Raising Voices: Community Choirs Gospel Concert
Sunday afternoon at four thirty Mom, Dad, and I attended Raising Voices: Community Choirs Gospel Concert at Carnegie Music Hall. We joined the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir (directed by Dr. Herbert Jones) in singing the first and third verses of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson whilst a photographic image (of mothers sending their boys to camp James Weldon Johnson,) captured by Charles "Teenie" Harris was projected upstage. This group was followed by M.A.D.E. in His Image, Mount Ararat Dance Ensemble (directed by Desiree Davis)'s two performances, the first of which was extremely aerobic. The Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir (directed by Katim Brown), followed; and the Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church Choir (directed by Rev. Jacqueline Dewberry) finished the program. We saw Maryann and her parents, and Cheryl and Marcia from my building at the reception.
Labels: Carnegie, Choir, music, photography, Pittsburgh
Visiting the Library
This morning I went to work to print out my email attachments from my bosses. I ran into Paul C, and we chatted (as I did with Melanie and Zuzana last time I was there). Upon request, I sent Zuzana an email about Christmas choir Mass times this year.
Stopped at the Carnegie Library, where I visited with my friends there, and picked up a reserve book I saw recommended. I said hi to Cathy L, who will be retiring as the head of the Music Department at the end of the year (she said to say hello to my friend S and to ask him when he will be coming to Pittsburgh), Don W, and Lisa R (with whom I sat down and chatted with), and Sheila.
Headed to Mom and Dad's, whence I brought some of my papers home in the rain, and then settled down for a long winter's nap.
Dad called, and asked me to store some food in my freezer. I came over to their home, to find it empty of them.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, Choir, Christmas, food, friends, library, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, travel, work
"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Flu Shot Week
I received my flu shot this Monday, received a request for a letter of recommendation for pharmacy school from a former student on Tuesday, and today I went with Marissa and the children to the Hallowe'en party at the library. We played card games afterwards with Marissa's parents, and then I went to a work meeting.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, family-Marissa, games, health, library, meeting, recommendation, seasons, work
Beatrice's Birthday
Today is Beata's birthday. We were planning on a scavenger hunt at the art museum, but she is feeling sick with a cold.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday, Carnegie, health, museum, niece and nephew
Friday's Art Crawl
Friday afternoon Charles and I met up with Susan downtown for my first experience at Art Crawl. We noted the skywriting, as well as the photos of skywriting in the gallery that had much silkscreened art. We tried the apple-almond paste tarts at the culinary school down the street, and experienced the gallery installation by the Carnegie Mellon University students.
Then, we headed to Wax on Ellsworth Avenue to Susan's friend's jewelry opening. She makes sturdy, artistic, whimsical whistle pendants. We all enjoyed chatting for a while, and then departed for our respective homes.
Labels: art, Carnegie, dining, friends, jewelry, school
Carnegie Museum of Art, September 2010
Yesterday before work Marissa, Beatrice, Solomon, and I visited the Carnegie Museum of Art. Marissa had the stack of cards with images/facsimiles of items from the permanent collection (that I had given her about a decade ago. She had us play "treasure hunt" with each of us assigned a separate card. We even asked the security guards for help. There was an art history class from the University of Pittsburgh, and the children engaged with one of the students from the class. We even had time for a second card each. I greeted some the security help whom I know from having worked there.
Labels: art, Beatrice, Carnegie, games, museum, niece and nephew, school
Labor Day Weekend and Week
It was fun to go to a potluck cookout for Sunday before Labor Day. There was "really good Corn," too.
Labor Day I renewed my library books due the following day (Tuesday, today).
Today I met with a student, M, to make-up the first lab. I then walked to get a Blue Bunny ice cream cone and to meet with my friend and discuss various things, including some recent writing I have been doing. Also had an appointment. I helped Mom with the laundry, and then we had dinner, which Dad joined us for after his Bible study. We also watched America's Got Talent, as well.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, dine, Faith, laundry, library, TV, work
North Side Fun
Monday (yesterday) I went with Marissa and Beata and Solomon to the North Side to the new Allegheny Library. Apparently, the one I used to frequent while working at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum was the original, first Carnegie library in the United States. The new one was quite modern, and the children and I had great fun playing in the children's room while Marissa selected reading-level-appropriate books for them.
We played with a heavy wooden (air) guitar---I made chord sounds out of it---and also pretended that it was a cello, as well, humming the Albinoni adagio in G.
The children played while we did a round-robin to check out the books.
We then went to Wendy's to pick up food, which we brought to eat in the cafe at the Carnegie Science Center. Beatrice certainly did not want to go to the second floor, nor to the Robot Man, the thought of which absolutely delighted Solomon. In fact, while Marissa and Beata waited in line patiently for the Stars above Pittsburgh planetarium show to start, Solomon and I visited various robots in Robo World. Beata and I stayed for the end of the show, and got star charts, as well. Marissa and Solomon departed soon before the show ended.
We took a short walk to the ducks and stairs just upriver from the submarine docked at the north shore of the head of the Ohio River. The sky quickly changed its mind to an angry gray and we piled into the car just in time to drive into the driving rain.
Labels: Carnegie, library, museum, music, read, stars
Delivering Fenton, the automobile fiasco, Beatrice's bike, the Student Prince
Tuesday I was to go with Maureen to Ross Park Mall. We planned to meet Nancy C there. I volunteered to drop off a package of art glass to Joyce (she left it in Mom and Dad's car) at Gene and Phyllis's home. I went to the gas station, filled up the tank, then went to the coffee shop across from Maureen's home. When attempting to start the car, it wouldn't. Dad came by and waited for the tow truck for us, bringing the other car.
Maureen and I stopped by Gene and Phyllis' home, saying bye to the the whole family. As 79 S was backed up, we took 19 S and picked up Krispy Kreme donuts on the way. We met up with Nancy at Ross Park Mall, and I got quilting pins for Mom at Jo-Ann's Fabrics.
I received good news in snail mail today.
Wednesday, I went to the Newman Center for discussion of this Sunday's (Assumption) readings. Spoke to some of my friends in the evening. Car still in the shop.
Thursday, I spoke with my health coach (I had lost weight and had gained it back in the same time period---time to analyze in a 2-day span my caloric intake). Mom had a hairstyling appointment at 10.15. Mom, Dad, and I had burgers across from the Park where we went at ~12.40pm. Beatrice won a lottery to get a bike and helmet from the City. The Mayor presented it to her. Lolo, Lola, her mommy and brother, and I were there.
I picked up a book at the library, my "homework" to read, c/o S.
I watched the silent film, the Student Prince, based on a book called Old Heidelberg.
Today we picked up my car at the garage from repairs. I later met Marissa and children at the restaurant across from her exercise facility. We had fun eating 18.00-20.00! I then watched Lisa Kudrow on the new show "Who do you think you are?"
Labels: automobile, bicycle, Carnegie, cinema, dining, Faith, farewell, friends, library, niece and nephew, politics, repair, shopping, snacks, TV
Early Saturday, June 2010
I'm up early today, having had breakfast and journaled my food intake, exercise, and mass/weight.
I need to get reading more of the books I have borrowed from the library, as well as a book for a class I'll be teaching this fall.
Labels: Carnegie, dine, library, read, sleep, teaching, walking
Those Nagging Pains...
After meeting with a student, I spoke to the Assistant for the Frosh Studies class yesterday afternoon. I collected more teaching materials when I headed back to the computer lab, then picked up some books at the Carnegie Library.
I went home to rest, and to rest my sad little ankle. Then Maureen and I went to the pan-Asian restaurant and then to the library to look up airfares for her. I took some photos on the way home.
~~~
My "pore li'l ankle" and my shoulder have been bothering me for a while---time to get seen. I will go to Marissa's doctor, as my physician is relocating this week.
Labels: Carnegie, dining, friends, health, library, meeting, pain, student
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
Last Week of Class, Spring 2010
Seeing as I teach a laboratory class, this week has been the last week of class for my students.
This week was William's birthday, and we went to Thai Cuisine with his family and Mom and Dad for dinner. Thursday morning Marissa and the children and I walked to the public library. We saw the art work made by some of the children in the corridor on the way to the children's room.
We had fun reading books, and Beata demonstrated how she has been doing self-checkout. Friday I met up with William, Marissa, and the children by the art tent, and watched buggy races. They each made a miniature wooden buggy. I also lectored at Friday's morning Mass, with Fr. Kim celebrating, John serving, and Don providing the music ministry from the loft. <40>
It was set-up time for doing the practical Friday, C's last time! We will miss her---I will miss her. I brought home Plant 1--Coleus, but not before taking care of some administrative tasks.
Friday night Maureen and I spotted tickets from my neighbors, J & T, for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. We had a Scottish snack on the way there, and visiting conductor Juraj Valcuha conducted the PSO in Zemlinsky's Die Seejungfrau, the Mermaid. Intermission was spent enjoying Andes candies, and Yefim Bronfman joined the orchestra on piano for Beethoven's Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37. He was absolutely brilliant, noticeable in those solo passages. A standing ovation ensued, and he played an encore solo piece.
Maureen and I had a lovely evening, and we plan on another adventure this morning after my laundry is through.
Labels: art, Birthday, Carnegie, dining, lector, library, PSO, school, sports, work
Videos from the Library
I borrowed some DVDs from the public library near the end of this week. The first I attempted to watch after dinner, entitled The Children of Theatre Street, is the story of the Kirov Ballet School. I got to the fourth track of the DVD when it froze.
So, I attempted to watch another DVD--Rhythm of the Dance, with the National Dance Company of Ireland (2001, kultur.com). This one skipped only occasionally, but the editing of the piece was choppy. It seems that the choreography should take first billing for the visuals, with the music taking first billing for sound. The sound was fine, but the edits away from the dancers or their feet was not timed/done well.
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, dance, dancing, international culture, library
Snowbound 7 Thursday
This is the first day the University of Pittsburgh will resume normal operations.
I went to morning Mass this morning. Fr. Utz celebrated the Mass, Fred lectored, John served at the altar, and Don provided music ministry. Approximately ~24 people received the Eucharist in the congregation. I talked to Don after Mass about choir practic, travel, travelling the roads, and preparedness for snow storms.
I plan to stop by campus today.
~~~
19.15
After breakfast, I promptly went home and took a long nap. Auntie Benita woke me up with a phone call. We chatted for a bit, mostly about being snowbound.
I went to M + D's to make some photocopies before heading to campus with Maureen to drop off my students' papers and to notify them of that fact.
We dropped off my DVDs at the Carnegie public library, and then we looked for travel books and DVDs. I saw and said hello to Kathy, head of the music library, and chatted for a bit with her and HK, one of my students who was glad that we were off from class this week.
Maureen and I peeled off our boots/clogs to warm up (with the help of some tea), and then I asked her to take some of my magazines. We headed out, she to her home and me to meet Charles for dinner.
Charles and I enjoyed dinner and I a coconut smoothie at the pan-Asian restaurant. I gave him a keep-the-house-warm housewarming gift, and we chatted for a while.
I stopped by Mom and Dad's place, and am checking my email and catching up on my blog.
Labels: blogs, Carnegie, cold, dining, email, library, Mass, music, school, seasons, traction, transportation, travel, weather, work
Snowbound 4B, Monday
So Maureen and I met up at the morning Mass this morning. Fr. Daniele celebrated, John was the altar server, and J.R. provided the music ministry, sans microphone from the choir loft. The homily examined the Gospel reading, how deep faith is necessary for true healing to occur. Approximately ~19 parishhioners in the congregation received the Eucharist.
We called Karina, who is busy studying, for breakfast, and ended up stopping near the Cathedral for Maureen's latte and continuing into the heart of Oakland for breakfasts of cinnamon crunch bagel and puff bacon and spinach souffle for breakfast. We did a little shopping, then took photos all the way home. Maureen found out soon after lunchtime that Pittsburgh Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, as well.
I went home to do some administrative work for my class, then took a brief nap around three o'clock right before all three of us decided to head to the public library for an outing. We found ourselves in the video section, and I borrowed two nonfiction videos, and Karina insisted that I watch one particular entertaining video. I said hello to Scott and Richard K, and Don W. in the "Reference" area, Tim in the Music Department, and Lisa R. in the administrative offices.
We headed up Craig Street for pizza slices and casserole serving, and then continued up the street for some more shopping, including at the new Indian grocery mart. WE ran into Jen and her daughter K. walking down Karina's street. They were on their way home. We shared tea and sympathy chez Karina, and then Maureen and I continued home.
I received a call shortly before 18.00 from the University indicating it would be closed an additional day, and that essential personnel need to report (I guess I'm non-essential).
The message on the pitt.edu websites state:
News 2/8/10
Given the increasing likelihood of more severe weather tomorrow and in light of a request from the city's public safety director, the University of Pittsburgh will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9.
Because of our continuing need to maintain critical services, essential personnel are again asked to report for work.
We urge all members of the University to exercise caution and to make safety their top priority.
~~~~~
23.10
Just finished watching the movie Karina recommended for me, He's just not that into you. An all-star cast. Right now, I'm very tired and I'm not certain that I "got" the lesson I was supposed to learn from this movie, except that the rule is that the guy is supposed to go after you if he really likes you. [That's it, isn't it, Karina?]
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, cold, dining, Faith, library, Mass, school, seasons, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Friday in the Third week of Ordinary Time 2010, Coco
Today I lectored at the morning Mass. Fr. Breier celebrated Mass, John served, and Don provided the music ministry. The first reading was from 2 Samuel, the passage about David's asking to put Bathsheba's husband in danger during wartime. There was at least one audible "tsk" that I heard from the congregation when reading that key phrase. Fr. Breier delivered a homily primarily about God's grace.
As the temperature this morning was six degrees Fahrenheit (well below freezing), and windy and sunny, I took my breakfast then proceeded to take a long winter hibernation for the good part of the morning. Karina and I had lunch at the Japanese-Korean restaurant in Oakland, stopped at the post office to pick up stamps and to mail Jonathan's birthday card, and stopped at the campus and public libraries for computer lab work and for Karina's items on hold. I stopped by at home to check my messages, send a fax, and then met up at Karina's to produce the first in my earth-water-wind-sea necklace and matching bracelet series. Karina had prepared a cup of spiced chai for my enjoyment when I had arrived out of the cold. Maureen arrived when I had completed stringing about two-thirds of my necklace. I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and Karina shored us up with her homemade soup for the long evening.
We stopped at the bookstore in Shadyside to run an errand, then proceeded to the Mall in West Mifflin for the MaxiSaver movie, Coco before Chanel. We decided on a stop for fast Mexican food first, then watched the movie in a practically empty theater.
Coco Avant Chanel was about the rise of the phenomenon of Coco Chanel from personal setbacks and tragedies. It focusses on her personal life, as the title suggests, before she made a household name for herself; before Jackie Kennedy wore a signature Chanel suit to meet the President of France. Her personal life and ensuing decision to focus on her career in a time when a typical French woman was expected to become a wife was touching. Coco Chanel was a woman with a particularly striking visage who entered the fashion field when it was still dominated by men. She made a name on simple, practically austere looks and elegant, simple lines. She changed women's fashion from binding Victorian corsets and rules to flowing, comfortable lines. The music in the movie was particularly moving.
After the movie we went to a large superstore and went grocery shopping. Boy, it's late.
I'm pleased to have received an email verifying that the health emergency Thursday afternoon has resolved itself.
Labels: art, Carnegie, cinema, cold, dine, dining, health, jewelry, lector, library, Mass, painting, shopping, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, walking, weather
A little ache...
After my walk yesterday, I felt a little achy behind my left hip. Mom thinks I might be overdoing it.
Mom and I prepared macaroni chicken salad yesterday...I also played sous chef to a boiled---> fried garlic eggplant dish. Dinner with Marissa and the children also included chicken apritada and baked, breaded tilapia, all served with rice. Dessert included chocolate-covered pretzels from Altoona (care of Maureen) and dried fruits, including Thai tropical mix and craisins, which Beatrice and I placed in the raisin book.
After dinner entertainment included karaoke, which started with classic children's songs and ended with pop tunes. William returned from his event at work and ate a snack...the adults took care of paperwork needing all of us present.
Labels: Carnegie, dine, family, health, school, singing
We are Santa's Elves
Today I went into work after breakfast to take care of some administrative tasks before the semester starts. I had lunch, then Karina and I walked some errands:
I returned some library books (Aliki's Christmas Tree Memories, Snowflake Bentley, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas) with Karina (on the way to the library we saw Paul, my coworker);
We walked to the post office (where I finagled my small parcel---a CD for Auntie Teng and Uncle Boy, already stamped---to the window, past the long lines);
Back to the library, where Karina borrowed a TON (no grunting allowed) of books on jewelry;
and to my parents' lobby and to my building.
Maureen picked us up, and then we walked to a pizza place in Shadyside,
and shopping at Giant Eagle for lollipops for Maureen's students (where we saw Susan E).
We ended up playing Santa's Elves by making up goodie bags for Maureen's students.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, dining, family, library, read, shopping, walking, work
