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
"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
Flu Shot Week
I received my flu shot this Monday, received a request for a letter of recommendation for pharmacy school from a former student on Tuesday, and today I went with Marissa and the children to the Hallowe'en party at the library. We played card games afterwards with Marissa's parents, and then I went to a work meeting.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, family-Marissa, games, health, library, meeting, recommendation, seasons, work
Labor Day Weekend and Week
It was fun to go to a potluck cookout for Sunday before Labor Day. There was "really good Corn," too.
Labor Day I renewed my library books due the following day (Tuesday, today).
Today I met with a student, M, to make-up the first lab. I then walked to get a Blue Bunny ice cream cone and to meet with my friend and discuss various things, including some recent writing I have been doing. Also had an appointment. I helped Mom with the laundry, and then we had dinner, which Dad joined us for after his Bible study. We also watched America's Got Talent, as well.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, dine, Faith, laundry, library, TV, work
North Side Fun
Monday (yesterday) I went with Marissa and Beata and Solomon to the North Side to the new Allegheny Library. Apparently, the one I used to frequent while working at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum was the original, first Carnegie library in the United States. The new one was quite modern, and the children and I had great fun playing in the children's room while Marissa selected reading-level-appropriate books for them.
We played with a heavy wooden (air) guitar---I made chord sounds out of it---and also pretended that it was a cello, as well, humming the Albinoni adagio in G.
The children played while we did a round-robin to check out the books.
We then went to Wendy's to pick up food, which we brought to eat in the cafe at the Carnegie Science Center. Beatrice certainly did not want to go to the second floor, nor to the Robot Man, the thought of which absolutely delighted Solomon. In fact, while Marissa and Beata waited in line patiently for the Stars above Pittsburgh planetarium show to start, Solomon and I visited various robots in Robo World. Beata and I stayed for the end of the show, and got star charts, as well. Marissa and Solomon departed soon before the show ended.
We took a short walk to the ducks and stairs just upriver from the submarine docked at the north shore of the head of the Ohio River. The sky quickly changed its mind to an angry gray and we piled into the car just in time to drive into the driving rain.
Labels: Carnegie, library, museum, music, read, stars
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
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
Up at 2 II
I've been up for half an hour, since 2.00...I've been playing with my messages, renewing library books, checking email, etc. I will look at the manual for my new phone...need to figure out messaging.
~~~
7.00
I did a load of laundry, showered, figured out some of my cell phone questions, called my carrier to get more clued-in about messaging. Got more organized.
Labels: email, library, organizing, sleep
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
Early Saturday, June 2010
I'm up early today, having had breakfast and journaled my food intake, exercise, and mass/weight.
I need to get reading more of the books I have borrowed from the library, as well as a book for a class I'll be teaching this fall.
Labels: Carnegie, dine, library, read, sleep, teaching, walking
Last Choir Sunday of the Season, Feast of Corpus Christi 2010
This Sunday was the Feast of Corpus Christi, our last Sunday as a full choir. Fr. Bill celebrated the Mass, and his homily was quite thought-provoking, addressing fringe elements of society who believe in the Eucharist.
Mom, Dad, and I went for Chinese/country buffet where we took Kirsten a couple of years ago. There was a dramatic sky, due to a tornado watch, and Mom took various pictures of the sky and buildings as we approached home. We were temporarily rerouted due to the Summer Reading Fest at the public library.
~~~
Monday I went to physical therapy (no ankle sleeve!) and Cara stepped me up to more resistance and more exercises (including the arm bicycle and balancing on foam. I walked from home to pick up some medicines for a basic medicine cabinet, and then to the library for computer work, and to the public library for a reserved book "waiting for me."
I had dinner, and Maureen and I went for a walk (after 20.00), running into Stacy and Vladimir on the way across the street. We looked at my borrowed library book (which is missing a fold-out city map) at the park benches near the library. I slept early, after a day of ~1.75-2.00 miles.
Labels: celebration, dining, exercise, health, library, Mass, photography, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, walking
Awoke an hour earlier....
..This morning I awoke another hour earlier--4.30. I am taking care of correspondence (some by email), and photos for my blog.
I'm pleased that the university library has chosen to order the encyclopedia I was involved in.
~~~
9.25
I soon went back to sleep at 5, 5.30 and slept for another four hours. This waking up early is difficult! I wonder why I have disrupted sleep?
Labels: blogs, email, encyclopedia, library, photos, school, sleep
Computer project at the Library
After I visited the doctor's office (where I noted the doctor's spouse and nice artwork in the waiting room), I stopped by Maureen's place, where we had pizza and lemonade and chocolate. She was expecting a phone call, and when my parking meter ran out, I departed.
I purchased an ankle wrap at the drug store.
Maureen called when I got home and we went to the campus library to take care of a project on vacation sites at the computer lab.
I called Karina, and promised to call her when we exited the library. We picked her up, headed to Giant Eagle (just as the skies opened up), and got drinks there. We saw Vicki E. and Grace M. there. We then headed to Waterworks Mall for book-browsing and dinner.
Labels: art, dine, health, library, phone, school, shopping, travel
Those Nagging Pains...
After meeting with a student, I spoke to the Assistant for the Frosh Studies class yesterday afternoon. I collected more teaching materials when I headed back to the computer lab, then picked up some books at the Carnegie Library.
I went home to rest, and to rest my sad little ankle. Then Maureen and I went to the pan-Asian restaurant and then to the library to look up airfares for her. I took some photos on the way home.
~~~
My "pore li'l ankle" and my shoulder have been bothering me for a while---time to get seen. I will go to Marissa's doctor, as my physician is relocating this week.
Labels: Carnegie, dining, friends, health, library, meeting, pain, student
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
Last Week of Class, Spring 2010
Seeing as I teach a laboratory class, this week has been the last week of class for my students.
This week was William's birthday, and we went to Thai Cuisine with his family and Mom and Dad for dinner. Thursday morning Marissa and the children and I walked to the public library. We saw the art work made by some of the children in the corridor on the way to the children's room.
We had fun reading books, and Beata demonstrated how she has been doing self-checkout. Friday I met up with William, Marissa, and the children by the art tent, and watched buggy races. They each made a miniature wooden buggy. I also lectored at Friday's morning Mass, with Fr. Kim celebrating, John serving, and Don providing the music ministry from the loft. <40>
It was set-up time for doing the practical Friday, C's last time! We will miss her---I will miss her. I brought home Plant 1--Coleus, but not before taking care of some administrative tasks.
Friday night Maureen and I spotted tickets from my neighbors, J & T, for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. We had a Scottish snack on the way there, and visiting conductor Juraj Valcuha conducted the PSO in Zemlinsky's Die Seejungfrau, the Mermaid. Intermission was spent enjoying Andes candies, and Yefim Bronfman joined the orchestra on piano for Beethoven's Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37. He was absolutely brilliant, noticeable in those solo passages. A standing ovation ensued, and he played an encore solo piece.
Maureen and I had a lovely evening, and we plan on another adventure this morning after my laundry is through.
Labels: art, Birthday, Carnegie, dining, lector, library, PSO, school, sports, work
SIS Distinguished Alumnus Award
Yesterday I lectored at Mass in the morning. Ken provided music ministry at the portative organ, John was the altar server, and Fr. Kim had switched with Fr. Bill for the morning Mass. The first reading was from the Acts of the Apostles, and the Gospel reading spoke about dropping the nets in a fortuitous place for catching fish. Fr. Kim spoke about Youth Ministry before Mass, and Ken spoke about the church on Polish Hill and photographs on the web. <48>
I dropped off my packets of graded papers from this week for my students to pick up just after noon.
Mom, Dad, and I had lunch (pancit! beef peanut soup! and strawberries and pears!), and then I took a nap.
I graded quizzes from about 14.00 to 17.30, half-finishing my task.
I went home to change for the School of Information Sciences Distinguished Alumni & Professional Achievement Awards Ceremony at the Athletic Association. My former professor, Ange Pollis, was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2010. Ken S was awarded the 2010 Professional Achievement Award. His family was present, as was Ange's, and I asked him if he were related to my classmate A, who started Protest Easy Guns (he's not). Ange and her sister Helen were and looked lovely, and we chatted easily at times throughout the evening.
I caught up with SLA friends Denise, Kim G, and I met SIS Alumni president Joe I. Carolyn B was there, and we chatted about her daughter growing up.
A lovely evening.
Labels: biology, celebration, dine, lector, library, list, love, Mass, photos, read, school, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, student, teaching, work
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
Snowbound 7 Thursday
This is the first day the University of Pittsburgh will resume normal operations.
I went to morning Mass this morning. Fr. Utz celebrated the Mass, Fred lectored, John served at the altar, and Don provided music ministry. Approximately ~24 people received the Eucharist in the congregation. I talked to Don after Mass about choir practic, travel, travelling the roads, and preparedness for snow storms.
I plan to stop by campus today.
~~~
19.15
After breakfast, I promptly went home and took a long nap. Auntie Benita woke me up with a phone call. We chatted for a bit, mostly about being snowbound.
I went to M + D's to make some photocopies before heading to campus with Maureen to drop off my students' papers and to notify them of that fact.
We dropped off my DVDs at the Carnegie public library, and then we looked for travel books and DVDs. I saw and said hello to Kathy, head of the music library, and chatted for a bit with her and HK, one of my students who was glad that we were off from class this week.
Maureen and I peeled off our boots/clogs to warm up (with the help of some tea), and then I asked her to take some of my magazines. We headed out, she to her home and me to meet Charles for dinner.
Charles and I enjoyed dinner and I a coconut smoothie at the pan-Asian restaurant. I gave him a keep-the-house-warm housewarming gift, and we chatted for a while.
I stopped by Mom and Dad's place, and am checking my email and catching up on my blog.
Labels: blogs, Carnegie, cold, dining, email, library, Mass, music, school, seasons, traction, transportation, travel, weather, work
Snowbound 4B, Monday
So Maureen and I met up at the morning Mass this morning. Fr. Daniele celebrated, John was the altar server, and J.R. provided the music ministry, sans microphone from the choir loft. The homily examined the Gospel reading, how deep faith is necessary for true healing to occur. Approximately ~19 parishhioners in the congregation received the Eucharist.
We called Karina, who is busy studying, for breakfast, and ended up stopping near the Cathedral for Maureen's latte and continuing into the heart of Oakland for breakfasts of cinnamon crunch bagel and puff bacon and spinach souffle for breakfast. We did a little shopping, then took photos all the way home. Maureen found out soon after lunchtime that Pittsburgh Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, as well.
I went home to do some administrative work for my class, then took a brief nap around three o'clock right before all three of us decided to head to the public library for an outing. We found ourselves in the video section, and I borrowed two nonfiction videos, and Karina insisted that I watch one particular entertaining video. I said hello to Scott and Richard K, and Don W. in the "Reference" area, Tim in the Music Department, and Lisa R. in the administrative offices.
We headed up Craig Street for pizza slices and casserole serving, and then continued up the street for some more shopping, including at the new Indian grocery mart. WE ran into Jen and her daughter K. walking down Karina's street. They were on their way home. We shared tea and sympathy chez Karina, and then Maureen and I continued home.
I received a call shortly before 18.00 from the University indicating it would be closed an additional day, and that essential personnel need to report (I guess I'm non-essential).
The message on the pitt.edu websites state:
News 2/8/10
Given the increasing likelihood of more severe weather tomorrow and in light of a request from the city's public safety director, the University of Pittsburgh will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9.
Because of our continuing need to maintain critical services, essential personnel are again asked to report for work.
We urge all members of the University to exercise caution and to make safety their top priority.
~~~~~
23.10
Just finished watching the movie Karina recommended for me, He's just not that into you. An all-star cast. Right now, I'm very tired and I'm not certain that I "got" the lesson I was supposed to learn from this movie, except that the rule is that the guy is supposed to go after you if he really likes you. [That's it, isn't it, Karina?]
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, cold, dining, Faith, library, Mass, school, seasons, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
