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.
posted by Grace @ 8/16/2010 03:14:00 PM
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I awoke at 2, went back to sleep, arose at 5 (to the strains of the alarm), and was up until ~9. Took a nap after breakfast and photocopied the rebates for the phones, preparing them for mailing.
Mom and I met up with Dad for noon Mass. We all scurried off afterwards so that they could make it to their Bobby Vinton concert bus pick-up location.
Karina and I went to a craft store to get supplies for our projects. We got waylaid at Rita's Ice for mango ice and mango "gelato." We each made a project in the car. I made one with her help, utilizing a sentimental object from my childhood.
Labels: art, ice cream, jewelry, Mass, phone, sleep
posted by Grace @ 7/04/2010 04:18:00 PM
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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
posted by Grace @ 7/01/2010 08:28:00 AM
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Mom, Dad, and I met up with William's family at a pub on the South Side for brunch. Beata was overstimulated by the shouts and chanting during the World Cup game televised on several TV sets in the pub. I had the lamb shepherd's pie, which was rich and delicious.
We went for ice cream afterwards. When we returned home I helped Mom and Dad with cruise plans. I took a 2+hour-long nap, then did some computer work. Mom, Dad, and I attended the 21.00 Mass at the Oratory, then had dinner of crab claws and shepherd's pie. Dessert included fresh fruit. Yum.
Labels: dining, ice cream, international culture, list, Mass, sleep, sports
posted by Grace @ 6/20/2010 10:34:00 PM
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After singing at noon Mass (which was celebrated by Fr. Tim Kesicki), Regina and I met up with our parents and chatted until the baptism proceeded. Dad, Mom, and I went for Mexican food in Fox Chapel.
Maureen and I went for a walkabout Oakland: first to the Pittsburgh Children's Festival, on to Phipps Garden, then to Carnegie Mellon University. We saw CMU Engineering grads having their photos taken on Hillman Library steps, passed the carousel and the tent, past a bunch of arts, crafts, and activity booths, including retired greyhounds. Then we went to the petting zoo---the pony looked exhausted!
On to Phipps Garden, where we perambulated, and we smelled the herb garden. Maureen admired the peonies. Her friend called whist she was admiring the peonies to discuss peonies with her! We walked past the Cut, then stopped at Wawa's office door. We visited the Randy Pausch bridge and admired the lighting. We walked the ramp at the Gates Center, sat outside Newell-Simon Hall, and went to Lulu's for Maureen's smoothie.
Time to think about dinner plans.
Labels: celebration, children, Choir, dining, flowers, garden, ice cream, Mass, Pittsburgh, school, walking
posted by Grace @ 5/16/2010 05:11:00 PM
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William, Dad, and I drove to "thirty one-derful flavors" for their 31 cent scoops. Dad, Mom, and I got Jamoca Almond Fudge, and William got German chocolate cake, and cherries Jubilee for Beatrice and Solomon. Donations will be made today to the Fire Fighters fund.
After, I headed home for dinner, to say hi to Mom and Dee Dee P., and to answer emails after the grades were officially posted to the central computer on campus at 17.00 h.
~~~
Went grocery shopping with Maureen at ~21.00.
Labels: biology, dine, email, friends, ice cream, school, shopping, work
posted by Grace @ 4/28/2010 07:59:00 PM
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I graded 1/6 more of the papers to be graded this morning. Met up with Maureen, Christina, Nancy, and Regina for lunch at the Gandy Dancer. We also enjoyed chatting, as well as two chocolate truffle cakes topped with ice cream for dessert. A walkabout Station Square ensued, then Christina gave me a ride to Monroeville and Chuckee Cheese for Solomon's birthday celebration. Christina retrieved a pizza for her family's dinner, and departed.
Solomon and Beata arrived with their parents. Beata sat outside on the bench quietly with her dad and read a book whilst Solomon and Marissa and I played games. Both sets of grandparents showed up, then we left for Cici's pizza, pasta, and salad buffet. We tag-teamed driving to the Monroeville Mall and to the Miracle Mile shopping plaza for Mom to make returns. I stopped at the library on campus to print out documents for next week. I also graded ~ 1/6 more papers that still need grading. I only have about 1/6 of the papers left to grade, then must score them and record grades.
I'll call back Luce tonight, as she called me earlier, during Solomon's party.
Labels: biology, Birthday, celebration, dining, friends, ice cream, list, patient, phone, prayer, shopping, teaching, work
posted by Grace @ 4/10/2010 09:15:00 PM
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Easter Week 2010--I had my Monday and Thursday classes rate their classes (via the Office of Measurement and Evaluation) this week. One of my current students, K, was the evaluator from OMET today ("You can say what you REALLY think of this class. I won't see the evaluations until after your grades are posted.") As usual, I dressed for photosynthesis week.
I had two students request recommendations from me: One, a current student, K, for pharmacy school, and the second, a former student, Y, for rehabilitation sciences school. Just today C, a former student, told me that she had switched from pre-pharmacy to nutrition and dietetics, and hopes to go to graduate school in genetic counseling.
My birthday was fun!! Tuesday was my Pilipina celebration for lunch at Taco Bell with Mom, Dad, Auntie Chi, Marissa, and the two children. We then went around the Waterworks Mall. We ran into Les and Chere there. Tuesday night William and his family took me out for dinner at Sun Penang, a Malaysian restaurant in Squirrel Hill. We enjoyed an eggplant dish (spicy), a tofu dish, chicken coconut milk fried rice, shrimp dim sum, and Asian sponge cake for dessert (as per Beatrice's request). We also went to Cold Stone Creamery for Solomon and my birthday ice cream. I had dark chocolate ice cream with brownie mix-ins (a la Steve's, now defunct in Harvard Square).
Wednesday when I arrived about 15.30 at Mom and Dad's we had a homemade carrot cake with whipped cream icing. Mom, Dad, Auntie Chi sang to me, and I blew out the candles. We enjoyed the cake, and then drove Auntie Chi to the airport. I took an hour nap, then it was time for parish pastoral council. We had pizza, cake, and drinks. We broke into break-out groups and Roseanne and I worked on the web page together with Fr. Kim. Quite productive. Roseanne and I prioritized the work.
Labels: biology, Birthday, chocolate, family, family-Marissa, ice cream, niece and nephew, pastoral council, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, transportation, work
posted by Grace @ 4/08/2010 05:25:00 PM
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While teaching yesterday, my supervisor C and another visitor toured the lab space.
Yesterday afternoon after work I took a nice nap, then had dinner and headed to the Newman Institute for the third in a lecture/discussion series on Newman's Apologia. A very interesting talk and facilitated discussion by Damon, a local Newman scholar.
Today after work I had spaghetti for lunch, and took an hour-long nap, picked up my mail, and generally had a slow afternoon. I started to organize my clothes more, and got a phone call from William about getting ice cream, the Miss Teen USA questions for contestants, and questions about qualifications for foreign policy for a former US VP candidate (Wow!)
I need to clean house a little bit every day...I'll get back to that shortly.
~~~~
21.50
I emptied my dishwasher, loaded my dirty dishes in it, weeded and organized my closet a bit, and went to Bible/Sunday Gospel study with Father Bill tonight. I went to Maureen's home to help her by grading ~ fifteen student quizzes. It was fun to have Hot cocoa afterwards.
Labels: biology, chocolate, cleaning, dine, Faith, ice cream, organizing, politics, sleep, teaching, work
posted by Grace @ 3/23/2010 03:16:00 PM
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Two days ago was Marissa's birthday. We celebrated with her as a family tonight at a Burmese / Sushi restaurant. The chicken pancakes were ordered for the children, Mom ordered some seaweed salad for all of us. She also shared the fried Burmese style lo mein. Dad ordered the Malaysian style fried rice (salty). William had the delish shrimp curry (with the heads). I had the Nepalese roti, chicken, potato, and samosas. Marissa ordered the Thai basil leaf with meat. Many of us had delicious dishes, however, some dishes were rather salty.
The children enjoyed bananas and crackers, and Solomon's newfound verbal prowess was admired.
"Cracker," he intoned, pointing to the floor "oooor."
me: Where did the cracker fall, Solomon?
Solomon: "Ah Dah 'OOOr." [on the floor] "Uh-Oh."
William's family bundled up and departed for ice cream at Baskin-Robbins.
Labels: Birthday, dining, family, ice cream, niece and nephew, talent
posted by Grace @ 1/09/2010 08:20:00 PM
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For dinner tonight Nancy, Karina, Maureen, and I went for gyros in Oakland. It is Homecoming Weekend at the University of Pittsburgh, so despite the rainy weather, there were lots of students and alumni wandering about Oakland. We enjoyed our gyros, salads, and hummus dip, as well as a discussion by the proprietor about how he grows and selects hot peppers, spices, cucumbers, and other produce. He also shared his prayer rug with us. What a man of Faith! He was intrigued by Nancy's computer pen, and wants to get some for his children.
We went for ice cream sundaes, iced mocha frappe, and hot chocolate afterwards. What a lovely evening out with the girls!
Labels: computer, dine, Faith, friends, ice cream, Pittsburgh, writing
posted by Grace @ 10/24/2009 08:22:00 AM
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Today was the event by the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers. I arrived at 11am at Heinz Chapel to help out--the ushers were all at the student union building, which I found out when I went there.
The group was running late, so they went directly to Heinz Chapel. I worked the Will Call and directed people toward the correct locations.
~
The group was nothing short of masterful in their presentation and interpretation of sacred, secular, Philippine folk songs, and contemporary music. They have been designated as a UNESCO group, and have won various awards in Europe and around the globe.
~
I drove (courtesy of Bob H's directions) Enzo and Sherwin to their host's home. We all changed, and then went to Bob and Malou's place for dinner with Jacqueline and Chi Chi. Jacquie and Malou were to do laundry, and Bob let the boys into their host home. After exchanging contact information, hugs, and several photo ops, we departed for our respective places.
Labels: Choir, friends, ice cream, languages, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, school, singing
posted by Grace @ 9/27/2009 08:15:00 PM
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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
posted by Grace @ 9/25/2009 11:19:00 AM
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Today before physical therapy I picked up a wireless mouse. After physical therapy I found parking (!) and picked up my new eyeglasses from the optical shop. I checked my email, then met Fannie and Don for smoothies and tea at a pan-Asian restaurant.
This evening I'll go to Joan Lippincott's organ recital at St. Paul Cathedral.
Labels: computer, email, exercise, glass, ice cream, music, organ, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, water exercise
posted by Grace @ 8/27/2009 06:23:00 PM
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Yesterday Allan and I took Colleen to the Ontario Science Center after lunch that included sinigang and pad thai and chicken curry. We had fun on the way to KidsPark: seeing the green forest, looking and touching the minerals and rocks, riding the escalators, and coloring outside (and receiving free milk). It was a feat
to turn away from KidsPark...
to the artist's billiard ball contraption. We visited D level, then the mezzanine/Eagle's eye view and the Human Body on E level.
In the end, we returned to KidsPark and the artist's kinetic sculpture,
and visited the Space section before leaving about four hours after arriving.
Colleen had a grand time, and wants to return.
We had Greek food at Allan's home for dinner.
~ ~ ~
Today, the Lolos and Lolas drove Colleen and I to downtown Toronto, where we 
drove through Chinatown,
parked, and walked through the mall with Sears.
We then attended the anticipated Mass for Sunday at St. Michael's Cathedral. We sat right by the candles for St. Jude. 
We visited two Chinese bakeries for snacks before continuing on to dinner.
Dinner was with Allan, Sonia, Samantha, and Matthew; Christie and Petrie and Colleen, and the two Lolos, two Lolas, and me. We truly enjoyed the Korean barbeque-it-yourself at our tables. Colleen entertained us with songs and fingerplays; she in turn was entertained by Sam's I-pod.
Labels: adventure, Canada, cold, dine, dining, family, games, garden, geology, health, ice cream, international culture, Mass, museum, niece and nephew, photos, science, walking
posted by Grace @ 8/23/2009 12:05:00 AM
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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
posted by Grace @ 8/20/2009 04:37:00 AM
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Mom and I got haircuts yesterday afternoon. We went to run errands and to go food shopping, too.
When we returned, Maureen and I went to Jo Ann Fabrics to get her organizers for her students' classroom supplies. We went to an office supply store for binder clips, and went to Eat N Park for cool drinks (milkshake and water). We stopped at Ross Park Mall for window shopping, and headed home.
~ ~ ~
Today I took an easy morning...typed a bit, then relaxed in bed. Had lunch with Mom and Dad, then after a nap joined Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon for some story telling in Squirrel Hill. The volunteer's name was Jan, and she read library books with toys and puppets to help to tell the stories. She did a finger play about five fishies, too. They enjoyed the cinnamon graham crackers, and we all went to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream and sorbet afterwards.
Labels: dining, hair, ice cream, read, shopping, volunteering
posted by Grace @ 8/18/2009 06:12:00 AM
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Yesterday, went to first Friday Mass with Mom and Dad. Fr. Breier said the Mass, Matt H. lectored, and Ryan provided music ministry. For lunch mom and I went to the Japanese buffet. I had two servings of ice cream, both had red bean AND green tea flavors.
Then, we went shopping and to the post office. I got a USB key/jump drive/ flash drive at a Super Mart store.
Labels: dining, family, ice cream, shopping
posted by Grace @ 8/08/2009 08:24:00 AM
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Went to physical therapy this morning, and added exercises for my knees--using what I call the "clock" machine. Keelan also mentioned leg squats, wall squats, and straightening the knee for knee strengthening.
Went home and cleaned up @ Mom & Dad's, took a nap, then went with Rachel to Squirrel Hill for Monday sundaes. I had a mango sorbet with a strawberry. Then walked about, window shopping and stopped in the library.
We then went to Bible Study, where we read James 4:11-12 and discussed it. I mentioned that "God gives us a daily Sabbath, during which we can quietly use the intellects He gave us to make a 'To Do' list. And then we carry out the list, one by one, step-by-step, without worry or being anxious about anything."
Rachel and I went for gyros for dinner, with some hot peppers. They were tasty and delicious.
Labels: BAD, cleaning, dining, exercise, Faith, ice cream, list, organizing
posted by Grace @ 7/27/2009 10:05:00 PM
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Replaced a lost document this morning. Also got a CD holder and a pair of shoes. Then, I went to a book discussion group about Oliver Sacks's book Musicophilia (which I read when the first edition was released), led by Dorothy at the library. The group had a great dynamic, we sang "Happy Birthday" to Irene, who is two years shy of being a centenarian. After, seven of us met for snacks at Eat N Park...I had a grilled sticky bun a la mode.
~~~~~
This evening I went with Stacy and Gail to the Teenie Harris talk at Carnegie Music Hall. followed by cake and punch at the Carnegie Museum of Art gallery.
We heard a talk by Larry Glasco, history professor at the University of Pittsburgh, presents an illustrated lecture of Teenie Harris' life. We also saw photos and heard commentary by three photographers who participated in the "One Shot" project taken by young children, which was moving. I spotted the image of Mr. Ted, from my bookmobile days to Head Start, in one of the photos. Perhaps his nephew took a photo of him!
Got some baba ghanoosh on my way home.
Labels: Birthday, Carnegie, dining, ice cream, library, museum, music, niece and nephew, photography, photos, read, singing
posted by Grace @ 7/23/2009 09:13:00 PM
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Days in the life of me.
