A Good Sunday/Monday
In preparation for this week: Sunday I graded quiz papers. Mom and Dad and I went to Steak and Shake for snack packs for lunch after Mass (during which I sang in the choir). I found out the grandma of one of my former students passed away this week.
~~~
Monday I finished grading the major presentations for the class, posted those grades to students' emails, returned papers to students, and taught my lab section.
Monday night I attended faith fellowship group at the Newman Center (Chad, Christina, Kyle, Seth, T., and I attended). Chad facilitated the group and after our novena, we discussed Confession and pondered the Catechism of the Catholic Church passage on Confession. Soon after, I attended the large Bible study group led by Fr. Mike. We read and discussed Galatian 4:1-20.
Labels: Bible, biology, dining, Faith, Mass, teaching, work
Bakery, St. Anthony's Chapel Reliquary, Pitt Repertory Theatre
Yesterday morning I rose early to grade quizzes. Maureen, Karina, and I went to the DEE-lish bakery in Millvale (Karina and I for the first time). I purchased an almond brioche (and a chocolate croissant for later). Maureen tried my brioche, and I tried her sugar bun. I saw Sara M. and her friend outside the bakery, and she, too, was a first-time customer.
We headed up to the original Pamela's restaurant, and made some small gift purchases at the pharmacy.
We then headed to Troy Hill, where St. Anthony's Chapel---which is the largest reliquary outside of the Vatican---is located. We arrived ~11:30 and enjoyed the space of the expanded chapel through prayer. There was a group of Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity saying the rosary and then saying a chaplet before noon, when a priest blessed religious articles and celebrated Mass with them and with anyone else wishing to participate in the chapel (including us). Maryann, one of the Brides of the Trinity, spoke with us individually about their mission to pray daily for priests, and invited us to join the group, which consists of both laity and religious.
After Mass, we spoke with Sr. Margaret, who invited us to attend a tour at ~1:20pm. (I asked her about the relics of St. Lucy--she replied that one of them is most likely near the BVM statue.) We retreated to the gift shop across the street to purchase medallions and prayer cards, returning in time for the tour.
We waited for a tour group that was to arrive at 13:00 until after 13:30, then started the tour. We sat in the original part of the chapel. We learned that there are liturgical calendars with relics from the various saints, relics from the apostles, St. Theodore's skull, a tooth from St. Anthony of Padua, a part of the BVM's veil, and slivers from the original cross of Christ. After the tour, the various visitors (some from Steubenville, Ohio) venerated the part from the original cross, and it touched our hearts. By this time, it was time for a late lunch, and the bus with the forty people had pulled up in front of the chapel.
We dined (serendipitously) at the Italian restaurant on the North Side of Pittsburgh--we had the Pizza Salsicce with the lean sausage.
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After a medium-length nap and some more grading, Nancy and I went to the University of Pittsburgh plays: Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All for You, The Moon Please, and Kuwait. All brilliantly produced and acted.
The U Pitt "Great 8" March Madness team was playing Villanova at the same time--several people were texting or calling friends on their cell phones to get the score. Near the end of the trio of plays we were disappointed to hear that our team had succumbed to March Madness.
Labels: biology, Church, dining, Faith, games, Pittsburgh, rosary, school, shopping, sports, student, work
Noseda and Znaider at the PSO
Tonight Nancy and I went to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Noseda conducted for the evening, and Znaider played the violin for the Korngold piece. We were particularly moved by the dramatic Korngold piece, which reminded me of a foxhunt. The final piece of the evening after intermission was Schubert's "Great," during which Noseda hunkered down for the pianissimo movements, dramatically danced with his whole body, and was expansive in his movements during the fortissimo movements.
During intermission, Nancy and I were first in line to meet Nikolaj Znaider. He signed my CD and program booklet, and Nancy took a photograph, after asking his permission. We chatted with Chris R. (formerly of choir, and an organist and trumpet player) soon afterwards.
We went for a snack after the performance 'round the corner...Nancy picked up her lunch for tomorrow.
Labels: dance, dining, friends, PSO
Bracelet Watches with Nancy; Choir Practice; Newman Center; Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday after work Nancy and I went to the Northland Public Library for a jewelry-making class. Both of us chose to make a bracelet watch. I used some of my own beads, and Marie L. helped us considerably during the findings process. Both of us were pleased with the outcome of our watches. We went for Mexican food at Qdoba afterwards, and listened to a recent cover of the old Judi Collins classic, "From Both Sides Now." (Before the class we stopped at Target for soap (on sale) and lightbulbs. We also stopped at Borders, where I purchased a CD for Friday night's concert. Then, I borrowed the paperback book Wicked after checking my email at the library.)
On Thursday, choir practice with Don and Ken rolled right along, preparing us for Easter and Holy Week. We had two new choir members, Ed and .
Tonight, we will go to the Newman Center (Nancy, Maureen, Karina, Christina, and I) for Friday fellowship. Nancy and I will go to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (to hear Brahms and the CD music) tonight.
~~~
Labels: Brahms, Choir, dining, jewelry, music, PSO, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral
Jeudi on Tuesday
Today is my day off---my jeudi---on Tuesdays. I read/ lectored at Mass today, during which Fr. Breier celebrated, Matt served, and Don was music ministry from the choir loft. Dad and Martha were television ministry. <44 people in the congregation received communion...It's usually 48-50.>I caught up on phone calls, moving items from my parents' home to my house, putting away laundry, and organizing and cleaning the kitchen and living room. I also fit a nap in.
I went to physical therapy, and gave my good news to my physical therapist, K. He was pleased to hear that I have a surgery date.
Maureen called me on the way home from physical therapy with news of Brian's Memorial Mass. We attended, during which Fr. Andrew F., Fr. Mike D., and Deacon Steve with Matt served. Maureen and I spoke to his parents and sister afterwards, and we saw Nancy and Tom M., Stacy, Chad, Judith, etc. I told his parents and sister that the fire of Christ was in his belly! We sang "The King of Love my Shepard Is" as the entrance hymn<, and #417, the last 2 verses, for the recessional hymn.>
Maureen and I walked to the burger shop for dinner/snack afterwards, and walked back afterwards.Labels: exercise, farewell, lector, Mass, moving, organizing, phone, singing, sleep, walking
News
So, I'm "normal" (as normal as *I * can be!!) as determined by my latest medical procedures.
I have a friend from Berkeley (who now lives in New Mexico, USA) who will visit me at the end of May, and two days after that a "niece of some of my friends" will visit.
I have my surgery tentatively scheduled for mid-June this year for my left (unoperated) hip. So, this is going to be a very busy summer for me.
My operated hip is ready to dance, and says to the other hip, "When are we going to dance?" So the unoperated hip says, "Be quiet and be patient!"
~~~~~
Went to the Newman Center for Faith Fellowship (which was not "on" due to low/no attendance), and for Bible Study with Fr. Mike on Galatians 3. It was nice to see Christina there, and we decided to try to meet Friday night, too.
Labels: dance, dreams, excited, Faith, friends, health, surgery
Up Early
So, I'm up early today---listened to the morning interview of Lois Lowry on the early Sunday radio show, headed to Mom & Dad's to do a few errands and to review my work for next week, and to check my email (nothing new since late last night)...I think about the friends and family I spoke with yesterday: Auntie Chi and Uncle Sonny, Luce (and her upcoming visit), Nancy (and our plans for Wednesday, Saturday, and then for Friday), Grace Y. (and our plans for Jenny to visit), Maureen (and our plans for after Mass); and the message not left for Anjali (including the thoughts of her---by many alti and soprani in choir---upon singing the conclusion of Bob Farrell's "Crucifixus")...and I write of these thoughts here.
I think of Mom and I watching "Dancing with the Stars" last night, our pleasant dinner with Dad after they returned from shopping...I think of the stars as I travel between Mom & Dad's home and mine early in the pre-dawn: The Big Dipper/ Big Bear/ Ursa Major visible from our urban outposts...and I heard little birdies in the trees twittering to each other as I travelled between our two locales early this morning.
I think of our friends, Rita, Elaine, and Mary Lou, to whom I delivered slices of homemade chocolate cake last night---and how Kevin and Rich in the garage turned down cake(!)
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After choir practice and singing in the choir during Mass Maureen and I drove to the Chinese buffet in Monroeville to meet my parents there. We enjoyed lunch there, and then I drove Maureen and I to the Monroeville Mall for some shopping. We went to Panera Bread near her home for a snack. Then I headed home and brought her to the Oratory for Eucharistic Adoration late in the afternoon.
Labels: biology, blogs, Choir, dance, dining, excited, laundry, music, seasons, singing, Songs, St. Paul Cathedral, stars, TV, writing
Maple Sugaring 2009
This morning I met William's family, Les, and Cherie at William's home for a trip to Fern Hollow Nature Center's Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Celebration. I enjoyed buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes, sausage, and orange juice. Solomon enjoyed the buckwheat pancakes. Beatrice enjoyed watching the girls look at the turtles, looking at the turtles, meeting the Big Black Dog, and all enjoyed the the Sewickley Heights History Center, especially the carriages there. I took some photos of our trip, and Les photographed us on the large lawn.
We then enjoyed our plain pie at our favorite pizza place in Bellvue. We all relaxed afterwards for a well-deserved rest.
Labels: dine, museum, photography, photos
Spring Garba--Hindu Students Coucil, University of Pittsburgh
Thursday, during my morning lab section, my boss came by, not feeling well. I covered for my boss on Thursday afternoon, and was quite tired after choir practice.
Friday after work (during which time Carole dissected the rats for next week) and after physical therapy (no pool today), and a shopping expedition for cross-body bags, I took a short nap and found Karina was interested in attending the Pitt Spring Garba, sponsored by the Hindu Students Council. Maureen, after some convincing, agreed to meet us after Newman Center grilled cheese sandwiches and salad and soups to depart for the Garba.
All three of us walked to the Garba, signed in, and I was greeted by Madeline K, one of my current students, who seemed to have enjoyed herself. A former student of mine, Diksha M, was happily dancing with her friends. We fell in one of the two lines for food, and I tasted the shahi matar paneer over rice, naan, and dark/white chocolate bark. I spotted Ellen Y. and invited her to join us. We enjoyed watching the garba/raas/bhangra (high-energy Indian cultural dance). At 9:30 Maureen, Karina, and I walked home. It was a great, pleasant evening for each and every one of us.Labels: biology, Choir, dining, friends, health, international culture, sleep, walking, work
Spring Break 2009 III
Friday morning I went grocery shopping in the Strip District, Mom prepared mung beans for lunch.
After dinner Mom & I went in search of table linens for Dad's induction ball...we went to McKnight road...We started at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, went to JoAnn Fabrics, KMart, and then to Gabriel Bros. Mom and I decided that we were both hungry afterwards.
~~~
Saturday Maureen and I walked to the dinosaur statue by the Carnegie Institute ("aging skin" or "copper oxides forming" on Diplodocus carnegieii) to meet with Karina. We had burgers and fries at Five Guys. We then took a bus back to drop off Karina, and Maureen and I stopped by her home to get her automobile.
We saw Maureen's school where she works and the home that Ben grew up in. We then went to Century III Mall: JC Penney's, Dollar Store, Walmart, Gabriel Bros., and a Sporting Goods shop for tackle gear.
What fun!
~~~~~~~
21:30 Sunday
Today before choir practice spoke about Trekkie stuff, tricorders, tribbles, #1, Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard, etc...Lisa congratulated me on my warm-up singing technique.
Today after choir practice, Mom, Dad, and I went to Mass and to Chinese buffet in Pleasant Hills. Relaxed in front of email late this afternoon. Just awoke from a short nap, and spoke with Maureen.
Labels: Carnegie, Choir, dining, email, shopping, singing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, TV, weather
Father Leo Vanyo's Mass of Christian Burial
We went to the hip doctor this morning. The attending or resident doctor has the same name as one of my students! I am pleased with the outcome of my first hip replacement, and the outcome of the appointment was that I should think about when I should have my surgery and call the office to schedule it.
~~~~~
The Mass for Christian Burial for Reverend Leo V. Vanyo was held this morning at eleven o'clock. The principal celebrant was Bishop David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh. Doreen and his family from Ohio were visible in the first rows, where Dad and I sat. Daphne cantored, and the choir sang
Prelude: Sicut Cervus
Lift High the Cross
Psalm 23 (J. Gelineau)
Dies Irae
Acclamations (R. Proulx)
Communion:
Ave Verum Corpus
Gift of Finest Wheat (Kreutz)
Jesus So Lowly
Rite of Commendation:
Saints of God (R. Proulx)
Dismissal: In Paradisum (Plainsong)
Salve Regina [Sung by the Diocesan Priests]
I Know that my Redeemer Lives
Spoke with Mrs. Belinda T. and Renee after Mass, Daphne, and Lilly (who sang in the choir).
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I treated Mom & Dad to Japanese buffet for lunch. We went shopping for table linens afterwards, and I went to physical therapy and donated some items after. I had a small dinner, and then went to choir practice. We had a new choral member join, Craig. Nancy and I chatted for a while after practice.
Labels: Choir, dining, farewell, friends, health, Mass, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, Zubik
Father Leo Vanyo's Memorial Mass
This afternoon, after a long nap I had a snack and headed to choir practice for Father Leo V. Vanyo's Memorial Mass. There were some choir members from St. Paul Cathedral, St. Bernard's in the South Hills (where Fr. Vanyo was in residence for about a decade), and Diane R., Debby Z. (cantor), and James W., who is on spring break, too. We sang
I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Psalm 23 (Wood/DKF)
Acclamations (R. Proulx)
The Beatitudes (Russian Orthodox Chant)
Gift of Finest Wheat (R. Kreutz)
O Lord We Believe (R. Kreutz)
God's Blessing Sends Us Forth
Father Robert Grecco was the principal celebrant, and Father Breier was the homilist. Don was the music director, and Ken was at the organ.
Betty and I shared some happy memories of Father Vanyo before choir practice.
Labels: Choir, farewell, Mass, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
Spring Break 2009 II
Spent the morning going through old slides, catching up on correspondence, eating breakfast, and going to physical therapy. Stopped by on campus to get a little work done, and added my photo to my professional blog. Had a croque monsieur on half of a sun-dried tomato bagel, and green salad for lunch with mom and dad. What fun! Just watched a WQED special, Masters of Glass, about the Pittsburgh Glass Center.
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After tuna noodle casserole and greens salad for dinner, I completed the necklace Dad and I started from the glass rosette/floral piece (which I bought with Karina). Dad helped me to get the jump rings onto the chain to attach the magnetic clasps, and I worked on the pendant.
We're watching Dancing with the Stars tonight.
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Tuesday 10 March 2009
I sent my City Tax Form (2008) out today. After lunch, Marissa, William, Beatrice, Solomon, and I went to the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library. Neither William nor I had been there before, and upon entering, Beatrice headed directly for the far end of the room and the castle. We played in the room with the balls and with various items there, including a car and gas pump. We also watched Beatrice paint in the art room, and she and I cleaned up together afterwards. Solomon and Marissa moved toys from the top floor of the doll house throughout the house, whilst William, Beatrice, and I had fun with the various hats (astronaut helmet, construction worker, etc.) We were certain to use the hand sanitizer on the way out. I thanked Beatrice for inviting me to join them today.
I found the talented picture of me "and a balloon" Beatrice drew for me. She is very observant and talented when it comes to faces. Maybe she will be like Lolo, whose high school classmates dubbed "the next Michelangelo."
I stopped by Lolo and Lola's place to share the picture with them, and have made earrings for the floating glass mirror necklace I made first. I will work on designing another necklace this afternoon.
~~~~~
Wednesday 12 March 2009
Yesterday evening I went to the PNR meeting---it was a small group that night. We spoke mainly about questions Maxine Bruhns had about design issues, and how we would address them. The meeting lasted about 2-3 hours.
Today, Karina and I dined with Maureen at Victor's restaurant. The buffet was great, then we walked to the public library for Karina to drop off some books. A stop in the bead shop was in order, and Karina repaired the clasp part of a bracelet I had purchased.
A nap followed, until choir practice.
Labels: art, blogs, Choir, citizenship, cleaning, dance, dining, email, exercise, family, games, glass, jewelry, library, painting, photography, photos, PNR, TV, water exercise
Spring Forward!
Yesterday was the beginning of Daylight Savings time. That morning about 7am I headed (dressed in my Sunday clothes) to my parents' home to accomplish some early morning work. Within ten minutes the emergency alarm went off. As far as we could tell, it was "the real thing." ("Who would be cooking or smoking at THIS hour?" I quipped.) I waited for my mom and dad to get dressed, then we headed downstairs to wait the arrival of the firemen, who had inspected the floor in question. ("Do you want to go to my house?" I asked Mom & Dad.) The firemen then asked Rich a few questions before departing. We finally jumped on the second elevator heading up, when my parents returned to bed and I got a little work done.
Labels: alarm, family, light, seasons
Transfiguration Sunday 2009
This Sunday was Transfiguration Sunday. We had sung the hymn
Transform Us
Kyrie Eleison (Lotti) (which Mom liked)
Lenten Gospel Processional (Chepponis)
Jesus So Lowly (Friedell) ---after introduction of the 25 catechumens and elect,
Holy, Holy, Holy / Sanctus from the Vatican Mass XVIII
Acclamations from the Danish Mass
Lamb of God / Agnus Dei from L. Deiss
Grant to Us (L. Deiss)
Hide Not Thou Thy Face From Us (Farrant)
Lenten Prayer verse (Passion Chorale, H. Hassler)
Don directed and played the organ (in Ken's absence), Linda cantored, and Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass.
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Mom, Dad, and I went to Bloomfield for Chinese food. Dee-lish (with jasmine tea).
Mom and I have been working on Dad's inauguration this afternoon (the continuing saga). I also took a much-needed nap.
Labels: Choir, dining, medical mission, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Two Deaths this Week
This week at the Cathedral there were two deaths of individuals I knew: Bryan, a young man from my Faith-sharing group, and Fr. Leo Vanyo, former rector of St. Paul Cathedral.
Bryan was a young man who had the fire of Jesus in him. He was driven to proselytize all over the city of Pittsburgh---from street corners to back alleys, to our faith-sharing group. I distinctly remember his looking to distribute tracts outdoors, even in the dead of winter. I sometimes saw him in deep thought at the back of the church, praying. His light and passion will continue to be a beacon for all of us in the faith-sharing group, especially due to his quick and untimely demise. We continue to pray for his soul and for his desire to carry the Good News to all.
Fr. Leo Vanyo was the previous rector of St. Paul Cathedral. He was a man with a wit and with a deep understanding of the Word of God, history of the text, and theology; evident from the homilies he delivered on Sundays. He cared enough to send a small, handcrafted gift to each and every chorister the season I started in the choir. Although he was ill with cancer, he will be remembered by many of us who have been attending the Cathedral for a while. He will be missed.
Labels: Choir, Church, Faith, farewell, prayer, re, St. Paul Cathedral
Spring Break 2009
Yesterday afternoon was the beginning of Spring Break for Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Yesterday, on my way to physical therapy I saw the mass exodus down Fifth Avenue out of Oakland.
I noted to my students this week, "Don't go looking for me next week, because I won't be here." and, "Next week is Spring Break---you have a break from me [and I have a break from you]."
Choir candy orders were handed in this week during rehearsal, and I handed back all papers from my students (which they gave me this week) by 12:30pm Friday.
I started my first full day of Spring Break with a retreat with Parish Pastoral Council after the second morning Mass (the televised one). Sr. Susan from the diocese of Greensburg led the retreat.
~~~~~
Maureen and I walked to the Carnegie Library and looked at some great magazines and books. We stopped at the bead shop on the way back.
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Karina and I went for ice cream in Squirrel Hill, to kick off the summer. We also stopped in Avalon Exchange for belts and buckles.
Labels: Carnegie, chocolate, Choir, Church, excited, exercise, friends, ice cream, pastoral council, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, thankfulness, walking, weather, work
40-Day Anniversary of Herminio Z-F
Today before work I dropped off some graded papers for my Friday section; dropped off a Sarris Easter candy order form for my co-worker, Jen S.; and dropped off two recommendation forms for a student looking to transfer in his sophomore year (closer to home).
I taught, then showered and napped, used my coupon that Wawa gave me to dine at Quiznos ("million sub giveaway") on a French dip sub, then walked to the Newman Center for Bible Study on Galatians (and handouts on the Council at Trent) with Fr. Mike. I met Maggie (Kyle's girlfriend), who had just recently made him a rosary with beautiful green beads by hand.
Fr. Mike said the Mass at nine o'clock, with Deacon Steven and Fr. Kim, and an altar server. Fr. Mike made mention of Tina's father, Atty. Herminio Z-F, on the 40th day of the anniversary of his passing.
Donna was kind enough to give me a ride home, and we listened to some great country music.
~~~~~
I wrote a recommendation for a first-year student this morning.
Labels: biology, chocolate, dine, Faith, farewell, Mass, music, rosary, school, sleep, student, work
First Sunday of Lent 2009
Lisa P. dubbed me the "Best Arrayed for Lent" in the choir loft today. I guess my head band, purple sweater, and dusty rose clogs all contributed to this citation. After Mass I met up with Karina, who showed me how to finish a black crystal Y-necklace we had started.
Christoph, Jess, Christen, Ornella, Andrew, and I ended up at Starbucks after Mass. We enjoyed hot beverages on this brisk, blustery day. Andrew attempted to fix Ornella's laptop, but to no avail.
It was nice to nap afterwards, work on some jewelry, prepare recommendation materials for a student transferring to another campus, and have a light dinner. Maureen and I will have a snack after her Eucharistic Adoration.
Labels: biology, Choir, cold, computer, Faith, jewelry, school, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
