"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Sunday--Celebrate Mom's Birthday with William's family
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
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
Dim Sum Funeral
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
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
Father's Day 2010
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
Emma
Watched Emma with a group at the Newman Center tonight.
Before the movie, Courtney (a British architectural historian) noted that
You come up with a plan, and God laughs at your plan.
To which Jen P added
If you want to laugh really hard, find out God's plan for you!
The movie Emma, with Gwyneth Paltrow, was great. We laughed, guffawed, and responded openly to the movie. We enjoyed a pizza (half plain, half "everything"), and enjoyed the character development and ironic moments. This is the first Jane Austen movie I've seen, and it was comforting to watch it with some die-hard Austen cinema buffs. The music was notably well-matched for the scenes, and my companions noted that the second dance's music and dance choreography (English couples dancing) was the same as for another Austen movie. The "Jane Austen tree"---a large oak, Quercus, I noted---was sighted in the movie. It was noted by Jen and others that Ms. Paltrow made the character of Emma likable, as the book portrayed her early on as somewhat snobby.
Labels: art, cinema, Faith, international culture, read
Othello
I went to see Othello with the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial. Absolutely Powerful, riveting, and produced and performed with a sense of the historical place of the play in theatrical history. Natalie had recommended that I see it, and I noted that she was the dialect coach for this production.
Andrew S. Paul's director's notes make a point: It turns out that there has been a spate of productions of this piece since the election of Pres. Obama. One production even set the play in the present, and "switched" the casting of Othello and Desdemonda's father (the Duke of Venice)---with her father portrayed by an actor who is a look-alike for Mr. Obama.
The play was viewed by about 43 others and myself during a Tuesday morning production for school groups. The group today was from, I believe, Mt. Lebanon.
Javon Johnson portrayed Othello, with Desdemona portrayed by Allison McLemore. The complex character of Emilia was portrayed by Shelley Delaney.
Iago was portrayed exceedingly well by Michael Hanrahan, presenting a valid reason for folks "not to lie, not to tell untruths."
~~~
14.40 Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Folk Dancing, May 2010
I went folk dancing yesterday evening in my neighborhood. We danced a number of Hungarian dances, Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, Zemer Atik (Israeli), Black Nag (English Country dance), and other dances. It was great fun. We also enjoyed Ellen's blowing out her birthday cake!
I hurried home to watch the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" with Mom. Nicole and Derek won over Evan and Anna. It was fun to watch contestants from the whole season perform, as well.
Labels: biology, Birthday, dance, dancing, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, theater, work
End of the Week
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
Rainy, Rainy beginning of the week
Monday and Tuesday have been rainy, rainy days. Cool, too (~50-60 Fahrenheit). Monday I ran some errands downtown. I walked from Heinz Hall to near the Kaufmann's Clock to catch a 71A bus home. Tuesday I picked up Mom and Dad from Mom's doctor's appointment. We drove to the hairdressers, where she received a stylish cut. We made an appointment for about six weeks from now. I also went grocery shopping, and ran into Kathy L from the Carnegie. We chatted for a bit.
Then, dinner last night and meet up with Susan at folk dancing to hear the Balkan group play music whilst the folk dancing continued. I danced intermittently from 19.30-22.00.
This morning, I went to the Newman Center to attend study of this Sunday (Pentecost)'s readings. The event is "on vacation" until early June. Karina arrives from the airport, I'll pick her up from the bus stop this afternoon!
~~~
20 May 2010
9.35
So, it was a beautiful afternoon yesterday when I met up with Karina at the bus stop. We loaded her bags into the car, and ensured her safe arrival at home.
Mom and I dined in the Strip District (sans Dad, who had a tummy flu) for dinner, and then I dropped Mom (and our leftovers) off, to pick up Karina for a Young Adult Church event in Shadyside. (We were half an hour late).
We retrieved her car, then walked on Walnut Street in the shopping district, then called Maureen to join us around the time her dance class lets out. She joined us for a stroll, then all three of us ladies went grocery shopping in Shadyside (Late!).
Labels: Bible, Carnegie, dance, dancing, dining, Faith, friends, hair, international culture, library, music, seasons, shopping, transportation, travel, weather
Pratima Visits, Spring 2010
Met Pratima and Ellen at Ellen's workplace this afternoon. We walked to get Middle Eastern cuisine for dinner. We dined on Mohomara, Baba Ghanooj, and Mujaddara for dinner. We walked to Pratima's vehicle, then went folk dancing afterwards.
It's always great fun spending time with Ellen and Pratima!
Labels: dancing, dining, friends, international culture, work
Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada
On Saturday the 8th, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada performed Indayog: Rhythm and Sound at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shadyside Academy. In the hallway and foyer there was an art show, and I had a chance to view the original of one of the reproductions at the upper level (from the Abola's private collection).
The program, after opening remarks, consisted of:
I Cordillera, ethnic dances of the Bibak Highlanders
II Maria Clara
III Morolandia, from the Muslim south
~~~Intermission~~~
IV Regional Variation
V Pista sa Nayon, a town fiesta
Finale--Tribute to Michael Jackson
The two suites after the intermission had music provided by the rondalla group. The Pista sa Nayon featured a 12-bamboo-pole dance, the Tinikling. Likewise, the the Morolandia suite featured a TWO-princess, TWO-handmaiden Sinkil dance, along with the sword- and shield-wielding prince.
Considering that the talent was composed largely of amateurs and children, it was a stunning show of Pilipino culture and Pilipino-Canadian talent.
Labels: Canada, celebration, dance, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, singing, talent
Organizing Work Files, Flamenco, and Fiesta Filipina
This morning I awoke late, ran an errand for PAMS, organized my work files, and will have lunch with Mom and Dad, and go to the grocery store. Mid-afternoon Susan will pick me up for some flamenco fun, then this evening I will join Mom and Dad for Fiesta Filipina, a Canadian-based group which presents cultural music, singing, and dance as a benefit concert for the Philippine Nationality Room project.
Labels: cleaning, dance, dancing, dine, international culture, music, organizing, Pilipino culture, PNR, shopping, singing, sleep
Laundry (again)!
I've been up since 5.00, doing laundry. Made a lot of communiques, first to my friend S, then to various offices with which I need to make arrangements. I had lunch with Mom and Dad, and got more communications completed.
~~~
Maureen and I went to Taco Bell for dinner, I bought some bedding items, as well. We wandered around the bookstore, window-shopping. We chatted about our plans for summer, etc. We had a nice evening out.
Labels: dining, family, international culture, laundry, shopping
Latin American Night 2010
Mom and I recycled (tried to) some clothes today. We ended up at East End Food Coop, Giant Eagle Market District, and Shur Fine for grocery shopping this afternoon.
After watching some of Dancing with the Stars with Mom after dinner tonight, Karina and I walked to the student union at the University of Pittsburgh for the Latin American Celebration. We saw a number of our friends there: Lilly, Enrique and Gabriela, Carlos P (from Timbeleza, a percussion band), and Philip and Tim (from Global Pittsburgh). We heard about the mom of one of the students, a great local leader in the Latin American community (Salome), who recently passed away. We dined on a plate of Peruvian food and Argentinian ricotta pie. There was salsa, tango, merengue, and other Latin dancing throughout the evening.
We enjoyed the walk home in the brisk night air.
Labels: dancing, dine, dining, friends, international culture, recycle, school, shopping, TV, walking
Spring Forward (Ahead of Time)
I awoke about an hour ago to work on personal paperwork on the computer.
Yesterday after lunch dropped the car off for inspection, repairs, etc. New brakes, brake sensors, windshield washer pump, and lightbulbs for the dashboard were done. Then I picked up the car at about 16.00, picking up William from work for a late lunch/early dinner. We drove to the fish fry uptown next to the Civic Arena (soon to be gone for a newer arena). We enjoyed a fish dinner and mac & cheese, and he brought an order of pierogies for Marissa and the children.
I dropped him off at home, proceeded to TJ's for groceries, then went home to change before heading off to the symphony with Maureen and Karina (meeting Nancy there). We were all in good spirits, and the program was
Classic Tales
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
Benjamin Hochman, piano
The PSO played
G. Rossini La Cenerentola, Overture
W. A. Mozart Concerto No. 19 in F Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 459
(with Mr. Hochman)
~Intermission~
P.I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29 "Polish"
Mr. Noseda literally danced when conducting: Predominantly lyrical dancing, with some "popping"-type moves occasionally. He was a joy to watch.
Mr. Hochman was light and delightful with the Mozart piece. A standing ovation ensued, and he played a solo encore. Andres Cardenes joined the PSO for the last piece, Tchaikovsky's only symphony written in a major key.
We all retired to the Greek restaurant across from the Renaissance Hotel and Byham. Nancy and I each enjoyed a plate of Greek food and salad, my main dish being the phyllo-enrobed lamb, exohito. Maureen and Karina both enjoyed desserts.
~~~
About the heading on this post:
Yesterday I set my clocks in my bedroom ahead, so that I can practice "Spring Forward" daylight savings time a day ahead. Thus, "springing forwards ahead." That does not, of course, preclude the fact that I'm slightly tired right now....
Labels: automobile, dining, fish fry, international culture, music, organizing, Pittsburgh, PSO, repair, shopping
Pharmacy School Admits
I am pleased to announce that two of my former students notified me (this weekend and yesterday) of their admissions to the pharmacy program here at the University of Pittsburgh. Both of them had me write letters of support for them. One of them will hopefully celebrate with me and my friend (whom she shadowed) and the other is studying abroad.
I'm so happy when my students go on and do well. The bulk of the recommendations I am asked to write (not for summer programs or volunteer work---for post-bacc programs) is for the pharmacy school, for PharmD programs, and invariably, virtually all of those students become admits. (I think most of them self-select for their program.) I've also had another former student admitted to chemistry graduate school.
I'm so proud of them!
Labels: biology, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, student, work
the "Elympics"
Mom, Dad, and I watched the Winter Olympics from Vancouver after choir practice tonight. We watched the men's Nordic skiing long-distance wins by two Americans and an Austrian. We watched the women's free skate program, in which the favored Kim Yu-Na dazzled the audience and was taken by her own scores. She was joined by Mao Asada from Japan, and Joannie Rochette of Canada on either side of her on the podium. More women's figure skating results are linked here.
Mom, Dad, and I were dazzled by the Olympics tonight, or thee Elympics, as Joyce's kids used to call them. A nice way to unofficially end the bulk of my work week.
Labels: games, international culture, sports
Videos from the Library
I borrowed some DVDs from the public library near the end of this week. The first I attempted to watch after dinner, entitled The Children of Theatre Street, is the story of the Kirov Ballet School. I got to the fourth track of the DVD when it froze.
So, I attempted to watch another DVD--Rhythm of the Dance, with the National Dance Company of Ireland (2001, kultur.com). This one skipped only occasionally, but the editing of the piece was choppy. It seems that the choreography should take first billing for the visuals, with the music taking first billing for sound. The sound was fine, but the edits away from the dancers or their feet was not timed/done well.
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, dance, dancing, international culture, library
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2010
After choir practice and singing in the choir at the noon Mass, I stopped by for the talk sponsored by the Race and Reconciliation Dialogue Group: "News from Haiti," by Richard Gosser, Executive Director of Partners in Progress. An informative talk, with "before" and "after" slides of schools, orphanages, and convents---before the quake and after the quake.
I received a message from Maureen with an invitation to go for a field trip and walk about while we shop. We went to Monroeville Mall, and then went to Whole Foods for a snack. We ran into her niece, Lauren, who will be taking her certification exam tomorrow afternoon. She gave me helpful hints about my achy-upon-intense walking left hip.
I returned home to prep for tomorrow's class and quiz administration.
I'll go to bed early tonight.
Labels: BAD, biology, exercise, Faith, friends, geology, international culture, school, sleep, walking, work
