Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2010
After choir practice and singing in the choir at the noon Mass, I stopped by for the talk sponsored by the Race and Reconciliation Dialogue Group: "News from Haiti," by Richard Gosser, Executive Director of Partners in Progress. An informative talk, with "before" and "after" slides of schools, orphanages, and convents---before the quake and after the quake.
I received a message from Maureen with an invitation to go for a field trip and walk about while we shop. We went to Monroeville Mall, and then went to Whole Foods for a snack. We ran into her niece, Lauren, who will be taking her certification exam tomorrow afternoon. She gave me helpful hints about my achy-upon-intense walking left hip.
I returned home to prep for tomorrow's class and quiz administration.
I'll go to bed early tonight.
Labels: BAD, biology, exercise, Faith, friends, geology, international culture, school, sleep, walking, work
Snow Ball 2010
After rising early, I spoke for much of the morning with Pratima. We chatted about career issues and compared notes on biology teaching. I had brunch, administratively prepped for classes next week to about mid-afternoon at Mom and Dad's place, and then took a long nap.
I asked an artistic question of the owner of the bead shop on Craig Street, who suggested that to keep my certain look about the carved beads I had purchased at his shop, I coat them with a non-shiny substance such as clear nail polish or [matte] fixative.
I took a shower and readied myself for the Snow Ball. I am the designated driver for Maureen, and we met up with Nancy and Tom C. there. I was pleasantly surprised to see Myrna and Jay there, and I met a number of Nancy's friends, as well, including Mark and his wife Barbara. After I changed into my dancing shoes, we gals had a chance to dance a number of line dances [including the electric slide] and other dances, and
I took a photo of Nancy and Tom C. dancing to Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World."
Throughout the evening we enjoyed the delicious hors d'oeuvres, bar drinks, and white [snow] desserts.
Labels: biology, dance, dancing, dine, jewelry, phone, photos, sleep, teaching
Up Early II Saturday, January 2010
I'm up early sending students email and student mass emails, checking this blog, etc.
I'll call Luce to see how she is doing and then head back to bed....
Friday in the Third week of Ordinary Time 2010, Coco
Today I lectored at the morning Mass. Fr. Breier celebrated Mass, John served, and Don provided the music ministry. The first reading was from 2 Samuel, the passage about David's asking to put Bathsheba's husband in danger during wartime. There was at least one audible "tsk" that I heard from the congregation when reading that key phrase. Fr. Breier delivered a homily primarily about God's grace.
As the temperature this morning was six degrees Fahrenheit (well below freezing), and windy and sunny, I took my breakfast then proceeded to take a long winter hibernation for the good part of the morning. Karina and I had lunch at the Japanese-Korean restaurant in Oakland, stopped at the post office to pick up stamps and to mail Jonathan's birthday card, and stopped at the campus and public libraries for computer lab work and for Karina's items on hold. I stopped by at home to check my messages, send a fax, and then met up at Karina's to produce the first in my earth-water-wind-sea necklace and matching bracelet series. Karina had prepared a cup of spiced chai for my enjoyment when I had arrived out of the cold. Maureen arrived when I had completed stringing about two-thirds of my necklace. I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and Karina shored us up with her homemade soup for the long evening.
We stopped at the bookstore in Shadyside to run an errand, then proceeded to the Mall in West Mifflin for the MaxiSaver movie, Coco before Chanel. We decided on a stop for fast Mexican food first, then watched the movie in a practically empty theater.
Coco Avant Chanel was about the rise of the phenomenon of Coco Chanel from personal setbacks and tragedies. It focusses on her personal life, as the title suggests, before she made a household name for herself; before Jackie Kennedy wore a signature Chanel suit to meet the President of France. Her personal life and ensuing decision to focus on her career in a time when a typical French woman was expected to become a wife was touching. Coco Chanel was a woman with a particularly striking visage who entered the fashion field when it was still dominated by men. She made a name on simple, practically austere looks and elegant, simple lines. She changed women's fashion from binding Victorian corsets and rules to flowing, comfortable lines. The music in the movie was particularly moving.
After the movie we went to a large superstore and went grocery shopping. Boy, it's late.
I'm pleased to have received an email verifying that the health emergency Thursday afternoon has resolved itself.
Labels: art, Carnegie, cinema, cold, dine, dining, health, jewelry, lector, library, Mass, painting, shopping, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, walking, weather
Emailing in the Wee Hours, January 2010
I just finished emailing friends about cross-cultural issues in health care. Gotta get some sleep now...
Labels: email, health, sleep
Stress and my Single Exemplary Life
I'm feeling stress in my single life. Mainly from things that would stress anyone out in any walk of life...health care insurance, personal finances, dealing with emergency situations at work...all this week.
I've been dealing with the situations with aplomb, but the situations remain stressful.
O well, one way of viewing this is that these stressors and my responses are my insurance that I am still alive.
~~~~~
The wording of the general intercessions puzzle me...we pray for (I've paraphrased):
a holy priesthood,
happy married life,
exemplary single life,
a fervent religious life,
etc. etc.
How is it that only single people are to uphold tenets and be "exemplary"? That's asking for a lot, I think. It's difficult for some of us singletons to hold it together.
Labels: Church, Faith, health, light, Mass, personal finance, philosophical, prayer, stress
Education and State of the Union 2010
Just got off the phone with Maureen. We spoke about motivating students in the classroom. Especially those who are not motivated to do well academically, whose parents may not be supportive of the educational process.
We spoke about tonight's State of the Union Address in which President Obama states, "one of the best anti-poverty programs is a world-class education."
We spoke about the Pittsburgh Promise, and how, if students graduate from Pittsburgh Public Schools that there are all these checks written for various schools--colleges and universities---in Pennsylvania: They just need to take responsibility to ensure that their name is in the memo line of a check for four years of education.
We spoke about Charlie Batch, the Pittsburgh Steeler from Homestead, Pennsylvania, who believes so much in education that he gives back to the community in the form of the Charlie Batch Foundation. His mom is involved as well in the Toys for Tots Literacy program which provides students "access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read, communicate effectively, and succeed in life."
We spoke about the movie/poem "Invictus," which ends in the couplet
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul
Which my mom invokes when we are feeling that the world is too much.
And I quoted what Grandma had said to me
Bahala ako sa sarili ko OR
"I am responsible for myself," useful for the student who will not even take on the responsibility of opening a textbook in the context of a classroom.
We bid each other good night, and will see each other Friday again.
Labels: economy, friends, games, Grandma, humor, Pittsburgh, poetry, read, school, sports
Gentle Ball Exercises
It was below freezing this morning, so I took the bus to work.
After teaching my lab, I started office hours with Heather, Lyndsay, and Tiffany and ended them with Marnin. I shared an email from Ken about "The Mousetrap" with Marnin, whose name means "one who creates joy."
I wrote a little of a student's reference, worked on grade sheets and attendance sheets, walked home, took a nap, had a small dinner, and then walked with Maureen to the gym, where I bicycled ~ ten minutes, then did three ball exercises for a total of fifteen minutes. Maureen and I walked together, I attended a chinwagging poetry meeting (where we discussed "Invictus", poems by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Blake, Wordsworth, Shakespeare, etc.) Now, I'm blogging...
Labels: biology, blogs, cold, email, exercise, name, poetry, walking, weather, work
Gentle Pool Exercises
Maureen and I walked to the gym together.
At 18.07 I arrived at the gym, then dressed for my water exercises.
I started water exercises at 18.15
Five minutes of water walking
Ten minutes of side-stepping
Twenty plie & releve sets
Twenty sets of "Kick Outs: Front, Front, Side, Back"
Left, then Right
Three X twenty-second lunges, alternating left and right
I signed out at 18.43 and was dressed and in the lobby by 18.53
I called Maureen to talk briefly, I'll talk to her at length when she arrives home.
Labels: walking, water exercise
Watch that Left Glute!
I'm getting pain in my glute after walking ~10-15 minutes...my orthopedist says to decrease my (impact) walking exercise and to increase my gentle stretching and strengthening exercises given to me by my physical therapist. I sincerely hope that it is just a soft tissue/muscle problem; and I'm sure they do, as well.
Labels: exercise, health, walking, water exercise
Sunday Leading into Monday...January 2010
Sunday, Mom, Dad and I attended noon Mass, with me in the choir loft. Afterwards, we had lunch and I helped them with a few computer issues. I went home for a long nap.
Dinner at Mom and Dad's, then for an early bedtime, only to arise just short of six o'clock this morning.
Taught my class, ran an errand downtown (saw my birder friend on the bus and Susan E. in front of the library). Stopped in at a clothing shop. Caught a bus to Panther Central, for administrative stuff. Walked to a computer lab to print out more items to update my seating charts. Walked home, called Maureen, and walked to the Business Library on campus to pick up a book for Karina. Stopped by Karina's place; she treated us to hot chai and soup. We did some extension exercises as well as quad strengthening exercises (wall 1/2 squats), then took Karina for a walk / walked me home.
A fun time was had by all.
Labels: computer, dine, exercise, home, library, Philippines, school, shopping, sleep, student, travel, walking, work
A little ache...
After my walk yesterday, I felt a little achy behind my left hip. Mom thinks I might be overdoing it.
Mom and I prepared macaroni chicken salad yesterday...I also played sous chef to a boiled---> fried garlic eggplant dish. Dinner with Marissa and the children also included chicken apritada and baked, breaded tilapia, all served with rice. Dessert included chocolate-covered pretzels from Altoona (care of Maureen) and dried fruits, including Thai tropical mix and craisins, which Beatrice and I placed in the raisin book.
After dinner entertainment included karaoke, which started with classic children's songs and ended with pop tunes. William returned from his event at work and ate a snack...the adults took care of paperwork needing all of us present.
Labels: Carnegie, dine, family, health, school, singing
Early Saturday Walking Gals
This morning at ten Maureen and I took our U-shaped path in a low-grade fashion for a twenty-five minute walk. How brisk and refreshing in the light blue sky day.
Labels: walking, weather
That is the Last Time...
I have THAT much caffeine that late in the day! That coffee smoothie is Still in my system. I went to sleep v v late / early? and awoke before my alarm this morning. I'm feeling a tad out-of-sorts....nothing a nap or two can't repair, I hope.
I accomplished a bit, though, including sending out some emails that needed to go out, especially this morning to my students.
Labels: dining, email, sleep, student, work
Coffee Smoothie
Today I printed out my recommendation for a student and took the bus to the closest stop to Posvar Hall, dropping off the recommendation with the secretary at the Dean of the School of Education. I walked home, then Dad and I took care of some administrative work for me (four sections of seating charts). I helped Mom and Dad with computer help, then went in to work to talk to Bud and to work at the computer lab. Maureen called, and we met at the mile mark, went for a twenty-five minute walk going diesel (clockwise), opposite to our regular direction on our course (and taking two shortcuts, as well). We ended up at the pan-Asian restaurant for smoothie and General Tso's Chicken. I enjoyed the cooooolness of the coffee smoothie.
We sat and talked in Mom and Dad's lobby. After Maureen left, I headed to Mom and Dad's to help them with computer issues, ordering stuff online, etc. We spoke with Marissa and William to make arrangements to get together tomorrow afternoon/early evening. We watched a little bit of the NBC Haiti Aid program, and talked about how the local medical society which they are heavily involved in has chosen to lend aid to the victims of the Haitian earthquakes. Mom and I spoke of our relatives, and especially Lalang, who created a family of large proportions by having eleven (yes!) of her children make it to adulthood.
Labels: biology, children, computer, dining, family, international culture, Lalang, medical mission, niece and nephew, student, walking, work
Hair Cut Day January 2010
This morning was a haircut day for Mom and I. Dad came along, and we went grocery shopping afterwards, to the bank, to the Chinese buffet for lunch, to Sears to return a suitcase, to a department store behind the mall, to the fabric store for ribbons for the certificates for the mission participants, then to a clothing store on the way home.
It was the first day back at Choir since the Martin Luther King Cathedral celebration on the tenth of this month. All went well, many of us returned our seasonal sheet music, and Jess prepared berry crisp with vanilla mousse atop it for snacks.
A day off from walking.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, dine, dining, hair, medical mission, Philippines, shopping, walking
W2W: Beginning Week 2 Walking
Yesterday I went in to office hours: To meet four students and to help Heather S. and her team with pouring agar plates. I arrived just shy of noon and departed after 16.30.
Maureen and I went for a walk, and we ran into Jude on the way. She chit-chatted for a while.
We made a U-shaped walk, running into students and alumni and others who were on their way to the basketball game (passing through the building where the Newman Club used to celebrate Mass before their current building to avoid the thick of the crowds). The whole route took exactly 30 minutes.
Upon my return, I helped Mom and Dad with more typing and proofreading work after a dinner of egg and beef torta.
Labels: Church, dine, Faith, friends, games, Mass, sports, student, walking, work
WOW: Week One, Walking
Maureen and I walked to the hospital and back, it was ~<40 minutes, and we were pleased with the outcome of the walk, as there was a slight grade to it.
I went home for dinner, and then I'm catching up on correspondence (emails) and will attempt a jewelry project or so tonight.
Labels: art, dine, email, health, jewelry, walking
MLK Week II, January 2010
I've been up early checking email and preparing for meetings with students this week. Today is a Mass being said for Grandpa. Mom and Dad and I will attend.
Lots of preparation to do today before next week. I need to review my notes for class, go over seating charts, review my notes for class, send out emails to each class, review my notes for class. Lots of work to do.
My study breaks will be making projects from Michaels this week.
~~
Mass in honor of Grandpa was celebrated by Fr. Breier, with Jeff serving. Nancy Kelly lectored, and Don provided music ministry. "The King of Love my Shepherd Is" was the opening hymn, and the English version of "Ode to Joy" (with tune by Beethoven) was the closing hymn.
Mom and I sent a few emails to her branch of the family tree, to keep them informed as to our celebrations of their family's Masses.
Labels: art, biology, email, family, Grandpa, jewelry, Mass, meeting, student, teaching, work
Martin Luther King Day 2010
Today Dad and I went to Mass this morning. After Mass, Maureen and I walked to her house and went to Regent Square for breakfast. I stopped at Michael's Art and Craft Supply (to pick up supplies for Karina and me) while Maureen went to a clothing store. I met her there, where I purchased a top. We continued on to Gordon's shoes, where I purchased a pair of Mary Jane walking shoes. I also picked up something at the Loews Waterfront.
We continued to McKnight Road, and stopped in at the Walking Store for her to pick up dress shoes in which to walk and to teach. We went to Bath and Body works, as well.
Also helped Mom and Dad with customer service issues.
~~~~
After dinner I met Karina at Newman Bible Study. We spoke about Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Sone of us decided to meet on Saturday.
Labels: art, cinema, dining, jewelry, Mass, shopping, teaching, walking
Early on a (Non-Choir) Sunday, January 2010
So, I'm up early (probably to go back to sleep after writing this...) on this Sunday morning, a rare Sunday during choir season when I don't have practice or choir.
Just editing some older posts, cleaning things up.
~~~~~
18 January 2010
Yesterday, after noon Mass Mom, Dad, and I went out for lunch after a visit to Staples and Tuesday Morning. A long nap followed, and then Maureen and I went for a walk (reverse route as for Friday). It took us ~twenty minutes, less than half an hour. We chatted in the lobby for a while (also to get dry---it's been pouring all day).
Labels: Choir, dining, shopping, walking, weather, writing
Early on a Saturday, Jan 2010
I awoke ~six o'clock this morning and called Karina at ~eight o'clock before I left to go to the Waterfront at nine o'clock. She JUST awoke when I was leaving for the Waterfront, so I picked her up and we went to the craft supply store to get beading supplies. I also went to get a closet organizer, and stopped at the bank, the library, and a couple of shops for music and clothes. I then dropped her off at home before heading home.
I'm now making part of lunch.
~~~~~
Mom, Dad, and I had lunch together, and then I took a nap until mid-afternoon.
We invited William and his little family to eat at Eat N Park with us---they requested a location, and we suggested another location. We ended up eating at their location due to clogged traffic patterns. Marissa and Beatrice and I sat at one table (she used a booster seat) and Solomon headed up the other table in his high chair. We all enjoyed the soup & salad bar with our meal, MMmmmMM delish. William shared the cookies from his family with us.
We stopped, on the way home, for prescriptions at the drugstore. A fairly uneventful night.
Labels: dine, dining, friends, health, jewelry, library, music, niece and nephew, shopping, sleep
21 Days
On Wednesday and yesterday evenings Maureen and I went for a half-hour walk on each day. I also made arrangements and plans for my summer, mostly by phone, but also using the Internet.
Karina says that if one starts an activity and continuously keeps it up for 21 days, it then starts to become a habit. Maureen and I are making walking every weekday our habit.
Labels: exercise, phone, travel, walking
Walkin' Gals
Today was the second day back to school for my classes. After teaching a morning section, I went home for lunch, a nap, email correspondence, and a half-hour walk with Maureen in Oakland. We walked to Karina's place and enjoyed chai and conversation. We decided to walk every day. Dinner at Mom & Dad's followed, (leftovers from Sunday) and I've caught up on email correspondence since then.
Labels: biology, dine, email, school, sleep, tea, walking, work
First Day Back to School, Spring 2010
Today was an eventful day, first day back at school, took a nap, went to the Newman Center for Bible Study with Karina and company, and helped Mom and Dad with their medical mission booklet. Also handled some reservations for travel, sent many email communiques as well.
Whew!
Labels: email, Faith, school, sleep, transportation, travel
Baptism of Our Lord--Celebrating the Life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I arrived at choir practice at ~10.00 today. Don greeted me, and continued unlocking the doors to the choir practice space.
Today was special--it was a Mass, "Let Us Celebrate the Dream," presented by the Race and Reconciliation Dialogue group of Saint Paul Cathedral with the Office of Black Catholic Ministries, Diocese of Pittsburgh. The Choir of Saint Paul Cathedral was joined with St. Benedict the Moor Gospel Choir, and Saint Charles Lwanga Choir. Our choirs were led by Don Fellows, Toni Long, and James Avant.
We sang "Wade in the Water," as the prelude to the Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Carmen D'Amico of the Uptown (Epiphany), Downtown (St. Mary's of the Point), and St. Benedict the Moor parishes.
Fr. Donald Breier and Fr. Dave Taylor (St. Charles Lwanga parish) co-celebrated.
~~~
The entrance hymn was "We've Come This Far by Faith" (Albert A. Goodson)
Freedom Gloria
The cantor, Christina, accompanied by Don at the organ, led us in singing Psalm 29 (R. Kreutz)
Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
The Preparation of Gifts had our combined choirs singing a medley of three Afro-American spirituals:
"Glory, Glory Hallelujah"
"Hush, Hush, Somebody's Callin' Mah Name"
"This Little Light of Mine"
Eucharistic Acclamations from the Mass of Creation by Marty Haugen
"Amen" (R. Smallwood)
"Lord's Prayer / Pater Noster" (A. Malotte)
Lamb of God (R. Ray)
Communion: "Fix Me, Jesus" (Afro-American Spiritual)
Meditation: "We Shall Overcome"(text and tune adapt. by Zilphia Horton, Frank Hamilton, Guy Carawan, and Pete Seeger)
Recessional Hymn: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (James W. Johnson, Black Anthem)
~~~
After Mass, I had a light lunch of pesto pasta and green peas.
Maureen invited me to dinner. We went to the Thai restaurant in Highland Park, then to Whole Foods.
We each got email communications and lesson planning done for this week, then chatted briefly on the phone.
Labels: Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, phone, photos, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, work
Up Early January 2010 II
I'm up early, trying to catch up on communications. Gave messages to a couple of friends.
I'm tired, will crawl back in bed for a few more hours of snoozing.
Labels: phone, sleep, travel
Marissa's Birthday Celebration 2010
Two days ago was Marissa's birthday. We celebrated with her as a family tonight at a Burmese / Sushi restaurant. The chicken pancakes were ordered for the children, Mom ordered some seaweed salad for all of us. She also shared the fried Burmese style lo mein. Dad ordered the Malaysian style fried rice (salty). William had the delish shrimp curry (with the heads). I had the Nepalese roti, chicken, potato, and samosas. Marissa ordered the Thai basil leaf with meat. Many of us had delicious dishes, however, some dishes were rather salty.
The children enjoyed bananas and crackers, and Solomon's newfound verbal prowess was admired.
"Cracker," he intoned, pointing to the floor "oooor."
me: Where did the cracker fall, Solomon?
Solomon: "Ah Dah 'OOOr." [on the floor] "Uh-Oh."
William's family bundled up and departed for ice cream at Baskin-Robbins.
Labels: Birthday, dining, family, ice cream, niece and nephew, talent
Up Late, Up Early January 2010
I was up late last night taking care of correspondence and chatting with my aunties in California (one visiting from the Nederlands). Also watching the newsprogram with Mom about the story of Sean Goldman, a little boy who has been through a lot with his family. I said to Mom that there are so many people who have been through a lot, as well, in trafficking incidents every day.
So I went to bed vv late last night and awoke early (~7.00) this morning. Mom said to be sure to wake up late. I'm going back to bed now to sleep off the sleepiness.
Labels: children, international culture, sleep, writing
Edits, January 2010
We're in the last stage of final edits on various messages, certificates, and booklets for this year's medical mission project. I was up late and up early last night and this morning...
I hope that this year's mission project goes smoothly.
~~~~~
I have a meeting at work today, to take care of administrative tasks.
Labels: biology, medical mission, work, writing
(The Earlier) Grandma? post
5.37 am
So, Mom and I were discussing late last night---after I had finished typing, editing, and proofreading missives from Mom and Dad---the presence of Grandma. Mom said that she received a cell phone call from my phone yesterday early evening...she returned the call to my cell phone, and found that the phone was sitting there in her house.
me: Yeah, I left my cell phone at your home because I didn't want to bring it to my meeting [at pastoral council]. Did Dad use the phone?
Dad: I didn't pick up your phone.
me (in unison): It's Grandma!
Mom (in unison): Grandma!
me: WoooOOOooo! [taking a breath] Mom, did I tell you about the time at work----?
Mom: ----about the flowers?
me: Yeah! [at which point I launch into a recounting of the tale which included my coworker, who also detected flowers, but neither of us had found flowers, despite looking for several days...]
This we discussed briefly, then...
me: Do you know who's really scared of ghosts?
Mom guesses, then gives up.
At which point I tell her my cousin's name, and then launch into the story of how the cousin slept with a knife next to her bed, she was so afraid of ghosts after Grandma died. Mom had one response for that...
Mom: It's Grandma!
me {without a beat}:...and she's dead!
~ ~
So, the upshot of this conversation was that we still didn't know how the phone call originated from my phone at 7:22 pm yesterday, when I was in the midst of pastoral council meeting. Hmmmmmmm.
Labels: dreams, Grandma, phone, St. Paul Cathedral
Grandma?
So, Mom and I were discussing late last night---after I had finished typing, editing, and proofreading missives from Mom and Dad---the presence of Grandma. Mom said that she received a cell phone call from my cell phone yesterday early evening...she returned the call to my cell phone, and found that the phone was sitting there, ringing, in her house.
me: Yeah, I left my cell phone at your home because I didn't want to bring it to my meeting [at pastoral council]. Did Dad use the phone?
Dad: I didn't pick up your phone.
(Here I check her handset for incoming calls--there was one from my cell phone at 7.22pm!)
me: Yeah, there was one from my cell phone at 7.22 tonight...
[Pause]
me (in unison): It's Grandma!
Mom (in unison): Grandma!
me: WoooOOOooo! [taking a breath] Mom, did I tell you about the time at work----?
Mom: ----about the flowers?
me: Yeah! [at which point I launch into a recounting of the tale which included my coworker, who also detected flowers, but neither of us had found flowers, despite looking for several days...]
This we discussed briefly,
I said that "This is freaking me out"
then...
me: Do you know who's really scared of ghosts?
Mom guesses, then gives up.
At which point I tell her my cousin's name, and then launch into the story of how the cousin slept with a knife next to her bed, she was so afraid of ghosts after Grandma died. Mom had one response for that...
Mom: It's Grandma!
me {without a beat}:...and she's dead!
~ ~
So, the upshot of this conversation was that we still didn't know how the phone call originated from my phone at 7:22 pm yesterday, when I was in the midst of pastoral council meeting. Hmmmmmmm.
~~~~~
10.15am
Mom also told me in the same exchange about a dream she had with Grandma in it yesterday. Didn't seem like a warning dream, but like a comforting dream, instead.
~ ~ ~
I just checked my handset, and there is NO RECORD of an outgoing call from my CELL phone at 7.22 pm last night--where it should be is bracketed by a call to William and a call to VoiceMail. OOOooOO-creepy!
Labels: dreams, Grandma, phone, St. Paul Cathedral
Up Early January 2010
So, I'm up early this morning. Wrote an email, now I'm going to write about yesterday:
Yesterday, I woke at ~7.15 (boy, was that difficult) to the strains of my alarm. I did some computer work, then joined up with Mom and Dad for a late breakfast. Mom and I watched a movie with Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married. In the afternoon I went to a bookstore and then to Trader Joe's for some groceries. Then a nap... After dinner it was time for pastoral council. Matt and I wrote closing and opening prayers, respectively. One of the fun activities we did was to write a want ad for pastoral council. We shared a lot of topics, and ended soon after an hour, as the weather dictated our actions. We spoke about the "Grace problem" of first Wednesday conflicts, as well. Roseann, Elaine, and I slip-slided all the way home. A discussion ensued with Mom and Dad, then a nap, then some document editing.
Today, I'm up early for this last full weekday of vacation before the semester starts. Tomorrow holds a meeting, as well as a bit of administrative work. I don't have anything in particular planned for today, although I should be doing laundry soon, not because of need, but because of desire (or something). It's the first morning in a few that I've not heard the men plowing the snow in the parking lot in the wee hours of the morning. No plans for today, but Now time for another email. No plans for today, but now it's time to check my email for plans, as well as to make plans, all for within the next couple of years.
~~~~~
21.55
I took a nap ~7:30-9:30, had a late breakfast, early lunch, then took a nap, then was awakened by a call from Karina to walk to the library. She hung out in the magazine room, and I went to the campus libe/computer lab to print out some documents. I received a call from her---she had lost a bracelet her sister had just given her. She retraced part of her steps that we had taken to the library. I then renewed a book and met up with her: She hadn't found it when we got to a parking lot near my building.
I was pleased to receive a call from her stating that she had located the bracelet!
The evening was spent with Mom and Dad working on medical mission documents.
Labels: biology, cinema, cinema tv, cold, dine, email, jewelry, laundry, library, medical mission, meeting, music, pastoral council, Philippines, prayer, sleep, travel, weather, work
Phone Calls
This morning, there were lots of phone calls to catch up for the New Year. I worked on some correspondence until midnight last night, as well. Also called the store to check on stuff I need to pick up.
I'll take care of some more paperwork and correspondence this morning, then have lunch chez Mom and Dad.
~~~
5 January 2010
04.15
After a couple of appointments and errands, I went in to work to print out a couple of documents, emails.
I then proceeded to go home to take a nap, and was awakened by a return call re: the Bible study times. Maureen and I chatted for a bit, and I fell asleep soon after.
So, with all these odd hours, I'm up now. I'll hit the sack again shortly. I'm probably still up because of the light from the computer.
Labels: computer, dine, email, Faith, health, light, phone, sleep, writing
Bishop Hebda to Michigan
This noon Mass was the send-off for hometown boy Bishop Hebda to the diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. The choir sang, among other pieces, Schalk's "Where Shepards Lately Knelt" and "Gaudete."
Jennifer H., Diane and Craig met downstairs for the reception. We then all joined up for a late lunch at Mexican food on Centre Avenue.
I responded to an email from a friend from "way back"--from elementary school days. We have decided to get together again after all these years.
Labels: Choir, dining, farewell, friends, Mass, music, reunion, school
Responsive/Responsible
I have a friend who does not like to email. I personally LIKE to email. Which leaves me with a friend who is NON-responsive to my emails. Which also looks (to the casual bystander) that my friend is
NOT responsive
NOT relating
NOT responsible.
This is disconcerting to me
because I know my friend is very
kind and
thoughtful
(in my presence)
to a trivial detail level.
How confusing!
Labels: computer, email, friends, writing
The Ten-Year Plan...
I can't believe that it's been TEN years already since Y2K!" I exclaimed to my seat mates at the table at tea this afternoon, at the beginning of the afternoon.
Stephanie stated at the completion of the meal that she remembered talking to a job coach approximately ten years ago about her personal and professional goals and plans. And here she is, fulfilling them.
I need to make a list to see how I am meeting my objectives (perhaps). Maybe I don't need goals like Karina's: the man, the dog, the house. Maybe I just need objectives: Vehicles for me to get out and to circulate more, to broaden my horizons. As I go about meeting my objectives, I will enjoy life and meet more people.
There's MY plan.
Labels: career, energy, family, friends, list, love, meeting, music, voice, Wellesley, work
Pittsburgh Wellesley Annual Tea 2009/2010
Today was the annual Wellesley tea. We enjoyed a pot of tea each (Martha and I shared a large pot of jasmine tea), and we had a selection of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and desserts of mini fruit tarts, cookie/brownie bars, and carrot cake. Michele opted for the mimosa, as well. At my end of the table were Stephanie, Lynne, Amy, and Martha. At Michele's end of the table were the "K" gals: Kelly, Kelsey, Kathryn, Kathleen, and Karen who switched seats with Martha so that Martha and I could share a pot of tea.
We chatted, and also spoke about plans for the Pittsburgh chapter for 2010...club events where we could get together, again. Amy and Lynne had particularly good ideas.
Lynne was kind to give me a ride back.
I hostessed the tea this time, and I'm glad Kelly suggested a post-holiday event this time around.
Labels: seasons, tea, transportation, Wellesley
Glamour, Game Shows, Dating Advice, and...Work?!
Here is a link from Glamour Magazine that shows how successful game show contestents have similar qualities as successful dates.
• Be open-minded.
• Stay engaged with the interviewer and the world around you.
• Learn to laugh at yourself.
• Energy, energy, energy!
• Be authentic.
As someone who teaches, I realize that I tell my students ideas for studying from game shows:
• Have a study group.
• Divvy up the work.
• Make up sample questions and quiz each other.
• Play the game!
• Be ready for virtually any fair question.
• It's okay to look foolish...but only while practicing.
• It's all up to YOU in the end.
• Don't be surprised by comprehensive questions. It's a final exam.
• Don't be surprised by manipulatives: It's a practical exam.
Of course, I don't necessarily say the above-mentioned sentences. I tell them specific advice from a lab, examples. Some of them "get" it, and others don't listen. It's not up to me to make them do their work.
So, the theme for today's blog post is GAME SHOWS.
Mom's favorite game show is Jeopardy! She's been watching it since the beginning. Intelligentia trivia, I see why she likes it so much.
Karina mentioned this week a game show similar to "Name that Tune" from India at which I would be good. Linking music....
Game shows: One of my favorite genres for watching tv, and for helping students to study.
I must write more in a future post.
Labels: games, list, love, student, surprise, teaching, tests, TV, work
New Year's Day 2009
I went to Mass (BVM, the Mother of God) at the Oratory at 10 today. I spoke to Julia, Don, and their seven-month-old daughter Maria. I met up with Jeff, Maureen, and Karina after Mass and First Friday adoration, as well.
The four of us walked to the Indian restaurant, arriving at ~11.15. We went to the Indian grocery store to get warm and to while the time (cilantro!) before 11.30. The man at the register indicated that the restaurant would open at 13.00. So we went to get hot drinks at a coffee shop on Forbes Avenue to spend the time (boy, that dark hot chocolate was really good!) and then to eat at the New Year's buffet at the Indian restaurant. The goat curry was good, as was the tutti frutti dessert.
We walked to Fifth and Craig, where Jeff used his gift card at the NE corner coffee shop. I just returned to Mom and Dad's home, as they called me during lunch to type / do administrative work for the medical society.
Labels: celebration, chocolate, Choir, dining, friends, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, Pilipino culture, shopping, volunteering, walking
It's Published!
On December 23rd, 2009 the Encyclopedia of Asian American Issues Today was published. I was lead/co-author on an article which we worked on for about a year, and did minor edits on this fall. I credit my editor and co-authors with doing a fine job of writing and editing the article.
This week I updated my social networking site to reflect the above changes, and am updating this web log.
It's an overview / review article on mental health in the Asian American community. I couldn't have done it without the help of librarians in the (now-defunct) Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Library, and the resources in the library itself. I also have to thank Prof. Fabrega for lending me a textbook of cultural psychiatry. And, of course, I have to thank my family and support network for making this possible.
Labels: accessibility, encyclopedia, family, health, library, writing
Happy New Year 2010!
I was organizing and doing paperwork at my home when Dad called to invite me to celebrate the New Year with him and Mom.
I brought my paperwork over, proceeded to prepare the cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, dips, bread and crackers, and chocolates for our New Year celebration. I put 20.10 in my "wallet." We watched the Dick Clark ABC special as the ball dropped in New York City. We leapt up and shouted out as the new year arrived. Then, munching and toasting (in various languages). Mom and I did our respective paperwork projects as Dad slept. I'm back at home and happy and thankful for another year, full of promise and hope.
Labels: celebration, dine, family, sleep, thankfulness, TV
