New Year's Eve Day 2009
I awoke this morning to check email and then Pratima called from JFK International Airport. We chatted for about an hour, and she told me about her adventures in India, desire to adopt a child(ren), and her current travels.
Maureen, Karina, and I plan to go out before lunch for girlfriend shopping and bonding.
Kelly left yesterday afternoon for West Virginia. William called from Santa Fe, citing his ETA and asking about weather conditions for the past week.
I heard from K, the sister of a good friend from SMMS, on a social networking site. Also called C late last night to wish a happy Birthday!
~~~
20.25
Maureen, Karina, and I went to JC Penney's, Macy's, the bank, then to two craft stores and Target.
We ended up at Karina's home to watch a rented Red Box movie, All She Wants for Christmas (2006). Karina thought I was good at calling the characters.
Jeff called back, okay-ing our Indian buffet big get-together tomorrow, citing that we should meet before.
Maureen, Karina, and I hopped in the car for Japanese food, but ended up at burgers and fries.
Now, to wait for 2010 to appear.
Labels: Birthday, children, cinema, dining, email, family, friends, Mass, shopping, travel, weather
Health Check 2009
I'm up early for a big day---for a health check-up with the specialist. Mom is going to her today, as well.
I read Marissa's blog about their mini Christmas vacation fiasco. Boo Hoo Hoo (or is it "Ho Ho Ho" as Solomon would say?) I loved her recounting of their stories of Santa love.
~~~
15.45
Upon returning from our yearly health checks (and a Taco Bell run), I wrote a couplet to respond to a poem and po'card from a couple I know:
Just finished my yearly check-up[s], and yearly mammogram this week.
All is well up to now...
Hopefully a bellwether for 2010!
My two total hip replacements I had (in 2008 and 2009) will once again allow me to Nordic ski, as I was wont to do on my way to class when at Wellesley.
Many well-wishes for your 2010.
I will tuck into the confines of my apartment three pillows made by Lalang. I hope my visitors will enjoy them as much as I do.
Labels: BAD, Christmas, deltiology, dining, family, friends, health, Lalang, surgery, travel
Another sleepy day...
I slept in today until 9.30 and then headed to the benefits office at work to update some papers. I made LOTS of tuna salad with ~4 small cans/tins of tuna. I also prepared a baon for Mom of a tuna salad sandwich, orange, two cookies and water for after her bloodwork. She and Dad went to the hospital/Giant Eagle for grocery shopping. Kelly is resting once more.
~~~
23.20
At 19.00 Karina and I arrived at Christina's home for a gathering with Jeff, who left the 'Burgh a little over a year ago for an academic tenure-track position at Southern Maine University. We enjoyed dinner at Christina's and met her mom, brother Rob, and her cousin. We chatted over sugar cookies laced with oatmeal, and enjoyed the iced tea. We took pictures around the tree, and admired their ornaments.
Jeff drove out first, and led Karina and me out of Monroeville. Karina presented me with a tin of cookies and dark chocolate-covered nuts.
Labels: chocolate, Christmas, dine, Faith, family, friends, shopping, visitor, work
Good Bye Puffs
So, it seems that the airport security machines that were used when we left for Ireland in July 2007 and that I last saw my friend S pass through earlier this year will be retired soon. This article discusses the airport security "puff" machines that detect propellants. Seems that X ray backscatter machines will be utilized instead.
Labels: safety, transportation, travel
Yearly Check-Up
I rode the bus to my doctor's office, and had my yearly check-up. "No Complaints," I declared, and also gave her my current list of prescriptions and nutritional supplements. My BP was ~135/75, and my BMI indicates that I am overweight. I told her about my procedures this past year, and the good outcome of them (she was there, visiting me in the hospital after my surgery)! I asked for a script for a procedure tomorrow, gave her a Christmas card for herself, family, and staff, and was on my way.
After my appointment, I made my way to a 24-hour computer lab on campus (the adjacent building had a power outage) and found the doors locked. Went to the computer lab/libe. Am printing out some work.
Labels: BAD, blogs, Christmas, computer, email, health, surgery
Feast of the Holy Family 2009
I sang with the choir today, the Feast of the Holy Family 2009. We sang Coventry Carol for the preparation of gifts, and Rutter's Christmas Lullaby (our "signature song") after hymns for communion. Stopped in the sacristy to sign off that I do NOT pick up the printed readings for Mass, as I read them on the "USCBC [sic] web site." The United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops' web site has the daily Mass readings. Said hello to Carol & Princess, and Fr. Josh after Mass, as well.
Kelly prepared fresh green bean casserole, roasted veggie mix, and we had various cold cuts and meat loaf, too. We enjoyed the Brooklyn chocolate bars: dark chocolates with truffles and sea salt (savory) and one with pecans and maple syrup (sweet). We also enjoyed stollen with marzipan, and fudge with mint creme. We chatted about our extended family, and are preparing to play a board game.
~~~
Played Upwords with Kelly, Mom, and Dad.
The end of the game brought my laying my last tile, and Mom, Kelly, and Dad unable to lay their last tile. We watched the longer version of The Sound of Music. I then set up bill paying for an additional account tonight, as well as checked my email.
Labels: Choir, cinema, dine, email, games, Mass, photos, read, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
Saint Stephen's / Boxing Day 2009 II
Went to Borders, CVS, and Rite Aid this morning for future gifts and cards. Then, after 14.30 Mom and I left for the Waterfront and more shopping shenanigans. We stopped at CVS after a snack at Target.
I had a snack of whole milk yogurt with hazelnut sauce, then I did some administrative prep work for next semester, printed out some bookstore coupons, and helped Mom print out reunion documents.
I'll call it a night now.
Labels: dine, dining, family, read, shopping
Saint Stephen's / Boxing Day 2009
It's the day after Christmas
and all through the house
there's the sound of QED
broadcasting around.
I'm no longer nestled
all snug in my bed,
But checking airfares
on the computer, instead.
Labels: Christmas, music, poetry
Merry Christmas 2009 II
I made my way up to the choir loft this morning during the rite of Communion. Slowly, people filled the loft, with Ken at the organ console. We had abbreviated preludes from last night, as we got started ~11.40
Brass & Organ: Canzon noni toni (G. Gabrieli)
Choir: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Trad. Polish carol, arr. R.G. Farrell)
A Boy Was Born (16th C. text, R.G. Farrell)
Gesu Bambino (P.A. Yon)
Gaudete (Piae Cantiones, 1582--arr. by R. J. Batastini; verses, J.S. Cook)
At noon we sang the processional hymn,
O Come, All Ye Faithful (arr. Cherwien)
Gloria--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Psalm 96 (J. Chepponis)
Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
Preparation of Gifts: O Holy Night/ Cantique de Noel (A. Adam)
Sanctus, Memorial, and Amen Acclamations--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei--Holy Cross Mass (D. Isele)
Communion: The First Nowell (17th C. English carol)
Silent Night (F. X. Gruber, German text J. Mohr, Engl. transl. by J.F. Young)
Christmas Lullaby (J. Rutter)
Recessional: Joy to the World (arr. J.W. Jenkins)
Postlude: In dir ist Freude
Mom, Dad, Kelly, and I enjoyed cold cuts, cheeses, spreads, dips, adobo with rice, chunk crab meat, green salad with dried and fresh fruits, the fruit tray, breads, and crackers. I invited Karina over this evening at seven.
We have all enjoyed good naps, and Dad has just woken up from his nap, as well.
~~~
23.25
Karina arrived ~19.00 and we chatted for a while. Mom and Dad returned from the pharmacy with meds for Kelly's cold. Dad and Karina and I dined on lunch leftovers and deliciousness, chatted, and generally enjoyed our company. Mom watched Monk while waiting for her blood pressure to lower. I drove Karina home at about 21.30 and then Mom and I worked on PAMS organizational meeting invites, and purchased trip insurance for her and dad.
We just checked her email for the policy and details....it all appears to be in place.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, dine, friends, health, Mass, Pilipino culture, singing, sleep, transportation, travel
Merry Christmas 2009
Hooray and Merry Christmas 2009! The choir, we sang starting at ~21:25 yesterday for the prelude for the ten o'clock evening Mass. We were joined by Ken and the Carnegie Brass. It was fun to sing with Gina and Betty, and Mary Pat in front of me, Diane to my left, and guest singers about me. Bishop Zubic welcomed two visitors: The rabbi from Rodef Shalom congregation and a rabbi from Squirrel Hill to our celebration. Bishop Zubic spoke of the goodness of the season and also intoned a ditty, "...that's what Jesus Christ is, mmmMMM good."
After Mass, I met up with Karina and we looked for my parents [Dad had worked television ministry on the west camera], whom we didn't find but we said hello to Renee and Russ, Edwin and Malou, and I discovered I had left my choir folder...I went to within one landing of the loft, and the brass guys called out that the loft was locked. O well. My music awaits another day.
I exited, and went home to find Dad watching the Mass from Vatican City in St. Peter's Basilica. Kelly was in the guest room, resting off her respiratory infection. We enjoyed opening gifts, taking photos, making remarks, and chatting. Then it was time for the spread. We enjoyed all sorts of sandwich makings on various breads and crackers, Kelly's small Mandarin oranges, and sparkling juices. Then it was time for bed for me, to arise today to sing after eleven for the noon Mass...I must prepare some last-minute Christmas cards for folk who were not on my original list.
Off to Choir, Shortly...and Thus begins a Christmas Season
Dad, Mom, Kelly, and I met up with William's family for lunch at the sushi buffet. Beatrice, Solomon, Marissa, and I enjoyed making eggless sugar cookies with banana slices for Santa this morning. Solomon enjoyed playing the game "Is it Hot?" even though he is in a phase in which he likes to say "No" a lot, too.
I helped mom with their travel insurance before we departed for lunch.
They stopped at a friend's home to deliver a gift, then Kelly and I rested in the car whilst they went to CVS.
It's off to choir, shortly, to begin another Christmas season. I've finished the cards for the choristers, my little tradition.
Labels: Beatrice, celebration, Choir, Christmas, family, games, gift, niece and nephew
I Think I'll Crawl Back in Bed....
Here I am, up early on Christmas Eve day. I have to make it to late tonight/next morning/Christmas Day.
I think I'll crawl back in bed for a while longer....
Labels: Christmas, singing, sleep
Day Before Christmas Eve
Yesterday morning and after I wrapped all the Christmas gifts for the family.
Now I will write many a Christmas card, prepare to decorate a local church with friends, and prepare to donate old stuff after Christmas. (Need to sing for Christmas eve late Mass as well as noon Mass Christmas Day.)
I spoke with Carmella after Mass, we talked about food during Christmas. Don handed off a CD after Mass, as well.
~~~
15.25
This morning, I took care of some administrative tasks for next semester, wrote polar bear holiday cards for my neighbors, took a nap, delivered my neighborly cards, had lunch, and sent out a couple handfuls of Christmas cards through the mail. I wore my Santa's elf hat on my errand runs.
~~~~~
22.54
Took another nap, met up with Maureen and Karina at Karina's home for chatting, choir card writing, chai, and company. Maureen, Karina, and I walked to my parents' home to pick up the car. I gave Maureen a ride home, and Karina and I met up with V. at Sacred Heart Church to help decorate. We had a factory-line mentality to cutting ribbon for the high-hanging wreaths...we cut 22 out of 24 lengths of ribbon. Then we decorated the wreaths with the ribbon, acted as wreath doctors, and took photos of Karina and Deena decorating the pulpit with garland and "fruit." V, Jeanne, and I spoke about features of the church while on the altar, and noted that a demon and Judas Iscariot are found in the church imagery. V and I checked out the wall paintings, which had been restored a number of years ago. After cupcakes and photos, we departed for hot cocoa and roasting of Karina at Borders Books. I made two little lists of people for her to contact and of things she finds important in an ideal job.
We headed out soon before they closed, and I heard from Mom that Kelly was at the Holland Tunnel at rush hour. "She probably won't be here until ~3am," I stated flatly.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, Church, dine, music, New York, singing, sleep
We are Santa's Elves
Today I went into work after breakfast to take care of some administrative tasks before the semester starts. I had lunch, then Karina and I walked some errands:
I returned some library books (Aliki's Christmas Tree Memories, Snowflake Bentley, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas) with Karina (on the way to the library we saw Paul, my coworker);
We walked to the post office (where I finagled my small parcel---a CD for Auntie Teng and Uncle Boy, already stamped---to the window, past the long lines);
Back to the library, where Karina borrowed a TON (no grunting allowed) of books on jewelry;
and to my parents' lobby and to my building.
Maureen picked us up, and then we walked to a pizza place in Shadyside,
and shopping at Giant Eagle for lollipops for Maureen's students (where we saw Susan E).
We ended up playing Santa's Elves by making up goodie bags for Maureen's students.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, dining, family, library, read, shopping, walking, work
Monday Night with the Girls
Tonight Maureen, Karina and I went to
Giant Eagle for groceries
Trader Joe's for groceries (Karina got dinner at McDonald's)
Walgreens for snacks
a tavern in East Liberty for a gift of beers.
I gave Maureen a gift of a emerald and pink handcrafted hat (seeing that she was the only of our trio bareheaded),
and Karina a set of photo holders.
Labels: Christmas, friends, gift, Pittsburgh, shopping
The Mantra
One of my friends reminded me today to keep my immune system well, by taking vitamins, prophylactic antibiotics before going to the dentist, and washing my hands to protect my endoprosthetics from infection.
I told her that I have a mantra at the end of each weekly class:
Wash your hands
before you touch your face
touch your hair
Eat or
Drink.
It's great---but tough---being a bionic person!
Labels: BAD, health, safety, surgery, teaching
Views of Christmases Past
The past few days, with the snow and slick weather have called for my use of my cane on occasion. This brings to mind (Christmases) past, when it was necessary for me to use the cane to get around. Now, I use the cane as my insurance against another surgery.
Labels: BAD, Christmas, seasons, surgery, weather
Mailing Letters today
I awoke early this morning to print out letters for Mom, and a booklet for Miranda's gymnastics camp. I ran into a friend from work, and we chatted for a bit. Then, to Mom and Dad's for breakfast and wrapping packages: Miranda and Benny's Christmas cards and camp money, two CDs to local doctors, a book returned by Dad, and a little letter from Dad about their new phone.
Dad and I went to the post office in Oakland to mail our items and to pick up a roll of stamps, as well.
Labels: Choir, family, music, niece and nephew, phone
Fourth Sunday of Advent 2009
Today was Ornella's final day with choir. After choir I hugged her warmly and declared, "It's been wonderful." The choir, after the postlude, presented Matthew Craig with a Celtic cross.
Mom and Dad and I had Chinese food at Squirrel Hill. I napped for a bit, then met up with William and his family at Qdoba in Shadyside. Beata and I enjoyed singing and ringing the jingle bells around my neck, while Solomon bounced along. After Lolo and Lola presented Christmas gifts to them, the kids enjoyed reading books whilst the guys watched the Steelers game. ("Daddy's watching the Steelers," Beata declared early on this evening.)
I helped Mom compose and type some letters for PAMS. Maureen and I chatted about the movie we watched last night, Evening (2007), as well as about how teaching LCD/divisibility rules are like following the rules of a game or of a game show.
Labels: Choir, dining, farewell, games, gift, music, Philippines, singing, teaching, volunteering
Evening
The movie Evening (2007) had the central character, Ann, played by Vanessa Redgrave, seeking---but not finding---peace throughout the movie. This film showed her relations to her family, friends, and nurse and showed her flashbacks in time, all from her deathbed. She sought peace through her singing, her being in love with her (then-)young daughters and with her first infatuation.
Her avatar for seeking peace was Harris, her first infatuation and who continued as a point of longing throughout her long life. She even asked her friend on her deathbed about him, despite the fact that she was aware that he was not available to her.
Labels: cinema, farewell, love
White, Big Flakes!
Last night while I slept the big, white flakes floated from the sky, coating the trees, ground, and, well, the parking lot. I can hear the sheer surprised voices of the garageman/groundsman bearing shovels when the shovel/truck showed up.
Mary Ann just called me re: Ornella's party. Calls will be made, then an executive decision shortly.
~~~
10.00
After multiple phone calls, it appears that we will have a cozy party of about 8 people at Ornella's farewella. I am in charge of picking up the guest of honor.
~~~~~
17.15
This morning I picked up Maureen, then we met up with Ornella at the coffee shop near the grocery store. I enlisted Ornella's help in ingredient selection for the salad. For example, in selecting the salad greens:
Me: European Mix?
O [scrunching up her nose]: No, something American.
Me: Santa Barbara mix?
O [smiling]: Okay!
And, in selecting the cheese:
Me: Ornella, which cheese to go with all of this?
O: Mozzarella....the small ones.
We had a nice group of about ten folk.
After all others had left, Mary Ann, Nancy, Mary Louise, and I discussed cell phones, cell phone packages, and health care/insurance issues.
~~~~~~~
22.00
smaller flakes on my way back home after watching the movie Evening with Karina and Maureen. A good movie with an all-star cast. I discuss the movie in later posts.
Labels: celebration, cinema, dine, farewell, health, phone, photos, seasons, weather
Exam Inquiries
Inquiries as to scores on the final practical exam as soon as the course grades posted yesterday afternoon...Email income was fairly quiet this morning: responses from last night and a couple of requests.
~~~~~
16.20
Lunch with Mom at Qdoba, I gassed up the car, we went shopping, and then to the post office to mail packages to [Auntie Chi and Uncle Sonny], Gene and Phyllis, and to Uncle Alex. First Class ended up being more cost effective than Media Rate in the end. We stopped at the resale shop in Squirrel Hill, and then headed home.
I'll take a short nap before heading out with Maureen and Karina for some seasonal shopping adventures, including a side trip for beading supplies.
~~~
22.45
A trip for beading supplies was great fun, but more fun was taking photos right before the snow and as the snow fell lightly, then with more gusto at night. What great fun! We even purchased gifts from the conservatory gift shop.
Labels: biology, dining, email, gift, jewelry, shopping, work
Posting Grades
Today's the day for posting grades! I meet with the coordinator/s this morning.
~~~
22.45
I had a good distribution of grades, with a 74.6% average across all my sections, with most of my grades sitting at the C's. I had six As and most of my Fs were earned by students who had stopped attending class regularly.
I drove Mom and Dad to the sushi buffet for lunch (my treat). They drove me to the library, where I picked up a book and went to the student computer lab at the campus library to print out documents from the library book.
My building's Holiday Party followed a short 1/2 hour nap. I sat next to Marjorie and Anna from my floor. I was glad to be in front of A. because he grabbed the cheese with his hands!!
Choir practice followed, and Don conducted his "Happy Birthday" song. We all enjoyed birthday cake and the prospect of listening to Don's Christmas 2009 CD.
Labels: biology, Birthday, Carnegie, celebration, Christmas, dining, library, music, seasons, sleep, work
Beatrice and Solomon, Pastoral Council meeting
Today I stopped by the physical therapy/orthopedist office, saying "Hi," to Keelan and dropping off Christmas greetings for him and for Dr. Tanya.
I unpacked Mom and Dad's groceries, picked up some fried chicken for lunch, enjoyed lunch with them, then took a three-hour well-deserved nap. I prepared a salad for the pastoral council get-together, we enjoyed munchies by everyone (especially Carmella's pasta!), and enjoyed the company of the other pastoral council members, of Fr. Breier, of and Fr. Bill, our new priest. I headed back to see Beatrice and Solomon, who were tiring of the party at Lolo and Lola's building. We headed to Lolo and Lola's place to sing, dance, play with my bell necklace, read for a short time, and walk/run down the hall. Lolo and Lola soon followed, and their Mom and Dad stopped by within the hour. Dad and I double-checked my addition on the practical exams (for security sake).
Labels: Beatrice, Church, dine, exercise, niece and nephew, pastoral council, sleep, work
Calculated Averages....
I've calculated averages for each of my sections....and reported them.
I'm almost ready for my meeting with the coordinators on Thursday.
This afternoon I spent running errands for Mom and Dad whilst Dad underwent his stress test (with a great grade/incline) "Oh, you're not tired yet, so we'll keep you on for a while longer. The test started in the morning and ran until ~14.00. I got some articles for the appointment this afternoon, while they had a late lunch in Presbyterian Hospital's cafeteria. I joined them and Dr. Mario for a drink of pomegranate water. Then I took off for work.
Labels: biology, family, health, work
Finished Grading! Fall 2009
I've completed the grading of all practicals this semester. Just have to add up the scores, calculate the grades, and then enter the grades in my grade sheets.
I'm going for a walk with Karina shortly. Then I will go to an Ornella-farewella party.
Labels: biology, celebration, farewell, photos, work
7/8 Finished Grading, Fall 2009
As of 10.00 this morning, I am 7/8 finished grading the practical final.
I stopped by the benefits office for work, had lunch and a nap this afternoon.
I'll get started on the last page...
Labels: biology, sleep, work
3/4 Finished Grading, Fall 2009
As of 22.00 last night I am 3/4 through grading final practicals. Spent the rest of the night speaking with friends.
Yesterday was a day of ice, black ice, and rain. I used my hiking boots, umbrella, and cane to get to choir practice (this time in the loft) yesterday. Patches of ice were spotted on the pavement between Mom and Dad's place and church. We stayed hunkered down for the good part of the day and night.
Labels: biology, Church, cold, seasons, traction, weather, work
The Wee Hours of the Morn, 2/3 Finished Grading, Fall 2009
Here I am, up before the sun, in the wee hours of the morn. Checking email, but not yet checking exam papers. A fresh start, a fresh outlook. I've not been asleep for more than five hours.
"Sweet slumbers come and chase away
The toils and follies of the day."
---Rev. Matthew Henry, Anthem for the Evening (from his Miscellaneous Works, Volume One)
~~~~~
Two-Thirds finished grading papers, Fall 2009
As of 9.00 this morning!
Hoo-Ray-OOoo.
Labels: email, read, sleep, work
Halfway Finished Grading, Fall 2009, Parties
I finished ~>halfway grading all my exams tonight. Maureen and I met for smoothies and to see her photos from Lauren's graduation. Karina and I went to Jen and Bri's Christmas party, where we enjoyed the company of Lisa from Jen's church women's group and Svetlana and Igor, as well. I attempted to learn an additional Russian word, bringing my vocabulary to less than a handful of words.
Jen would not let us leave without the bulbs "white paper" that she handed to us, as well as some munchies for the cold weather days and long days of grading.
Karina and I went to Squirrel Hill to Ann's place, for her birthday party. We met her husband outside the apartment and Karina deftly played the game Chancho, both winning and losing a single round (imagine that!). Mlle. Chancho enjoyed her place on the top of the heap, Hannan awoke to our raucous laughter, and we all tiptoed out of the apartment to the cool night air and the clear night sky poured full with stars.
Labels: biology, Church, flowers, international culture, stars, work
Grading, Grading, Grading, Fall 2009
Last night Mom, Dad, and I stopped by CVS (for a bottle of shampoo for me), treated them at Eat N Park, and I bought party supplies (for tonight) at KMart.
Spent the last three hours grading, as well.
~~~
I awoke this morning to an email from Luce. I called her to find out how her trip to Central America went. 'Twas the season for pineapples in Nicaragua. No mangoes. We chatted until she had to leave for her errands in Santa Fe.
~~~
More grading awaits me after breakfast....
Grading, grading, grading!
Labels: biology, dining, shopping, work
Do Unto Others...
After administering a final this afternoon, I received an email from a student thanking me for a good semester.
Mom, Dad, and I viewed an advance screening of It's Complicated, a movie with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. I liked the way the ending turned out. Mom, Dad, and I liked the character of the fiance. The movie will be released Christmas Day.
Labels: biology, cinema, student, work
Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2009
Yesterday was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the second day of practical exams. After administering a practical exam in the morning, I took a nap, had lunch, and graded a page of practicals across sections for a couple of hours. I went to Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass at the Oratory. I was joined by Karina and V, a former coworker.
Fr. Mike spoke in his homily about Mary's Immaculate Conception, original sin, and sin in general. He said that he was labelled "Old School" by someone who thought his discussion of sin was such. He said that sin was a "rupture of our relationship to God, and our relationship to our neighbor." V and I liked the homily, which we discussed among other topics over birthday smoothies (mango and coffee) as the rain poured down outside. We chatted for a few hours after Mass and departed for our respective homes in a light drizzle.
Labels: biology, celebration, dining, Faith, friends, Mass, weather, work
Beginning of Practical Week, Fall 2009
Today was the beginning of practical week. Exhausting for students and instructors alike. So much to remember...to set out. So many versions of the test, so hard to keep track of.
I took a three-hour nap (after ~seven to eight hours of rest last night) this afternoon, then met Karina and Christina at the Newman Center for the Newman Bible Study. Karina was struck by how dedicated D is to Blessed Newman---"She's in love with him!" Karina declared during our walk home.
Victorian Christmas Party
After singing at Mass this noon, I dressed for the Victorian Christmas party in a velveteen skirt with petticoat, thin white sweater, nubby wool multicolor jacket trimmed with velvet, a fuschia "snowflake" pin (that Solomon liked). I helped Mom and Dad bring some of the decorations (including some variegated small potted plants) to the Omni William Penn Hotel. I took a nap in full regalia, then Dad and I left to help set up the party. I arrived armed with Christmas craft ideas from Nancy (stickers, stencils, snowflakes) and a few books from the library (Twas the Night Before Christmas, Aliki's Christmas Tree Memories, and Snowflake Bentley).
The "children's table" was self-entertaining---I merely supplied them with stencils, scissors, and a paper punch. The DJ started, and the carollers (Victorian singers, four in all) arrived soon after. The buffet at the Bob and Delores Hope Room was open at ~18.30. The dance floor was opened, and when the song was played that sings, "How low can you go?" I could not "get down" as low as before...and was surprised to have won a Christmas Party Mix CD. William and family arrived soon after, and the continuing medical education event in the Lawrence Welk room ended, bringing us all into the Delores and Bob Hope room.
We had a group photo of the kids, Santa came to visit, there was a lot of dancing,
the carolers strolled about during and after dinner, and there were toss the ball games, which Dan conducted.
Labels: art, celebration, Choir, Christmas, dancing, games, music, photos, singing
First Annual Choir Christmas Party 2009
This morning Maureen and I went to Regent Square for Big muffins, bacon, and (the coffee). We enjoyed a nice talk. Karina and I went for a walk to the public library, a fundraiser at the University William Pitt Union for a woman with leukemia, then for me to take care of administrative stuff at Panther Central. We walked to our respective homes, and I brought salad makings (bagged European salad, Asian ginger dressing, raisins, mandarin orange slices, and herbed chevre) to Jennifer H's home and we prepared chocolate chip cookies (~three dozen).
I acted as navigator to Mariann and Bob's place. The party was in full swing, and I enjoyed a plateful of savory appetizers...and a second helping of Judi's sour cream and cheesy potatoes. Dr. Vince was there, and at the end of the evening he indicated that he would pass on to Dr. Larry my progress. I noted that I am quite pleased with the outcome. He said that the best outcomes of all [joint] surgeries are with hips.
There was singing, singing along with the piano (caroling led by Ken or Don), duets on the piano (piano 4 hands, with Mariann and Bob--the Nutcracker, and with Karen and Doug), duets with piano and violin (Bob and Donna), duets with violin and cello (Donna and Bob). We enjoyed ourselves and the well-appointed tree with multi-year and multi-generational ornaments. Jennifer and I took leave near the end of the evening, after sampling the tiramisu.
Labels: celebration, Choir, Christmas, dine, dining, work
Tea and Company
Took care of various administrative tasks before leaving work yesterday. I went to the library for books for the party this weekend. Picked up some parlor gifts with mom and dad for the party, as well. Then I acted as sous chef for mom's preparation of squash coconut milk soup for dinner.
Karina invited Maureen and I over for masala chai, which we greatly enjoyed (just a pinch goes a far way!). As Karina had not eaten dinner yet, we went to our favorite neighborhood Pan-Asian restaurant for dinner and snacks. We had a great chat about lots of things, including my mid-week class's preferences.
Labels: biology, dine, dining, tea, teaching, work
Heinz Chapel Choir Winter Concert 2009
After teaching all morning and having office hours for most of the afternoon, I joined Joe and Tina and Don for the Heinz Chapel Choir faculty winter concert. Such wonderful, delightful ensemble singing. Katie from choir and Evan, a former student, were familiar faces for me.
The program consisted of global music, namely from "Western" culture. All pieces, as were last year, were memorized by the group. They started out singing from the loft, moved to the side aisles, then sang from the front, then from the front and sides, then from the altar and choir stalls.
The program included organ solo pieces, choral pieces which divided the choir into various choruses, onomatopoetic sounds, and pieces with solos. The "Weather and Traffic Report" had props, and had the audience chortling.
All in all, a wonderful concert, enjoyed by all in attendance in the third row. We all expressed out pleasure in the concert to the choirmaster, Mr. Goldsmith.
Labels: Choir, Pittsburgh, school
Rockettes December 2009
Mom and I went to the French bakery in Millvale, the bakery in Shadyside, and spoke to a friend about planning family issues. I went to work--the class was on-task and finished early. I'm calling my insurance about what medical appointments I need to make by the end of this calendar year.
~~~
22.30
Mom, Dad, and I just returned from our evening out with ~85 others from Saint Paul Cathedral to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. On the way there, we waited at ~18.00 for the bus with Donna and the two Rosemarys. We were joined by many more people and we retrieved our tickets from Roseann and Pat P. and boarded the second bus. We took a route through downtown past the creche (singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel") and were dropped off by BJ (the choir director for St. Benedict's parish and our bus driver tonight) in front of the Benedum.
The sound was cranked up for the audience, we enjoyed the touring company of the Rockettes, the dances were great, and there were wonderful Christmas story tableaux with live sheep and a camel, and a scrolling Christmas story at the end.
Our bus stopped for ten minutes in front of Macy's windows, and those few of us who braved the newly minted winter weather enjoyed the window dressing.
Mom, Dad, and I walked back home after the bus dropped us off.
I noted that the costumes in the 1970's were more like swimsuits---the Rockettes costumes are more modest now, making it possible for a dancer with hip surgery to dance with them. Also, there are ethnic minority women dancing with them, as well.
Labels: BAD, celebration, Christmas, Church, dance, dolls, friends, Pittsburgh, seasons, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral, theater, transportation
Sleepy Girl
Yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon I was sleepy girl after lunchtime. I took a three-hour nap and went to bed by 21.00. Now I sit awake, answering and forwarding emails and writing this web log. Sometimes I wonder if I have a touch of SAD.
I should organize my photos and CDs....mail out Christmas cards...prepare for the holiday parties I'm attending and co-hostessing...Figure out what medical appointments I need to make before the end of the year...and on and on.
Labels: celebration, health, organizing, seasons, sleep
