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?"
While teaching yesterday, my supervisor C and another visitor toured the lab space.
Yesterday afternoon after work I took a nice nap, then had dinner and headed to the Newman Institute for the third in a lecture/discussion series on Newman's Apologia. A very interesting talk and facilitated discussion by Damon, a local Newman scholar.
Today after work I had spaghetti for lunch, and took an hour-long nap, picked up my mail, and generally had a slow afternoon. I started to organize my clothes more, and got a phone call from William about getting ice cream, the Miss Teen USA questions for contestants, and questions about qualifications for foreign policy for a former US VP candidate (Wow!)
I need to clean house a little bit every day...I'll get back to that shortly. ~~~~ 21.50 I emptied my dishwasher, loaded my dirty dishes in it, weeded and organized my closet a bit, and went to Bible/Sunday Gospel study with Father Bill tonight. I went to Maureen's home to help her by grading ~ fifteen student quizzes. It was fun to have Hot cocoa afterwards.
First, Lawrenceville had a demonstration (sans permit) that led to confrontations with the police. Tear gas canisters were fired into the crowd, with a masked demonstrator throwing at least two back at the police. People were arrested after being told to disperse.
The windows of the PNC Bank near Paddy Cake Bakery were broken by a demonstrator wielding a hammer. Some of the protesters headed into Shadyside, where they broke front windows at the Boston Market and tore down fencing at a lot across the street. Too bad for the peaceful, nonviolent demonstrators.
Whilst teaching yesterday morning, my supervisor Carole handed me a memo about rescheduling Thursday and Friday classes of our subdepartment next week during the G-20 Summit. I made the announcement to my class, posted it outside the door, and indicated that it would be posted electronically later.
Right before office hours Heather and I went to the PittArts Fair, with opportunities to win free prizes! I spoke to Nancy about some of the events later during choir practice.
I helped Mom & Dad with some computer internet issues, then took a nap, had dinner, and went to choir practice. Don canceled Thursday choir practice next week. He mentioned the 1-hour interfaith service on Monday.
Corazon Aquino: Turning Points in Philippine History
Cory Aquino died this weekend. Her former term in office was preceded by the People Power Movement of 1986 led by herself---educated in the US, the widowed wife of Ninoy Aquino, who sought the presidency himself before being slain at Manila airport---and Cardinal Jaime Sin.
Cory, your steadfast spirit of peaceful demonstration touched the Philippines' heart and that of the world. We all promise to uphold the democratic principles for each generation.
Although the continuous reportage by him in the CBS Newsroom of the JFK assassination while pulling his heavy-frame glasses from his face to wipe the tears from his eyes was a classic moment, I merely viewed reruns of that moment in time. I recall watching, with my siblings, on our home television the moment of the first walk on the Moon...(Armstrong: "That's one small step for man.....One giant leap for mankind.") We saw him reporting so many groundbreaking events that we voted him in a poll the "most trusted man in America" in 1972.
And, true to form, as Mr. Cronkite himself said, "Old anchormen, you see, don't fade away, they just keep coming back for more," and we now see video feeds, images, and accolades to him today on the Internet websites, just as we would on the AP and UPI wires in the old days.
An objective, steadfast personality whom we welcomed into our living rooms night after night during my formative years---Walter Cronkite, the iconic news anchor and beloved by his wife and family, passed into the gentle night. "That’s the way it is."
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
This morning, I took a nap after doing laundry and chatting with Deb. She warned me of viewing the world of others through my eyes exclusively.
After a snack, Mom and I were shuttled to the documentary movie Valentino by Dad (at the Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill). We did some shopping, I went to the bank, and all three of us went shopping in Mount Lebanon. A trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken was in order, and we got half a bucket of KFC Original, and the other half grilled chicken. It was delicious, with veggies and Klondike ice cream sandwiches after.
I retrieved a message from my friend, M, who stated Teody had given her tickets to be delivered to me. After Wednesday's PNR meeting (which I left Pastoral Council meeting early to attend), where the ticketing process was hashed out by Jun C., the process was made clear to us, and rehashed and sent out by Jun at the end of this week via email. I had contacted neither Jun nor (Tina nor Teody)---the ticket sellers' points of contact---about tickets. "I did not order tickets from Teody." It seems that Jun C. made the flow of ticket sales clear, but somewhere along the line someone had ordered tickets in my name without my knowledge.
There are three of us in my immediate family housing performers, selling tickets, and publicizing/marketing the event. There is no need to send me unsolicited tickets to sell. I feel bad that my friend M was stuck in the middle and has to deal with homeless tickets. ~~~ Turns out the tickets are for me to give to my mom for T. (O well, I guess I get to be the bearer of the tickets = "Mercury") Some kind of communication mix-up...
Yesterday late afternoon, after a quick salad and sandwich (and a discussion where we agreed to meet Don for a brief sight-reading session at 6:45pm), S and I headed to choir practice. S and Don started the choir rehearsal evening with a performance of a two-movement piano & violin romance by Gade (a Danish composer)[see below for first movement]. S then sat and listened to our choir practice.
We practiced music for this Sunday, and then we had a group discussion about the excitement this past Sunday. Many suggestions were made. I suggested that we enlist help from Pittsburgh Mediation Center, if necessary. Then, it was time for apple/fig/grape cake and rice salad by Paolo's wife. We enjoyed discussing over this delicious spread, and S and Christoph enjoyed talking to each other. K. had even said that she appreciated S's sense of style/fashion. We headed home, tired, and chatted for a bit longer before we called it a night.
~~~ Today we arose early (my first day of vacation) and had our showers, tea, and breakfast. After a few hours of practice with both violins, S packed the bags (asking me what I thought the difference between the two violins are); and S and I headed out for air, sun, and walking to have sorbets (which I brought from home), coffee, and a brownie at Maggie's Mercantile. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed our snack. Then, it was time to head home to get the bags to go to the bus stop for the 14:00 bus...We caught the bus to the airport. Due to sufficient emotion management (and a couple hugs), there were no emotional cryfests. S did self check-in at the United kiosk, and I saw S go through security at the main security checkpoint. We waved several times, blew kisses, and saw the wand technique of the TSA worker before a final wave and a blown kiss.
I boarded the next bus back to Oakland, and met Lynna there, who just came from presenting at high school admissions fairs. We chatted about various things, including the phenomenon of the Network, and as you get older, more people know you through the Network. She knows William, and I told her about how Joyce and Greg met.
Landing at Mom & Dad's, Mom said she was happy to see me.
~~~ 17:20 William and Marissa just called me to invite me to a Tony Kushner play at Carnegie Mellon tonight...Marissa is tired, so I'll meet up w/ William. After I meet Karina at the Newman Center, I'll meet him there tonight.
Last night I met Maureen and Karina at the afternoon Mass at the Newman Center. We committed to Eucharistic Adoration before and after this First Friday Mass. Nancy, Fabiola, and Fabiola's friend joined our group after Mass. We all enjoyed dinner and fellowship, and an after-dinner talk and Powerpoint presentation by Matt with Christina. The talk focussed on Chesterton & Wotyla's lives and philosophies. We had a good chat with Christina after the talk. What a lovely evening with the ladies.
As the Pittsburgh Wellesley Club Vice President, I feel obliged to share this news article from the Wellesley online magazine.....
ALUMNAE TAPPED FOR KEY OBAMA ADMINISTRATION POSTS
Three Wellesley alumnae have been named to leadership posts in the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. Sen. Hillary R. Clinton, class of 1969, has been nominated for secretary of state. She will be the second Wellesley alumna to hold that role; Madeleine Korbel Albright, the first female U.S. secretary of state, is a 1959 graduate of Wellesley.
Chicago business leader Desiree Rogers, class of 1981, has been named White House social secretary. She is the first African American to serve in the position, which is responsible for organizing and overseeing all White House functions and ceremonies.
Katie Johnson, class of 2003, is the new personal secretary to President Obama. As part of the position, Johnson will manage the president's daily schedule.
Earlier this evening, Maureen and I went to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. Andrés Cárdenes, concertmaster, conducted tonight. The program consisted of:
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 in one movement (Samuel Barber)
Rhapsody in Blue, with Gabriela Montero at pianoforte (George Gershwin)
Improvisation on an audience-supplied theme, by Ms. Montero
INTERMISSION
"Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero, Andrés Cárdenes, Associate Principal Cello David Premo, and Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek (by special permission of John Williams)
Symphony No. 5 in D major, Op. 107, "Reformation" (Felix Mendelssohn)
~~~~~ The first piece was rather emotive and dramatic.
The Gershwin piece had imaginative, moving phrasing as provided by Ms. Montero on the pianoforte. The crowd responded with an appreciative standing ovation.
The improvisation on the Steelers' chant "Way to Go, Steelers, Way to Go" was nothing short of inspired, ending in a Latin beat (cha cha?). She is a wonderful, beautiful natural talent---and the audience erupted with an immediate standing ovation.
We saw Fabiola and Jose on the landing at the Dress Circle level at intermission. We exchanged greetings, as we were on our way to the Grand Lobby to greet the artist at intermission. The elevator was inoperable, so we waited in line patiently. Gabriela Montero signed my CD and program, and we chatted ever-so briefly.
The next piece was a pleasant surprise---the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra received permission to perform "Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero and the PSO musicians this weekend. "Air and Simple Gifts" was the musical piece commissioned for Barack Obama's Inauguration Ceremony. For the last curtain call, Ms. Montero in her black-with-gold-hemmed dress sported a Terrible Towel 'round her neck.
The Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony provided a suitable anchor to the evening's program.
As I exited, I ran into Richard Teaster and showed my appreciation for the music on the 9th of this month at the Cathedral. "A well-performed program that included diverse pieces," I said. "The Friday before Palm Sunday we will be in Synod Hall," he indicated, inviting. "Thanks," I said.
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Maureen and I headed to Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield for cups of hot cocoa and a Devil's food-cream cheese muffin. I spotted a doggie under the table next door..."Pippa" is her name, as her owner mumbled her name so that she would not think he were calling her.
NBC television station did a piece on a letter Jenna and Barbara Bush, the twins, wrote to Malia and Sasha Obama. The station asked them to read the letter for the public, which they did. The contents of the letter and their reading of it (with care) is quite telling. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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.
A couple of hours ago I spoke with ma maman et mon papa belges. We caught up after over a dozen years, sharing ideas, thoughts on this week's election, their grandchildren (!), my family, and I got C's contact information.
J'ai [vous] manque, I said, in broken French. It was good to talk to them and to hear how they are doing. They told me they do not have the Internet...Ah, c'est bon, I replied, agreeing, explaining Je n'ai pas l'Internet a mon appartement parce que a mon travaille j'ai utilise l'Internet.
[I like Beatrice's take on Election Day: Her mom wrote, blogging, "The place where we vote is next to a playground. After we finished voting, Beatrice said, 'Now we can go play with Obama in the playground. Then he will vote for us.'")
