TUE 16 JAN 2024-B to WED 31 JAN 2024
Tail end of MON 15 JAN 2024
I emptied out two small boxes of UG and graduate notebooks, and also organized my greeting cards, all this morning. Also had a nice chat with MVK as incentive for the decluttering.
TUE 16 JAN 2024-B
There were interesting discussions during the breakout Zoom room during the work Zoom meeting this morning.
I snagged a quick sandwich break during the few minutes segueing to TiMaPi's Office Hours Zoom meeting (which had started at the top of the lunch hour, and which I entered midway through the lunch hour). I spent a good portion of the meeting pre-sorting (without the Harry Potter hat) the 3 large plastic lawn bags of Winter coats, Winter boots, and Winter layers and accessories for donation to our new neighbors. I had spoken with CrLa last night re: our meeting to sort and pick up items. TiMaPi invited me to discuss my experiences decluttering with a friend (MVK) over the phone, which I had done last Thursday early afternoon and yesterday late morning. I said, "When (one) needs to make a (tough) decision about an item, you can talk it through with a friend, instead of just talking to the wall. (It's more effective.) 'Just get rid of it,' she'd reassure me."
I also did a Show and Tell moment with one of my pre-sorted bags, labelled and ready to go to sorting, as I explained how I weeded my hall closet, and decided to donate to refugees. My friend CrLa explained to me that it greatly helps the nonprofit organization to have sorted bags. I also brought up the book When You Wonder, You're Learning, held it up, and mentioned that when I started to read this book, I just opened it up to any (random) page. I landed on a section that mentioned MisteRogers stating how important feelings are, and how TiMaPi has been emphasizing the goal, "How do you want your home/this space to feel?"
...How very important feelings are!
I had a late lunch, and caught up on blogging.
WED 17 JAN 2024
THU 18 JAN 2024
Scheduled break in service by city utility. Worked a Floor Shift as a roving Spotlight in DITT, then a roving Spotlight in Mammals and Botany. Ran into Li and pointed out an item in an exhibit there.
Sat next to the as'ble contingent (RoEr, et al.) during dinner and the presentation. Chatted with Gina Wi as we headed to the Scaife Galleries to discuss an installation of casein, etc. Headed back downstairs to make cartoneras--recycled cardboard-covered books. Great fun, but will have to finish mine later.
FRI 19 JAN 2024
Lectored at the morning Mass for FRI of the 02nd week in Ordinary Time. Th Mass intention was for GPa. Fr Steven Palsa celebrated the Mass. Ken was the fearless organist. The liturgy included:
Entrance Hymn- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Reading 1- 1 Samuel 24:3-21
Rx Psalm- 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11
Alleluia- 2 Corinthians 5:19
Gospel Reading- Mark 3: 13-19
Prayers of the Faithful- Included Mass Intention for Dr MLV
Communion Organ Voluntary- Ama Namin- Francesco
Recessional Hymn- Lord, You Give the Great Commission
Received a message from the d's office that my appointment was cancelled, due to bad weather.
SAT 20 JAN 2024
Seven attendees to SCN's Zoom yoga class this morning. Hurried to go grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, and arrived just in time for Korean lunch with Tito LaPu at Tita TiPu chez M et P. We chatted, made lumpiang hubad/ lumpiang sariwa; (M did most of the cooking, Tita JP and I were sous chefs), and enjoyed it for dinner, as well. I also chatted across the continent with GrYo and JaCh. So much fun catching up with each other. G's dean administrative appointment is still fairly new. Tito La at Tita Ti stayed and we all chatted until after 2130, when it was time for Pinoy farewells!
SUN 21 JAN 2024
Attended televised Mass with M; D attended in person. After pancit hipon for lunch, I attended a workshop and declutter session led by TiMaPi. Had a few quick-answer questions during the declutter session. At 17.00 I attended my building's Winter Party. I enjoyed chatting with various neighbors.
Returned to D and M's place, and set up a Google Meet meeting. All my siblings attended.
MON 22 JAN 2024
Made medical phone calls. Had a visit with a friend at her work. Zoom call to UCAA with TraTel. Great call. Dental care: BFRinse!
TUE 23 JAN 2024
Paid bills. Went to a class where we discussed Ra's upcoming trip to Eastern Europe. Renewed Registration.
WED 24 JAN 2024
Went grocery shopping with M in the Strip District (at the Pan-Asian mart, the fishmonger's, and at an outlet grocery store. Checked out the Chinese grocery store for specific vegetables (no dice), and proceeded to Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside for a few produce and egg items.
THU 25 JAN 2024
Worked in the mid-to-late afternoon. Worked in DITT (where BlaMyn gave me a primary radio training), and in Hillman Gems and Minerals. Met some great people from various places. No choir tonight, as for last Thursday. Nilaga, pusit, at pancit dishes for dinner. A la carte a grace de M!
FRI 26 JAN 2024
Accompanied M to a specialist's appointment in the South Hills. We went grocery shopping in the Southside. Transferred 3 lawn bags of winter wear for donations for tomorrow. Early in the evening spent a couple of hours at Assemble. RoEr helped me greatly with book arts. Made one sewn book and prepared a second for sewing. Redux of my 6x6's to reflect this year's theme of the Future.
SAT 27 JAN 2024
Choir rehearsal. Brunch with the bunch. BG regaled us with Tales of the UK conference. CrLa stopped by after brunch to help us to sort and group donated winter wear.
Free pizza for dinner, thanks to a rewards program!
SUN 28 JAN 2024
MON 01 JAN 2024 to TUE 16 JAN 2024-A
MON 01 JAN 2024
New Year's Day. D and I watched the Tournament of Roses Parade from television (ABC and NBC). The NBC coverage was by Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. The cameras were stationed close to the Norton Simon Museum; fond memories there with ELH of the stone sculptures there by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Also fond memories of touring the flowered floats with CD.
A relaxing day with lots of noodles and Chinese food (from Bloomfield).
TUE 02 JAN 2024
Accompanied M to her appointment. We refueled the car, went to the pan-Asian grocery and to the Chinese grocery stores in the Strip District, went grocery shopping in Bloomfield, then went to the neighborhood store for M's prescriptions. I had a small lunch, then went to my appointment in Oakland. M and I chatted with K this afternoon.
Fish sinigang with green beans, daikon radish, and other veggies soup over rice for dinner. Will enjoy M's homemade boiled peanuts for snacks this week.
Almost time for Jeopardy!
WED 03 JAN 2024
Called health insurance company.
THU 04 JAN 2024
Did 3 loads of laundry before 9AM; Did a load in the afternoon. Choir rehearsal in the evening. Chatted with DaDe.
FRI 05 JAN 2024
Put away loads of laundry; gel weekend plans with my friends. Chatted on the phone with k, chatted in person with And..Le. Manok atsaka upo sopas for dinner; leftover adobong pusit, as well.
SAT 06 JAN 2024
Up early to do an hour of online foreign language learning (D..L). Then, set up my computer for the Zoom yoga session facitilated by SCN.
...a Recorded session today. First time since I have started yoga Zoom with SCN.
Snow is falling heavily at 12.30; it's starting to accumulate. Getting ready to join up with my friends, at my work. We gelled the weekend plans for this afternoon around the weather.
Wonderful visit by ElHu and family (S, and E), AnWa and Ch, and BG to the Presepio in the Scaife Galleries; the trees decorated by the Women's Committee in the Hall of Architecture; E's favorite, Gems and Minerals; through Dinosaurs to Base Camp; various animal halls, Life in One Cubic Foot, where we parted; and the group re-met in Dinosaurs, where we found our way outside. A fine time was spent by all at UG, where I chilled with all; and made it back in time for dinner with D and M.
SUN 07 JAN 2024
Today we celebrated the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the choral Mass. JeS was the lector.
Music and Readings included
Prelude d'Orgue- Prelude sure l'Introit de l'Epiphanie- Maurice Durufle'
Entrance Hymn- As With Gladness Men of Old- Wm C DIX, arr from Conrad Kocher
Kyrie Eleison- Kyrie from Mass VIII, Missa de Angelis, Gregorian Missal, Mode V
Gloria- Gloria in Alternatum- Missa de Angelis, plainsong mode V- Polyphony arr by Donald K Fellows
Reading 1- Isaiah 60:1-6
Responsorial Psalm 72
Reading 2- Eph 3:2-3a,5-6
Alleluia- Festival Alleluia- James J Chepponis
Gospel Reading- Matthew 2:1-12
Homily
Preparation of the Gifts- All Bells in Paradise- John Rutter, text by John Rutter
Preface Dialogue- Chant
Sanctus et Benedictus- from A Community Mass- Richard Proulx
Mystery of Faith- from A Community Mass- Richard Proulx
Amen- from A Community Mass- Richard Proulx
Our Father- Spoken
Agnus Dei- from Roman Missal, ICEL 2010
Communion Hymn- The First Nowell- English Melody
Communion Meditation- Where Shepherds Lately Knelt- Carl Schalk; text by Jaroslav J. Vajda
Recessional Hymn- Songs of Thankfulness and Praise-Salzburg; melody Jakob Hintze
Postlude d'Orgue- Noel: Votre bonte' Grand Dieu- Claude Balastre
After Mass, I had a quick lunch and hurried home for K"T"MP's DC Zoom class. She is inspiring and energizing, and extremely patient with us. I weeded my CD collection; some of us stayed for Q and A afterwards; we stayed ~2hrs after the end of the workshop. I can thank k and K for gifting me this month of classes! It helps to do these tasks whilst others in the class/workshop are doing similar projects.
Late afternoon it was time for Family Google Meet/ Zoomish.
MON 08 JAN 2024
As per TiMaPi's suggestion, I made up a "To Do" List of microprojects in the Living Room. Also started the week by starting microprojects around the home. Went grocery shopping in Bloomfield right before an early evening dinner.
TUE 09 JAN 2024
Did not go to group class; the weather was cold, wet, and snowy.
WED 10 JAN 2024
Biked early this morning for ~ half an hour. Worked more on my list of LR projects.
10.00 contacted Office Depot for help.
12.00 Zoomed with PITT H'n Library
Called health insurance company (again).
Dinner of Fish and Cheese sandwiches from Shadyside.
THU 11 JAN 2024
Medical check up this morning. Seems all is on the up and up. Went to Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. Walked to drop off a book (chatted with CoWa and ChrMil) at CLP Main and picked up 2 more books I had reserved earlier. At 14.00, had an accountability telephone appointment with MVK. Accomplished---Weeding my front closet.
I was able to purge
- and fill a v v BIG black plastic lawn bag full of winter coats, layers, and winter accessories;
- 4 pairs of winter shoes/boots (one brand-new pair of winter boots—w tags still on); and
- and started weeding gently-worn-to-new dresses, etc. from my wardrobe.
The bags are sooo heavy that I will probably split bag "A" into 2 or more bags, to make the heavy coats, etc. liftable into a car trunk.
I will gift the first 2 bags to a refugee nonprofit organization---in fact, I am organizing a coat-and-boot drive for this nonprofit from my church's choir, as decided during choir rehearsal this evening.
It feels so great to be able to divest myself of excess wearables, and to give to others who have no winter wear!! These items will be useful to them.
As WA says, "Warm is beautiful!"
FRI 12 JAN 2024
Biked ~ half an hour this morning. Walked to M and D's late this morning with AndLe, who did a mitzvah for M.
SAT 13 JAN 2024
About 5 attendees plus SCN, our fearless Zoom yoga facilitator, this morning. Her voice sounded better; practically dulcet tones! ("I can't talk much faster than this; otherwise I cough," she intoned in response.)
Earned 5394XP in DuoLingo this past week.
Went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. My full elevator had a discussion about the postponement of the Steelers-Bills game... ("They did it to protect the fans {from blizzard weather conditions}," I intoned to our full elevator). Lots of good buys. Then, it was time for lunch with pritong manok at kanin at ensalada.
Catching up with blogging.
SUN 14 JAN 2024
On this very frozen day of the year, where the easternmost street to the Cathedral (Craig Street) was like an ice rink, I decided to "pinch hit" in the eleventh hour to lector for a colleague who couldn't make it (FrGl). I read for the 2nd SUN in Ordinary Time at the mid-morning Mass. Fr Peter Gruber celebrated the Mass with Deacon Tom Berna. The 2 servers were Luke and Juliette. Our cantatrice was Debbie Z; the tag-team organists were Brian Gurley and Ken Danchik. Readings at the Mass were:
After choir rehearsal, we all headed up to the loft for the noon Mass.
The noon Mass was celebrated by Fr Kris Stubna and Fr Carmen D'Amico with Deacon Tom Berna, 2 servers, and lectored by AlDiC. Music included:
Entrance Hymn- The Baptist Bore Witness- Foundation; Funk's Compilation of Genuine Church Music; harmony by Richard Proulx
Spoken Kyrie/ Lord Have Mercy
Gloria- English Translation- Peter J Latona
Rx Psalm, sung
Alleluia- English Translation- Peter J Latona; Text- John 1:41; 17b
Preparation of the Gifts- Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee- Rt Rev J E Ronan
Sanctus- Peter J Latona- Mass of the Immaculate Conception; Text- English Translation of the Roman Missal
Mystery of Faith- Peter J Latona- Mass of the Immaculate Conception; Text- English Translation of the Roman Missal
Amen- Peter J Latona- Mass of the Immaculate Conception; Text- English Translation of the Roman Missal
Agnus Dei-- Peter J Latona- Mass of the Immaculate Conception; Text- English Translation of the Roman Missal
Communion Antiphon- (T, B)- Chant; Text- John 1: 41, 42
Communion Hymn- Gift of Finest Wheat- Robert Kreutz
Communion Meditation- O Sacrum Convivium- Giovanni Croce; Text- Magnificat Antiphon, Corpus Christi, attributed to St Thomas Aquinas
Recessional Hymn- O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts- L M Wareham; Text- Jesu, ulcedo cordium, attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux, paraphrased by Ray Palmer
Chatted about planning for the drive for our new neighbors after Mass.
Delicious leftover pritong manok, kanin, atsaka ensalada for lunch at D and M's. Sweet potato pie for dessert. A long afternoon nap ensued for the whole household, followed by family Zoom with WA and MM; J O and GMcS with A; and with Lolo/la, and myself, of course.
MON 15 JAN 2024
Chill day in more ways than one! Stay-inside day; only went out to pick up M's eyedrops at the neighborhood drugstore---I never left the car, went through the drive-through window. The pharmacy technician liberally used the phone; she did not want to risk getting cold!
D, M, and I enjoyed M's adobong manok for dinner with kanin at ensalada.
TUE 16 JAN 2024 A
Woke early for Es language online practice and breakfast. I braved the cold, snow, wind, and ice to retrieve my supplies for the work and TiMaPi Zoom meetings this morning and early afternoon.
Gretchen Anderson and Mosafa Sherif discussed the temporary exhibit "The Stories We Keep." I asked some questions re: physicochemical analyses of museum materials, and possible placement of museum display lights such that certain wavelengths are filtered.
