Hallowe'en 2008
After work today I headed to chez Beatrice et Solomon for dinner with them and their parents and Nana and Papa. We dined on butternut squash soup, rice with General Tso's tofu, chicken in white sauce and stuffing with cranberry juice. Beatrice trick or treated behind Nana and Papa's doors on the first floor, I handed out mini Milky Way bars to the children who appeared at the front door, and we dressed Beata and Solomon as little clowns for trick or treating at Carnegie Mellon University. We visited the Science and Humanities Scholars' floor, and Beatrice enjoyed this immensely. William took a pic of a poster on their floor. On the first floor, K, a student dressed in a "SAVE DARFUR" T-shirt, encouraged her to take some candy and to take a UNICEF box for trick or treat.
Before dinner, I called Mom to hear updates about their voyage through Eurasia.
Labels: Carnegie, family, family-Marissa, international culture, school, science, seasons, student, surgery, surprise
YeSim, my friend
This afternoon, after teaching a lab section (during which Ben H. delivered the Power Point presentation), I spoke with a student, S, who is applying for an internship program through the State Dept. I received some messages from friends and family, and after chatting with them sent an email missive to my friend YeSim, who works in the Philippines. I am trying to get back in touch with her, as my parents are in Turkey currently.
My PT contacted me today and we made arrangements for my appointment next week. I am having pain in my L soft tissues around the hip, R sacroiliac joint pain, and lingering pain in my L lumbar region, all probably due to my compensating for the L hip, which is also dysplastic. My orthopedist said I need to go to physical therapy to try to resolve some of these issues, may need to go for a corticosteroid shot at some point, and eventually have surgery.
Labels: biology, family, friends, ice cream, international culture, medical mission, pain, Philippines, phone, surgery, swim, teaching, work
MM fave new blog, Hilarious link from K
M's fave new blog is written by an 82-year-old woman. Check out her blog!
And a while ago K sent me this link to SP in the Oval Office (eeK!) with the note, "Speakers 'on." Click on items around the room."
Labels: blogs, family, music, politics
Laryngitis, the continuing saga
Today's lab Vickie was the guest speaker for the Power Point presentation which Meredith had prepared for us. This was due to my continued laryngitis. The rest of the lab went smoothly. Vickie was so kind to wrap test tubes in Al foil and pour the G + H tubes for the Enzymes II lab.
Labels: biology, friends, voice, work
Laryngitis, continued; Visit to the Orthopedist
My laryngitis continued today, too. Tom was kind enough to present the Power Point presentation to my class at the beginning of class today. The course coordinators Carole and Meredith peeked in to check on me, too.
The sad event I mentioned yesterday was front page news in the Pitt News today. One of my students today was the suite mate of the student who died.
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I treated Tom to lunch today at the Pan-Asian restaurant. Then, I headed to the orthopedist's office. It was nice to visit with her, and she noted that I should tell my physical therapist my pain (on R side) upon walking > 1/4 mile and my residual pain on my L side after. She ordered PT for me (including core exercises), then injection (corticosteroid) when necessary ["no need to be a martyr"].
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Contacted Vickie N. about presenting the Power Point for my class tomorrow afternoon. She was accomodating.
Labels: biology, dining, farewell, international culture, list, pain, surgery, teaching, voice, work
Albinoni's Adagio for Strings
Today, while heading to the grocery store, I heard the Adagio in G minor by Albinoni on WQED. Saddened by the news from a student and by the news from a colleague today, I became teary-eyed.
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Today my voice was still gone, had asked Michele if she could lecture for me (she couldn't), and asked Tom to lecture for me at the beginning and at the end of the Enzymes II laboratory, which he did. He supplied his version of the Power Point presentation to the students. I was still able to talk to individual groups of students and also ask students to make classroom-wide announcements for me. I need to treat Tom to lunch or something like that.
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I've been eating more fish, upping the omega-3 fatty acids in my diet the past few days, in addition to taking 2000mg of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil extract daily, and my glucosamine chondroitin supplement, 400 I.U. of vitamin E daily, and a multivitamin in addition to extra strength Tylenol. I'll see my orthopedist tomorrow, so I'll update her about my dietary changes.
Labels: biology, dining, farewell, friends, health, music, pain, student, surgery, teaching, thankfulness, voice, work
Lost My Voice; Ken Danchik at Heinz Chapel
This week I lost my voice--one of my students, H, noticed my voice sounded different at the beginning of Thursday afternoon, and by the end of class I was losing my voice. I did not sing in choir today. Some people attributed my getting ill/feeling under the weather to my getting my flu shot this Tuesday, but Mom indicated that if people are getting sick so soon after the inoculation, they had probably been incubating/harboring that illness before.
It was a treat to hear the choir sing from the congregation side. They sang Locus Iste for the 102nd year of the dedication of this Cathedral building. I mouthed the words for all the prayers and songs.
Nancy, Ornella and her friend, and Christof, from choir; and Jeff, the Eucharistic Minister; and I dined outside amidst the slightly gusty and brightly sunny tables outside Kiva Han for lunch. Everyone but Nancy and I departed for work, and Nancy and I headed to Ken Danchik's organ concert at Heinz Chapel. He, of course, played Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, along with other, secular pieces in his recital, including some pieces by Langlais. We sat with Mary Pat and Betty. We saw Lisa, Emily, Liz, and John; Andrew, Don, and Dan, as well as Ken's former organ instructor.
The program consisted of:
Prelude and Trumpetings (Myron Roberts)
American Suite--Boys Town, Place of Peace; Scherzo-Cats; Big Texas (Jean Langlais)
Toccata and Fugue in D minor (J.S. Bach)
The Suspended Garden (Jean Alain)
Litanies (Jean Alain)
God of the Expanding Universe (Richard Feliciano)
Purcell Portraits (Joseph Wilcox Jenkins)
Omnes Sancti (Joseph Wilcox Jenkins)
Labels: Bach, Choir, dining, friends, music, organ, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, voice
Bellamy Brothers
Yesterday Nancy C. and I spent the afternoon and evening together. We met at the sushi buffet, as I was hankering fish (for the omega-3 fatty acids). I enjoyed two trips to the ice cream bar. After, we headed to Ross Park Mall and the new Nordstroms. We just sat in the midst of the shoe section for a while, taking it all in. After, we headed to some shops on the lower level (I purchased some earrings, she a smoothie), and while I waited for Nancy I ran into Regina. We vowed to see each other soon, and parted ways. Nancy and I did some window shopping at the last.
I was slowly losing my voice.
After a short time at home, Nancy picked me up for a concert at the the A.J. Palumbo Center of the Bellamy Brothers, with special guests Jesse and Noah, the sons of David Bellamy. Jesse and Noah opened the show, and their country rock sounds paved the way for the audience to enjoy the rest of the show.
Chatted with Nancy for a bit afterwards, and it was clear that I was losing my voice. I had some salabat while chatting on the phone, which helped a little bit.
Labels: dining, Duquesne U, international culture, music, Pittsburgh, shoes, shopping, voice
Samson et Dalila
After dining on salmon with avogolemeno soup and the signature dessert dish at Christos with Tom for dinner, we headed to the Benedum Center to hear the pre-show opera talk by the Opera Lady. We were prepared for a real treat, and were happy to hear it tonight.
The part played of the High Priest of Dagon was acted by Kim Josephson and sung from the orchestra pit by Mark S. Doss. The role of Samson was sung by Frank Porretta, and Dalila's part was richly sung by the mezzo voice of Stephanie Blythe. The choreography by Attack Theatre was appropriately suggestive in the dance sequences.
We enjoyed the opera, as well as seeing and meeting some of my friends: Michael from choir, and Tim from the Carnegie Library, with whom I chatted briefly; and seeing Tom's neighbor, who was in the chorus. We caught the bus back and Tom stopped by work on his way home. I continued to Mom and Dad's house.
Labels: Carnegie, dance, dining, friends, opera, weather, work
Technicolor Sky
This morning about an hour ago in William and Marissa's neighborhood there was a beautiful technicolor sky with high clouds and orange and pink against the dawn sky.
It was particularly beautiful and moving.
Labels: seasons, stars, weather
Linda Mini-Reunion
Yesterday Linda arrived for a mini-reunion with Charles, William, and I. We chatted at my home soon after she arrived, and had lunch with Charles at a Pan Asian restaurant. Charles treated us to the Carnegie International 2008, as well as to the rest of the Museum of Art and Natural History. After some more time chatting at home, we were treated by Charles and Susan for dinner at Casbah. I had the beet salad with oil, vinegar, lemon oil and fennel; as well as the sumac scallops floating on baba ghanoush. We had chocolate filled with peanut butter for dessert ("Buckeyes!")
All of us headed to the Squonk Opera open-air concert Astro-Rama in Schenley Plaza, where we met up with William. We enjoyed the lit Cathedral of Learning, and headed to my home for some hot apple pie with whipped cream and with ginger tea (salabat). Tom met up with us and we all enjoyed conversation with all present. Linda and I enjoyed the first 1/2 hour of Saturday Night Live after everyone else departed.
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Today Linda and I had a sweet and savory breakfast of: eggs with cheese crackers and salsa, toast with maple butter, and dark grape juice. After chatting a bit more, I went to choir practice at the Cathedral, and the choir sang noon Mass with Bishop Paul Bradley (concelebrating with Fr. Breier and Fr. Schreck).
We sang:
How Firm a Foundation
Proulx's Gloria from a Carillon Mass (and acclamations)
Guimont's Psalm 96
Berthier's Alleluia Gospel Acclamation
Hassler's Cantate Domino for the Preparation of Gifts
Communion Hymns--I Received the Living God (don't pop the joy!!) and
Elgar's Ave Maria
Recessional Hymn--Rejoice! The Lord is King
After Mass, Linda, Nancy, and I dined at Victor's restaurant, opting for the buffet, and listened to Nancy's ideas for Hallowe'en afterwards. We chatted at my home for a while, and then Linda departed, Nancy and I went to retrieve her jacket, and Nancy and I chatted for a bit...until she departed to see the Cathedral of Learning lit up.
Labels: art, biology, Carnegie, Choir, Church, dining, friends, home, light, Marietta, Mass, museum, opera, Pittsburgh, school, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
W
Friday, after I prepared G + H tubes with aluminum foil, and after I took a nap at home, Tom and I saw W at the Waterfront. Quite insightful and entertaining. I liked it more than JFK, also by Oliver Stone, but probably because I was more familiar with the characters in W. We went for ribs at Damon's, and spent some time at the Barnes and Noble bookstore. He bought a programming book, and I talked him out of an additional purchase there, a gift book that may have gone underappreciated. "Do you NEED it?" I asked.
On the way home, we passed by Schenley Plaza with the evening performance of Squonk Opera, as well as the Cathedral of Learning lit up.
Labels: biology, cinema, dining, light, Pittsburgh, politics, read, school, shopping, work
Beatrice's Birthday 2008
Yesterday was Beatrice's birthday. For lunch, Beatrice, Solomon, Marissa, William, Mom, Dad, Les, Cherie, and I celebrated with her at lunch. We met at a pizza buffet, where she said, "Everybody hold hands...[Let's] sing 'Happy Birthday.'" She opened Lolo and Lola's gifts to her, a stuffed fluffy pig and a book. Then we continued the party at Chuck E Cheese. She had great fun there, and several photos were taken of her (some with Solomon).
The afternoon was uneventful...I went with William and Beatrice to the Wilkinsburg Farmers Market. Then we continued to the Asian Mart. I walked ahead, since I am slower than they. At the corner of Penn and Wood Street I was almost hit by a car.
I was almost hit by a car...
The driver was not looking for pedestrians, and came within ten feet of me. Her front-seat passenger was yelling at the driver and pointing at me. I had raised my cane up in a harried, useless move to defend myself. Somewhat shaken inside, I headed to the store, which was open only about five more minutes. I bought some baos, and took my time, so that William and Beatrice would have a chance to show up. They bought some coconut buns.
We headed chez Beatrice for her birthday dinner celebration. Marissa had prepared taco lasagna, sweet peg corn, and homemade cake (we opened presents before the cake). She had all of us hold hands and sing "Happy Birthday" (the traditional and the Mr. Rogers versions of the song) several times before dinner got started. Beatrice got a clear Kelly backpack from me for carrying her books from the library. Susie, Ed, and Will got her a doll with a pack-n-play crib and all the accoutrements. William, Marissa, and Solomon had got her a set of blocks (with Braille) and a blue, red, and green backpack...she was getting tired when I departed, and hadn't a chance to open all her gifts. She seemed enchanted by the doll.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday, dining, dolls, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, singing
Post-midterms Week, Fall 2008
Tuesday I posted to Meredith the grades for the midterm---approximately average scores for each of my four sections.
After my office hours (and covering for Becky's 1/2 hour) yesterday, Tom and I went to lunch at the newest Mexican place on Forbes (neither one of us had tried that). He asked me for advice (which one can take or leave), and we enjoyed our burritos. I saw a former coworker from Social Sciences/General Reference at the Carnegie Main Library. We walked back to work.
Four o'clock yesterday brought the ice cream celebration of Beatrice's birthday at Baskin Robbins. William and I had our favorite flavors, Marissa tried the Whirl of Change flavor, and Beatrice and William shared a kid's cup of vanilla. She was full of energy (and sugar) after that...she DID get a lot of ice cream.
Last night Deb R. watched the last part of the Presidential debates, and spent the night. Deb lit candles in memory of her friend's mom at the Cathedral early this morning.
I am doing laundry---my mini-vacation! Today is Beatrice's birthday!
Labels: Beatrice, biology, Birthday, dining, economy, friends, ice cream, laundry, St. Paul Cathedral, walking, work
Weather, First Half of October 2008
Last Thursday after morning Mass Maureen and I had breakfast and chatted. It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed the sunshine and clear-as-a-bell skies.
This first half of October has shown to be beautiful weather, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s Fahrenheit: Sunshine, clear skies, unbelievably beauteous weather. Somehow, slowly, the leaves on the trees in my neighborhood have been slowly changing. Time for a "Leaf Trip."
Labels: Church, color, Faith, friends, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, weather
Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass 2008
After singing noon Mass in the choir this afternoon, Mom and Dad told me we were invited to Phyllis and Gene's celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary this year at a diocesan-wide Mass at St. Paul Cathedral at three o'clock.
The diocesan choir sang, Debby and John W. cantored, Don played at the organ, with many of the acclamations, psalms, and hymns were written by Fr. Jim Chepponis. They also sang Ave Verum by Mozart, "Now Thank We All Our God," and a postlude, "Trumpet Voluntary."
We made our way to the basement social hall for cookies, punch, and coffee.
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We celebrated Ornella's birthday with her and a group of choir and Choireland friends at the Grill restaurant on Craig Street. We had a fun time, and sang "Happy Birthday/ Buon/Feliz Compleano" to her three times.
Labels: Birthday, celebration, Choir, Church, diocese of Pittsburgh, friends, Ireland, Mass, Mozart, Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, Zubik
Carnegie International 2008
Last night after faith sharing Karina, Jen, Fabiola, Christina, Alroy, and I went to the Carnegie Museum of Art for University Night. There was music, food, and the galleries were open...specifically those for the Carnegie International show, Life on Mars. I brought my cane/chair combination, and we enjoyed the crackers & veggies with hot and cold dips and cheeses, drinks, and candy. The rest of the group quickly toured the galleries and reported back the "haunting" nature of the art in the CI show. What a fun evening!
Labels: art, Carnegie, celebration, Church, Faith, museum, soils, walking
Pratima Visits, October 2008
Pratima is visiting Pittsburgh this weekend. She, Ellen, and I had dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant on Craig Street last night. It was nice to catch up with her and her new workplace.
Labels: biology, friends, work
Midterms Week, Fall 2008
So, midterms week is upon us again. Last night, after administering my midterm, I helped Michele and Tom out with setting up theirs, and stopped by to chat with Becky.
Today, I had lunch with Mom and Dad after administering my Tuesday morning midterm. A long (2 hour) nap followed. Then a call from Roberta W., a good friend from my days working at the Carnegie Institute. Stopped in St. Paul Cathedral, while a group from St. Ferdinand's was visiting...mentioned Phyllis and also Fr. Steve.
Just returned from my hip exercises at the gym. Today I did:
stationary bicycle (10 minutes)
pool exercises (~45 mins)
pool exercises consisted of
water walking (20 min)
water sidestepping (12 mins)
plies and releves (20 x 3)
front, side, back (both sides, 15 @ side)
lunges (3 x 20 sec each)
Now I am relaxing by checking my email before dinner.
Labels: BAD, biology, Carnegie, Church, exercise, Ireland, pool, school, science, St. Paul Cathedral, student, surprise, water exercise, work
Pittsburgh's 250th Fireworks
Last night, we looked at photos from my new camera...After watching Going My Way (which had a child actor from Li'l Rascals, I SWEAR!), Nancy, Maureen, and I went for dinner at Victor's restaurant. Nancy and I enjoyed lamb dishes (with yogurt and with butter, respectively), and Maureen went for the dramatic sizzling chicken dish.
We headed to uptown to watch the fireworks display...with fireworks launched from various locations---including the tops of buildings---in town. There were heart fireworks, and Saturnine fireworks, and the traditional chrysanthemum-shaped fireworks. We were mesmerized. Nancy and I watched from our portable seats, Maureen stood next to us. It was a challenge capturing the fireworks without a tripod, while the batteries were running low, and as the memory ran out on my camera.
We had a grand time, and easily found our way home.
Labels: art, Birthday, cinema, dining, Pittsburgh, surprise
Pittsburgh's 250 Birthday; Newman First Friday Fest, October 2008
Yesterday, I worked on teaching issues after the weekly meeting. Karina and I went (late) to the Newman First Friday Fest. We met up with Fabiola there, and stopped by her practice room uptown to pick up her belongings, as well as to encourage her to play part of a piece she has been working on by Villa-Lobos, "The Countryside Party." We were moved by the piece.
Tonight Nancy C., Maureen, and I shall see a movie recommended by Doug, Going My Way, with Bing Crosby. Then, we will view Pittsburgh's 250th Birthday Fireworks celebration, which will be launched from various locations around the city. We are all really excited about it!
Labels: biology, Birthday, Church, cinema, Faith, friends, international culture, music, Pittsburgh, Point, teaching, work
The Illusion of Race
Pastoral council viewed the movie The Illusion of Race (1/2 hour version) before our meeting last night. Very interesting and informative. I prepared the prayers for the month, with the daily reading, thankfulness prayers, and closing with a Marian prayer. We also celebrated Fr. Andrew's birthday, with a lemon Bundt cake baked by Carmella. It was a particularly productive meeting last night, and we finished up in the corridor with a lively discussion about the relatively highly active spiritual life of Americans as compared to other developed nations.
Labels: Church, cinema, color, pastoral council, thankfulness, volunteering, work
