Sleep is Good for Healing
I know that sleep is good for healing. I often feel tired after my dosing of pain medication...until about an hour before my next dose. This makes it tough to do much but sleep.
I often find myself falling asleep in front of the computer screen while typing: while writing my blog, sending email messages, reading email messages, etc. I also find myself dozing off whilst reading a magazine.
My two choices for reading material during my recuperation period were very very short vignettes/stories: Lives of the Saints and a Dictionary of Quotes by the Saints. I told my friends while I was still in the hospital that I wouldn't be able to read anything longer than those abbreviated chapters.
Okay, now, time for a nap before my lunchtime medicine dose.
Labels: blogs, email, health, read, sleep, St. Lucy, surgery
Donate Old Reading Glasses and Eyeglasses
Last night, after Pastoral Council meeting I announced that the Philippine American Medical Society is collecting old reading glasses and eyeglasses for their medical mission this year. Fr. Andrew indicated that if I made up a little blurb that he would make an announcement at this morning's televised Mass.
This morning, Matt and I prepared for the Mass. Fr. Andrew indicated that he would incorporate the eyeglasses into the homily. Don stopped by before Mass, and he kindly dropped the box off to its donation spot in the back of the Church. Fr. Andrew intertwined the Gospel reading and the unneeded glasses in the homily. I made neat signage for the box, added an additional box ("You'll need a bigger box!" Fr. Andrew exclaimed to me after Mass), and checked the boxes for donations.
Soon after Mass, there were already a pair of glasses donated in the box at the back of Church.
Labels: gift, light, medical mission, Philippines, St. Lucy
Dining out, Newman Center Faith Sharing
Mom, Dad, William, and I enjoyed dining out at Wai Wai. The lunch boxes were a great deal, and we ordered three and the seafood platter and shrimp lo mein. De-Lish! I talked about going to the opera with my work buddy for the first opera of the season.
~~~~
After a much-needed nap, I walked to the Newman Center for Faith Sharing. Jose led the group, Karina, Fabiola, Andy, Kyle and his friend EJ, and a newcomer, Joey, all spent an hour praying a novena and in faith-sharing. We were invited by Fr. Dave to the build-your-own taco dinner (with delicious cheesecake nibbles). Ingrid from choir said, "Hi," and I asked her if she intended to become an RD. She said yes, but said that she would not be returning to choir. We called Maureen, and she joined us at the tail end of our discussion about the Pauline year Eucharistic adoration and meeting a life partner with Fr. Dave.
~~~
After saying our farewells, Maureen, Karina, Jose, and I all skipped out to Dozen (THE cupcake shop) in Lawrenceville for coffee, cupcakes, and pastries. I opted away from the red velvet cupcake for the cinnamon bun rated "the best in Pittsburgh," and took half of it home for Mom and Dad.
~~~~~
Mom and I watched (alternately) "I Love Lucy" (the diner episode) and "The Sound of Music" when I arrived home. Dad watched sports. It was time to go home.
Labels: cinema, dining, family, friends, international culture, list, love, music, opera, St. Lucy
End of my first week back to work, Fall 2008
Yesterday, I lectored at the early Mass (with Fr. Breier and Fr. Steve Palsa concelebrating, and John serving, and Ken providing music ministry), I had my glasses cut at the optical shop in Presbyterian Hospital (the right lens was foggy), went to pick up supplies at the drugstore, and I taught my last section for the week in G9 (at least the room doesn't make noises like G7 does...I teach in G7 on Wednesdays). I took a total of 1500mg of acetaminophen yesterday, due to the pain in my left hip from getting back to work.
~~~
This morning, I went to physical therapy and described my problems with shifting weight and hip extension for my left (unoperated) leg to Keelan. I spent some time in the pool, too. We had an in-service meeting after lunch, and I am now waiting at the office for Pratima to arrive to have dinner with her. She is driving in from Georgia, and she had called Ellen from West Virginia at 4:30pm.
Labels: BAD, exercise, international culture, meeting, pain, St. Lucy, surgery, water exercise, work
Cleaning/Organizing/Purging I
Yesterday, Mom and I started purging from the top of my "coffee table." We also shredded documents, boxed up a boom box for donation, and were joined by William, who set up the old computer from Vickie to test it. He also went to test my CD-R drive from the old Mac from Deb, which we could not get to work. He proffered that if I should ever want to get a dining room table off my hands, that he would be happy to take it...Mom and I discussed this later, and I said that the table may have to be sold with the apartment coop. This table is the one we dined on when we lived in the Bronx, when we were about five years old. It is the one William hid under when our teacher came to visit, and he had Winnie-the-Pooh as a puppet.
I showered after, and William joined Mom, Dad, and I for dinner (Marissa and the kids were enjoying the afternoon at IKEA). William shared with us oven-dried honeyed banana/plaintain with us from one of his students, which we had for dessert with sweet sliced pineapple that Dad had prepared. We chatted for a bit, then he caught the bus for home.
I noted to Mom that my left leg is bothering me lots more than my right, operated one.
Labels: BAD, computer, dining, health, home, New York, pain, St. Lucy, surgery, tea, teaching, transportation
Little Miss Sunshine, As a Man Thinketh
Tonight Mom and I watched Little Miss Sunshine, a wonderfully soulful movie about a dysfunctional family who tries to get their daughter, Olive, to a girl's beauty pageant on time across two state lines.
Last night I finished As a Man Thinketh. There were moments in the movie which reminded me of this short book by James Allen. An unlikely combination, but I will leave the heading of this post with both titles.
There were parts of the movie that reminded me of places I had visited: New Mexican open highway; Madrid, the artsy town; Redondo Beach, etc.
Labels: cinema, dance, excited, family, ice cream, read, St. Lucy, transportation, travel
Last Day of Home Care Physical Therapy
Today was the last day of home care physical therapy. Margie arrived after lunch, we did some measurements of key angles, and then some exercises. We then went on our last "field trip" to the optometrist's office, to get the left lens of my eyeglasses reinstalled.
I'd popped out the lens of my glasses the night before my surgery, and have been using my older pair of spectacles as back-up since then. It was good to have the newest prescription on my face once again.
We returned to the building, to say hi to Rita De M., Elaine J., and Mary. We then headed outside once more to the parklet, and found out that they were putting marigolds and "red" sage in the garden.
We returned to the condo and Margie and I bid fond goodbyes to each other....she had reminded me of various issues/questions I should raise with the surgeon during my appointment tomorrow.
Labels: BAD, exercise, friends, garden, health, home, neighbors, outside, Pittsburgh, St. Lucy, surgery
I Love Lucy; Mary Lou's 80th
Mom and I have been watching even MORE of "I Love Lucy" recently. Tonight is a Lucy marathon and mom claimed that the first show aired was shown at 8 tonight ("The Marriage License"). This one from 1952, however, was not the first show aired or filmed in the first season of Lucy. We're currently watching the "Lucy is Enceinte" show.
We love all the fave shows, including the "Vitaminavegtamin" show, the grape-stomping one, and the one where Ricky visits Washington DC.
~~~~~
Yesterday was Mary Lou's surprise celebration of her eightieth birthday. Her son, Steve, concelebrated Mass, said the homily, and Ken provided music ministry while Barb lectored. After Mass, we headed downstairs to the social hall, where we dined together with her and her family. It was nice to see Barb again and to share photos with her...she even had photos from our Labor Day voyage to Virginia and Maryland, where I ran into my cousin!
Mary Lou looks great for 80, and I hope to be in as good shape when I get to her age.
Labels: Birthday, dining, love, St. Lucy, surprise, thankfulness, TV
Our Lady Of Guadalupe; St. Lucy's Day 2007
Last night while Mom and I babysat Beatrice, Dad was at television ministry for the first Mass celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pittsburgh. I caught snippets on television in my parent's master bedroom. The Mass was magnificent, replete with the Bishop celebrating Mass in Spanish, an estimated 1000 attendees from the Latino community, a statue of Our Lady, a mariachi band and two choirs from St. Regis, children bedecked in their native dress reading the general intercessions, and statements of thanks from Fr. Daniele.
In his homily (spoken first in Spanish, then in English), Bishop Zubik recited a line from Gracie Allen, who was encouraging her husband George Burns to be a man of hope. "Never put a period where God intends a comma," she said. Ken had informed me of this wonderful celebration, and I'm pleased that I could enjoy the festivities, even from afar.
~~~
Today was the Memorial for St. Lucy. Fr. Brian celebrated Mass, John served, and Chris provided the music ministry. Bob H. lectored today. I always appreciate St. Lucy's day and all the Lucys in my life.
Labels: children, Choir, Church, diocese of Pittsburgh, international culture, light, Mass, music, Pittsburgh, singing, St. Lucy
Still Not Quite Fall 2007
It's still not quite fall. The academic quad has many green trees, although the one robed in yellow and scarlet has lost its colorful foliage. In front of St. Paul Cathedral there is a gingko tree, whose most of its branches' foliage have turned yellow, save for the branches closest to the trunk, which remain verdant.
The weather, though, has turned from the 70's to 80's to the 50's the past few days, with evenings in the 30's. Perhaps here in the city the leaves will just drop, from the frost at night. That has already started.
On the way up to Bab's a week ago, Judi and I saw the beautiful multicolored patchwork quilt of colors on either side of the highway.
Whither the change in seasons?
Labels: Choir, friends, poetry, seasons, St. Lucy, weather
Kelly's arrival day, December 2006
YESTERDAY
Mom finished all but her signature on the counted cross-stitch quilt for Beatrice Felisa. She stayed up 'til 5-6am working on it. She has had me threading needles, as the work is trying on her eyesight..."This is the last [quilt] I'm doing like this [counted cross-stitch]," she vows.
Sent a Christmas card out to ma famille Belge. Visited Joe and Tina to help Joe Braille-type some songs for Christmas Mass, then we went to noon Mass. I met up with Babs after the Reconciliation/Penance service, and she and I picked up some sandwiches which we ate with Carol and her dog Princess. [D. has someone's car keys!!] Babs was kind to give me a lift to the Mercy Hospital choral practice, where I met up with Pat and Debby Z. I delivered some gifts for her, and finished my last Christmas cards, and wrapped gifts while Mom, Dad, and Kelly napped.
Kelly, Mom, and I watched the end of the Sound of Music on Dad & Mom's new television set. We, as usual, discussed the movie as we watched it. It's good to have Kelly home for the holidays.
Labels: family, friends, Mass, read, St. Lucy, TV
St. Lucy's Day 2006
Today is St. Lucy's day. I arose early today, not to prepare sticky buns and to wear a lit garland crown of holly (as I am the ate in the family) but to get some work done in the wee hours of the morning before the rest of my day begins. I'll attend the Mass for my patron saint, St. Lucy, as I did last year. St. Lucy is important to me not just because of her being patroness of my Confirmation, but because she is the patron saint of eyesight preservation.
I remember travelling with Dad to Charleston, West Virginia as a tenth grader to Dr. Pedro Casingal's ophthalmologic office to have my eyesight checked (just for a second opinion from our hometown opthalmologist). I returned home with correction, marvelling at the individual leaves on the trees as we drove on the interstate highway. I didn't know the previous year when I was confirmed in the Church that St. Lucy was patron saint of the light of our eyes.
My reading at the radio station and lectoring at Church and teaching allow me to give back to the greater community by using my gift of eyesight, with which I have been blessed.
~~~
posted ~5:30pm
Went to noon Mass, said by Fr. Drew from the Oratory with Carole as altar server.
Delivered my last wreath from the choir wreath sale after Mass.
I went to the radio station to read my weekly show this afternoon and stayed for the holiday/farewell-to-Laurie party. There was quite a spread of munchies, accompanied by lively conversation. At about 4:15 various individuals made remarks and speeches honoring Laurie, and then she was presented with her farewell gifts. Laurie was moved emotionally during the remarks, as she has made a difference not only as RIS's executive director but also as a mentor, a friend, and a listener. I told her that I have a fairly tight schedule and have decided to stay volunteering with RIS because of the collegial atmosphere she encourages here. She is a special person who knows how much she will be missed.
It was nice to see Tina, Joanne, Louise, and Joe there; and to meet Sylvia, and Margie.
~~~
posted ~9:30pm
Headed to help on Gloria L's team that set up for my building's holiday party. We had a spread including cheeses and crackers, fruits, mixed nuts, cookies and chocolate pastries, diabetic pastries, and homemade fudge, chocolate cake, and lemon pound cakes. I met some people I rarely see during the year (including Karen, with whom I used to work with), and touched base with old and new friends alike. Gloria and I agreed that the party was a great success.
Labels: Christmas, Church, lector, Mass, neighbors, read, RIS, St. Lucy, thankfulness
St. Lucy's day
St. Lucy is my patron saint for Confirmation. My maternal grandma was my Confirmation sponsor. (I sure do miss her. She was the first family member whose funeral I attended.) I selected the name Lucy because she is the patron saint of eyesight, her name means "light," and my kindergarten teacher from the Bronx YMYWHA was a beautiful person whose name was Lucy. I wonder how she is today.
I started the day off by attending Mass at St. Paul's Cathedral. Dad was there, for the television ministry; Fr. Tom said the Mass; Sr. Marietta was the reader; Don provided the music ministry; and John was one of the Eucharistic ministers. I saw some of my friends there, too. After Mass, I watched the man change the candles for fresh candles. While trying to decide which candle to light, Dad said, "Light that one. It is beautiful." So I did, and I said a prayer. One of the best things about Church (which I have appreciated since a child) is lighting candles. You can depend on your prayers rising up like the fine, thin trails of smoke up to Heaven.
After work and dinner I went to a concert by Oakland Catholic and Central Catholic High Schools. The program included some instrumental pieces by the woodwind ensemble, a violin/piano piece, and an alto sax piece. The choral groups performed, including medleys of Christmas music, the Carol of the Bells, the Holly and the Ivy, and O, how a Rose e'er Blooming.
My building's Holiday party was next, and I caught up with friends in my building whom I haven't seen for a while. I also met up with some of the newer residents whom I haven't had a chance to talk with much.
Labels: celebration, children, Choir, Christmas, Church, diocese of Pittsburgh, light, prayer, St. Lucy, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching
