End of the Work Week, end of March 2012
Met up with Megan and her friend M. after work yesterday. They were apartment hunting. Met Megan earlier this week in upper campus.
Weather has been cooler...in the 30s to 50s Fahrenheit during the night to day. Was in the 60s to 80s during the day for the two weeks earlier. The bulbs (tulips) in my neighborhood, forsythia in front of my work building, and other flowers are up, due to this. Students were arriving in shorts and sandals in lab two weeks ago, and I advised them that that week (Population Genetics laboratory week) was okay to wear non-lab togs, but they should be advised that it would not be okay for the rest of the labs.
Ah, to go from Autumn into late Autumn, into Spring into Summer! That is what this last half year has been like.
Labels: flowers, friends, seasons, weather, work
Shopping for Christmas Meals
This morning Maureen and I went shopping for Christmas meal items. We started at the two French bakeries, one in Lawrenceville, and one in Millvale. We then went to Trader Joe's in Bakery Square, followed by an attempt to find parking at Whole Foods...then a stint at Giant Eagle Market District. We returned to my home with our booty.
I tucked away the grocery items and helped Mom and Dad with some computer issues, followed by reading and a nap. Time to write [some] Christmas cards!
Labels: Christmas, friends, read, shopping, sleep
M and M
Yesterday before choir practice I met with my friend V in Shadyside to review mitosis and meiosis concepts. She was firm, making me draw and explain each step of M & M, with the number of chromosomes, whether they are replicated or not, (sister) chromatids, and pairs of chromosomes. I did not look at the pictures and photos even once whilst doing this exercise. Then, she gave me a spoken exam with photos. Prophase was difficult to determine, but she said to look for the chromatin condensing into chromosomes to find that step.
Dinner and choir practice followed. Don started right on time and made us go through our paces, followed by an ordering of music in our folders. We were all psyched up in time for snacks, provided by Nancy C.
Labels: art, biology, Choir, friends, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Visiting the Library
This morning I went to work to print out my email attachments from my bosses. I ran into Paul C, and we chatted (as I did with Melanie and Zuzana last time I was there). Upon request, I sent Zuzana an email about Christmas choir Mass times this year.
Stopped at the Carnegie Library, where I visited with my friends there, and picked up a reserve book I saw recommended. I said hi to Cathy L, who will be retiring as the head of the Music Department at the end of the year (she said to say hello to my friend S and to ask him when he will be coming to Pittsburgh), Don W, and Lisa R (with whom I sat down and chatted with), and Sheila.
Headed to Mom and Dad's, whence I brought some of my papers home in the rain, and then settled down for a long winter's nap.
Dad called, and asked me to store some food in my freezer. I came over to their home, to find it empty of them.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, Choir, Christmas, food, friends, library, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, travel, work
Missed Choir Practice, Choir this week
I missed choir practice & choir this past week, due to a lingering sore throat.
Friday I joined Jennifer & Mike, Regina & John at drumming.
I handed in the last of my wreath fundraising for choir today.
I missed singing for the Feast of Christ the King, but enjoyed the music from the congregation. I did sing the Lotti Agnus Dei (alto part).
Bishop William Winter was the main celebrant, with many other priests concelebrating. (Bishop Zubik is in Rome for Cardinal Wuerl's ordination.)
This morning I wrote letters of support for two former students and completed their PharmCAS reference letters this afternoon.
I will join up with John, Regina, and her parents to celebrate his birthday for dinner.
Labels: Choir, dining, friends, health, music, singing, Spain, St. Paul Cathedral
Visiting Betty, Jess's Housewarming
Yesterday I met up with Regina and Jennifer H to drive us to Betty's. She was in good spirits and looked great for someone who is in her situation.
We headed to Jess's housewarming open house. Awesome party! Tasty homemade food.
Labels: Choir, dine, friends
Sharing Writing
Today I shared some of my recent writings with two of my friends.
Took a nap in the afternoon.
Labels: friends, sleep, writing
Wellesley Day to Make a Difference, Frick Estate
Yesterday I volunteered with the Pittsburgh Wellesley Club at GlobaLinks for our annual Day to Make a Difference. It was good to see Kelly U. and the rest of the gang. I sorted with Beth, we had a great system. Maureen met up with me there. We all did sorting, inventory, and packing of orthopedic (post-op) supplies.
Maureen and I then drove (separately) to the Frick Estate, where we met up with Marissa, Beatrice, Solomon; and with Les and Cherie for RADday (Regional Asset District Day). We enjoyed a picnic lunch, a walk in the garden, and then Maureen and I took a tour of the first floor of the house. We joined Les on the rocking chairs on the porch of the children's playhouse---currently the gift shop---whilst we chomped on our popcorn.
I came home for some grading and a nap before heading to the crepes party last night.
Labels: dine, family-Marissa, friends, museum, Pittsburgh, volunteering, Wellesley
Friday's Art Crawl
Friday afternoon Charles and I met up with Susan downtown for my first experience at Art Crawl. We noted the skywriting, as well as the photos of skywriting in the gallery that had much silkscreened art. We tried the apple-almond paste tarts at the culinary school down the street, and experienced the gallery installation by the Carnegie Mellon University students.
Then, we headed to Wax on Ellsworth Avenue to Susan's friend's jewelry opening. She makes sturdy, artistic, whimsical whistle pendants. We all enjoyed chatting for a while, and then departed for our respective homes.
Labels: art, Carnegie, dining, friends, jewelry, school
Truth on Tap, October 2010; Lunch with Beata & Solomon
Karina (exhausted) invited me to Truth on Tap, then took a long nap (she didn't wake up, my tired friend).
We talked about Conscience with Frs. Steven and Joshua. I brought up the "Jiminy Cricket" conscience model. "And always let your conscience be your guide."
~~~
Today after singing at noon Mass with the choir, I went to have lunch, cookies and milk, popcorn, and fun with Beata, Solomon, and Marissa. A Sunday afternoon nap ensued. Nana and Papa will arrive late tonight. Maureen and I met for a snack ~16.30 at Whole Foods.
Labels: Beatrice, Faith, family-Marissa, friends, niece and nephew, sleep, snacks
Bible Study, September 2010
I went to the Newman Center last night for Bible Study. Fr. Steve led the discussion, as Fr. Josh was resting up from a cold. We discussed Num 1:1-13; and Dt 3:23-29; then we related it all to a writing by Cardinal Newman. I contributed a point about the Numbers passage that "Moses had done bigger things with water [earlier]," which brought a chuckle to the group. It was good to see my friends there, and we discussed after the bible study the Underground and dancing, as well.
Labels: Bible, dancing, Faith, friends, music
Dr. Zoot, September 2010
Christina and I were the only ones from our group enjoying the band called Dr. Zoot tonight. Karina, Maureen, Regina, and Stacy all could not make it. I danced with Francois a couple of times and with Zack. I also bought a slice of pepperoni pizza to enjoy during the line dancing. I saw Frankie and Lisa, as well.
Christina and I left at the same time.
Labels: dancing, dining, friends, music, Pittsburgh
Pamela's Diner, Adam's Organ Concert, and Annual Building Picnic
Maureen and I went early to a branch of Pamela’s Diner for breakfast. I had the Lincoln Special—two eggs, meat, Lyonnaise potatoes, and two hotcakes. MMM good! We discussed a book I have been assigned to read by one of my friends, which explains why he doesn’t want to take photographs any more. (It’s a novel / roman). I am about half way through the novel, and it is slow going, as it is stream of consciousness, with no paragraph breaks.
I prepared for class tomorrow and I attended Adam J. Brakel’s organ concert, the close of the summer concert series at Saint Paul Cathedral.
He opened with an impressive piece by Max Reger, Fanasia and Fuge in d minor, opus 135b (double fugue), followed by
Komm, Heileger Geist, Herre Gott (Franz Tunder)
Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend (J.S. Bach) from Leipzig chorales
St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves (Franz Lizst) translated to organ by Lionel Rogg
Scherzo from Symphony VI (Louis Vierne)
Hamburger Totentanz (Guy Bovet)
Adam chose, as usual, pieces that showcased his virtuosity, especially the Lizst and Vierne pieces, with rushing cascading notes from the stiff-keyed von Beckerath instrument. I had a chance to chat with various others from the congregation space after the concert, including with Adam.
The annual building picnic was great fun, I sat with Margery and Cheryl from my floor, Nancy from the floor above, and Roger, Richard, and his wife as well. The food was delicious, as usual.
I am tired, and will retire early this evening in preparation to teach tomorrow.
Labels: dining, friends, music, neighbors, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Susan's Flamenco and the Shadyside Arts Festival
Charles, Robin, Charles' parents and their friends Susan and Peter, and I watched Susan's Uptown Festival performance of Flamenco. Carolina and BJ, their students, and the guitarists were nothing short of wonderful. There was a visiting guitarist from Buffalo, NY. Lunch was fun to eat, delicious, and filling.
Afterwards I went home, had lunch, then joined Karina and Maureen for an evening jaunt to the Shadyside Arts Fest. We had great fun.
Labels: art, dance, friends, international culture, music, Wellesley
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
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
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
Up Early on a Sunday in June 2010
I'm up early on this Sunday in June. I'll go back to sleep to get more rest. Had a long day yesterday. A continuation of my day yesterday is below.
After an abbreviated lunch yesterday, I helped Mom and Dad with vacation plans, took a two-hour nap, and chatted by phone with Luce and Nancy. It was girls' night out last night with Christina, Karina, and Nancy at an Italian chain in the strip district. We dined and chatted for about three hours. Great fun.
I returned home (thanks to Christina) and had a nice chat with Pratima.
Labels: dining, friends, phone, sleep, travel
Early Morning I, June 2010; Yoga June 2010
I awoke ~ an hour ago, early for me on a Saturday morning. Am organizing the papers I photocopied yesterday night.
I'm planning on going out with the girls tonight for dinner. It will be fun, but we'll miss Maureen, who is visiting family.
~~~
13.00
Karina and I went to yoga in Squirrel Hill, after she repaired a necklace's jump ring connection for me. We had yoga class for a little less than two hours, explored Squirrel Hill a bit, then are both at our respective homes to cool off from the muggy, hot morning.
Labels: dining, exercise, friends, jewelry, organizing, seasons, sleep, travel, weather
