Visiting the Library
This morning I went to work to print out my email attachments from my bosses. I ran into Paul C, and we chatted (as I did with Melanie and Zuzana last time I was there). Upon request, I sent Zuzana an email about Christmas choir Mass times this year.
Stopped at the Carnegie Library, where I visited with my friends there, and picked up a reserve book I saw recommended. I said hi to Cathy L, who will be retiring as the head of the Music Department at the end of the year (she said to say hello to my friend S and to ask him when he will be coming to Pittsburgh), Don W, and Lisa R (with whom I sat down and chatted with), and Sheila.
Headed to Mom and Dad's, whence I brought some of my papers home in the rain, and then settled down for a long winter's nap.
Dad called, and asked me to store some food in my freezer. I came over to their home, to find it empty of them.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, Choir, Christmas, food, friends, library, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, travel, work
13/18 finished grading
After returning from Beata's dance class and after dinner I graded some more practical finals. I am 13/18ths finished grading (but not yet scoring). I am, however, adding page scores as I go...
Labels: biology, teaching, tests, work
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
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
Solomon and My Birthday Celebrations Out
I graded 1/6 more of the papers to be graded this morning. Met up with Maureen, Christina, Nancy, and Regina for lunch at the Gandy Dancer. We also enjoyed chatting, as well as two chocolate truffle cakes topped with ice cream for dessert. A walkabout Station Square ensued, then Christina gave me a ride to Monroeville and Chuckee Cheese for Solomon's birthday celebration. Christina retrieved a pizza for her family's dinner, and departed.
Solomon and Beata arrived with their parents. Beata sat outside on the bench quietly with her dad and read a book whilst Solomon and Marissa and I played games. Both sets of grandparents showed up, then we left for Cici's pizza, pasta, and salad buffet. We tag-teamed driving to the Monroeville Mall and to the Miracle Mile shopping plaza for Mom to make returns. I stopped at the library on campus to print out documents for next week. I also graded ~ 1/6 more papers that still need grading. I only have about 1/6 of the papers left to grade, then must score them and record grades.
I'll call back Luce tonight, as she called me earlier, during Solomon's party.
Labels: biology, Birthday, celebration, dining, friends, ice cream, list, patient, phone, prayer, shopping, teaching, 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
The Newman Institute, First Visit, March 2010
While teaching yesterday, my supervisor C and another visitor toured the lab space.
Yesterday afternoon after work I took a nice nap, then had dinner and headed to the Newman Institute for the third in a lecture/discussion series on Newman's Apologia. A very interesting talk and facilitated discussion by Damon, a local Newman scholar.
Today after work I had spaghetti for lunch, and took an hour-long nap, picked up my mail, and generally had a slow afternoon. I started to organize my clothes more, and got a phone call from William about getting ice cream, the Miss Teen USA questions for contestants, and questions about qualifications for foreign policy for a former US VP candidate (Wow!)
I need to clean house a little bit every day...I'll get back to that shortly.
~~~~
21.50
I emptied my dishwasher, loaded my dirty dishes in it, weeded and organized my closet a bit, and went to Bible/Sunday Gospel study with Father Bill tonight. I went to Maureen's home to help her by grading ~ fifteen student quizzes. It was fun to have Hot cocoa afterwards.
Labels: biology, chocolate, cleaning, dine, Faith, ice cream, organizing, politics, sleep, teaching, work
Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk
After a morning teaching with laryngitis, I've taken a grand nap. I spoke with Nancy and Maureen. Nancy and Tom cannot make the symphony tonight, so that I am going with Maureen to hear Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk, who keeps an ever-enchanting web blog.
Joshua Bell I've heard at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra several times before, with Nancy present each time. "Remember Anjali when you go [to the symphony tonight]," Nancy intoned. Anjali introduced us to the music of Joshua Bell.
Here's the line-up for tonight:
Johann Sebastian Bach: Violin Sonata No. 4 in C minor
Edvard Grieg: Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in C minor, Op. 45
Robert Schumann: Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A minor, Op. 105
Maurice Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Piano (1927)
What a treat tonight will be!
~~~~~
23.30
The program recital of Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk was fabulous; spanning time, musical periods, emotivity, and music theory.
The program is listed below:
J.S. Bach, Violin Sonata No. 4 in C minor
E. Grieg, Sonata No. 3 for Vl and Piano in C minor, Opus 45
R. Schumann, Sonata No. 1 For Vl and Piano in A minor, Opus 105
M. Ravel, Sonata for Vl and Piano (1927)
The difference in musical periods was evident, as was the emotion in the pieces (even from the first two pieces). The dissonance in the Schumann piece was evident, and the bluesy sound of the final piece was heard. They played to an audience that gave them standing ovations, and provided an encore with a Kreissler piece after Dvorak, "Slavonic Fantasy."
It was a treat to listen and hear them, as they played like jazz with and to each other: It was as if they were breathing the music together, playing off each other.
Maureen and I saw my neighbor Ann there, we also met a former VP from Maureen's former workplace, and we met Ernest, who is a pianist. In line to meet the artist we met 5-year-old violinist Caillie (sp?) and her mom, and a family who brought a picture of their son meeting Mr. Bell for an autograph. I told the mother that her son is very fortunate to have parents like [them]. She was appreciative.
Labels: Bell, music, PSO, school, sleep, teaching, voice, work
Doin' Stuff
After singing at noon Mass yesterday, I took a nap and went for a walk to the computer lab with Karina and Maureen. While they went shopping for small dried fruit, I went to print out administrative stuff from work.
We then went to the pan-Asian restaurant for snacks and smoothies.
~~~~~
I ran into C, my supervisor, in the hall today before my morning class.
I helped Mom and Dad with medical society administrative work after returning from work this afternoon. Tired, I made some phone calls and then took a nap. Soon it will be time for dinner.
Labels: biology, dining, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, phone, sleep, teaching, work
Snow Ball 2010
After rising early, I spoke for much of the morning with Pratima. We chatted about career issues and compared notes on biology teaching. I had brunch, administratively prepped for classes next week to about mid-afternoon at Mom and Dad's place, and then took a long nap.
I asked an artistic question of the owner of the bead shop on Craig Street, who suggested that to keep my certain look about the carved beads I had purchased at his shop, I coat them with a non-shiny substance such as clear nail polish or [matte] fixative.
I took a shower and readied myself for the Snow Ball. I am the designated driver for Maureen, and we met up with Nancy and Tom C. there. I was pleasantly surprised to see Myrna and Jay there, and I met a number of Nancy's friends, as well, including Mark and his wife Barbara. After I changed into my dancing shoes, we gals had a chance to dance a number of line dances [including the electric slide] and other dances, and
I took a photo of Nancy and Tom C. dancing to Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World."
Throughout the evening we enjoyed the delicious hors d'oeuvres, bar drinks, and white [snow] desserts.
Labels: biology, dance, dancing, dine, jewelry, phone, photos, sleep, teaching
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
Martin Luther King Day 2010
Today Dad and I went to Mass this morning. After Mass, Maureen and I walked to her house and went to Regent Square for breakfast. I stopped at Michael's Art and Craft Supply (to pick up supplies for Karina and me) while Maureen went to a clothing store. I met her there, where I purchased a top. We continued on to Gordon's shoes, where I purchased a pair of Mary Jane walking shoes. I also picked up something at the Loews Waterfront.
We continued to McKnight Road, and stopped in at the Walking Store for her to pick up dress shoes in which to walk and to teach. We went to Bath and Body works, as well.
Also helped Mom and Dad with customer service issues.
~~~~
After dinner I met Karina at Newman Bible Study. We spoke about Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Sone of us decided to meet on Saturday.
Labels: art, cinema, dining, jewelry, Mass, shopping, teaching, walking
Baptism of Our Lord--Celebrating the Life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I arrived at choir practice at ~10.00 today. Don greeted me, and continued unlocking the doors to the choir practice space.
Today was special--it was a Mass, "Let Us Celebrate the Dream," presented by the Race and Reconciliation Dialogue group of Saint Paul Cathedral with the Office of Black Catholic Ministries, Diocese of Pittsburgh. The Choir of Saint Paul Cathedral was joined with St. Benedict the Moor Gospel Choir, and Saint Charles Lwanga Choir. Our choirs were led by Don Fellows, Toni Long, and James Avant.
We sang "Wade in the Water," as the prelude to the Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Carmen D'Amico of the Uptown (Epiphany), Downtown (St. Mary's of the Point), and St. Benedict the Moor parishes.
Fr. Donald Breier and Fr. Dave Taylor (St. Charles Lwanga parish) co-celebrated.
~~~
The entrance hymn was "We've Come This Far by Faith" (Albert A. Goodson)
Freedom Gloria
The cantor, Christina, accompanied by Don at the organ, led us in singing Psalm 29 (R. Kreutz)
Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
The Preparation of Gifts had our combined choirs singing a medley of three Afro-American spirituals:
"Glory, Glory Hallelujah"
"Hush, Hush, Somebody's Callin' Mah Name"
"This Little Light of Mine"
Eucharistic Acclamations from the Mass of Creation by Marty Haugen
"Amen" (R. Smallwood)
"Lord's Prayer / Pater Noster" (A. Malotte)
Lamb of God (R. Ray)
Communion: "Fix Me, Jesus" (Afro-American Spiritual)
Meditation: "We Shall Overcome"(text and tune adapt. by Zilphia Horton, Frank Hamilton, Guy Carawan, and Pete Seeger)
Recessional Hymn: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (James W. Johnson, Black Anthem)
~~~
After Mass, I had a light lunch of pesto pasta and green peas.
Maureen invited me to dinner. We went to the Thai restaurant in Highland Park, then to Whole Foods.
We each got email communications and lesson planning done for this week, then chatted briefly on the phone.
Labels: Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, phone, photos, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, 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
The Mantra
One of my friends reminded me today to keep my immune system well, by taking vitamins, prophylactic antibiotics before going to the dentist, and washing my hands to protect my endoprosthetics from infection.
I told her that I have a mantra at the end of each weekly class:
Wash your hands
before you touch your face
touch your hair
Eat or
Drink.
It's great---but tough---being a bionic person!
Labels: BAD, health, safety, surgery, teaching
Fourth Sunday of Advent 2009
Today was Ornella's final day with choir. After choir I hugged her warmly and declared, "It's been wonderful." The choir, after the postlude, presented Matthew Craig with a Celtic cross.
Mom and Dad and I had Chinese food at Squirrel Hill. I napped for a bit, then met up with William and his family at Qdoba in Shadyside. Beata and I enjoyed singing and ringing the jingle bells around my neck, while Solomon bounced along. After Lolo and Lola presented Christmas gifts to them, the kids enjoyed reading books whilst the guys watched the Steelers game. ("Daddy's watching the Steelers," Beata declared early on this evening.)
I helped Mom compose and type some letters for PAMS. Maureen and I chatted about the movie we watched last night, Evening (2007), as well as about how teaching LCD/divisibility rules are like following the rules of a game or of a game show.
Labels: Choir, dining, farewell, games, gift, music, Philippines, singing, teaching, volunteering
Tea and Company
Took care of various administrative tasks before leaving work yesterday. I went to the library for books for the party this weekend. Picked up some parlor gifts with mom and dad for the party, as well. Then I acted as sous chef for mom's preparation of squash coconut milk soup for dinner.
Karina invited Maureen and I over for masala chai, which we greatly enjoyed (just a pinch goes a far way!). As Karina had not eaten dinner yet, we went to our favorite neighborhood Pan-Asian restaurant for dinner and snacks. We had a great chat about lots of things, including my mid-week class's preferences.
Labels: biology, dine, dining, tea, teaching, work
G-20: Department Planning
Whilst teaching yesterday morning, my supervisor Carole handed me a memo about rescheduling Thursday and Friday classes of our subdepartment next week during the G-20 Summit. I made the announcement to my class, posted it outside the door, and indicated that it would be posted electronically later.
Right before office hours Heather and I went to the PittArts Fair, with opportunities to win free prizes! I spoke to Nancy about some of the events later during choir practice.
I helped Mom & Dad with some computer internet issues, then took a nap, had dinner, and went to choir practice. Don canceled Thursday choir practice next week. He mentioned the 1-hour interfaith service on Monday.
Labels: art, biology, Choir, Faith, international culture, politics, school, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, work
Two Picnics
I went to two picnics yesterday---one after the noon Mass at Church, and one at my building for dinner.
The St. Paul Cathedral parish picnic was much fun. I sat next to Regina's parents at Mass, and we sat together under a tree at the picnic. Brian's family sat at our table, Christina and her brother Bob joined us, as did Mom and Dad.
Christina and I explained that we knew Brian from the Newman Center and that he was missed.
Christina and I wandered around after dessert (and more dessert of gobs), and agreed to meet for Bible Study this week.
~
I went back for a nap, some work, and then my building's picnic. We played Meet-your-neighbors Bingo, and I signed "Have flown a plane" "Lives on Nth floor," "Teaches/Taught at Pitt" and "Likes to Paint (art)."
I had fun talking to my neighbors from my floor, and the 5th floor.
~
I typed some documents for Mom & Dad last night, too.
~
Sunday morning Maureen stopped by and we talked about teaching strategies.
Labels: art, dining, Faith, family, farewell, friends, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching
Busy Busy Day: First Day of Choir Practice
Thursdays will be my busy days this semester. Even without classes yesterday, my Thursday was busy.
I took my prophylactic antibiotics before a routine teeth cleaning, met Eric for computing help while covering for B for an office hour, sitting in office hours while a handful of my new students came to catch up and make up, (a second consecutive day at) physical therapy, and then our first day of choir practice.
To introduce myself, I said, "Hi, I'm Grace---And I'm standing," which brought a round of applause. I also said, "I've been in choir since '98, with a hiatus...And I teach at Pitt."
Don explained that "[I] now have..."
"..hips!" I exclaimed, joyously.
~~~
4.50am Sunday 13 Sept 09
Oh, also missed the Steelers 2009+ season opening game.
Labels: BAD, biology, Choir, games, health, school, sports, student, surgery, teaching, teeth, work
