This afternoon, I posted my record book entry for my class reunion this summer. The official deadline is in a couple of weeks. I'm glad and relieved to have completed that. I wrote 500-word essay, and included two current photos in addition to my profile.
Labels: Choir, Church, Faith, family, reunion, Wellesley
posted by Grace @ 3/05/2012 05:35:00 PM
0 comments
After lunch and before picking up Mom's medicine in Shadyside Dad, Mom, and I joined William's family (upon an invitationn from Marissa) at Beatrice's dance class. As per usual, she was absent for the photo (taken usually around Thanksgiving), but she is a good imitator and her teacher, her assistant, and the accompanist are all greatly talented at engaging all of the students. Beatrice's mirror dance partner was Sonora. They have learned the two first ballet positions, chassee moves, and basics of modern dance.
We all went to Vanilla for cupcakes afterwards. Our selections ranged from Fudge Chocolate, Chocolate Buttercream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, to Cinnamon Scone and Pistachio Almond Nougat!! Solomon finally got his wish for a red cupcake like Beatrice's. I swung around to pick up Mom and Dad after our cupcake interlude.
Labels: Beatrice, Calorie, chocolate, dance, dining, family
posted by Grace @ 12/10/2011 05:56:00 PM
0 comments
Thanksgiving this year was spent at William and Marissa's home, with their children and with Mom and Dad, Les and Cherie, and me as guests. We enjoyed side dishes prepared by Marissa, and the bird and some sides and a pie pre-prepped by Giant Eagle ("Big Bird"). There were desserts galore, including pies and cranberry crumble, all topped by fluff/whipped cream.
Labels: dine, family, family-Marissa, seasons
posted by Grace @ 11/25/2010 10:49:00 AM
0 comments
Wednesday I did three loads of laundry in the morning, had an appointment, then Mom, Dad, and I stopped by William and Marissa's home (to make a house call). We also called Auntie Mimang and sang and drummed for her. We played and read books, and most of us headed for pasta in the Strip District.
This morning I attended Mass with Dad. Carmella and Bob's sons celebrated Mass, John was the server, and Don provided music ministry from the loft. I spoke with Carmella and Bob after Mass, and Don and I spoke about wreath issues for this, which is the weekend we distribute them.
I think a minimum of 2 people are necessary (one to tally inventory/keep track of the order sheet, the other to hand out wreaths/keep track of actual inventory). In addition to the inventory sheet, it is necessary to have post-its, a pencil, and ideally at least one runner. The Runner/s will retrieve wreaths from the garage for people.
Labels: family, health, laundry, Mass, Spain
posted by Grace @ 11/25/2010 09:55:00 AM
0 comments
Thursday morning's Tribune Review headlines were about former Pittsburgh-native and former Pittsburgh diocese Bishop Donald Wuerl. "Good Son of God" the large headline read next to his current photo. He has been named as an archbishop, and now a Cardinal. They had interviewed Wuerl, our current bishop David Zubik, and also Dad (as he exited from morning Mass Wednesday). They chose part of Dad's quote as the headline.
Labels: American history, Church, diocese of Pittsburgh, family, Pittsburgh, Wuerl, Zubik
posted by Grace @ 10/24/2010 07:08:00 PM
0 comments
After singing with the choir at noon Mass on Sunday, we drove to pick up William and to go to Fox Chapel for dim sum. (Traffic was horrendous going there and back, so) we met Marissa and the children at Millvale to check their car and to redirect our meal efforts.
We ended up at Pusadee's Garden (formerly La Filipiniana), which had remodeled their side yard to include two decks. It was a real treat, and William and I enjoyed the sauce on the tilapia dish.
A two-and-a-half-hour nap ensued upon arrival at home.
Labels: automobile, Birthday, dining, family, international culture, sleep
posted by Grace @ 10/12/2010 09:22:00 AM
0 comments
Beatrice visited last Sunday whilst Marissa was teaching Sunday school with Solomon in tow. We visited the bathroom, and after washing hands the "House Rules" counted cross-stitch made by Lola was noted hanging at Beatrice-level. Beatrice indicated to me that she did not get it or understand it.
"Let's see," I said, reading. If you drop it, pick it up.
If you open it, close it. "That's like a door," I said.
If you empty it, fill it up.
If it rings, answer it. "Like the doorbell," "Or a phone," Beatrice and I said, respectively.
If it barks, feed it. "That's a dog," Beatrice said.
If it cries, love it. "That's a child," Beatrice indicated.
She is quite perceptive.
Labels: Beatrice, family, niece and nephew, read
posted by Grace @ 9/18/2010 05:20:00 PM
0 comments
Today was the first day of fall semester, and I taught a 9.00 Monday morning laboratory.
Mom, Dad, and I ate at the Japanese and Chinese buffet on the way to the Waterfront. We ran into their friends from medical missions, as well.
Maureen and I went for smoothies at the Asian restaurant just a short while ago.
Labels: biology, dining, family, medical mission, neighbors, Pilipino culture, Songs, work
posted by Grace @ 8/30/2010 08:53:00 PM
0 comments
I met up with Marissa and Beatrice and Solomon for a bike day yesterday! I went for a short 3-circle ride before they came, then Beata and Marissa biked to the end while Solomon and I "ran to Beebee and Momma."
"We'll tell stories there," Solomon informed me. We did, and while Marissa got the camera they learned about sycamores ("which have spotted dotties of green, yellow, and brown on the branches,...and BIG leaves shaped like [hands]." We also saw a locust tree as we left, which Beata pointed out has "smaller leaves" and the leaves were shaped differently.
A fun-filled day that we all enjoyed.
Labels: Beatrice, bicycle, biology, exercise, family, niece and nephew
posted by Grace @ 8/26/2010 11:15:00 AM
0 comments
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
posted by Grace @ 8/06/2010 04:12:00 PM
0 comments
2 to 4, 7 am again...
Those were the hours I was up in the wee hours of the morning this morning.
At about 7:30 I received a call from Mom that Kelly was visiting and up and about, William and his family were at their home, as well.
We enjoyed breakfast (true Pilipinos eat ANYthing for breakfast), karaoke (a.k.a. Minus One), and being serenaded by Mom via her first go at the accordian (at one designed by Walter, no less). Mom played childhood favorites and Pinoy folk songs, accompanied by Kelly on the accordian.
I worked on my budget for the next two months (through the end of August).
This evening we met William's family, and Marissa's parents, aunt, and cousin Will at the Frick grounds for a picnic dinner and to enjoy the musical sounds of First Friday at the Frick.
Labels: dine, economy, family, family-Marissa, music, phone, Pittsburgh, singing, sleep
posted by Grace @ 7/02/2010 09:14:00 PM
0 comments
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
posted by Grace @ 6/20/2010 11:03:00 AM
0 comments
Tuesday Mom, Dad, and I babysat Beata and Solomon. We played, ate lunch, sang karaoke, napped (well, some of us did!) and I left when they did. Marissa had jury duty, for which none of the groups were called. I left to go to physical therapy with Keelan and a student, Kristen. Dinner was with Geannie and Jerry at his home: Stuffed shells, Brussel sprouts, salad, bread, and strawberry pie that Geannie brought.
I left at quarter to nine to join Mom and Dad watching America's Got Talent. Kelly and her accordian buddies were on the show!
~~~
Wednesday was grocery shopping day, with an appointment in the afternoon.
~~~
Today I had my first non-assessment appointment with my weight management coach. I have lost 1 to 3.5 pounds since starting to journal my food intake a week and a half or so ago. I had physical therapy with Cara at noon today. Lunch was composed of many diverse foods!
~
Went for a walk with Maureen to Carnegie Mellon, to the Randy Pausch bridge (I've never seen the lights WHITE until now) and through the Kraus garden, with its mountain laurel.
What a beautiful night it was for walking...cool, yet not crisp, with light illuminating the spires of St. Paul Cathedral and the Cathedral of Learning. Clear skies. Just lovely.
Labels: dine, exercise, family, health, music, niece and nephew, singing, sleep, talent, TV, walking
posted by Grace @ 6/17/2010 03:17:00 PM
0 comments
I've been up for ~ an hour this morning. I've been reading about Omega-3 fatty acids on the web.
Yesterday was a long day. Will have to write more about it later.
Today Mom and I will be babysitting Beata and Solomon. Marissa has jury duty. We'll have great fun with the children.
Labels: dine, dining, family, health, niece and nephew, sleep
posted by Grace @ 6/15/2010 05:11:00 AM
0 comments
I'm up early, again, as I was two days ago. Instead of pulling a 19-hour day, I'll go back to sleep THIS time.
~~~
18.35
I slept in until 9.30 this morning, then took care of other things. Went shopping for groceries with Mom in the Strip District and at Giant Eagle. William and family will be here for dinner shortly. I prepared the salad and Italian-colored salad fixings (Green sweet peppers, white onion, and tomato slices) with raisins (I'm predicting some of us will have salad with our raisins...). Also prepped some baby carrots.
~~~
After dinner the children played piano, and after a request by Beata, we broke into karaoke. Solomon also played with toys from the guest room...Disney mouse and a sand shovel.
After the group departed, Maureen picked me up and we organized a template for her basic wardrobe for her trip. It was fun.
Labels: dine, family, niece and nephew, shopping, sleep, travel
posted by Grace @ 6/10/2010 03:58:00 AM
0 comments
Slept in!
Went to the grocery store for lunch supplies.
Made hotdogs and green salad, had a great meal with Mom and Dad while it poured rain outside.
Worked on a couple of projects, went home for a 3+ hour nap.
Had dinner that Dad made.
Watched the news and Jeopardy! with Mom.
Worked on computer projects, watched part of the Stanley Cup finals.
Went home and worked on more lists and answered emails.
Hit the sack--retired for sleep---late.
Labels: dine, email, family, list, shopping, sleep, travel, TV
posted by Grace @ 6/01/2010 05:22:00 AM
0 comments
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
posted by Grace @ 5/31/2010 12:34:00 AM
0 comments
Yesterday, Karina, Maureen, and I went for meditation, (then we were joined by Nancy) and discussion of Zen readings in Lawrenceville. We walked around the neighborhood afterwards, and looked about a little shop afterwards, which Karina astutely noted is chock full of recycled items.
So, after Mass celebrated by Fr. Bill, served by John, and music-ministered by Don <48>; Mom and I went to Waterworks Mall today--mainly to get me tan anklets. I'm sooo excited about these little socks. They are microfiber and also have a little plastic elasticized piece at the Achilles tendon attachment! How useful. (Sunday: Until you try them on---then you realize that they slip off my smaller foot at the heel.)
Mom shared some of her costume jewelry with me, and I met up with Christina before Bianca's Bible study tonight. Luke gave an informative talk on the Church in China, then we went to Bianca's final Bible study. Christina, me, Bianca, Leland, Kevin, and one more person listened to the DVD and discussed concepts of Scriptural readings. Christina kindly gave me a ride home.
I had a snack of cheeses, apples, and mixed nuts with Mom after the Bible study.
Labels: Bible, Church, dine, family, international culture, jewelry, meditate, recycle, shoes, shopping
posted by Grace @ 5/21/2010 11:04:00 PM
0 comments
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
posted by Grace @ 5/16/2010 12:11:00 AM
0 comments
Mom and Dad participated in an art show this year. Dad showed various award-winning photographs, and Mom opened her portfolio up of needlecrafts. They selected a Norman Rockwell needlepoint work for the show. Many of their neighbors displayed their artwork, as well. There was an opening last night, and it was well-attended. I had a chance see Joan K, and to chat with Jim C and his son, and with two new neighbors who moved from New Orleans.
The artwork was well-displayed, diverse media, and reflected the interests and talents of the neighbors.
Labels: art, family, neighbors
posted by Grace @ 5/02/2010 08:36:00 AM
0 comments
Days in the life of me.
