Yesterday, attended Mass, Kelly left.. New Year's Eve 2013
Yesterday (Sunday) Kelly left to go spend New Years with friends in West Virginia. Mom and I went to Mass at six in the afternoon. Fr. Steve P was preparing for Mass and Fr. Joshua from the Oratory celebrated. Linda O and Ken provided the music ministry. Owen was one of the readers. There were no altar servers. I spoke with Jon, a singer, after Mass about the choir, and to Jim B, my former supervisor, as well as to Linda O. after Mass. Jim's family had suffered a loss over the year, and we spoke about that.
Maureen and I went to Whole Foods and to Trader Joe's, then chatted over hot chocolate and chips chez Maureen.
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Today I reviewed my Calorie budget, called my doctor's office about my congestion and coughs, had brunch of a bagel with cheese, and called Maureen about going for a walk sometime today.
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Maureen and I went to Big Bird's palenke (for Sunkist oranges and for Tessalon perles, to Bakery Square, Target for school and other supplies and cards, and then back to Big Bird's palenke for fried chicken for the New Year's Eve.
Maureen went to the evening Mass at the Cathedral.
New Year's Eve was spent at Mom and Dad's with Martinelli's sparkling cider and Salmon Dip and cookies, watching Kathy Griffith and Anderson Cooper.
Yesterday, Friday, spent much of the day at home
Friday, yesterday, I spent a goodly amount of time cleaning my house of excess paper.
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Today, Saturday, Jeff retrieved me to meet with Christina at South Side Works Cinema to watch the new Les Misérables movie there. Mom and Dad had seen it in London on stage, and highly recommended the story.
We. were. not. disappointed. It was great fun to see it with Jeff and Christina. Told Jeff that it would not have been my first choice of movie to see (Lincoln would have been), but I'm really glad that I saw it with him and Christina. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway upheld stunning singing, Amanda Seyfried's lovely soprano voice sang clear, even near the end. Russell Crowe was appropriate as the parole officer Javert, and the antics of Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter never ceased to entertain. Samantha Barks was the only castmember (as Éponine) from a stage production. Daniel Huttlestone, as the youngest member of the French Revolution, was simply brilliant.
I spent much of the movie suppressing coughs with Halls drops....Didn't want to make Christina and Jeff cold-ful.
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Returned home, had dinner at my house. Spoke with Jen and Bri about their packing for their impending move:
It is wrenching to pack to move.
When looking at kitchen wares or clothing, make three categories---yes, no, and maybe. The yesses get packed, the no's get put in a dark (non-clear) bag or box, and the maybe's get reevaluated at regular intervals in the process. Two years to two and a half years is the time limit.
Look at your time frame (five weeks), and the number of rooms/ spaces/ shed that you have to pack and divide up the work.
If you get emotionally attached to something, take a picture of you with it and then get rid of it.
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Mom watched "The Way We Were" whilst going through our old newspaper clippings ("our dossiers") and sorting them for each of us children. She also sorted through a box of Polly Flinders and other dresses and clothes for 4-9 year old children (i.e., BB and Solomon!).
We got more clothes from storage, and then I started study for the first week of the semester.
Errands, Galore!
Today I was Driver Woman for the Errands Galore! afternoon. At 13.10ish Mom and I dropped Kelly off to say hello to friend/former coworker at the Warhol museum. We went to Bloomfield for shopping, to the South Side to donate, and to the Waterfront in Homestead, she to return item/s and I to buy milk for the dinner with William and his family. I received the call that we had to pick her up by 17.00 at ~16.00.
We did it!
Had dinner at home after a boiling water mishap. I cooled the burn off immediately with cool water and later with a gel pack.
The Snow Storm
AT about 9.15 I walked across the parking lot near my and Mom and Dad's home and encountered sleet-like freezing rain. By 10.30 am large flake clumps were falling, and about three inches had covered the ground. I had cleaned my kitchen earlier today and had told Ida about my garbage disposal and kitchen sink. When I returned, the disposal had been fixed by Bob and the new cell phone delivered. At shortly after noon I called my phone carrier technical support for help in setting up the phone. Didn't get off the line until ~ 2-3 hours later.
I still need to call to ask how to import my address book, as the printed directions do not jive with what is online.
Had a bagel with turkey slices for dinner tonight. BB left her meds for her cold at Lolo and Lola's. Helped Mom with emails and with ordering a gift card for Miranda.
Christmas Day 2012
I was sick and full of laryngitis today again, too. I helped out in the kitchen for the preparation of arrival of William's family after 12.30pm. We enjoyed lunch with surf and turf and then opened presents from each other. Joyce's family was linked to us via Skype, and we marvelled at Benny's drum kit and Miranda's I Phone. We then played games (Rory's Story Cubes---Action cubes), snacked, and Marissa, Solomon, and I napped for a bit.
We played more games, then started to heat food for dinner at about 19.30. The children enjoyed steak, again, and we enjoyed among other things the ramp jam that William's family gave Kelly on Everything (!). A jigsaw puzzle and a tea party ensued, inception by Solomon and Beatrice, respectively. Dad left for the chapel, after repairing a tea party vessel for BB. William's family left for home and a long winter's sleep.
We agreed to see each other tomorrow.
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I stayed 'til about an hour before midnight, as Mom, Kelly, and I played Boggle.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
It's Christmas morning, really early. Kelly Skyped Joyce & Greg from Mom and Dad's home, where I also joined the fun.
I Loved their scent that took me back a few decades--Mr. Sketch!! With NEW added colors!!
I loved Kelly's gift of Jule Skum--marshmallow, fruity flavored and shaped into Christmas shapes.
I love the earrings and bracelet from Mom and Dad.
We watched the 10 PM Mass from St. Paul Cathedral. During Communion the television ministry was transfixed on the choir loft and our beloved Don---the camera shot included Andy and Alex, as well.
Lisa sent me a few emails re: Christmas eve and C.E. sans moi. I was touched.
Little Froggy-Voiced Me
Here I am, little froggy-voiced me. Tired from this cold. Yet another snotty-nosed person on the foggy, drizzly, snowy, sleet-y landscape of winter. Finally, it's the eve of Baby Jesus arriving in the sleigh tonight (as Sister would say, in her Christmas Catechism show). Listened to an American radio show, followed by the Kings College Choir out of Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. The Kings College Choir sang choral & organ versions of songs our choir is familiar with, including Sir Christèmas, the fact of which Lisa reminded me yesterday.
Mom and Dad were cooking up lobsters this lunchtime.
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Slept a good portion of the afternoon...Been awakening to croak and cough, check the mail, deliver gifts to Mom and Dad's home, etc.
Prefer NOT to give the Christmas gift of a cold to ALL in choir, so I'll be watching from the comfort of Mom and Dad's home on television.
A Repeat of Thanksgiving 2012...
So, dear reader, it appears as if Christmas 2012 will be a repeat of Thanksgiving 2012, with a variation on the theme.
To recap: Thanksgiving 2012 I was sick with the gastrointestinal flu. I was EXTREMELY thankful that I can eat and drink and taste it and hold it in for the requisite amount of time to obtain nourishment from the food.
Christmas 2012---Christmas present---it appears that I will not be able to sing (!) from the 20th of December forward (indefinitely). When I sing from now on, I will be EXTREMELY thankful that I can sing and talk and project my voice.
There you have it---the thankfulness prayers I say on a regular basis now being said for major Celebrations.
This Rotten, New Cold...
Yesterday (Friday) night it seemed as if a new cold had decided to stay, despite my self-dosing intermittently throughout the week with Zinc drops. Now, my throat is sore, as well as my ears, when I swallow.
This morning Maureen and I went to Paddy Cake in Bloomfield for cookies, to Crazy Mocha to thaw out, and to La Gourmandine for un croissant au beurre et un abricotine for me. I shared them with Mom and Dad when I arrived at home.
I attended the noon-ish Mass (Fr. Mike R celebrated, and lectored), and met Christina, Regina, and Kevin afterwards for a jaunt to Gullifty's to celebrate Christina's birthday early via lunch and chocolate mousse pie.
I said "Hi" to Kelly at Mom and Dad's, then went home for a long winter's nap. I turned the radio on and caught the last hour and a quarter of "Lake Woebegone." Brought Kelly's birthday gifts over and ate a small dinner. I'm catching up on correspondence.
Already told Don I wouldn't sing tomorrow's Mass.
Thursday--shopping/groceries and Study at Benedum; Today---Friday in the Third Week of Advent
Yesterday Mom and I went to Bloomfield and the rainy Strip District to shop and to gather groceries for Christmas. I ate a sandwich afterwards to fortify myself for a study at Benedum Hall.
I came home, washed my hair, and went to choir practice. The incident temp in the building was ~ 50 to 60 Fahrenheit. Told Don this morning that with temperatures going to freezing, that they should drip the water in the building so the pipes don't freeze.
Today I lectored/ proclaimed the Word during morning Mass, this, the Friday in the Third Week of Advent. Father Steve P. celebrated, Jim was the server, and Noreen was the Eucharistic Minister. The Mass was offered up fo her late husband today. We sang "O Come Divine Messiah," for the entrance hymn, about 34 people in the congregation received Holy Communion, and we sang "O Come O Come Emmanuel," verse 6 for the recessional hymn. I spoke with Noreen afterwards, who was on her way to yoga this morning.
Must take care of my bills today.
Yet Another Sick Day
BB was not feeling well today and Solomon was probably still contagious. BB and I played a game with letter cubes and a minute timer---we played five rounds of the game. Then we played "Go Fish." The children then played chess on a team against Lolo. We ate an early lunch, and I made onion sour cream dip for the Kettle potato chips, which I got yesterday evening whilst at Whole Foods with Maureen.
I completed a recommendation letter for a student this semester, L, for a summer program after William arrived. After a bit, we loaded the children in the carseats and Marissa drove the whole family away. Mom and I made meat loaf early this afternoon.
Time for the building party!
"another sick day"
Mom was supposed to have a hair appointment today, but we are watching BB and Solomon today (see yesterday's discription). We had ribeye steak and salad for lunch, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Lola. The children are playing parts of games with Lola.
"We're Taking a Sick Day"
When I walked into Mom & Dad's home mid-morming, Beatrice and Solomon were sitting on the floor of the living room. BB declared, " We're taking a sick day today." I retrieved my files and books from this semester at Mom & Dad's home, and brought them home. I returned to play karaoke, gamesgames, help prepare their lunch (mac n cheese, spaghetti and meat sauce, and green beans) while Lola prepared the teriyaki chicken, and to go downstairs with Lola and them to retrieve paroles to decorate (whilst Lolo took care of lunch clean up. Beatriced finished her report on Christmas in the Philippines. They are watching Kid's On Demand currently.
Dad has a doctor's appointment this afternoon, so the children are leaving soon, when Marissa's off from work.
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Drove Dad & Mom to the doctor's appointment. Await their phone call.
Just One More Performance this Weekend...
Today after singing in choir for Gaudete Sunday, I went for lunch and a brief nap before heading back to church. I entered to hear the Cathedral Ringers (hand bell choir) practicing. Soon after, we---the choir---practiced the first few songs of the concert, Music for Advent & Christmas.
The concert consisted of choral, choral with organ, and also handbell renditions of Advent and Christmas songs. The St. Paul Cathedral Ringers (hand bell choir) is directed by Ken Danchik and was joined by the Saint Paul Cathedral Choir directed by Don Fellows. The organ accompaniments were played mostly by Ken, and occasionally by Don.
The concert program consisted of:
Alma Redemptoris Mater (Giovanni de Palestrina)
E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (Paul Manz)
Sleep, Holy Babe (Robert Farrell)
Of the Father's Love Begotten (Robert Farrell)
A Sound of Angels (Christopher Tye)
Coventry Carol (Martin Shaw)
sung by the choir accompanied by Ken on the organ;
followed by three Old English carols by the hand bell choir:
Masters in this Hall
The Friendly Beasts
On Christmas Night
(all three pieces arranged by Kenneth Danchik).
All present stood for a hymn,
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
(choir makes our way to the loft)
Followed by two carols by the Cathedral Ringers:
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (arranged by Douglas E. Wagner)
Gentle Mary Laid Her Child - Tempus Adest Floridum (arranged by Cathy Moklebust)
All present stand for the singing of
People, Look East! (Eleanor Farjeon)
Finally, the choir sang
A Babe Is Born (Robert Farrell)
Christmas Lullaby (John Rutter)
Gesu Bambino (Pietro Yon)
Where Shepards Lately Knelt (Carl Schalk)
Sir Christemas (William Mathias)
It was a great concert, I had asked Dad to take photos of us whilst at the altar---I waved twice farewell as we departed from the Sanctuary. Poor dad, Mom prompted him several times to take a photo, but he wouldn't. I descended from the choir loft to find him wanting to take my photo in a pew. I later told him that I was greatly disappointed. My friend, N, overheard us exchanging thoughts on the matter, and commented.
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Sunday night (yesterday) I briefly waited for Maureen at my parents' party, where I spoke with Alva and her family. It was nice to see them again, and to wish them Happy Holidays. Maureen and I went to Trader Joes, where I spotted a friend of mine who is a music therapist. Also went to Target as well.
Performances and Performing Saturday, December 2012
Yesterday was a day of performances and performing. I dropped off Mom and Dad at a classroom at Carnegie Mellon for Beatrice's first piano recital/ class demo. I parked the car in the garage near the UC and walked to the campus building. Marissa, Solomon, and I went to the rest room, where he washed his hands twice. ("Oh yes, you have to wash your hands again.")
Afterwards, I met Nancy at Mom & Dad's home to carpool to Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold by Maripat Donovan. There were some live wires in the audience this time, with several women trying to sneak snacks during the "class." "Sister" (Kim Richards) requested that the woman in the back row with homemade snacks pass her candy to the front for the diabetic in the front row with low blood sugar (!) Nancy C, Karen R, and I participated with a number of others as the choir. A good time was had by all!
We headed to meet Maureen in Squirrel Hill afterwards. Victor's restaurant was closed at 16.30, so we called and reconnoitered at the Thai tapas restaurant, Silk Elephant. I had the lamb curry dish with a Thai iced tea.
Maureen and I made a quick stop at her house to check out her latest wardrobe acquisitions and to take a look-see at Facebook.
Maureen and I watched Arthur Miller's The Crucible, at the Rauh Theater at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. It was presented by the Conservatory Theatre Company, and directed by Shirley Tannenbaum. Casting was brilliant, with particularly outstanding characters played by John Proctor (Alex Walton) and Elizabeth Proctor (Lily Davis). The set design (Gianni Downs) had an infernal tinge to it, and the girls as witches were, well, bewitching. I told Maureen during the intermission that there is a line of thinking that the girls during the Salem witch trials were poisoned by a psychotropic fungus that was found in the grain stores.
Grades Posted for Fall 2012
On Friday we had our regular instructors grading meeting at 12.30, just after noon. I posted my grades and printed out the requisite sheets for the curricular team, and left campus by 14.30. My weighted course averages (weighted for number of students) were---as were all of my colleagues'---lower than last fall's means (where I was first), but still in the top quintile to quartile.
Requests for course grades started arriving by email Friday evening. I answered Saturday morning before going to Beatrice's first piano recital/ class.
Memorial of Santa Lucia 2012
This morning I attended the Mass for the Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr. I arrived early to find Dad helping someone with the television ministry camera. Sally D and I exchanged thoughts about the Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe last night:
Sally: They really..[did in]. this place last night.
me: Heavy Partying [pause] they even took the chick with them!
Sally: (?)
me: They took the Virgin of Guadalupe with them! Look! [Mira!] [motioning to the altar]
Mass started soon after, with Father Steve P celebrating, Loretta lectoring, Don providing music ministry, and Sally D as Eucharistic Minister.
After Mass, I hurried to Mom & Dad's home to prepare breakfast---a casserole of scrambled eggs with cookie pastry and cream cheese in it. Dad arrived after saying the Rosary at church, made his own breakfast and ate it before Mom could finish her morning matins / prayers. Mom and I went to the kitchen to eat and enjoy the egg casserole with a wreath of silk roses and clementine oranges.
More Practice for our Advent and Christmas Concert
More practice tonight for our Advent and Christmas concert. Amidst our usual preparation for Sunday Mass music, for the past few weeks we have been preparing for our concert this weekend. We are all excited, and the handbell choir will play during the concert, as well.
Today Mom and I went to mail Joyce's family's Christmas package, then we went shopping, as well. I dropped off and picked up Mom and Dad for Dad's doctor's appointment this afternoon.
Read a Script
Went back to campus---after a short stint this morning---to drop off my card and gift for the lab staff. Stopped by the main library to read the play Grace, by Craig Wright, which is currently running on Broadway (graceonbroadway.com). There is a circularity to the work which draws you in and propels you outward. Found the library and Cathedral of Learning Commons Room to be literally teeming with students. Ran into Kat from this semester whilst waiting for the elevator at the library.
Great work. I can see the draw of the work, as it touches on current philosophical issues and issues of culture as well.
Finished Grading Fall 2012
Last night I finished grading the final practical exams. I entered the scores in my grade sheets. I sent the exam and the course means and standard deviations to a course coordinator with my semester-long math assessments attached (all data for each section). I was greatly pleased with the outcome of the grades of my classes as a whole.
Now time to print out my grade sheets, as my math assessments were printed out yesterday afternoon late after Dad and after Mom's appointments with the doctor.
3/4 of the Stations Graded, Fall 2012
Today I met with one of my students regarding a reference letter. Spent most of the day grading. Ran errands after the student meeting to get a gift for the lab support staff, etc. It was in the high 50s Fahrenheit this morning, and started to rain heavily as I finished my errands.
As I said, I spent most of the day grading...finished grading 3/4ths of the exam stations just now. [Cause celebre!]
Second Sunday of Advent 2012
Woke early (~5AM) today. Sent some correspondence to faraway friends this morning, and have been logging my food diary religiously since mid-October.
Time to get back to grading and math assessments, then sing in choir today.
End of Final Practicals Week, Fall 2012
Lunch with Bishop Zubik---
Yesterday marked the end of final practicals week for me. I met up with Dave S, Aaron, Benoit, and Steve and we all attended lunch with Bishop David Zubik downtown in the Highmark Building. I saw Marie (whose family and siblings I know, as well, from the Oratory) and met Deacon Alex (who promised to say hello to Renee for me) and Meredith O. Bishop Zubik spoke about the Church alive! his encounter with a Catholic-turned- Buddhist on a plane flight (which so touched the man and his family that it became an LA Times article, "My brother and the Bishop"), a question, "Are you excited about Faith?" and, finally, five issues about the Church as body of Christ. We are not alone/ on our own, as the Holy Spirit is with us, and we, as the Church, are with other people:
1. the Eucharist and receiving it
2. being enthusiastic about Learning about the Faith
3. being Evangelizers, People of Good News
4. Faith Formation (e.g.--Bible Study, prayer groups, and retreats)
5. Stewardship (not just monetary gifts, but gifts of time and talents. These gifts are developed to build the living Church
These five issues are important to building the Church as alive as can be! After addressing questions and commentary, we all enjoyed fellowship and lunch.
My lunch was a green salad with homemade croutons and Italian balsamic vinaigrette dressing, English style spots broiled in seasoned bread crumbs and topped with lemon butter sauce, served with Tuscan green beans.
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Chat with Annabelle---
Our little group caught a 61 bus back to Oakland and I spent a couple hours chatting with Annabelle about music, education, family, and world issues. I came originally to drop off the two most recent CDs pressed by my friend, S.
Came home to grade a tad, then eventually ended up helping create gift bags for the party today.
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PAMS Christmas Party 2012---
Today, I stopped at Giant Eagle to pick up breakfast food for the volunteers at the PAMS Christmas party at Edgewood Country Club. We set up table decorations, organized the room, set up the gift bags for "Mano Po atsaka Lola," and made certain the room was ready for the Mass.
Tita Bening's brother, the priest, celebrated Mass on this day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (one of my favorite Feast days). Dad was the altar server; the Acevedo sisters, Caring I, and the choir (of which I was a part) provided music ministry. This was followed by the CME program on transdermal pain management (during which Tita Peggy and I made craft items---I embellished my earrings and made a complementary pendant, and we made "wands"), during which lunch was beginning to be served. Pres. Ric A gave a short address, and the afternoon program consisted of poetry recitations (of Dr. Ric Santiago's favorite poem), songs by solo singers and by (family) groups, and a litany of reminiscences by Mom. Karaoke ensued, broken in by a group of us women singing Abba's "Dancing Queen."
Lunch was delicious, and was further supplemented by gift merienda snack bags for PAMS members. Mano po Lola was immediately followed by gift stocking caps/ bags for the children. Kristi was seen cutting to size photos her dad had taken, which were handed around and gifted to one and all.
Take down followed, and we all lent hands to it.
Home again, and Mom and Dad have both settled down for a long winter afternoon's nap---Dad in front of the television, and Mom in their bed.
What a fulfilling ending to final practicals week.
Start of Practical Final Exams Week
Yesterday was the start of final practical exams week. The morning started Monday with a trip to the doctor's office / labs for Dad (with Mom) for some fasting bloodwork. I waited outside the building for them, then they dropped me off at work to get some things done.
Mom and I went shopping in Bloomfield (I just was "window-shopping"), and then I came back for lunch and a brief nap.
I arrived ~ 1hour early to administer my final. I picked up the extra credit work for my students then. All went without a glitch, and one of my students wished me a good Christmas after it was all over. Another thanked me for a good semester.
Time for grading this morning, lunch, and a short nap before heading back for more final administration.
Concert Weekend, December 2012
Last night (Saturday) Debbie and I went to the fifth annual "The Americas in Concert" featuring the Pittsburgh Youth Chamber Orchestra. Pablo Ardiles is the conductor. There were also guest soloists, Marco Sartor (guitar) and Lilly Abreu (soprano), who sent me the invitation. The PYCO had collaborative guest performances with AquiTango and with Cello Fury! The performance was at the Hillman Center for the Performing Arts at Shady Side Academy Upper School.
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The other concert I attended (after singing in choir at Mass, lunch, a nap and a snack) was this afternoon at Saint Paul Cathedral, "O Come All Ye Faithful." The concert featured musicians from the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University, and was directed in large part by Christine Jordanoff, director of choral organizations.
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Last night's concert opened with the Andalucia Suite (Ernesto Lecuona), which allowed the young musicians to get comfortable with the space and the audience. This was followed by the familiar
Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra (Joaquin Rodrigo), which showcased the playing of Marco Sartor as a setting showcases a brilliant gem.
Chega de Saudade (Jobim-Morales) was followed by Girl of Ipanema (Jobim-Morales), both sung by Lilly Abreu with the PYCO. The Girl of Ipanema was sung appropriately sultrily.
AquiTango then joined the PYCO. Due to a sound misconnection, they replayed
Por Una Cabeza (Gardel-Lepera), popularized in US culture as the tango Al Pacino and Gabrielle danced to in the film "Scent of a Woman." The second rendition brought rousing applause.
They then played
Mi Buenos Aires Querido (Gardel-Lepera), arranged by the keyboardist, Tom Roberts.
Intermission
Danzon No. 2 (Arturo Marquez)
And two pieces written and orchestrated by Cello Fury:
Going Against All Odds (Ben Munoz)
Tundra (Simon J.C. Cummings)
The audience was taken by the power and fury of the cellos, as were the young musicians in the orchestra.
The Beginning of the End of Fall Semester 2012
Friday marked the beginning of the end of Fall Semester 2012. The students are re-energized after the Thanksgiving break, and we set up the practical exams in the rooms Friday.
I received a packet of CDs from one of my Koelner friends, and will pass a pair of CDs from my friend S's work along to friends and family.
Today I called Nancy, as Melinda (her cousin through marriage) was at an arts and crafts show near Greentree today. I partially peeled daikon radish before departing. First, she picked up Maureen and we went to Anthropologie and a craft show in Bakery Square. Then, we went to Greentree and we had great fun at Melinda's booth and having lunch of [Italian hoagie for me and other] fresh items. We stopped by a shop in Greentree, and I finished grading the bulk of the rest of my papers. Only late papers and regrades are left.
I'm preparing for an Americas show tonight that Debbie and I will see in Fox Chapel. It should be fun.
