First Day of Fall Semester 2010
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
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
Miss Saigon CLO 2010
Alva and I departed for the Benedum Theatre this evening to see Miss Saigon. Wonderfully produced and acted, the cast and crew (including the sound engineers) produced a balanced show.
We discussed the show all the way home, and enjoyed the way home.
Mom and Dad indicated that they had seen the production with Lea Salonga. They also indicated that the second hour of tonight's America's Got Talent was produced in New York City.
~~~
I had gotten up early this morning, at about 4.00, and couldn't get back to sleep, so I did laundry at about 7.30. How exciting.
Labels: laundry, music, neighbors, sleep, theater
Art Show 2010
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
Practical Week, Spring 2010
Each day this week, after administering practicals, I have:
Monday--Took a nap, then went grocery shopping with Mom, graded...
Tuesday--Took a nap, then went for a walk with Maureen, graded...
Wednesday (today)--helped Heather with the lab, then graded, then went to the annual building meeting
Tomorrow--I have my last practical exam to give, and then it's grading home free, a grading "spree"!
Labels: biology, family, friends, neighbors, shopping, sleep, walking, work
Snowbound 4, Monday email Letter
Here's part of a letter I sent overseas:
...[T]he snowstorm has created a state of emergency in Pgh.
They have cancelled ...my class... for the WEEK. We received 1.5 feet = 0.5 m of snow total, and some melted, and it is currently 4 degrees F out. Needless to say, I am wearing my YakTrax on my Doc Martens. Bishop Zubik gave a dispensation from Mass this past weekend. Many people attended 10 am Mass Sunday at the Cathedral, but they were mostly students, arriving on foot. Only Noreen and Sally [neighbors] were Eucharistic Ministers.
And late last night:
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed. Essential personnel are to report to work.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, late last night.
Labels: cold, computer, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, neighbors, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Douglas Levine and Friends at Rodef Shalom
My friend Daphne Alderson invited me to a concert Monday night at Rodef Shalom Synagogue. Her friend Doug Levine and his friends were performing various genres of music. The group consisted of a core of: Doug (pianoforte), Jeff Grubbs (double bass), R.J. Heid (percussion)
The men performed:
My Romance
On a Clear Day
Circle Song (Levine)
Panic at the Deli (Levine)
and were joined by Daphne for:
Surrey with the Fringe on Top
Bill Snow Fiesta
I Love Piano (as covered by Judy Garland)
~~~an intermission followed~~~
The men played Ralph's Blues
and were joined by Jeff's wife, Tania for:
Tania's Logic
Will You Still Love me Tomorrow
Sermonette
and were joined, in turn, by Mary Beth Malek (clarinet) for:
a four-part piece, then
for another four-part piece based on Israeli Folk Songs.
I saw my former co-worker, Tim, there, Roberta W, my neighbor Flo W., Terry and Char, and met a number of new people there, too, including their friend Elaine and Jane from Diocesan Choir. I had a chance to chat with Daphne, and Tania (whom I had seen with Jeff at jazz in Squirrel Hill) at the reception in the courtyard afterwards.
Labels: friends, music, neighbors
Sitting Outside
Sat outside with my neighbors, chatting until post-dusk/pre-dark. Met Mariann, who has her office in the same building Jonathan was in while he was at University of Pittsburgh. Turns out she and I were traveling in the same circles (informal science education) for a while.
Labels: Faith, friends, neighbors, science
Half (my stuff) Home
This afternoon I loaded my bags with my clean & other laundry, my books and magazines, my mail, my music CDs, my treatment folders, my paraphernalia for dressing, my toiletries and sundry other items into a cart and Dad helped me transport it to my home and to my sofa. I stayed behind to organize it for a while.
One of tonight's dishes will be cheeseburger macaroni, which I prepared.
We have yet to move my commode chair, shower chair, crutches and cane, and a few small items. That will wait until after dinner. I am "going to roost" as my neighbor indicated, at my home again.
Labels: dining, family, health, home, laundry, moving, music, neighbors, organizing, walking
negative slope for Pain Medication Administration
I've skipped the last two doses of my pain medication (on purpose). I skipped the lunchtime dose, as well as the dose about an hour ago. I'm not taking a whole lot of this oral pain medicine, anyway, (half of a tablet). But I want to see how little pain medicine I can get away with...since I went for a walk of ~1/3 of a mile at eleven today with Margie, the physical therapist.
We are readying for Emily and Sally B. (Joyce's former coworker's family) to join us and William's family for dinner tonight.
Labels: California, dine, exercise, neighbors, pain, surgery, surprise
It's Just Physical Therapy Now (until the Post-Operative visit with the Surgeon)
Margie stopped by today about an hour ago. We did my exercises in my room, then I changed out of my socks and into my shoes for a short walk into St. Paul Cathedral and back into the building. We saw Mary Lou P. twice during our outings, which was great fun.
~~~
So the nurse Jill stopped by on Tuesday to discharge me.
Labels: exercise, health, neighbors, pain, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
Remembrances
It sure was a good thing that Maureen stopped by (and Dad took a picture of us together) to chat in Mom and Dad's lobby this past evening (with Rita C. present there with her aide). I told Maureen about what I do daily, and mentioned how my parents are very medically supportive---including giving me my anticoagulant injection---which led me to remember the shot I had forgotten due to naps this afternoon.
Maureen was more than kind to bring Benzel chocolate covered pretzels from her hometown. Chocolate has found its way to my lips this operation-go-round more than once: Stacy and her Lindt dark-milk-white chocolate truffly Lindor thingys, Tita Tina and family's malted milk balls, milk duds, and chocolate turtle biscotti...the delights delight and tantalize. As it seems that I have lost some weight due to the surgery and due to my increased post-operative activity, I try to eat healthfully, but also leave room in my diet for chips and chocolates...from my lips to my hips, so to speak.
Anyway, upon returning to the condominium apartment after my visit with Maureen, I announced to Mom my forgetfulness this afternoon (about two and a half hours' worth, even with the hour time window), and we remedied this problem tout de suite.
~~~
Whilst downstairs, we saw JoAnn I. depart with her brother-in-law Joe W. She asked for prayers as she undergoes surgery tomorrow. I asked her at what time, and promised to pray for her.
~~~~~
Haven't quite figured out what causes or prevents bruising with the anticoagulant medication. Only thing I can figure is that there is a different dispensing device (maybe?) than last year. There remain two very large bruises from my first two days in the hospital, there was one tiny pinprick from the third day in the hospital (when nurse Jeff delivered it), and various-sized tiny, small bruises from when Mom has delivered the medication. I haven't figured out what the bruising size or retention is due to....
Labels: BAD, chocolate, friends, health, neighbors, pain, prayer, surgery
Home Physical Therapy
Margie arrived early today, and we did
(lying supine)
leg adduction (with pillow by my legs) 20 reps
knee curl ups (with the coffee can) 20 reps
heel slides (with a plastic bag) 20 reps
"snow angels"/leg abduction (with a plastic bag) 20 reps
straight leg raises 10 reps
(lying prone)
knee curl ups (oo, the knee feels that!) 20 reps
(seated)
knee swing-ups leading into flex that heel/ankle 20 reps
Then we walked to St. Paul Cathedral, where there was a funeral, so we went up the easternmost transept steps, looked in, then went to the parklet to relax.
Labels: exercise, flowers, neighbors, St. Paul Cathedral
Maureen and I went to the final (thirteenth) Tuesday in the Saint Anthony Novenae on Troy Hill yesterday night. Each person present was welcome to a loaf of St. Antony's bread.
I asked Maureen if we could stop at the Newman Center on the way home, to check out the library. We said hello to Jennifer (the MPH student) and settled into the library, reading books about the saints' lives. Then we looked up various saints, and chatted about friends far and near.
As we were departing, we saw the last 13:24 seconds of the Penguins v. Red Wings game--Hey! the Pens are in for the seventh game of the Stanley Cup this year.
~~~
I'm so mad...yesterday afternoon I told Dad to "Wait.." while two young, nattily dressed young ladies attempted to enter his building. Instead, he opens the door, then we have to contend with the process of NOT allowing them in. We explain to them that they need to be buzzed in...Dad departs for the elevators, and I turn around to see them propping the door open as we (supposedly) depart.
"You have to close the door," I politely note to them, whilst pushing the door shut. One young lady was particularly averse to this action, and was heavily leaning on the door. I got a "stoved" digit in the process, and have iced it, but feel very swollen and sore. Time for some Tylenol. Visitors cannot behave like this around residents, it makes the residents feel less secure. K. thanked me for keeping the building secure.
Labels: accessibility, Faith, light, neighbors, pain, philosophical, read, rosary, sports
While doing laundry....
I ran into one of my truly elderly neighbors in the basement while doing laundry this morning:
She: Which side have you had [surgery] on already?
Me: I've already had my right side done, and will have my left side done this summer.
She (using a cane with her right hand): How do you know which side to use your cane on?
Me (using a cane with my right hand, too): Well, you should ask your doctor.
She: Well, I talked to my physical therapist, and I had my hip done [back] in 200x ... well, I don't know which side to use my cane on.
Me: Maybe you should ask your doctor how to use your cane.
She (looking at me): Well, which side do YOU use your cane on?
Me: It's best to use the cane in the opposite hand that you have the pain.
She (smiling): Well, I don't have any pain. I just walk funny.
O, gosh, my neighbor is better off than I, and is asking advice from ME (!) as to how to use a cane. Too bad she hasn't listened [yet] and asked her doctor....
Labels: health, neighbors, surgery
WQED Pittsburgh Magazine's 20th Annual Best Restaurants Party-Foodies
Nancy C. and I went to the annual WQED fundraiser: Pittsburgh Magazine's 20th Anniversary Best Restaurants Party (this year at the David Lawrence Convention Center) with samplings from various restaurants in the area. We met a gentleman who swore by one of the restaurants in Mt Lebanon; met up with Kathy B (Enrique's sister) and her friend, Monica over ice cream by Ha...; and saw Mary Pat from choir. The food was wonderful and delicious. We played the game "six degrees of separation" and sung "It's a Small World" with Kathy and Monica as we were surprised by our connections to each other.
Labels: Choir, dine, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, friends, ice cream, international culture, neighbors, Pittsburgh
Memorial/Feast of Saint Philip Neri
This morning I lectored, with Matt serving, Fr. Andrew celebrating, and Ken at the portative organ. I read Acts 20:17-27 and Psalm 68. The Mass intention was for a relation of Mrs. Mary T., a neighbor.
I went to physical therapy, with K. and with Rachel, the PT intern. I mailed a letter out right before my exercise session.
This afternoon Maureen and I went to the solemn Mass on the Feast of St. Philip Neri (founder of the Oratorian Order) in union with the Knights and Dames of Malta (honoring their patron, St. John the Baptist). The main celebrant was the Most Reverend David Zubik, with the priests from the Ryan Catholic Newman Center and Fr. Fischer. Don played
Bach's Air on a G String as a prelude,
with the opening hymn being "The Church's One Foundation."
Christina sang the Kyrie, Gloria, the responsorial psalm. The Offertory hymn was "Firmly I Believe and Truly God Is Three, and God is One" (J.H. Newman), "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," and the recessional hymn, "God the Omnipotent."
Br. Paul Werley read the first reading well. The homily by the bishop was about names and being an only child (as Christ was an only child). The presentation of the gifts was by the knights and dames of the Order of Malta.
Maureen and I joined everyone to celebrate with refreshments afterwards. We saw and spoke with Carmella (and Bob), Lisa H and Chris, Eric and Amanda and Alex and ?, Br. Paul, etc. etc.
Labels: exercise, friends, health, Mass, neighbors, ordination, Pittsburgh, singing, St. Paul Cathedral
A Moon for the Misbegotten
Nancy C. and I went to Eugene O'Neill's play, A Moon for the Misbegotten at the O'Reilly Theatre downtown. It was brilliantly directed by Pamela Berlin, and the casting of Beth Wittig as Josie Hogan was superb. She held her lilting Irish brogue throughout the play's two acts, and was a believable tenant farmer's daughter. Our seatmate commented throughout the play (but in response to the action, so thus was believable):
"You tell him sister!"
"Go ahead and have another drink"
[upon the departure of Jim Tyrone's character] "Tha's love."
I saw mom & dad's neighbors Sally D., Nancy Co. and her friend after the show.
Labels: friends, international culture, neighbors, theater
Christmas Eve 2008
Today I awoke early, prepared holiday cards for my immediate neighbors, and bundled up with all intentions of going to Mass. The weather dampened those hopes (both literally and figuratively), and just as I got to the outside door, I turned around and decided to deliver the cards this morning before my other errands.
So, I donned a Santa's elf hat and slid cards between doors and door jambs. I ran into Phyllis K. along the way, as she ascended the steps. She was greatly appreciative of the card.
~~~~~
Yesterday, before physical therapy and also after midnight, I watched the newest cinema version of The Stepford Wives, with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, and Christopher Walken. Mom and I watched the last part of the movie together. I noted that I had read the book about 25 years ago, and the original ending by Ira Levin was darker and different than this movie version. Frank Oz, of Muppet fame, had directed the movie.
Yesterday, we had also watched parts of White Christmas, with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney; and of Mulan (with a litany of famous Asian/Asian-American voices for both the singing and speaking voices, including Lea Salonga's voice)
~~~~~
11:20 AM
After I have had handled flight arrangements for family, Kelly and I will go chez Beatrice and Solomon for lunch and to make cookies!
~~~
We made sugar cookies with dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces and withpecans and semi-sweet chocolate pieces (Marissa and William); and I made brownies with extra chocolate. Kelly and I checked our emails and napped (respectively). I left at about 4:45 PM in a (vain) search for bagels---Bagel Factory, Panera (1), Giant Eagle (1), Giant Eagle/Market District (2), Panera (2) were all closed at the time. I made a last-ditch effort at the Starbucks near a hospital...the handicapped parking was occupied by a vehicle with no plate nor placard, requiring me to park across the lot. A young, able couple exited the Starbucks.
...excuse me. [no response]...Excuse me! I exclaimed.
The young lady getting into the passenger side looked at me.
excuse me, but can you not park in this spot if you're not handicapped?
I inquired at the counter about any bagels...the answer was negative. "But we have rolls." I then recounted my search for bagels in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Oakland...and my disappointment with the parking situation in the lot. The small outcry brought imaginary tears spewing from either side of my head, as it continued to rain outside.
Labels: Christmas, cinema, international culture, neighbors, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, seasons, singing, surprise, tradition, writing
Physical Therapy, November 2008; Jeff back for Thanksgiving
This month I made some strides in physical therapy. I went back to therapy in October, and use the Physio Ball to do two exercises on my back (with my lumbar region flattened): bending and straightening the knee, and going from noon to 10 or 2 o'clock with either leg.
I also do pool exercises, including:
water walking (20 minutes)
side stepping while centered (12 minutes)
20 plies/releves x 3
15 front/side/back (ronde de jambe) x each leg
lunges (20 seconds) x 3 @ leg
and will add weight shifting from leg to leg when the pool is no longer under maintenance.
This week, I did some upright bicycling (5 minutes up to 10 minutes).
Yesterday, I walked approximately half a mile (800-1000 meters), going from St. Paul Cathedral up Craig Street to the museums, to the Carnegie Public Library, uphill on Bellefield to work, then back to the Cathedral. I also walked with Joe and Tina to to Heinz Chapel from their home, and back.
I am pleased as punch that I am tolerating more distance, with minor complaints from my body (incipient shin splint-y feelings), as if I'm before training for a season.
~~~~~
Jeff was back for Thanksgiving tonight. Karina, Maureen, and I joined him in celebration of the 5:15 afternoon Mass with Fr. David and Deacon Joshua, who said the homily. After Mass, we met up with Alroy at Aladdin's Eatery in Squirrel Hill (where I enjoyed the lamb wrap) and then piled into Jeff and Alroy's vehicles to go to Dozen in Lawrenceville, where most of us had a pumpkin strudel muffin. Karina had mentioned the terrorism at the two fancy hotels in Mumbai, two blocks from her mom's home. Alroy asked her what will happen, how will she get groceries? And a discussion of the infrastructure network within her neighborhood ensued.
Labels: Carnegie, dreams, exercise, friends, international culture, library, neighbors, politics, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, thankfulness, walking, water exercise, weather, work
