TUE, WED- Organizing: Weeding my clothes, bookshelves, notes
Yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) I spent some minimal time organizing my clothes (TUES), and weeding books and notes from my bookshelves in the big bedroom.
Read this year Marie Kondo's first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing . Hope to read her new book, Spark Joy, shortly.
Her tenets include pulling everything out in a household in this order:
clothes
books
documents
miscellany
photos and memetos
And asking oneself of each object: "What should I keep? Does this object spark joy [tokimeku]?"
Folding. Folding is an art, that allows the items that work hard for us to relax when we are not wearing them.
The goal is a home with no unnecessary items, where one can have clear thoughts and feelings.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2015/09/09/marie-kondo-life-changing-magic-spark-joy/71899688/
http://www.freep.com/story/life/2014/11/29/tidying-decluttering-organizing-marie-kondo/19630379/
http://www.wsj.com/articles/marie-kondo-and-the-tidying-up-trend-1424970535
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/garden/home-organization-advice-from-marie-kondo.html
TUE- Maureen at the Waterworks Mall, fetching ingredients for banana fruit bread,
This afternoon I went to the Giant Eagle Market District/ Big Bird Palenke in Aspinwall to meet up with Maureen after her appointment. I ate some cucumber (with eel) sushi roll and caramel apple pie yogurt (which did not account for its being past its expiry date of Christmas). Hmph. Then Maureen and I marveled at the sofffftness of some loungewear/ sleepwear at Marshalls. We also marveled at some of the Christmas items in Pier One Imports.
Maureen and I met there because of the traffic patterns through Squirrel Hill and Oakland due to the implosion of the Greenfield bridge yesterday (see earlier posting).
Fetched ingredients chez Mom and Dad and at my home for banana cake bread. Also helped to make paksiw lechon.
MON- Feast of the Holy Innocents Mass in the Morning, Lesson Plans for the Library, prepare documents for reference letters
This morning Audrey C and I waited patiently while the music minister (Don), the television ministry (including Dad), and the signal went off from the TV ministry. I walked over to inform them---no priest present yet. Fr. Joe was apologetic, his Nyquil-dazed self awoke only to the bells from the church. Fr. Joe explained how his stuffy self reacted to the Nyquil for all of us.
We sang "Angels from the Realms of Glory" as the entrance hymn, the Gloria (Lee), the acclamations, and sang "Silent Night" as the recessional hymn.
The Readings were from the First Letter of John (1:5 to 2:2)
Psalm 124: 2-3, 4-5, 7CD-8
Gospel was from Matthew 2: 13-18.
After Mass I spoke to Lauren, who is in the Felicians community in Connecticut currently.
Walked back with Oscar--spoke to an officer about the Greenfield Bridge implosion:
http://greenfieldbridge.otmapgh.org/
and
http://myrssfeeds.pitt.edu/announcements/2015/12/24/travel-reminder-the-parkway-east-i-376-will-be-closed-for-several-days-at-the-end-of-the-month-for-the-implosion-and-clean-up-of-the-greenfield-bridge-the-implosion-is-scheduled-for-monday-decemb/
I wrote my lesson plans for the library, prepared documents for recommendations/ references for a student, and trouble-shot problems with the reference, as it failed to display a student and the requisite programs to which said student is applying.
TIME for lunch!
SAT and SUNDAY- Cats, shopping, lunch with Christina and Jeff, more recommendations; Feast of the Holy Family, Choir, Shopping and Lunch with Mom and Dad
Kelly and Kyle left Christmas afternoon. I wrote and sent a recommendation for my former UTA for graduate school Friday, then sent two more (out of state) for her Friday and Saturday. I fed my friend's cats on Saturday morning, pumped some gas, and went shopping before Christina picked me up to join she and Jeff for lunch at our favorite place on the South Side. Had good conversation with them, and also about the fears many of us have of Muslims, even our Muslim neighbors. Jeff noted that many Muslim students, whom he knows through his program, are "the most peaceful of people."
Sunday was Feast of the Holy Family.
Before Mass and choral practice, I started a book from Stacy, A Story of a Soul, the Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux. Started it like a kid: Looked at the photos and at the highlighted text by Stacy.
Fr. Joshua Kibler from the Oratory celebrated Mass. Colin cantored, Don directed music ministry, Ken played at the organ, and we choristers sang:
Entrance Hymn: What Child is This
Kyrie (Mass XVI)
Gloria: Christmas Gloria (Arr. Daniel Laginya)
FIRST READING: (Perrin H lectored) Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14 (I read this during Mass earlier this month)
Responsorial Psalm 128 (J. Chepponis and D. K. Fellows)
SECOND READING (Gerry lectored) Colossians 3: 12-17 (I read this during Mass in third grade)
Alleluia: Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
Preparation of Gifts: Christmas Lullaby (John Rutter)
Communion: See Amid the Winter's Snow (John Goss),
A Boy Was Born (Robert Farrell),
God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: O Salutaris Hostia
~~~~~~~
After Mass Mom, Dad, and I hastened to the Waterfront for some post-Christmas shopping. Then lunch with the soup and salad bar at Eat N Park! We dropped off some items for William and family on the way home.
Naptime for all three of us ensued, followed by grazing.
THU and FRI- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015
My Christmas in a few items...
an email
and two music lists--preludes and Mass music for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...
~~~~~
An email message to my Belgian family, just sent a few minutes ago:
Le 24ieme et Noel j'ai passé avec mes parents, ma soeur et son mari (Kelly et Kyle), et mon frere et sa famille (William, Marissa, et leur deux petits, Beatrice et Solomon). J'ai chanté au Cathedral pour les deux Messes (au 24ieme et au Noel, le Messe au 24ieme avec le Bishop). Nous avons échanges les cadeaux, mangés, joués les jeux, mangés, etc. Je suis fatiguée, apres un petit dormi!
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Nouvelle Annee a toi et a toute de sa famille. Je me souviens quand ils étaient enfants plus jeunes, et Celestine etait un an.
Gros Bises a vous, sauf que j'ai un rhume....Ainsi, je envoye des baisers sur le vent pour vous!
Grace
~~~~~
The St. Paul Cathedral Choir of Pittsburgh was joined by the Carnegie Brass, and some guest singers. Linda O cantored for us, with Don at the helm an Ken accompanying us on the organ.
Here were the prelude pieces for Mass on Thursday the 24th which started at 22.00:
Sinfonia Sacra/ Christmas Cantata (Organ and Brass) (Daniel Pinkham)
Sussex Carol (Arr. I Higginson)
The Infant King (Arr. D. Willcocks)
Organ: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Arr. J. Rutter)
A Boy Was Born (R. Farrell)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
My Dancing Day (Arr. Gerald Near)
A Child is Born in Bethlehem (R. Farrell)
Coventry Carol (Arr. M. Shaw)
See Amid the Winter's Snow (J. Goss)
During the same Christmas Eve Mass we sang:
Processional Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful (Arr. Cherwien)
Bishop David sang the historical temporal placement of Jesus's birth
Kyrie (Mass XVI)
Christmas Gloria (Arr. Daniel Laginya)
READING 1: Isaiah 9:1-6
Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 96, Today is Born our Savior (J. Chepponis)
READING 2: Titus 2: 11-14
Gospel Acclamation: Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
GOSPEL READING: Luke 2: 11-14
HOMILY
The Bishop asked the question: "Why are you here tonight?" He mentioned that "God is jealous for us," [God] "wants us to be with him forever [in Heaven]." That we must consider "God's need for us."
Preparation of the Gifts: Christmas Lullaby (J. Rutter)
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, and Amen: Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei, (Latin Plainsong Chant, Mass XVIII)
Communion: The First Nowell,
Brass/Organ Carols,
Chill of the Nightfall (K.L. Scott)
Silent Night/ Stille Nacht
Recessional Hymn: Joy to the World (Arr. J. W. Jenkins)
Brass: In dir ist Freude (J. S. Bach)
Organ Postlude: In dir ist Freude (J. S. Bach)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Here were the prelude pieces for Mass on Friday the 25th which started at noon:
Sinfonia Sacra/ Christmas Cantata (Organ and Brass) (Daniel Pinkham)
Sussex Carol (Arr. I Higginson)
A Child is Born in Bethlehem (R. Farrell)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Coventry Carol (Arr. M. Shaw)
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Mark Thomas. During this same Christmas Day Noon Mass we sang, and the READINGS for the Liturgy of the Word were:
Processional Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful (Arr. Cherwien)
Christmas Gloria (Arr. Daniel Laginya)
READING 1: Isaiah 52: 7-10
Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 96, Today is Born our Savior (J. Chepponis)
READING 2: Hebrews 1: 1-6
Gospel Acclamation: Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
GOSPEL READING: John 1: 1-18
HOMILY
Preparation of the Gifts: Christmas Lullaby (J. Rutter)
Silent Night/ Stille Nacht
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, and Amen: Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei, (Latin Plainsong Chant, Mass XVIII)
Communion: The First Nowell,
Brass/Organ Carols,
Chill of the Nightfall (K.L. Scott)
Recessional Hymn: Joy to the World (Arr. J. W. Jenkins)
Brass: In dir ist Freude (J. S. Bach)
Organ Postlude: In dir ist Freude (J. S. Bach)
~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~
Kelly asked me and Beatrice and Solomon at their home this morning which were our favorite Christmas carols.
"This year?" I replied, "It's 'My Dancing Day.'"
Kelly pointed out the meaning of the words for that particular tune. Hmm...maybe...I don't know.
I like a lot of Bob Farrell's music (he's the resident composer for our choir, and his wife and he are mighty fine choristers, as well!), which I also voted for and I also saw show up on the Mass lists for this Christmas. I love Rutter's "Christmas Lullaby," an old chestnut for our choir.
********
I swept William's front steps of his home whilst waiting for them to arrive this morning. That was my good deed today. I scurried back after breakfast with his family (Dutch Baby X2, toppings, bacon, pot roast, and chopped Brussel sprouts), changed, prepared for choir, and filled my water bottle with salabat tea drink, too. Needed all the help I could get for my little froggy speaking voice to turn into a high princess voice (un voix alto)!
********
Christmas Eve Mom, Dad, Kelly, and Kyle watched the Mass at which the choir sang and which the Bishop celebrated. We had midnight snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, pot roast, beef tongue, desserts and chocolates (L.A. Burdick) / les pralines (large dark, milk, and white chocolate)/ les truffes de chocolat (some from friends!) We all decided to turn in after 2.00 Christmas Day.
WED- Christmas Groceries by Storm!
This morning, Mom and I went grocery shopping in the Strip District and shopping in Bloomfield. We took on Wholey's, Lotus, and the produce market by storm, after I found a magnificent parking spot. We left there by about 10.00.
Next was the Bloomfield supermarket, and three carts of groceries! More shopping ensued, then we had brunch/lunch with Dad at home. I had my leftover pizza from last night. This afternoon I worked on one of the recommendations I need to do over this break, and posted it electronically, almost two weeks before deadline. Yay!
I had a mid-afternoon snack of egg roll with rice. Wrote four snail mail Christmas/ holiday cards and mailed them. Helped Mom and Dad move furniture. Am doing a load of laundry for the parents now.
TUES- Lectoring, a new movie...
This morning I lectored at the cathedral early Mass celebrated by Fr. Kris S. Ken provided music ministry, and Audrey C was the behind-the-scenes sacristan. Forty-eight people received Holy Communion in the congregation.
~~~~~
We celebrated Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Advent, and sang as the entrance hymn "Now Bless the God of Israel." The recessional hymn was "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," Verse 7.
~~~~~
There is a new movie and book based on an immigrant pathologist's desire to uncover the truth, "Concussion." I first found out about it here:
Here's the trailer for the movie which opens on Friday, Christmas:
A couple of stories from today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
And this, from a couple of months ago:
Information gleaned from the imdb.com website about the article accessible from the nlm website:
"Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in a National Football League player," published in Neurosurgery. 2005 Jul;57(1):128-34. The full author list is: Omalu BI, DeKosky ST, Minster RL, Kamboh MI, Hamilton RL, Wecht CH. An abstract of the article is available at the US National Library of Medicine website (PubMed) and the full article is available from the journal's publishers (for a fee).
and other early papers:
http://bennetomalufoundation.org/about-cte/
~~~~~~~~~~
Debbie and I had dinner at the Porch, near campus, and I spotted the Freshman Programs staff there, as well. We enjoyed:
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AGNOLOTTI AL PLIN
Stilton Bleu, Walnuts, Granny Smith, Brown Butter & Fines Herbes
POLENTA FRIES AND EGG
Stone Ground Polenta, Poached Farm Egg, Mint & Oven Dried Tomato Dressing
BIANCA PIZZA
Savory Fig Jam, Goat Cheese, Arugula & Black Truffle Oil
Om Nom!
SUNday- And the winner is...
As per the last post, here is further information (video of the post-pageant press conference) from yesterday (Sunday) night:
http://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/tv/steve-harvey-apologizes-for-miss-universe-gaffe-i-feel-terrible/ar-BBnLIyp?li=BBnb7Kz
and additionally,
http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/miss-universe-mistake-crowns-colombia-before-philippines/ar-BBnLR4K?li=BBnb7Kz
I need to take care of Christmas cards!!! One of my goals for today is to start on those...
SUNday- Choir, PAPAGP Gala Dance and Music Recital, Miss Universe
After practicing, we had a noon Mass of Paul Manz music...including "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come."
Mom and Dad had gone to a PAMS event, so I left and met up with Regina K, whom I had invited to attend the PAPAGP Gala Dance and Music Recital, Kasaysayan.
I caught a ride home with Betsy M, who dropped me off at Mom and Dad's home. I had dinner while Lola and Lolo talked to Joyce's family on the telephone. We watched the last hour of Miss Universe, with the selection of Miss USA, Miss Colombia, and Miss Philippines. Steve Harvey made a faux pas in announcing Miss Colombia as the next Miss Universe, despite the tallying of the peer votes via Ernst and Young. Turns out it was Miss Philippines all along.
SAT- Beatrice and Solomon's piano recitals!
Yesterday (Saturday) I dropped off two dresses from Lola for Beatrice before the whole household headed off to Solomon's first ever piano recital. It was an open Eurhythmics class, and he and Alex wiggled as soon as these first two finished their performance pieces. Solomon performed two pieces, and as his instructor was absent, another instructor pinch-hit for him. There were chalkboard exercises the class did, and flashcards, as well. They all received pencils, two music books for next term, and a homework sheet, as well. Les was present, as well.
The afternoon consisted of Music Preparatory School participants, including Beatrice. She performed well Kabalevsky's Fairy Tale, and I forwarded the video to Mom and Dad and Marissa and William. Other recital chestnuts included:
Ballade, Burgmueller
Sonatina Op. 36, No. 1, 1st Movement, Clementi
Sonata K545, 1st Movement, Mozart
and
another girl, two pages later in the program, performing Beatrice's same piece.
Les and Cherie were present, and they greatly enjoyed the program. William's family, Dad, and I went to Union Grill for dinner afterwards. What a great way to end a great day! Mom was nursing a bad cold at home today, I passed along her gifts to the little ones.
FRI- Grade Meeting, Tea downtown with Stacy, Evening Dinner Guests
Yesterday (Friday) consisted of the early afternoon grading meeting. After slight adjustments for certain students in all instructors' sections, we posted our grades. Regina K and I made plans for Sunday.
Late in the afternoon Stacy and I went to enjoy the live music and tea and cocoa downtown, but not before enjoying the blustery, windswept crèche which is a replica of the one at the Vatican. Stacy and I talked about a plethora of various topics, from providing experiences as gifts for children, to thankfulness prayers, to praying to and being open to the Holy Spirit "to be moved and inspired by the Holy Spirit." We talked about the Serenity Prayer and how the Wisdom part of it is so difficult, so it's important to pray for Wisdom.
We talked about how praying to God often results in answers that arrive in various ways through various vehicles/people, and in God's own time. We talked about my Callings, and we talked about both of us, our being open to discernment answers to the question, "What's Next?" of God. We talked about Big Brothers and Big Sisters, mentoring youth, and other possibilities. I told her of my friend from graduate school, D, who was a Big and told us of the graduation of her Little.
This reminds me of my discussion with Shelly after noon Mass and donuts just this past Sunday. I told her I used to pray a number of years ago that I could put up with/ tolerate a situation with which we both were familiar, and a key component of the situation was removed by God so that the problem was resolved.
Stacy and I returned to our parents' building, she to spend time with her mom and I to go visit with Mom and Dad and their dinner guests---Dr. Pat, Tita Tina, and Tito Larry. We enjoyed a multi-course home-cooked meal of isda, torta, dinuguan, canin, and desserts of guinataan, and double dark fudge. We decided that lipstick is a good thing, especially if it is the only thing on a clear/clean palette of a face. We talked about the moment Mom got sick, with descriptions by Mom and me. Being at the medical dinner table, questions were asked, and the Internet was brought out for additional instruction of me (of unfamiliar terms).
I left the still-conversing group of them and retired for home.
WED, THUR- Agnes K's funeral, more sweets for sweet people; Grocery shopping in East Oakland/ Shadyside, Choir preparations
Wednesday (yesterday) I went to Agnes K's funeral Mass at the Cathedral, went to deliver more sweets for a sweet person. Today (Thursday) I filed my notes from this semester in the filing cabinet, I went grocery shopping for Mom at two stores in Shadyside, and will prepare my choir folder for our last practice of 2015 (tonight), and go to choir practice tonight.
Spoke with Auntie Emma this past week on the phone, and we talked about Thankfulness Prayers, my Callings in life, and faith sharing. Then Mom spoke with Auntie Emma.
MON, TUE- Mom and I to Ross Park Mall, Watch The Letters with Debbie; Laundry, weigh mail, mail mail, sweets for sweet people
Yesterday (Monday) Mom and I went to Macy's and spent a good four hours there. Went home and had lunch with Dad (kare kare over rice). It had started to rain on our drive back, so Dad drove me to meet Debbie at work. She and I drove to the Waterfront to watch the movie The Letters, about Mother Teresa's life in letters to her spiritual advisor. We went to the Fudge Factory, Target, and Michaels afterwards!
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Today (Tuesday) I awoke early, did two loads of laundry, drove to the post office to weigh mail, and will meet up with Maureen and her sister shortly.
Los Angeles Unified School District has received threats to various schools today, and has decided to close their schools and sweep the schools today. News c/o KABC-TV via Fox News.
~~~
Tuesday afternoon I mailed the post box to J O and her pamilya. Then I delivered sweets to sweet people throughout Oakland, and walked to my appointment with my primary care physician. Dad picked me up to go for dinner at their home afterwards.
Gaudete Sunday 2015!
Today is St. Lucy's Day, trumped by Gaudete Sunday, so I was decked out in ROSE as I and Nathalie read/ lectored for the 8.00 Mass. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Mark in thanksgiving with / for Mom. There were three young altar servers, and Debbie Zugates with Don on music ministry. Mom, Dad, William, Beatrice, and Solomon were in attendance. I was glad to hear from Beatrice that my reading was good after the Mass was over. Music and readings for this Mass included:
Entrance Hymn: Lift Up Your Heads
First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18 Zep 3:14-18a
Canticle/ Psalm-- Isaiah 12 (J. Burns)
Second Reading: Phil 4:4-7
Gospel Acclamation (Jacques Berthier)
Gospel: Lk 3:10-18
Preparation of the Gifts: On Jordan's Bank
Sanctus (Mass XVIII)
Memorial Acclamation (the Roman Missal)
Amen from the Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Lamb of God from Missa Emmanuel (R. Proulx)
Communion: Take Courage and Do Not Fear (A. Motyka)
Recessional Hymn: Savior of the Nations, Come
~~~~~
After Mass, we went to Synod Hall for Donut Sunday. Solomon had donutss and Lost his Tooth in the process. Don found it humorous that he truly lost his tooth, and asked him what he will do about the tooth fairy. Solomon responded that he would write a letter.
~~~~~
Then, I baked two trays of desserts and went to choir practice and choir. Lisa and I took photos of people before, during, and after this 65+ Fahrenheit Gaudete ROSE Sunday.
We sang, in addition to the above music:
Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice in the Lord always (For Sealing of the Holy Door)
Preparation of Gifts: Alma Redemptoris Mater (G. Palestrina)
Communion Antiphon: Say, take courage, you who are fainthearted (Robert Farrell)
Communion Meditation: Prepare the Way, O Zion (from the Swenska Psalmboken)
~~~~~
Mom and I prepared a tray and plates of desserts for their neighborly party and for me to give out in thankfulness early this week.
After a nap, Dad, Mom, and I went to their building party. Mom and I chatted with Lois and Alva and Ms. Re--. Lots of savories and sweets, all homemade by people.
We called Auntie Emma and Uncle Abe afterwards. Auntie Emma and I spoke about Thankfulness prayers, and Forgiveness of Others and of Oneself. I told Auntie Emma my parenting story from lab, then Mom is chatting with her.
FRIday- Finished my gradesheets; Assemble Party! SATurday, Performing Arts
Yesterday, FRIday, I finished my gradesheets, sent them off to Elia; attended the Assemble Party! Met the president, Michelle, the vice president, Emily, and chatted with Linnea, who turns out to be the secretary. Also met Minette and Raymond. Chatted with Jess, Anjelica, Jonathan, Fabienne, and other teachers, as well. Good food, good conversation.
~~~~~
Dr. Lori requested today that I wear my boot until I can come in to see her.
~~~~~
Today, Pittsburgh Public Theater Education Department, Creative Dramatics, presented The Comedy of Errors, featuring young performers from Hartwood Elementary School and from BB's school at the O'Reilly Theater. We dropped off Lola, who joined Wa & Marissa there on level one. Dad and I parked near Christo's, so then we walked/ hobbled to the O'Reilly. We arrived in time to see the presentation and warm-up, led by Jenny Malarkey & Jena Oberg, Creative Dramatics instructors. During this time, we were introduced to the concept that there will be "sculptures" made up of dramatics students at the beginning of each scene. Some of the sculptures included a ship in the middle of the sea, during a storm, a car broken down on a dirt road a pig farm in the countryside, a bowing alley, a dischoteque, and more! Beatrice was the narrator about halfway through what was next: the Ensemble Performance of the Comedy of Errors. Beatrice was loud and clear as a reader/ narrator.
Afterwards, Marissa whisked them away to BB's lesson at 12.30. William treated Dad, Mom, and I to Greek cuisine at Salonika's Bar & Grill. I enjoyed the Veggie Plate, which consists of spanakopita, 3 dolmithes, and hummus with fluffy pita bread. We also shared galatouburiko(sp?) and baklava. Ever so delicious. We crossed the street to see Christo, who greeted us warmly. "Long time, no see!" he exclaimed. We love his food...he used to cook for Jackie O. Mom and Dad had dined there with PAMS.
Pittsburg School for the Choral Arts had their Holiday Concert 2015: Peace on Earth. Emily Swora was conductor of Harmonia again. Rebekah Hill, accompanied the bulk of the groups' pieces performed. She and I greeted each other before the concert started. Chris Massa was on percussion but I had no opportunity to chat at length with either him or Rebekah afterwards at the reception.
These were the pieces performed by Harmonia, in order:
(with Melodia & Vivo), Cornish Wassail (Trad. English Carol arr. Betty Bertaux)
Mir Zeinen Alle (Trad. Jewish Folk Song, arr. Henry Leck & Martin Ellis)
(with Via) How Beautiful are the Feet (G.F. Handel, from the Messiah) and
Issay, Issay (Trad. Ethiopian Carol, Arr, Philip Kern)
(with all other choirs, namely, Concentio, Via, , Melodia, and Vivo) Al Shlosha D'Varim (Allan E. Napan)
(with all other choirs) Chaukah Prayer for Children (Ryan R. Bechmacher)
and finally, something which the Cathedral choir has sung:
Hope for Resolution (Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory).
We spoke so briefly with Nancy, whose granddaughter Kate is in a choir which performed, and we enjoyed the time with Les and with William's family...both during and after the concert, over refreshments.
All papers graded-- Just have to score last quizzes!
All papers are graded, I just have to *score* the last (just completed graded) quizzes. What a load off my shoulders!
This Morning, Half Graded! At 14.00, 3/4ths graded!
At about 8.00 this morning I had half of the four stations completely graded for all my sections. Wow!
Took a nap and helped Mom and Dad to get to her appointment this AM.
More grading to come...
~~~~~
After grading this morning, Mom and Dad returned from the appointment and grocery shopping.
As of 14.00 I have finished three-fourths (75%) of the final quiz stations administered. Only one more quiz station left to be graded!
Busy Morning, Grading Afternoon
From ~7.30 until ~11.00 I spent working on Mom's Rite Aid account and the corresponding Wellness+ Plenti account to do some online shopping. Whew!
At about 11.45 to 12.20 I went to the four PITT stores' Open House. Ran into Sue at the bakery, which was my first stop and her last stop. Enrolled in two raffles, the Grand Raffle and the one for the Maggie's shop.
Brought cookies for Mom and Dad for a surprise after lunch.
Will grade this afternoon.
That Swag! and Feast of the Immaculate Conception
This morning, just added the swag for my front door for the holidays.
~~~~~
Mom and I went to 12.05 Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Fr Kris S and Father Richard Ward concelebrated the Mass. Christina cantored, it was a lovely Mass. Sat near Rose F and near Martha M. Mom and I each spoke with Fr Kris after Mass.
~~~~~
21.15 Finished administering the exam to all of my sections. Finished grading the first page of the exam (only one question on this page).
Met with a student today, before my last lab class.
Second Sunday of Advent 2015
Today us choristers practiced in the choir loft, as there was another event in our usual practice space.
Linda cantatriced and Fr. Mark T celebrated the Mass.
We sang
Entrance antiphon: People of Zion, behold
Entrance Hymn: A Morning Star Draws Near
Kyrie from Mass XVI
Psalm 126 (M. Guimont)
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia (Jacques Berthier)
Preparation of the Gifts: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Old French melody, arr. Gustav Holst)
Sanctus from Mass XVIII
Memorial Acclamation from the Roman Missal
Amen from the Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei from the Mass in E flat (Antonio Lotti)
Communion Antiphon: Arise, arise, O Jerusalem (Robert Farrell)
Communion Hymn: My Soul in Stillness Waits (Marty Haugen)
Communion Meditation: Remember, Christians All (Thomas Ravenscroft, from Melismata)
First Friday of Liturgical Year 2015-1016
We had a great Friday meeting at work. One of my student teams made it to the top three finalists for the grant proposals, as they were ranked by about 50% (498) of their peers in the class. My team consisted of Kacey, Katie, Kaitlyn, and Wei. Their proposal was clear and well-written, met all proposal criteria and requirements, and was presented with solid science. Their proposal was ranked third, with 163/498 votes. The second and first place proposals garnered 166 and 169 votes, respectively.
Wei arrived as my group's representative, and Maria, myself, and Natasha introduced our team representatives, in turn. Jean read the student and the executive committee comments. The student comments for Wei's group included that their proposal was clear , and included every element. The executive committee was particularly pleased with Wei's group's rationale, low-cost budget, and the sequence of the experimental strategy proposed for the research.
I met with a student after our meeting.
Friday afternoon I whisked to Mom and Dad's place after spending some time in office hours answering a student's questions.
Then, I went to the Oratory for Friday afternoon Mass. Fr. Steven L celebrated. Stayed a few moments for First Friday Exposition and Adoration.
Today was Mom's first day out of their building. She went with Dad to 8.15 AM Mass, then spent about four hours shopping at Costco! She sent me a voicemail yesterday eve/ this morning saying she was trying to get into the computer.
Heinz Chapel Choir Campus Concert 2015
After grading some notebooks today and accompanying Dad and Mom to Dr. Lori appointments, I dropped off some library books at the main branch and then walked to Heinz Chapel for the Heinz Chapel Choir concert.
Susan Rice is the new-ish director, with Steve Anisko at the organ.
The program is below...
Prelude:
The Holy Name of Jesus (from l'Orgue Mystique) (C. Tournemire)
I. by seers foretold
Gabriel's Message (J. Shank)
Ave Maria (A. Bruckner)
Verbum caro factum est (Hans L. Hassler)
Audience Carol: Silent NIght
Interlude
Noel Vosgien (J. Bouvard)
II. light born of light
The Bethlehem Star (Bob Chilcott)
O nata lux (Guy Forbes)
Serenity (O magnum mysterium) (Ola Gjeilo) with David Skrovanek, arr. Mat, cellist
Lullay (Karl Jenkins)
Audience Carol: O Little Town of Bethlehem
III. alleluia!
Mi zeh y'maleil (arr. Joshua Jacobson)
Ga gona ya swanang le Jesu (sung in Sotho, arr. by Matlakala Bopape)
That's Christmas to me (Pentatonix)
Deck the Halls (Arr. by F. J. Nunez and J. Papoulis)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Ralph Blane, arr. Molly Ijames)
Go Tell It on the Mountain (arr. S. V. Gibbs)
Wana Baraka (Kenyan Folk, arr. S. L. Kirchner)
Audience Carol: Angels we have heard on high
Postlude: Chorale Improvisation on "Puer natus in Bethlehem"
Sat next to a couple from Plum, then took off for choir practice, saw an emergency vehicle crossing Fifth Avenue on the way home before choir practice. There was at least one infant at the concert, with toddlers present, as well.
Up Early today
Up early today to do Mom and Dad's laundry, and to do grocery shopping in Bloomfield, as well. We made tuna salad, Mom and I, and also enjoyed fried chicken for lunch. I finished grading presentations and started grading the last notebook entries for scores this afternoon. Went to my building party this evening, enjoyed great eats and also spoke with Isabelle, Janice, and Rosalie, Phyllis, Ruth, and Neala. Caught the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree on television with Mom, watched the Grinch who Stole Christmas (and sang along), and saw a little of the Saturday Night Live Christmas before finishing grading and entering scores in the gradesheet.
What a long day!
