in the water fountain ("she's shivering!" a bystander noted...she doesn't allow us to take her out of the fountain, though). We then went to Rita's for some cream ice and frozen custards. Dinner chez Beatrice followed, consisting of salmon loaf and meat loaf, peg corn, and rice chased by mango lemonade. We read a book, Little Yoga, several times and Beatrice struck poses from each page with each reading of the book.
Marissa and Solomon took me home: He fell asleep while feeding on his bottle. (He held it himself until it was too empty.) What a great afternoon and evening.
Labels: Beatrice, family, ice cream, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, water
posted by Grace @ 9/23/2008 09:30:00 PM
0 comments
Labels: American history, economy, politics, Wellesley
posted by Grace @ 9/21/2008 08:40:00 PM
0 comments
This morning I recorded my grades, prepped for lab this week, sent my students a mass email, and went to choir practice for noon Mass.
This afternoon, after noon Mass, my parents and I drove to Monroeville for Chinese buffet. Dad had left the lights on, and I called AAA for a jump start. We then braved Rodi Road and Penn Avenue to get home, as the parkway inbound was bumper to bumper from about Churchill onwards...
I read my email, sent a newsletter update to FAAP for the Holiday Open House, and took a nap. I visited Tina and Joe W. to help them with their computer problems, and told them about campus computing.
Labels: adventure, biology, Blind, blogs, Choir, Church, computer, dining, email, family, friends, international culture, Mass, Pilipino culture, PNR, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, work
posted by Grace @ 9/21/2008 07:30:00 PM
0 comments
After finishing my grading for the weekend, I went with my former coworker to the Shadyside Arts festival. We enjoyed taking pics; I collected Obama buttons for me, Mom and Dad, and William and Marissa; and I said hi to Marlo's mom. We got some drinks at one of the local drugstores, and I caught the bus to the Newman Center for faith sharing. We shared our thoughts on the parable of the sower (Luke), and Jose, Joey, Paul, Maureen, and I had a lively discussion. This was followed by pizza from a block away, carried to watch the movie P.S. I Love You by Maureen and I. Jose stayed through part of the movie, and Karina joined us later. Doug had recommend the movie to me because of the "Ireland" scenes, but we ladies enjoyed the sappy, cute, scenes that also made it a great "chick flick."
Labels: art, biology, cinema, Faith, friends, Ireland, music, shoes, work
posted by Grace @ 9/20/2008 10:01:00 PM
0 comments
Within the past two weeks Beatrice was at Lolo and Lola's home and they were watching public television. During a pledge drive, they showed a pre-recorded slot while FAAP was volunteering for the fund drive. Of course, they saw Auntie Mimi on TV. That was Beatrice's first major exposure to television. Let's hope she doesn't expect to see family members on the set on a regular basis (unless she is up early and watching Christian Associates when Lolo is working camera, or when Auntie Mimi is lectoring...Benny and Miranda and I used to joke about that early in the morning).
Labels: lector, niece and nephew, Philippines, photography, Pittsburgh, TV, volunteering
posted by Grace @ 9/19/2008 08:31:00 AM
0 comments
This Monday and Thursday I went to physical therapy before and after work, respectively. I ran into Marcia B from my co-op on the way home Monday, as I was dragging myself home. What a godsend to run into her! She offered to pull my li'l trailer/mini suitcase filled with files and papers a block home. We walked and talked together.
Wednesday Doug and I spotted each other across Fifth Avenue on my way home from work and we ended up having Thai iced tea and smoothies at my favorite neighborhood place for those delectable treats. We chatted about our friends we haven't seen for a while as well as about Pastoral Council issues. We were headed to a field trip to the Newman Studies building when the strap on my shoe gave out and we headed back with less than a block to the center.
Last night at choir practice Doug lent me one of his favorite movies, Going My Way, with Bing Crosby (love his crooner voice!). He told me to enjoy it and I sang a few lines of "Swinging on a Star."
This morning I opened an email from Keeks describing how the Republican Veep nominee is particularly dangerous for those with interests of most women. I find the Republican stance particularly disturbing as a practicing Catholic because their 'Right to Life' Includes WAR, a war that even the Vatican says is UNJUST. The Church I attend also embraces the theory of Evolution, which shows the beauty and relationships between us and God's other creatures. (Ms. Palin doesn't believe in evolution!?..Maybe that justifies her shooting dead so many of them, indiscriminately, for 'fun.')
...and my church is considered old-fashioned!
Labels: BAD, biology, friends, pain, pastoral council, politics, surgery, surprise, walking, Wellesley, work
posted by Grace @ 9/19/2008 08:31:00 AM
0 comments
Today was our choir's first Mass back for the 2008-2009 season. It was good to be back, for Holy Cross Sunday. Dad stayed for a Knights of Columbus event (his being a Fourth Degree Knight and former Grand Knight); Mom and I went to Wai Wai's for lunch.
After a nap and discussions with friends near and far away, I am at Mom and Dad's. Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon are on their way to Mom and Dad's for a few rounds of karaoke/Minus One. I patiently await their arrival, avec pizza.
Labels: Choir, dining, K of C, Mass, music, niece and nephew, phone, singing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
posted by Grace @ 9/14/2008 06:01:00 PM
0 comments
I met with Kelly U. this morning to plan for the year's Pittsburgh Wellesley College Alumnae Club events. We decided that we definitely want to have an annual winter holiday gathering, and perhaps a volunteer weekend day during the "Day to Make a Difference," and perhaps a tea tasting in the spring to welcome new members. We also chatted about our social lives, surgery, and travels.
I find myself in the computer lab on campus, with the masses, answering student emails and preparing for next week's lab.
~~~~~
Tonight I plan to attend the faith sharing group. I plan to bring the movie Ryan's Daughter (recommended by Pratima), for watching after the meeting and dining out. I've invited some friends to the group meeting, and I hope to see them in the coming weeks at the meeting.
~~~~~
8:40pm
Just returned from faith sharing and pizza with the group: Maximum Flavor pizza and drinks at Panther Hollow Inn. Pizza goers were Paul, Karina, Christina, Andy, Brian, Tom, and Alroy. Jose skipped out before pizza. Alroy gave Tom the "third degree" and they discussed Bible reading and canon law. I was glad to see Tom at the meeting, and hope to see Doug at the meeting next weekend.
Labels: biology, cinema, computer, dining, Faith, friends, list, love, school, surgery, tea, travel, volunteering, Wellesley, work
posted by Grace @ 9/13/2008 12:14:00 PM
0 comments
On the way to parking at the library tonight, William spotted Charles, on the way to teaching a class. We promised that Beatrice would sing her song to him next time.
During family story time at the Main branch of the Carnegie Library, William, Beatrice, and I went to a program led by Kathy M-W. She led them in a folk dance, then in origami story time, then she led the Hokie Pokie.
During the origami story time, she asked, "What would happen to the boat if it ran into [various places]?"
Beatrice answered, "Gone."
~~~
William and I corrected Beata at the children's department, when she "turned away" a little girl at entrance of the reading "tent" in the center of the room.
"Beatrice, you need to share."
"Say I'm sorry."
~~~~~
We said our farewells to Kathy, who presented us with a homemade box and snacks. We chatted about her daughter, who is in the third grade now, too. On the way out we quickly said hi to Miss Mae.
Labels: Carnegie, dance, family, friends, humor, international culture, library, Pittsburgh, singing
posted by Grace @ 9/09/2008 08:04:00 PM
0 comments
I saw a woman in an electric wheelchair while waiting today, and I said to her,
"You've got a Cadillac...I've got a stick," and brandished my cane.
This drew a laugh from her, nodding in agreement.
~~~
I had two lab sections in the past two days, and physical therapy early Monday morning, with a new PT student in partial attendance, too.
Labels: accessibility, BAD, exercise, humor, philosophical, Pittsburgh, surgery, water exercise
posted by Grace @ 9/09/2008 06:26:00 PM
0 comments
After noon Mass with Fr. Andrew Fischer, Roseanne from pastoral council and I handed out name tags at the Parish Picnic on the rectory lawn. She departed to dine, and Maureen soon sat with me at the name tag table. After a while we decided to get burgers, salads, chips, and watermelon. We then joined my parents who had arrived later, bearing a homemade lemon cake. I wandered off to get dessert and got caught up in conversation at other tables. After chatting at our table for a bit with Gloria L., we enjoyed the company of various others.
As mom and dad took leave, Maureen and I decided to collect my bag from her car. On the way out we had a lengthy discussion with Dan and Don from choir.
A nap was in order, then I sent two emails to my students, one focusing on administrative issues and safety.
Labels: Choir, Church, dining, email, family, pastoral council, Pittsburgh, singing, sleep, Songs, St. Paul Cathedral, work
posted by Grace @ 9/07/2008 08:03:00 PM
0 comments
Last night I spoke to Maureen,who was in orthopedic pain. I asked her if Karina and I should come over with ice cream ("What flavor?") and we ended up chatting well into the night. We had a grand time and saw Maureen's photos, et al.
Today I dropped off a TON of pics at Walgreens for developing. Also got drinks and snacks for the weeks ahead. Mom and Dad and I went to lunch at Wai Wai. We picked up a catering menu, too. I updated my encyclopedia article and sent it with the references list to my editor friend.
I'll call Walgreens, then spend some time relaxing before Faith sharing tonight.
~~~
After Karina's discussion of Mary's response to God's angel ("Thy will be done"), we headed to Pan Asian cuisine for dinner. Fabriola, Karina, Maureen, and I watched a movie I had rented, Then She Found Me, directed by Helen Hunt and starring Helen Hunt, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler, and Colin Firth. A good chick flick that raises important issues, despite a slightly stilted script.
Labels: children, Church, cinema, dining, encyclopedia, friends, ice cream, pain, photography, photos
posted by Grace @ 9/06/2008 03:49:00 PM
0 comments
Today was first Friday. Fr. Kim has a special devotion to the Sacred Heart on those days. Bob K. was lector, John was altar server, and Ken provided the music ministry. Dad provided television ministry with Martha M. Mom and I had a nice chat with Mary Lou P. and Elaine J. after Mass.
I ran some errands in the neighborhood this morning, prepped for lab next week and did two loads of laundry. A nap was called for...Marissa returned my phone call and Beatrice and Solomon talked to me on the phone. Beatrice sang "Up Above"/"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "Old MacDonald" to me on the phone. She told me about her visit to Illinois to see "Will, Suzie, and Grampy Bill," and about the fun times at Chucky Cheese. Marissa told her that I was singing in choir.
Labels: Beatrice, children, Church, Mass, niece and nephew, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, travel
posted by Grace @ 9/05/2008 05:53:00 PM
0 comments
Today was the start of meet and greet week for my classes. It was great fun to meet my Tuesday section, and I had lunch and went to physical therapy after my last student left.
~~~
Physical therapy consisted of bilateral exercises for all my table exercises, then pool exercises for the remainder of my two hours there.
~~~
I mailed Pratima's phone back to her (I found it at my home for her yesterday), after calling her that I had found the phone.
~~~
I attended the Faith Formation meeting tonight and was volunteered for the incipient Fr. Leo Vanyo library, being one of the few librarians that people know. Grace Morrissey was pleased, and happily worked on recruiting me for the job.
~~~~~
3 September 2008, 22:15
I spent from 9am to 4 pm doing meet & greet for two lab sections. Whew! After, I had a simple dinner sandwich, and took a nap before Pastoral Council. We had Fr. Kim join us as a new addition to our meetings. Great discussions, etc.
I received an email from Laurie about the arrest of Amy Goodman, an award-winning journalist at the Republican National Convention. I am appalled and outraged! Arresting the press for covering protests!! UNHEARD OF in a democracy. Whatever happened to protection of First Amendment rights? Shame....
~~~~~
4 September 2008, 22:45
I went to Mass in the morning and ran an errand in Squirrel Hill. I spent the afternoon in meet and greet with my last lab section, then went to physical therapy. In addition to bilateral exercises (concurrent), I also did an additional exercise in the pool: Lunges for 20 seconds. Then it was off to choir practice.
The first choir practice of the season brought most old members back and many new members. We also sang a "Happy Birthday" to Sara. I had a chance to chat with Jennifer H., Alice S., and Donna D. After most every had left, Judi, Don, and I chatted about church policies.
Labels: BAD, Church, excited, exercise, Mass, meeting, NASA, phone, pool, travel, water exercise
posted by Grace @ 9/02/2008 05:46:00 PM
0 comments
Today I was the lector for the early Mass, in celebration of Lalang's birthday. Fr. Breier celebrated, with Ed Sullivan as the server, and J.R. as the music ministry.
Today I drove out to Jen's parents' home and we carpooled with them, Jen & Bri, Guy, Katherine, and Jenna to Prince Gallitzin State Park. We had great fun grilling burgers and dogs, eating Joyce's baked pork 'n' beans, swimming in the water at Muskrat Beach with the kids, boating in their yet-unnamed pontoon boat, enjoying the apple-peach cider (especially Katherine!), and dining on Wendy's burgers. Katherine and I sang several versions of a song that she learned at school about your neighbor. All of Jen's siblings and their families were there, except for Kim, who had to work today.
We all had a grand time, and I'm glad and tired here at Mom and Dad's after the adventure today.
Labels: Birthday, Church, family, friends, Lalang, Mass, swim, water
posted by Grace @ 9/01/2008 09:59:00 PM
0 comments
Days in the life of me.
