Snackberry
Yesterday evening I introduced (for the fifth time this semester) the term "Snackberry" to a group of my students...this was in my Frosh Studies class, and they found the term humorous. I've already introduced my term to my four sections of biology laboratory.
"Snackberry," I said, "describes the device you use to retrieve and send little snacks or snippets---not whole emails." Amanda, my teaching assistant, noted that the class liked the term.
Labels: biology, computer, phone, student, work
Those Nagging Pains...
After meeting with a student, I spoke to the Assistant for the Frosh Studies class yesterday afternoon. I collected more teaching materials when I headed back to the computer lab, then picked up some books at the Carnegie Library.
I went home to rest, and to rest my sad little ankle. Then Maureen and I went to the pan-Asian restaurant and then to the library to look up airfares for her. I took some photos on the way home.
~~~
My "pore li'l ankle" and my shoulder have been bothering me for a while---time to get seen. I will go to Marissa's doctor, as my physician is relocating this week.
Labels: Carnegie, dining, friends, health, library, meeting, pain, student
Ascension Thursday 2010
Last night I helped Maureen write letters for her school. We had fun looking at Facebook afterwards.
This morning I went to morning Mass for the Ascension, and did my winter laundry/wash.
This afternoon, I met with a student to look over the final results, went home for a nap, and will have a snack.
~~~~~
21.15
Maureen and I walked to the burgers and fries joint for dinner after she attended six o'clock Mass. We enjoyed our meal, walked back in the cool dusk, commenting on how this is what it would be like an hour later in London at midsummer. I met up with Mom and Dad, spent some time chatting with them, and then they are attending Mass nearby.
It's quiet here in Mom and Dad's place, now. I think I'll have a glass of juice. (Red).
Just got in touch with Pratima at the top of the hour. Ellen's been wanting to talk to her, as well.
Labels: biology, blogs, celebration, dine, dining, friends, Mass, sleep, student, work, writing
Giovanni Sollima: "Ba-Rock Cello"
Charles, Susan, and I went tonight to hear Ba-Rock Cello, performed by Giovanni Sollima.
Here is the press release for his concert:
Italian Cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima, famously described as “a snarling, grieving Jimi Hendrix of the cello,” will perform a free concert, “Ba-Rock Cello.” Sollima has been captivated by every kind of music and has sought to create new blends among the most diverse genres by combining elements of classical, rock and jazz music, as well as of ethnic music - characteristic of Sicily and of others Mediterranean lands such as North Africa, Israel, the Middle East, the Balkan States, Turkey, Andalusia. Since 1992 his works have been included in important seasons in all the continents, and performed by soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma and many more.
The special concert is in honor of the Ri.MED Foundation and sponsored by Ri.MED, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
I was moved, as Susan said the Internet information described his work as "atonal." I found it lyrical, melodic atonal. He started the program with a gypsy-like piece, played solo through the first part of the program, and then was joined by his housemate and fellow cellist. The second part of the program highlighted both of them, and there was a piece in which he perambulated the aisles, pausing for a while at our third row, where we felt serenaded by his non-stop playing. Making a circuit, he returned to the stage. They played some Baroque pieces, a fast piece about Leonardo da Vinci followed by a slow-er piece about Virginia Woolf.
Their last encore featured them both playing her cello.
After the program we saw works by Liz in the hallway. Charles was impressed.
We were the first to greet the guest musicians as they entered the hallway. "Wonderful!" I exclaimed.
Labels: art, Bach, Choir, music, photos, student, talent
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
Choir Day Off, Octave of Easter, April 2010
Yeah! A day off from choir today---I've finished grading all my papers handed to me last week, scored them, and recorded them. I even had a student with a perfect score!
Dad is serving as Eucharistic minister at the ten o'clock Mass---I will take him and Mom out for lunch at Five Guys (they haven't been there yet). Then a little shopping, and many happy returns, as well.
Labels: biology, Choir, dining, Mass, school, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
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
Easter Week 2010
Easter Week 2010--I had my Monday and Thursday classes rate their classes (via the Office of Measurement and Evaluation) this week. One of my current students, K, was the evaluator from OMET today ("You can say what you REALLY think of this class. I won't see the evaluations until after your grades are posted.") As usual, I dressed for photosynthesis week.
I had two students request recommendations from me: One, a current student, K, for pharmacy school, and the second, a former student, Y, for rehabilitation sciences school. Just today C, a former student, told me that she had switched from pre-pharmacy to nutrition and dietetics, and hopes to go to graduate school in genetic counseling.
My birthday was fun!! Tuesday was my Pilipina celebration for lunch at Taco Bell with Mom, Dad, Auntie Chi, Marissa, and the two children. We then went around the Waterworks Mall. We ran into Les and Chere there. Tuesday night William and his family took me out for dinner at Sun Penang, a Malaysian restaurant in Squirrel Hill. We enjoyed an eggplant dish (spicy), a tofu dish, chicken coconut milk fried rice, shrimp dim sum, and Asian sponge cake for dessert (as per Beatrice's request). We also went to Cold Stone Creamery for Solomon and my birthday ice cream. I had dark chocolate ice cream with brownie mix-ins (a la Steve's, now defunct in Harvard Square).
Wednesday when I arrived about 15.30 at Mom and Dad's we had a homemade carrot cake with whipped cream icing. Mom, Dad, Auntie Chi sang to me, and I blew out the candles. We enjoyed the cake, and then drove Auntie Chi to the airport. I took an hour nap, then it was time for parish pastoral council. We had pizza, cake, and drinks. We broke into break-out groups and Roseanne and I worked on the web page together with Fr. Kim. Quite productive. Roseanne and I prioritized the work.
Labels: biology, Birthday, chocolate, family, family-Marissa, ice cream, niece and nephew, pastoral council, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, transportation, work
This Weekend, March 2010
Saturday I awoke early to work on a student reference letter. I cleaned my living room a bit and in the afternoon weeded out part of my closet. I took a nap, as well.
Sunday I awoke early, prepped for work this week, took a nap, then headed to St. Paul Cathedral to check out the process for distributing Volunteer Registration Forms. Went to choir practice, and after Mass I handed out some volunteer registration forms, a goodly number to students, as well.
Nancy C. and I had a great conversation over smoothies and a noodle/won ton dish (with noodles flown in from San Francisco!), got cookies and snacks (at the Indian store), and sat in my garden to discuss.
I walked Nancy to her car, went home, took a nap, and then spoke with Maureen, napped some more, then went with Christina and Karina to Jen P's party at her home in Friendship. Her landlords were pleasant, lovely people. She had prepared at least four carrot cakes (with obvious orange flavor) for her 28th birthday party. The Newman Crowd was there, and Father Mike was even there.
Labels: Birthday, cleaning, dining, Faith, organizing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, volunteering, weather, work
This Week, March 2010
So, I haven't written because at the beginning of the week I had acute pain in my wrist and thumb. (There was no injury or trauma, just a gradual pain). I've been taking Tylenol and resting it. I was in so much pain Monday night/ Tuesday morning that I couldn't sleep mid-evening after awakening (for four hours)!
Tuesday after work I went to my primary care physician, who recommended X rays and nerve studies for me. I made appointments for those later this month.
Wednesday, I taught and then had office hours, during which I administered a quiz and I also discussed a scholarhip with a student who is asking for a letter of recommendation. There was a cameo appearance of my supervisor in office hours.
Thursday in the morning I worked on necessary paperwork, and then went to choir practice. Nancy, Regina, and I chatted over snacks by Karen. We celebrated Judi's birthday.
Today I was the lector for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bill D. celebrated, John served, and Ryan provided the music ministry. There were two readings before the Gospel. I saw Joe, Tina, and JoAnn walking with Gloria and joined them, thanking Joe for our tickets he provided for tonight.
I dropped off papers for my students at work, dropped off papers at an office near Marissa and William's home, and joined Marissa and the children for lunch and half the afternoon at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum (which had free admissions in honor of Mr. Rogers' birthday). We dined next to the Foucault pendulum (which Beatrice explained to me), visited exhibits, enjoyed gelato 
and (I brought mine to the theater, which had) a performance by a string quartet formed from members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. I captured a video of Beatrice and Solomon dancing. We enjoyed doing artwork, and took some photos in the galleries, as well.
I took a nap and had a snack before Maureen and I went to McDonald's near downtown (I for a decaf hazelnut iced coffee and McDouble sandwich) before we enjoyed the Pittsburgh Symphony performance tonight. The program was
The Planets
with Yan Pascal Tortelier conducting
Randolph Kelly on viola
and women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
They performed first Harold in Italy by Berlioz (commissioned by Nicolo Paganini), inspired by the composer's travels in the Abruzzi region, the Adriatic. Mr. Kelly starred as soloist for this piece.
The Planets by Holst is a dramatic portrait of the deities associated with all planets in our solar system save our own. The Mercury and Jupiter movements held familiar themes, and the choir sang during the last movement, Neptune.
Labels: art, biology, Birthday, Choir, dine, dining, health, Mass, niece and nephew, photos, PSO, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
Pharmacy School Admits
I am pleased to announce that two of my former students notified me (this weekend and yesterday) of their admissions to the pharmacy program here at the University of Pittsburgh. Both of them had me write letters of support for them. One of them will hopefully celebrate with me and my friend (whom she shadowed) and the other is studying abroad.
I'm so happy when my students go on and do well. The bulk of the recommendations I am asked to write (not for summer programs or volunteer work---for post-bacc programs) is for the pharmacy school, for PharmD programs, and invariably, virtually all of those students become admits. (I think most of them self-select for their program.) I've also had another former student admitted to chemistry graduate school.
I'm so proud of them!
Labels: biology, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, student, work
Driving About after the Storms, Friday
Yesterday after morning Mass (~28) I met up with A (a new student up the street), Matt, and Carmella and Bob. We chatted and welcomed A warmly to cold Pittsburgh.
After a hearty breakfast, Maureen and I ventured out to the great beyond known as Robinson Township. We started at Costco (where we also had lunch, and where we spent two hours), went to the Mall, and walked around a bit, shopped a bit. We returned to Pittsburgh after the usual dinner hour, and we both enjoyed our chicken independently. I'm thankful that Maureen has a heavy automobile with snow tires.
Makin' plans for the weekend, as well.
I'm currently beating the rush for the laundry machines on Saturday mornings by doing a few loads right now.
Labels: automobile, laundry, Mass, shopping, student
Sunday Leading into Monday...January 2010
Sunday, Mom, Dad and I attended noon Mass, with me in the choir loft. Afterwards, we had lunch and I helped them with a few computer issues. I went home for a long nap.
Dinner at Mom and Dad's, then for an early bedtime, only to arise just short of six o'clock this morning.
Taught my class, ran an errand downtown (saw my birder friend on the bus and Susan E. in front of the library). Stopped in at a clothing shop. Caught a bus to Panther Central, for administrative stuff. Walked to a computer lab to print out more items to update my seating charts. Walked home, called Maureen, and walked to the Business Library on campus to pick up a book for Karina. Stopped by Karina's place; she treated us to hot chai and soup. We did some extension exercises as well as quad strengthening exercises (wall 1/2 squats), then took Karina for a walk / walked me home.
A fun time was had by all.
Labels: computer, dine, exercise, home, library, Philippines, school, shopping, sleep, student, travel, walking, work
That is the Last Time...
I have THAT much caffeine that late in the day! That coffee smoothie is Still in my system. I went to sleep v v late / early? and awoke before my alarm this morning. I'm feeling a tad out-of-sorts....nothing a nap or two can't repair, I hope.
I accomplished a bit, though, including sending out some emails that needed to go out, especially this morning to my students.
Labels: dining, email, sleep, student, work
Coffee Smoothie
Today I printed out my recommendation for a student and took the bus to the closest stop to Posvar Hall, dropping off the recommendation with the secretary at the Dean of the School of Education. I walked home, then Dad and I took care of some administrative work for me (four sections of seating charts). I helped Mom and Dad with computer help, then went in to work to talk to Bud and to work at the computer lab. Maureen called, and we met at the mile mark, went for a twenty-five minute walk going diesel (clockwise), opposite to our regular direction on our course (and taking two shortcuts, as well). We ended up at the pan-Asian restaurant for smoothie and General Tso's Chicken. I enjoyed the cooooolness of the coffee smoothie.
We sat and talked in Mom and Dad's lobby. After Maureen left, I headed to Mom and Dad's to help them with computer issues, ordering stuff online, etc. We spoke with Marissa and William to make arrangements to get together tomorrow afternoon/early evening. We watched a little bit of the NBC Haiti Aid program, and talked about how the local medical society which they are heavily involved in has chosen to lend aid to the victims of the Haitian earthquakes. Mom and I spoke of our relatives, and especially Lalang, who created a family of large proportions by having eleven (yes!) of her children make it to adulthood.
Labels: biology, children, computer, dining, family, international culture, Lalang, medical mission, niece and nephew, student, walking, work
W2W: Beginning Week 2 Walking
Yesterday I went in to office hours: To meet four students and to help Heather S. and her team with pouring agar plates. I arrived just shy of noon and departed after 16.30.
Maureen and I went for a walk, and we ran into Jude on the way. She chit-chatted for a while.
We made a U-shaped walk, running into students and alumni and others who were on their way to the basketball game (passing through the building where the Newman Club used to celebrate Mass before their current building to avoid the thick of the crowds). The whole route took exactly 30 minutes.
Upon my return, I helped Mom and Dad with more typing and proofreading work after a dinner of egg and beef torta.
Labels: Church, dine, Faith, friends, games, Mass, sports, student, walking, work
MLK Week II, January 2010
I've been up early checking email and preparing for meetings with students this week. Today is a Mass being said for Grandpa. Mom and Dad and I will attend.
Lots of preparation to do today before next week. I need to review my notes for class, go over seating charts, review my notes for class, send out emails to each class, review my notes for class. Lots of work to do.
My study breaks will be making projects from Michaels this week.
~~
Mass in honor of Grandpa was celebrated by Fr. Breier, with Jeff serving. Nancy Kelly lectored, and Don provided music ministry. "The King of Love my Shepherd Is" was the opening hymn, and the English version of "Ode to Joy" (with tune by Beethoven) was the closing hymn.
Mom and I sent a few emails to her branch of the family tree, to keep them informed as to our celebrations of their family's Masses.
Labels: art, biology, email, family, Grandpa, jewelry, Mass, meeting, student, teaching, work
Glamour, Game Shows, Dating Advice, and...Work?!
Here is a link from Glamour Magazine that shows how successful game show contestents have similar qualities as successful dates.
• Be open-minded.
• Stay engaged with the interviewer and the world around you.
• Learn to laugh at yourself.
• Energy, energy, energy!
• Be authentic.
As someone who teaches, I realize that I tell my students ideas for studying from game shows:
• Have a study group.
• Divvy up the work.
• Make up sample questions and quiz each other.
• Play the game!
• Be ready for virtually any fair question.
• It's okay to look foolish...but only while practicing.
• It's all up to YOU in the end.
• Don't be surprised by comprehensive questions. It's a final exam.
• Don't be surprised by manipulatives: It's a practical exam.
Of course, I don't necessarily say the above-mentioned sentences. I tell them specific advice from a lab, examples. Some of them "get" it, and others don't listen. It's not up to me to make them do their work.
So, the theme for today's blog post is GAME SHOWS.
Mom's favorite game show is Jeopardy! She's been watching it since the beginning. Intelligentia trivia, I see why she likes it so much.
Karina mentioned this week a game show similar to "Name that Tune" from India at which I would be good. Linking music....
Game shows: One of my favorite genres for watching tv, and for helping students to study.
I must write more in a future post.
Labels: games, list, love, student, surprise, teaching, tests, TV, work
Do Unto Others...
After administering a final this afternoon, I received an email from a student thanking me for a good semester.
Mom, Dad, and I viewed an advance screening of It's Complicated, a movie with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. I liked the way the ending turned out. Mom, Dad, and I liked the character of the fiance. The movie will be released Christmas Day.
Labels: biology, cinema, student, work
Hair Cut Day November 2009
Yesterday I finished grading my quizzes from last week. I'll drop them off today for the students to pick up before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Yesterday Mom and I watched "Dancing with the Stars" with Donny Osmond, Kelly Osbourne, and Mya. We commented heavily on their performances.
This morning I'll go for some bloodwork, then Mom and I will go for our hair cuts, too.
~ ~ ~
~9:30
This morning I dropped off the graded quizzes, notified my students by email of the papers, entered the grades on my electronic grade sheet, and went for bloodwork. I saw some of Dad and Mom's neighbors, as well as Janice from the development office where I used to work, and we exchanged current information.
I returned to work to print my electronic grade sheet, enter my (third) recommendation for a student applying to a PharmD program this semester, and enjoyed my walk back.
~ ~ ~
18:10
Went for my hair appointment with Mom (Dad came along, too). As she finished cutting my hair, Mom and Dad took off to run some errands. Phyllis came in, we greeted each other, and commented on how long it's been since we have seen each other. Mom and Dad arrived shortly thereafter. Our stylist had purchased a choir CD, and we all chatted for a while. Mom will stop by Phyllis and Gene's home next Monday.
I typed in the change to Mom and Dad's Victorian party this season, and emailed Mom. I took the bus to work and mailed some student athlete recommendations. I spoke with Zusana for a while, then took care of some printing for the lab next week.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, Choir, computer, dancing, hair, health, student, TV, walking, work
