Long thursDAY!
After teaching class yesterday, I made my way to Mom and Dad's home to switch bags and to cool off. I made it there by 20.00. Maureen and I went for cold peanut sesame noodles and General Tso's chicken for dinner. She went to gas up her car, and then I went home.
Today, I met with CC, one of my UTAs before class, we taught class, and then I met (in office hours) with a student who just recently added my class.
I had macaroni and cheese and hotdog for lunch today.
An Easier Day since the Beginning of the Week
Today I took care of ordering travel, putting papers in order, and emailing students who just recently added my sections, to get them up to speed. A slow morning that embraced a nap at the top of the day, as well. I ate torta and rice with calamansi drink (with watermelon for dessert) for lunch. Ready to take on the afternoon....
Physical Therapy sandwiched in my day of Teaching
So Mom and I went to physical therapy after I taught a morning lab class and then I taught an afternoon lecture class. It's been a pretty long day today.
I also got some correspondence done this afternoon and evening.
Great Day at Work today
I sandwiched a visit with Marissa, William, and Beatrice and Solomon at Lolo and Lola's home between my morning office hours and teaching this afternoon. I've been extremely clear with my expectations of my students this week.
Tomorrow is my early class of the week.
Up Early, First Day of Fall Semester 2012
I dropped Mom and Dad off for a medical procedure for Dad, then went to early early Mass. Fr. Steven P celebrated, with a reader and Eucharistic minister. It is the anniversary of Maureen's husband's passing, and the Memorial of St. Monica.
I will observe my colleague H this morning and teach later this afternoon.
South Park Wave Pool, August 2012
So, Mom and I (Dad stayed home to prepare for a medical procedure) met up with William's family and more families for a fun afternoon at South Park Wave Pool. Beatrice and Solomon approached the wave pool in different ways, but they both wanted to enjoy the waves with their Daddy in the inner tube. The children were gracious about sharing the raft with other children, and me, as well.
Beatrice and Solomon returned to the picnic shelter looking for their friend Tiffany, who was celebrating a birthday that day.
I've been working on my agenda for class this week since returning from our afternoon adventure.
11.00 Morning Mass, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mom and I attended 11.00 AM Mass at the Ryan Catholic Newman Center (Pittsburgh Oratory of Saint Philip Neri). Fr. David A. celebrated the Mass, Roz R was the lector, and Ryan M directed the men's schola. Readings were from Joshua and Ephesians, and we sang the 34th Psalm. The Gospel reading was from John. The offertory hymn was Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether, and the Sanctus, Pater Noster, and Agnus Dei were sung, as well. The Schola sang De Fructu (Psalm 103), and we departed after the Blessing to ice a cake, wrap gifts, and generally get ready for a gathering.
Family Matters
Early yesterday morning I bought a filing cabinet, some lamps to work under, etc. I went with Mom to get some of these items. A family matter came up, as well, which required me to attend to it. Mom and I went to Big Bird's Palenke for groceries. We put our items away and had a late lunch. I rescheduled some meetings, and Maureen and I sat in my parklet/ garden to enjoy conversation and she, a smoothie. We walked to her home to look up a Carly Rae song parody online, and then she drove me home.
Preparing for Fall Semester 2012
Today I spent at home and in the computer lab at work preparing for Fall semester. Then I met Doug on Craig Street, where he had some frozen yogurt. I shared some of my current work with him, and I said some of the issues/ problems I have with creating art involve
~ sculptural details or "slates on the roof" or being "enamored with details" before I have structure
~ light's interaction with various objects, and capturing that
So, I am working on a project that will push me with these two issues.
We both walked to St. Paul Cathedral, where we met up with Fr. Nick V. Doug was to attend the annual Polish Mass, where he was doing television ministry. I was on my way to the Oratory for Eucharistic Adoration (after 5.15 pm Mass). I saw Kyle and Paul (from contra dancing last weekend) and Jim (who shared photos of his two grandsons with me).
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22.30
Walked, meeting up with Maureen and Mary Gene, to Shadyside. Mary Gene got some chocolate coffee gelato, and I got lots of gummy bears! I'm relaxing after, catching up with my electronic correspondence.
Administrative Meeting, Fall 2012
This afternoon my subdepartment had a 3.5-hour-long administrative/ teaching meeting in preparation for the school year, which starts Monday. We did several small group exercises (I worked with Regina and Jessica), and will be patient when it comes to administrative issues (rosters, ability to email our students, ID cards, written contracts, et al.). I was so tired after the long meeting that I headed home afterwards (with a short detour to St. Paul Cathedral's air-conditioned glory and an organ lesson on the von Beckerath).
Maureen and I then went for a walk down Walnut Street, came back to see her friend/ neighbor, and meet up with her sister Mary Gene. We ordered a free pizza (the 11th of a series) from down the street and had it with pepperoni and Arizona iced tea. We then walked back here via the street with the House with the Tall Fence.
A Wednesday in August 2012
I drove Dad (and Mom) to his medical procedure this morning. We took a tour of the city to avoid the traffic from the University of Pittsburgh students' moving in efforts, and had brunch in the East Liberty neighborhood (Bakery Square area). They dropped me off on their way to grocery shopping in the Strip District. I walked to campus and printed out some additional papers from Jean. Beatrice and Solomon came over to Lolo and Lola's to play, read, watch children's television, and sing karaoke. Lola, Lolo, and I prepared dinner, steak and rice and potatoes. Marissa joined us for a bit before they went to a school potluck.
I shared some artwork with Mom, who expressed which she liked compositionally and the color schemes.
Maureen was impressed...
with my cleaning and organizing efforts at home, when she saw the fruits of my efforts this afternoon.
Yesterday and today I went to physical therapy. Two of my former students are current physical therapy assistants there. Mom joined me today, as well.
This morning Marissa, the children, and I went to M is for Museum at the Carnegie Natural History Museum. We also went to Natural History, an interactive exhibit in the Carnegie Museum of Art. We had a grand time, and passed by the dinosaur exhibit between the two.
I had the radio on this morning...
...and had tuned to WQED's show "Sunday Baroque." I heard a familiar name mentioned to introduce a flute quartet, the familiar piece, and then my friend's name mentioned, as well, at the closing of the piece.
I downloaded some photos from yesterday (Weirton and Kevin's party) this morning, as well.
Mom, Dad, and I went to noon Mass today, I met Kristine, a new student in the area, and her family outside church, and saw Don and Judi outside, as well. Mom, Dad, and I went for Mexican food, then grocery shopping.
I arrived early this evening at Mom and Dad's for dinner to the dulcet tones of Jackie Evancho on WQED-TV. What a lovely young girl with an equally appealing voice and personality.
Kevin's Graduation Party
Last night was Kevin's graduation party, with plenteous food, drink, and a slew of happy company from as far away as New York and Washington, DC. We enjoyed the eats, treats, and lively conversation well into the wee hours. A good time was had by all. Kevin gave away sundry household items ranging from a macadamia nut cracker ("I'm going to use it for crab!" expressed Joon), to a wicker basket in the shape of an elephant (I'm going to use it for files --- and for staging my day) to a tall, paper-covered lamp claimed by Dave ("Didn't you write under that lamp, Kevin?")
I met more of Kevin's friends and their friends, and exclaimed to Maggie (and Kyle) "I haven't seen you both for a WHILE!" (Vivien brought Stuart, and Dave brought Patrick, Maggie brought Bridget) Those who stayed late (Aurora, Lan-Phe, myself, Christina, Joon, Stephen, and Nikos) were treated to Heather H's burgeoning film-making efforts from the 1990s and prior!
Kevin and Stephen walked with Joya and myself to the car, and everyone got a ride home, avoiding the path of deeply inebriated pedestrians in the wee hours of the night. Aurora posted her photos on Google +.
Friday Contra, Saturday Weirton
Went contra dancing last night, after Jeremy, Sara, Lan-Phe, Steven, Nikos, Kevin, and Christina met for dinner on Craig Street. It was great fun, and Randy taught us the beginner class. There was cake, watermelon, and salty crispy snacks. Saw friends from Church and from swing dancing, as well.
Today, we saw Beata perform the bulaklakan, subli (hat), and tinikling dances at the Weirton international festival. (Prior to that, Mom and Beata were part of the international parade, and there was an East Indian-American singer who sang Broadway, Bollywood, and Indian hit songs.) We had lunch soon after, and watched the Indian artistic and Irish set dancing. Chit-chatted with several people before we left, bearing a large upo.
Mom, Dad, and I stopped for iced coffee drinks on the way home, and I'll join up (bearing cookies) with my friends to celebrate Kevin's graduation tonight.
Mom's Medical Appointments, Haircut and Lunch
All this morning Dad and I accompanied Mom to her medical appointments. I even had time to run errands in Oakland and mail some letters. Afterwards, I used a coupon to get my hair cut and gently styled...after getting a sandwich and drink at Wendy's. Mom and Dad enjoyed the Japanese buffet for lunch. We all came home and crashed to sleep.
I'll be meeting the gang for drinks (congratulating Nikos on citizenship) and dancing tonight!
Physical Therapy, August 2012
Mom and I went to physical therapy this afternoon. I napped for part of the morning and afternoon. I also prepared for classes at the end of this month, as I had printed out documents at work on Tuesday.
We had pompano fish for dinner (broiled with garlic, yum!)
After dinner we watched a 1972 documentary about Elvis Presley, Elvis on Tour. Quite the entertainer. I think his estate last year grossed more than any other posthumous entertainer's estate in the United States. No surprise, as it is very costly to visit Graceland...
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2012
Dad served on television ministry this morning for the Mass. Fr. Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass, Anu served, Nancy K and Sally D were Eucharistic ministers, and Don provided music ministry from the organ loft. A group from Oakland Catholic and one from Central Catholic, as well as a group of Brothers attended Mass.
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Spent much of the day napping, as I suppose I'm trying to catch up from the Olympics.
I completed an art study this afternoon.
Labels: art, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
Artwork
Yesterday afternoon I worked on a 2-D, mixed-media paper work. It looks fine, save that I should change the dimensions of the final work, and maybe push the value differences a little further....
Printing Work before the New Fall Semester
Saw Heather S, Jessica H, and Eric P as I was preparing to print the handouts for the work meeting next week. Also ran into M on the way out of the building.
Went home to change, and am preparing for Mom and my PT visits.
Maureen left yesterday afternoon for her family home, as one of her friends had passed away over the weekend.
Walkabout, August 2012
After dinner I went for a walk to campus to print out work documents. The library was closed, and won't be open until 8.30 tomorrow. So I walked to the 24/7 computer lab, which was also closed, but had the hours posted for all the computer labs. Then I walked to the Newman Center, and through the Cathedral.
In front of the main campus library I met Jin, a Carnegie Mellon new student. For books, he could go to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and utilize the services of the Oakland Library Consortium. We were approached whilst I was explaining this by someone seeking the Lord. (Brought back memories of Koeln, 2011). Also ran into Matthew H as I approached the all-night computer lab's building. We chatted for a bit. Then, I walked to the Newman Center, where I ran into Dave and also ran into Keith, Rosemary, and four-month-old Michael. I passed through the Cathedral and was approach by a woman seeking cash.
Walking, Ice Cream, then Eating
Yesterday afternoon I napped. Maureen and I went for a walk and for red-flavored drink and gummies in Shadyside. I stopped by a gathering in the parklet, and then joined Christina, Nikos, and Kevin for a food-gathering and -eating outing in Oakland. We went to a great sushi take-away/ take-out place, and then went to Schenley Plaza to enjoy the sunset sky and company. Favorite questions of the evening included: "Here's an etiquette question...." and "If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go?"
Saturday Walks, Sunday Mass, seeing Kelly out after Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival
Yesterday late morning Maureen and I walked to Oakland Panera. That evening we went for a walk (Saturday) to Shadyside. We met a brindle dog, Eleanor, and her master. We ended up at Panera, Shadyside, where Maureen got a carrot cream cheese cakelet. We went to her house to enjoy part of the cake and to surf the Internet (for Biblical passages, and to see Facebook).
Today Mom, Dad, and I went to Mass. We ran into people we knew after the service. As we completed preparations for lunch, Kelly called and she joined up with us. She also brought Brownie's Pepperoni Rolls! What a treat! Her friend H had organized the Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival this weekend in our hometown.
Cleaning and Organizing for a File Cabinet
Yesterday afternoon and evening I have been cleaning/ organizing my front room for a file cabinet. I have organized and weeded papers/ files, and early this morning moved two chairs to Mom and Dad's home (a velvet red chair and a c-shaped armrest green chair). Marissa will stop by this afternoon to look at a low coffee table ideal for coloring for the children. If she doesn't take it, then I will give it to the Veteran's Association.
Maureen has helped me as I finished organizing tasks. Yesterday and after, her mantra has been "Let Go." She also said yesterday after we went for frozen dairy treats in Shadyside yesterday night, "Don't take on [own/ adopt] other people's stuff...[this is NOT a puppy]." She has helped me this morning, as well, too. I have already found some cash while cleaning today. I am excited about the prospect of my friend Caroline coming to visit and stay in my front room this winter.
Obligatory Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Yesterday, I met with A, who will be helping me this semester. I went to the computer lab before and after our meeting. The day was well into the 80s Fahrenheit, and tough walking!
I cleaned up one tiny corner of my living room. Maureen came over and helped me decide the fate of some of my papers. We walked to her house, chit-chatted for a bit, then she gave me a ride home. I had fried fresh tofu with rice and vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic for dinner. Yumm!
Today, Fr. Kris celebrated the morning televised Mass, Jim served, Ken provided the music ministry from the portative organ at the Marian altar, and I lectored. We sang "Morning Has Broken" as the entrance hymn and "Lord, You Give the Great Commission" (to the tune of "Ode to Joy") as the recessional hymn. Approximately 35 people from the congregation received the Holy Eucharist.
Kelly in Town!
I made devilled eggs last night for Kelly's return home. She left this noon for our ole stomping grounds in Ohio, but not 'til after breakfast chez Mom and Dad care of Marissa---eggs, hash browns, and pancakes with real maple syrup. Mom and Dad provided the fruit--strawberries and white nectarines (mmm, sweet!). Afterward, Marissa and the children and I went to Anderson playground, and they dropped me off before going to science camp at the Science Center. I had a sandwich for lunch, and then met midweek with my UTA. We chatted over the syllabus, and tested the AV links. I worked on the syllabus a little afterwards, and am recounting my day currently!
Just Another Day
Today I slept in, then I had lunch with Mom and Dad. Met up with William at his office, and we met Amy and Kate and had an explanation of their research project. I went for a study on campus, and had great fun on a group project. I made devilled eggs for Kelly's arrival tonight. Worked on my syllabi for a bit, and may watch some of the Olympics (watched diving and gymnastics yesterday) tonight.
Walking at Ross Park
Yesterday Mom and I went to the Strip District for grocery shopping. Maureen and I went for a walk around Ross Park Mall afterwards.
Today was day 6 of Kevin's countdown to thesis submission! Heather organized us to submit fave youtube vids of music snippets for him to write his thesis. What fun! What do his buddies have up our sleeves? Only We know...he he heh, hee hee hee.
Swing Dancing
Yesterday (Saturday) after 9:30 in the evening Kevin and I went swing dancing after he accomplished some work. We met up with Heather, Christina, Aurora, Dave, and Steven. It was fun dancing with them and with Todd and Ryan, too.
Auntie Chi goes home, Chez Doug
Yesterday went shopping with Mom and Auntie Chi across the Allegheny River. We had lunch at Mom and Dad's home, and then Auntie Chi did some last-minute packing. I drove her to the airport, then stopped at Robinson Town Center. Doug and I visited yesterday after his work.
Physical Therapy and Dinner In with the Relatives
Yesterday, Auntie Chi and I walked to campus to pick up the calendar/planner for this coming semester. We had a light lunch with Dad, and then left for physical therapy. We had dinner (and intimate, interactive theater afterwards) with William's family chez Mom and Dad.
Women's all-around gymnastics was last night, with women's team competition and medals (gold for the USA) a couple of nights ago. Gabby Douglas was the first African-American to win the all-around, and to win both the team medal and the all-around. Such a talented, strong, long-lined athlete. Go Gabby!
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Yesterday Auntie Chi and I took the bus to Liberty (spotted Maureen as she passed the bus stop to Mass), another bus to Squirrel Hill (where I spied Solomon in the window of Dunkin Donuts, and then met up with Beatrice, Marissa, and their friends passing through Pittsburgh from New York City), we went window-shopping, and then Auntie Chi and I saw Beasts of the Southern Wild at the Manor Theatre. A sad movie about the poor in the Southern Louisiana bayou, it was filmed shortly before the British Petroleum oil spill there. It's won awards and attention at Cannes and the Sundance festival. The father-daughter pair in the film are amateur actors who blew us away/ blew us out of the water with their soulful craft. The daughter is a six-year-old girl who had the scenes explained to her before acting, and the father is a baker.
An early dinner at Eat and Park followed, and we both enjoyed the liver and onions. We stopped at the Squirrel Hill public library for some CDs (Telemann string by MAK, and Turandot) and returned to home. Maureen and I walked to return the Batman DVDs before the Oakland branch of the library closed. Auntie Chi took a nap, and we were eating pancit and eggroll snack when Mom and Dad returned from the medical society annual golf outing and dinner. It was Beatrice's second performance with the group and she nailed it after 2.5 practices. We are proud of her.
