Snackberry
Yesterday evening I introduced (for the fifth time this semester) the term "Snackberry" to a group of my students...this was in my Frosh Studies class, and they found the term humorous. I've already introduced my term to my four sections of biology laboratory.
"Snackberry," I said, "describes the device you use to retrieve and send little snacks or snippets---not whole emails." Amanda, my teaching assistant, noted that the class liked the term.
Labels: biology, computer, phone, student, work
Up at 5
So, I went to sleep at about 23.00 last night and awoke at 5.00...I was busy in my preparations ( called Verizon Wireless, my cell phone carrier) and at the computer until about 9. I went grocery shopping with Mom and Dad in the Strip District, then we had lunch and more shopping at the Big Bird Market District. I took a nap 16.00-17.00, then played with my cell phone some more.
I helped Mom with laundry, and also with future vacation plans via frequent flyer miles.
Labels: computer, laundry, phone, shopping, sleep, travel
Up at 2
I arose at 2 today. I went to sleep at 19.00 last night, woke up at ~21.30 and watched fireworks on television. I had a late-night snack and fell asleep about midnight.
I've been surfing the Internet since then, and answering email messages. Playing with my new phone.
~~~
I fell asleep @ 6 and awoke at 9. We waited for Kelly, who was to stop by on her way home from vacation. I ended up going with Karina to the craft store in the Waterfront, then to Giant Eagle (Big Bird, as I am wont to call this store). I worked on an organizing project, and on my address list of my friends. Liz gave me her phone numbers, and Kim and I gelled plans for later in the month.
Labels: art, celebration, computer, email, jewelry, organizing, phone, shopping, sleep
Independence Day 2010
I awoke at 2, went back to sleep, arose at 5 (to the strains of the alarm), and was up until ~9. Took a nap after breakfast and photocopied the rebates for the phones, preparing them for mailing.
Mom and I met up with Dad for noon Mass. We all scurried off afterwards so that they could make it to their Bobby Vinton concert bus pick-up location.
Karina and I went to a craft store to get supplies for our projects. We got waylaid at Rita's Ice for mango ice and mango "gelato." We each made a project in the car. I made one with her help, utilizing a sentimental object from my childhood.
Labels: art, ice cream, jewelry, Mass, phone, sleep
Kelly Visits, July 2010
2 to 4, 7 am again...
Those were the hours I was up in the wee hours of the morning this morning.
At about 7:30 I received a call from Mom that Kelly was visiting and up and about, William and his family were at their home, as well.
We enjoyed breakfast (true Pilipinos eat ANYthing for breakfast), karaoke (a.k.a. Minus One), and being serenaded by Mom via her first go at the accordian (at one designed by Walter, no less). Mom played childhood favorites and Pinoy folk songs, accompanied by Kelly on the accordian.
I worked on my budget for the next two months (through the end of August).
This evening we met William's family, and Marissa's parents, aunt, and cousin Will at the Frick grounds for a picnic dinner and to enjoy the musical sounds of First Friday at the Frick.
Labels: dine, economy, family, family-Marissa, music, phone, Pittsburgh, singing, sleep
This Week Sleep
3, 9, 5, 7
These are the times I have arisen this week...Today I arose at 7 (but awoke and went back to sleep at 5).
Monday Dad drove Mom and I to get our hair/s styled. We went shopping afterwards (I got a small calculator), and had lunch at the Chinese buffet.
Tuesday I spoke with my health coach in the morning. Mom, Dad, and I went to the Waterfront to update our cell phones. Maureen and I met Jeff to celebrate her birthday over BBQ chicken pizza. We had fun chatting.
Wednesday I had an orientation meeting with Laura D's office. I met with Stacy at 19.00 hours for smoothies. We also went to the Frick Fine Arts building to bask in the setting sunlight. Last night, Mom and Dad brought home summer sweet corn from Robert.
Labels: Birthday, computer, dining, hair, health, ice cream, phone, shopping, sleep, work
Putt Putt Golf
I've been up since ~ 4.00 this morning.
Last night Nancy and I met up and went to putt putt golf in North Park. It was great fun. We played both courses (I even got a hole-in-one on the 16th on the Tropical Course), and watched the mini Grand Prix, bumper boats, and carousel.
We went for a snack of rolled Caesar salad at a bar/cafe which her hubby will most likely not visit soon, as there was a smoky atmosphere there, and he has recently kicked the habit.
Mom, Dad, and I sang a "Happy Anniversary" to Joyce and Greg into their answering machine last night.
~~~
Napped from 7.00 to about mid-morning.
Labels: addiction, anniversary, dining, games, jewelry, phone, singing, sports
Up Early on a Sunday in June 2010
I'm up early on this Sunday in June. I'll go back to sleep to get more rest. Had a long day yesterday. A continuation of my day yesterday is below.
After an abbreviated lunch yesterday, I helped Mom and Dad with vacation plans, took a two-hour nap, and chatted by phone with Luce and Nancy. It was girls' night out last night with Christina, Karina, and Nancy at an Italian chain in the strip district. We dined and chatted for about three hours. Great fun.
I returned home (thanks to Christina) and had a nice chat with Pratima.
Labels: dining, friends, phone, sleep, travel
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
Solomon and My Birthday Celebrations Out
I graded 1/6 more of the papers to be graded this morning. Met up with Maureen, Christina, Nancy, and Regina for lunch at the Gandy Dancer. We also enjoyed chatting, as well as two chocolate truffle cakes topped with ice cream for dessert. A walkabout Station Square ensued, then Christina gave me a ride to Monroeville and Chuckee Cheese for Solomon's birthday celebration. Christina retrieved a pizza for her family's dinner, and departed.
Solomon and Beata arrived with their parents. Beata sat outside on the bench quietly with her dad and read a book whilst Solomon and Marissa and I played games. Both sets of grandparents showed up, then we left for Cici's pizza, pasta, and salad buffet. We tag-teamed driving to the Monroeville Mall and to the Miracle Mile shopping plaza for Mom to make returns. I stopped at the library on campus to print out documents for next week. I also graded ~ 1/6 more papers that still need grading. I only have about 1/6 of the papers left to grade, then must score them and record grades.
I'll call back Luce tonight, as she called me earlier, during Solomon's party.
Labels: biology, Birthday, celebration, dining, friends, ice cream, list, patient, phone, prayer, shopping, teaching, work
O Rats!
I just spent the past 3/4 hour reading emails and uploading photos to this blog for the PCM post.
Yesterday I spent the morning navigating (unsuccessfully) Marissa and the children to a children's play place in the South Hills. We ended up at a great Eat N Park for lunch, I went to Mom and Dad's for a very brief nap, and then walked to work to dissect animal models (rats) for the students next week. Heather prepped them for Paul C. and me to dissect. We finished before the meeting for the other biology class completed. I went to Mom and Dad's, chatted with them, had an early dinner of lumpia and rice, and turned in soon after I spoke with Maureen on the phone.
I awoke about 3/4 of an hour ago and will crawl back in bed shortly, if only because it is the middle of the night.
Labels: biology, blogs, dining, email, family, friends, phone, photos, sleep, work
Walkin' Girls, March 2010
Karina and I went for individual walks on Friday---I met her outside the Carnegie Library. We walked together back to our homes.
The next day, Saturday, I spent the bulk of the day grading, had lunch at Mom & Dad's, went for the women's prayer group rosary led by Jen. For dinner, Karina and I walked to the Korean/Japanese restaurant in Oakland. We enjoyed dinners of eel rice bowls. I told her of the free calls overseas, and we spoke about our aunties who mean so much to us.
Today, I met up with Maureen and Nancy for lunch on Craig Street after I had a chance to attend Mass, sitting 1/2 way up the nave. ("Adoramus Te" by Bob Farrell sounded particularly good. I re-introduced Regina to Don up in the loft, showed her where we meet for practice, and chatted with her and her boyfriend John and with her mom.)
Maureen, Nancy, and I sat next to a table of ne'er-do-wells (Judi, Karen, Jess, and Don) and chatted well into the afternoon. Nancy was particularly animated throughout our lunchtime discussion. I took care of some paperwork afterwards.
Life is good.
Labels: Choir, dining, phone, prayer, rosary, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, walking
Up Early February 2010
So, I went to bed early last night and was up an hour ago after eight hours of sleep. I've been on the computer getting work done and replying to email messages, and getting some phone calls out of the way. I think it's time for a nap.
Labels: computer, phone, sleep, work
Doin' Stuff
After singing at noon Mass yesterday, I took a nap and went for a walk to the computer lab with Karina and Maureen. While they went shopping for small dried fruit, I went to print out administrative stuff from work.
We then went to the pan-Asian restaurant for snacks and smoothies.
~~~~~
I ran into C, my supervisor, in the hall today before my morning class.
I helped Mom and Dad with medical society administrative work after returning from work this afternoon. Tired, I made some phone calls and then took a nap. Soon it will be time for dinner.
Labels: biology, dining, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, phone, sleep, teaching, work
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
St. Blaise, Midweek, Early February 2010
After teaching and having a handful of students visit my office hours, I went home, made some phone calls and left a message for Maureen. I called Karina and invited her, as well, to a Mass for the memorial of Saint Blaise. Father David ended the afternoon Eucharistic Adoration, celebrated the Mass, and blest each of our throats.
Karina and I walked through the dry flurries to the burger shop in Oakland to meet up with Maureen for dinner. We then walked back to the Newman Center to warm up and to chat and look at books. Called Marissa, to check on her and her "Di" move she took (this phrase brought a smile to her voice), to make certain that she is okay.
Labels: biology, cold, dining, Faith, health, Mass, phone, weather, work
Snow Ball 2010
After rising early, I spoke for much of the morning with Pratima. We chatted about career issues and compared notes on biology teaching. I had brunch, administratively prepped for classes next week to about mid-afternoon at Mom and Dad's place, and then took a long nap.
I asked an artistic question of the owner of the bead shop on Craig Street, who suggested that to keep my certain look about the carved beads I had purchased at his shop, I coat them with a non-shiny substance such as clear nail polish or [matte] fixative.
I took a shower and readied myself for the Snow Ball. I am the designated driver for Maureen, and we met up with Nancy and Tom C. there. I was pleasantly surprised to see Myrna and Jay there, and I met a number of Nancy's friends, as well, including Mark and his wife Barbara. After I changed into my dancing shoes, we gals had a chance to dance a number of line dances [including the electric slide] and other dances, and
I took a photo of Nancy and Tom C. dancing to Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World."
Throughout the evening we enjoyed the delicious hors d'oeuvres, bar drinks, and white [snow] desserts.
Labels: biology, dance, dancing, dine, jewelry, phone, photos, sleep, teaching
21 Days
On Wednesday and yesterday evenings Maureen and I went for a half-hour walk on each day. I also made arrangements and plans for my summer, mostly by phone, but also using the Internet.
Karina says that if one starts an activity and continuously keeps it up for 21 days, it then starts to become a habit. Maureen and I are making walking every weekday our habit.
Labels: exercise, phone, travel, walking
Baptism of Our Lord--Celebrating the Life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I arrived at choir practice at ~10.00 today. Don greeted me, and continued unlocking the doors to the choir practice space.
Today was special--it was a Mass, "Let Us Celebrate the Dream," presented by the Race and Reconciliation Dialogue group of Saint Paul Cathedral with the Office of Black Catholic Ministries, Diocese of Pittsburgh. The Choir of Saint Paul Cathedral was joined with St. Benedict the Moor Gospel Choir, and Saint Charles Lwanga Choir. Our choirs were led by Don Fellows, Toni Long, and James Avant.
We sang "Wade in the Water," as the prelude to the Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Carmen D'Amico of the Uptown (Epiphany), Downtown (St. Mary's of the Point), and St. Benedict the Moor parishes.
Fr. Donald Breier and Fr. Dave Taylor (St. Charles Lwanga parish) co-celebrated.
~~~
The entrance hymn was "We've Come This Far by Faith" (Albert A. Goodson)
Freedom Gloria
The cantor, Christina, accompanied by Don at the organ, led us in singing Psalm 29 (R. Kreutz)
Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
The Preparation of Gifts had our combined choirs singing a medley of three Afro-American spirituals:
"Glory, Glory Hallelujah"
"Hush, Hush, Somebody's Callin' Mah Name"
"This Little Light of Mine"
Eucharistic Acclamations from the Mass of Creation by Marty Haugen
"Amen" (R. Smallwood)
"Lord's Prayer / Pater Noster" (A. Malotte)
Lamb of God (R. Ray)
Communion: "Fix Me, Jesus" (Afro-American Spiritual)
Meditation: "We Shall Overcome"(text and tune adapt. by Zilphia Horton, Frank Hamilton, Guy Carawan, and Pete Seeger)
Recessional Hymn: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (James W. Johnson, Black Anthem)
~~~
After Mass, I had a light lunch of pesto pasta and green peas.
Maureen invited me to dinner. We went to the Thai restaurant in Highland Park, then to Whole Foods.
We each got email communications and lesson planning done for this week, then chatted briefly on the phone.
Labels: Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, phone, photos, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, work
Up Early January 2010 II
I'm up early, trying to catch up on communications. Gave messages to a couple of friends.
I'm tired, will crawl back in bed for a few more hours of snoozing.
Labels: phone, sleep, travel
