Missed Choir Practice, Choir this week
I missed choir practice & choir this past week, due to a lingering sore throat.
Friday I joined Jennifer & Mike, Regina & John at drumming.
I handed in the last of my wreath fundraising for choir today.
I missed singing for the Feast of Christ the King, but enjoyed the music from the congregation. I did sing the Lotti Agnus Dei (alto part).
Bishop William Winter was the main celebrant, with many other priests concelebrating. (Bishop Zubik is in Rome for Cardinal Wuerl's ordination.)
This morning I wrote letters of support for two former students and completed their PharmCAS reference letters this afternoon.
I will join up with John, Regina, and her parents to celebrate his birthday for dinner.
Labels: Choir, dining, friends, health, music, singing, Spain, St. Paul Cathedral
Michael Grimm--America's Got Talent
Maybe it's better that Michael Grimm will be touring the country, will win a $1M prize, and become a Las Vegas act. Jackie Evancho's parents can better direct her career as a young operatic vocalist if she didn't partake in Michael's future scenario (above).
Labels: music, singing, talent, TV
Jackie Evancho in the top two.....
...Michael Grimm and Jackie Evancho are in the top two after the two obviously Las Vegas-type acts were in 4th and 3rd place: Prince Poppycock and Fighting Gravity, respectively.
Channel 11 news at 11 o'clock p.m. will interview Jackie Evancho.
~~~~
9.52pm
I think it will be Jackie, the girl with pure, unadulterated talent.
~~~~~
9.57pm
Michael Grimm won America's Got Talent.
~~~~~~
22.21
I hope that Jackie will get a scholarship, maybe to someplace like Carnegie Mellon, Yale School of Music, or Julliard....such a talented young person!
Labels: music, singing, talent, TV
Jackie Evancho
Just watched the semi-finals of America's Got Talent, which finished with Jackie Evancho singing Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu." How wonderful was that! What a lovely ten-year-old girl with a BIG voice...how emotionally touching and what amazing breath control. She deserves the best.
..and she's from Pittsburgh!
Labels: music, singing, TV
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
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
This Week in June 2010
Tuesday Mom, Dad, and I babysat Beata and Solomon. We played, ate lunch, sang karaoke, napped (well, some of us did!) and I left when they did. Marissa had jury duty, for which none of the groups were called. I left to go to physical therapy with Keelan and a student, Kristen. Dinner was with Geannie and Jerry at his home: Stuffed shells, Brussel sprouts, salad, bread, and strawberry pie that Geannie brought.
I left at quarter to nine to join Mom and Dad watching America's Got Talent. Kelly and her accordian buddies were on the show!
~~~
Wednesday was grocery shopping day, with an appointment in the afternoon.
~~~
Today I had my first non-assessment appointment with my weight management coach. I have lost 1 to 3.5 pounds since starting to journal my food intake a week and a half or so ago. I had physical therapy with Cara at noon today. Lunch was composed of many diverse foods!
~
Went for a walk with Maureen to Carnegie Mellon, to the Randy Pausch bridge (I've never seen the lights WHITE until now) and through the Kraus garden, with its mountain laurel.
What a beautiful night it was for walking...cool, yet not crisp, with light illuminating the spires of St. Paul Cathedral and the Cathedral of Learning. Clear skies. Just lovely.
Labels: dine, exercise, family, health, music, niece and nephew, singing, sleep, talent, TV, walking
Pentecost 2010
Today I arose ~5:30 and then took some photos of the foggy morning afterwards.
The Pentecost Mass included singing with a guest, Gabe's brother Carlo. I told Judi that Regina could not attend Mass today, and I met up with Mom, Dad, and Regina's parents after Mass during the voluntary. Fr. Steve from the Oratory celebrated the Mass.
Mom, Dad, and I went for lunch at Whole Foods. We then went to return an item at TJ Maxx, and I got li'l tan ped things for my feet this summer. I picked up Mom and Dad at the stores, then we headed home. I put my items away, and took a nap.
Jennifer H and I had tentatively decided to go to the performance of John Rutter's Requiem Mass at St. Maurice Church in Pittsburgh. We talked via phone, and decided I would drive, picking her up on the way. Brent, of Choireland fame, is the music director there. Don accompanied the group on their organ. The choir was particularly well-balanced, and the soloists were wonderful. Jennifer H noted that the second movement, "Out of the Deep," had an extended lunga by the altos. The sixth movement, "The Lord is my Shepard," is the same as that which our choir sings, except this organ was electronic and accompanied by cello, flute, harp, oboe, and percussion.
We spoke with Brent, and with Don, Judy afterwards. Don noted that Fr. John, the pastor, is Ed's brother. Ed plays brass with our music ministry at various holidays.
Labels: Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, music, organ, photos, Pittsburgh, shoes, shopping, singing
Choir End-of-Year Party 2010
Left with Maureen and Karina for a Teacher-Staff Day at Costco. I bought pan de sal and a pineapple. We also stopped at the craft store. We then brought the perishables in to Maureen's place, had a quick lemonade drink, then parked the car to go to the Walnut Street Arts Festival. We also stopped in some shops, mostly to window-shop.
Maureen drove me home, I spoke to Jennifer H, and showered, bringing my umbrella, camera, and the multicolored flaxseed chips and French onion dip. Jennifer and her hubby Brian gave me a lift to the party chez Diana and Craig (and Andrew). There was plenteous food, music on the two pianos, a capella singing (notably of the 2-choir Biebl "Ave Maria" piece), games (of Apples to Apples, with eleven players and Jennifer H winning five Green Cards!), and chit-chatting by attendees. Upon a recommendation from Gabe's brother Carlo, I tried the delicious strawberry shortcake, as well as Jennifer H's toll house cookies.
After fond goodbyes to everyone, Brian, Jennifer H, and I took leave, but not before taking a photo of the misty view out their front door.
Labels: art, celebration, Choir, dine, games, music, New York, photos, shopping, singing, teaching
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
Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada
On Saturday the 8th, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada performed Indayog: Rhythm and Sound at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shadyside Academy. In the hallway and foyer there was an art show, and I had a chance to view the original of one of the reproductions at the upper level (from the Abola's private collection).
The program, after opening remarks, consisted of:
I Cordillera, ethnic dances of the Bibak Highlanders
II Maria Clara
III Morolandia, from the Muslim south
~~~Intermission~~~
IV Regional Variation
V Pista sa Nayon, a town fiesta
Finale--Tribute to Michael Jackson
The two suites after the intermission had music provided by the rondalla group. The Pista sa Nayon featured a 12-bamboo-pole dance, the Tinikling. Likewise, the the Morolandia suite featured a TWO-princess, TWO-handmaiden Sinkil dance, along with the sword- and shield-wielding prince.
Considering that the talent was composed largely of amateurs and children, it was a stunning show of Pilipino culture and Pilipino-Canadian talent.
Labels: Canada, celebration, dance, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, singing, talent
Organizing Work Files, Flamenco, and Fiesta Filipina
This morning I awoke late, ran an errand for PAMS, organized my work files, and will have lunch with Mom and Dad, and go to the grocery store. Mid-afternoon Susan will pick me up for some flamenco fun, then this evening I will join Mom and Dad for Fiesta Filipina, a Canadian-based group which presents cultural music, singing, and dance as a benefit concert for the Philippine Nationality Room project.
Labels: cleaning, dance, dancing, dine, international culture, music, organizing, Pilipino culture, PNR, shopping, singing, sleep
Froggy Girl
Yep, Froggy Girl. That's me. Laryngitis time again. Losing/lost my voice. Kinda like Arielle in the Little Mermaid movie, the first Disney cartoon movie in a looooong time (was it since Bedknobs and Broomsticks, or something like that?)...I think I've discussed William's thoughts he shared with me about that movie ("To get the guy, you give up your voice!!") shortly after it was released.
Labels: cinema, health, singing, voice
Catholic Underground, April 2010
Fr. Kim had mentioned Catholic Underground to me before I lectored at Mass a couple of times ago. I had been to it when it was at another locale, and said I would bring my friends with me. I drove last night, carpooling with Christina, Karina, and Maureen. Karina gave me a beautiful brooch for my birthday gift.
We saw Fr. Kim as we headed for the worship.
The evening consisted of
Praise and Worship music (live) provided by Molly and her friends, accompanied by the congregation. This included:
Eucharistic Adoration
Evening Prayer
We retired to the social hall, where we heard a great Capuchin Franciscan band
The night consisted of chatting with other attendees over refreshments, and ended with
Benediction
Night Prayer
We left later and more energized.
Labels: diocese of Pittsburgh, Faith, Pittsburgh, singing
Good Friday 2010
So, I had my usual breakfast this week of half a banana. After lunch I watched the last 2/3's of the Seven Last Words of Christ with Mom and Auntie Chi, as Dad was volunteering for television ministry. Then I left to go home to pick up a few things before I stopped by Mom's home. I took an dose of Imodium upon Mom's urging, got my choir folder, and brought some diluted CVS electrolyte replacement beverage to choir. The guys were practicing "Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit" on the choir landing when I arrived.
Good Friday service was different, as Fr. Breier and Fr. Goetz celebrated Mass instead of the Bishop, who was in the hospital with a kidney stone today.
The music ministry provided:
Silence for the Entrance
Psalm 30: "Into your hands, Lord." (C Waddell)
Gospel Acclamation: "Glory to you, O Word of God.." (R. Proulx)
Passion Narrative: "Jesus, Remember me" (J. Berthier)
Intercessions: "For the Sake of your Son.." "Have Mercy, Lord."
Presentation of the Cross: "O Come, Let us Adore" (J. Foley)
Veneration: "Were You There?" select verses, Pie Jesu (A. L. Webber)-sung by Christina and Karen R., Crucifixus (R. Farrell)
Collection: O Sacred Head Surrounded
Communion: Attende Domine
Choral Meditation: De Profundis (W. A. Mozart)
Silence for the Closing
After Good Friday service, Auntie Chi and I went shopping at Waterworks Mall. I got keychains, Dad's newspaper, and adaptors for Europe. Just Adaptors.
After dinner I picked up Kelly at William and Marissa's home (where she was playing hide-and-seek with Beata and Solomon) to go meet Charles and Susan and their friend Jan in Friendship for a gallery crawl. Turns out Jan went to architecture school with our schoolmate Peter K, who was last recycling automobile materials for architectural uses in New Mexico. We got a few pictures from the evening, and Charles and I decided that Kelly is the most entertaining of my siblings and me.
I dropped off Kelly and headed home, and here I am typing so you can read this story.
Labels: art, blogs, Choir, dine, Faith, family, friends, health, niece and nephew, photos, shopping, singing, travel, Zubik
Auntie Chi and Kelly for Easter 2010
Auntie Chi and Kelly arrived Tuesday afternoon and evening, respectively, at Pittsburgh International (PIT). I did not see Auntie Chi until Wednesday night over dinner and fleurs of yellow Asian lilies and of blue lilies of the Nile ("it's not what you know, it's whom you know!") chez Mom and Dad's. Kelly and I caught up Thursday, as she was out with William Wednesday night.
Auntie Chi and I went out shopping in Oakland Thursday on the 71A line after my work Thursday afternoon. It was a glorious day of about 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I walked parallel to Tiffany on her way home to Squirrel Hill as we passed St. Paul Cathedral, and we enjoyed the weather while chatting about how we are not that different from students, despite what they may think. Mom, Auntie Chi, and I chatted briefly until Auntie Chi and I went to Giant Eagle Market District for probiotic yogurt for my upset gut, bananas, and rice cakes.
to explain:
I've had an intestinal flu since Sunday. I think it's a flu, perhaps, because it started with aches, but I'm not convinced it isn't from something I ate. I'm just glad and thankful that it wasn't food poisoning (I got to explain the CBD to students and the vomit reflex in class this week, being animal anatomy and physiology week). It is NOT fun. Mom intoned Tuesday night, "You shouldn't eat much...No dairy nor fatty foods," etc. "have some tea, stay hydrated."
Next we took the bus (meeting Cassie, a former stock room person from work) to CVS, where we picked up Mom's prescription and I a double pack of electrolyte solution (fruity flavored this time!!)
Needless to say, we arrived home at about 19.30, well after when the Holy Thursday Mass had started. I was weak from working through this bug this week and from not eating regularly because of it, as well. Plus, I don't want to make my choir mates sick.
We had dinner (me, those lovely items I had purchased, plus sotanghon noodles). I hazarded a small taste of dark chocolate matzo that Kelly had brought from New York ("What makes this evening different from all other evenings...we have sweet chocolate matzo?") I drove William home and then Kelly, Mom, Auntie Chi and I stayed up to chat about Grandma, her stories she told and songs she sang to us, and Kelly's excellent memory of them...The real reason Kelly can't fit any more into her brain (Freedom Rock commercials, man!), radio play shows from the Philippines when Mom and Auntie Chi were young, in which the whole family and the hired help would sit around the radio, and how moms really don't get fun until the grandkids arrive.
So, I'm up early due to my gut's shenanigans, though the frequency and intensity of the urge and the quality/duration (well, you get the picture...)
I'm so fortunate it's not the upper GI flu my coworker S had earlier this week. She intoned, "My boyfriend gave me the Plague."
Labels: biology, celebration, family, flowers, Grandma, health, Holy Thursday, radio, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, thankfulness, transportation, visitor, work
Yesterday
Yesterday, I picked up tickets for the symphony tonight (Friday), had breakfast, and then took my prophylactic antibiotics to prepare for my teeth cleaning. Because the dental hygienist is on maternity leave, the dentist himself cleaned my teeth after my regular (digital) X rays. I was happy to find no cavities with my teeth, as per usual.
A trip to the large grocery store for some milk ensued, and then lunch with Mom and Dad. Soon after Dad and I dropped my car off at the repair shop for inspection, etc. We walked home, and I took a nap.
Maureen and I went for coffee smoothies at our favorite smoothie location, chatted, and received a call from Nancy, who agreed to join us and Karina for the symphony tomorrow night, my other two friends being otherwise engaged with a cold and a deadline.
Dinner and then choir practice followed, which was Regina's first practice, in addition to a bass and a (visiting) bass, Craig and Di's son. Snackes were provided by Judi, Ken was back from Paris, France, and I introduced Regina to some fellow choristers. Chatted with Don and Judi afterwards.
Two days ago I attended a particularly productive pastoral council meeting. We were all pleased with the outcome.
Labels: accessibility, automobile, Choir, dine, health, pastoral council, PSO, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, teeth, visitor
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
Choir Day, February 2010
Today was a choir day, a Day O' Choir. We had practice right before Mass, sang Alleluia, Song of Gladness (with bells and percussion) during Mass, ten of us met up after Mass for lunch at the Union Grill restaurant, and I sold some Easter candy for our choir fundraiser.
Alleluia, Song of Gladness was greatly appreciated by Margaret, my neighbor. She just LOVED the bells and percussion. Linda, the cantor, was holding herself back from breaking out in liturgical dance. I enjoyed a salad with craisins and Gorgonzola cheese with raspberry vinaigrette dressing for lunch, and we all enjoyed the company of Rocco, who is visiting for the weekend.
Easter candy is the current fundraiser for the choir, and I've orders from five friends to date.
I enjoyed a good nap this afternoon.
Labels: Choir, dining, friends, music, singing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
A little ache...
After my walk yesterday, I felt a little achy behind my left hip. Mom thinks I might be overdoing it.
Mom and I prepared macaroni chicken salad yesterday...I also played sous chef to a boiled---> fried garlic eggplant dish. Dinner with Marissa and the children also included chicken apritada and baked, breaded tilapia, all served with rice. Dessert included chocolate-covered pretzels from Altoona (care of Maureen) and dried fruits, including Thai tropical mix and craisins, which Beatrice and I placed in the raisin book.
After dinner entertainment included karaoke, which started with classic children's songs and ended with pop tunes. William returned from his event at work and ate a snack...the adults took care of paperwork needing all of us present.
Labels: Carnegie, dine, family, health, school, singing
