SUNDAY- Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary TIme: Tea with Mussolini
Today is the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary TIme, and Mom, Dad, and I went to noon Mass. Fr Kris S celebrated the Mass. One of the servers was Antonio. Linda O cantored, Elizabeth B and Perrin H lectored.
...
Just finished watching Tea With Mussolini, an EXCELLENT film based on the life of Franco Zeffirelli:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120857/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
~~~~~
Read this afternoon about the United Steelworkers' attempt to organize Chatham University in the Post-Gazette.
"Campus Clash" USW July 24th, 2016 Post-Gazette newspaper, page one of the Business section.
Labels: Church, cinema
Hugo
Yesterday we spent time getting ready for the final practical exams next week. Afterwards, Charles stopped by to pick up me, then the whole rest of the gang to go to the movie Hugo. (It turned out that we had to pick up neither William, who was sans famille for the week, nor his coworker Christine, as they also drove. So,) we spent some time chit chatting whilst in the vicinity of the sparkly lights of Oakland. The weather hovered around the low 40's Fahrenheit, and so it was good to walk. We picked up Susan from downtown exercise, and headed to meet William and Christine at the movie theater in Homestead.
I knew very little about the movie Hugo before viewing it: Something about an orphan who spends his time winding the clocks of a Paris train station. The movie was more than engaging---enchanting, as Susan put it---with magical moments, and moments during which I found myself covering my head. William had read the book when it had been released several years ago, and Beabs has read it, as well.
Incidentally, I found myself spending part of the beginning of the movie trying to figure out if it were filmed in French and dubbed into English, as I did not know Martin Scorcese had been a producer of the film. Additionally, part of the charm of the movie was the use of unusual words which had French/Latin etymology such as the Inspector's use of the word "apprehend," similar to the French verb apprendre. The acting by the two leads---both children---was nothing short of delightful.
I lost track of time during the movie...
Labels: cinema
Letters to Juliet (Girl's Movie Night)
Maureen and I drove yesterday to Christina's home for a girls' movie night of Letters from Juliet. Beautiful Tuscan scenery, and I called out people that the actors and actresses looked like.
The movie was supplemented by pepperoni pizza, soda (pop), chips, and homemade desserts by Christina and her mom.
Labels: cinema
Michael Clayton
Last night, I went out with Maureen for smoothies. Yum. I got red bean.
This afternoon, Mom and I watched a George Clooney movie, Michael Clayton. Most of the movie was a flashback to within half a week of the main action. Great denouement at the end.
Story was about a litigator at a large law firm, who is a "fixer," a stager of situations, unusual and otherwise.
Labels: cinema, ice cream
Delivering Fenton, the automobile fiasco, Beatrice's bike, the Student Prince
Tuesday I was to go with Maureen to Ross Park Mall. We planned to meet Nancy C there. I volunteered to drop off a package of art glass to Joyce (she left it in Mom and Dad's car) at Gene and Phyllis's home. I went to the gas station, filled up the tank, then went to the coffee shop across from Maureen's home. When attempting to start the car, it wouldn't. Dad came by and waited for the tow truck for us, bringing the other car.
Maureen and I stopped by Gene and Phyllis' home, saying bye to the the whole family. As 79 S was backed up, we took 19 S and picked up Krispy Kreme donuts on the way. We met up with Nancy at Ross Park Mall, and I got quilting pins for Mom at Jo-Ann's Fabrics.
I received good news in snail mail today.
Wednesday, I went to the Newman Center for discussion of this Sunday's (Assumption) readings. Spoke to some of my friends in the evening. Car still in the shop.
Thursday, I spoke with my health coach (I had lost weight and had gained it back in the same time period---time to analyze in a 2-day span my caloric intake). Mom had a hairstyling appointment at 10.15. Mom, Dad, and I had burgers across from the Park where we went at ~12.40pm. Beatrice won a lottery to get a bike and helmet from the City. The Mayor presented it to her. Lolo, Lola, her mommy and brother, and I were there.
I picked up a book at the library, my "homework" to read, c/o S.
I watched the silent film, the Student Prince, based on a book called Old Heidelberg.
Today we picked up my car at the garage from repairs. I later met Marissa and children at the restaurant across from her exercise facility. We had fun eating 18.00-20.00! I then watched Lisa Kudrow on the new show "Who do you think you are?"
Labels: automobile, bicycle, Carnegie, cinema, dining, Faith, farewell, friends, library, niece and nephew, politics, repair, shopping, snacks, TV
Letters to Juliet
Nancy, Maureen, and I drove to the movie theater to meet up with Christina and Regina. On the way, we stopped to get Mexican food (I did, actually).
We watched Letters to Juliet, another great movie with Vanessa Redgrave, such as Evening, which Maureen and I viewed with Karina last year. We all love Ms. Redgrave, who seems so natural when acting.
We finished the evening at Bob Evans, where Nancy and I got yogurt berry crepes. On the way home we had interesting discussions about our summer.
Labels: cinema, dining, friends
Dim Sum Funeral
Mom and I watched a great film from 2008, Dim Sum Funeral. A good movie, about a dysfunctional family meeting over the mother's funeral arrangements.
Went out to dinner with Regina and John last night, for Pan Asian food. We shared General Tso's Chicken, Pad Thai, and steamed vegetables. Most of us also had smoothies.
Regina, Maureen, Nancy (squared) and Christina and I will view a movie tonight at the Maxi Saver theatre.
Labels: cinema, family, international culture
End of Reunion Weekend
I retrieved Mom and Dad from the airport after they went for Mom's class reunion. They had a great time, and enjoyed Chicago, as well as time with Uncle Dino and family. We enjoyed eating ensaymada when we got to their home.
Mom and I watched While You Were Sleeping, with Sandra Bullock. We enjoyed the movie. Dad watched part of the last 20 minutes with us.
Labels: cinema, dine, family, Pilipino culture, school, travel
Emma
Watched Emma with a group at the Newman Center tonight.
Before the movie, Courtney (a British architectural historian) noted that
You come up with a plan, and God laughs at your plan.
To which Jen P added
If you want to laugh really hard, find out God's plan for you!
The movie Emma, with Gwyneth Paltrow, was great. We laughed, guffawed, and responded openly to the movie. We enjoyed a pizza (half plain, half "everything"), and enjoyed the character development and ironic moments. This is the first Jane Austen movie I've seen, and it was comforting to watch it with some die-hard Austen cinema buffs. The music was notably well-matched for the scenes, and my companions noted that the second dance's music and dance choreography (English couples dancing) was the same as for another Austen movie. The "Jane Austen tree"---a large oak, Quercus, I noted---was sighted in the movie. It was noted by Jen and others that Ms. Paltrow made the character of Emma likable, as the book portrayed her early on as somewhat snobby.
Labels: art, cinema, Faith, international culture, read
Froggy Girl
Yep, Froggy Girl. That's me. Laryngitis time again. Losing/lost my voice. Kinda like Arielle in the Little Mermaid movie, the first Disney cartoon movie in a looooong time (was it since Bedknobs and Broomsticks, or something like that?)...I think I've discussed William's thoughts he shared with me about that movie ("To get the guy, you give up your voice!!") shortly after it was released.
Labels: cinema, health, singing, voice
Daylight Savings Time 2010
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
Leap Year: Not on a Leap Year
So, after grading 2/3 of my papers for this weekend, Maureen, Karina, and I went out for Scottish and Mexican fast food and then clothes shopping and to the movie Leap Year. A charming, romantic little chick flick, Maureen and I thanked Karina for inviting us to see it. We then went for grocery shopping (cereal and perishables, staples). We visited the street that Maureen's late hubby lived on and saw the construction of a cantilevered home.
We are all tired and Mom, Dad, and I will enjoy a pizza from my expeditions this afternoon.
Labels: cinema, dine, dining, friends, school, shopping, work
Videos from the Library
I borrowed some DVDs from the public library near the end of this week. The first I attempted to watch after dinner, entitled The Children of Theatre Street, is the story of the Kirov Ballet School. I got to the fourth track of the DVD when it froze.
So, I attempted to watch another DVD--Rhythm of the Dance, with the National Dance Company of Ireland (2001, kultur.com). This one skipped only occasionally, but the editing of the piece was choppy. It seems that the choreography should take first billing for the visuals, with the music taking first billing for sound. The sound was fine, but the edits away from the dancers or their feet was not timed/done well.
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, dance, dancing, international culture, library
Snowbound 5, Tuesday
Bring it on! The snows start again at about noon today. Half a foot ~= six inches is predicted. We shall see. We shall see what foot gear I wear for this storm. The Doc Martens with crampons have given me small, quarter-coin-size blisters on each heel at the attachment of my Achilles tendon, despite double socks.
~~~
Just returned from morning Mass. Approximately 25 people in the congregation received Communion. We were sans music ministry this morning. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass. He delivered a homily on tradition and how human constructs such as these do not trump the heart. John served, and Joan L. lectored. I spoke with Carmella about parish pastoral council issues at the beginning and after Mass.
Time for a hearty breakfast.
~~~~~
18.35
After cleaning a bit of my bedroom and a nap, I met Maureen after noon Mass for Eucharistic adoration (at the Oratory) and a walk to her home to view the movie "My Architect." Very interesting documentary produced by Nathaniel Kahn about finding his father's life. Louis Kahn was a man married to his work in many varied ways, including sleeping on a carpet in his office, in the way he treated his closest personal relationships, and in his passion for every detail of his work.
His son focussed on his hands, even in his last goodbye to his father. This reminds me of a short story entitled "The Hand" or "Le Main" from Colette's collection of short stories entitled L'Autre Femme. In one of the scenes which did not make it into the movie Louis Kahn is quoted as saying, "Our lives are accidental and filled by circumstance."
I caught a bus back home and am enjoying a dinner of pasta, meatballs, juice mix, and salad.
~~~~~~~
19.15
"...closed on February 10th...Full operations to resume Thursday February 11th."
---voice message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Pitt is again closed on Wednesday February 10, 2010. Essential personnel
are to report. Full operations to resume on Thursday February 11.
---email message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Labels: cinema, cold, dine, health, Mass, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, traction, weather
Snowbound 4B, Monday
So Maureen and I met up at the morning Mass this morning. Fr. Daniele celebrated, John was the altar server, and J.R. provided the music ministry, sans microphone from the choir loft. The homily examined the Gospel reading, how deep faith is necessary for true healing to occur. Approximately ~19 parishhioners in the congregation received the Eucharist.
We called Karina, who is busy studying, for breakfast, and ended up stopping near the Cathedral for Maureen's latte and continuing into the heart of Oakland for breakfasts of cinnamon crunch bagel and puff bacon and spinach souffle for breakfast. We did a little shopping, then took photos all the way home. Maureen found out soon after lunchtime that Pittsburgh Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, as well.
I went home to do some administrative work for my class, then took a brief nap around three o'clock right before all three of us decided to head to the public library for an outing. We found ourselves in the video section, and I borrowed two nonfiction videos, and Karina insisted that I watch one particular entertaining video. I said hello to Scott and Richard K, and Don W. in the "Reference" area, Tim in the Music Department, and Lisa R. in the administrative offices.
We headed up Craig Street for pizza slices and casserole serving, and then continued up the street for some more shopping, including at the new Indian grocery mart. WE ran into Jen and her daughter K. walking down Karina's street. They were on their way home. We shared tea and sympathy chez Karina, and then Maureen and I continued home.
I received a call shortly before 18.00 from the University indicating it would be closed an additional day, and that essential personnel need to report (I guess I'm non-essential).
The message on the pitt.edu websites state:
News 2/8/10
Given the increasing likelihood of more severe weather tomorrow and in light of a request from the city's public safety director, the University of Pittsburgh will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9.
Because of our continuing need to maintain critical services, essential personnel are again asked to report for work.
We urge all members of the University to exercise caution and to make safety their top priority.
~~~~~
23.10
Just finished watching the movie Karina recommended for me, He's just not that into you. An all-star cast. Right now, I'm very tired and I'm not certain that I "got" the lesson I was supposed to learn from this movie, except that the rule is that the guy is supposed to go after you if he really likes you. [That's it, isn't it, Karina?]
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, cold, dining, Faith, library, Mass, school, seasons, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Friday in the Third week of Ordinary Time 2010, Coco
Today I lectored at the morning Mass. Fr. Breier celebrated Mass, John served, and Don provided the music ministry. The first reading was from 2 Samuel, the passage about David's asking to put Bathsheba's husband in danger during wartime. There was at least one audible "tsk" that I heard from the congregation when reading that key phrase. Fr. Breier delivered a homily primarily about God's grace.
As the temperature this morning was six degrees Fahrenheit (well below freezing), and windy and sunny, I took my breakfast then proceeded to take a long winter hibernation for the good part of the morning. Karina and I had lunch at the Japanese-Korean restaurant in Oakland, stopped at the post office to pick up stamps and to mail Jonathan's birthday card, and stopped at the campus and public libraries for computer lab work and for Karina's items on hold. I stopped by at home to check my messages, send a fax, and then met up at Karina's to produce the first in my earth-water-wind-sea necklace and matching bracelet series. Karina had prepared a cup of spiced chai for my enjoyment when I had arrived out of the cold. Maureen arrived when I had completed stringing about two-thirds of my necklace. I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and Karina shored us up with her homemade soup for the long evening.
We stopped at the bookstore in Shadyside to run an errand, then proceeded to the Mall in West Mifflin for the MaxiSaver movie, Coco before Chanel. We decided on a stop for fast Mexican food first, then watched the movie in a practically empty theater.
Coco Avant Chanel was about the rise of the phenomenon of Coco Chanel from personal setbacks and tragedies. It focusses on her personal life, as the title suggests, before she made a household name for herself; before Jackie Kennedy wore a signature Chanel suit to meet the President of France. Her personal life and ensuing decision to focus on her career in a time when a typical French woman was expected to become a wife was touching. Coco Chanel was a woman with a particularly striking visage who entered the fashion field when it was still dominated by men. She made a name on simple, practically austere looks and elegant, simple lines. She changed women's fashion from binding Victorian corsets and rules to flowing, comfortable lines. The music in the movie was particularly moving.
After the movie we went to a large superstore and went grocery shopping. Boy, it's late.
I'm pleased to have received an email verifying that the health emergency Thursday afternoon has resolved itself.
Labels: art, Carnegie, cinema, cold, dine, dining, health, jewelry, lector, library, Mass, painting, shopping, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, walking, weather
Martin Luther King Day 2010
Today Dad and I went to Mass this morning. After Mass, Maureen and I walked to her house and went to Regent Square for breakfast. I stopped at Michael's Art and Craft Supply (to pick up supplies for Karina and me) while Maureen went to a clothing store. I met her there, where I purchased a top. We continued on to Gordon's shoes, where I purchased a pair of Mary Jane walking shoes. I also picked up something at the Loews Waterfront.
We continued to McKnight Road, and stopped in at the Walking Store for her to pick up dress shoes in which to walk and to teach. We went to Bath and Body works, as well.
Also helped Mom and Dad with customer service issues.
~~~~
After dinner I met Karina at Newman Bible Study. We spoke about Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Sone of us decided to meet on Saturday.
Labels: art, cinema, dining, jewelry, Mass, shopping, teaching, walking
Up Early January 2010
So, I'm up early this morning. Wrote an email, now I'm going to write about yesterday:
Yesterday, I woke at ~7.15 (boy, was that difficult) to the strains of my alarm. I did some computer work, then joined up with Mom and Dad for a late breakfast. Mom and I watched a movie with Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married. In the afternoon I went to a bookstore and then to Trader Joe's for some groceries. Then a nap... After dinner it was time for pastoral council. Matt and I wrote closing and opening prayers, respectively. One of the fun activities we did was to write a want ad for pastoral council. We shared a lot of topics, and ended soon after an hour, as the weather dictated our actions. We spoke about the "Grace problem" of first Wednesday conflicts, as well. Roseann, Elaine, and I slip-slided all the way home. A discussion ensued with Mom and Dad, then a nap, then some document editing.
Today, I'm up early for this last full weekday of vacation before the semester starts. Tomorrow holds a meeting, as well as a bit of administrative work. I don't have anything in particular planned for today, although I should be doing laundry soon, not because of need, but because of desire (or something). It's the first morning in a few that I've not heard the men plowing the snow in the parking lot in the wee hours of the morning. No plans for today, but Now time for another email. No plans for today, but now it's time to check my email for plans, as well as to make plans, all for within the next couple of years.
~~~~~
21.55
I took a nap ~7:30-9:30, had a late breakfast, early lunch, then took a nap, then was awakened by a call from Karina to walk to the library. She hung out in the magazine room, and I went to the campus libe/computer lab to print out some documents. I received a call from her---she had lost a bracelet her sister had just given her. She retraced part of her steps that we had taken to the library. I then renewed a book and met up with her: She hadn't found it when we got to a parking lot near my building.
I was pleased to receive a call from her stating that she had located the bracelet!
The evening was spent with Mom and Dad working on medical mission documents.
Labels: biology, cinema, cinema tv, cold, dine, email, jewelry, laundry, library, medical mission, meeting, music, pastoral council, Philippines, prayer, sleep, travel, weather, work
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
Feast of the Holy Family 2009
I sang with the choir today, the Feast of the Holy Family 2009. We sang Coventry Carol for the preparation of gifts, and Rutter's Christmas Lullaby (our "signature song") after hymns for communion. Stopped in the sacristy to sign off that I do NOT pick up the printed readings for Mass, as I read them on the "USCBC [sic] web site." The United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops' web site has the daily Mass readings. Said hello to Carol & Princess, and Fr. Josh after Mass, as well.
Kelly prepared fresh green bean casserole, roasted veggie mix, and we had various cold cuts and meat loaf, too. We enjoyed the Brooklyn chocolate bars: dark chocolates with truffles and sea salt (savory) and one with pecans and maple syrup (sweet). We also enjoyed stollen with marzipan, and fudge with mint creme. We chatted about our extended family, and are preparing to play a board game.
~~~
Played Upwords with Kelly, Mom, and Dad.
The end of the game brought my laying my last tile, and Mom, Kelly, and Dad unable to lay their last tile. We watched the longer version of The Sound of Music. I then set up bill paying for an additional account tonight, as well as checked my email.
Labels: Choir, cinema, dine, email, games, Mass, photos, read, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
