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
How Telling...
How telling were some of our buzzed-in answers for TV honor society back in high school. Practically anyone on our four-person team could have answered any question that our team got correct, but the fastest-fingered ones were for questions in our future (now current) fields of work:
Charles--features of European architecture
me--anatomy,
Then there were the questions that we just "got":
Ed--a math question
me--knowledge about a boxer from the first half of the Twentieth Century.
Labels: art, biology, friends, philosophical, school, TV, work
Stress and my Single Exemplary Life
I'm feeling stress in my single life. Mainly from things that would stress anyone out in any walk of life...health care insurance, personal finances, dealing with emergency situations at work...all this week.
I've been dealing with the situations with aplomb, but the situations remain stressful.
O well, one way of viewing this is that these stressors and my responses are my insurance that I am still alive.
~~~~~
The wording of the general intercessions puzzle me...we pray for (I've paraphrased):
a holy priesthood,
happy married life,
exemplary single life,
a fervent religious life,
etc. etc.
How is it that only single people are to uphold tenets and be "exemplary"? That's asking for a lot, I think. It's difficult for some of us singletons to hold it together.
Labels: Church, Faith, health, light, Mass, personal finance, philosophical, prayer, stress
Turn it on its head: Hints for a Good Marriage
From Microsoft Network, hints for a good marriage.
Labels: list, love, philosophical
This I believe
Found a web log this morning called "This I believe." I went through some of the various headings, in this order:
Respect
Love
Science
Disability
Empathy and Compassion
My favorite posting was one I read under "Empathy & Compassion."
Labels: accessibility, blogs, dreams, international culture, love, philosophical, science
Thriller
Two summers ago, I linked one of my blog posts to a video of Cebu inmates dancing a routine to Thriller. Yesterday morning, while at Tito Larry and Tita Tina's place, all of us watched the inmates dancing and being interviewed (some with make-up, which is most likely expensive in an incarcerated environment) about Michael Jackson. One of the wardens said the dancing and choreography is good for keeping gangs and violence down at the prison, and they've kept adding more songs to their repertoire.
~~~
It never ceases to amaze me how peaceful large groups of Filipinos can be. During the People Power revolution, there were never any of the violent encounters that there were at Tiananmen Square. Sure, there were tanks, but there were also nuns placing flowers in the barrels of soldiers' guns, too. And here, again, 1500+ Cebuano inmates dancing in unison to recent radio hits. I think it says quite a bit about the soul of the Filipino/a.
~~~~~
7.00, 2 July 2009
Here, a short from ITN news on the MJ tribute, and a short from CBS on the MJ Cebu tribute, as well as a short by the Associated Press.
~~~~~
14.00, 2 July 2009
Here, an organ tribute to MJ Ken shared with me.
~~~~~
13.30, 11 July 2009
Here, "Beat It" being performed impromptu by a crowd in Stockholm.
Here, "Thriller" performed by William & Mary students in Virginia.
Labels: dance, dreams, Faith, farewell, international culture, music, organ, Philippines, philosophical, Pilipino culture, politics, TV
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
Carnegie Mellon Drama--The Illusion
William and I went to the Philip Chosky Theatre at the Purnell Center at Carnegie Mellon. We saw The Illusion last night, by Pierre Corneille and freely adapted by Tony Kushner. As the play's director, Allegra Libonati, noted in the Play Notes, "the play is a fusion of these two writers, separated by centuries, but united in purpose: To venture deep into the cave of illusions to see what truth they may find."
Throughout the play one of the characters comments on the shifting nature of the magical scenes before him. I caught myself trying to determine "true" relations between the characters time and again during the play. The play went against the grain of Classical theater, and helped to usher in neo-Classical and Baroque theatre.
Brilliantly acted and produced, the piece raises questions about plays (pieces de theatre) and life (la vie).
Labels: Carnegie, philosophical, school, theater
PSO Music Director's Talk, 19 February 2009
I went to a talk by the PSO music director today after physical therapy. Some various concepts Honeck presented during his talk:
[It takes] courage [to be faithful],
"I choose to be either hot or cold [in my faith life]....I like hot soups, so.."
He stated that he is fortunate in his position at the PSO, as he has the opportunity to pray for ~20 minutes before a performance with other musicians.
Sacraments are important to him and his family: Penance, and especially the Eucharist..."you can pray and sing in your home, but you cannot receive the Eucharist: [That is a good reason to go to Church.]"
He has a healthy respect for Maria.
He cannot imagine a "life without belief---no."
In response to questions:
Even if you spend one minute per day in prayer in Church, or in Eucharistic Adoration, [it is still a regular meeting with God], it is still a step-by-step process [as opposed to a sudden event to build one's faith].
Even "Mother Teresa had a forty-year darkness."
"Trust God will do things for me...will take care of me."
"One gets dressed [in an outwardly fashion] for [the concert]...in tuxedo, tails, shoes, etc. [Why not] get dressed for God [in an inner way]?"
"Put God in the middle of your life, then you will have everything."
Has he experienced persecution due to his faith?
Those with different, opposing views "don't accept [my views], but in [their] inner heart, they accept it."
He spoke of John Paul II meeting Kissinger.
He addressed a scientific study on music that heals better [Bach and Mozart]...and pondered whether there is a music that "doesn't heal, [as] many young people are depressed."
When asked about pieces he likes, he mentioned that it is difficult to answer that question, but that Mozart, Mahler's 2nd, Strauss Valses, and Bach and Mozart [were moving].
In short, a fascinating program.
Don and I chatted before and after the program, and we saw Fabiola, Karina, and Kristen there, too.
Labels: Church, Faith, Honeck, international culture, Mahler, Mozart, music, philosophical, PSO
No More...
No More...
ballet en pointe (what's new?)
aikido
rockclimbing
ice skating
roller blading
bicycling on city streets
horseback riding
downhill skiing
Can still...
walk
talk (that's for sure!)
carry a stick
Will be able to (after my next surgery)...
run
maybe even hurdle again!
do certain stretches again.
We'll see about...
playing the violin!
I wrote to my friend about a fortnight ago my thoughts:
Sometimes I think of things I used to do in my "former life" which I cannot now do....downhill skiing, rockclimbing, ice skating, running distances, etc. I haven't been able to do these things recently because of the pain, anyway. But part of growing is letting go of those things that may keep me from my focus that I need to focus on NOW.
Labels: accessibility, dance, exercise, friends, light, list, love, pain, philosophical, surgery, swim, talent, thankfulness, walking
The REAL reasons III--Failure Analysis
The REAL reasons I'm still single:
I don't like guys who joke about s assault in the news (yes, this was true this week--even if he is interested in me!)
I don't want to end up someone's personal secretary or calendar book (I kid you not.)
I'm a "knurdy gurl." (To the max)
I'm too independent.
I'm happy with my life as it is now.
Labels: list, love, philosophical
How Dedicated Are You
I had a discussion with my long-time friend, Julie, this morning. Amidst talk of family matters (and that matter of the cat getting trapped in the wall during renovations), we spoke about finding a life partner. I described the bimodal age distribution of available men in my geographic area to her---and my existence in the space between the peaks. Julie suggested using a dating service to expedite matters...either on-line or in-person.
"But," I exclaimed, "I believe in the network---that Network of people whom I know---to help me find someone."
"It depends on how much time you have and how dedicated you are to finding someone," she replied, simply.
"Well, I'm in no rush," I stated.
I'm actually pretty relaxed about the whole process. It's probably because I'm willing to accept whatever fate I end up with, as I'm happy with my life as it is now: Mentoring young people. I feel no pressing need to have a "different life."
Labels: cat, friends, list, love, philosophical, teaching
Shouting Stars....
I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever.
- Amy Tan
Labels: balm, meditate, philosophical, read
Another Quote
You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.
- Friedrich Nietzsche
(What a surprisingly interesting quote from the Nietzs-mensch himself!)
Labels: balm, dance, dreams, meditate, philosophical, surprise
My Favorite Day
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Labels: balm, meditate, philosophical
Tea with Fannie and Don, Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
After spending time grading and doing administrative work for my classes, I spent a wonderful afternoon with Fannie and Don in their magnificent apartment with the Views south and west of Oakland. We enjoyed
Black Turkish tea with sugar and lemon juice;
tea sandwiches with cucumber and mascapone cheese OR
savory chickpea spread;
Auntie Belle's slivered almond tea bread;
homemade applesauce (from local apples and Vietnamese cinnamon);
and lively conversation.
We spoke about GASP, a local group, our observations of Oakland and Pittsburgh, politics in general, and Pittsburgh visitors' groups. Tom was supposed to join us for high tea, having acknowledged the event early the in week but never getting back to me, after a reminder Friday morning.
We chatted until after dark, then I called Maureen and Karina and we watched The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg). A lovely movie, with tunes familiar to me through their English lyrics. I commented how the movie, from just a generation ago, showed the social issues of the day in broad, bold brushstrokes: How the condition of the protagoniste resulted in responses from her family and others that were typical of that day, and how similar conditions today would elicit very different responses, be they of the conditions of characters/actors or of the actors themselves.
Labels: cinema, citizenship, dining, friends, international culture, philosophical
"You've got a Cadillac...I've got a stick."
I saw a woman in an electric wheelchair while waiting today, and I said to her,
"You've got a Cadillac...I've got a stick," and brandished my cane.
This drew a laugh from her, nodding in agreement.
~~~
I had two lab sections in the past two days, and physical therapy early Monday morning, with a new PT student in partial attendance, too.
Labels: accessibility, BAD, exercise, humor, philosophical, Pittsburgh, surgery, water exercise
I'm a little of each...
..but mostly, I'm a Mandarin!
I'm an intellectual, and I've worked hard to get where I am now. I'm a strong believer in education, and I think many of the world's problems could be solved if people were more informed and more rational. I have no tolerance for sloppy or lazy thinking. It frustrates me when people who are ignorant or dishonest rise to positions of power. I believe that people can make a difference in the world, and I'm determined to try.
Talent: 54%
Lifer: 26%
Mandarin: 62%
Take the
Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin quiz.
Labels: career, family, philosophical
I'm a Sports Car!
I'm a Ford Mustang!
I'm an American classic -- fast, strong, and bold. I'm not snobby or pretentious, but Ihave what it takes to give anyone a run for their money.
"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Labels: philosophical, transportation
The REAL reasons II--Failure Analysis
What are some of the REAL reasons I am still single?
Because I said "NO" to proposals by a guy--over and over and over...and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over..and over and over again
WHY?
Because I found irreconcilable differences between his idea of married life and my idea
Because we were TOO different psychologically
Because he didn't know how to take "no" as an answer
Because...just because.
and generally:
* I am too discerning/picky
* I don't fit the idea of what they think I should be.
* I DON'T agree that the man is The Head of the family: I come from a matriarchal culture [generally], and I believe in egalitarian heads of households. I also believe in sharing the load. That is, if one person is in charge of the finances, then one is to be benevolent towards others in the household in management practices; if one is managing the time and/or transportation in the family, then one is to be fair and benevolent to the family members in the use of resources.
"Good luck, girl, in finding a mate!"
Labels: family, list, love, philosophical
