Shopping for Christmas Meals
This morning Maureen and I went shopping for Christmas meal items. We started at the two French bakeries, one in Lawrenceville, and one in Millvale. We then went to Trader Joe's in Bakery Square, followed by an attempt to find parking at Whole Foods...then a stint at Giant Eagle Market District. We returned to my home with our booty.
I tucked away the grocery items and helped Mom and Dad with some computer issues, followed by reading and a nap. Time to write [some] Christmas cards!
Labels: Christmas, friends, read, shopping, sleep
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
North Side Fun
Monday (yesterday) I went with Marissa and Beata and Solomon to the North Side to the new Allegheny Library. Apparently, the one I used to frequent while working at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum was the original, first Carnegie library in the United States. The new one was quite modern, and the children and I had great fun playing in the children's room while Marissa selected reading-level-appropriate books for them.
We played with a heavy wooden (air) guitar---I made chord sounds out of it---and also pretended that it was a cello, as well, humming the Albinoni adagio in G.
The children played while we did a round-robin to check out the books.
We then went to Wendy's to pick up food, which we brought to eat in the cafe at the Carnegie Science Center. Beatrice certainly did not want to go to the second floor, nor to the Robot Man, the thought of which absolutely delighted Solomon. In fact, while Marissa and Beata waited in line patiently for the Stars above Pittsburgh planetarium show to start, Solomon and I visited various robots in Robo World. Beata and I stayed for the end of the show, and got star charts, as well. Marissa and Solomon departed soon before the show ended.
We took a short walk to the ducks and stairs just upriver from the submarine docked at the north shore of the head of the Ohio River. The sky quickly changed its mind to an angry gray and we piled into the car just in time to drive into the driving rain.
Labels: Carnegie, library, museum, music, read, stars
Resolving Issues---End of the Summer 2010
The end of this week (Thursday through Saturday) consisted of resolving issues, including health insurance, car maintenance, donating excess jackets, and loading my syllabus onto my (still unavailable) class. I went out with Maureen to the library and then we shared fries in Fox Chapel. I've been writing more, as well.
I started a great book recommended to me by Liz--Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. I finished reading half the book in one evening, it is so compelling. The subtitle is "The Story of Success." He has written The Tipping Point and Blink as well.
I've been catching up on communication (email) and writing more essays, as well.
I just finished a big double bar of chocolate from this summer (with almond and cashew paste).
Labels: automobile, computer, dining, donate, email, health, library, read, school, writing
Early Saturday, June 2010
I'm up early today, having had breakfast and journaled my food intake, exercise, and mass/weight.
I need to get reading more of the books I have borrowed from the library, as well as a book for a class I'll be teaching this fall.
Labels: Carnegie, dine, library, read, sleep, teaching, walking
Emma
Watched Emma with a group at the Newman Center tonight.
Before the movie, Courtney (a British architectural historian) noted that
You come up with a plan, and God laughs at your plan.
To which Jen P added
If you want to laugh really hard, find out God's plan for you!
The movie Emma, with Gwyneth Paltrow, was great. We laughed, guffawed, and responded openly to the movie. We enjoyed a pizza (half plain, half "everything"), and enjoyed the character development and ironic moments. This is the first Jane Austen movie I've seen, and it was comforting to watch it with some die-hard Austen cinema buffs. The music was notably well-matched for the scenes, and my companions noted that the second dance's music and dance choreography (English couples dancing) was the same as for another Austen movie. The "Jane Austen tree"---a large oak, Quercus, I noted---was sighted in the movie. It was noted by Jen and others that Ms. Paltrow made the character of Emma likable, as the book portrayed her early on as somewhat snobby.
Labels: art, cinema, Faith, international culture, read
SIS Distinguished Alumnus Award
Yesterday I lectored at Mass in the morning. Ken provided music ministry at the portative organ, John was the altar server, and Fr. Kim had switched with Fr. Bill for the morning Mass. The first reading was from the Acts of the Apostles, and the Gospel reading spoke about dropping the nets in a fortuitous place for catching fish. Fr. Kim spoke about Youth Ministry before Mass, and Ken spoke about the church on Polish Hill and photographs on the web. <48>
I dropped off my packets of graded papers from this week for my students to pick up just after noon.
Mom, Dad, and I had lunch (pancit! beef peanut soup! and strawberries and pears!), and then I took a nap.
I graded quizzes from about 14.00 to 17.30, half-finishing my task.
I went home to change for the School of Information Sciences Distinguished Alumni & Professional Achievement Awards Ceremony at the Athletic Association. My former professor, Ange Pollis, was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2010. Ken S was awarded the 2010 Professional Achievement Award. His family was present, as was Ange's, and I asked him if he were related to my classmate A, who started Protest Easy Guns (he's not). Ange and her sister Helen were and looked lovely, and we chatted easily at times throughout the evening.
I caught up with SLA friends Denise, Kim G, and I met SIS Alumni president Joe I. Carolyn B was there, and we chatted about her daughter growing up.
A lovely evening.
Labels: biology, celebration, dine, lector, library, list, love, Mass, photos, read, school, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, student, 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
Education and State of the Union 2010
Just got off the phone with Maureen. We spoke about motivating students in the classroom. Especially those who are not motivated to do well academically, whose parents may not be supportive of the educational process.
We spoke about tonight's State of the Union Address in which President Obama states, "one of the best anti-poverty programs is a world-class education."
We spoke about the Pittsburgh Promise, and how, if students graduate from Pittsburgh Public Schools that there are all these checks written for various schools--colleges and universities---in Pennsylvania: They just need to take responsibility to ensure that their name is in the memo line of a check for four years of education.
We spoke about Charlie Batch, the Pittsburgh Steeler from Homestead, Pennsylvania, who believes so much in education that he gives back to the community in the form of the Charlie Batch Foundation. His mom is involved as well in the Toys for Tots Literacy program which provides students "access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read, communicate effectively, and succeed in life."
We spoke about the movie/poem "Invictus," which ends in the couplet
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul
Which my mom invokes when we are feeling that the world is too much.
And I quoted what Grandma had said to me
Bahala ako sa sarili ko OR
"I am responsible for myself," useful for the student who will not even take on the responsibility of opening a textbook in the context of a classroom.
We bid each other good night, and will see each other Friday again.
Labels: economy, friends, games, Grandma, humor, Pittsburgh, poetry, read, school, sports
Feast of the Holy Family 2009
I sang with the choir today, the Feast of the Holy Family 2009. We sang Coventry Carol for the preparation of gifts, and Rutter's Christmas Lullaby (our "signature song") after hymns for communion. Stopped in the sacristy to sign off that I do NOT pick up the printed readings for Mass, as I read them on the "USCBC [sic] web site." The United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops' web site has the daily Mass readings. Said hello to Carol & Princess, and Fr. Josh after Mass, as well.
Kelly prepared fresh green bean casserole, roasted veggie mix, and we had various cold cuts and meat loaf, too. We enjoyed the Brooklyn chocolate bars: dark chocolates with truffles and sea salt (savory) and one with pecans and maple syrup (sweet). We also enjoyed stollen with marzipan, and fudge with mint creme. We chatted about our extended family, and are preparing to play a board game.
~~~
Played Upwords with Kelly, Mom, and Dad.
The end of the game brought my laying my last tile, and Mom, Kelly, and Dad unable to lay their last tile. We watched the longer version of The Sound of Music. I then set up bill paying for an additional account tonight, as well as checked my email.
Labels: Choir, cinema, dine, email, games, Mass, photos, read, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
Saint Stephen's / Boxing Day 2009 II
Went to Borders, CVS, and Rite Aid this morning for future gifts and cards. Then, after 14.30 Mom and I left for the Waterfront and more shopping shenanigans. We stopped at CVS after a snack at Target.
I had a snack of whole milk yogurt with hazelnut sauce, then I did some administrative prep work for next semester, printed out some bookstore coupons, and helped Mom print out reunion documents.
I'll call it a night now.
Labels: dine, dining, family, read, shopping
We are Santa's Elves
Today I went into work after breakfast to take care of some administrative tasks before the semester starts. I had lunch, then Karina and I walked some errands:
I returned some library books (Aliki's Christmas Tree Memories, Snowflake Bentley, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas) with Karina (on the way to the library we saw Paul, my coworker);
We walked to the post office (where I finagled my small parcel---a CD for Auntie Teng and Uncle Boy, already stamped---to the window, past the long lines);
Back to the library, where Karina borrowed a TON (no grunting allowed) of books on jewelry;
and to my parents' lobby and to my building.
Maureen picked us up, and then we walked to a pizza place in Shadyside,
and shopping at Giant Eagle for lollipops for Maureen's students (where we saw Susan E).
We ended up playing Santa's Elves by making up goodie bags for Maureen's students.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, dining, family, library, read, shopping, walking, work
The Wee Hours of the Morn, 2/3 Finished Grading, Fall 2009
Here I am, up before the sun, in the wee hours of the morn. Checking email, but not yet checking exam papers. A fresh start, a fresh outlook. I've not been asleep for more than five hours.
"Sweet slumbers come and chase away
The toils and follies of the day."
---Rev. Matthew Henry, Anthem for the Evening (from his Miscellaneous Works, Volume One)
~~~~~
Two-Thirds finished grading papers, Fall 2009
As of 9.00 this morning!
Hoo-Ray-OOoo.
Labels: email, read, sleep, work
Laundry, Right Before Thanksgiving 2009
I awoke about two and a half hours ago to start my laundry...three big loads! Whites, lights/brights, and dark colors. Sort and load, sort and load.
I like doing laundry because it is generally relaxing. It doesn't stress like some household chores do. In fact, when I was working full-time and going to graduate school concurrently, I considered laundry to be my mini-vacation! Pour in the clothes, hear the water pour into the cylinder, listen to the drone of the machine. go away to take a short nap or to read a magazine, take the wet clothes from the washer, load the dryer, go away for a little longer, ANNNNNNNNND voila! fresh clothes!
I luff it.
~~~~~
I read the epistle and psalm and general intercessions at yesterday's morning Mass. John greeted me, Emily stopped by the sacristy to chat with him, Don was happy to see that I was reading, and Father Kim celebrated the Mass. He always says a little prayer before we get started...very nice.
Labels: Church, laundry, Mass, read, school, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Nothing Was the Same
I just finished this week Kay Redfield Jamison's memoir, Nothing Was the Same. She is currently Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University.
Her book addressed her life with and without her now-deceased husband and the joyous times they had together, as well as their battle with his cancer, and her ensuing throes of grief and despair from the loss. Definitely an interesting read. She contrasts her grief with the moods of the depression she has experienced.
~ ~ ~
I found some quotes from the book particularly interesting to share:
from "Mourning and Melancholia":
Hope can find a place in a mind missing love. It cannot find a place in a mind taken over by depression. In grief, one finds the absence of a life, not life itself. In depression, it is otherwise: one cannot access the beat of life.
from "Fugitive Dyes":
I had often said to my patients who were struggling in the wake of mania or suicidal despair: We are each an island. It is your task to bring to your own island what you need to live long and well: love, beauty, diversion, friends; work that sustains; a meaningful life. Look at Maui, I would say: everything was brought in by man, insect, bird, or wind. It is your life; it is short. Treat your island with regard. Do not let it go to weed; do not give it over to anyone else. Understand the possibilities. Know the dangers. Keep away the ungenerous and unkind.
~ ~ ~
I have had two students who have lost family members this past week. I found myself listening to their stories, then quietly saying, "He's at peace now," or "She's at peace now" to them, as well as reminding them to tell their lab partners of their loss (they may be surprised to find that their lab partners are accepting, accomodating, and human about their situation).
Labels: accessibility, color, encyclopedia, farewell, flowers, friends, health, meditate, moving, read, sleep, work
Newman Bible Study
I went to the Cardinal Newman Bible study led by Frs. Joshua and Stephen at the Newman Center. Fr. Joshua raised the question of whether one is to view the Bible as a multifarious books or as a single book. Later in the evening, after much discussion I raised the question as to whether the Bible can be viewed both ways---as the Body of the Church has both diversity and unity...and the Liturgy of the Word plays an important role in the Mass.
We had a good discussion, spoke with Fabiola after, and Karina, Franco, and I walked to our respective places as a group.
Labels: Faith, Mass, read, walking
Last Day, September 2009
This morning I got some grading done as well as attended Fr. Drew's Sunday Scriptural Study (for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B). Clare and I walked back together, then I took a short nap and headed in to work to set up for the microbial practical quiz.
~~~
21.10
Just returned from the organ recital by Dame Gillian Weir. Absolutely amazing! Her playing was fantastic, and she performed a repertoire that spanned centuries as well as geographic space. I sat with Joe and Tina, and Maureen sat near us, too.
I'm nervous that all the equipment for the lab will be in place for tomorrow....
Labels: biology, Church, Faith, music, organ, read, work
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
Haircut, August 2008
Mom and I got haircuts yesterday afternoon. We went to run errands and to go food shopping, too.
When we returned, Maureen and I went to Jo Ann Fabrics to get her organizers for her students' classroom supplies. We went to an office supply store for binder clips, and went to Eat N Park for cool drinks (milkshake and water). We stopped at Ross Park Mall for window shopping, and headed home.
~ ~ ~
Today I took an easy morning...typed a bit, then relaxed in bed. Had lunch with Mom and Dad, then after a nap joined Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon for some story telling in Squirrel Hill. The volunteer's name was Jan, and she read library books with toys and puppets to help to tell the stories. She did a finger play about five fishies, too. They enjoyed the cinnamon graham crackers, and we all went to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream and sorbet afterwards.
Labels: dining, hair, ice cream, read, shopping, volunteering
Radio Information Service, absorbed
The Radio Information Service has been absorbed by Duquesne University's WDUQ. My personal finance show has been eliminated from programming. Fond memories of the station on Wharton Street, the people, and the production of programming.
I'll be looking for volunteer work closer to home soon.
-Grace
Labels: Duquesne U, farewell, personal finance, read, RIS
