Up at 2
I arose at 2 today. I went to sleep at 19.00 last night, woke up at ~21.30 and watched fireworks on television. I had a late-night snack and fell asleep about midnight.
I've been surfing the Internet since then, and answering email messages. Playing with my new phone.
~~~
I fell asleep @ 6 and awoke at 9. We waited for Kelly, who was to stop by on her way home from vacation. I ended up going with Karina to the craft store in the Waterfront, then to Giant Eagle (Big Bird, as I am wont to call this store). I worked on an organizing project, and on my address list of my friends. Liz gave me her phone numbers, and Kim and I gelled plans for later in the month.
Labels: art, celebration, computer, email, jewelry, organizing, phone, shopping, sleep
Mass, June 2010
Mom, Dad, and I will go to Mass this morning---Sacred Heart of Jesus is the celebration.
~~~
9.07
Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, Matt H lectored, John DeF. served, Dad provided the television ministry, and Don provided the music ministry. It was a Mass for Grandma.Labels: Birthday, celebration, Grandma, Mass, music, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
Last Choir Sunday of the Season, Feast of Corpus Christi 2010
This Sunday was the Feast of Corpus Christi, our last Sunday as a full choir. Fr. Bill celebrated the Mass, and his homily was quite thought-provoking, addressing fringe elements of society who believe in the Eucharist.
Mom, Dad, and I went for Chinese/country buffet where we took Kirsten a couple of years ago. There was a dramatic sky, due to a tornado watch, and Mom took various pictures of the sky and buildings as we approached home. We were temporarily rerouted due to the Summer Reading Fest at the public library.
~~~
Monday I went to physical therapy (no ankle sleeve!) and Cara stepped me up to more resistance and more exercises (including the arm bicycle and balancing on foam. I walked from home to pick up some medicines for a basic medicine cabinet, and then to the library for computer work, and to the public library for a reserved book "waiting for me."
I had dinner, and Maureen and I went for a walk (after 20.00), running into Stacy and Vladimir on the way across the street. We looked at my borrowed library book (which is missing a fold-out city map) at the park benches near the library. I slept early, after a day of ~1.75-2.00 miles.
Labels: celebration, dining, exercise, health, library, Mass, photography, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, walking
Choir End-of-Year Party 2010
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
Pittsburgh Children's Festival, Phipps Garden, Carnegie Mellon
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
Donations, May 2010; Catholic Underground, May 2010
I dropped off some donations today, then Mom and I went for Mexican food for lunch. We returned some items at some shops, then we had dinner with Dad.
I got cleaned up for Catholic Underground. This month Maureen drove, picking up Christina and me. We sang, participated in Eucharistic adoration, prayed, and sang. The Praise and Worship songs we sang included
He Is Exalted (Twila Paris)
Love Comes Down (Matt Maher)
Revelation Song (Christ for the Nation's Institute)
a take on Agnus Dei
How He Loves (David Crowder Band)
You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) (Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton)
All Creatures of Our God and King (St. Francis) in medley with Love Comes Down
We also sang O Salutaris Hostia upon the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Psalms 113, 117, and a canticle from Revelations 11 as chant,
Then we went downstairs into the social hall to enjoy the acoustic guitar sounds and to enjoy fellowship with Lauren and Bianca, Julie C and Katie. We saw Fr. Kim and Fr. Josh there, Molly, and Marie.
Night prayer was sung, including Psalms 4 and 134, and a canticle of Luke 2: 29-32. We said the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and sang Salve Regina. After Catholic Underground ended, Maureen gave rides to Lauren and Bianca, as well. Maureen and I went for gasoline ($2.859/gallon), and I washed her windshields.
Labels: animals, celebration, dine, dining, economy, energy, Faith, family, friends, prayer, singing, transportation
Ascension Thursday 2010
Last night I helped Maureen write letters for her school. We had fun looking at Facebook afterwards.
This morning I went to morning Mass for the Ascension, and did my winter laundry/wash.
This afternoon, I met with a student to look over the final results, went home for a nap, and will have a snack.
~~~~~
21.15
Maureen and I walked to the burgers and fries joint for dinner after she attended six o'clock Mass. We enjoyed our meal, walked back in the cool dusk, commenting on how this is what it would be like an hour later in London at midsummer. I met up with Mom and Dad, spent some time chatting with them, and then they are attending Mass nearby.
It's quiet here in Mom and Dad's place, now. I think I'll have a glass of juice. (Red).
Just got in touch with Pratima at the top of the hour. Ellen's been wanting to talk to her, as well.
Labels: biology, blogs, celebration, dine, dining, friends, Mass, sleep, student, work, writing
Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada
On Saturday the 8th, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada performed Indayog: Rhythm and Sound at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shadyside Academy. In the hallway and foyer there was an art show, and I had a chance to view the original of one of the reproductions at the upper level (from the Abola's private collection).
The program, after opening remarks, consisted of:
I Cordillera, ethnic dances of the Bibak Highlanders
II Maria Clara
III Morolandia, from the Muslim south
~~~Intermission~~~
IV Regional Variation
V Pista sa Nayon, a town fiesta
Finale--Tribute to Michael Jackson
The two suites after the intermission had music provided by the rondalla group. The Pista sa Nayon featured a 12-bamboo-pole dance, the Tinikling. Likewise, the the Morolandia suite featured a TWO-princess, TWO-handmaiden Sinkil dance, along with the sword- and shield-wielding prince.
Considering that the talent was composed largely of amateurs and children, it was a stunning show of Pilipino culture and Pilipino-Canadian talent.
Labels: Canada, celebration, dance, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, singing, talent
Grading Update, Spring 2010
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
Solomon and My Birthday Celebrations Out
I graded 1/6 more of the papers to be graded this morning. Met up with Maureen, Christina, Nancy, and Regina for lunch at the Gandy Dancer. We also enjoyed chatting, as well as two chocolate truffle cakes topped with ice cream for dessert. A walkabout Station Square ensued, then Christina gave me a ride to Monroeville and Chuckee Cheese for Solomon's birthday celebration. Christina retrieved a pizza for her family's dinner, and departed.
Solomon and Beata arrived with their parents. Beata sat outside on the bench quietly with her dad and read a book whilst Solomon and Marissa and I played games. Both sets of grandparents showed up, then we left for Cici's pizza, pasta, and salad buffet. We tag-teamed driving to the Monroeville Mall and to the Miracle Mile shopping plaza for Mom to make returns. I stopped at the library on campus to print out documents for next week. I also graded ~ 1/6 more papers that still need grading. I only have about 1/6 of the papers left to grade, then must score them and record grades.
I'll call back Luce tonight, as she called me earlier, during Solomon's party.
Labels: biology, Birthday, celebration, dining, friends, ice cream, list, patient, phone, prayer, shopping, teaching, work
Continued Birthday Celebration 2010
I told Uncle Sonny about my continued birthday celebration (just like Ati Atihan! he countered) into today (Saturday).
I awoke to WQED radio's strains of Offenbach's duet, followed by a rousing Divertimento by Telemann performed by MAK. This morning's program was Saturday Morning Classics with Lynn Warfel. I performed my morning ablutions and made my way to Mom and Dad's place. I greeted Dad, checked email, took an ever-so-brief nap, and then blogged (currently). I'll grade this morning before my continued birthday celebrations.
Maureen, Christina, and Regina will join me for lunch today out at Station Square, then I will join the rest of the family for celebration at Monroeville for Solomon's birthday.
Labels: biology, Birthday, blogs, celebration, dining, email, family, family-Marissa, music, niece and nephew, patient, radio, school, sleep, work
SIS Distinguished Alumnus Award
Yesterday I lectored at Mass in the morning. Ken provided music ministry at the portative organ, John was the altar server, and Fr. Kim had switched with Fr. Bill for the morning Mass. The first reading was from the Acts of the Apostles, and the Gospel reading spoke about dropping the nets in a fortuitous place for catching fish. Fr. Kim spoke about Youth Ministry before Mass, and Ken spoke about the church on Polish Hill and photographs on the web. <48>
I dropped off my packets of graded papers from this week for my students to pick up just after noon.
Mom, Dad, and I had lunch (pancit! beef peanut soup! and strawberries and pears!), and then I took a nap.
I graded quizzes from about 14.00 to 17.30, half-finishing my task.
I went home to change for the School of Information Sciences Distinguished Alumni & Professional Achievement Awards Ceremony at the Athletic Association. My former professor, Ange Pollis, was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2010. Ken S was awarded the 2010 Professional Achievement Award. His family was present, as was Ange's, and I asked him if he were related to my classmate A, who started Protest Easy Guns (he's not). Ange and her sister Helen were and looked lovely, and we chatted easily at times throughout the evening.
I caught up with SLA friends Denise, Kim G, and I met SIS Alumni president Joe I. Carolyn B was there, and we chatted about her daughter growing up.
A lovely evening.
Labels: biology, celebration, dine, lector, library, list, love, Mass, photos, read, school, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, student, teaching, work
Auntie Chi and Kelly for Easter 2010
Auntie Chi and Kelly arrived Tuesday afternoon and evening, respectively, at Pittsburgh International (PIT). I did not see Auntie Chi until Wednesday night over dinner and fleurs of yellow Asian lilies and of blue lilies of the Nile ("it's not what you know, it's whom you know!") chez Mom and Dad's. Kelly and I caught up Thursday, as she was out with William Wednesday night.
Auntie Chi and I went out shopping in Oakland Thursday on the 71A line after my work Thursday afternoon. It was a glorious day of about 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I walked parallel to Tiffany on her way home to Squirrel Hill as we passed St. Paul Cathedral, and we enjoyed the weather while chatting about how we are not that different from students, despite what they may think. Mom, Auntie Chi, and I chatted briefly until Auntie Chi and I went to Giant Eagle Market District for probiotic yogurt for my upset gut, bananas, and rice cakes.
to explain:
I've had an intestinal flu since Sunday. I think it's a flu, perhaps, because it started with aches, but I'm not convinced it isn't from something I ate. I'm just glad and thankful that it wasn't food poisoning (I got to explain the CBD to students and the vomit reflex in class this week, being animal anatomy and physiology week). It is NOT fun. Mom intoned Tuesday night, "You shouldn't eat much...No dairy nor fatty foods," etc. "have some tea, stay hydrated."
Next we took the bus (meeting Cassie, a former stock room person from work) to CVS, where we picked up Mom's prescription and I a double pack of electrolyte solution (fruity flavored this time!!)
Needless to say, we arrived home at about 19.30, well after when the Holy Thursday Mass had started. I was weak from working through this bug this week and from not eating regularly because of it, as well. Plus, I don't want to make my choir mates sick.
We had dinner (me, those lovely items I had purchased, plus sotanghon noodles). I hazarded a small taste of dark chocolate matzo that Kelly had brought from New York ("What makes this evening different from all other evenings...we have sweet chocolate matzo?") I drove William home and then Kelly, Mom, Auntie Chi and I stayed up to chat about Grandma, her stories she told and songs she sang to us, and Kelly's excellent memory of them...The real reason Kelly can't fit any more into her brain (Freedom Rock commercials, man!), radio play shows from the Philippines when Mom and Auntie Chi were young, in which the whole family and the hired help would sit around the radio, and how moms really don't get fun until the grandkids arrive.
So, I'm up early due to my gut's shenanigans, though the frequency and intensity of the urge and the quality/duration (well, you get the picture...)
I'm so fortunate it's not the upper GI flu my coworker S had earlier this week. She intoned, "My boyfriend gave me the Plague."
Labels: biology, celebration, family, flowers, Grandma, health, Holy Thursday, radio, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, thankfulness, transportation, visitor, work
New Year's Day 2009
I went to Mass (BVM, the Mother of God) at the Oratory at 10 today. I spoke to Julia, Don, and their seven-month-old daughter Maria. I met up with Jeff, Maureen, and Karina after Mass and First Friday adoration, as well.
The four of us walked to the Indian restaurant, arriving at ~11.15. We went to the Indian grocery store to get warm and to while the time (cilantro!) before 11.30. The man at the register indicated that the restaurant would open at 13.00. So we went to get hot drinks at a coffee shop on Forbes Avenue to spend the time (boy, that dark hot chocolate was really good!) and then to eat at the New Year's buffet at the Indian restaurant. The goat curry was good, as was the tutti frutti dessert.
We walked to Fifth and Craig, where Jeff used his gift card at the NE corner coffee shop. I just returned to Mom and Dad's home, as they called me during lunch to type / do administrative work for the medical society.
Labels: celebration, chocolate, Choir, dining, friends, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, Pilipino culture, shopping, volunteering, walking
Happy New Year 2010!
I was organizing and doing paperwork at my home when Dad called to invite me to celebrate the New Year with him and Mom.
I brought my paperwork over, proceeded to prepare the cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, dips, bread and crackers, and chocolates for our New Year celebration. I put 20.10 in my "wallet." We watched the Dick Clark ABC special as the ball dropped in New York City. We leapt up and shouted out as the new year arrived. Then, munching and toasting (in various languages). Mom and I did our respective paperwork projects as Dad slept. I'm back at home and happy and thankful for another year, full of promise and hope.
Labels: celebration, dine, family, sleep, thankfulness, TV
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
White, Big Flakes!
Last night while I slept the big, white flakes floated from the sky, coating the trees, ground, and, well, the parking lot. I can hear the sheer surprised voices of the garageman/groundsman bearing shovels when the shovel/truck showed up.
Mary Ann just called me re: Ornella's party. Calls will be made, then an executive decision shortly.
~~~
10.00
After multiple phone calls, it appears that we will have a cozy party of about 8 people at Ornella's farewella. I am in charge of picking up the guest of honor.
~~~~~
17.15
This morning I picked up Maureen, then we met up with Ornella at the coffee shop near the grocery store. I enlisted Ornella's help in ingredient selection for the salad. For example, in selecting the salad greens:
Me: European Mix?
O [scrunching up her nose]: No, something American.
Me: Santa Barbara mix?
O [smiling]: Okay!
And, in selecting the cheese:
Me: Ornella, which cheese to go with all of this?
O: Mozzarella....the small ones.
We had a nice group of about ten folk.
After all others had left, Mary Ann, Nancy, Mary Louise, and I discussed cell phones, cell phone packages, and health care/insurance issues.
~~~~~~~
22.00
smaller flakes on my way back home after watching the movie Evening with Karina and Maureen. A good movie with an all-star cast. I discuss the movie in later posts.
Labels: celebration, cinema, dine, farewell, health, phone, photos, seasons, 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
Finished Grading! Fall 2009
I've completed the grading of all practicals this semester. Just have to add up the scores, calculate the grades, and then enter the grades in my grade sheets.
I'm going for a walk with Karina shortly. Then I will go to an Ornella-farewella party.
Labels: biology, celebration, farewell, photos, work
Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2009
Yesterday was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the second day of practical exams. After administering a practical exam in the morning, I took a nap, had lunch, and graded a page of practicals across sections for a couple of hours. I went to Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass at the Oratory. I was joined by Karina and V, a former coworker.
Fr. Mike spoke in his homily about Mary's Immaculate Conception, original sin, and sin in general. He said that he was labelled "Old School" by someone who thought his discussion of sin was such. He said that sin was a "rupture of our relationship to God, and our relationship to our neighbor." V and I liked the homily, which we discussed among other topics over birthday smoothies (mango and coffee) as the rain poured down outside. We chatted for a few hours after Mass and departed for our respective homes in a light drizzle.
Labels: biology, celebration, dining, Faith, friends, Mass, weather, work
