"I'm really pleased with the outcome!"
I had my 9 mos. appointment with my orthopedic surgeon after my second hip replacement. Linda took my bilateral X rays, and I told Dr. Larry that "I'm really pleased with the outcome!" I told Linda before she took my X rays that "I'm really glad to be Post-op."
After the exam and questions from me (few if any restrictions on movement [right angles, crossing the midline, and rotating inward] and 4-5 years before my next X ray set), I told Dr. Larry that "I couldn't have asked for a better outcome."
Labels: BAD.health, surgery
Latin American Night 2010
Mom and I recycled (tried to) some clothes today. We ended up at East End Food Coop, Giant Eagle Market District, and Shur Fine for grocery shopping this afternoon.
After watching some of Dancing with the Stars with Mom after dinner tonight, Karina and I walked to the student union at the University of Pittsburgh for the Latin American Celebration. We saw a number of our friends there: Lilly, Enrique and Gabriela, Carlos P (from Timbeleza, a percussion band), and Philip and Tim (from Global Pittsburgh). We heard about the mom of one of the students, a great local leader in the Latin American community (Salome), who recently passed away. We dined on a plate of Peruvian food and Argentinian ricotta pie. There was salsa, tango, merengue, and other Latin dancing throughout the evening.
We enjoyed the walk home in the brisk night air.
Labels: dancing, dine, dining, friends, international culture, recycle, school, shopping, TV, walking
O Rats!
I just spent the past 3/4 hour reading emails and uploading photos to this blog for the PCM post.
Yesterday I spent the morning navigating (unsuccessfully) Marissa and the children to a children's play place in the South Hills. We ended up at a great Eat N Park for lunch, I went to Mom and Dad's for a very brief nap, and then walked to work to dissect animal models (rats) for the students next week. Heather prepped them for Paul C. and me to dissect. We finished before the meeting for the other biology class completed. I went to Mom and Dad's, chatted with them, had an early dinner of lumpia and rice, and turned in soon after I spoke with Maureen on the phone.
I awoke about 3/4 of an hour ago and will crawl back in bed shortly, if only because it is the middle of the night.
Labels: biology, blogs, dining, email, family, friends, phone, photos, sleep, work
Choir Birthday Celebration 2010
Today after work I watched a fascinating movie with Mom called Madeleine about a Scottish murder in the 19th Century. It was based on a true story.
Choir practice led to practice of music from Easter Sunday (backwards in time) to Palm Sunday. Nancy prepared snacks, consisting of ice cream cake, creamery milk, pizza, and potato chips! I was thrilled, and grateful, for the grand gesture.
I look forward to singing the Masses and services during Holy Week.
Labels: Birthday, Bishop, Choir, Mass, St. Paul Cathedral, Zubik
Hand Tests, March 2010
I have had hand pain for about a week and a half now, alleviated with ~500mg acetaminophen p.r.n. I saw my general practitioner/ primary care physician last week, who ordered nerve tests and X rays for me, which I had this morning.
Scott did the nerve tests on my dominant hand. The nerve tests consisted of first stimulating a standard set of nerves in the affected hand and observing the results on a computer. This caused a feeling of a small shock, then a corresponding muscle twitch. The second nerve test consisted of utilizing tiny needles to deliver the impulse to the arm, and then asking the patient to gently flex or extend affected muscles distally. This test had the results displayed on a computer and hooked up to a speaker, so one could hear the results "talking." My results turned out okay, and Scott indicated that it just may be that I have tendinitis, and that I need to ice my hand regularly.
Greg took three X ray films / views of each hand, first one of the hand (palm down, and open) and then two views (at different angles) of modified "OK" signs. Greg indicated that my views looked fine. I am pleased!
Stopped by the pharmacy to pickup some ibuprofen, but the pharmacy was out of it until this afternoon.
Labels: health, pain, tests
Dinner with William's Family, March 2010
After teaching my class yesterday, I went to office hours, where I met with a student withdrawing from one of my sections this semester. I stopped by Mom and Dad's to help them with typing and editing medical society documents. Instead, I ended up wrapping two kinds of lumpia: Beef and shrimp. Dad was busy separating wrappers, and Mom was busy frying up the little parcels of deliciousness.
I went home to clean out my fridge and freezer, and to have a snack from some of the yummies: Sausage and potstickers. Dad then called to tell me that William and his family had arrived for dinner at his home.
We enjoyed quite a spread (shrimp soup, fried eggplant, BBQ chicken, two kinds of lumpia, rice, escabeche cod, rice, and fruit. Beatrice enjoyed the BBQ chicken, Solomon loved the lumpia. We played the piano, played games, read books, and then watched a slide show of most of their trip to New York City. Marissa provided delivery service to the library during the slide show.
After a talk with Nancy, I went to sleep, for I had tests at the hospital early this morning.
The Newman Institute, First Visit, March 2010
While teaching yesterday, my supervisor C and another visitor toured the lab space.
Yesterday afternoon after work I took a nice nap, then had dinner and headed to the Newman Institute for the third in a lecture/discussion series on Newman's Apologia. A very interesting talk and facilitated discussion by Damon, a local Newman scholar.
Today after work I had spaghetti for lunch, and took an hour-long nap, picked up my mail, and generally had a slow afternoon. I started to organize my clothes more, and got a phone call from William about getting ice cream, the Miss Teen USA questions for contestants, and questions about qualifications for foreign policy for a former US VP candidate (Wow!)
I need to clean house a little bit every day...I'll get back to that shortly.
~~~~
21.50
I emptied my dishwasher, loaded my dirty dishes in it, weeded and organized my closet a bit, and went to Bible/Sunday Gospel study with Father Bill tonight. I went to Maureen's home to help her by grading ~ fifteen student quizzes. It was fun to have Hot cocoa afterwards.
Labels: biology, chocolate, cleaning, dine, Faith, ice cream, organizing, politics, sleep, teaching, work
This Weekend, March 2010
Saturday I awoke early to work on a student reference letter. I cleaned my living room a bit and in the afternoon weeded out part of my closet. I took a nap, as well.
Sunday I awoke early, prepped for work this week, took a nap, then headed to St. Paul Cathedral to check out the process for distributing Volunteer Registration Forms. Went to choir practice, and after Mass I handed out some volunteer registration forms, a goodly number to students, as well.
Nancy C. and I had a great conversation over smoothies and a noodle/won ton dish (with noodles flown in from San Francisco!), got cookies and snacks (at the Indian store), and sat in my garden to discuss.
I walked Nancy to her car, went home, took a nap, and then spoke with Maureen, napped some more, then went with Christina and Karina to Jen P's party at her home in Friendship. Her landlords were pleasant, lovely people. She had prepared at least four carrot cakes (with obvious orange flavor) for her 28th birthday party. The Newman Crowd was there, and Father Mike was even there.
Labels: Birthday, cleaning, dining, Faith, organizing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, volunteering, weather, work
This Week, March 2010
So, I haven't written because at the beginning of the week I had acute pain in my wrist and thumb. (There was no injury or trauma, just a gradual pain). I've been taking Tylenol and resting it. I was in so much pain Monday night/ Tuesday morning that I couldn't sleep mid-evening after awakening (for four hours)!
Tuesday after work I went to my primary care physician, who recommended X rays and nerve studies for me. I made appointments for those later this month.
Wednesday, I taught and then had office hours, during which I administered a quiz and I also discussed a scholarhip with a student who is asking for a letter of recommendation. There was a cameo appearance of my supervisor in office hours.
Thursday in the morning I worked on necessary paperwork, and then went to choir practice. Nancy, Regina, and I chatted over snacks by Karen. We celebrated Judi's birthday.
Today I was the lector for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bill D. celebrated, John served, and Ryan provided the music ministry. There were two readings before the Gospel. I saw Joe, Tina, and JoAnn walking with Gloria and joined them, thanking Joe for our tickets he provided for tonight.
I dropped off papers for my students at work, dropped off papers at an office near Marissa and William's home, and joined Marissa and the children for lunch and half the afternoon at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum (which had free admissions in honor of Mr. Rogers' birthday). We dined next to the Foucault pendulum (which Beatrice explained to me), visited exhibits, enjoyed gelato 
and (I brought mine to the theater, which had) a performance by a string quartet formed from members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. I captured a video of Beatrice and Solomon dancing. We enjoyed doing artwork, and took some photos in the galleries, as well.
I took a nap and had a snack before Maureen and I went to McDonald's near downtown (I for a decaf hazelnut iced coffee and McDouble sandwich) before we enjoyed the Pittsburgh Symphony performance tonight. The program was
The Planets
with Yan Pascal Tortelier conducting
Randolph Kelly on viola
and women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
They performed first Harold in Italy by Berlioz (commissioned by Nicolo Paganini), inspired by the composer's travels in the Abruzzi region, the Adriatic. Mr. Kelly starred as soloist for this piece.
The Planets by Holst is a dramatic portrait of the deities associated with all planets in our solar system save our own. The Mercury and Jupiter movements held familiar themes, and the choir sang during the last movement, Neptune.
Labels: art, biology, Birthday, Choir, dine, dining, health, Mass, niece and nephew, photos, PSO, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
Daylight Savings Time 2010
Yesterday I took a nap for the bulk of the morning, being tired. I chatted with choir friends after wards and had lunch with Mom and Dad of fresh lumpia enrobed in lettuce leaves smeared with peanut butter. I took another nap and then helped Mom and Dad with some end-of-presidential year administrative work, typing, and editing. I headed out with Maureen for some window shopping at a Mall on McKnight Road whilst they headed out to a Pacquiao party. Mr. Smoothie provided me with a delicious mango-coconut smoothie, and Maureen tasted a frozen drink from Dairy Queen.
We ended up renting the movie Up in the Air with George Clooney and watching it with Karina over homemade kale-chicken-lentil soup at her home. Interesting characters you meet while borrowing and returning at a Red Box location!
~~~
20.55
I'm feeling subdued after repairing the necklace I designed, and fashioned at Karina's home. It had become (partially) unstrung and I restrung it. Dad took photos of me wearing it and the matching bracelet.
Today I went to choir practice, and sang at noon Mass in the choir. Regina sang at Mass for the first time with the choir. Mom, Dad, and I went for Mexican food in Fox Chapel for lunch. I took a well-rested, well-deserved nap.
We're preparing to eat dinner shortly.
Labels: Choir, cinema, dine, family, friends, jewelry, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, shopping, sleep
Spring Forward (Ahead of Time)
I awoke about an hour ago to work on personal paperwork on the computer.
Yesterday after lunch dropped the car off for inspection, repairs, etc. New brakes, brake sensors, windshield washer pump, and lightbulbs for the dashboard were done. Then I picked up the car at about 16.00, picking up William from work for a late lunch/early dinner. We drove to the fish fry uptown next to the Civic Arena (soon to be gone for a newer arena). We enjoyed a fish dinner and mac & cheese, and he brought an order of pierogies for Marissa and the children.
I dropped him off at home, proceeded to TJ's for groceries, then went home to change before heading off to the symphony with Maureen and Karina (meeting Nancy there). We were all in good spirits, and the program was
Classic Tales
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
Benjamin Hochman, piano
The PSO played
G. Rossini La Cenerentola, Overture
W. A. Mozart Concerto No. 19 in F Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 459
(with Mr. Hochman)
~Intermission~
P.I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29 "Polish"
Mr. Noseda literally danced when conducting: Predominantly lyrical dancing, with some "popping"-type moves occasionally. He was a joy to watch.
Mr. Hochman was light and delightful with the Mozart piece. A standing ovation ensued, and he played a solo encore. Andres Cardenes joined the PSO for the last piece, Tchaikovsky's only symphony written in a major key.
We all retired to the Greek restaurant across from the Renaissance Hotel and Byham. Nancy and I each enjoyed a plate of Greek food and salad, my main dish being the phyllo-enrobed lamb, exohito. Maureen and Karina both enjoyed desserts.
~~~
About the heading on this post:
Yesterday I set my clocks in my bedroom ahead, so that I can practice "Spring Forward" daylight savings time a day ahead. Thus, "springing forwards ahead." That does not, of course, preclude the fact that I'm slightly tired right now....
Labels: automobile, dining, fish fry, international culture, music, organizing, Pittsburgh, PSO, repair, shopping
Yesterday
Yesterday, I picked up tickets for the symphony tonight (Friday), had breakfast, and then took my prophylactic antibiotics to prepare for my teeth cleaning. Because the dental hygienist is on maternity leave, the dentist himself cleaned my teeth after my regular (digital) X rays. I was happy to find no cavities with my teeth, as per usual.
A trip to the large grocery store for some milk ensued, and then lunch with Mom and Dad. Soon after Dad and I dropped my car off at the repair shop for inspection, etc. We walked home, and I took a nap.
Maureen and I went for coffee smoothies at our favorite smoothie location, chatted, and received a call from Nancy, who agreed to join us and Karina for the symphony tomorrow night, my other two friends being otherwise engaged with a cold and a deadline.
Dinner and then choir practice followed, which was Regina's first practice, in addition to a bass and a (visiting) bass, Craig and Di's son. Snackes were provided by Judi, Ken was back from Paris, France, and I introduced Regina to some fellow choristers. Chatted with Don and Judi afterwards.
Two days ago I attended a particularly productive pastoral council meeting. We were all pleased with the outcome.
Labels: accessibility, automobile, Choir, dine, health, pastoral council, PSO, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, teeth, visitor
Findings
Just found another item I had thought was lost. A nice gift from a friend. A little worse for the wear, it is, but O Well, what can I do about it? Dwelling on it can only drive me crazy (er).
So, in finding things that I've lost, I see that:
Things are not always found where I expect them to be. At all.
The message from the universe has been to get my personal life more organized/neater. (I told my friends this earlier this week.)
I guess I just have to keep neatening up /straightening up / redding up until I find everything that's misplaced /displaced.
Labels: art, career, cleaning, gift, honor, jewelry, list, love, mystery, niece and nephew, organizing, patient, philosophical, photos, safety
Pharmacy School Admits
I am pleased to announce that two of my former students notified me (this weekend and yesterday) of their admissions to the pharmacy program here at the University of Pittsburgh. Both of them had me write letters of support for them. One of them will hopefully celebrate with me and my friend (whom she shadowed) and the other is studying abroad.
I'm so happy when my students go on and do well. The bulk of the recommendations I am asked to write (not for summer programs or volunteer work---for post-bacc programs) is for the pharmacy school, for PharmD programs, and invariably, virtually all of those students become admits. (I think most of them self-select for their program.) I've also had another former student admitted to chemistry graduate school.
I'm so proud of them!
Labels: biology, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, student, work
Quotes of the Day / Week
Quotes from my friends and I this past half week:
from yesterday, the Quote of the Day:
me: All my prayers answered in the church parking lot: Chocolate! [as Maureen points out the bag of chocolate in her trunk]
and this weekend, the Quote of the Week:
me: ...there's a chocolate factory where you live!! Can I go there? Just to smell?
my friend from out East: I'm sure there's a lot more interesting things to do than that....
Labels: chocolate, friends, smell
Spring Break 2010 III
Afternoon yesterday, cleaned and organized my files. Went for a walk yesterday late afternoon with Maureen. We ended up heading toward the pan-Asian restaurant in Oakland, and ran into Dan from choir on the way there. Chatted with him for a while, and ran into Freddie at the restaurant, where we got General Tso's chicken with a pot of green tea. Mmm. Nothing is better for the soul and the coughy throat on a cool-tending-to-cold March night.
~~~
3.37
Just finished deleting files to reduce my file space by more than half in my work email account. I am so happy! I'm now down to 13.0% of total disk space possible/potential. Yay!
~~~~~
5.20
I'm consolidating my work and school files---tossing excess waste, recycling paper...Now I'm getting tired and less effective. Time to rest.
~~~~~~~
6.33
Never took a break: Am doing laundry. Need to move to the dryers in a few minutes.
~~~~~~~~~
19.00
Ran errands in the AM---walked to retrieve my prophylactic antibiotics for my teeth cleaning later this week.
Had lunch at the sushi buffet with mom and dad. Purchased computer storage supplies at the office supply store, then headed to the visitation of our neighbor, Rita. It was good to see her extension into the community and to talk to her family.
I worked on some paperwork, then did some computer work.
It will be good to rest tonight.
Labels: Choir, cleaning, dining, email, farewell, friends, health, laundry, organizing, school, seasons, walking, weather, work
Spring Break 2010 II
Up again in the middle of the night (I went to sleep about eight hours ago). My spring break officially starts today...I finished corresponding by email with some students and sending a recommendation letter out for one of them. During break I will take care of errands, regular check-ups / dental visits, as well. It will be a busy spring break.
Labels: biology, email, health, school, seasons, teeth, work
Walkin' Girls, March 2010
Karina and I went for individual walks on Friday---I met her outside the Carnegie Library. We walked together back to our homes.
The next day, Saturday, I spent the bulk of the day grading, had lunch at Mom & Dad's, went for the women's prayer group rosary led by Jen. For dinner, Karina and I walked to the Korean/Japanese restaurant in Oakland. We enjoyed dinners of eel rice bowls. I told her of the free calls overseas, and we spoke about our aunties who mean so much to us.
Today, I met up with Maureen and Nancy for lunch on Craig Street after I had a chance to attend Mass, sitting 1/2 way up the nave. ("Adoramus Te" by Bob Farrell sounded particularly good. I re-introduced Regina to Don up in the loft, showed her where we meet for practice, and chatted with her and her boyfriend John and with her mom.)
Maureen, Nancy, and I sat next to a table of ne'er-do-wells (Judi, Karen, Jess, and Don) and chatted well into the afternoon. Nancy was particularly animated throughout our lunchtime discussion. I took care of some paperwork afterwards.
Life is good.
Labels: Choir, dining, phone, prayer, rosary, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, walking
Up Early March 2010
...been up for ~an hour. Time to go back to sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep.
Labels: sleep
Spring Break 2010
I unofficially started spring break last night, after my last class met.
I showed up for choir practice late, after I tallied my candy orders for Easter. I sat separate from the choir during practice, due to my laryngitis. Alice did snacks, with devilled eggs, pepperoni rolls, cookies, and kielbasa.
Took care of some email correspondence this morning.
Labels: biology, dine, email, health, school, seasons, work
So Tired...
I went to sleep before nine thirty last night, I was so tired. I've been up for two hours now, working on cleaning my home, organizing files, and computer work such as my CVs. Time to go to sleep now. So tired...
(Maybe after I check my email.)
Labels: cleaning, computer, email, organizing, sleep
Druckenbrod on Bell
Andrew Druckenbrod comments on Joshua Bell's performance Tuesday night. He makes the real point that Joshua Bell is a master of dramatics, useful for his pieces later in the program.
Labels: Bell, PSO
Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk
After a morning teaching with laryngitis, I've taken a grand nap. I spoke with Nancy and Maureen. Nancy and Tom cannot make the symphony tonight, so that I am going with Maureen to hear Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk, who keeps an ever-enchanting web blog.
Joshua Bell I've heard at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra several times before, with Nancy present each time. "Remember Anjali when you go [to the symphony tonight]," Nancy intoned. Anjali introduced us to the music of Joshua Bell.
Here's the line-up for tonight:
Johann Sebastian Bach: Violin Sonata No. 4 in C minor
Edvard Grieg: Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in C minor, Op. 45
Robert Schumann: Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A minor, Op. 105
Maurice Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Piano (1927)
What a treat tonight will be!
~~~~~
23.30
The program recital of Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk was fabulous; spanning time, musical periods, emotivity, and music theory.
The program is listed below:
J.S. Bach, Violin Sonata No. 4 in C minor
E. Grieg, Sonata No. 3 for Vl and Piano in C minor, Opus 45
R. Schumann, Sonata No. 1 For Vl and Piano in A minor, Opus 105
M. Ravel, Sonata for Vl and Piano (1927)
The difference in musical periods was evident, as was the emotion in the pieces (even from the first two pieces). The dissonance in the Schumann piece was evident, and the bluesy sound of the final piece was heard. They played to an audience that gave them standing ovations, and provided an encore with a Kreissler piece after Dvorak, "Slavonic Fantasy."
It was a treat to listen and hear them, as they played like jazz with and to each other: It was as if they were breathing the music together, playing off each other.
Maureen and I saw my neighbor Ann there, we also met a former VP from Maureen's former workplace, and we met Ernest, who is a pianist. In line to meet the artist we met 5-year-old violinist Caillie (sp?) and her mom, and a family who brought a picture of their son meeting Mr. Bell for an autograph. I told the mother that her son is very fortunate to have parents like [them]. She was appreciative.
Labels: Bell, music, PSO, school, sleep, teaching, voice, work
I'm Awake Again: About those Potholes
Took a looong nap yesterday afternoon to catch up on sleep. I'm awake again now.
The (major) intersection by Saint Paul Cathedral and the Rand Building has had some pretty deep potholes since the first wave of storms at the beginning of this month. I just noticed yesterday that the potholes were repaired, speeding up traffic through the intersection.
MUST go back to sleep, into the warm comfort of my bed...I'm currently losing my voice (my students and colleagues commented on it yesterday), and need all the rest I can muster, along with the cough syrups, gargling with warm salt water (thanks to Grandpa's suggestions), and cough drops with plenteous fluids, both warm and cold.
Labels: cold, Grandpa, health, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, voice, weather
I'm Awake Again
Awake again and organizing my space.
Finding all sorts of stuff again...that was put away and misplaced for a while.
Still am looking for my photographic slides that have been misplaced. Some I have already made into 8 x 10" photos for friends and family...others are just plumb missing. Also for a nice gift from a friend this past year. Just am praying for intercession on this matter. (Hey, it's worked in the past!)
Labels: friends, gift, organizing, photography, photos, prayer, St. Anthony
