This afternoon, I posted my record book entry for my class reunion this summer. The official deadline is in a couple of weeks. I'm glad and relieved to have completed that. I wrote 500-word essay, and included two current photos in addition to my profile.
Labels: Choir, Church, Faith, family, reunion, Wellesley
posted by Grace @ 3/05/2012 05:35:00 PM
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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
posted by Grace @ 2/27/2012 06:44:00 PM
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Yesterday before choir practice I met with my friend V in Shadyside to review mitosis and meiosis concepts. She was firm, making me draw and explain each step of M & M, with the number of chromosomes, whether they are replicated or not, (sister) chromatids, and pairs of chromosomes. I did not look at the pictures and photos even once whilst doing this exercise. Then, she gave me a spoken exam with photos. Prophase was difficult to determine, but she said to look for the chromatin condensing into chromosomes to find that step.
Dinner and choir practice followed. Don started right on time and made us go through our paces, followed by an ordering of music in our folders. We were all psyched up in time for snacks, provided by Nancy C.
Labels: art, biology, Choir, friends, St. Paul Cathedral, work
posted by Grace @ 12/23/2011 05:24:00 PM
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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
posted by Grace @ 12/21/2011 04:17:00 PM
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I missed choir practice & choir this past week, due to a lingering sore throat.
Friday I joined Jennifer & Mike, Regina & John at drumming.
I handed in the last of my wreath fundraising for choir today.
I missed singing for the Feast of Christ the King, but enjoyed the music from the congregation. I did sing the Lotti Agnus Dei (alto part).
Bishop William Winter was the main celebrant, with many other priests concelebrating. (Bishop Zubik is in Rome for Cardinal Wuerl's ordination.)
This morning I wrote letters of support for two former students and completed their PharmCAS reference letters this afternoon.
I will join up with John, Regina, and her parents to celebrate his birthday for dinner.
Labels: Choir, dining, friends, health, music, singing, Spain, St. Paul Cathedral
posted by Grace @ 11/21/2010 03:53:00 PM
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Yesterday I met up with Regina and Jennifer H to drive us to Betty's. She was in good spirits and looked great for someone who is in her situation.
We headed to Jess's housewarming open house. Awesome party! Tasty homemade food.
posted by Grace @ 10/24/2010 07:14:00 PM
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Before choir practice today, Judi gave me great advice about electronics!
After choir and Mass (during which James W's mom, James W's mom's son, and Stephanie sang with us; as well as Christina Mc sang as a chorister), Stacy, Regina, and I dined on pan-Asian food. I tried the Lard Nar (LUV those wiiide nooodles!), chit chatted about about relationships, and enjoyed our lunches (and for some of us, smoothies). As we exited, we ran into Charles, who was also on the way to pan-Asian bliss (a.k.a. noodles with chicken). I joined him, we chatted over lunch about our summer plans, and parted ways.
I caught a three-hour nap, and am making lists for this summer...Also catching up on email.
Labels: Choir, dining, email, friends, list, Marietta, St. Paul Cathedral, travel, visitor
posted by Grace @ 5/30/2010 07:36:00 PM
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Today I arose ~5:30 and then took some photos of the foggy morning afterwards. 
The Pentecost Mass included singing with a guest, Gabe's brother Carlo. I told Judi that Regina could not attend Mass today, and I met up with Mom, Dad, and Regina's parents after Mass during the voluntary. Fr. Steve from the Oratory celebrated the Mass.
Mom, Dad, and I went for lunch at Whole Foods. We then went to return an item at TJ Maxx, and I got li'l tan ped things for my feet this summer. I picked up Mom and Dad at the stores, then we headed home. I put my items away, and took a nap.
Jennifer H and I had tentatively decided to go to the performance of John Rutter's Requiem Mass at St. Maurice Church in Pittsburgh. We talked via phone, and decided I would drive, picking her up on the way. Brent, of Choireland fame, is the music director there. Don accompanied the group on their organ. The choir was particularly well-balanced, and the soloists were wonderful. Jennifer H noted that the second movement, "Out of the Deep," had an extended lunga by the altos. The sixth movement, "The Lord is my Shepard," is the same as that which our choir sings, except this organ was electronic and accompanied by cello, flute, harp, oboe, and percussion.
We spoke with Brent, and with Don, Judy afterwards. Don noted that Fr. John, the pastor, is Ed's brother. Ed plays brass with our music ministry at various holidays.
Labels: Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, music, organ, photos, Pittsburgh, shoes, shopping, singing
posted by Grace @ 5/23/2010 09:24:00 PM
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Left with Maureen and Karina for a Teacher-Staff Day at Costco. I bought pan de sal and a pineapple. We also stopped at the craft store. We then brought the perishables in to Maureen's place, had a quick lemonade drink, then parked the car to go to the Walnut Street Arts Festival. We also stopped in some shops, mostly to window-shop.
Maureen drove me home, I spoke to Jennifer H, and showered, bringing my umbrella, camera, and the multicolored flaxseed chips and French onion dip. Jennifer and her hubby Brian gave me a lift to the party chez Diana and Craig (and Andrew). There was plenteous food, music on the two pianos, a capella singing (notably of the 2-choir Biebl "Ave Maria" piece), games (of Apples to Apples, with eleven players and Jennifer H winning five Green Cards!), and chit-chatting by attendees. Upon a recommendation from Gabe's brother Carlo, I tried the delicious strawberry shortcake, as well as Jennifer H's toll house cookies.
After fond goodbyes to everyone, Brian, Jennifer H, and I took leave, but not before taking a photo of the misty view out their front door.
Labels: art, celebration, Choir, dine, games, music, New York, photos, shopping, singing, teaching
posted by Grace @ 5/22/2010 11:32:00 PM
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After singing at noon Mass (which was celebrated by Fr. Tim Kesicki), Regina and I met up with our parents and chatted until the baptism proceeded. Dad, Mom, and I went for Mexican food in Fox Chapel.
Maureen and I went for a walkabout Oakland: first to the Pittsburgh Children's Festival, on to Phipps Garden, then to Carnegie Mellon University. We saw CMU Engineering grads having their photos taken on Hillman Library steps, passed the carousel and the tent, past a bunch of arts, crafts, and activity booths, including retired greyhounds. Then we went to the petting zoo---the pony looked exhausted!
On to Phipps Garden, where we perambulated, and we smelled the herb garden. Maureen admired the peonies. Her friend called whist she was admiring the peonies to discuss peonies with her! We walked past the Cut, then stopped at Wawa's office door. We visited the Randy Pausch bridge and admired the lighting. We walked the ramp at the Gates Center, sat outside Newell-Simon Hall, and went to Lulu's for Maureen's smoothie.
Time to think about dinner plans.
Labels: celebration, children, Choir, dining, flowers, garden, ice cream, Mass, Pittsburgh, school, walking
posted by Grace @ 5/16/2010 05:11:00 PM
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Charles, Susan, and I went tonight to hear Ba-Rock Cello, performed by Giovanni Sollima.
Here is the press release for his concert:
Italian Cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima, famously described as “a snarling, grieving Jimi Hendrix of the cello,” will perform a free concert, “Ba-Rock Cello.” Sollima has been captivated by every kind of music and has sought to create new blends among the most diverse genres by combining elements of classical, rock and jazz music, as well as of ethnic music - characteristic of Sicily and of others Mediterranean lands such as North Africa, Israel, the Middle East, the Balkan States, Turkey, Andalusia. Since 1992 his works have been included in important seasons in all the continents, and performed by soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma and many more.
The special concert is in honor of the Ri.MED Foundation and sponsored by Ri.MED, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
I was moved, as Susan said the Internet information described his work as "atonal." I found it lyrical, melodic atonal. He started the program with a gypsy-like piece, played solo through the first part of the program, and then was joined by his housemate and fellow cellist. The second part of the program highlighted both of them, and there was a piece in which he perambulated the aisles, pausing for a while at our third row, where we felt serenaded by his non-stop playing. Making a circuit, he returned to the stage. They played some Baroque pieces, a fast piece about Leonardo da Vinci followed by a slow-er piece about Virginia Woolf. 
Their last encore featured them both playing her cello.
After the program we saw works by Liz in the hallway. Charles was impressed.
We were the first to greet the guest musicians as they entered the hallway. "Wonderful!" I exclaimed.
Labels: art, Bach, Choir, music, photos, student, talent
posted by Grace @ 5/04/2010 10:45:00 PM
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So, I officially finished grading all questions for all my students in all my sections on all assignments at 9.49 this morning.
Now, I just need to:
Add the scores from the subtotals
Calculate the score for the final
Calculate the percent right on the final
Enter the final grades in the grade spreadsheets
Calculate course scores/grades
Calculate course letter grades (with + or -)
Much of this can be done with calculators, spreadsheets, and grade break/cutoff information.
I'll take Mom and Dad out for lunch today to celebrate!
Time for a little relaxation before choir practice.
Labels: biology, celebration, Choir, dining, relax, school, St. Paul Cathedral, work
posted by Grace @ 4/25/2010 09:55:00 AM
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Yeah! A day off from choir today---I've finished grading all my papers handed to me last week, scored them, and recorded them. I even had a student with a perfect score!
Dad is serving as Eucharistic minister at the ten o'clock Mass---I will take him and Mom out for lunch at Five Guys (they haven't been there yet). Then a little shopping, and many happy returns, as well.
Labels: biology, Choir, dining, Mass, school, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
posted by Grace @ 4/11/2010 10:27:00 AM
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So, I had my usual breakfast this week of half a banana. After lunch I watched the last 2/3's of the Seven Last Words of Christ with Mom and Auntie Chi, as Dad was volunteering for television ministry. Then I left to go home to pick up a few things before I stopped by Mom's home. I took an dose of Imodium upon Mom's urging, got my choir folder, and brought some diluted CVS electrolyte replacement beverage to choir. The guys were practicing "Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit" on the choir landing when I arrived.
Good Friday service was different, as Fr. Breier and Fr. Goetz celebrated Mass instead of the Bishop, who was in the hospital with a kidney stone today.
The music ministry provided:
Silence for the Entrance
Psalm 30: "Into your hands, Lord." (C Waddell)
Gospel Acclamation: "Glory to you, O Word of God.." (R. Proulx)
Passion Narrative: "Jesus, Remember me" (J. Berthier)
Intercessions: "For the Sake of your Son.." "Have Mercy, Lord."
Presentation of the Cross: "O Come, Let us Adore" (J. Foley)
Veneration: "Were You There?" select verses, Pie Jesu (A. L. Webber)-sung by Christina and Karen R., Crucifixus (R. Farrell)
Collection: O Sacred Head Surrounded
Communion: Attende Domine
Choral Meditation: De Profundis (W. A. Mozart)
Silence for the Closing
After Good Friday service, Auntie Chi and I went shopping at Waterworks Mall. I got keychains, Dad's newspaper, and adaptors for Europe. Just Adaptors.
After dinner I picked up Kelly at William and Marissa's home (where she was playing hide-and-seek with Beata and Solomon) to go meet Charles and Susan and their friend Jan in Friendship for a gallery crawl. Turns out Jan went to architecture school with our schoolmate Peter K, who was last recycling automobile materials for architectural uses in New Mexico. We got a few pictures from the evening, and Charles and I decided that Kelly is the most entertaining of my siblings and me.
I dropped off Kelly and headed home, and here I am typing so you can read this story.
Labels: art, blogs, Choir, dine, Faith, family, friends, health, niece and nephew, photos, shopping, singing, travel, Zubik
posted by Grace @ 4/02/2010 11:30:00 PM
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Today after work I watched a fascinating movie with Mom called Madeleine about a Scottish murder in the 19th Century. It was based on a true story.
Choir practice led to practice of music from Easter Sunday (backwards in time) to Palm Sunday. Nancy prepared snacks, consisting of ice cream cake, creamery milk, pizza, and potato chips! I was thrilled, and grateful, for the grand gesture.
I look forward to singing the Masses and services during Holy Week.
Labels: Birthday, Bishop, Choir, Mass, St. Paul Cathedral, Zubik
posted by Grace @ 3/25/2010 10:22:00 PM
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So, I haven't written because at the beginning of the week I had acute pain in my wrist and thumb. (There was no injury or trauma, just a gradual pain). I've been taking Tylenol and resting it. I was in so much pain Monday night/ Tuesday morning that I couldn't sleep mid-evening after awakening (for four hours)!
Tuesday after work I went to my primary care physician, who recommended X rays and nerve studies for me. I made appointments for those later this month.
Wednesday, I taught and then had office hours, during which I administered a quiz and I also discussed a scholarhip with a student who is asking for a letter of recommendation. There was a cameo appearance of my supervisor in office hours.
Thursday in the morning I worked on necessary paperwork, and then went to choir practice. Nancy, Regina, and I chatted over snacks by Karen. We celebrated Judi's birthday.
Today I was the lector for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bill D. celebrated, John served, and Ryan provided the music ministry. There were two readings before the Gospel. I saw Joe, Tina, and JoAnn walking with Gloria and joined them, thanking Joe for our tickets he provided for tonight.
I dropped off papers for my students at work, dropped off papers at an office near Marissa and William's home, and joined Marissa and the children for lunch and half the afternoon at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum (which had free admissions in honor of Mr. Rogers' birthday). We dined next to the Foucault pendulum (which Beatrice explained to me), visited exhibits, enjoyed gelato 
and (I brought mine to the theater, which had) a performance by a string quartet formed from members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. I captured a video of Beatrice and Solomon dancing. We enjoyed doing artwork, and took some photos in the galleries, as well.
I took a nap and had a snack before Maureen and I went to McDonald's near downtown (I for a decaf hazelnut iced coffee and McDouble sandwich) before we enjoyed the Pittsburgh Symphony performance tonight. The program was
The Planets
with Yan Pascal Tortelier conducting
Randolph Kelly on viola
and women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
They performed first Harold in Italy by Berlioz (commissioned by Nicolo Paganini), inspired by the composer's travels in the Abruzzi region, the Adriatic. Mr. Kelly starred as soloist for this piece.
The Planets by Holst is a dramatic portrait of the deities associated with all planets in our solar system save our own. The Mercury and Jupiter movements held familiar themes, and the choir sang during the last movement, Neptune.
Labels: art, biology, Birthday, Choir, dine, dining, health, Mass, niece and nephew, photos, PSO, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
posted by Grace @ 3/19/2010 11:16:00 PM
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Yesterday I took a nap for the bulk of the morning, being tired. I chatted with choir friends after wards and had lunch with Mom and Dad of fresh lumpia enrobed in lettuce leaves smeared with peanut butter. I took another nap and then helped Mom and Dad with some end-of-presidential year administrative work, typing, and editing. I headed out with Maureen for some window shopping at a Mall on McKnight Road whilst they headed out to a Pacquiao party. Mr. Smoothie provided me with a delicious mango-coconut smoothie, and Maureen tasted a frozen drink from Dairy Queen.
We ended up renting the movie Up in the Air with George Clooney and watching it with Karina over homemade kale-chicken-lentil soup at her home. Interesting characters you meet while borrowing and returning at a Red Box location!
~~~
20.55
I'm feeling subdued after repairing the necklace I designed, and fashioned at Karina's home. It had become (partially) unstrung and I restrung it. Dad took photos of me wearing it and the matching bracelet.
Today I went to choir practice, and sang at noon Mass in the choir. Regina sang at Mass for the first time with the choir. Mom, Dad, and I went for Mexican food in Fox Chapel for lunch. I took a well-rested, well-deserved nap.
We're preparing to eat dinner shortly.
Labels: Choir, cinema, dine, family, friends, jewelry, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, shopping, sleep
posted by Grace @ 3/14/2010 07:01:00 AM
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Yesterday, I picked up tickets for the symphony tonight (Friday), had breakfast, and then took my prophylactic antibiotics to prepare for my teeth cleaning. Because the dental hygienist is on maternity leave, the dentist himself cleaned my teeth after my regular (digital) X rays. I was happy to find no cavities with my teeth, as per usual.
A trip to the large grocery store for some milk ensued, and then lunch with Mom and Dad. Soon after Dad and I dropped my car off at the repair shop for inspection, etc. We walked home, and I took a nap.
Maureen and I went for coffee smoothies at our favorite smoothie location, chatted, and received a call from Nancy, who agreed to join us and Karina for the symphony tomorrow night, my other two friends being otherwise engaged with a cold and a deadline.
Dinner and then choir practice followed, which was Regina's first practice, in addition to a bass and a (visiting) bass, Craig and Di's son. Snackes were provided by Judi, Ken was back from Paris, France, and I introduced Regina to some fellow choristers. Chatted with Don and Judi afterwards.
Two days ago I attended a particularly productive pastoral council meeting. We were all pleased with the outcome.
Labels: accessibility, automobile, Choir, dine, health, pastoral council, PSO, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, teeth, visitor
posted by Grace @ 3/12/2010 05:57:00 AM
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Afternoon yesterday, cleaned and organized my files. Went for a walk yesterday late afternoon with Maureen. We ended up heading toward the pan-Asian restaurant in Oakland, and ran into Dan from choir on the way there. Chatted with him for a while, and ran into Freddie at the restaurant, where we got General Tso's chicken with a pot of green tea. Mmm. Nothing is better for the soul and the coughy throat on a cool-tending-to-cold March night.
~~~
3.37
Just finished deleting files to reduce my file space by more than half in my work email account. I am so happy! I'm now down to 13.0% of total disk space possible/potential. Yay!
~~~~~
5.20
I'm consolidating my work and school files---tossing excess waste, recycling paper...Now I'm getting tired and less effective. Time to rest.
~~~~~~~
6.33
Never took a break: Am doing laundry. Need to move to the dryers in a few minutes.
~~~~~~~~~
19.00
Ran errands in the AM---walked to retrieve my prophylactic antibiotics for my teeth cleaning later this week.
Had lunch at the sushi buffet with mom and dad. Purchased computer storage supplies at the office supply store, then headed to the visitation of our neighbor, Rita. It was good to see her extension into the community and to talk to her family.
I worked on some paperwork, then did some computer work.
It will be good to rest tonight.
Labels: Choir, cleaning, dining, email, farewell, friends, health, laundry, organizing, school, seasons, walking, weather, work
posted by Grace @ 3/09/2010 02:57:00 AM
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Karina and I went for individual walks on Friday---I met her outside the Carnegie Library. We walked together back to our homes.
The next day, Saturday, I spent the bulk of the day grading, had lunch at Mom & Dad's, went for the women's prayer group rosary led by Jen. For dinner, Karina and I walked to the Korean/Japanese restaurant in Oakland. We enjoyed dinners of eel rice bowls. I told her of the free calls overseas, and we spoke about our aunties who mean so much to us.
Today, I met up with Maureen and Nancy for lunch on Craig Street after I had a chance to attend Mass, sitting 1/2 way up the nave. ("Adoramus Te" by Bob Farrell sounded particularly good. I re-introduced Regina to Don up in the loft, showed her where we meet for practice, and chatted with her and her boyfriend John and with her mom.)
Maureen, Nancy, and I sat next to a table of ne'er-do-wells (Judi, Karen, Jess, and Don) and chatted well into the afternoon. Nancy was particularly animated throughout our lunchtime discussion. I took care of some paperwork afterwards.
Life is good.
Labels: Choir, dining, phone, prayer, rosary, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, walking
posted by Grace @ 3/07/2010 05:31:00 PM
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Days in the life of me.
