Snackberry
Yesterday evening I introduced (for the fifth time this semester) the term "Snackberry" to a group of my students...this was in my Frosh Studies class, and they found the term humorous. I've already introduced my term to my four sections of biology laboratory.
"Snackberry," I said, "describes the device you use to retrieve and send little snacks or snippets---not whole emails." Amanda, my teaching assistant, noted that the class liked the term.
Labels: biology, computer, phone, student, work
Pre-semester preparations
Thursday we had our instructor's meeting, and Friday was the College of Arts and Sciences First Year Orientation / Convocation. I also worked on administrative problems for the upcoming semester, mostly computer work.
The instructor's meeting Thursday went smoothly. We have a new curriculum developer, Jean, and new functions of various rooms. We also have a new addition to the stockroom, Greg.
A&S Orientation on Friday requested Frosh Programs instructors to stand and be recognized. I sat in the second section from the floor of Petersen Events Center, and noted that there were sections 102 through 112 packed with new students. Dean Manfredi spoke, as well as a professor of Atlantic History.
Labels: biology, computer, work
Resolving Issues---End of the Summer 2010
The end of this week (Thursday through Saturday) consisted of resolving issues, including health insurance, car maintenance, donating excess jackets, and loading my syllabus onto my (still unavailable) class. I went out with Maureen to the library and then we shared fries in Fox Chapel. I've been writing more, as well.
I started a great book recommended to me by Liz--Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. I finished reading half the book in one evening, it is so compelling. The subtitle is "The Story of Success." He has written The Tipping Point and Blink as well.
I've been catching up on communication (email) and writing more essays, as well.
I just finished a big double bar of chocolate from this summer (with almond and cashew paste).
Labels: automobile, computer, dining, donate, email, health, library, read, school, writing
Computers and Computer Training
For the past two evenings Maureen and I have been researching and buying her new toys (computer external hard drive and new notebook). So we researched and went to Staples in our neighborhood and up by Nancy C's neighborhood. We sat at Starbucks and enjoyed cool drinks in the cooling night air, and quickly escaped the cigarette smoke at the quickly-occupied next table last night.
I helped her back-up her ailing computer last night, and helped her do a skeletal set-up this evening before going to help Mom with travel computer questions. I also made reservations tonight for a fantasie musical.
Today for the best part of the morning involved a group training computer class. Renae was there, it was fun to see her again. Quite useful information.
Labels: addiction, computer, dining, friends, music, school, theater, transportation, travel
Up at 5
So, I went to sleep at about 23.00 last night and awoke at 5.00...I was busy in my preparations ( called Verizon Wireless, my cell phone carrier) and at the computer until about 9. I went grocery shopping with Mom and Dad in the Strip District, then we had lunch and more shopping at the Big Bird Market District. I took a nap 16.00-17.00, then played with my cell phone some more.
I helped Mom with laundry, and also with future vacation plans via frequent flyer miles.
Labels: computer, laundry, phone, shopping, sleep, travel
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
I spent the afternoon
Today I arose at 5, went back to sleep at 7, and took a little catnap just a little while ago.
After Dad ('d like to think inadvertently) deleted ALL my files from the family computer, I spent the afternoon recreating the files and emailing Mom some of the files for future reference. I failed to restore my CV. I can't believe that he did that after I expressly told him that they were important files, important in case of an emergency. I am almost at the point where I have lost hope in his ability.
Labels: computer, health, sleep, travel, work
This Week Sleep
3, 9, 5, 7
These are the times I have arisen this week...Today I arose at 7 (but awoke and went back to sleep at 5).
Monday Dad drove Mom and I to get our hair/s styled. We went shopping afterwards (I got a small calculator), and had lunch at the Chinese buffet.
Tuesday I spoke with my health coach in the morning. Mom, Dad, and I went to the Waterfront to update our cell phones. Maureen and I met Jeff to celebrate her birthday over BBQ chicken pizza. We had fun chatting.
Wednesday I had an orientation meeting with Laura D's office. I met with Stacy at 19.00 hours for smoothies. We also went to the Frick Fine Arts building to bask in the setting sunlight. Last night, Mom and Dad brought home summer sweet corn from Robert.
Labels: Birthday, computer, dining, hair, health, ice cream, phone, shopping, sleep, work
This Week in June 2010 II, Car Day
Monday day I went with Marissa and the children to the Mount Washington library (closed) and to the Science Center (open!). Monday evening Maureen and I went to Waterworks Mall, where we looked for travel items for her and I got sushi.
Tuesday morning Mom and I picked up my car at the shop, where it has been in repairs since Thursday afternoon. I spoke with my weight management coach, and then went for physical therapy. Tuesday was a Day for the Car, as the battery was dead after I exited physical therapy. Mom and I went shopping, and in the evening Maureen and I went to the Waterfront. Shops were closing soon after we purchased her swim cap.
Yesterday (Wednesday) I went for my annual blood work. I went to the computer lab afterwards, and completed some computer work, as well. Mom and I watched "America's Got Talent," where we noted that a large number of Portland contestants were pushed through to Vegas.
~~~
Time for physical therapy.
Labels: automobile, computer, exercise, health, international culture, library, museum, repair, shopping, swim, talent, travel, TV
Eatin', Eatin', Eatin'
Last night went out with Maureen and Karina for appetizers/dinner and dessert at a pub in Station Square. LOVE those calamari and the chocolate indulgence cake (takes you straight to Heaven!)
I had picked up Maureen because she had inadvertently locked her keys in her home. We also went to Squirrel Hill for her to purchase new sandals for the summer. She and I had a "slumber party"at my house afterwards, reviewing and culling through my wardrobe for this summer. We also looked at Facebook.
Today will be a grand day with Mom and Dad and William's family starting with brunch on the South Side...
Labels: computer, dining, family, friends, home
So Tired...
I went to sleep before nine thirty last night, I was so tired. I've been up for two hours now, working on cleaning my home, organizing files, and computer work such as my CVs. Time to go to sleep now. So tired...
(Maybe after I check my email.)
Labels: cleaning, computer, email, organizing, sleep
Up Early February 2010
So, I went to bed early last night and was up an hour ago after eight hours of sleep. I've been on the computer getting work done and replying to email messages, and getting some phone calls out of the way. I think it's time for a nap.
Labels: computer, phone, sleep, work
Early Mornings...
For the past few mornings I've been awakening at about four or five in the morning for about an hour, working on computer stuff, then heading back to bed. It's probably NOT best that I do computer stuff, as the light may be slightly stimulating to me. But there you have it.
~~~~
About 1 hour later:
Okay, back to the warm bed. Back to sleep.
Labels: computer, sleep
Snowbound 4, Monday email Letter
Here's part of a letter I sent overseas:
...[T]he snowstorm has created a state of emergency in Pgh.
They have cancelled ...my class... for the WEEK. We received 1.5 feet = 0.5 m of snow total, and some melted, and it is currently 4 degrees F out. Needless to say, I am wearing my YakTrax on my Doc Martens. Bishop Zubik gave a dispensation from Mass this past weekend. Many people attended 10 am Mass Sunday at the Cathedral, but they were mostly students, arriving on foot. Only Noreen and Sally [neighbors] were Eucharistic Ministers.
And late last night:
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed. Essential personnel are to report to work.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, late last night.
Labels: cold, computer, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, neighbors, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Yak Trax--Snowbound 2, February 2010
So, in the sun the snow is beginning to melt, with the help of deicer salts (calcium I imagine) and without the help of temperatures, but with the help of the sun. Tonight, temperatures will go to the single digits.
The Pittsburgh Public Schools website announces that school is cancelled for Monday the 8th of February. Maureen is thrilled.
We went to ten o'clock Mass, and then walked to the pancake place to get breakfast. We then walked to the computer lab for me to print out [administrative] sheets and for us to check the status of the public schools.
A walk back home, save some snow photos for Maureen on her USB key / jump drive, then time for a nap.
~~~~~
17.45
A few buses were seen to be running this afternoon in the heart of Oakland....Port Authority has restored service and restored changed service for some routes.
Labels: cold, computer, dining, Mass, school, seasons, traction, transportation, walking, weather, work
Sunday Leading into Monday...January 2010
Sunday, Mom, Dad and I attended noon Mass, with me in the choir loft. Afterwards, we had lunch and I helped them with a few computer issues. I went home for a long nap.
Dinner at Mom and Dad's, then for an early bedtime, only to arise just short of six o'clock this morning.
Taught my class, ran an errand downtown (saw my birder friend on the bus and Susan E. in front of the library). Stopped in at a clothing shop. Caught a bus to Panther Central, for administrative stuff. Walked to a computer lab to print out more items to update my seating charts. Walked home, called Maureen, and walked to the Business Library on campus to pick up a book for Karina. Stopped by Karina's place; she treated us to hot chai and soup. We did some extension exercises as well as quad strengthening exercises (wall 1/2 squats), then took Karina for a walk / walked me home.
A fun time was had by all.
Labels: computer, dine, exercise, home, library, Philippines, school, shopping, sleep, student, travel, walking, work
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
Phone Calls
This morning, there were lots of phone calls to catch up for the New Year. I worked on some correspondence until midnight last night, as well. Also called the store to check on stuff I need to pick up.
I'll take care of some more paperwork and correspondence this morning, then have lunch chez Mom and Dad.
~~~
5 January 2010
04.15
After a couple of appointments and errands, I went in to work to print out a couple of documents, emails.
I then proceeded to go home to take a nap, and was awakened by a return call re: the Bible study times. Maureen and I chatted for a bit, and I fell asleep soon after.
So, with all these odd hours, I'm up now. I'll hit the sack again shortly. I'm probably still up because of the light from the computer.
Labels: computer, dine, email, Faith, health, light, phone, sleep, writing
Responsive/Responsible
I have a friend who does not like to email. I personally LIKE to email. Which leaves me with a friend who is NON-responsive to my emails. Which also looks (to the casual bystander) that my friend is
NOT responsive
NOT relating
NOT responsible.
This is disconcerting to me
because I know my friend is very
kind and
thoughtful
(in my presence)
to a trivial detail level.
How confusing!
Labels: computer, email, friends, writing
Yearly Check-Up
I rode the bus to my doctor's office, and had my yearly check-up. "No Complaints," I declared, and also gave her my current list of prescriptions and nutritional supplements. My BP was ~135/75, and my BMI indicates that I am overweight. I told her about my procedures this past year, and the good outcome of them (she was there, visiting me in the hospital after my surgery)! I asked for a script for a procedure tomorrow, gave her a Christmas card for herself, family, and staff, and was on my way.
After my appointment, I made my way to a 24-hour computer lab on campus (the adjacent building had a power outage) and found the doors locked. Went to the computer lab/libe. Am printing out some work.
Labels: BAD, blogs, Christmas, computer, email, health, surgery
