Shopping for Christmas Meals
This morning Maureen and I went shopping for Christmas meal items. We started at the two French bakeries, one in Lawrenceville, and one in Millvale. We then went to Trader Joe's in Bakery Square, followed by an attempt to find parking at Whole Foods...then a stint at Giant Eagle Market District. We returned to my home with our booty.
I tucked away the grocery items and helped Mom and Dad with some computer issues, followed by reading and a nap. Time to write [some] Christmas cards!
Labels: Christmas, friends, read, shopping, sleep
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
Hair Cut Day January 2010
This morning was a haircut day for Mom and I. Dad came along, and we went grocery shopping afterwards, to the bank, to the Chinese buffet for lunch, to Sears to return a suitcase, to a department store behind the mall, to the fabric store for ribbons for the certificates for the mission participants, then to a clothing store on the way home.
It was the first day back at Choir since the Martin Luther King Cathedral celebration on the tenth of this month. All went well, many of us returned our seasonal sheet music, and Jess prepared berry crisp with vanilla mousse atop it for snacks.
A day off from walking.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, dine, dining, hair, medical mission, Philippines, shopping, walking
Health Check 2009
I'm up early for a big day---for a health check-up with the specialist. Mom is going to her today, as well.
I read Marissa's blog about their mini Christmas vacation fiasco. Boo Hoo Hoo (or is it "Ho Ho Ho" as Solomon would say?) I loved her recounting of their stories of Santa love.
~~~
15.45
Upon returning from our yearly health checks (and a Taco Bell run), I wrote a couplet to respond to a poem and po'card from a couple I know:
Just finished my yearly check-up[s], and yearly mammogram this week.
All is well up to now...
Hopefully a bellwether for 2010!
My two total hip replacements I had (in 2008 and 2009) will once again allow me to Nordic ski, as I was wont to do on my way to class when at Wellesley.
Many well-wishes for your 2010.
I will tuck into the confines of my apartment three pillows made by Lalang. I hope my visitors will enjoy them as much as I do.
Labels: BAD, Christmas, deltiology, dining, family, friends, health, Lalang, surgery, travel
Another sleepy day...
I slept in today until 9.30 and then headed to the benefits office at work to update some papers. I made LOTS of tuna salad with ~4 small cans/tins of tuna. I also prepared a baon for Mom of a tuna salad sandwich, orange, two cookies and water for after her bloodwork. She and Dad went to the hospital/Giant Eagle for grocery shopping. Kelly is resting once more.
~~~
23.20
At 19.00 Karina and I arrived at Christina's home for a gathering with Jeff, who left the 'Burgh a little over a year ago for an academic tenure-track position at Southern Maine University. We enjoyed dinner at Christina's and met her mom, brother Rob, and her cousin. We chatted over sugar cookies laced with oatmeal, and enjoyed the iced tea. We took pictures around the tree, and admired their ornaments.
Jeff drove out first, and led Karina and me out of Monroeville. Karina presented me with a tin of cookies and dark chocolate-covered nuts.
Labels: chocolate, Christmas, dine, Faith, family, friends, shopping, visitor, work
Yearly Check-Up
I rode the bus to my doctor's office, and had my yearly check-up. "No Complaints," I declared, and also gave her my current list of prescriptions and nutritional supplements. My BP was ~135/75, and my BMI indicates that I am overweight. I told her about my procedures this past year, and the good outcome of them (she was there, visiting me in the hospital after my surgery)! I asked for a script for a procedure tomorrow, gave her a Christmas card for herself, family, and staff, and was on my way.
After my appointment, I made my way to a 24-hour computer lab on campus (the adjacent building had a power outage) and found the doors locked. Went to the computer lab/libe. Am printing out some work.
Labels: BAD, blogs, Christmas, computer, email, health, surgery
Saint Stephen's / Boxing Day 2009
It's the day after Christmas
and all through the house
there's the sound of QED
broadcasting around.
I'm no longer nestled
all snug in my bed,
But checking airfares
on the computer, instead.
Labels: Christmas, music, poetry
Merry Christmas 2009 II
I made my way up to the choir loft this morning during the rite of Communion. Slowly, people filled the loft, with Ken at the organ console. We had abbreviated preludes from last night, as we got started ~11.40
Brass & Organ: Canzon noni toni (G. Gabrieli)
Choir: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Trad. Polish carol, arr. R.G. Farrell)
A Boy Was Born (16th C. text, R.G. Farrell)
Gesu Bambino (P.A. Yon)
Gaudete (Piae Cantiones, 1582--arr. by R. J. Batastini; verses, J.S. Cook)
At noon we sang the processional hymn,
O Come, All Ye Faithful (arr. Cherwien)
Gloria--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Psalm 96 (J. Chepponis)
Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
Preparation of Gifts: O Holy Night/ Cantique de Noel (A. Adam)
Sanctus, Memorial, and Amen Acclamations--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei--Holy Cross Mass (D. Isele)
Communion: The First Nowell (17th C. English carol)
Silent Night (F. X. Gruber, German text J. Mohr, Engl. transl. by J.F. Young)
Christmas Lullaby (J. Rutter)
Recessional: Joy to the World (arr. J.W. Jenkins)
Postlude: In dir ist Freude
Mom, Dad, Kelly, and I enjoyed cold cuts, cheeses, spreads, dips, adobo with rice, chunk crab meat, green salad with dried and fresh fruits, the fruit tray, breads, and crackers. I invited Karina over this evening at seven.
We have all enjoyed good naps, and Dad has just woken up from his nap, as well.
~~~
23.25
Karina arrived ~19.00 and we chatted for a while. Mom and Dad returned from the pharmacy with meds for Kelly's cold. Dad and Karina and I dined on lunch leftovers and deliciousness, chatted, and generally enjoyed our company. Mom watched Monk while waiting for her blood pressure to lower. I drove Karina home at about 21.30 and then Mom and I worked on PAMS organizational meeting invites, and purchased trip insurance for her and dad.
We just checked her email for the policy and details....it all appears to be in place.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, dine, friends, health, Mass, Pilipino culture, singing, sleep, transportation, travel
Off to Choir, Shortly...and Thus begins a Christmas Season
Dad, Mom, Kelly, and I met up with William's family for lunch at the sushi buffet. Beatrice, Solomon, Marissa, and I enjoyed making eggless sugar cookies with banana slices for Santa this morning. Solomon enjoyed playing the game "Is it Hot?" even though he is in a phase in which he likes to say "No" a lot, too.
I helped mom with their travel insurance before we departed for lunch.
They stopped at a friend's home to deliver a gift, then Kelly and I rested in the car whilst they went to CVS.
It's off to choir, shortly, to begin another Christmas season. I've finished the cards for the choristers, my little tradition.
Labels: Beatrice, celebration, Choir, Christmas, family, games, gift, niece and nephew
I Think I'll Crawl Back in Bed....
Here I am, up early on Christmas Eve day. I have to make it to late tonight/next morning/Christmas Day.
I think I'll crawl back in bed for a while longer....
Labels: Christmas, singing, sleep
Day Before Christmas Eve
Yesterday morning and after I wrapped all the Christmas gifts for the family.
Now I will write many a Christmas card, prepare to decorate a local church with friends, and prepare to donate old stuff after Christmas. (Need to sing for Christmas eve late Mass as well as noon Mass Christmas Day.)
I spoke with Carmella after Mass, we talked about food during Christmas. Don handed off a CD after Mass, as well.
~~~
15.25
This morning, I took care of some administrative tasks for next semester, wrote polar bear holiday cards for my neighbors, took a nap, delivered my neighborly cards, had lunch, and sent out a couple handfuls of Christmas cards through the mail. I wore my Santa's elf hat on my errand runs.
~~~~~
22.54
Took another nap, met up with Maureen and Karina at Karina's home for chatting, choir card writing, chai, and company. Maureen, Karina, and I walked to my parents' home to pick up the car. I gave Maureen a ride home, and Karina and I met up with V. at Sacred Heart Church to help decorate. We had a factory-line mentality to cutting ribbon for the high-hanging wreaths...we cut 22 out of 24 lengths of ribbon. Then we decorated the wreaths with the ribbon, acted as wreath doctors, and took photos of Karina and Deena decorating the pulpit with garland and "fruit." V, Jeanne, and I spoke about features of the church while on the altar, and noted that a demon and Judas Iscariot are found in the church imagery. V and I checked out the wall paintings, which had been restored a number of years ago. After cupcakes and photos, we departed for hot cocoa and roasting of Karina at Borders Books. I made two little lists of people for her to contact and of things she finds important in an ideal job.
We headed out soon before they closed, and I heard from Mom that Kelly was at the Holland Tunnel at rush hour. "She probably won't be here until ~3am," I stated flatly.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, Church, dine, music, New York, singing, sleep
Monday Night with the Girls
Tonight Maureen, Karina and I went to
Giant Eagle for groceries
Trader Joe's for groceries (Karina got dinner at McDonald's)
Walgreens for snacks
a tavern in East Liberty for a gift of beers.
I gave Maureen a gift of a emerald and pink handcrafted hat (seeing that she was the only of our trio bareheaded),
and Karina a set of photo holders.
Labels: Christmas, friends, gift, Pittsburgh, shopping
Views of Christmases Past
The past few days, with the snow and slick weather have called for my use of my cane on occasion. This brings to mind (Christmases) past, when it was necessary for me to use the cane to get around. Now, I use the cane as my insurance against another surgery.
Labels: BAD, Christmas, seasons, surgery, weather
Posting Grades
Today's the day for posting grades! I meet with the coordinator/s this morning.
~~~
22.45
I had a good distribution of grades, with a 74.6% average across all my sections, with most of my grades sitting at the C's. I had six As and most of my Fs were earned by students who had stopped attending class regularly.
I drove Mom and Dad to the sushi buffet for lunch (my treat). They drove me to the library, where I picked up a book and went to the student computer lab at the campus library to print out documents from the library book.
My building's Holiday Party followed a short 1/2 hour nap. I sat next to Marjorie and Anna from my floor. I was glad to be in front of A. because he grabbed the cheese with his hands!!
Choir practice followed, and Don conducted his "Happy Birthday" song. We all enjoyed birthday cake and the prospect of listening to Don's Christmas 2009 CD.
Labels: biology, Birthday, Carnegie, celebration, Christmas, dining, library, music, seasons, sleep, work
Victorian Christmas Party
After singing at Mass this noon, I dressed for the Victorian Christmas party in a velveteen skirt with petticoat, thin white sweater, nubby wool multicolor jacket trimmed with velvet, a fuschia "snowflake" pin (that Solomon liked). I helped Mom and Dad bring some of the decorations (including some variegated small potted plants) to the Omni William Penn Hotel. I took a nap in full regalia, then Dad and I left to help set up the party. I arrived armed with Christmas craft ideas from Nancy (stickers, stencils, snowflakes) and a few books from the library (Twas the Night Before Christmas, Aliki's Christmas Tree Memories, and Snowflake Bentley).
The "children's table" was self-entertaining---I merely supplied them with stencils, scissors, and a paper punch. The DJ started, and the carollers (Victorian singers, four in all) arrived soon after. The buffet at the Bob and Delores Hope Room was open at ~18.30. The dance floor was opened, and when the song was played that sings, "How low can you go?" I could not "get down" as low as before...and was surprised to have won a Christmas Party Mix CD. William and family arrived soon after, and the continuing medical education event in the Lawrence Welk room ended, bringing us all into the Delores and Bob Hope room.
We had a group photo of the kids, Santa came to visit, there was a lot of dancing,
the carolers strolled about during and after dinner, and there were toss the ball games, which Dan conducted.
Labels: art, celebration, Choir, Christmas, dancing, games, music, photos, singing
First Annual Choir Christmas Party 2009
This morning Maureen and I went to Regent Square for Big muffins, bacon, and (the coffee). We enjoyed a nice talk. Karina and I went for a walk to the public library, a fundraiser at the University William Pitt Union for a woman with leukemia, then for me to take care of administrative stuff at Panther Central. We walked to our respective homes, and I brought salad makings (bagged European salad, Asian ginger dressing, raisins, mandarin orange slices, and herbed chevre) to Jennifer H's home and we prepared chocolate chip cookies (~three dozen).
I acted as navigator to Mariann and Bob's place. The party was in full swing, and I enjoyed a plateful of savory appetizers...and a second helping of Judi's sour cream and cheesy potatoes. Dr. Vince was there, and at the end of the evening he indicated that he would pass on to Dr. Larry my progress. I noted that I am quite pleased with the outcome. He said that the best outcomes of all [joint] surgeries are with hips.
There was singing, singing along with the piano (caroling led by Ken or Don), duets on the piano (piano 4 hands, with Mariann and Bob--the Nutcracker, and with Karen and Doug), duets with piano and violin (Bob and Donna), duets with violin and cello (Donna and Bob). We enjoyed ourselves and the well-appointed tree with multi-year and multi-generational ornaments. Jennifer and I took leave near the end of the evening, after sampling the tiramisu.
Labels: celebration, Choir, Christmas, dine, dining, work
Rockettes December 2009
Mom and I went to the French bakery in Millvale, the bakery in Shadyside, and spoke to a friend about planning family issues. I went to work--the class was on-task and finished early. I'm calling my insurance about what medical appointments I need to make by the end of this calendar year.
~~~
22.30
Mom, Dad, and I just returned from our evening out with ~85 others from Saint Paul Cathedral to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. On the way there, we waited at ~18.00 for the bus with Donna and the two Rosemarys. We were joined by many more people and we retrieved our tickets from Roseann and Pat P. and boarded the second bus. We took a route through downtown past the creche (singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel") and were dropped off by BJ (the choir director for St. Benedict's parish and our bus driver tonight) in front of the Benedum.
The sound was cranked up for the audience, we enjoyed the touring company of the Rockettes, the dances were great, and there were wonderful Christmas story tableaux with live sheep and a camel, and a scrolling Christmas story at the end.
Our bus stopped for ten minutes in front of Macy's windows, and those few of us who braved the newly minted winter weather enjoyed the window dressing.
Mom, Dad, and I walked back home after the bus dropped us off.
I noted that the costumes in the 1970's were more like swimsuits---the Rockettes costumes are more modest now, making it possible for a dancer with hip surgery to dance with them. Also, there are ethnic minority women dancing with them, as well.
Labels: BAD, celebration, Christmas, Church, dance, dolls, friends, Pittsburgh, seasons, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral, theater, transportation
Feast of the Holy Family 2008
Dad noted that today would be the Mass for the Holy Innocents in the Philippines. The choir sang from the choir loft again...with Christina cantoring from the altar
Angels we have heard on high
Proulx's Community Mass Gloria
Psalm 128 Chepponis/DKF
Christmastime Alleluia by Chepponis
Coventry Carol arranged by Shaw
Proulx's Eucharistic Adorations
Isele's Lamb of God
What Child is This? and
Noel We Sing by Daquin/KD
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
Most all of the organ pipes were in place and we were pleased with the sounds which were directed over and past us in the loft to the receptive congregation below.
~~~~~
After Mass we found our way to the Waterfront, and decided against the breakfast bar at Eat N Park and for the sandwiches at Steak N Shake.
Upon arrival at home, I napped heavily.
We watched Girl, Interrupted, a movie starring and produced in part by Winona Ryder. Quite dramatic, based on the adventures of a young woman on a hospital ward in the 1960s.
~~~~~
~9PM
Dad and I are watching The Sound of Music, a family favorite.
Labels: Boston area, cat, Choir, Christmas, Church, cinema, citizenship, dining, family, ice cream, music, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Christmas Day 2008
Today we sang a slightly abbreviated version of the preludes for Mass (as we did at yesterday night's Mass). We sang
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
My Dancing Day (G. Near), followed by organ & brass w/ O Magnum Mysterium (Gabrieli)
Gaudete (arr. Batastini), followed by organ & brass w/Fanfare & Var. on "Noel Nouvelet"
O Come, All Ye Faithful
as preludes, with other sung pieces in the same order as last night.
A television cameraman recorded some great shots from the choir loft of the singers, Don, and the view from the loft.
~~~~~
Before Mass, Linda handed me a lovely Christmas card, with a nice sentiment. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, and spoke about the disarming quality of a smile, and God the Father's "smile" for us. Gloria took some photos of me in the loft, and we hugged Judi and Don after exchanging Christmas greetings.
~~~~~~
After Mass, I ate lunch, Marissa stopped by in search of a misplaced article, and I napped before we drove Kelly to the airport. She was particularly thrilled by her freshly laundered down coat.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, citizenship, laundry, Mass, singing, St. Paul Cathedral
Christmas Eve 2008
Today I awoke early, prepared holiday cards for my immediate neighbors, and bundled up with all intentions of going to Mass. The weather dampened those hopes (both literally and figuratively), and just as I got to the outside door, I turned around and decided to deliver the cards this morning before my other errands.
So, I donned a Santa's elf hat and slid cards between doors and door jambs. I ran into Phyllis K. along the way, as she ascended the steps. She was greatly appreciative of the card.
~~~~~
Yesterday, before physical therapy and also after midnight, I watched the newest cinema version of The Stepford Wives, with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, and Christopher Walken. Mom and I watched the last part of the movie together. I noted that I had read the book about 25 years ago, and the original ending by Ira Levin was darker and different than this movie version. Frank Oz, of Muppet fame, had directed the movie.
Yesterday, we had also watched parts of White Christmas, with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney; and of Mulan (with a litany of famous Asian/Asian-American voices for both the singing and speaking voices, including Lea Salonga's voice)
~~~~~
11:20 AM
After I have had handled flight arrangements for family, Kelly and I will go chez Beatrice and Solomon for lunch and to make cookies!
~~~
We made sugar cookies with dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces and withpecans and semi-sweet chocolate pieces (Marissa and William); and I made brownies with extra chocolate. Kelly and I checked our emails and napped (respectively). I left at about 4:45 PM in a (vain) search for bagels---Bagel Factory, Panera (1), Giant Eagle (1), Giant Eagle/Market District (2), Panera (2) were all closed at the time. I made a last-ditch effort at the Starbucks near a hospital...the handicapped parking was occupied by a vehicle with no plate nor placard, requiring me to park across the lot. A young, able couple exited the Starbucks.
...excuse me. [no response]...Excuse me! I exclaimed.
The young lady getting into the passenger side looked at me.
excuse me, but can you not park in this spot if you're not handicapped?
I inquired at the counter about any bagels...the answer was negative. "But we have rolls." I then recounted my search for bagels in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Oakland...and my disappointment with the parking situation in the lot. The small outcry brought imaginary tears spewing from either side of my head, as it continued to rain outside.
Labels: Christmas, cinema, international culture, neighbors, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, seasons, singing, surprise, tradition, writing
