Thanksgiving Days 2010
Yesterday (Monday) Mom and I went to the resale shop then went to pick up Dad for lunch at the Japanese buffet. A two-hour nap ensued, then I went to Bible Study led by Frs. Josh and Steve at the Newman Center.
We used St. John Newman's text, PPS 3:44-53, "Early Years of David." When we were asked what made David different from the other prophets and holy men who preceded him, I asked whether he was filled with the Holy Spirit---the psalms were inspired, vs. Moses and Abraham, who occasionally went to separate places to communicate with God the Father. Fr. Josh reminded us of the presence of the Spirit (as in the Creed).
Later in the passage I said in response to this we read, a passage written by Newman, "[David] had power put into his hands, in a sense in which neither Moses had it nor Samuel. He was charged with a certain office": "David was empowered by God."
~~~
Today is a busy day. I started off the morning lectoring for morning Mass. Princess greeted me, as did Carol and Donna. Fr. Bill Dorner celebrated Mass, Ryan provided music ministry at the portative organ, and Linda was the server. We found out that Linda will be moving in a couple of weeks. The Mass was offered up for the soul of Margaret W., a friend and neighbor.
Later this morning I will meet with several of my students, one of whom will make up some work, (I will return the last of the written work they have given me) and then I have a couple of appointments before joining William and Marissa's children for Thanksgiving decoration preparations!
Labels: appointment, art, Bible, Faith, lector, Mass, meeting, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Bible Study, September 2010
I went to the Newman Center last night for Bible Study. Fr. Steve led the discussion, as Fr. Josh was resting up from a cold. We discussed Num 1:1-13; and Dt 3:23-29; then we related it all to a writing by Cardinal Newman. I contributed a point about the Numbers passage that "Moses had done bigger things with water [earlier]," which brought a chuckle to the group. It was good to see my friends there, and we discussed after the bible study the Underground and dancing, as well.
Labels: Bible, dancing, Faith, friends, music
Beginning of June 2010
Yesterday was the first day of June 2010. I awoke ~5:30 am and took care of various questions and issues:
Got an appointment for physical therapy evaluation
Asked questions on the phone about insurance, my (lost) hip/s card and needed preventive antibiotics, and using my battery charger at different voltage levels (no converter needed, just the adaptors).
I made spaghetti with white clam sauce with Mom, and a lovely salad for us to enjoy for lunch (and later for dinner).
*
Today, I awoke ~5:30 and took two long naps as I did yesterday, but not before going to morning Mass and inviting Anu to the Sunday reading Bible study by Fr. Drew.
I went for an evaluation of my health problems by Cara, PT.
And I attended Parish Pastoral Council, where we discussed updating the website and Elaine, Carmella, and I received thank you gifts for our time on Council. Matt will receive his later.
It is pouring down rain, so Tom gave Elaine and I rides home.
Labels: Bible, dine, exercise, Faith, Mass, pastoral council, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, travel, weather
End of the Week
Yesterday, Karina, Maureen, and I went for meditation, (then we were joined by Nancy) and discussion of Zen readings in Lawrenceville. We walked around the neighborhood afterwards, and looked about a little shop afterwards, which Karina astutely noted is chock full of recycled items.
So, after Mass celebrated by Fr. Bill, served by John, and music-ministered by Don <48>; Mom and I went to Waterworks Mall today--mainly to get me tan anklets. I'm sooo excited about these little socks. They are microfiber and also have a little plastic elasticized piece at the Achilles tendon attachment! How useful. (Sunday: Until you try them on---then you realize that they slip off my smaller foot at the heel.)
Mom shared some of her costume jewelry with me, and I met up with Christina before Bianca's Bible study tonight. Luke gave an informative talk on the Church in China, then we went to Bianca's final Bible study. Christina, me, Bianca, Leland, Kevin, and one more person listened to the DVD and discussed concepts of Scriptural readings. Christina kindly gave me a ride home.
I had a snack of cheeses, apples, and mixed nuts with Mom after the Bible study.
Labels: Bible, Church, dine, family, international culture, jewelry, meditate, recycle, shoes, shopping
Rainy, Rainy beginning of the week
Monday and Tuesday have been rainy, rainy days. Cool, too (~50-60 Fahrenheit). Monday I ran some errands downtown. I walked from Heinz Hall to near the Kaufmann's Clock to catch a 71A bus home. Tuesday I picked up Mom and Dad from Mom's doctor's appointment. We drove to the hairdressers, where she received a stylish cut. We made an appointment for about six weeks from now. I also went grocery shopping, and ran into Kathy L from the Carnegie. We chatted for a bit.

Then, dinner last night and meet up with Susan at folk dancing to hear the Balkan group play music whilst the folk dancing continued. I danced intermittently from 19.30-22.00.
This morning, I went to the Newman Center to attend study of this Sunday (Pentecost)'s readings. The event is "on vacation" until early June. Karina arrives from the airport, I'll pick her up from the bus stop this afternoon!
~~~
20 May 2010
9.35
So, it was a beautiful afternoon yesterday when I met up with Karina at the bus stop. We loaded her bags into the car, and ensured her safe arrival at home.
Mom and I dined in the Strip District (sans Dad, who had a tummy flu) for dinner, and then I dropped Mom (and our leftovers) off, to pick up Karina for a Young Adult Church event in Shadyside. (We were half an hour late).
We retrieved her car, then walked on Walnut Street in the shopping district, then called Maureen to join us around the time her dance class lets out. She joined us for a stroll, then all three of us ladies went grocery shopping in Shadyside (Late!).
Labels: Bible, Carnegie, dance, dancing, dining, Faith, friends, hair, international culture, library, music, seasons, shopping, transportation, travel, weather
Ice Cream Sundaes on Monday!
William, Charles, and I went for ice cream sundaes and cones this afternoon. I opted for the Chocolate Intemperance ice cream with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and Oreo sprinkles. I am in chocolate orbit and Sugar Heaven currently. The guys decided on mixing their chocolate scoops with other flavors, though. The cups of water were necessary.
~~~
After a rest at home, Karina and I dined at our favorite sushi restaurant in Oakland. We sat and chatted at Schenley Plaza for a bit, then went to Bible study with Fr. Joshua at the Newman Center. We read from James 4:1-6 and discussed.
Labels: Bible, dining, Faith, family, friends, ice cream, water
Michael Jackson Memorial
Just finished watching the Michael Jackson memorial service in Los Angeles. I watched on CNN because the sound was actually better than that of MTV.
A notable speaker was the Reverend Al Sharpton. While he spoke, there was a backdrop of MJ and the quote
"There's nothing that can't be
done if we raise our voice as one."
Brooke Sheilds spoke as his friend, not as a colleague from the music business. She noted that his favorite song was a Charlie Chaplin one (from the movie Modern Times), "Smile," which his brother then sang.
Texan Congresswoman spoke, mentioning H.R. 600, honoring Michael Joseph Jackson. Martin Luther King III and Bernice King spoke, as well.
The London tour company sang "We are the World", and "Heal the World." His brothers Germaine and Marlon, as well as his daughter Paris, spoke.
Thus ended the memorial service for Michael Joseph Jackson.
Labels: American history, Bible, celebration, citizenship, Faith, farewell, international culture, light, moving, music, reunion, voice
A Good Sunday/Monday
In preparation for this week: Sunday I graded quiz papers. Mom and Dad and I went to Steak and Shake for snack packs for lunch after Mass (during which I sang in the choir). I found out the grandma of one of my former students passed away this week.
~~~
Monday I finished grading the major presentations for the class, posted those grades to students' emails, returned papers to students, and taught my lab section.
Monday night I attended faith fellowship group at the Newman Center (Chad, Christina, Kyle, Seth, T., and I attended). Chad facilitated the group and after our novena, we discussed Confession and pondered the Catechism of the Catholic Church passage on Confession. Soon after, I attended the large Bible study group led by Fr. Mike. We read and discussed Galatian 4:1-20.
Labels: Bible, biology, dining, Faith, Mass, teaching, work