Donations, May 2010; Catholic Underground, May 2010
I dropped off some donations today, then Mom and I went for Mexican food for lunch. We returned some items at some shops, then we had dinner with Dad.
I got cleaned up for Catholic Underground. This month Maureen drove, picking up Christina and me. We sang, participated in Eucharistic adoration, prayed, and sang. The Praise and Worship songs we sang included
He Is Exalted (Twila Paris)
Love Comes Down (Matt Maher)
Revelation Song (Christ for the Nation's Institute)
a take on Agnus Dei
How He Loves (David Crowder Band)
You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) (Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton)
All Creatures of Our God and King (St. Francis) in medley with Love Comes Down
We also sang O Salutaris Hostia upon the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Psalms 113, 117, and a canticle from Revelations 11 as chant,
Then we went downstairs into the social hall to enjoy the acoustic guitar sounds and to enjoy fellowship with Lauren and Bianca, Julie C and Katie. We saw Fr. Kim and Fr. Josh there, Molly, and Marie.
Night prayer was sung, including Psalms 4 and 134, and a canticle of Luke 2: 29-32. We said the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and sang Salve Regina. After Catholic Underground ended, Maureen gave rides to Lauren and Bianca, as well. Maureen and I went for gasoline ($2.859/gallon), and I washed her windshields.
Labels: animals, celebration, dine, dining, economy, energy, Faith, family, friends, prayer, singing, transportation
Food, Inc.
Watched ~one and a half hours of Food, Inc. last night on WQED. The ending was palpably missing. Meredith at work recommended we watch it. Quite thought-provoking. Reminds me of books I read for a class @ MC back in the day with Jan Wilbanks.
Special prayers go out now to Kelly and her compadres as they head out for an event for which they need luck, prayers, and talent.
Labels: cinema tv, Marietta, New York, prayer, school, talent
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
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
I'm Awake Again
Awake again and organizing my space.
Finding all sorts of stuff again...that was put away and misplaced for a while.
Still am looking for my photographic slides that have been misplaced. Some I have already made into 8 x 10" photos for friends and family...others are just plumb missing. Also for a nice gift from a friend this past year. Just am praying for intercession on this matter. (Hey, it's worked in the past!)
Labels: friends, gift, organizing, photography, photos, prayer, St. Anthony
SnowUNbound February 2010
Maureen telephoned me soon after I posted my last post...she invited me and also Karina to ten o'clock morning Mass at the Newman Center. As I walked up the street, I sang "I'll be home for Christmas." We were two of the five parishioners who celebrated Mass with Fr. Drew. I prayed during the general intercessions for my parents' current mission. Then, we walked south on Dithridge to Fifth Avenue, taking photos all along. We enjoyed the warmth of the Cathedral of Learning, and Maureen dried off and applied a plastic bag to her foot. We walked south to Forbes Avenue, headed east to Craig Street, where Maureen got a cappuccino at Kiva Han. We enjoyed lunch at the pan-Asian restaurant, and invited Karina to join us. We enjoyed telling stories and looking at pictures/photos.
I am tired from my slight lack of sleep and my escapades in the snow. I will take a nap before I continue along in my day.
Labels: cold, dining, Faith, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, prayer, seasons, sleep, tea, weather
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
Up Early January 2010
So, I'm up early this morning. Wrote an email, now I'm going to write about yesterday:
Yesterday, I woke at ~7.15 (boy, was that difficult) to the strains of my alarm. I did some computer work, then joined up with Mom and Dad for a late breakfast. Mom and I watched a movie with Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married. In the afternoon I went to a bookstore and then to Trader Joe's for some groceries. Then a nap... After dinner it was time for pastoral council. Matt and I wrote closing and opening prayers, respectively. One of the fun activities we did was to write a want ad for pastoral council. We shared a lot of topics, and ended soon after an hour, as the weather dictated our actions. We spoke about the "Grace problem" of first Wednesday conflicts, as well. Roseann, Elaine, and I slip-slided all the way home. A discussion ensued with Mom and Dad, then a nap, then some document editing.
Today, I'm up early for this last full weekday of vacation before the semester starts. Tomorrow holds a meeting, as well as a bit of administrative work. I don't have anything in particular planned for today, although I should be doing laundry soon, not because of need, but because of desire (or something). It's the first morning in a few that I've not heard the men plowing the snow in the parking lot in the wee hours of the morning. No plans for today, but Now time for another email. No plans for today, but now it's time to check my email for plans, as well as to make plans, all for within the next couple of years.
~~~~~
21.55
I took a nap ~7:30-9:30, had a late breakfast, early lunch, then took a nap, then was awakened by a call from Karina to walk to the library. She hung out in the magazine room, and I went to the campus libe/computer lab to print out some documents. I received a call from her---she had lost a bracelet her sister had just given her. She retraced part of her steps that we had taken to the library. I then renewed a book and met up with her: She hadn't found it when we got to a parking lot near my building.
I was pleased to receive a call from her stating that she had located the bracelet!
The evening was spent with Mom and Dad working on medical mission documents.
Labels: biology, cinema, cinema tv, cold, dine, email, jewelry, laundry, library, medical mission, meeting, music, pastoral council, Philippines, prayer, sleep, travel, weather, work
At the close of Liturgical Year 2009
Today in choir Don made a point of pointing out that I always say "God's [holy] Church," whereas the liturgy is written as "God's church." "You always say that," he noted.
After Ken's organ voluntary I told Don, "Yeah, I always say that, and there are other parts of the Mass that I say differently." I highlighted the Creed line "and us men, and our salvation." I told Don, "I NEVER say men. I'm not a man!" I also mentioned that in other languages that "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter into my house/home" translates differently than the English "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You." Don talked about how that line will change soon.
This Sunday was the announcement of Fr. Andrew's departure for St. Alphonsus in Wexford.
Next Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King! [everybody celebrate here]
Labels: Choir, Church, Faith, prayer, St. Paul Cathedral
Second Day of G-20 in Pittsburgh: Police Presence
Before 11.15 am today I:
Read Haggai 2:1-9 and Psalm 43:1-4.
Had trouble getting into the church building
Said the Rosary and Chaplet with a group of people (including Dad, Oscar, his daughter Christina, Maureen, and Lisa C.)
Picked up my wallet, and walked with Maureen to Pamela's, Oakland
Saw < 10 potential protesters at Schenley Plaza
Saw foot police in dark colors in a group of ~20 on Bellefield Avenue heading south
Saw firemen from Sewickley travelling west
Saw PAT buses marked SPECIAL bearing troopers
Saw a lot of police presence, in general
Sat directly under a broken and boarded window at Pamela's
Enjoyed my breakfast with Maureen, at a lively restaurant, next to gentlemen who ordered takeout, and single people, some carrying soft-sided luggage. Some of those dining looked as if they might be protesters
We met up with a man taking a photo of the damage at Pamela's
Saw a woman taking a photo of the damage at American Apparel
Saw McDonald's boarded up with plywood
There was a white tent over the W entrance of the Cathedral of Learning
Stopped in a computer lab on campus
Saw well-dressed foreign visitors from Japan visiting the Cathedral of Learning
Saw a convoy of motorcycle police traveling north on Bellefield at the same time as we
Saw a platoon of county mounted police travelling south on Bellefield
saw the Mellon Institute had "Falling Objects" tape around the front entrance
Saw bicycle police at the NE corner of the Mellon Institute building
Saw Fr. Barry and Fr. Kim walking about
Generally, there were fewer U Pitt-looking students on Forbes Avenue,
Fewer pedestrians,
less foot traffic,
less vehicular traffic ("It's eerie," said Maureen)
no parked cars for stretches.
I think I'll do my laundry this weekend...
Labels: American history, automobile, citizenship, ice cream, international culture, languages, photography, prayer, read, repair, school, St. Paul Cathedral, work, writing
Pool Exercises, Free Sandwiches, St. Anthony
After donning an OpSite (TM) sticker on my small but pernicious? tiny scab, I did pool exercises (after my land exercises) for the first time before my second total hip replacement:
walking (10 minutes)
side stepping (5 minutes)
~ronde de jambes en l'air: i.e., "front, side, back" 20 reps/side
and, finally,
"Stretch that neck" by submersing in the water, putting my arm behind my back, and stretching my neck in the opposite direction. This is to counteract effects of using a cane on my shoulder.
I picked up Karina, and we bought sodas to get free bacon, cheddar, and roast beef Wednesday specials. We sat at the library, read women's and travel magazines, picked out books and ran into Jim B., my former boss, on the way to the car.
Went home to look for some misplaced/lost items (noticed this morning). Boy, oh boy, time to pray to Ss. Anthony and Jude for lost items. Found the documents I need to replace the lost documents, but it sure would be nice to find my lost items.
~~~~~~~~
Dinner was at William's family's home. I took photos of the children before they ate their dinner, but while they were seated in their high chairs. We had capelli d'angelo with sauce, chicken, fish, mixed veggies, milk, and raspberry-banana cake. Beatrice kept asking to be carried upstairs by me.."Not yet, Beata. Not today. Later."
Labels: BAD, career, Carnegie, dine, dining, exercise, friends, health, library, niece and nephew, pain, prayer, water exercise
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
Thankful Me
In answering some of my emails this morning, I'm realizing how blessed I am:
I have friends and family wishing me well and praying for me...to dance and cartwheel again soon.
I have friends and family reminding me that I need to do my physical therapy (and hidden in that wish is the fact that I underwent a standard surgical procedure that needs mainly only a visit to the surgeon and simple physical therapy as the major follow-ups).
I have friends and family who want to visit me.
I have family who are housing me and bringing me back to health every step of the way (yummy food, shelter, warmth--physical and emotional, medical care, etc. etc.)
~~~
Dad and I watched the Mass from St. Paul Cathedral this morning, with Fr. Kim and Fr. Joshua celebrating, and Debby Z. cantoring. They spoke about spiritual Fathers and how this is the year of vocations to the priesthood.
Mom woke up a short while ago, and we will help her prepare breakfast....
~~~
4.00m
Breakfast was blueberry waffles, with butter topping or butter, whole milk yogurt, fresh blueberries, syrup, sunny-side-up eggs, little sausages, sardines. MmmmMM!
Today Mom helped me to get my anti-coagulant injection, change TED hose and socks, and to change clothes (again).
William, Marissa, and the children came over for dinner. It was a lovely homemade spread of gourd, shrimp, and coconut milk soup; mixed green salad with grape tomatoes, shredded cheese, and dressing; roasted chicken; egg torta; with dessert of blueberries for the children and key lime pie for the rest of us.
Labels: dine, exercise, Mass, prayer, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, thankfulness, TV, visitor
St. Anthony's Chapel Novena
Maureen and I went to St. Anthony's Chapel to pray the novena (this week was the tenth Tuesday of the novena). I mentioned K & her family, who lost their mother, and M. and her family, as well as a special intention.
We went grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and Giant Eagle afterwards.
Labels: Faith, Pittsburgh, prayer, rosary
Novena, St. Anthony III
Went to physical therapy today. Also watched a show with Mom about Niagara Falls ("Good location for a vacation," she implied).
At 19:30 Karina and I went to Troy Hill for St. Anthony's Novena (patron saint of lost causes). During general intercessions I prayed "For those unemployed and underemployed," for I knew most of those present would not mention it.
We went to her home for chai masala (homemade) and chatted, and looked at photos of her family, old and young.
Labels: Church, exercise, friends, prayer, rosary, tea, TV, water exercise
Two Deaths this Week
This week at the Cathedral there were two deaths of individuals I knew: Bryan, a young man from my Faith-sharing group, and Fr. Leo Vanyo, former rector of St. Paul Cathedral.
Bryan was a young man who had the fire of Jesus in him. He was driven to proselytize all over the city of Pittsburgh---from street corners to back alleys, to our faith-sharing group. I distinctly remember his looking to distribute tracts outdoors, even in the dead of winter. I sometimes saw him in deep thought at the back of the church, praying. His light and passion will continue to be a beacon for all of us in the faith-sharing group, especially due to his quick and untimely demise. We continue to pray for his soul and for his desire to carry the Good News to all.
Fr. Leo Vanyo was the previous rector of St. Paul Cathedral. He was a man with a wit and with a deep understanding of the Word of God, history of the text, and theology; evident from the homilies he delivered on Sundays. He cared enough to send a small, handcrafted gift to each and every chorister the season I started in the choir. Although he was ill with cancer, he will be remembered by many of us who have been attending the Cathedral for a while. He will be missed.
Labels: Choir, Church, Faith, farewell, prayer, re, St. Paul Cathedral
Angels in America, Part I, Millenium Approaches
Nancy and I met up with Karina and Jennifer and friends Keith and Jeff for dinner at the Newman Center. I inquired about Mass intentions for the Oratory.
Nancy and I watched Angels in America, Part I, Millenium Approaches tonight. We agreed that the script, casting, acting, and special effects were top-notch. Nancy and I agreed that we would watch the second part of the series.
Labels: dining, Faith, Mass, Pittsburgh, prayer, theater
Playin' (and Singin')
I graded papers yesterday, and asked William if I could stop by their home yesterday afternoon. He dialed, and Beata said, "Do you want to play with us?" I went to their home and she danced in circles like an ice skater; we learned some sign language.
William asked me if I had taught her the sign for helicopter...."Yes, but I had only signed it once at your house." They had been trying to figure out where she had learned it, as it was in none of the books, William and Marissa hadn't taught her, and Beata was signing helicopter.
We held the kids up in the air, causing great delight, and then Beata and I played "Go Fish." We had dinner of quiche ("Gimme a quiche,...gimme a hug"), veggies, and rice. Solomon, in his inimitable style, vocalized happiness as he consumed his meal.
~~~~~
Later, after six o'clock Mass, I met up with Don to drive chez Lisa and Ken's for a Folk Music Mass sing-a-long. The ride up we discussed prayer and vocations. The guitars were tuned up, the kitchen table was slowly being unloaded of desserts, the choristers were ready, and we were joined by friends of Ken and Lisa, Nancy & Ronald and Chuck & Maggie (our only stars of the evening, as the sky was warmer and overcast). The ride back we discussed Don's introduction to the organ.
Labels: biology, dance, dining, friends, languages, Mass, music, prayer, school, surprise, TV, work
Silence and Solitude
.
.
.
I tried to meet Fabiola and Jose at the Newman Center---Joey, a university student, offered to drive us to the dinner and talk at Carnegie Mellon University by Fr. David Abernathy, "Solitude and Silence in the Spiritual Life." The talk was preceded by dinner and a period of silent prayer.
The talk focused on
Noisiness and Restlessness: External and Internal
What Silence and Solitude Are/Are Not
Reasons to Embrace Silence and Solitude
Suggestions for Silence and Solitude
Getting Started
~~~~~
I spoke about the different types of silent prayer with my dinner table partners: "Contemplative, Meditative," etc.
Terese, Kirsten, and I walked down Forbes Avenue together in the below-freezing temperatures after the talk.
Labels: Carnegie, Faith, Pittsburgh, prayer, school
Time to Go
to the hospital, with prayers preceding me and trailing behind!
Hail O Surgery Day
Blest day which is long awaited!
After the surgery day
I can stoop down to the earth.
Here's the tune for the words above.
Labels: BAD, health, music, prayer, singing, Songs, surgery, writing
