First Day of Fall Semester 2010
Today was the first day of fall semester, and I taught a 9.00 Monday morning laboratory.
Mom, Dad, and I ate at the Japanese and Chinese buffet on the way to the Waterfront. We ran into their friends from medical missions, as well.
Maureen and I went for smoothies at the Asian restaurant just a short while ago.
Labels: biology, dining, family, medical mission, neighbors, Pilipino culture, Songs, work
Pamela's Diner, Adam's Organ Concert, and Annual Building Picnic
Maureen and I went early to a branch of Pamela’s Diner for breakfast. I had the Lincoln Special—two eggs, meat, Lyonnaise potatoes, and two hotcakes. MMM good! We discussed a book I have been assigned to read by one of my friends, which explains why he doesn’t want to take photographs any more. (It’s a novel / roman). I am about half way through the novel, and it is slow going, as it is stream of consciousness, with no paragraph breaks.
I prepared for class tomorrow and I attended Adam J. Brakel’s organ concert, the close of the summer concert series at Saint Paul Cathedral.
He opened with an impressive piece by Max Reger, Fanasia and Fuge in d minor, opus 135b (double fugue), followed by
Komm, Heileger Geist, Herre Gott (Franz Tunder)
Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend (J.S. Bach) from Leipzig chorales
St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves (Franz Lizst) translated to organ by Lionel Rogg
Scherzo from Symphony VI (Louis Vierne)
Hamburger Totentanz (Guy Bovet)
Adam chose, as usual, pieces that showcased his virtuosity, especially the Lizst and Vierne pieces, with rushing cascading notes from the stiff-keyed von Beckerath instrument. I had a chance to chat with various others from the congregation space after the concert, including with Adam.
The annual building picnic was great fun, I sat with Margery and Cheryl from my floor, Nancy from the floor above, and Roger, Richard, and his wife as well. The food was delicious, as usual.
I am tired, and will retire early this evening in preparation to teach tomorrow.
Labels: dining, friends, music, neighbors, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Susan's Flamenco and the Shadyside Arts Festival
Charles, Robin, Charles' parents and their friends Susan and Peter, and I watched Susan's Uptown Festival performance of Flamenco. Carolina and BJ, their students, and the guitarists were nothing short of wonderful. There was a visiting guitarist from Buffalo, NY. Lunch was fun to eat, delicious, and filling.
Afterwards I went home, had lunch, then joined Karina and Maureen for an evening jaunt to the Shadyside Arts Fest. We had great fun.
Labels: art, dance, friends, international culture, music, Wellesley
Pre-semester preparations
Thursday we had our instructor's meeting, and Friday was the College of Arts and Sciences First Year Orientation / Convocation. I also worked on administrative problems for the upcoming semester, mostly computer work.
The instructor's meeting Thursday went smoothly. We have a new curriculum developer, Jean, and new functions of various rooms. We also have a new addition to the stockroom, Greg.
A&S Orientation on Friday requested Frosh Programs instructors to stand and be recognized. I sat in the second section from the floor of Petersen Events Center, and noted that there were sections 102 through 112 packed with new students. Dean Manfredi spoke, as well as a professor of Atlantic History.
Labels: biology, computer, work
Goin' for a Spin!
I met up with Marissa and Beatrice and Solomon for a bike day yesterday! I went for a short 3-circle ride before they came, then Beata and Marissa biked to the end while Solomon and I "ran to Beebee and Momma."
"We'll tell stories there," Solomon informed me. We did, and while Marissa got the camera they learned about sycamores ("which have spotted dotties of green, yellow, and brown on the branches,...and BIG leaves shaped like [hands]." We also saw a locust tree as we left, which Beata pointed out has "smaller leaves" and the leaves were shaped differently.
A fun-filled day that we all enjoyed.
Labels: Beatrice, bicycle, biology, exercise, family, niece and nephew
North Side Fun
Monday (yesterday) I went with Marissa and Beata and Solomon to the North Side to the new Allegheny Library. Apparently, the one I used to frequent while working at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum was the original, first Carnegie library in the United States. The new one was quite modern, and the children and I had great fun playing in the children's room while Marissa selected reading-level-appropriate books for them.
We played with a heavy wooden (air) guitar---I made chord sounds out of it---and also pretended that it was a cello, as well, humming the Albinoni adagio in G.
The children played while we did a round-robin to check out the books.
We then went to Wendy's to pick up food, which we brought to eat in the cafe at the Carnegie Science Center. Beatrice certainly did not want to go to the second floor, nor to the Robot Man, the thought of which absolutely delighted Solomon. In fact, while Marissa and Beata waited in line patiently for the Stars above Pittsburgh planetarium show to start, Solomon and I visited various robots in Robo World. Beata and I stayed for the end of the show, and got star charts, as well. Marissa and Solomon departed soon before the show ended.
We took a short walk to the ducks and stairs just upriver from the submarine docked at the north shore of the head of the Ohio River. The sky quickly changed its mind to an angry gray and we piled into the car just in time to drive into the driving rain.
Labels: Carnegie, library, museum, music, read, stars
South Pacific--Broadway Revival 2010
Watched most of South Pacific on WQED-TV yesterday afternoon. Here is a video clip from the production. I actually like the way Rodgers and Hammerstein handled some of the socio-political issues (more than in Miss Saigon).
The show is a revival and is in its last few days of this run on Broadway. The energy between Kelli O'Hara (Nellie Forbush) and Paulo Szot (Emile de Becque) was nothing short of electric in the live broadcast from Lincoln Center.
Labels: New York, theater
Resolving Issues---End of the Summer 2010
The end of this week (Thursday through Saturday) consisted of resolving issues, including health insurance, car maintenance, donating excess jackets, and loading my syllabus onto my (still unavailable) class. I went out with Maureen to the library and then we shared fries in Fox Chapel. I've been writing more, as well.
I started a great book recommended to me by Liz--Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. I finished reading half the book in one evening, it is so compelling. The subtitle is "The Story of Success." He has written The Tipping Point and Blink as well.
I've been catching up on communication (email) and writing more essays, as well.
I just finished a big double bar of chocolate from this summer (with almond and cashew paste).
Labels: automobile, computer, dining, donate, email, health, library, read, school, writing
Computers and Computer Training
For the past two evenings Maureen and I have been researching and buying her new toys (computer external hard drive and new notebook). So we researched and went to Staples in our neighborhood and up by Nancy C's neighborhood. We sat at Starbucks and enjoyed cool drinks in the cooling night air, and quickly escaped the cigarette smoke at the quickly-occupied next table last night.
I helped her back-up her ailing computer last night, and helped her do a skeletal set-up this evening before going to help Mom with travel computer questions. I also made reservations tonight for a fantasie musical.
Today for the best part of the morning involved a group training computer class. Renae was there, it was fun to see her again. Quite useful information.
Labels: addiction, computer, dining, friends, music, school, theater, transportation, travel
Michael Clayton
Last night, I went out with Maureen for smoothies. Yum. I got red bean.
This afternoon, Mom and I watched a George Clooney movie, Michael Clayton. Most of the movie was a flashback to within half a week of the main action. Great denouement at the end.
Story was about a litigator at a large law firm, who is a "fixer," a stager of situations, unusual and otherwise.
Labels: cinema, ice cream
Water Exercises, Putt Putt (Monster)
Went with Mom and Dad to the gym, where I did my water exercises and my ball exercises. After a late lunch, I took a small nap and then met with Christina, Regina and John at Panera's for a snack and Putt-putt Monster Golf. There were mobile monsters dotted around the indoor course. When the weird radio started, I named a song and the artist! Which meant that I won tickets---which I turned in at the end of the evening for monster teeth and a little eraser. We each scored at least one hole-in-one within the evening. The evening ended with a visit to Dairy Queen, lintik, followed by POURING Driving rain.
Delivering Fenton, the automobile fiasco, Beatrice's bike, the Student Prince
Tuesday I was to go with Maureen to Ross Park Mall. We planned to meet Nancy C there. I volunteered to drop off a package of art glass to Joyce (she left it in Mom and Dad's car) at Gene and Phyllis's home. I went to the gas station, filled up the tank, then went to the coffee shop across from Maureen's home. When attempting to start the car, it wouldn't. Dad came by and waited for the tow truck for us, bringing the other car.
Maureen and I stopped by Gene and Phyllis' home, saying bye to the the whole family. As 79 S was backed up, we took 19 S and picked up Krispy Kreme donuts on the way. We met up with Nancy at Ross Park Mall, and I got quilting pins for Mom at Jo-Ann's Fabrics.
I received good news in snail mail today.
Wednesday, I went to the Newman Center for discussion of this Sunday's (Assumption) readings. Spoke to some of my friends in the evening. Car still in the shop.
Thursday, I spoke with my health coach (I had lost weight and had gained it back in the same time period---time to analyze in a 2-day span my caloric intake). Mom had a hairstyling appointment at 10.15. Mom, Dad, and I had burgers across from the Park where we went at ~12.40pm. Beatrice won a lottery to get a bike and helmet from the City. The Mayor presented it to her. Lolo, Lola, her mommy and brother, and I were there.
I picked up a book at the library, my "homework" to read, c/o S.
I watched the silent film, the Student Prince, based on a book called Old Heidelberg.
Today we picked up my car at the garage from repairs. I later met Marissa and children at the restaurant across from her exercise facility. We had fun eating 18.00-20.00! I then watched Lisa Kudrow on the new show "Who do you think you are?"
Labels: automobile, bicycle, Carnegie, cinema, dining, Faith, farewell, friends, library, niece and nephew, politics, repair, shopping, snacks, TV
Birthday and Bye bye (for now)
Saturday morning I went for a walk with Maureen. At 14.00 we had a birthday celebration for Benny at Phyllis and Gene's home. Bernie and his family were there, as was William and his family. Mom and Dad, Kelly and I rode out together. We had grilled hamburgers, homemade chili and corn bread, corn salad, Italian pickled vegetables, and homemade Pokemon cake and mocha silk tofu pie. We greatly enjoyed each others' company and Kelly stayed for the evening.
I talked to Maureen that night on the phone, and the next day (Sunday)I journaled. Joyce and the children and Kelly visited my home. Marissa and the children joined us, and the children enjoyed potstickers, sweet potato fries with purple ketchup, and lemonade. They also enjoyed building a house of cards, the exercise balls, and playing. We took some photos. Greg helped Mom and Dad with their computer, and he set up my computer so that it can print on Mom and Dad's printer. It was soon time for Kelly to catch her bus back to New York. Dad drove her there. Soon after Marissa departed with the children, followed by Joyce and Greg and their children.
Today I made arrangements for the last tour for my Frosh Programs class. I will have the students at a field trip location for half of my class meetings! I went for a walk with Maureen. We walked, ended up at Pamela's (where I enjoyed a Belgian waffle), printed up some photos, saw many university tours, asked about move-in date for frosh, then I headed home.
Mom, Dad, and I went to Phyllis and Gene's for a pool session. We then had dinner at Longhorn Steak House, and enjoyed the balance of the Birthday cake for Benny. A game of "Celebrity" ensued, followed by stories about the children and then those about the Grandparents and Lolo and Lola. We had great fun bidding everyone a fond farewell.
Letters to Juliet
Nancy, Maureen, and I drove to the movie theater to meet up with Christina and Regina. On the way, we stopped to get Mexican food (I did, actually).
We watched Letters to Juliet, another great movie with Vanessa Redgrave, such as Evening, which Maureen and I viewed with Karina last year. We all love Ms. Redgrave, who seems so natural when acting.
We finished the evening at Bob Evans, where Nancy and I got yogurt berry crepes. On the way home we had interesting discussions about our summer.
Labels: cinema, dining, friends
Themes
Painting (Oil and Watercolor)
Art
Hot Weather
Music--Bernstein's Requiem, My favorite movement of all Vivaldi pieces, sacred acclamations from the Mass
making muesli from grain
Hornflakes
Panoramic Paintings
Hot weather
Meeting Jehovah's Witnesses
NOT climbing tower/s
Good food
Good Thai food
Seeking relief from the heat at a pool
seeing political leaders
Good company, throughout
Good homemade food
Good homemade Thai food
Good Indonesian rice table
assistive technology for exercising
Labels: accessibility, art, dining, exercise, health, list, love, music, painting, shopping, water exercise, weather
Dim Sum Funeral
Mom and I watched a great film from 2008, Dim Sum Funeral. A good movie, about a dysfunctional family meeting over the mother's funeral arrangements.
Went out to dinner with Regina and John last night, for Pan Asian food. We shared General Tso's Chicken, Pad Thai, and steamed vegetables. Most of us also had smoothies.
Regina, Maureen, Nancy (squared) and Christina and I will view a movie tonight at the Maxi Saver theatre.
Labels: cinema, family, international culture
