Thanksgiving Days 2010-III
Today is Saturday, the last day of the liturgical year.
Yesterday, I awoke at ~ 4am and sent some email correspondence to friends far and near, as well as to my classes of students. After tying bows on wreaths with Judi, Jess, Don, Rocco, and Regina,
I exchanged an organizer near William and Marissa's home. Also I got a pair of shoes and lip gloss. I took two naps yesterday (~45" and 1'15"), between which was sandwiched a visit to a craft store across the river in McKees Rocks. After dinner with Mom and Dad, we went for a visit at William and Marissa's home, to return some items at a store near their home, and to return to play a Sea game with Beatrice that Lolo and Lola gave them. Solomon enjoyed playing a game with Marissa and Lola, whilst Beatrice won the Sea game she played with the rest of us by a close margin.
Upon returning home, we had a snack, and I forwarded a file from Rosie T. to some of mom's other friends. Had a long, 19+ hour day and was tired after it, as well.
Labels: Beatrice, email, games, jewelry, niece and nephew, seasons, shoes, shopping, sleep, Spain
Beatrice's Birthday
Today is Beata's birthday. We were planning on a scavenger hunt at the art museum, but she is feeling sick with a cold.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday, Carnegie, health, museum, niece and nephew
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
Carnegie Museum of Art, September 2010
Yesterday before work Marissa, Beatrice, Solomon, and I visited the Carnegie Museum of Art. Marissa had the stack of cards with images/facsimiles of items from the permanent collection (that I had given her about a decade ago. She had us play "treasure hunt" with each of us assigned a separate card. We even asked the security guards for help. There was an art history class from the University of Pittsburgh, and the children engaged with one of the students from the class. We even had time for a second card each. I greeted some the security help whom I know from having worked there.
Labels: art, Beatrice, Carnegie, games, museum, niece and nephew, school
Last Sunday/House Rules
Beatrice visited last Sunday whilst Marissa was teaching Sunday school with Solomon in tow. We visited the bathroom, and after washing hands the "House Rules" counted cross-stitch made by Lola was noted hanging at Beatrice-level. Beatrice indicated to me that she did not get it or understand it.
"Let's see," I said, reading. If you drop it, pick it up.
If you open it, close it. "That's like a door," I said.
If you empty it, fill it up.
If it rings, answer it. "Like the doorbell," "Or a phone," Beatrice and I said, respectively.
If it barks, feed it. "That's a dog," Beatrice said.
If it cries, love it. "That's a child," Beatrice indicated.
She is quite perceptive.
Labels: Beatrice, family, niece and nephew, read
Goin' for a Spin!
I met up with Marissa and Beatrice and Solomon for a bike day yesterday! I went for a short 3-circle ride before they came, then Beata and Marissa biked to the end while Solomon and I "ran to Beebee and Momma."
"We'll tell stories there," Solomon informed me. We did, and while Marissa got the camera they learned about sycamores ("which have spotted dotties of green, yellow, and brown on the branches,...and BIG leaves shaped like [hands]." We also saw a locust tree as we left, which Beata pointed out has "smaller leaves" and the leaves were shaped differently.
A fun-filled day that we all enjoyed.
Labels: Beatrice, bicycle, biology, exercise, family, niece and nephew
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
End of the Week, June 2010: Christmas in June
This morning I lectored for Mass, with Father Bill celebrating, assisted by Deacon Brian Noel. John De served, with Ken at the portative organ. Deacon Brian delivered his homily on concepts addressed in the Gospel reading: Physical sight and how one treasures and protects that, and one's soul, which one treasures and protects. <~54>
Today is Don's half-birthday.
Mom, Dad, and I babysat Beatrice and Solomon. Marissa returned from her research study, and we all enjoyed lunch together. I went home for a 2+ hour nap, and then we went grocery shopping and to gas up the car. We also dined on fried chicken and bread at the Big Bird (GE). We discovered a faulty wiper blade, which we replaced.
Labels: Birthday, dine, gift, lector, Mass, niece and nephew, St. Paul Cathedral
This Week in June 2010
Tuesday Mom, Dad, and I babysat Beata and Solomon. We played, ate lunch, sang karaoke, napped (well, some of us did!) and I left when they did. Marissa had jury duty, for which none of the groups were called. I left to go to physical therapy with Keelan and a student, Kristen. Dinner was with Geannie and Jerry at his home: Stuffed shells, Brussel sprouts, salad, bread, and strawberry pie that Geannie brought.
I left at quarter to nine to join Mom and Dad watching America's Got Talent. Kelly and her accordian buddies were on the show!
~~~
Wednesday was grocery shopping day, with an appointment in the afternoon.
~~~
Today I had my first non-assessment appointment with my weight management coach. I have lost 1 to 3.5 pounds since starting to journal my food intake a week and a half or so ago. I had physical therapy with Cara at noon today. Lunch was composed of many diverse foods!
~
Went for a walk with Maureen to Carnegie Mellon, to the Randy Pausch bridge (I've never seen the lights WHITE until now) and through the Kraus garden, with its mountain laurel.
What a beautiful night it was for walking...cool, yet not crisp, with light illuminating the spires of St. Paul Cathedral and the Cathedral of Learning. Clear skies. Just lovely.
Labels: dine, exercise, family, health, music, niece and nephew, singing, sleep, talent, TV, walking
Up Early II June 2010
I've been up for ~ an hour this morning. I've been reading about Omega-3 fatty acids on the web.
Yesterday was a long day. Will have to write more about it later.
Today Mom and I will be babysitting Beata and Solomon. Marissa has jury duty. We'll have great fun with the children.
Labels: dine, dining, family, health, niece and nephew, sleep
Up Early Again, June, 2010
I'm up early, again, as I was two days ago. Instead of pulling a 19-hour day, I'll go back to sleep THIS time.
~~~
18.35
I slept in until 9.30 this morning, then took care of other things. Went shopping for groceries with Mom in the Strip District and at Giant Eagle. William and family will be here for dinner shortly. I prepared the salad and Italian-colored salad fixings (Green sweet peppers, white onion, and tomato slices) with raisins (I'm predicting some of us will have salad with our raisins...). Also prepped some baby carrots.
~~~
After dinner the children played piano, and after a request by Beata, we broke into karaoke. Solomon also played with toys from the guest room...Disney mouse and a sand shovel.
After the group departed, Maureen picked me up and we organized a template for her basic wardrobe for her trip. It was fun.
Labels: dine, family, niece and nephew, shopping, sleep, travel
Mother's Day, 2010; Toy Lending Library
Sunday, Mom & Dad, Les & Chere, and William's family went for Chinese food in Fox Chapel for Mother's Day.
~~~~
Yesterday Beata and I had lunch at Panera's whilst Marissa and Wawa were at the toy lending library. We joined them late in the game, but not after saying hi to a group of senior citizens and to Richard, who I explained to Beata helps to keep my building nice.
Maureen and I went to get her a new battery for her watch yesterday afternoon.
~~~~
Today I spent the morning neatening up my living room.
Labels: cleaning, dining, family-Marissa, niece and nephew, organizing
Continued Birthday Celebration 2010
I told Uncle Sonny about my continued birthday celebration (just like Ati Atihan! he countered) into today (Saturday).
I awoke to WQED radio's strains of Offenbach's duet, followed by a rousing Divertimento by Telemann performed by MAK. This morning's program was Saturday Morning Classics with Lynn Warfel. I performed my morning ablutions and made my way to Mom and Dad's place. I greeted Dad, checked email, took an ever-so-brief nap, and then blogged (currently). I'll grade this morning before my continued birthday celebrations.
Maureen, Christina, and Regina will join me for lunch today out at Station Square, then I will join the rest of the family for celebration at Monroeville for Solomon's birthday.
Labels: biology, Birthday, blogs, celebration, dining, email, family, family-Marissa, music, niece and nephew, patient, radio, school, sleep, work
Easter Week 2010
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
Good Friday 2010
So, I had my usual breakfast this week of half a banana. After lunch I watched the last 2/3's of the Seven Last Words of Christ with Mom and Auntie Chi, as Dad was volunteering for television ministry. Then I left to go home to pick up a few things before I stopped by Mom's home. I took an dose of Imodium upon Mom's urging, got my choir folder, and brought some diluted CVS electrolyte replacement beverage to choir. The guys were practicing "Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit" on the choir landing when I arrived.
Good Friday service was different, as Fr. Breier and Fr. Goetz celebrated Mass instead of the Bishop, who was in the hospital with a kidney stone today.
The music ministry provided:
Silence for the Entrance
Psalm 30: "Into your hands, Lord." (C Waddell)
Gospel Acclamation: "Glory to you, O Word of God.." (R. Proulx)
Passion Narrative: "Jesus, Remember me" (J. Berthier)
Intercessions: "For the Sake of your Son.." "Have Mercy, Lord."
Presentation of the Cross: "O Come, Let us Adore" (J. Foley)
Veneration: "Were You There?" select verses, Pie Jesu (A. L. Webber)-sung by Christina and Karen R., Crucifixus (R. Farrell)
Collection: O Sacred Head Surrounded
Communion: Attende Domine
Choral Meditation: De Profundis (W. A. Mozart)
Silence for the Closing
After Good Friday service, Auntie Chi and I went shopping at Waterworks Mall. I got keychains, Dad's newspaper, and adaptors for Europe. Just Adaptors.
After dinner I picked up Kelly at William and Marissa's home (where she was playing hide-and-seek with Beata and Solomon) to go meet Charles and Susan and their friend Jan in Friendship for a gallery crawl. Turns out Jan went to architecture school with our schoolmate Peter K, who was last recycling automobile materials for architectural uses in New Mexico. We got a few pictures from the evening, and Charles and I decided that Kelly is the most entertaining of my siblings and me.
I dropped off Kelly and headed home, and here I am typing so you can read this story.
Labels: art, blogs, Choir, dine, Faith, family, friends, health, niece and nephew, photos, shopping, singing, travel, Zubik
This Week, March 2010
So, I haven't written because at the beginning of the week I had acute pain in my wrist and thumb. (There was no injury or trauma, just a gradual pain). I've been taking Tylenol and resting it. I was in so much pain Monday night/ Tuesday morning that I couldn't sleep mid-evening after awakening (for four hours)!
Tuesday after work I went to my primary care physician, who recommended X rays and nerve studies for me. I made appointments for those later this month.
Wednesday, I taught and then had office hours, during which I administered a quiz and I also discussed a scholarhip with a student who is asking for a letter of recommendation. There was a cameo appearance of my supervisor in office hours.
Thursday in the morning I worked on necessary paperwork, and then went to choir practice. Nancy, Regina, and I chatted over snacks by Karen. We celebrated Judi's birthday.
Today I was the lector for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bill D. celebrated, John served, and Ryan provided the music ministry. There were two readings before the Gospel. I saw Joe, Tina, and JoAnn walking with Gloria and joined them, thanking Joe for our tickets he provided for tonight.
I dropped off papers for my students at work, dropped off papers at an office near Marissa and William's home, and joined Marissa and the children for lunch and half the afternoon at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum (which had free admissions in honor of Mr. Rogers' birthday). We dined next to the Foucault pendulum (which Beatrice explained to me), visited exhibits, enjoyed gelato 
and (I brought mine to the theater, which had) a performance by a string quartet formed from members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. I captured a video of Beatrice and Solomon dancing. We enjoyed doing artwork, and took some photos in the galleries, as well.
I took a nap and had a snack before Maureen and I went to McDonald's near downtown (I for a decaf hazelnut iced coffee and McDouble sandwich) before we enjoyed the Pittsburgh Symphony performance tonight. The program was
The Planets
with Yan Pascal Tortelier conducting
Randolph Kelly on viola
and women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
They performed first Harold in Italy by Berlioz (commissioned by Nicolo Paganini), inspired by the composer's travels in the Abruzzi region, the Adriatic. Mr. Kelly starred as soloist for this piece.
The Planets by Holst is a dramatic portrait of the deities associated with all planets in our solar system save our own. The Mercury and Jupiter movements held familiar themes, and the choir sang during the last movement, Neptune.
Labels: art, biology, Birthday, Choir, dine, dining, health, Mass, niece and nephew, photos, PSO, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
Findings
Just found another item I had thought was lost. A nice gift from a friend. A little worse for the wear, it is, but O Well, what can I do about it? Dwelling on it can only drive me crazy (er).
So, in finding things that I've lost, I see that:
Things are not always found where I expect them to be. At all.
The message from the universe has been to get my personal life more organized/neater. (I told my friends this earlier this week.)
I guess I just have to keep neatening up /straightening up / redding up until I find everything that's misplaced /displaced.
Labels: art, career, cleaning, gift, honor, jewelry, list, love, mystery, niece and nephew, organizing, patient, philosophical, photos, safety
Ball Play February 2010
I lectored at the early Mass today. First Friday and the memorial for Saint Agatha. The day they shear the sheep for the priests' garb. Father Breier celebrated the Mass and read the Gospel (sad, so sad the reading). John was the altar server, and Ken provided music ministry at the portative organ. (I asked him about the music for the preparation of gifts after Mass.) Over fifty people received the Eucharist in the congregation. I spoke with Elaine and Mary Lou after Mass was over.
After a phone call from Beatrice informing me that they would pick me up at nine forty-five, I waited out front for them to pick me up to head south for toddler ball play. We met lots of little kids, and played with puzzles, balls,
scooters,
and books. We washed up after play and headed with their playmate and her mom, Jenny, to eat at the diner. I got pumpkin pancakes. Mmmm Good.
After a nap at home and a stop by Mary Lou's, I had dinner and spoke with Maureen about the event tonight. Nancy called, as well, happy to hear that someone could go with me this evening.
Labels: dining, Mass, music, niece and nephew, phone, read, sleep
Coffee Smoothie
Today I printed out my recommendation for a student and took the bus to the closest stop to Posvar Hall, dropping off the recommendation with the secretary at the Dean of the School of Education. I walked home, then Dad and I took care of some administrative work for me (four sections of seating charts). I helped Mom and Dad with computer help, then went in to work to talk to Bud and to work at the computer lab. Maureen called, and we met at the mile mark, went for a twenty-five minute walk going diesel (clockwise), opposite to our regular direction on our course (and taking two shortcuts, as well). We ended up at the pan-Asian restaurant for smoothie and General Tso's Chicken. I enjoyed the cooooolness of the coffee smoothie.
We sat and talked in Mom and Dad's lobby. After Maureen left, I headed to Mom and Dad's to help them with computer issues, ordering stuff online, etc. We spoke with Marissa and William to make arrangements to get together tomorrow afternoon/early evening. We watched a little bit of the NBC Haiti Aid program, and talked about how the local medical society which they are heavily involved in has chosen to lend aid to the victims of the Haitian earthquakes. Mom and I spoke of our relatives, and especially Lalang, who created a family of large proportions by having eleven (yes!) of her children make it to adulthood.
Labels: biology, children, computer, dining, family, international culture, Lalang, medical mission, niece and nephew, student, walking, work
Early on a Saturday, Jan 2010
I awoke ~six o'clock this morning and called Karina at ~eight o'clock before I left to go to the Waterfront at nine o'clock. She JUST awoke when I was leaving for the Waterfront, so I picked her up and we went to the craft supply store to get beading supplies. I also went to get a closet organizer, and stopped at the bank, the library, and a couple of shops for music and clothes. I then dropped her off at home before heading home.
I'm now making part of lunch.
~~~~~
Mom, Dad, and I had lunch together, and then I took a nap until mid-afternoon.
We invited William and his little family to eat at Eat N Park with us---they requested a location, and we suggested another location. We ended up eating at their location due to clogged traffic patterns. Marissa and Beatrice and I sat at one table (she used a booster seat) and Solomon headed up the other table in his high chair. We all enjoyed the soup & salad bar with our meal, MMmmmMM delish. William shared the cookies from his family with us.
We stopped, on the way home, for prescriptions at the drugstore. A fairly uneventful night.
Labels: dine, dining, friends, health, jewelry, library, music, niece and nephew, shopping, sleep
