Watched the premiere episode of ABC's "Black Box," about a neurologist who lives with bipolar disorder. The episode was chock-full of symptoms,written into the plot.
http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/watch/Black-Box/6330844770164014112/234493507505/Kiss-the-Sky/videos
posted by Grace @ 4/29/2014 05:47:00 PM
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Yesterday (Sunday) was Fr. Michael Roche's last Mass as a parochial vicar at St. Paul Cathedral. He gave a farewell address right before Mass ended, especially thanking the 8-10 servers on the altar that day.
We hurried home to prepare a pineapple upside-down cake for Dr. T's birthday, celebrated at the PAPAGP practice. We all ate a LOT of food, enjoying it all grandly.
William and I went outside to watch some kids on the playground---Beatrice made it up and over the climbing wall!
posted by Grace @ 4/28/2014 09:44:00 AM
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This morning I weeded files gently from Fall and Spring semesters. Need to bring some file folders from Mom and Dad's to home and weed them, too.
Had an egg and cheese sandwich for breakfast. Will go to campus to work on some references, etc. today.
posted by Grace @ 4/28/2014 09:36:00 AM
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I spent about an hour this morning cleaning out old papers and taking a reconnaissance of what needs to be done.
posted by Grace @ 4/27/2014 10:11:00 AM
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Yesterday was Saturday. I had two long naps around lunchtime (>= 1.5 hours each) yesterday. I also cleaned out the extra credit (origami embryo) projects from this semester, and some of my past biology curricula files, making room for averages and results over the next semesters. Threw out two tall kitchen trash bags full of paper.
I then went to get a samosa and "Magic Masala" Lay's India-imported potato chips, which I shared some of with Mom and Dad (saw Mom's student Jeremy along the way). I polished off the munchies, then went for a walk to Hillman, across the Schenley Plaza green, and past Bellefield Hall. Families and gaggles of friends were out in full force enjoying the cool, clear, sunny skies and the company of their graduates on the sidewalks as well as in the restaurants.
I joined up at Mom and Dad's, where they were having dinner with Tito Larry and Tita Tina Purpura. We talked about a new television series about a neurologist with bipolar disorder, "Black Box," and Kay Redfield Jamison, who is a professor (and co-director of the Mood Disorders Clinic) at Johns Hopkins, as well as PAMS and watching the Penguins game (Yay! 3-1 against Columbus in the Stanley Cup playoff downtown...the hometown crowd was out in full force, including on the plaza watching the big-screen television).
I went home to sleep soon after the game ended ~9.40 PM.
posted by Grace @ 4/27/2014 10:05:00 AM
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As of 13.00 today, I posted my grades to the Faculty Center/ Grade Center electronically, sent my four gradesheets and my final and course averages summary cover sheet along, and shortly after received the anonymous survey about the course. I arrived at the noon meeting with rain droplets beginning to sprinkle, and it was a constant rain by the time I left the building by one o'clock.
Paid a short visit to the ninth floor of the William Pitt Union, then went to Mom and Dad's, where I ate some mini chocolate bars and Samoas Girl Scout cookies.
~~~~~
The end of this week brought along Mom and my watching "The Rock,"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117500/?ref_=nv_sr_2
one of my favorite Sean Connery movies; another being "Entrapment."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137494/?ref_=nv_sr_1
We also watched "All about Eve,"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042192/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
and I missed the last half hour of that film to go to my grade meeting on Friday. Both of us commented on the great lines of the script.
posted by Grace @ 4/25/2014 04:04:00 PM
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On Thursday (yesterday) I walked after lunch with Maureen to her appointment on the hillside in Oakland. I did an errand, went to pick up a package for William's family at Mom and Dad's, then walked to William's office on the other side of Oakland. Helped Mom prepare dinner, then walked to near Hamburg Hall at Carnegie Mellon University to meet Debbie. We went to get frozen yogurt (and toppings) and chat on Craig Street. What a gloriously sunny day!
~~~~
This morning was first Friday. I went to Mass; met Dad there. Fr. Daniele Vallecorsa celebrated the Mass, John served, Ken---from the portative organ---provided the music ministry, and Oscar V was the cameraperson for television ministry. I spoke with Noreen after Mass about mid-life and elder issues.
Longsilog, with Bulacan sweet longanisa, white rice, and Scott and Barbara's farm-fresh eggs, were for breakfast.
Today/ this noon is the grading meeting for my sub-department. I look forward to entering the grades for my students---I was very pleased with the averages for my four sections/ classes this semester.
posted by Grace @ 4/25/2014 09:48:00 AM
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Yesterday I minced the garlic and hand-tenderized the thin round tip steaks (2.5-3 pounds, a little over a kilogram) and watched Mom marinate with the four ingredients (the marinade will be evenly applied over 24-48 hours. I also cooked two packages of the Bulacan sweet longanisa, and prepared the suka't bawang for it. We had a great dinner with sweet peas, rice, and strawberries (prepared by Dad).
We watched Cash Cab with Ben Bailey aftewards.
I sent an email from Maureen's home before we did a last quality control check on my numbers before Friday's grading meeting. Then we went on a hunt for hot cocoa---most places close at ten o'clock on a weekday. So we went to taste the hot beverages. Maureen got hot mocha, and I purchased pepperoni roll. We chatted for a bit, then went to our homes for a good night's rest.
posted by Grace @ 4/24/2014 09:22:00 AM
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After breakfast and a nap today, I started to weed my wardrobe..mostly blouses and tops. I sorted my blouses by sleeve length.
Yesterday I added to a donation pile by Mom and Dad.
posted by Grace @ 4/23/2014 03:13:00 PM
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Yesterday was unusually warm and sunny. Students were out in full force, studying for finals and catching some rays in the Oakland sunshine. I walked to the Carnegie Public Library today, sat for a while and read my book, On Heaven and Earth, and then walked to the Frick Fine Arts building, checked out the (Afghani) menu at the Conflict Kitchen, and read a while longer at the tent on Schenley Plaza. I walked back to Mom and Dad's and we had dinner and enjoyed Jeopardy! and Dancing with the Stars, during which Drew and Cheryl left at the end of the evening.
posted by Grace @ 4/22/2014 08:24:00 AM
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At about eleven yesterday morning I entered the Cathedral at the front steps. The steps closest to the building were peppered with mall groups of people waiting for the ten o'clock Mass to end and the noon Mass to begin. The narthex and the vestibule holding the loft steps were crowded with standing room only attendants of the Mass, and Communion was being given...by the time I reached the loft I could see that the orderly procession of Communion had not yet reached the aisle perpendicular to the nave that runs to the new addition to the building. Don was in the loft, singing and playing the Beckerath organ, and Christina was cantoring, below.
After practicing with the brass and tympani (and organ, of course), Mass started at noon with Fr. Mike Roche celebrating.
Musical selections included those by the choir, which were:
Entrance hymn, Jesus Christ is Risen today (Easter Hymn)
Festal Gloria (Don Fellows)
Psalm 118 This is the Day (French Carol)
Easter Alleluia sequence, led by cantatrice Linda (Victimae Paschali Laudes, A. C. Dohms)
Gospel Acclamation, Good News Acclamation (James Chepponis)
Sprinkling Rite, Springs of water
Preparation of Gifts, Hallelujah! from Mount of Olives (Ludwig van Beethoven)
Eucharistic Acclamations Community Mass (Richard Proulx, after the Deutsche Messe, Schubert)
Agnus Dei (Chant)
Communion: Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus (Carl Schalk)
Hallelujah! from Messiah (George F. Handel)
Blessing/Dismissal, Thanks be to God, Alleluia
Recessional Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Llanfair)
Postlude (played by Don and Ken at the ten and noon Masses, respectively) Toccata, Symphony V (C.M. Widor)
Here is the text for the Roman Missal Rite of Renewal of Baptismal Promises:
Springs of water bless the Lord
Praise and exalt him above all forever
Alleluia (3x)
When I reached the foot of the loft steps, there was a mother with her son, who couldn't have been more than five years old. He looked absolutely rapt, and his mom explained to me, "He just loves the choir." I bent down and said to him, "Maybe someday you'll come upstairs and sing with us."
Mom, Dad, and I went for Japanese buffet in the North Hills. The Victoria family was there, too. The food was delicious, and we all took a nap after we returned home.
I added two sections of final exam grades (and rechecked the addition for each exam), entered them in my paper gradesheet, double-checked the numbers, then entered them in my electronic gradesheet. Then it was time to sleep.
~~~
I finished adding and checking, entering, etc. (treated as yesterday's sections) the last two sections of classes. Then it was time to update the four grade sheets, and report the means of final exams and means of grades for each section/ class to my subdepartment on campus....all between seven and noon this morning, well before the Wednesday deadline. Our grading meeting will be Friday afternoon, after which we can post grades.
posted by Grace @ 4/21/2014 03:46:00 PM
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Easter 2014 was great. More details later. I finished grading and scoring the final exams, I calculated aggregate course grades, and reported them this morning. Our meeting for grades will be at the end of this week. I am pleased with the outcome of this semester.
posted by Grace @ 4/21/2014 12:05:00 PM
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I entered the Cathedral last night with the doors decorated in white bunting, the cross on the rectory lawn was draped in white.
The Easter Vigil last night started for the choir with our starting to arrive in the loft at about seven o'clock to the sound of the Carnegie Brass practicing for Mass. We practiced with the Brass and bells for a little over an hour, waiting for sunset. The lights of the Cathedral were dimmed quickly, and Bishop Zubik sang the
Acclamation of Light, to which we responded with "Thanks be to God."
Exsultet was sung by a seminarian
There were three readings last night before the Gospel, each followed by a choral psalm. The lights were brought up before the first reading last night.
Psalm 33 was led by (and verses sung by) Linda and Sean, with bells and refrain by the choir.
Exodus 14 was led by (and verses sung by) Linda and Sean, with bells and refrain by the choir
You Will Draw Water (R. Batistini)
Festal Gloria (D. Fellows) Cantored by Linda
Easter Alleluia with Psalm 118- Good News Acclamation (repeated thrice), cantored by Linda (J. Chepponis)
Gospel
Homily by Bishop Zubik
Litany of the Saints, cantored by Sean (Chant)
Initiation Acclamations - Springs of Water (D. Fellows)
Preparation of Gifts - Hallelujah! form the Mount of Olives (L. Beethoven)
Euharistic Acclamations- Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Lamb of God - Agnus Dei (Chant)
Communion - Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus (Carl Schalk)
Hallelujah from Messiah (G. F. Handel)
Choir has Communion
Blessing/Dismissal "Thanks be to God, Alleluia..." Bishop Zubik and choir
Recessional Hymn -Choir with Carnegie Brass- Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Postlude- Toccata, Symphony V (C. M. Widor)
Last night Jorge kindly walked me to Mom and Dad's place, where I had a snack (and left a phone) before retiring at home. I quickly hurried here this morning before the alarm went off!
Today the choir will start to gather before the ten o'clock Mass is completed.
posted by Grace @ 4/20/2014 07:21:00 AM
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Five minutes shy of six this evening I finished grading all but the last question on the final practical exams. What a good feeling, to almost be finished!
posted by Grace @ 4/20/2014 12:19:00 AM
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Before nine this evening, I finished grading five out of eight pages of all class sections of my final practical exams. That's over 62.5% of the pages graded, and the scores added up for each page, on each page.
Will spend time with the family this evening, as well as preparing my music for tomorrow's Easter Vigil Mass.
posted by Grace @ 4/18/2014 09:01:00 PM
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This morning I did two loads of laundry in our month-old machines in my building. The price has doubled since two months ago... to save water, and to recoup costs.
I also finished 3.5 (out of 8 total) pages of grading by 11.30 this morning.
I was in the loft by one o'clock, and the Bishop and co-celebrants entered in silence. The readings were done beautifully by Bettina and Matt: Isaiah 52: 13, 53: 12; and Hebrews 4:14-16; 5: 7-9, respectively.
Between the two readings we sang (cantored by Becky and Don) Psalm 30 (Chrysogonus Waddell)
Gospel Acclamation: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ (R. Proulx)
Passion Narrative (with) Jesus, Remember Me (J. Berthier)
Presentation of the Cross: (Response to Bishop Zubik) O Come let Us Adore
Veneration of the Cross: Miserere Dei, Meus (G. Allegri)
Were You There?
Pie Jesu (A. L. Webber), sung by Becky and Karen
Collection: O Sacred Head Surrounded
Choral meditation post-communion: Crucifixus (R. Farrell)
I went to Mom and Dad's to enter my past two days in these posts, and Kelly and Kyle were here! We enjoyed a great lunch of two fishes, rice, and upo atchara.
posted by Grace @ 4/18/2014 04:47:00 PM
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I graded three pages of half of the classes' exams this Holy Thursday. Also graded to page two of the other half of the classes. There are a total of eight pages to grade per exam.
Holy Thursday was yesterday, and we sang:
Antiphon: Let our glory be in the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ...
Entrance hymn: Lift High the Cross
Gloria: Latin, in Alternatum VIII
Psalm 116, Our Blessing Cup
Gospel Acclamation: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.... (R. Proulx)
Washing of the Feet: Mandatum (P. Latona)
Preparation of the Gifts: Where Charity and Love Prevail
Eucharistic Acclamations (Proulx/ Schubert) Agnus Dei (Lotti)
Communion Antiphon: This is my Body which is given...
Communion: Where Love and Charity are Found (L. Deiss)
Post-Communion: Ave Verum (C. Gounod)
Transfer of the Eucharist: Pange Lingus/and Tantum Ergo Sacramentum
Choral Meditation:: Adoramus Te, Christe (R. Farrell)
posted by Grace @ 4/18/2014 04:35:00 PM
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Early Sunday Mom and I did three loads of laundry.
This Sunday I handed out the last of the choir Easter candy. It was Palm Sunday, and we sang
Hosanna to the Son of David (de Victoria)
All Glory, Laud, and Honor (St. Theodulph)
Psalm 22 (R. Proulx)
Gospel Acclamation (R. Proulx)
Jesus, Remember Me (J. Berthier)
O Sacred Head Surrounded (L. Hassler)
Sanctus (chant, Vatican Mass XVIII)
Acclamations (Deutsche Messe, Schubert/Proulx)
Lamb of God (L. Deiss)
Communion: Parce Domine
Post-Communion: De Profundis, Mozart
Lenten Prayer
Mom, Dad, and I went to Chinese/Japanese/American buffet in Monroeville for lunch. We saw their accountant there.
I took a long nap that afternoon, and then Maureen and I went to Target to get sympathy and birthday items. I also got oranges for Mom, Dad, and me.
The Mozart piece, De Profundis, makes me think of Christ's slowly beating heart at the close of this work.
~~~
This morning I went into work to drop off the last papers that were graded this semester for my students.
posted by Grace @ 4/14/2014 09:41:00 AM
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This morning I finished grading my last section of post-lab assignments. Mom and I watched The Great Gatsby (the most recent cinematic version/ rendition, with Leonardo di Caprio and Toby McGuire) this afternoon. Then we went shopping in Bloomfield, and donated some items on the South Side. Dinner at home with Dad followed, and then a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We watched Jeopardy! and Lawrence Welk, as well as Keeping Up Appearances (with Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket). I arranged my sheet music for this week in choir.
This morning I also walked to the drug store on Forbes Avenue, and took the bus back. I bought LOTS of vitamins, which were on sale. I also delivered and made plans for deliveries of choir candy Friday and today.
posted by Grace @ 4/12/2014 08:29:00 PM
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I walked the distance to work six times today...Once in the morning, once about noon, once before one o'clock in the afternoon, once at three, and to and from work just before five this afternoon.
I graded the second half week of quizzes this afternoon. I must grade the Ecology postlabs (only three sections' worth are left to grade), and grade the extra credit assignment before the final next week.
More grading this weekend, and a celebration of Solomon's birthday on Saturday!
posted by Grace @ 4/10/2014 06:00:00 PM
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I finished grading half a week of quizzes (animal development) this afternoon. The past two days I have been working to enroll the computers in protection software. I went for a walk with Stacy this afternoon. Had lumpia, nilaga, and mango slices for dinner.
posted by Grace @ 4/08/2014 09:13:00 PM
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Enjoyed Mexican food in Aspinwall with Mom, Dad, and William's family yesterday! Got Girl Scout cookies from the kids! Sang Happy song and Lego song...generally had fun.
posted by Grace @ 4/08/2014 09:09:00 PM
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Back to choir after a week-log hiatus. Went for a walk with Maureen to Shadyside.
posted by Grace @ 4/08/2014 09:07:00 PM
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I took the bus to the Inauguration of Suzanne K. Mellon as President of Carlow University. I had been invited earlier to act as the delegate from Wellesley College, and the Alumnae Office at Wellesley College had FedEx'ed me regalia: A gown, a cap, and a Wellesley hood. Last weekend, I had done a quick running stitch to hem up the long gown. I brought two bobby pins to secure the smaller cap, and had hung up the whole ensemble to let the wrinkles find their way out.
When I arrived at about quarter after nine, only a handful or less other delegates had arrived, as well. I chatted for a while with the Harvard delegate, Bill, and shared fellowship with two other delegates, as well.
posted by Grace @ 4/05/2014 09:30:00 PM
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This week was Animal Development week at work, looking at two Echinodermata and also Aves embryonic development.
Thursday night I missed choir practice to have dinner with Joyce and family, William and family at Mom and Dad's home. We had chicken in A1, nilaga, salad, and a birthday cake for Solomon...berry with allergen-free snickerdoodle topping and vanilla soy "ice cream."
Friday, my meeting at work ended early, so Mom, Dad, and I went to Cranberry to visit with Gene. Phyllis was already there, and he enjoyed all the company. Bernie arrived as we were departing, and we arrived chez McAlba's to see Joyce, Greg, and the children playing with Caroline (Benny and she are Monopoly buffs). Jane arrived later, from work, and we enjoyed a meal prepared by Joyce, Miranda, and Phyllis: Linguini with clam sauce or marinara, green salad with candied pecans and gorgonzola cheese, ginger cookies with Italian ices. What a treat! I missed the opportunity to have a group step photo. Life is good.
Joyce's family followed us to Lolo and Lola's home in preparation to leave on an early flight Saturday morning.
posted by Grace @ 4/05/2014 09:20:00 PM
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Days in the life of me.
