Last Day, September 2009
This morning I got some grading done as well as attended Fr. Drew's Sunday Scriptural Study (for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B). Clare and I walked back together, then I took a short nap and headed in to work to set up for the microbial practical quiz.
~~~
21.10
Just returned from the organ recital by Dame Gillian Weir. Absolutely amazing! Her playing was fantastic, and she performed a repertoire that spanned centuries as well as geographic space. I sat with Joe and Tina, and Maureen sat near us, too.
I'm nervous that all the equipment for the lab will be in place for tomorrow....
Labels: biology, Church, Faith, music, organ, read, work
Post-Operative Dancing, September 2009 II
I went folk dancing this evening. I saw Carol (who is 80+ years), Dave, and my coworker Ellen, who all remember when I used to go dancing there when Kathy M-W used to dance there. We learned a couple of Hungarian dances, an Armenian dance, a cowboy line dance, and more. I downed 5 mugfuls of water, too, being a thirsty girl! I met Alicia, from Italy.
Labels: dance, international culture
last Monday in September 2009
After work, I graded papers from my students. I still need to score them and record the scores.
I saw Christina, Karina, Kyle, Franco, and several other group regulars at the Newman on the Bible discussion group led by Frs. Joshua and Steven. Quite enlightening on Cardinal John Henry Newman's life.
University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers ("Madz")
Today was the event by the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers. I arrived at 11am at Heinz Chapel to help out--the ushers were all at the student union building, which I found out when I went there.
The group was running late, so they went directly to Heinz Chapel. I worked the Will Call and directed people toward the correct locations.
~
The group was nothing short of masterful in their presentation and interpretation of sacred, secular, Philippine folk songs, and contemporary music. They have been designated as a UNESCO group, and have won various awards in Europe and around the globe.
~
I drove (courtesy of Bob H's directions) Enzo and Sherwin to their host's home. We all changed, and then went to Bob and Malou's place for dinner with Jacqueline and Chi Chi. Jacquie and Malou were to do laundry, and Bob let the boys into their host home. After exchanging contact information, hugs, and several photo ops, we departed for our respective places.
Labels: Choir, friends, ice cream, languages, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, school, singing
This Saturday Morning
...I've sent an email to one section of my students,
done two loads of laundry,
took a half-hour nap,
gone grocery shopping,
run an errand in rainy, downpour conditions in Squirrel Hill,
and prepared and ate a snack.
Time for another nap before I join William's family for a museum outing!
~~~
and we enjoyed the Carnegie pair, museum of Natural History and Museum of Art. It was great fun walking about with the children and Marissa and William. We ran into Lisa and Autumn for lunch, then Beata and I enjoyed making two photo montages (photos courtesy of the Teeny Harris collection). We saw the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh show upstairs, too.
Labels: art, Carnegie, dine, email, laundry, museum, photography, sleep, student, work
Successful Women...
and marriage. Two stories about them on the Root and on NPR.
Labels: list, love
Up Early
Here I be, up early. All quiet, as usual, outside.
When I hit the sack last night at ~ 9.00 all was pretty quiet, and the sky was pretty clear, with a couple of stars / planets visible from my urban outpost.
All is right in the world.
Labels: Pittsburgh, sleep, stars
After that, glass...
...near the end of my morning walk today Maureen and I saw a Pittsburgh glass truck heading west on Fifth Avenue as it crossed Bellefield. It held large sheets of plate glass on the side of the truck.
What happens the morning after...
Labels: adventure, American history, glass, international culture, walking
Saving Grace
Here, a link written by a father on his daughter's dating.
Second Day of G-20 in Pittsburgh: Police Presence
Before 11.15 am today I:
Read Haggai 2:1-9 and Psalm 43:1-4.
Had trouble getting into the church building
Said the Rosary and Chaplet with a group of people (including Dad, Oscar, his daughter Christina, Maureen, and Lisa C.)
Picked up my wallet, and walked with Maureen to Pamela's, Oakland
Saw < 10 potential protesters at Schenley Plaza
Saw foot police in dark colors in a group of ~20 on Bellefield Avenue heading south
Saw firemen from Sewickley travelling west
Saw PAT buses marked SPECIAL bearing troopers
Saw a lot of police presence, in general
Sat directly under a broken and boarded window at Pamela's
Enjoyed my breakfast with Maureen, at a lively restaurant, next to gentlemen who ordered takeout, and single people, some carrying soft-sided luggage. Some of those dining looked as if they might be protesters
We met up with a man taking a photo of the damage at Pamela's
Saw a woman taking a photo of the damage at American Apparel
Saw McDonald's boarded up with plywood
There was a white tent over the W entrance of the Cathedral of Learning
Stopped in a computer lab on campus
Saw well-dressed foreign visitors from Japan visiting the Cathedral of Learning
Saw a convoy of motorcycle police traveling north on Bellefield at the same time as we
Saw a platoon of county mounted police travelling south on Bellefield
saw the Mellon Institute had "Falling Objects" tape around the front entrance
Saw bicycle police at the NE corner of the Mellon Institute building
Saw Fr. Barry and Fr. Kim walking about
Generally, there were fewer U Pitt-looking students on Forbes Avenue,
Fewer pedestrians,
less foot traffic,
less vehicular traffic ("It's eerie," said Maureen)
no parked cars for stretches.
I think I'll do my laundry this weekend...
Labels: American history, automobile, citizenship, ice cream, international culture, languages, photography, prayer, read, repair, school, St. Paul Cathedral, work, writing
eeK NONpeaceFUL demonstrations
First, Lawrenceville had a demonstration (sans permit) that led to confrontations with the police. Tear gas canisters were fired into the crowd, with a masked demonstrator throwing at least two back at the police. People were arrested after being told to disperse.
The windows of the PNC Bank near Paddy Cake Bakery were broken by a demonstrator wielding a hammer. Some of the protesters headed into Shadyside, where they broke front windows at the Boston Market and tore down fencing at a lot across the street. Too bad for the peaceful, nonviolent demonstrators.
Labels: Pittsburgh, politics
Leading Up to G-20 Pittsburgh
Monday night after work and physical therapy I attended the Pittsburgh Summit Interfaith Prayer Service at Saint Paul Cathedral. There was an organ prelude and postlude by Don, hymns, a welcome by Bishop David Zubic, a sounding of the Shofar, Scriptural readings, sung psalms by the Compline Choir, intercessions, musical interludes, a sign of peace, the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, and tag team blessings and benediction.
Maureen and I found out F had been mugged, in a safe neighborhood. Karina went to visit her Monday.
~~~
Wednesday (yesterday) Maureen and I brought a salmon and quiche dinner and snacks to F, who was visiting with her beau, J. We spent the visit talking about various things, enjoyed soft drinks, and all prayed together before we departed for our favorite jazz place. (No jazz tonight.) There were lots of filming tents and trailers in the neighborhood...they're filming a movie in that neighborhood, I saw posters for extras up this week. We enjoyed milkshakes, and saw A out on a stroll, too.
~~~
Today, we were planning on brunch with William's family. I checked out the G20 website for road closures and permits for demonstrations. I heard through the grapevine that there may be protests (non-permitted) in our neighborhood. I called the police special events committee, and they indicated that any additional protests would be without a permit, as no new permits were being issued. I thanked her, and noted that I saw guys in fatigues in my building at work yesterday, ensuring our safety.
Needless to say, our brunch is postponed.
Labels: biology, international culture, music, organ, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, work, Zubik
First Day of Choir Season, September 2009
Today was the first day of choir season, the twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We sang
Make Us True Servants (Gaelic: Slane tune)
Gloria from the Carillon Mass (R. Proulx)
Psalm 54 (O. Alstott)
Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
O Lord We Believe (R. Kreutz)
Acclamations from the Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei (Chant)
Gift of Finest Wheat (R. Kreutz)
O Sacrum Convivium (Croce)
The Kingdom of God
the postlude was Fanfare for the Common Man (A. Copland), composed at the conclusion of WWII, it is played here as a prayer for peace during the G-20 Summit.
Mom, Dad, and I went to a Chinese buffet in Monroeville for lunch. Mom and I went home to nap, Dad went to Christina V's wake.
AR was quoted in an article in the Los Angeles Times today. It focused on the UCLA Bruins and students from Dorsey who have helped out the team. A.R. was quoted as a tutor who helped to prepare the students for university. He is focusing his graduate degree work on underprivileged populations.
Labels: California, Choir, dining, economy, family, farewell, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, singing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
Post-Operative Dancing, September 2009
After I stopped in at the computer lab at work to work on Nationality Room and UST projects, I worked on a student recommendation. I walked back, had dinner and a nap, and met Christina at swing dancing in Squirrel Hill. We had great fun. I danced with Ralph, Larry, cha-cha line dance to "Let's Get Loud," Christina, and Ralph (again). I bought some snacks while there, too. Christina and I made plans for during the G-20.
Off to Heinz Chapel Rehearsal!
This morning I will be off to Heinz Chapel Rehearsal for the Madz (University of Philippines Madrigal Singers) next week. A dry run for next weekend's performance. I will suggest posting runners for our Will Call table.
~
Last night after my work afternoon meeting and a nap I went with Maureen and Karina to our favorite Thai restaurant in Highland Park. I enjoyed the Yum Duck Salad. By the time we headed out at nine o'clock we were all wiped out. A fun night out with the girls, again.
Labels: biology, dining, friends, Pittsburgh, school, singing, sleep, work
G-20: Department Planning
Whilst teaching yesterday morning, my supervisor Carole handed me a memo about rescheduling Thursday and Friday classes of our subdepartment next week during the G-20 Summit. I made the announcement to my class, posted it outside the door, and indicated that it would be posted electronically later.
Right before office hours Heather and I went to the PittArts Fair, with opportunities to win free prizes! I spoke to Nancy about some of the events later during choir practice.
I helped Mom & Dad with some computer internet issues, then took a nap, had dinner, and went to choir practice. Don canceled Thursday choir practice next week. He mentioned the 1-hour interfaith service on Monday.
Labels: art, biology, Choir, Faith, international culture, politics, school, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, work
Walkin' after Seven
I went to physical therapy this morning, then taught this afternoon.
I had dinner, took a nap, and met up with Karina and Maureen for a walk to the far side of Shadyside and back to Maureen's car for a ride home. There was an opportunity to stimulate the economy, which I took.
Labels: exercise, friends, shopping, sleep, walking, water exercise
Newman Center and League of Women Voters meetings
Monday night I attended the discussion at the Newman Center led by Frs. Steve and Joshua on Dei Verbum, the Vatican II document: Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. We discussed excerpts from chapters I and II, and Fr. Joshua mentioned the fact that the document is mentioned in most recent copies of the New American Bible. Fr. Joshua asked for our input on completing the thought of II:7, that is, "In order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church, the apostles...
"reproduced themselves (through time) in the Church [as the Bishops]," was my completion of the sentence.
We chatted for a while with Fr. Joshua after the discussion, and Kyle, Franco, Jose, and I walked back to our homes or respective campuses.
~
Tuesday afternoon I attended a League of Women voters meeting which was to be on the issues of the G20 summit. The speaker spoke about the US and Pittsburgh economy and predicted trends for the near future. I met Carol, Laryn, and Ms. Rose and Levy at the meeting. There were a number of CORO individuals there, too.
Two Picnics
I went to two picnics yesterday---one after the noon Mass at Church, and one at my building for dinner.
The St. Paul Cathedral parish picnic was much fun. I sat next to Regina's parents at Mass, and we sat together under a tree at the picnic. Brian's family sat at our table, Christina and her brother Bob joined us, as did Mom and Dad.
Christina and I explained that we knew Brian from the Newman Center and that he was missed.
Christina and I wandered around after dessert (and more dessert of gobs), and agreed to meet for Bible Study this week.
~
I went back for a nap, some work, and then my building's picnic. We played Meet-your-neighbors Bingo, and I signed "Have flown a plane" "Lives on Nth floor," "Teaches/Taught at Pitt" and "Likes to Paint (art)."
I had fun talking to my neighbors from my floor, and the 5th floor.
~
I typed some documents for Mom & Dad last night, too.
~
Sunday morning Maureen stopped by and we talked about teaching strategies.
Labels: art, dining, Faith, family, farewell, friends, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching
Out with the Girls
Friday and Saturday were times out with the girls.
Friday day the teachers heard Joanne from campus instructional design (CIDDE) present a powerpoint presentation on "Teaching in Labs." I shared my "thumbs up, thumbs down" voting and ensuing classroom discussion scheme with my colleagues during the discussion session.
Dad helped me to organize my teacher's seating chart (with info from Tim A. at Panther Central).
Maureen and Karina and I returned to Maureen's favorite store to get security tags removed from purchased clothing. We also made a few purchases, which were end-of-season. We dined at our favorite Thai restaurant in Highland Park.
Saturday I attempted to make transfer/shuttle bus arrangements for family's upcoming trip (I was not too successful). I walked to work and updated my rosters, attendance and grade sheets, and seating charts.
Maureen picked me and Karina up for the Accordian Pool Party at Leslie Pool in Lawrenceville. Susan wes a co-organizer of the party, and I saw Charles, his folks, Susan, Franklin and his wife Abby (who was one of the accordianists), Jo (who helped teach Eastern European folk dance), Adam and Frank (from Saturday dancing), and William, who arrived later. We enjoyed the music and watching people dance in the pool. I also assisted Susan whilst she folded (accordian-style!) the afternoon's brochures.
Maureen, Karina, and I went for pizzas (quattro stagione, salsiccia e cibolle), then went to the Indian community gathering (which William told us about) in Schenley Plaza. There Maureen purchased a beautiful sky blue Indian outfit. We enjoyed a dessert of sweetened cream of wheat. The lights were particularly inspiring, the music rhythmically repetitive that evening.
Labels: dance, dining, family, friends, international culture, music, Pittsburgh, work
Busy Busy Day: First Day of Choir Practice
Thursdays will be my busy days this semester. Even without classes yesterday, my Thursday was busy.
I took my prophylactic antibiotics before a routine teeth cleaning, met Eric for computing help while covering for B for an office hour, sitting in office hours while a handful of my new students came to catch up and make up, (a second consecutive day at) physical therapy, and then our first day of choir practice.
To introduce myself, I said, "Hi, I'm Grace---And I'm standing," which brought a round of applause. I also said, "I've been in choir since '98, with a hiatus...And I teach at Pitt."
Don explained that "[I] now have..."
"..hips!" I exclaimed, joyously.
~~~
4.50am Sunday 13 Sept 09
Oh, also missed the Steelers 2009+ season opening game.
Labels: BAD, biology, Choir, games, health, school, sports, student, surgery, teaching, teeth, work
Itzhak Perlman at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Itzhak Perlman performed tonight with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Need I say more?
Oh, okay: He was GREETED with a rousing standing ovation.
~~~
Friday 11 September 2009, 8.45
I met Lauretta outside the concert hall, and we chatted.
The night started out with my seatmates Ieva and Elizabeth and I discussing our place in the "university seating" arrangements, and how we lucked out with our seats. I took a pre-announcement, pre-concert photo of some of the musicians on stage: It was Gala Night, so most of the women musicians wore brightly colored ball gowns. Elizabeth and I were rather surprised with placement of some of the string section, as well as pleasantly surprised to see Andres, too.
Manfred Honeck and the Symphony played:
Overture to Der Freischutz (Carl Maria von Weber),
The Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88 (Antonin Dvorak),
they were joined by Mr. Perlman for:
Concerto No. 3 in G Major for Violin and Orchestra, K. 216 (W.A. Mozart),
and all finished the night with
Liebesfreud (Fritz Kreisler).
We were all delighted, and I met Peggy on the bus. A rather enjoyable night out, featuring the talents of Mr. Perlman and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Labels: Honeck, Pittsburgh, PSO, school, teaching
First Week of Classes: My Advice to Students
During my first week of classes my advice to students included:
1. Go get a pair of cheap eyeglasses to use in lab.
2. My "Safety Song" that Don placed in sheet music format.
3. Form study groups (the lifeblood of the college study experience)
4. You're a commuter? Find a friend on campus and bring a sleeping bag if classes are not cancelled during the G-20 Conference.
As for G-20, road closures will probably not be announced until close to the date, if at all. Perhaps "rolling" class cancellations will be in effect at some campuses. I've agreed to work for a commuting colleague during a time shift that G-20 is in Oakland.
Labels: American history, biology, list, meeting, Pittsburgh, sleep, student, work
Official Tour Guide
Yesterday, at about 2am Uncle Alex, Auntie Baby, and Auntie Chuchi arrived for a Labor Day visit. I went to run errands in Squirrel Hill, at the Carnegie Library, and sheet music was provided for a piece I had requested on CD.
Mary Ann H. picked me up, we went to the Pitt vs. Youngstown State University football game at Heinz Field, and had great seats. When the score got to 31 vs. single digits for YSU at the end of the third quarter, Mary Ann and I headed back to Station Square (no chance of flipping the game at that point). Lots of walking for us "li'l ol' ladies."
I headed home for a meal and a nap, and then met up with Christina for some dancing in Squirrel Hill. Fewer "regulars" were there, Ralph and Larry were the only leads with whom I regularly dance with who were there.
Today, I will be the Official Tour Guide for the visiting group.
~~~
Monday 7 Sept 09, 9.55
Yesterday we dined at Pamela's Diner, where President Obama enjoys the Pancakes made by Pamela and Gail's recipe. Dee-lish. Chuchi and I enjoyed an order of Pamela's crepe-like pancakes and Lyonnaise potatoes. We all went to see the stores and street vendors on Penn Avenue on this long weekend. I met up with them again at the end and Chuchi and I went in search of Mom's movie requests, first at the library...
which was closed when we arrived. We enjoyed touring Schenley Plaza (there was a magician under the tent, and the carousel was in full force), the front of the Pitt Frick Fine Arts building (both with views of the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel), and Forbes Field home plate in Posvar Hall.
We headed home after to find where we might find A movie. After a few phone calls, we found Music Box with Jessica Lange, one of mom's favorite movies, which she first saw with Uncle Sonny and Grandma. We all took a nap. Auntie Chuchi made dinner! It was delicious. William's family joined us all, though it was beyond the children's bedtime. After William's family departed, Dad, Mom, Uncle Alex, Auntie Baby, and I watched the movie. Chuchi turned in early.
We'll be going to the sushi buffet today.
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, dance, family, games, library, sleep, sports, visitor, walking
End of the First Week at Work, Fall 2009
This Wednesday I had an early morning physical therapy appointment, and a late Pastoral Council meeting. Carmella brought pizzas and homemade cake. Prayers were prepared and said by myself and Matt.
Thursday was my first office hours set. I had a student discuss the next lab assignment. Maureen picked me up and we met up with Nancy for the pre-season concert of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Lawrence Loh conducted, Ellen Chen-Livingson was solo violin on the Brahms piece (she was great with child), and Larry Richert of radio fame was the host.
They performed:
"Hoe-Down" from Rodeo (A. Copland)
Selection (II. Allegretto) from the Symphony No.5 in D minor, Op. 47 (Shostakovich)
Eljen a Magyar!, Op. 332 (J. Strauss, Jr.)
the (II.) Adagio from the Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra (J. Brahms)
the (IV.) Presto from the Symphony No. 30 in D Major, K. 1866 [202] (W.A. Mozart)
Mars from The Planets (G. Holst)
Intermission brought the PSO President, Lawrence Tamburri, to our row...we had 2 subscriptions from our little group alone!
The second half of the evening brought:
The opening theme from Also Sprach Zarathustra (R. Strauss)
Part I of theh Concerto for Orchestra, "Zoroastrian Riddles" ( R. Danielpour)
III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace from the Symphony No 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 5, "Eroica" (L. van Beethoven)
I. Bedachtig, night eilen from the Symphony No 4 in G Major (G. Mahler)
An American in Paris (G. Gershwin)
IV. Allegro Giocoso from the Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, Op. 100 (S. Prokofiev)
We enjoyed chatting afterwards (even though we hadn't a chance at chatting with Manfred Honeck in the Garden after the concert).
Friday I lectored at one of the early Masses. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, John was the altar server, and Ken provided the music ministry. It was the first Mass during which I walked out with the others on the altar (since before my operation). Ken and I spoke about the Advent/Christmas CD for the choir before Mass. I also had a lab meeting at work, Jen and I discussed G-20 Summit scheduling, and Maureen, Karina, and I went to Penneys and Borders to shop; we found out our favorite Thai restaurant closes at ~10pm, and we ended up eating at Victor's restaurant for a late dinner/snack.
Labels: Choir, dining, exercise, Honeck, Mass, meeting, music, pastoral council, Pittsburgh, PSO, shopping, student, water exercise
First Two Days at Work, Fall 2009
Yesterday was my first day back at work. I taught in the morning, took a nap in the afternoon, and went for a walk with Karina to our favorite burger shop (also the President's favorite burger shop). We met up with her former coworker and her daughter there.
Headed home, and had dinner at Mom and Dad's.
Today, I had another morning class. I took an afternoon nap, made spaghetti with Mom, and we ate before William, the children, and Marissa arrived. Mom and I departed for Heinz Hall and a free concert previewing the coming season for the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops. The program was:
Music Man: Symphonic Impressions (Meredith Wilson) as conducted by Marvin Hamlisch
Steel City Blend, a barbershop quartet,
Beatles Medley
Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson)
"This is the Moment" from Jekyll and Hyde (Bricusse & Wildhorn) as performed with Gary Mauer
"Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber) as performed with Gary Mauer
~Intermission~
Musical Highlights from Rocky (Bill Conti, Arr. Lowden)
"Rent-A-Composer" (Marvin Hamlisch)
"Sabre Dance" from Gayane (Aram Khachaturian)
(American Salute--Morton Gould) and a Symphonic Portrait (I. Berlin) as performed with Gary Mauer ("God Bless America")
Mom greatly appreciated the evening, and we drove home to Dad.
Labels: dining, family, music, niece and nephew, PSO, teaching, walking, work
