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
Why We Need Health Care Reform
Here's one reason why we need health care reform...
There's a statement out there by Stephen Hawking emphasizing that he would not be alive today were it not for Britain's National Health Insurance. Apparently, he said that to counter an advertisement falsely claiming that he would need privatized insurance in addition to the national plan to exist.
Labels: health, science, surprise
What I Can Do Now!
As of Sunday, I can
1. Do my "Jane Fonda" side-lying exercise continuously for 10 repetitions, with no breaks.
2. Get up out of a chair without assistance (almost consistently)
3. Wobble about with no assistive aids (cane, crutch, etc.)
Labels: adventure, BAD, exercise, surgery, surprise
negative slope for Pain Medication Administration
I've skipped the last two doses of my pain medication (on purpose). I skipped the lunchtime dose, as well as the dose about an hour ago. I'm not taking a whole lot of this oral pain medicine, anyway, (half of a tablet). But I want to see how little pain medicine I can get away with...since I went for a walk of ~1/3 of a mile at eleven today with Margie, the physical therapist.
We are readying for Emily and Sally B. (Joyce's former coworker's family) to join us and William's family for dinner tonight.
Labels: California, dine, exercise, neighbors, pain, surgery, surprise
Sock Aid
So...late last night I used the sock aid to don my TED hose. Initially, I was to show Mom how I was stretching the TED hose with my sock aid statically for an hour or so. I got the brilliant idea to actually use it to don the TED hose, while she held the toe to prevent the foot from escaping through the toe end of the hose.
Fun and excitement ensued!
Labels: BAD, excited, family, surgery, surprise, thankfulness
"It's a Race..."
William called me today to inform me that it's "a race" between Solomon and me as to who will walk first.
"When are you going to walk?" he asked me.
"I"ll probably go to a cane after I see the doctor on Tuesday," I replied, thinking that I have to place less than or equal to 50% of my body weight on my operated hip until Tuesday, when I have my post-operative appointment with the surgeon....and thinking that I won't be unencumbered until well after Tuesday. Bets are on for Solomon!
~~~~
It was nice to get clean today---hair, everything (via a shower), to toes!
Labels: BAD, cleaning, exercise, surgery, surprise, walking
Shower Chair
Yeah! I just had a shower chair delivered...I expect that my home care nurse, the nurse at the orthopedic surgeon's office, and the fact that the last two.5 changes of dressing showed no drainage will lead to an "O.K." to shower.
Now I have the appliance to make it a reality.
I am so excited!
Labels: cleaning, excited, surgery, surprise, tea, thankfulness
The Gift Basket
So, a large, bulky, lightweight box was waiting for me at Mom and Dad's apartment upon arrival this afternoon. It was from the UPS store in the South Hills...I knew it couldn't possibly be my shower bench/chair.
I unwrapped it, and had Mom take photos as I unwrapped it...replete with Styrofoam packing peanuts. It was a gift basket/plate from Tita Tina, Tito Larry, and family!
Yum! Two family size Utz potato chip flavors, candies, biscotti and other sundry cookies, Crystal Light tea mixes, etc. Waow!
Delish. Dad, Mom, and I shared one of the chip flavors tonight.
Labels: friends, gift, surprise
First Day Out!
This morning at about ten o'clock was my first day out since making my way (to my parents') home after surgery. It is a beautiful 80-degree day with a slight breeze. Margie, my physical therapist, and I took a field trip to my home to run a phone errand and to pick up a pill cutter for Dad. Ida presented me with a package from Nancy C.---somethings for Beatrice and for me from her local public library. Upon returning, I did my exercises on my back, and Margie showed me minimal seepage from the upper portion of my incision site (as visible on my removed dressing). She changed the dressing, and left.
I worked on prescribed items as my project this lunchtime, and I then heated lunch for Dad and the guy helping him install shelves in Mom and Dad's storage unit.
This past half hour, I received my anti-coagulant injection (from Mom), and Mom is on her way to the pharmacy to pick up some pills. Sustaining a post-operative patient is time-consuming and exciting(-?).
Labels: adventure, Beatrice, Choir, dine, exercise, family, friends, gift, library, niece and nephew, surgery, surprise
The Road to Impressionism: Barbizon Landscapes from the Walters Art Museum
This morning I ran errands at the Waterfront and in Squirrel Hill.
After lunch/smoothies at Craig Street, Christina P. and I went to the Frick Museum to see The Road to Impressionism: Barbizon Landscapes from the Walters Art Museum exhibit. We were just in time for the 14:00 tour. We passed by the French tables, replete with French natives conversing whilst in costume, to enter the exhibit.
Many of the tableaux in the exhibit were from the Frick and Walters collections. Most were landscapes, or landscapes with figures in it. Having read Hans Jenny's paper on Soil in Landscape Art this past week, I was taken by the erosive soil elements on the hillcuts in certain pieces. Namely two pieces: "Le Puy du Dome" (circa 1866-1868, Jean-Francois Millet) and "Landscape with Wild Buffalo" (circa 1865, Jean-Achille Benouville), of a Roman campagna.
We applied gold leaf to a picture frame. We met Benedicte, her former Spanish teacher, who is now director of Alliance Francaise. Then she dropped me off, and I took a nap.
Helped out with dinner preparations at Mom & Dad's place. Tina, Leila, Dr. Pat, Tessie and Ernie, and Dr. Larry arrived to have dinner of ground beef torta, kare-kare, rice, baked calamari, lo mein noodles, watermelon, (corn on the cob), and homemade pineapple upside-down cake. Dad popped the cork on the champagne. They are now watching Manny Pacquiao via pay-per-view. Tina brought my birthday gift of eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, and Hippy Fizz fragrance. MMmmm.
Labels: art, dining, excited, friends, gift, glass, international culture, museum, Pacquiao, painting, surprise, water
Jewelry makings, Renee and Belinda T's farewell party
Saturday, Karina and I made a trip to Waterfront Mall to the craft store there. We got beads and other jewelry-making supplies.
I got a nap in during the afternoon and plenty of grading.
~~~~~
Sunday after singing in choir Nancy C. and I met up with Karina to attend Renee and Belinda's farewell party in the basement of the Cathedral. It was a pleasant surprise to see Rocco there. Then we headed out to watch a movie at the Newman Center. No dice. So we went to get my car, follow Nancy home, and watch at her home. The "Millionaire" movie was a bad copy, so we opted for a nice music DVD of Milli Vanilli classical musicians in period costume. On Karina's help, I put together a charm bracelet of charms given to me by my parents two years ago, as well as charms I had purchased from Kaufmann's department store. What a lovely bracelet it made. We chatted with Nancy and her husband Tom, and we enjoyed a spinach paneer dish, gulab rogan josh, and grilled lamb chops at an Indian restaurant near Nancy's home.
Labels: biology, Choir, Ireland, jewelry, St. Paul Cathedral, surprise, work
Nifty Gullifty's Friday the 13th of February 2009
Went to Gullifty's last night after Don's concert to enjoy food, fellowship, and jazz. Karina, Maureen, Nancy, and I had a great time. Maureen and I split an order of Pulled Pork nachos. I had a drink which was, to put it mildly, "weak." I explained the problem to the waitress, and she righted the problem. The jazz was played by a different group than our last visit.
Stopped in to Eat N Park for cookies--smiley Valentines cookies for Beata and Solomon. "Ask and you shall receive," Nancy intoned, when I asked about the cookie coupon usage.
Nancy reminded me of my "Lucky Friday the 13th" day so far: My Scrunchi at physical therapy, my pina colada drink, and my current cookie question. And yes, three times were a charm!
Labels: Beatrice, dining, ice cream, music, niece and nephew, organ, St. Paul Cathedral, surprise
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
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra--Gabriela Montero
Earlier this evening, Maureen and I went to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. Andrés Cárdenes, concertmaster, conducted tonight. The program consisted of:
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 in one movement (Samuel Barber)
Rhapsody in Blue, with Gabriela Montero at pianoforte (George Gershwin)
Improvisation on an audience-supplied theme, by Ms. Montero
INTERMISSION
"Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero, Andrés Cárdenes, Associate Principal Cello David Premo, and Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek (by special permission of John Williams)
Symphony No. 5 in D major, Op. 107, "Reformation" (Felix Mendelssohn)
~~~~~
The first piece was rather emotive and dramatic.
The Gershwin piece had imaginative, moving phrasing as provided by Ms. Montero on the pianoforte. The crowd responded with an appreciative standing ovation.
The improvisation on the Steelers' chant "Way to Go, Steelers, Way to Go" was nothing short of inspired, ending in a Latin beat (cha cha?). She is a wonderful, beautiful natural talent---and the audience erupted with an immediate standing ovation.
We saw Fabiola and Jose on the landing at the Dress Circle level at intermission. We exchanged greetings, as we were on our way to the Grand Lobby to greet the artist at intermission. The elevator was inoperable, so we waited in line patiently. Gabriela Montero signed my CD and program, and we chatted ever-so briefly.
The next piece was a pleasant surprise---the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra received permission to perform "Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero and the PSO musicians this weekend. "Air and Simple Gifts" was the musical piece commissioned for Barack Obama's Inauguration Ceremony. For the last curtain call, Ms. Montero in her black-with-gold-hemmed dress sported a Terrible Towel 'round her neck.
The Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony provided a suitable anchor to the evening's program.
As I exited, I ran into Richard Teaster and showed my appreciation for the music on the 9th of this month at the Cathedral. "A well-performed program that included diverse pieces," I said. "The Friday before Palm Sunday we will be in Synod Hall," he indicated, inviting. "Thanks," I said.
~~~~~~~~~~
Maureen and I headed to Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield for cups of hot cocoa and a Devil's food-cream cheese muffin. I spotted a doggie under the table next door..."Pippa" is her name, as her owner mumbled her name so that she would not think he were calling her.
Labels: American history, Broadway, celebration, Choir, citizenship, dining, games, Montero, music, Pittsburgh, politics, PSO, seasons, sports, Superbowl, surprise
Another Quote
You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.
- Friedrich Nietzsche
(What a surprisingly interesting quote from the Nietzs-mensch himself!)
Labels: balm, dance, dreams, meditate, philosophical, surprise
Christmas Eve 2008
Today I awoke early, prepared holiday cards for my immediate neighbors, and bundled up with all intentions of going to Mass. The weather dampened those hopes (both literally and figuratively), and just as I got to the outside door, I turned around and decided to deliver the cards this morning before my other errands.
So, I donned a Santa's elf hat and slid cards between doors and door jambs. I ran into Phyllis K. along the way, as she ascended the steps. She was greatly appreciative of the card.
~~~~~
Yesterday, before physical therapy and also after midnight, I watched the newest cinema version of The Stepford Wives, with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, and Christopher Walken. Mom and I watched the last part of the movie together. I noted that I had read the book about 25 years ago, and the original ending by Ira Levin was darker and different than this movie version. Frank Oz, of Muppet fame, had directed the movie.
Yesterday, we had also watched parts of White Christmas, with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney; and of Mulan (with a litany of famous Asian/Asian-American voices for both the singing and speaking voices, including Lea Salonga's voice)
~~~~~
11:20 AM
After I have had handled flight arrangements for family, Kelly and I will go chez Beatrice and Solomon for lunch and to make cookies!
~~~
We made sugar cookies with dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces and withpecans and semi-sweet chocolate pieces (Marissa and William); and I made brownies with extra chocolate. Kelly and I checked our emails and napped (respectively). I left at about 4:45 PM in a (vain) search for bagels---Bagel Factory, Panera (1), Giant Eagle (1), Giant Eagle/Market District (2), Panera (2) were all closed at the time. I made a last-ditch effort at the Starbucks near a hospital...the handicapped parking was occupied by a vehicle with no plate nor placard, requiring me to park across the lot. A young, able couple exited the Starbucks.
...excuse me. [no response]...Excuse me! I exclaimed.
The young lady getting into the passenger side looked at me.
excuse me, but can you not park in this spot if you're not handicapped?
I inquired at the counter about any bagels...the answer was negative. "But we have rolls." I then recounted my search for bagels in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Oakland...and my disappointment with the parking situation in the lot. The small outcry brought imaginary tears spewing from either side of my head, as it continued to rain outside.
Labels: Christmas, cinema, international culture, neighbors, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, seasons, singing, surprise, tradition, writing
Confused Forsythia Flowers
This Saturday I was having a discussion about the fall season. This past week we had temperatures ranging from freezing to the high 60's Fahrenheit (the next day). I commented that I have seen the rose bushes/shrubs on Fifth Avenue, and some had still had blossoms remaining on them. My friend had commented that he had seen the "forsythia blooming this week,"
They're spring flowers! I exclaimed.
"Poor flowers," he said, "They're confused."
Labels: biology, garden, global warming, science, seasons, soils, St. Paul Cathedral, surprise, weather
Russet and Gold...
The landscape of trees about Pittsburgh consists of russet and gold tones, primarily. There is still that verdant tree across my building at work, on the north side of the Cathedral of Learning---same as last year.
~~~~~
Spoke with my friend, C, this afternoon/tonight, who teaches French near Paris to 16-year-olds. It was refreshing to talk with her.
Labels: biology, color, science, seasons, surprise
Mom & Dad Home Again, November 2008
I sit, patiently awaiting the return of Mom and Dad to their home. They are getting a ride from the airport from a transport company. Their flight was scheduled to arrive at 9:48pm and arrived at ~10:35PM. So, if they still need to go through customs, there is quite a bit to do before they are safe & sound at home.
~~~~~
I enjoyed choir practice, despite the fact that I did not sit on stage and sing with the rest of my section. Near the end, I did sing a Near piece, and followed along, taking notes, while the sections sang.
Labels: alarm, Choir, Christmas, family, Pittsburgh, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, surprise, travel
Lectoring November 2008 I
This morning I lectored at Mass. This was my first day back at Mass after my bout with laryngitis. Fr. Brian Welding celebrated, Matt was altar server, and Don provided music ministry. All of us noted after Mass that there were a number of people in addition to the "normal crowd" at Mass this morning---this was Matt's first week as the primary altar server, and he indicated that it started yesterday. (At today's Mass I counted 56 individuals in the congregation receiving Holy Commmunion.) I also noted a number of college-aged students.
Labels: Church, lector, Mass, read, St. Paul Cathedral, surprise
