Let's Go Pittsburgh!
Pitt won against Notre Dame basketball at the Petersen Events Center ("the Pete") today 76-72. Dad and I saw the second half----Notre Dame had a particularly strong offense, but it wasn't strong enough for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. The Oakland Zoo was out in full force today. Wait.
The Oakland Zoo was out in FULL FORCE. That is one great mass to be reckoned with...the sound, the movement, and the dedicated students making up the Oakland Zoo.
Now that Pitt is in the Atlantic Coast Conference, we're up against some tough competition.
Lachlan Patterson Live @ the Improv
Debbie and I just saw Lachlan Patterson (third place in Last Comic Standing) this evening at the Improv in Homestead, Pittsburgh, From their website Pittsburgh.improv.com:
Hot off his memorable debut performance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno Lachlan Patterson has one of the most recognizable working comedians in the Stand Up world today.
With Festival invitations from Austin, Montreal, Aspen, Michigan, Vancouver and Nova Scotia there is no shortage of stage time for this brilliant young performer.
Tune in to Comedy Central and you can find Lachlan performing on the series Live at Gotham or on the Comedy Network where he filmed his uproarious half hour special.
Last year, Lachlan's rib-tickling Debut CD "Jokes To Make Love To" made Rooftop Comedy's "Best of 2010" list. Available on iTunes and Amazon.com "JTMLT" has become a favorite amongst Comedians and Fans alike.
"If Christopher Walken ever decided to go into stand-up comedy and was amazing at it, people would accuse him of stealing from Lachlan Patterson" Ed Placencia-ComedyReviews.wordpress.com.
Go to LachlanPatterson.com to see more information and find out where you can catch him next.
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There were two opening acts, the second one was a fellow on WDVE radio.
We laughed so hard, especially about the second act and Phipps, and about Lachlan and his credit card, and Google/ ogle and about giving directions.
End-of-week frolics
This week, I had a very busy week. It was the beginning of a new module at work--Molecular Biology. To accomplish a rstriction digest, we cut a molecular weight standard with two restriction enzymes. We also talked about next week's lab (including a brief mention of the quiz, and discussion of the technique of electrophoresis). In our weekly meeting we conducted electrophoresis on our samples. I was very pleased to see that my sample produced nice bands, probably due to lack of degradation of the DNA and having a slightly smaller "sample + loading dye" amount of sample.
Maureen and I had General Tso's chicken for lunch/dinner, went grocery shopping and window shopping in East Liberty, and then chatted and did our hair afterwards.
I took care of some correspondence this morning and after I complete some work Debbie and I will have a nice evening out.
The Solemnity of the Conversion of Paul 2015
Sang in the choir today (as usual on Sundays during choir season). Don directed, Linda O was our fearless cantatrice, and Ken was at the mighty von Beckerath.
We sang:
Entrance hymn: A light from Heaven Shone Around (tune: Winchester New)
Lord, Have Mercy (Chant)
Gloria (John Lee)
Psalm 117 (O. Alstott)
Gospel Acclamation (J. Chepponis)
Preparation of Gifts: How Lovely are the Messengers (Felix Mendelssohn)
Holy, Holy, Holy (People's Mass of J. Vermulst)
Memorial Acclamation: (The Roman Missal)
the EP version of the Amen from the Danish Mass
Agnus Dei (Chant Mass XVIII)
Communion Antiphon: Holy apostle, Paul, preacher of truth and teacher of the Gentiles, intercede for us to the Lord who chose you, that we may be worth of the grace of God.
Communion: Taste and See (A. Motyka)
Communion Meditation: See What Love (Felix Mendelssohn)
Recessional Hymn: By All Your Saints Still Striving (Tune: an old Protestant hymn)
Mom, Dad, and I went to Costco for gasoline, groceries, and sundry supplies. We also had lunch/ snack = snunch there. Got back, and entered grades for those TurnItIn turned in and (thus) graded Academic Integrity items. Will look at what needs to be done for tomorrow's class and office hours before eating and before going to sleep tonight.
Beginning of the fourth weekend of January 2015
Over to Mom and Dad's in the morning. Work meeting for most of the afternoon. After a small snack, rode the bus to near Pep Boys for a haircut. A used "ego boost" and "leave-in conditioner" as well as root boost (but all over) after cutting my hair. She left long layers on the sides and front---kind of wished that she made for more "movement" of the locks on the side. But overall, an "all right" cut. Saw Laurel on the bus on the way there---she likes getting her hair cut there.
Pata adobo with lily flowers and pancit noodles, too, for dinner. Om Nom.
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Later, after Jeopardy!, Debbie and I went out to the Waterfront to eat and chat. While waiting for our table we checked out the Pittsburgh Sports store! She enjoyed a bourbon burger and we shared a salted caramel dessert! It started to snow big flakes as we exited the restaurant.
Martin Luther King, Jr. week 2015
Tuesday morning I had a medical appointment. Tuesday afternoon, Dad dropped me off after we dropped off Mom at her appointment) to pick up medicines, get my new University identity card, and to look for a pocket calendar for him. I bought two, only to find when I got home that the dates were misprinted on the cover...so I called the book store and when Dad went to pick up Mom, I exchanged them and walked back. I finished grading Tuesday's section that day.
Wednesday I went to Bible Study of the readings for this week. This is for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. The first reading is Jon 3:1-5, 10, the second reading is 1 Cor 7:29-31, and the Gospel reading is Mk 1:14-20. I noted that during the Easter Vigil Mass when we welcome the RCIA students/ individuals into the Church one of the sequences sung by the cantor and the choir (with bells) is from the Gospel reading: "This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand." I thought it nice that the reading occurs in Ordinary Time, as this happens throughout the year---every day, not just during the Easter Vigil. Fr. Drew led about a dozen of us through the readings.
This morning I had another appointment. Mom and Dad went with me, and we went to McDonald's for Egg McMuffins afterwards. I sent emails to the students who needed to receive them for my Thursday morning class, and went home for a nap. Now, more metal in me. Started reviewing materials for lab class next week.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time and Commoration of the Work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yesterday (Sunday) we celebrated the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Mass. There was also a multipartite presentation by the Race and Reconciliation Committee. This year it was just our choir singing in the loft, with Don conducting, Sean cantoring from up front, and Ken at the mighty Beckerath organ.
Ken played an organ prelude, then we sang
A Little More Faith in Jesus, followed by an improvisation by Ken on this song, and a last refrain sung.
The Entrance hymn was In Christ there Is No East or West,
Then we sang Lord Have Mercy,
Gloria (C. Andrews),
Psalm 40 (M. Guimont),
Gospel Acclamation (J. Chepponis)
Preparation of the Gifts: Nobody Knows (Traditional, arr. John L. Bell), with Jessica as the soloist
Holy, Holy, Holy (People's Mass, J. Vermulst)
Memorial Acclamation (Roman Missal)
Amen (Danish Mass, EP version),
Agnus Dei (Chant Mass XVIII)
Communion: There is a Balm in Gilead
Communion Meditations: Let Us Break Bread Together (Spiritual),
If You Believe and I Believe (Zimbabwean traditional)
Recessional Hymn: Lift Every Voice and Sing (text, James Johnson, tune, Rosamund Johnson)
all as part of the Mass.
After Mass Mom, Dad, and I went for fish sandwiches with hot sauce!
It was a lazy afternoon and evening.
Today IS Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, so offices are closed and the post office is closed, as well. Still have to do some grading of online work submitted today and the rest of the week.
Pope Francis Encounter with Philippine Youth at Sto. Tomas University
Mom, Dad, and I just finished watching Pope Francis's Encounter with Philippine Youth at Mom and Dad's alma mater, Santo Tomas University in Manila on EWTN. He heard individual children and young adults give testimonials, including a 14-year-old boy who was a former street child, and his 12-year-old female counterpart, who wept whilst presenting her story, interrupting and truncating her delivery.
Pope Francis then responded with questions for each of the students/ young adults with several succinct ideas: "Learn how to cry," then, motioning to his head, heart, and hands: "One must think, feel, and do." He prompted those present to repeat after him, how we can help the poor. Finally, he said, in helping the poor, we must also be able to receive their evangelization for us---to not just give, but to receive. He concluded that he had prepared words before coming to meet them in Manila, but that he felt that the "reality" of the moment was more important to address. There were petitions read by youth from various regions/ dialects of the Philippines.
The weather chose to cooperate a tad more than during the Mass in Tacloban a couple days ago, where there were winds and rain that knocked down scaffolding, killing a young lady volunteer from Catholic Relief Services. The Pope started his Encounter with a silent prayer for Cristal, the young woman who had died. Today the Mass showed individuals with various-color rain ponchos, or towels or cloths over their heads. One woman was spotted with a white Frisbee atop her head.
Il Papa/ The Pope in the Philippines
Thursday night, Auntie Pacing called and reminded us to watch Pope Francis in the Philippines that night on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network). We saw his and the Philippine President (Nonoy Aquino)'s welcoming remarks to the press and diplomatic corps at Malacangang Palace in Manila. Dad and Mom were talking about the security forces, and President Aquino said that security planning was a "nightmare."
Friday (last) night on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams we saw the Pope interacting with children at a refuge/home for street children there, after being gently led by one of the little boys from the center/home.
http://www.nbc.com/nightly-news/video/nbc-nightly-news-jan-16-2015/2838105?onid=208991#vc208991=1
Then last night we watched the Pope celebrating Mass amidst rain and high winds near Tacloban airport---where Dad went to serve as part of the Phil-American Medical corps from our area in Pennsylvania right after the Typhoon Haiyyan/ Yolanda. There were yellow rain ponchos as far as the treelines!
Friday was a relaxing day.
Auntie Mimang's Mass- 40 days after her passing
I just received the email below from Mom:
Just came from the Mass for Enya at St. Paul Cathedral (the Mother Church of Pittsburgh). The Service was truly BEAUTIFUL & TOUCHING. The Rector of the Cathedral officiated. Tears lingered in my eyes when the organist played " IT Is No Secret" at the Offertory especially at the part " with arms wide open, He'll pardon you ". Apparently it is an old Baptist hymn. I am sure [she] is at peace with our Lord and very very happy. He likewise played the AMA NAMIN during Communion.. I wish somebody can download the service. It was televised in the Pittsburgh area. [yours truly] was the lector and said that the mass intention is for my Auntie Mimang. William likewise attended the mass with [Dad] and myself. It is truly a beautiful send off to Enya as she leaves earth to join our Maker. She would be very happy (smiling throughout the Mass & likewise touched). I have not seen any service like this except at funeral of high ranking officials. She was given the honor she truly deserves.
Fr. Kris celebrated the Mass for Friday in the first week of Ordinary Time, John de F was the server, and Ken provided the music ministry. I was the lector/ reader for the Mass.
The entrance hymn was "As We Gather at Your Table"
First Reading was HEB 4: 1-5,11
Psalm was PS 78:3 AND 4BC, 6C-7, 8
The Gospel was Mark 2: 1-12
I read at the general intercessions that "at this Mass we pray for the repose of the soul of my auntie..."
At the Preparation of Gifts Ken played "It is No Secret What God can Do,"
and at Communion he played "Ama Namin"
The Recessional Hymn was "Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way," verses 1 & 4 [tune: O God Our Help in Ages Past]
What a lovely Mass! I hope one of us can record it from the internet before tomorrow.
Last weekend and this week
Saturday Maureen and I went to Bakery Square and East Liberty for some hamburgers and shopping for school supplies, groceries, etc. We also did some window shopping.
Sunday was choir time (as usual since 2005), and hunkering down in the cold weather.
Monday brought phone calls to make appointments. office hours, teaching lab (of course), followed by a meeting of Parish Pastoral Council.
Tuesday brought a call to reschedule one appointment, teaching a laboratory class, a nap, and meeting friends at the library.
Today I'm up relatively early to "redd up" Mom and Dad's, continue my 162 into 163 day streak on the language software, and maybe grade some papers. [Just earned my 300th lingot and am on my 163rd day of a language-learning streak!]
End of First Week of Classes, Spring 2015
Yesterday (Thursday), after more diagnostic tests, I hunkered down in the afternoon to warmth before venturing out in the single-digit and zero Fahrenheit temperatures to choir practice once again.
After a cold work meeting in a lab I met up with William, who is working on a slide-to-digital project for family photographs. We walked to the gaming store on Craig Street and I met up with Maureen and Stacy for dinner at Lulu's Noodles. We then walked to Eat Unique for hot beverages and cookie, where I received information about recent tests.
First week of classes 2015
Yesterday was a relaxing day---after I ended teaching I went to a computer lab on campus. Went to a local deli for a steak hoagie and fries, and banana. I took a nap, did some administrative work, and watched the last part of Jeopardy! and watched The Graduate (Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross and Anne Bancroft and Buck Henry all look so young!)
Had some diagnostic yearly tests done at Magee-Women's Hospital today. Time for a nap, then off to teach!
First Day of Classes Spring 2015
Today was the first day of classes, 2015. I started the day by practicing my languages, heading off to morning Mass (celebrated by Fr. Adam V, served by John DeF, lectored by Bob K, and music ministry provided by J.R.), then going straight to work. I went to print out some documents, spoke with M, one of the coordinators, then sat in office hours, part of which Beckie sat with me. Saw a former student, MG there. I went back to check on Mom and Dad's storage room (which had to be emptied today), and had a nap and lunch. Had one student show up early, and the fire alarm went off. Taught this afternoon. Had a fun time with Genetics 1 lab. A former student, Michael, passed by and said hello. Had dinner and updated plans for tomorrow morning with William.
It's been a fun, long day.
Epiphany 2015
Today we celebrated Epiphany 2015 at the Cathedral. Fr. Adam V celebrated the Mass. His homily was about Epiphany/ epiphanies in life: How one should say "yes" to epiphanies in ones' everyday life.
We sang:
Introit: Ecce Advenit
Entrance Hymn: As With Gladness Men of Old
Christmas Gloria, Daniel W. Laginya
Psalm 72, James J. Chepponis
Christmastime Alleluia, James J. Chepponis
Fr. Adam V spoke of saying "yes" to God through others during his homily.
Preparation of Gifts: Where Shepherds Lately Knelt, Carl Schalk
Acclamations: Community Mass, Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei: Plainsong/ Chant, Mass XVIII
Communion: The First Nowell
Communion Meditation: Coventry Carol (Arr. by Martin Shaw)
Recessional Hymn: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
William restarted his organizational project to convert slides to digital before I left for choir practice this morning. He will work on it more this week.
I worked on my class preparations for this week and preparing for office hours this morning and this afternoon.
Tomorrow is the first day of classes!
First Work Meeting, Spring 2015; Saturday Wintry Mix
Yesterday (Friday) was the first work meeting. Before the meeting I delivered some thank you notes to my medical team members--some of their offices were closed. I got a couple of burgers, one for lunch and one for later.
Today, I walked to the drugstore for camera batteries, took the bus to the other branch of the drugstore for stamps, and walked to do another errand. All in the wintry mix/ rain. Had lunch, and started to organize my papers for Monday. Took a nap. Talked to my friend Maria, caught up with her. We wished each other God's Love and Peace for the New Year, chatted for a little shy of two hours.
New Year's Day 2015
I went to morning Mass today, and ran into Maureen and Elaine in the pews by the door---I sat with them. Fr. Ward celebrated the Mass, Debbie Z cantored, and there were 3-4 Eucharistic Ministers.
We three ladies went to Get Go for breakfast--I had a chocolate gob with decaf coffee flavored with white chocolate caramel. I went to start delivering my "thank you/ Happy New Year" notes---I attempted to deliver a card to my dentist's office (it was closed), and I slid one under the door of my orthopedic surgeon's office. Boy, was it cold today!
I will deliver my notes to:
my primary care physician,
my physical therapist,
and to parts of my support network, too.
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This morning's Mass we celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Entrance Hymn: Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly
Gloria (J. Lee)
First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Responsorial Psalm: No 67 (Batastini/ Gelineau)
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Acclamation: Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
Gospel: Luke 2: 16-21
Eucharistic Acclamations: Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei: Plainsong, Mass XVIII
Communion Hymn: My Soul Rejoices (Batastini/ Gelineau)
Recessional Hymn: Gentle Mary Laid Her Child
