(the) Monday (after Christmas) was a Mellow Day...to New Year's Eve
The Monday after Christmas was a mellow day. Dad and I walked to morning Mass, celebrated by Fr. Matt D Stanley, who also celebrated Mass Sunday at 10.30 at Our Lady of The Rosary. This was followed by relaxing at Joyce's home; Joyce, Phyllis, and I taking Ruby for a walk at Stanford and taking in the Rodin sculpture garden, the Fine Arts museum's first-floor rotunda, and walking to the Stanford chapel and back. Greg and I drove to a mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant to retrieve everyone's dinner. We played a game reminiscent of "Telephone" meets "Pictionary." Much laughing ensued. I had half of an al pastor super burrito!
Tuesday I met up with Grace and Jason's family at the Ferry Building and we went for Korean food at a nearby restaurant, exchanged gifts, and then went to the Exploratorium for fun, learning, and frolic. We left for points south from the Embarcadero BART station at about three o'clock, emerged from the 24th/Mission BART when we were told there was debris from the wind closing the tracks between the 24th/Mission and the Daly City BART stops. We boarded one of a series of busses which took us near the Daly City BART station, after which we walked. Grace and Jason had parked there, I took the BART to Millbrae, then waited about 45 minutes to an hour for the appropriate train back to Joyce's stop. I arrived at the California Avenue stop at about 7.15PM. Whew! I thanked Grace for the impromptu tour of San Francisco, courtesy of the storms and BART.
Today I travelled home---Joyce and Greg drove me to the airport (we left at 4.30AM), I was one of a few going through the full-body scanner today. The flight was on time to Houston, then about 10-15 minutes early into Pittsburgh. I sat next to Donna, a Pittsburgh Public Schools teacher at Colfax. Quite a long day--I'm ready to turn in!
Post-Christmas 2014
After enjoying Christmas at Beth Ann and G's home (where Joyce brought chocolate "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake and chocolate ginger Christmas tree cake decorated by Phyllis), the next day I walked to CVS with Mom and Phyllis, where I purchased us supplies. We all relaxed around the family home during the day, then Lucy and Len and their children A & D came over for dinner. I happily flossed that night.
Two days after Christmas (Saturday) Greg, Joyce, Mom, Phyllis, and I went shopping. I got a dark sporty jersey-like jacket. We watched the Disney movie, Million Dollar Arm, interspersed with dinner.
Today (Sunday) all but Miranda went to Mass at 10.30, we had lunch at a burger place, brought Miranda a burger, and Tio Joe picked up Mom and Dad for a visit with Auntie Ann at their home one town north. Greg, Benny, Phyllis, and I walked to Hoover Park and the boys set up a net and played soccer. We continued on to the drugstore and grocery store, then to an Arts and crafts Fair at a local Episcopalian church hall. Took some photos at the park and met two therapy dogs. Offered a "night out/dinner out" to Joyce and Greg sometime.
Christmas Eve and Christmas 2014
Went to Joyce and Greg's early on the 24th of December. Joyce met up with me, had lunch with her family, Mom, Dad, and Phyllis at her family's home.
We arrived by 4.30PM for the 5.00PM Mass, as there were eight of us wanting to sit in one pew at Mass...the children's Mass. The Mass was greatly enlivened by the violin, flute, and piano choir; children lectors; liturgical dancing by the young ones; and the Christmas pageant replete with shepherds and sheep and a bevy of angels. The priest spoke about a man and geese and related an interesting story for the homily.
I treated all of us to burgers and fries for dinner; we had an interesting exchange with the window tellers at the burger place!
I turned in early, given poor seating on my travels earlier in the day.
_____
Awoke at ~ 5.30 and showered early Christmas morning. Read a gratitude book for a while this morning. Benny awoke everyone by 7.10 for the traditional opening-of-gifts. Our family tradition was upheld by all permutations of gift- giving (single giver/receiver, at least) to each other. Greg's family's tradition was upheld by opening gifts one-at-a-time. We took a break and ate a big breakfast of bagels, cream cheeses, and fresh lox from Bernie's family, c/o Zabar's in New York---with additions from our gifts (such as the Stroopwaffels from Santa, c/o www.Daelmansbanket.nl).
We've napped and read, and will be getting ready to visit Beth Ann's for Christmas later. Kelly and Kyle are communicating by phone and Facetime concurrently with the awake people in the household....
~~~~
Before Christmas Eve 2014
The two days before Christmas Eve, Monday I went to get my hair styled, as well as for burgers. I also sent out another reference for a former UTA for a second scholarship. Tueday (today), I followed up and I visited with some friends in Oakland, stopped by the Cathedral of Learning, and was approached by an elderly gentleman who spat out, "You better put that jacket on..." (It was 55 Fahrenheit outside). ..."You're not a spring chicken." I bit my tongue, because there were a number of phrases with which I could have gently countered, but chose not to engage.
Time to get some yogurt before tomorrow, Christmas Eve.
The Weekend before Christmas 2014
So, it's the weekend before Christmas. I worked on reference letters for my former students and undergraduate teaching assistant. Took a looong nap/s and went to William and Marissa's for dinner. The highlight of the meal was challah hand-made by Beatrice, with help from her Daddy. It was delicious---only needed a brush of egg glaze to make it the Best Ever Challah I have had! (only one rising necessary)
We watched part of the Charlie Brown Christmas special right before dinner, and had Menorah lighting after---I got to light the five other candles with the Shammas. We all prayed, and went to finish the Charlie Brown special. Then they opened the presents:
The Charlie Brown Christmas tree for the whole family,
Creatology artist set for Solomon,
Old Peter's Russian Tales and a decoupage pink box purse for BB,
A warm hat (a la Pooh) for Marissa,
Tea preparation kit for Wawa
I got Girl Scout butter toffee from them all,
two necklace and earrings sets, too.
Had an early turn-in.
~~~~~
Today (Sunday) was the Sunday of Advent in choir before the Christmas season officially begins.
We sang:
an Introit (Skies, let the Just One come forth like the dew,...)
Entrance Hymn: Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn
Kyrie (Mass XVI)
Psalm 89 (J. Carroll)
Alleluia (J. Berthier)
Preparation of the Gifts: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (M. Praetorius)
Acclamations (Schubert/Proulx)
Lamb of God Missa Emmanuel- (R. Proulx)
Communion Antiphon: Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son (R. Farrell)
Communion: A Virgin Shall Conceive (A. Motyka)
Communion Meditation: The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (Arr. A. Lovelace)
Recessional Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (verses 6 & 7)
After Mass I had lunch, took a nap, then chatted with J, my UTA, regarding the reference letters. I went to work on them straightaway, then turned to email communications and this blog.
Thursday and Friday before Christmas 2014
Thursday (yesterday) I was cleaning out file folders at home when Joyce called. I emailed her some scanned documents at ~4pm, had dinner with Jennifer H, a choir buddy, at Syrian/ Middle Eastern food. I had the bazila, green peas cooked with lamb meat and tomato sauce. We hung out in the W Hall lobby (too cold to get to the Cathedral of Learning), after saying hello to Kevin. Met up with H (who knows me from the library) and her friend Y (who is from St Paul parish). Jennifer crocheted a dragon for a baby.
Choir practice went smoothly, and I sat in the Hall to listen as they sang
Weihnachten – .E. Humperdinck/arr. by R. Proulx
and
Joy to the World – arr. Jenkins
The Humperdinck reminds me of the song sung by the Whos down in Whoville, the tall and the small during the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" television special...especially because of the vocal progressions and the intoning of "Welcome Christmas, Christmas Day....Welcome, welcome!"
My voice was tired, so I was just so pleased to listen to the Jenkins arrangement. We all enjoyed snacks afterwards.
~~~
Maureen and I attended the morning Mass, celebrated by Fr. Ward, served by John DeF, lectored by Bob K, and musically ministered from the loft by Don.We met up after Mass.
Maureen and I went to the two French pâtisseries... I staunchly avoided the sweets at the first, in Susan's neighborhood. I melted at the second shop, where I bought a brioche d'amande and a
Kouign Amann (pronounced kween a-mon). Maureen and I enjoyed these at the mall's food court. I made three purchases Friday from a large department store (including Santa's black socks), I purchased some white clothing at a boutique chain, and then we went to pay Maureen's bill at Bakery Square. We had burgers for dinner, went grocery shopping, and then I went and got more food supplies at East Liberty.
By that time, it was 8.00 PM and we were tired. Maureen will get French pastries tomorrow morning early.
I had two more students request reference letters. Now I am up to four students requesting a little over fifteen letters amongst them all.
"Merry Holiday!" I have exclaimed this week
This week, I got tired of cleansing the holiday...so I have been found to exclaim,
Merry Holiday!
in my eyes, it blends the best of it all, and hopefully includes all people of goodwill.
Wednesday: Mass and Reference Letter, Friend, (no Haircut), Concert
This morning, I practiced my languages online. I participated in Mass. Fr. Adam V celebrated, with John DeF as server. Audrey was the lector, and Don provided music ministry.
I finished a reference for my student K, and delivered it to my department for posting. Took care of some correspondence, took a quick nap.
~~~~~
~8.15 PM
Visited with a friend in Oakland. Didn't get a haircut (for varied reasons), had dinner then went to BB's school concert (BB and Solomon's new school this school year). BB started out with the beginner strings, playing
Good King Wenceslas (14th Century Christmas Carol)
Dreidel (Samuel Goldfar)
and as the program progressed, she joined the other intermediate choristers for
Dona Nobis Pacem (Palestrina)
What You Gonna Call (African American Spiritual)
Happy New Year (Linda Brown)
Winter Song (David Eddleman)
Go, Tell It On the Mountain (African American Spiritual)
Nothing but Peace (Jim Scott)
This Is My Wish (Kevin Ross)
Solomon showed us his classroom (dark, behind a locked door with window)
~~~~
~10.00PM
Finished two more reference letters for my student K, and sent them out electronically. Haven't heard from another requester of reference letters, G.
Monday: Oakland Leadership Celebration
Monday I went to have my teeth cleaned. A temp worker did this; her first and middle names were F.K.
In the evening I went to the Oakland Leadership Celebration, which celebrated two community milestones: The 175th anniversary of the founding of Oakland and new leadership at five major institutions in Oakland. These institutions are University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the University of Pittsburgh (PITT), Carlow University, Carnegie Museums, and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The leaders of these respective institutions are: Leslie C Davis, Patrick D. Gallagher, Suzanne K Mellon, Jo Ellen Parker, Subra Suresh.
A cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres preceded the panel discussion. I found myself at a table with real estate developers at first. They departed, and I was soon surrounded by CMU folks. Dr. Suresh recognized them, and stopped by our table to greet them. I spent a while chatting with Suzie from CMU. All of them knew William. Deborah from my building joined us, and she and I made our way upstairs for the panel discussion. Spotted Hanson K, Joe W, and Holly D from our buildings.
We were treated to cellophane-wrapped packets of cookies from the Oakland Bakery on the way out of the lecture hall on the seventh floor. Debbie and I walked to our buildings together. We spotted Patrick Gallagher walking, and chatted about DuoLingo with the Kappelmans.
~~~
This (Tuesday) morning I spent writing a recommendation for a student for a shadowing program at a major New York City hospital. I went to pick up medical records at the imaging center on Centre Avenue and went shopping, too.
I enjoyed dinner at the Pan-Asian restaurant, and had leftovers (for lunch tomorrow). Made plans today with Maureen to meet up with her and Nancy closer to the weekend.
A Big day: Choir Advent/Christmas Concert 2014
I awoke really early today (~3.20AM) and putzed around for a couple of hours and listened to the radio. I went back to sleep and did some final organizing and preparing gifts for giving. Did some computer work, too.
Last night I made a table and graphs of my grade distribution.
~~~~
Went to the monthly coffee and donuts fellowship at Synod Hall. Chuck, Stacy, and I chatted about news issues over orange juice and donuts. We visited the Fr. Vanyo library. I went to make a sandwich for lunch and to change from my Gaudete Sunday garb into concert wear. (Lisa had posted our annual selfie to Facebook.)
Now it's time to go off to the practice for the concert (~14.50)
~~~~~
Writing at ~ 17.30
The concert went well. Here is the program of songs:
(At 4:00pm Don welcomed those in attendance, Ken played an improvisatory introduction during which we will take our place for the opening piece)
Prepare the Way, O Zion - from the Swenska Psalmboken
Alma Redemptoris Mater - Giovanni de Palestrina
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come - Paul Manz
(Choir sits in first two pews) (Don to organ)
[The Cathedral Ringers] Three Polish Christmas Carols -arr. Kenneth Danchik
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Lullaby, Jesu
When Christ Was Born
(All stand for the hymn)
HYMN for all: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
[The Cathedral Ringers] Cold December Flies Away - a Catalonian Carol
(En el Frio Invernal)
(Choir moves to sanctuary, ringers/singers join them)
A Boy Was Born - R. Farrell
Riu, Riu, Chiu - c. 1566 - Anonymous Spanish Carol
(Choir moves to organ loft)
[The Cathedral Ringers] Westminster Carol (Angels We Have Heard on High)
(Ken & ringers/singers go to loft)
HYMN for all: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Savior of the Nations, Come - arr. R. Farrell
Mary’s Magnificat - A. Carter
Christmas Lullaby - John Rutter
HYMN for all: O Come, All Ye Faithful
Sir Christemas - William Mathias
~~~
What a marvelous concert. When people complimented me when they found out I was a singer, I replied, "We had fun singing for you....We had fun preparing for the concert."
St. Lucy's Day 2014
I arose early this St. Lucy's Day, and started two loads of laundry before six o'clock. I was finished well before the morning televised Mass, so I went. Saw Jen P, who works up the hill, Judy and Barb from the rosary group. I chatted with Barb, who, it turns out, is related to M in my sub-department! I told her as much. I invited the whole rosary group to the choir concert on Sunday.
I replied to another student's inquiry about grades and grading.
Fall 2014 Grades are posted!
After choir practice yesterday, during which we spent much of the time practicing for the concert this weekend, Jennifer H gave me a ride home.
This morning I double-checked my modified gradesheet (modified for ease of decision-making when it comes to dropping or keeping an exam), took care of some correspondence, and headed out for the grading meeting.
The meeting lasted less than an hour, then I met with a student who is looking for summer research opportunities. Also spoke with a former BIO 60 student, Mike. He will be heading home this week. Sent emails to all my students from this semester that grades should soon be visible online.
Spoke to Debbie, we will probably see a movie later. Also want to see Doug's cousin on ON Demand. She won a cooking show!
~~~
10.40PM
Watched Doug's cousin, Nicole, win the On the Menu challenge for Buca di Beppo. Debbie and I went to the movies to watch The Theory of Everything. Awesome movie (because it) makes one care about the life of a physicist. We had popcorn with lots of butter-flavored topping and I ate half of a sandwich. We exchanged gifts--she gave me a felted hat with lots of designs and color, I gifted her phone gloves and some tea...everything to keep us warm!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2980516/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Checked my email when I returned from the movie---NO NEW EMAILS! Boy, it is sweet to look up my email addresses and realize that!
Appointment, finish a eulogy, Mass cards, a celebration of life.
This morning I had an appointment with the specialist. I checked out okay. Walking back, I saw two fellow choir members on their way in the morning. I returned, finished my eulogy for Auntie Mimang, and then went to the rectory to get a Mass card for the fortieth day after her passing, which I sent out to the cousins. Also put in a request to proclaim the Word at the same Mass.
Have sent out more scores for students today. I'll take it easy this afternoon, and also practice languages before heading out to choir practice.
Finished checking assignments, Fall 2014
As of ~13.00 this afternoon I am officially finished checking assignments for Fall 2014. I deposited print assignments and notebook pages in the magazine rack by 15.00 today, emailed students about the fate of their assignments, did some computer work, took care of some administrative paperwork with Gloria in the main office, made up envelopes and placed the last quizzes in them in my office, I saw my former student Stephanie, and my current student G.D., had part of a gyro and fries special from the Cathedral Café, and practiced my languages online. I've sent grades to about 5-10 students who requested their scores.
I will rest for about an hour before going caroling with Marissa and the children. It should be fun! I've got my waffle shirt, two sweaters, an overcoat, gloves and hat, and two scarves.
Sometime this week I must post the grades for FP 0001, Introduction to the Arts and Sciences. Russ was kind enough to send us instructions.
~~~
Instead of resting I spent ~40 minutes writing one part of the eulogy for Auntie Mimang, who passed away Sunday.
~~~~~
9:45pm
Just sent some emails to students' requests for scores and grading information....after returning from caroling with Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon and their church group. We sang at an independent living home (four stories of singing), sang whilst walking, and then sang at their minister, Dave's, home. The children took off with Tiger and Forest, while the "big kids" had hot and cold beverages, craisin with chocolate chip cookies by Tim, poppyseed roll, and other sweet and savory snacks. It was a joyous evening. We walked back to the car, marveling at the biggest lantern we have seen so close to the ground, and meet a woman walking a nine-week-old puppy, Petra.
It was fun to sing with this group, and the bass echo was nice.
Finished grading online assignments and grading presentations: ONLY notebooks left!
By five this afternoon, I finished grading online assignments and grading presentations: ONLY ONE assignment left to grade. That assignment is the three-week-long Photosynthesis module in their laboratory notebooks. Some of my students are doing very well, up to this point. Just 20 out of 410 points left to earn...left to grade.
Debbie and I went out to Craig Street--I for a mango smoothie and then candy from the Indian grocery mart, she for soup and crab rangoon. I had snacks afterwards whilst watching Jeopardy! and Seinfeld. I started watching Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer (with the future-dentist elf), and decided to practice my languages for the 127th day in a row.
I will grade notebooks tomorrow. Time for languages!
Finished grading the last quiz--on to the Online grading!
I finished grading and entering grades of the last quiz in the gradesheets (at about 10:30PM last night)--on to the online grading! Now, I am working on entering the rubric online to facilitate grading.
~~~~~
~ 8PM
I went to campus before lunch to print out some assignments to grade, and to get envelopes for my last quizzes. I walked/shopped and got burgers for lunch and dinner, then walked home. I graded the printed assignments, read email correspondence, and practiced my languages. Then it was time to go to the Cathedral to be ready for the Mass of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I was early, as was Wendy, a new Eucharistic Minister, so we waited.
Fr. Kris celebrated, with Deacon Chuck. There was a server who had just finished a final exam, and James, a very young server. Becky and Ken provided music ministry. Nancy and I were the second and first reader. We processed in, singing "Immaculate Mary." I read Genesis 3:9-15, 20. I originally meant to read the passages with the statements of Adam and Eve with shy fear, but I proclaimed those parts of the passage with fear full of blame.
We processed out to "Hail Holy Queen."
I just had dinner, and will start in with more grading.
One page of the last quiz remaining!
Just one page of the last quiz left to grade! I'll take a break this (Sunday) afternoon after singing choral music at the noon Mass. What a treat! Then it's back to the other three items to grade before Wednesday afternoon.
~~~~~
Just finished my 125th day streak with DuoLingo. I have 200 Lingots, too. I'm learning two languages.
~~~~~
Right before heading to choir practice I got the call---Auntie Mimang died. She was suffering. I passed the sad news on by phone, then by email. It was good to sing at Mass.
Jennifer, my choir mate, and I went to the Cathedral of Learning for the Nationality Rooms Open House. I got a scarf for Joyce, a Turkish spanakopita, and helped Maxine with a spilt bottle of water. After Jennifer and I visited some vendor booths and some Nationality Rooms on the first floor, we parted and I met up with Debbie. We went for snacks and she got a scarf, we went to St. Paul Cathedral (I thought the Duquesne Concert was today...no), where I lit a big candle for Auntie Mimang. We returned to the Cathedral of Learning and visited the Early American, African, Ukranian, and Austrian Rooms, all populated by Quo Vadis student guides. I made certain to thank each one and to wish them good luck on their finals. We went to Craig Street for soup to warm our bellies.
I finished grading 11/12ths of the last quiz. I've got to keep plugging away!
About 1.5 / 6 pages left to grade in the last quiz...then 3 more assignments
I have about 1.5 pages out of 6 total pages to grade of the last quiz this semester. Made a dent today! Went for a couple of samosas at about 3 PM. Had light fare the rest of the day. I have two postlabs (one online, one a group presentation) and one notebook module left to grade before 5PM Wednesday, as well. The heat is definitely on!
Practiced the reading for Monday. Took lots of grading breaks today: snacks, walks about the apartment, naps, etc.
I watched the very beginning of Peter Pan Live! tonight after stopping work for the night. I graded from 9am to about 7.30PM. Quite the day.
Last Class of Fall 2014
Things got better..I even had greaseless French toast today--toast with plain yogurt and thick organic maple syrup!
Yesterday I administered my last test of the semester, my students delivered the last set of presentations, they handed in their last electronic assignment, and I collected their last three-week module from their laboratory notebooks. I thanked my students in my four laboratory classes.
Hooray-oo! Now time for grading! I have friends praying that I finish by next Friday at noon (actually, we are to report all grades by Wednesday at the end of the business day). The clock is ticking...
Last night I watched Peter Pan Live! on NBC. I remember taking Beatrice to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for Peter Pan a number of years ago for her birthday, and asking her at intermission, "What's your favorite part?" She responded, "The flying." Followed by, "How do you think they do that?" And her practical response, "With strings."
This was all when she was three years younger.
http://trulygrace.blogspot.com/2011/10/peter-pan-ballet-with-beatrice.html
So tired...had a bug...
Since Monday night/very early Tuesday morning I've had a bug. Only ate a banana sandwich Tuesday night. Had spaghetti with sauce for lunch today (Wednesday), and little bland sausage with rice for dinner tonight. Been drinking Gatorade like I should own stock in it. Took some OTC medication recommended by the doctor's office with lunch.
Things will get better.
