end of Week One, Summer Break 2010
Wednesday Mom and I went to an office to take care of administrative issues. Then Dad, Mom, and I had lunch at the Japanese seafood buffet on the way to Homestead.
Thursday, Marissa and her children and I went to the playground at the park. We then met William at the computer store and dined on Italian food on Bellefonte Street. It was delicious, and the waiter commented that we were the first group to sing "Happy Birthday" to the restaurant. We enjoyed two flavors of birthday cake and favors.
Today I mailed a ballot to New York---it will arrive with plenty of time for the counting.
I need to take care of more administrative tasks before the weekend starts: Something with the office on campus, faxing items downtown, and getting Maureen a plant for her sister.
Labels: Birthday, citizenship, dining, flowers, friends, games, organizing, Philippines
Second Day of G-20 in Pittsburgh: Police Presence
Before 11.15 am today I:
Read Haggai 2:1-9 and Psalm 43:1-4.
Had trouble getting into the church building
Said the Rosary and Chaplet with a group of people (including Dad, Oscar, his daughter Christina, Maureen, and Lisa C.)
Picked up my wallet, and walked with Maureen to Pamela's, Oakland
Saw < 10 potential protesters at Schenley Plaza
Saw foot police in dark colors in a group of ~20 on Bellefield Avenue heading south
Saw firemen from Sewickley travelling west
Saw PAT buses marked SPECIAL bearing troopers
Saw a lot of police presence, in general
Sat directly under a broken and boarded window at Pamela's
Enjoyed my breakfast with Maureen, at a lively restaurant, next to gentlemen who ordered takeout, and single people, some carrying soft-sided luggage. Some of those dining looked as if they might be protesters
We met up with a man taking a photo of the damage at Pamela's
Saw a woman taking a photo of the damage at American Apparel
Saw McDonald's boarded up with plywood
There was a white tent over the W entrance of the Cathedral of Learning
Stopped in a computer lab on campus
Saw well-dressed foreign visitors from Japan visiting the Cathedral of Learning
Saw a convoy of motorcycle police traveling north on Bellefield at the same time as we
Saw a platoon of county mounted police travelling south on Bellefield
saw the Mellon Institute had "Falling Objects" tape around the front entrance
Saw bicycle police at the NE corner of the Mellon Institute building
Saw Fr. Barry and Fr. Kim walking about
Generally, there were fewer U Pitt-looking students on Forbes Avenue,
Fewer pedestrians,
less foot traffic,
less vehicular traffic ("It's eerie," said Maureen)
no parked cars for stretches.
I think I'll do my laundry this weekend...
Labels: American history, automobile, citizenship, ice cream, international culture, languages, photography, prayer, read, repair, school, St. Paul Cathedral, work, writing
Toronto V, Home Again, Home Again, Jig-a-dee-jig
Ah, home sweet home!
Labels: Canada, citizenship, home, international culture, travel
Niagara and Toronto I, August 2009
Mom,Dad, and I travelled to the American side of Niagara Falls (which is a New York State Park and the oldest state park in the United States), visited the visitor center, went to the observation deck (outstanding) and to the Maid of the Mist,
where we saw the American Falls,
other Maids of the Mist, and a view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. We enjoyed our picnic lunch from the disabled parking spot, where a cool breeze blew and there were multicolored hydrangea in full bloom.
We continued on to Toronto, where Uncle Alex and Auntie Baby live. Colleen, their apo, was visiting and we had our merienda. I took a nap, and Allan, Sonia, and their family had arrived as well as Christie and her family. We all dined together on Pinoy food.
After dinner, we took group photos, and Allan shared his thoughts on what to see. I decided I wanted to see many things that are part of their life in Toronto, and some touristy sites, too.
Labels: automobile, Canada, citizenship, family, flowers, ice cream, international culture, New York, photos, Pilipino culture, reunion, travel, visitor, walking, water
Jazz Combo with Tania & Jeff Grubbs
Tonight after dinner Rachel and I went to Squirrel Hill to have some snacks and turtle cheesecake, and to listen to the jazz combo with Tania & Jeff Grubbs and company. We chatted about research journeys and other interesting topics.
Labels: citizenship, dining, music, research, travel
Michael Jackson Memorial
Just finished watching the Michael Jackson memorial service in Los Angeles. I watched on CNN because the sound was actually better than that of MTV.
A notable speaker was the Reverend Al Sharpton. While he spoke, there was a backdrop of MJ and the quote
"There's nothing that can't be
done if we raise our voice as one."
Brooke Sheilds spoke as his friend, not as a colleague from the music business. She noted that his favorite song was a Charlie Chaplin one (from the movie Modern Times), "Smile," which his brother then sang.
Texan Congresswoman spoke, mentioning H.R. 600, honoring Michael Joseph Jackson. Martin Luther King III and Bernice King spoke, as well.
The London tour company sang "We are the World", and "Heal the World." His brothers Germaine and Marlon, as well as his daughter Paris, spoke.
Thus ended the memorial service for Michael Joseph Jackson.
Labels: American history, Bible, celebration, citizenship, Faith, farewell, international culture, light, moving, music, reunion, voice
Fireworks 2009
Watched various fireworks and entertainment displays this evening...
WQED (Public access TV) from 8-9 pm EDT--The entertainment and fireworks displays from Washington, DC. "Capitol Fourth" Jimmy Smits hosts a celebration of America's 233rd birthday, featuring fireworks, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, pop star Natasha Bedingfield, the "Jersey Boys" cast, vocalist Michael Feinstein, pianist Andrew von Oeyen and the "Sesame Street" Muppets, as well as Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra. Included: Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" accompanied by cannon fire from the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery. From the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. (From WQED website)
WPXI (Local broadcast of the Pittsburgh fireworks watched 9.30-10pm) EQT Flashes of Freedom Fireworks Fantasia Sponsored By WPXI, with music by various artists. Best fireworks of the evening, if not the most diverse.
KDKA (local CBS affiliate, 10-11pm) Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular from the Bandshell on the Esplanade, featuring Neil Diamond and fireworks ~10:40pm to 11pm. Told Auntie Chi/Auntie Mimang about it. Quite diverse shapes and formations of fireworks.
Labels: American history, celebration, citizenship, family, TV
US Citizenship Test
So, here's a US citizenship test with some harder questions, as per the last revision of this test. Prospective citizens do not have the option of multiple-choice answers. (I passed, readily.)
Labels: American history, citizenship
Recount
Just viewed a 2008 Home Box Office movie, Recount, that is a drama about the Presidential ballot recount, starring Kevin Spacey.
Labels: accessibility, American history, cinema, citizenship
Spring Break 2009 II
Spent the morning going through old slides, catching up on correspondence, eating breakfast, and going to physical therapy. Stopped by on campus to get a little work done, and added my photo to my professional blog. Had a croque monsieur on half of a sun-dried tomato bagel, and green salad for lunch with mom and dad. What fun! Just watched a WQED special, Masters of Glass, about the Pittsburgh Glass Center.
~~~
After tuna noodle casserole and greens salad for dinner, I completed the necklace Dad and I started from the glass rosette/floral piece (which I bought with Karina). Dad helped me to get the jump rings onto the chain to attach the magnetic clasps, and I worked on the pendant.
We're watching Dancing with the Stars tonight.
~~~~
Tuesday 10 March 2009
I sent my City Tax Form (2008) out today. After lunch, Marissa, William, Beatrice, Solomon, and I went to the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library. Neither William nor I had been there before, and upon entering, Beatrice headed directly for the far end of the room and the castle. We played in the room with the balls and with various items there, including a car and gas pump. We also watched Beatrice paint in the art room, and she and I cleaned up together afterwards. Solomon and Marissa moved toys from the top floor of the doll house throughout the house, whilst William, Beatrice, and I had fun with the various hats (astronaut helmet, construction worker, etc.) We were certain to use the hand sanitizer on the way out. I thanked Beatrice for inviting me to join them today.
I found the talented picture of me "and a balloon" Beatrice drew for me. She is very observant and talented when it comes to faces. Maybe she will be like Lolo, whose high school classmates dubbed "the next Michelangelo."
I stopped by Lolo and Lola's place to share the picture with them, and have made earrings for the floating glass mirror necklace I made first. I will work on designing another necklace this afternoon.
~~~~~
Wednesday 12 March 2009
Yesterday evening I went to the PNR meeting---it was a small group that night. We spoke mainly about questions Maxine Bruhns had about design issues, and how we would address them. The meeting lasted about 2-3 hours.
Today, Karina and I dined with Maureen at Victor's restaurant. The buffet was great, then we walked to the public library for Karina to drop off some books. A stop in the bead shop was in order, and Karina repaired the clasp part of a bracelet I had purchased.
A nap followed, until choir practice.
Labels: art, blogs, Choir, citizenship, cleaning, dance, dining, email, exercise, family, games, glass, jewelry, library, painting, photography, photos, PNR, TV, water exercise
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra--Gabriela Montero
Earlier this evening, Maureen and I went to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. Andrés Cárdenes, concertmaster, conducted tonight. The program consisted of:
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 in one movement (Samuel Barber)
Rhapsody in Blue, with Gabriela Montero at pianoforte (George Gershwin)
Improvisation on an audience-supplied theme, by Ms. Montero
INTERMISSION
"Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero, Andrés Cárdenes, Associate Principal Cello David Premo, and Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek (by special permission of John Williams)
Symphony No. 5 in D major, Op. 107, "Reformation" (Felix Mendelssohn)
~~~~~
The first piece was rather emotive and dramatic.
The Gershwin piece had imaginative, moving phrasing as provided by Ms. Montero on the pianoforte. The crowd responded with an appreciative standing ovation.
The improvisation on the Steelers' chant "Way to Go, Steelers, Way to Go" was nothing short of inspired, ending in a Latin beat (cha cha?). She is a wonderful, beautiful natural talent---and the audience erupted with an immediate standing ovation.
We saw Fabiola and Jose on the landing at the Dress Circle level at intermission. We exchanged greetings, as we were on our way to the Grand Lobby to greet the artist at intermission. The elevator was inoperable, so we waited in line patiently. Gabriela Montero signed my CD and program, and we chatted ever-so briefly.
The next piece was a pleasant surprise---the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra received permission to perform "Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero and the PSO musicians this weekend. "Air and Simple Gifts" was the musical piece commissioned for Barack Obama's Inauguration Ceremony. For the last curtain call, Ms. Montero in her black-with-gold-hemmed dress sported a Terrible Towel 'round her neck.
The Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony provided a suitable anchor to the evening's program.
As I exited, I ran into Richard Teaster and showed my appreciation for the music on the 9th of this month at the Cathedral. "A well-performed program that included diverse pieces," I said. "The Friday before Palm Sunday we will be in Synod Hall," he indicated, inviting. "Thanks," I said.
~~~~~~~~~~
Maureen and I headed to Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield for cups of hot cocoa and a Devil's food-cream cheese muffin. I spotted a doggie under the table next door..."Pippa" is her name, as her owner mumbled her name so that she would not think he were calling her.
Labels: American history, Broadway, celebration, Choir, citizenship, dining, games, Montero, music, Pittsburgh, politics, PSO, seasons, sports, Superbowl, surprise
Cuppy Cakes, White House Chef, Inauguration News
Notice that the country's best cupcakes were noted in a recent online article...The East End Chocolate Stout cupcakes from the Dozen bakery in Susan and Charles's neighborhood were featured. I love their cupcakes, but also have tried various other pastries and desserts from there.
mmMMMmmm..cuppy cakes!
(can't have them often, though---doctor's orders)
~~~~
Which leads to the next topic, the White House chief chef, a Pinay who is retained by the Obama family after serving several years for the Bush family. Cristeta "Cris" Comerford is the only woman to have held the position of executive chef at the White House. Another Pinay held a key health position on Air Force One during a previous administration. So, the Filipinas have made inroads in key support positions for the White House.
~~~~~
Back to the 'Burgh: Susan and Charles returned from Washington DC late last night after attending the inauguration. I can't wait to talk to them...and about their experiences...and to hear their stories.
And Ida and Bill attended an Inaugural Ball. She must have wonderful stories to tell.
Labels: American history, celebration, citizenship, dance, dining, excited, friends, health, medical mission, Philippines, Pilipino culture, travel
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
Tea with Fannie and Don, Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
After spending time grading and doing administrative work for my classes, I spent a wonderful afternoon with Fannie and Don in their magnificent apartment with the Views south and west of Oakland. We enjoyed
Black Turkish tea with sugar and lemon juice;
tea sandwiches with cucumber and mascapone cheese OR
savory chickpea spread;
Auntie Belle's slivered almond tea bread;
homemade applesauce (from local apples and Vietnamese cinnamon);
and lively conversation.
We spoke about GASP, a local group, our observations of Oakland and Pittsburgh, politics in general, and Pittsburgh visitors' groups. Tom was supposed to join us for high tea, having acknowledged the event early the in week but never getting back to me, after a reminder Friday morning.
We chatted until after dark, then I called Maureen and Karina and we watched The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg). A lovely movie, with tunes familiar to me through their English lyrics. I commented how the movie, from just a generation ago, showed the social issues of the day in broad, bold brushstrokes: How the condition of the protagoniste resulted in responses from her family and others that were typical of that day, and how similar conditions today would elicit very different responses, be they of the conditions of characters/actors or of the actors themselves.
Labels: cinema, citizenship, dining, friends, international culture, philosophical
Obama Celebrations
Luce sent me a website that has photos of Obama election celebrations.
Talked to Miss Ida, and Mark (my neighbor) about the "hope of fewer wars and more money for health care and other such interests."
Labels: celebration, citizenship, friends, neighbors, politics
Many Happy Returns
338:156
Obama:McCain
Labels: celebration, citizenship, politics
Early Returns, November 4th , 2008
Many Happy (early) returns...270 electoral votes required to win: Barack Obama has 284 votes, against Mr. McCain's 146.
We provided students with a web site to check whether they were registered to vote, and where their polling place was.
In the time it took me to type this, it became 297:146, Obama:McCain, 51%:48%.
So many people will be pleased, if the Hill stays blue. So much work to be done in the next administration. Here's where it all begins...
Labels: citizenship, global warming, politics, voice
Hillary in Pittsburgh, March 2008 II
Hillary will be at the St. Patrick's Day Parade here in Pittsburgh this morning. I would like to go, (Jeff and some other friends from Faith Sharing at the Newman Center are going), but I don't think my legs/hips will hold out...I don't think I can stand that long; and I have an obligation at the time (see earlier draft posted this afternoon---but written earlier, below)
I realized that I had represented various people by seeing her on the stage at the rally yesterday ("Senator Hillary Clinton Makes Local Stops," and "UNCUT: Sen. Hillary Clinton Rally in Oakland"). Besides my sweatshirt, campaign buttons I wore (Asian American Pacific Islanders for Hillary, Wellesley Women for Hillary), and the Wellesley banner I waved when she discussed economic issues around education; I represented others who could not attend the rally---my friend who I had dined with earlier this week, various Filipino/as in the Pittsburgh area, educators/environmentalists at work, friends in the Pittsburgh Wellesley Club, Church friends (choir and otherwise), family members in the medical profession and not, immigrants/diaspora, librarians, Irish dancers, and on and on. After the rally, my friend and I discussed who we knew who were voting for her, and she also joked that I knew 20%...wait, 25%,...WAIT, 35% of the people at the rally. Every time she turned around, I was saying hello to someone I knew, or was finding a connection to the people around us. I didn't even have to bring a camera, as Tita Tina took my picture at the rally!
...Mom had waved the banner that I toted at the rally earlier at a rally that Hillary held in support of Bill's campaign when she visited Marietta, Ohio back in his first bid for the Presidency. Now, the banner has been passed to me.
In a way, we all represent others who cannot vote or cannot make it to the polls. We all represent each other; we all pull for each other.
Labels: American history, BAD, celebration, Church, citizenship, dance, diaspora, Faith, family, global warming, Marietta, neighbors, Philippines, Pittsburgh, Wellesley
Hillary in Pittsburgh, March 2008
Hillary stopped by a Bloomfield gasoline station early this afternoon, where she fielded questions by reporters.
My friend and I lined up, and entered Soldiers and Sailors Memorial after filling out some demographic information and passing through the security checkpoint. As we entered the auditorium we were approached by a gentleman who asked us a few questions and seated us on the stage(KDKA's clip, "Senator Hillary Clinton Makes Local Stops"). We sat in the second row, and were joined by some veterans, some with spouses, in front of us. I saw some of my friends: from FAAP and PAMS, Titas Tina and Leila and more; from CHOIREland and choir, Linda and her sister Carol; and I met Marjorie, an organizer at S & S; as well as P, who will be going to Wellesley in the Fall.
Governor Ed Rendell spoke briefly, then gave his support; as did Luke Ravenstahl, our mayor, and did Dan Onorato, Allegheny County's chief executive. Soon after, Hillary arrived at 5:45pm and spoke about the issues--energy, renewable sources, the economy, the war in Iraq, veteran's issues, making education affordable (here Luke R. answered positively for "How many of you have student loans?" "How many are still paying for them?"), and on and on. She stayed to sign banners, books, and a baseball from a child. She was still meeting and greeting when we left for a meal of Chinese food at 6:45pm.
On the way out, I met Brie, who is a campaign worker. We also saw her and her colleague at the Chinese restaurant. What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon--hearing a great candidate for President.
Labels: American history, celebration, citizenship, economy, Wellesley
