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
Coffee Smoothie
Today I printed out my recommendation for a student and took the bus to the closest stop to Posvar Hall, dropping off the recommendation with the secretary at the Dean of the School of Education. I walked home, then Dad and I took care of some administrative work for me (four sections of seating charts). I helped Mom and Dad with computer help, then went in to work to talk to Bud and to work at the computer lab. Maureen called, and we met at the mile mark, went for a twenty-five minute walk going diesel (clockwise), opposite to our regular direction on our course (and taking two shortcuts, as well). We ended up at the pan-Asian restaurant for smoothie and General Tso's Chicken. I enjoyed the cooooolness of the coffee smoothie.
We sat and talked in Mom and Dad's lobby. After Maureen left, I headed to Mom and Dad's to help them with computer issues, ordering stuff online, etc. We spoke with Marissa and William to make arrangements to get together tomorrow afternoon/early evening. We watched a little bit of the NBC Haiti Aid program, and talked about how the local medical society which they are heavily involved in has chosen to lend aid to the victims of the Haitian earthquakes. Mom and I spoke of our relatives, and especially Lalang, who created a family of large proportions by having eleven (yes!) of her children make it to adulthood.
Labels: biology, children, computer, dining, family, international culture, Lalang, medical mission, niece and nephew, student, walking, work
Up Late, Up Early January 2010
I was up late last night taking care of correspondence and chatting with my aunties in California (one visiting from the Nederlands). Also watching the newsprogram with Mom about the story of Sean Goldman, a little boy who has been through a lot with his family. I said to Mom that there are so many people who have been through a lot, as well, in trafficking incidents every day.
So I went to bed vv late last night and awoke early (~7.00) this morning. Mom said to be sure to wake up late. I'm going back to bed now to sleep off the sleepiness.
Labels: children, international culture, sleep, writing
New Year's Eve Day 2009
I awoke this morning to check email and then Pratima called from JFK International Airport. We chatted for about an hour, and she told me about her adventures in India, desire to adopt a child(ren), and her current travels.
Maureen, Karina, and I plan to go out before lunch for girlfriend shopping and bonding.
Kelly left yesterday afternoon for West Virginia. William called from Santa Fe, citing his ETA and asking about weather conditions for the past week.
I heard from K, the sister of a good friend from SMMS, on a social networking site. Also called C late last night to wish a happy Birthday!
~~~
20.25
Maureen, Karina, and I went to JC Penney's, Macy's, the bank, then to two craft stores and Target.
We ended up at Karina's home to watch a rented Red Box movie, All She Wants for Christmas (2006). Karina thought I was good at calling the characters.
Jeff called back, okay-ing our Indian buffet big get-together tomorrow, citing that we should meet before.
Maureen, Karina, and I hopped in the car for Japanese food, but ended up at burgers and fries.
Now, to wait for 2010 to appear.
Labels: Birthday, children, cinema, dining, email, family, friends, Mass, shopping, travel, weather
Furniture, Moved
Last night, after watching Kit Kittredge: American Girl movie, Mom and I gave my legs some breathing room (TED hose off for ~ twenty minutes).
After, Mom and Dad moved some furniture from the guest bedroom: an antique rocking chair, some toy boxes of Beatrice and Solomon, and the cedar? chest and also its contents. Quite the event late last night.
Labels: adventure, Beatrice, children, health, pain
Kit Kittredge: American Girl
After making dinner tonight of hot dogs, rolls, gourmet cheeses, ketchup, Vidalia onions, and kettle potato chips and kalamansi-ade, I watched Kit Kittredge: American Girl.
I had heard that it was a good movie last year. Great to see it this year. Mom and I love the fresh acting abilities of Abigail Breslin, whom we saw in Little Miss Sunshine last year.
Labels: adventure, children, cinema
Activities this Week
Monday, I went to Bible study with Fr. Mike at the Oratory. Jennifer from the MPH program was there, and we read and discussed to Galatians 2:11.
Wednesday Dad and I babysat in the evening for Beatrice and Solomon until the intermission of the play William and Marissa went.
Thursday I had physical therapy, and choir practice afterwards. Mom and Dad dropped me off, and picked me up, too.
Today I had an appointment in Monroeville, during which Dad and Mom met the PA and doctor. After, Mom and I got supplies at Michael's Craft store, too. We had homemade lo mein for lunch. I just watched "Leopards take Manhattan," on On Demand cable television, about a youth percussion group from Louisville Kentucky that travels to a jazz educators' conference in NYC.
In a few hours Nancy C. from choir and I will watch Angels in America (Part I) at the Charity Randall theatre on campus.
Labels: Beatrice, children, Choir, exercise, Faith, health, music, niece and nephew, pain, rosary, school, theater, TV
I went for a walk in the weather....
I went for a walk in the weather this morning before work. The day started out about mid-20s Fahrenheit, and went to about mid-40s Fahrenheit. It was sunny throughout the day.
I walked back after picking up my antibiotic therapy for my teeth cleaning tomorrow (as I have had a hip replacement, this is in order). I took about a mile walk home, then took a nap, went to work, prepared for class, had a light sushi lunch, and taught for most of the afternoon.
I'm waiting to hear from Gloria regarding when we will have dinner---these are her last few days in Pittsburgh...
Gloria and I ended up having a late tea/dessert with a large pineapple coconut muffin and chatting about jobs, former jobs, job hunting, and the South. I will miss her on my riser in choir.
Labels: Carnegie, children, cold, dining, international culture, library, museum, music, surgery, teeth, walking, weather, work
Disneyland...Thanksgiving 2008
This weekend, Miranda & Benny spoke with Lolo and Lola and I about their Thanksgiving trip to Disneyland. It was really fun and they had a chance to meet, greet, and get autographs from many of their favorite characters. Miranda especially liked the ride "Soaring over California." One of the days there they spent fifteen hours at the park.
They had a chance to visit the LA clan. I spoke with Uncle Sonny, and after they left he was doing the exact same chores that they were when they landed at home: Laundry.
Labels: California, children, excited, family, laundry, niece and nephew, reunion, thankfulness, transportation
Children and Election Day
Here's info on the Scholastic News as a predictor of Presidential candidates' success.
[I like Beatrice's take on Election Day: Her mom wrote, blogging, "The place where we vote is next to a playground. After we finished voting, Beatrice said, 'Now we can go play with Obama in the playground. Then he will vote for us.'")
Labels: Beatrice, celebration, children, family, friends, games, global warming, politics, school, voice
Mom's Birthday 2008-I
Today Dad, Mom, and I attended a morning Mass (during which someone passed out, causing a call to the paramedics) before we went for a short shopping trip followed by lunch out with William, Marissa, and the kids. We enjoyed the new sushi restaurant, including the ice cream. Beatrice particularly liked the pink dessert (coconut-covered bucci), perfect for a little girl just shy of two years old. I had a chance to hold Solomon at the end of the meal.
Talked to Nancy about the diocesan choir trip after returning home, then took a long nap.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday, children, Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, family, humor, ice cream, international culture, Mass, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, shopping, singing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
PNR and FAAP Board Meeting with Popi Laudico
Saturday night, Popi Laudico, the Philippine Nationality Room's Filipina architect, dined with the Philippine Nationality Room committe and FAAP board members potluck-style at Dr. Pat's home. The big steamed salmon and bangus with a large turkey dinner were provided. Someone had provided the sweeeeeet corn.
I had a chance to lobby to keep the windows of our future room potentially uncoverable so that students in the room could also view their friends in the courtyard below, as indicated in the poem I wrote about the room. Popi agreed with me, citing the social nature of Filipinos. Popi and I discussed my operation, and her dog, over dinner.
After dinner the group gathered in the living room to hear Warren introduce Popi in front of the architectural boards, which had morphed over dinner from Warren's preparations to Popi's photo montages of several bahay na bato homes around the Philippines. One home featured was from Mom's hometown. Popi presented the boards, then led a discussion about the future PNR room and our designs and desires for this incipient room.
After dessert, Dad played ping pong with Warren and his children.
Labels: art, children, friends, games, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, poetry, student
Saturday, September 2008
Last night I spoke to Maureen,who was in orthopedic pain. I asked her if Karina and I should come over with ice cream ("What flavor?") and we ended up chatting well into the night. We had a grand time and saw Maureen's photos, et al.
Today I dropped off a TON of pics at Walgreens for developing. Also got drinks and snacks for the weeks ahead. Mom and Dad and I went to lunch at Wai Wai. We picked up a catering menu, too. I updated my encyclopedia article and sent it with the references list to my editor friend.
I'll call Walgreens, then spend some time relaxing before Faith sharing tonight.
~~~
After Karina's discussion of Mary's response to God's angel ("Thy will be done"), we headed to Pan Asian cuisine for dinner. Fabriola, Karina, Maureen, and I watched a movie I had rented, Then She Found Me, directed by Helen Hunt and starring Helen Hunt, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler, and Colin Firth. A good chick flick that raises important issues, despite a slightly stilted script.
Labels: children, Church, cinema, dining, encyclopedia, friends, ice cream, pain, photography, photos
First Friday, September 2008
Today was first Friday. Fr. Kim has a special devotion to the Sacred Heart on those days. Bob K. was lector, John was altar server, and Ken provided the music ministry. Dad provided television ministry with Martha M. Mom and I had a nice chat with Mary Lou P. and Elaine J. after Mass.
I ran some errands in the neighborhood this morning, prepped for lab next week and did two loads of laundry. A nap was called for...Marissa returned my phone call and Beatrice and Solomon talked to me on the phone. Beatrice sang "Up Above"/"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "Old MacDonald" to me on the phone. She told me about her visit to Illinois to see "Will, Suzie, and Grampy Bill," and about the fun times at Chucky Cheese. Marissa told her that I was singing in choir.
Labels: Beatrice, children, Church, Mass, niece and nephew, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, travel
To the Zoo, Ticket to Ride
To the zoo today with Miranda, Benny, Joyce, Greg, Beatrice, Solomon, William, and Marissa. I am ready with my giraffe gear (blouse, pin, handbag) and cat earrings with elephant bracelet. Miranda and Benny are watching the "rescue" of a baby pink flamingo on a children's animated cartoon, and I informed them of the presence of pink flamingos at the zoo. We will leave shortly for Tio Wawa's place, and depart from there for the zoo. Joyce and family will leave directly from the zoo for Phyllis and Gene's home.
~~~
20:45
We all had fun at the zoo---I rode the UPMC tram to the first stop, then walked to the food pavilion. I saw a butterfly while waiting for the tram (and many more, throughout the zoo), and photographed a large male lion, baby tiger, Beatrice petting a [python] and a turtle, zebras, elephants (both outside and inside, both baby and adult), giraffes, banana palm trees, and Marissa photographed me with the children. My last photo was of a bear before boarding the UPMC tram downhill. I rode next to a woman whose niece will be a first-year student at UNH, in zoology and marine biology. She studies sharks! Joyce's family stayed at the zoo, it was Beatrice's naptime.
~~~~~
After leaving the zoo, I sat in the windswept backseat with Beatrice and Solomon. Beatrice and I had several short conversations, including the following one.
me: You have nice hair, Beatrice.
Beatrice: Yeah.
me: Your hair is getting long.
Beatrice: Yeah.
me: Do you like your hair long?
Beatrice: Yeah.
me: Why? Why do you like your hair long?
Beatrice: I feel wind.
We put Beatrice to nap upstairs when we arrived at their home, and William took a short nap. They invited me to play Ticket to Ride, a board game about laying train tracks. (This version had the tracks in the United States and parts of Canada.)
I said, "[I'm tired.] I feel like him( indicating William, who rested, eyes half-closed, on the love seat)."
His immediate reply was to get up and stand up, saying, "See, you feel like me, then you will play this game."
We played two games of Ticket to Ride---with Marissa winning the first game, and my winning the second game. It was WAY FUN! I like it, and they have another supplement to the game in Switzerland.
Labels: Beatrice, children, family, games, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, zoo
Lectoring; Physical Therapy
This morning was my first day back at lectoring since my surgery. John and Ken welcomed me back, Fr. Breier was the principal celebrant, concelebrating with Fr. Steve (whose mom was there) and Fr. Ryan from India. Miranda and Benny said they saw the back of Lolo's head, and Joyce said they saw me on TV.
I'll go to physical therapy later this morning.
~~~
Friday, 9AM
Yesterday afternoon Miranda, Benny, Joyce, and Lola came over to my house to visit and play (with puppets). I then microwaved/steamed in-the-husk a bunch of sweet corn for dinner last night. Mom noted that the corn tasted particularly good. We enjoyed a dinner of Florida pompano, nilaga, hydroponic(!) tomatoes, rice, and sweet corn.
Labels: Beatrice, children, Church, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, health, neighbors, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh, read, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
What happen
Beatrice was ill yesterday, vomiting a few times and, according to her daddy, said, "What happen" after the first time she vomited. She apparently likes Pedialyte popsicles, which probably remind her of ice cream. Mom and Dad and I visited William and family at noon, we went to Tuesday Morning, then to Trader Joe's for groceries, then lunch at the Chinese buffet.
We brought William home, then packed our groceries away, rested, and went to six o'clock Mass. Father Andrew celebrated, Linda cantored, Roz lectored, and Ken played the organ. Hearing the chimes on the Wickes digital organ was quite a treat! We spoke with Ken's children after the Mass.
Labels: Beatrice, children, Church, dining, health, ice cream, music, niece and nephew, St. Paul Cathedral, stress, surprise
FAAP Picnic 2008, Building Picnic 2008
Yesterday we enjoyed the FAAP Annual Picnic, complete with roasted lechon and rice; grilled hamburgers and hot dogs; and potluck salads, main dishes, and desserts. There was a contest for best potluck items, and All Clad pots were the prizes. We brought green bean casserole and red strawberry orange jello salad with mandarin oranges. (Marissa made berry crisp.)
William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon met Jun and Arnie and Carol, all chemistry graduate students who prompted Beatrice with questions (and whom I had earlier tried to recruit for choir). While Solomon enjoyed a bottle with Lola, Beatrice, her mom and dad and I took off to go to the swings! Beatrice chortled joyfully while swinging...
Auntie Mimi: Is this as fun as Kennywood?
Beatrice: Yeah.
William interviewed Beatrice while on the swing.
Soon after eating William and Marissa and family departed, as the kids were very hot and sweaty.
A little later, the sky opened up and the winds blew, causing all to take cover under the one shelter and shrieks to arise from the edges of the shelter with each change in wind direction. Voting was orderly and straightforward. Dad and Tito Larry P. partook of the games, and they donated their winnings. Dad diagnosed a Colles fracture. We departed soon after, while it was still raining lightly. We got $15+ of gasoline (4.0 gallons) on the way home, happy with the price of $3.99
~~~
The building picnic had fewer attendees than last year, probably due to the weather. I sat next to Martha M., Ann L., and spoke with John, a newcomer to the building on the floor above me. Dinner was potato and pretzel chips; grilled chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers; potato salad, bow tie pasta salad, cole slaw, and fruit salad; and bottled water or sodas. A bevy of desserts (of which I had a pecan pie bar) rounded out the meal. I enjoyed myself, and felt fully stuffed at the end of the meal.
Labels: Beatrice, berries, children, Choir, economy, friends, neighbors, niece and nephew, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, rain, science, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, water, weather
Happy Campers
"Attention all campers!..." Does anyone remember a book entitled From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler ? This book was the basis of many Camp-In programs at various museums across our great country. I was fortunate to have been the co-coordinator of a CI-3 (one of the top 3 Camp-In programs nationwide) program on the East Coast. I've also attended Soils Science 105 (a course then taught jointly through the University of California, Davis and Berkeley campuses), and was a key researcher on several remote field trips I co-organized with NASA, the University of California at Riverside, and CICESE in Baja California. If not a happy camper, I was an organized camper...
Were all campers during my grown-up camping experiences happy campers? I must say that most were. However, the children and adults during Camp-Ins weren't always happy campers, and it was a challenge as my job as coordinator to ensure a happy camping experience. I'd like to think that most everyone who entered the museum portals for a weekend Camp-In experience exited with a good experience (albeit less sleep).
Camp-In experiences are totally different than childhood sleep-away camp experiences, which the linked article discusses. Camp-In experiences are held indoors; in sometime-familiar surroundings; with other children and adults who are part of your family, class, or youth group; and are heavily programmed by the education department of the museum; thus, basically ensuring a positive experience.
Good camp experiences stick with you---I saw it in Fr. Tom, when he delivered his last homily as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Cathedral. He spoke of leaving the campsite better than when you arrived. Wait, good camp experiences transform you.
Is it time to pack up and go camping yet?
Labels: camping, children, Church, excited, museum, organizing, read, science, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Faith Sharing, List VII
Dad and I started watching a Hallmark movie borrowed from the public library entitled The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I finished watching the movie this afternoon. Quite remarkable, actually. Parts reminded me of It's a Wonderful Life.
Maureen and I went to faith sharing late this afternoon/early evening. I led the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Andy led the discussion of John 3:16+. I made a comment that hearkened back to the Scripture that we "must be[come] like little children (Matthew 18:3)," and that children love structure...religion provides a structure. If we are to create, many writers, artists, and musicians create by having a structure daily: They write/paint/create music daily. Maybe they only get 20 good days out of a year, but every day they sit down and create...they are like little children in that they have daily structured creative time.
We decided after 6:35 to continue the discussion next week. Maureen and I decided to pick up Karina and dine at the nice Thai restaurant that my friend Debbie likes. Our discussion turned to meeting our life partner. Maureen asked me what was on my list of qualities I was looking for. I listed:
normal BMI
nice
good credit record (in more ways than one)
tolerant and tolerable
similar sense of humor as I
available (geographically and emotionally and otherwise)
[willing to humor me] i.e.--is a "seashell boy"
passionate about at least one thing in life
does not have to be as hypereducated as I
N.B.--I bring to the table what I expect, too. This off-the-top-of-my-head list echoes my original list.
Our discussion turned interesting, and we ended up talking until 10:20pm.
Labels: Carnegie, children, cinema, dining, Faith, library, list, love, music, painting, philosophical, school, writing
