"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Friday's Art Crawl
Friday afternoon Charles and I met up with Susan downtown for my first experience at Art Crawl. We noted the skywriting, as well as the photos of skywriting in the gallery that had much silkscreened art. We tried the apple-almond paste tarts at the culinary school down the street, and experienced the gallery installation by the Carnegie Mellon University students.
Then, we headed to Wax on Ellsworth Avenue to Susan's friend's jewelry opening. She makes sturdy, artistic, whimsical whistle pendants. We all enjoyed chatting for a while, and then departed for our respective homes.
Labels: art, Carnegie, dining, friends, jewelry, school
Noon Mass, Nicole Constable, Heinz Chapel, and an evening walk
Yesterday after work I attended noon Mass, celebrated by Fr. Drew Morgan. He discussed the impact of the three archangels during the Michaelmas service.
I went to a lecture by Prof. Nicole Constable (A & S, Anthropology and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research). She spoke on "Telling Tales of Migrant Workers: Religion, Activism, and Women's Life Scripts." I zoomed from the post-talk reception to...
...Heinz Chapel for our class tour of Heinz Chapel (by Jackie), including my leading a discussion of how three out of four of the main nave windows refer directly to concepts of Academic Integrity.
Maureen and I went for a post-dinner walk in Shadyside.
Labels: diaspora, Faith, Mass, Philippines, Pilipino culture, school, walking, work
Carnegie Museum of Art, September 2010
Yesterday before work Marissa, Beatrice, Solomon, and I visited the Carnegie Museum of Art. Marissa had the stack of cards with images/facsimiles of items from the permanent collection (that I had given her about a decade ago. She had us play "treasure hunt" with each of us assigned a separate card. We even asked the security guards for help. There was an art history class from the University of Pittsburgh, and the children engaged with one of the students from the class. We even had time for a second card each. I greeted some the security help whom I know from having worked there.
Labels: art, Beatrice, Carnegie, games, museum, niece and nephew, school
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
Computers and Computer Training
For the past two evenings Maureen and I have been researching and buying her new toys (computer external hard drive and new notebook). So we researched and went to Staples in our neighborhood and up by Nancy C's neighborhood. We sat at Starbucks and enjoyed cool drinks in the cooling night air, and quickly escaped the cigarette smoke at the quickly-occupied next table last night.
I helped her back-up her ailing computer last night, and helped her do a skeletal set-up this evening before going to help Mom with travel computer questions. I also made reservations tonight for a fantasie musical.
Today for the best part of the morning involved a group training computer class. Renae was there, it was fun to see her again. Quite useful information.
Labels: addiction, computer, dining, friends, music, school, theater, transportation, travel
Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
I met other people whilst waiting for the shuttle to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Kristen, who had done this before, and who sat in my row, and Stephen, who was handing out parking stickers for validation.
Francois sat next to me, and we chatted on the way to and from the food bank. Philippa directed us. I was partnered with Kathy, and we directed people to appropriate areas. I had to sit at regular intervals to rest my po' little body. Keith stopped by to say hello, and to talk about past landscapes.
There were about 40 of us, and we wiped down the stainless steel counters afterwards. Four hundred thirty families/groups were served approximately 25000 pounds of food in that session.
Labels: biology, dine, economy, personal finance, school, transportation
Awoke an hour earlier....
..This morning I awoke another hour earlier--4.30. I am taking care of correspondence (some by email), and photos for my blog.
I'm pleased that the university library has chosen to order the encyclopedia I was involved in.
~~~
9.25
I soon went back to sleep at 5, 5.30 and slept for another four hours. This waking up early is difficult! I wonder why I have disrupted sleep?
Labels: blogs, email, encyclopedia, library, photos, school, sleep
End of Reunion Weekend
I retrieved Mom and Dad from the airport after they went for Mom's class reunion. They had a great time, and enjoyed Chicago, as well as time with Uncle Dino and family. We enjoyed eating ensaymada when we got to their home.
Mom and I watched While You Were Sleeping, with Sandra Bullock. We enjoyed the movie. Dad watched part of the last 20 minutes with us.
Labels: cinema, dine, family, Pilipino culture, school, 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
Othello
I went to see Othello with the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial. Absolutely Powerful, riveting, and produced and performed with a sense of the historical place of the play in theatrical history. Natalie had recommended that I see it, and I noted that she was the dialect coach for this production.
Andrew S. Paul's director's notes make a point: It turns out that there has been a spate of productions of this piece since the election of Pres. Obama. One production even set the play in the present, and "switched" the casting of Othello and Desdemonda's father (the Duke of Venice)---with her father portrayed by an actor who is a look-alike for Mr. Obama.
The play was viewed by about 43 others and myself during a Tuesday morning production for school groups. The group today was from, I believe, Mt. Lebanon.
Javon Johnson portrayed Othello, with Desdemona portrayed by Allison McLemore. The complex character of Emilia was portrayed by Shelley Delaney.
Iago was portrayed exceedingly well by Michael Hanrahan, presenting a valid reason for folks "not to lie, not to tell untruths."
~~~
14.40 Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Folk Dancing, May 2010
I went folk dancing yesterday evening in my neighborhood. We danced a number of Hungarian dances, Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, Zemer Atik (Israeli), Black Nag (English Country dance), and other dances. It was great fun. We also enjoyed Ellen's blowing out her birthday cake!
I hurried home to watch the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" with Mom. Nicole and Derek won over Evan and Anna. It was fun to watch contestants from the whole season perform, as well.
Labels: biology, Birthday, dance, dancing, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, theater, work
Pittsburgh Children's Festival, Phipps Garden, Carnegie Mellon
After singing at noon Mass (which was celebrated by Fr. Tim Kesicki), Regina and I met up with our parents and chatted until the baptism proceeded. Dad, Mom, and I went for Mexican food in Fox Chapel.
Maureen and I went for a walkabout Oakland: first to the Pittsburgh Children's Festival, on to Phipps Garden, then to Carnegie Mellon University. We saw CMU Engineering grads having their photos taken on Hillman Library steps, passed the carousel and the tent, past a bunch of arts, crafts, and activity booths, including retired greyhounds. Then we went to the petting zoo---the pony looked exhausted!
On to Phipps Garden, where we perambulated, and we smelled the herb garden. Maureen admired the peonies. Her friend called whist she was admiring the peonies to discuss peonies with her! We walked past the Cut, then stopped at Wawa's office door. We visited the Randy Pausch bridge and admired the lighting. We walked the ramp at the Gates Center, sat outside Newell-Simon Hall, and went to Lulu's for Maureen's smoothie.
Time to think about dinner plans.
Labels: celebration, children, Choir, dining, flowers, garden, ice cream, Mass, Pittsburgh, school, walking
Pittsburgh Marathon, Pitt's Graduation, Pens Game, and Mass
The Pittsburgh Marathon is being run as I type. The University of Pittsburgh's graduation is today. The Penguins play at Mellon arena early this afternoon. And getting around the city by motorized vehicle will be a challenge today.
~~~
I saw the runners turning east onto Fifth Avenue from Craig Street this morning before Mass.
~~~
11.15am
I lectored in place of Betty at the last Mass. She has problems navigating all the obstacles today. So Carol and Fr. Bill D. helped me to get organized for the Sunday Mass. The major difference is carrying in the book of the Gospels, as well as stepping down for the cantor to sing the psalm, and putting away the lectionary and step before the Gospel reading. Also, there is no announcing the hymns, as during the weekday Mass.
Fr. Bill celebrated the Mass; Rachel, PJ, and Steve served, Linda O. cantored; Ken was the organist; and Donna S. and Carmella and Bob were among the Eucharistic Ministers. Mom and Dad attended the Mass, I also saw Sarah from choir there. I saw Jim L. and Dan before Mass as usher and greeter, respectively.
I chatted with Linda after Mass about vocal health (pending my incipient laryngitis) and the seminar two Thursdays ago, then Mom and I chatted with Gloria and Steve about building issues.
~~~
Labels: Mass, organizing, school, sports, St. Paul Cathedral, voice, walking, work
Post-Nasal Drip, Post-Practical Questions
I have post-nasal drip Thursday right after the semester ended. I've been sleeping propped with pillows.
Thursday a student stopped by to have a second look at the exam.
Labels: biology, health, school, student, work
Grades Posted at 17.00, Spring 2010
William, Dad, and I drove to "thirty one-derful flavors" for their 31 cent scoops. Dad, Mom, and I got Jamoca Almond Fudge, and William got German chocolate cake, and cherries Jubilee for Beatrice and Solomon. Donations will be made today to the Fire Fighters fund.
After, I headed home for dinner, to say hi to Mom and Dee Dee P., and to answer emails after the grades were officially posted to the central computer on campus at 17.00 h.
~~~
Went grocery shopping with Maureen at ~21.00.
Labels: biology, dine, email, friends, ice cream, school, shopping, work
And Here Begins My Summer Break 2010
I met with Carole and Meredith at about 12:45 today to take care of administrative tasks for my four laboratory sections. We had a productive meeting. I then spent the next two and a half hours taking care of the paperwork to leave them a copy of our work. I left work after leaving a copy for them.
I walked back home, toting my less-heavy bag with me, and showered and took a nap to about 16.30. I went to Mom and Dad's, visiting, toting stuff from their home, bringing dinner makings from my house (for a lovely Surf N Turf dinner), and emailing my students that I'd posted their grades. Mom and I watched Dancing with the Stars, and I just spoke with Stacey, a colleague who is home grading.
I think I'll turn in early tonight.
Labels: biology, dance, dine, family, meeting, school, sleep, work
Grading Update, Spring 2010
So, I officially finished grading all questions for all my students in all my sections on all assignments at 9.49 this morning.
Now, I just need to:
Add the scores from the subtotals
Calculate the score for the final
Calculate the percent right on the final
Enter the final grades in the grade spreadsheets
Calculate course scores/grades
Calculate course letter grades (with + or -)
Much of this can be done with calculators, spreadsheets, and grade break/cutoff information.
I'll take Mom and Dad out for lunch today to celebrate!
Time for a little relaxation before choir practice.
Labels: biology, celebration, Choir, dining, relax, school, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Up Early for Grading, the Home Stretch, Spring 2010
I'm up early on a Sunday for the grading home stretch. I'm on the last portion of the exam!!! I've put feelers out for meeting with one of my supervisors early next week to discuss grades. My students will be happy if I can post grades before graduation (sooner than later, before the scheduled time).
Labels: biology, early, school, work
Up Early to (finish?) Grading, Finals Spring 2010
Sprung up early this morning to get my papers in order and to (finish?) grade. Just checked my email, checked my withdrawals from class...ready to go!
8.26 am
2/3rds + finished grading...I took a break after the 2/3rds mark to make cinnamon bread French toast and eggs for the folks and me.
10.12 am
7/9ths finished grading. Taking a break to write more to this blog entry...
12.02 pm
5/6ths finished grading. Time to grade to the bottom of page 7 for one section, then lunch, then clean-up, then watching Mother's Day on Ice (figure skating) on television, then an hour-long nap.
17.06
8/9ths finished grading.
18.11
17/18ths finished grading.
I'm in the home stretch now!
Labels: biology, dine, school, sleep, sports, TV, work
5/9ths Finished Grading, Finals Spring 2010
I am pleased as punch at my progress in grading: 5/9ths completed with all my papers to be corrected, to date.
Maureen and I went for smoothie and General Tso's chicken at the neighborhood pan-Asian restaurant. Came back home and graded some more!
Labels: biology, dining, school, work
