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
The Lady with All the Answers, Ann Landers
Tuesday night Nancy C., Amy C.-M., and I attended the show at the O'Reilly Theatre, The Lady with All the Answers. It is the one- woman show of Helena Ruoti as Ann Landers, that famous advice columnist who quietly questioned American attitudes while upholding its conscience and sensibility. She, along with her twin sister, "Dear Abby," provided advice to various people from varied walks of life. A Playbill review is here.
As it was Amy's last week in Pittsburgh, we took her to see the creche that is the replica of the one in Vatican City. Nancy dropped me off, with a wind-up radio in hand, and I gave Amy a fond hug for being a friend.
Labels: Christmas, diocese of Pittsburgh, farewell, Pittsburgh, theater, tradition
St. Paul Cathedral Choir--Wreaths 2008
Last night Doug, Judi, and I handed out wreaths for the annual fundraiser for St. Paul Cathedral Choir, as I did for the choir fundraiser two years ago. Don and Rocco were at Mass as we handed out wreaths and I sliced up pumpkin pie and salabat tea for the troop. Meanwhile, Doug quizzed me on how I would be the head "hat/coat check girl" for the conference in January, and my duties...I replied with a description of the organization of the racks, tickets, coats/hats/bags/umbrellas etc. We agreed that I should check out purchasing claim tickets at a store in the Strip District. We also talked about his parents' kitchen (!)
After exchanging fond goodbyes and hugs, we all departed for our homes...Me in Judi's car, safe and sound to say goodnight to Mom and Dad at their home.
Labels: Choir, family, friends, music, organ, organizing, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, tradition, volunteering, weather
Thanksgiving 2008
Thanksgiving 2008 was spent chez William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon. Mom, Dad, and I were greeted by Charles kindly sweeping the gingko berries off the front walk, and William and Charles with open arms to help us carry the food inside. Marissa was busy preparing side dishes in the kitchen.
After opening remarks by William,
we dined on:
corn bread muffins with butter by Marissa,
sweet potato brulee (mashed) by Marissa,
homemade mashed potatoes [command performance] by Marissa,
cranberry molded vegan gelatin by Marissa,
green bean casserole by Marissa
drinks were
filtered water and sparkling blood orange juice
We all retired to the living room after this first "course" for a game of Apples 2 Apples, during which I was determined to be "distinguished."
The second course added these items to the first course:
herb-roasted whole turkey (from Market District)
mashed potatoes (from Market District)
herbed stuffing (from Market District)
carrot souffle (from Market District)
green beans with walnuts and gorgonzola (from Market District)
gravy (from Market District)
cranberry orange sauce (from Market District)
dinner rolls (from Market District)
pie (from Market District)
iced sugar cookies (by Beatrice and friends)
It was all so delicious. After chatting for a while with Charles, Dad and I went for a walk down to the end of the street and back. Some wrapping of leftovers ensued, Charles departed after dark, and a short course of snacks followed. Dad, Mom, and I carried some leftovers home to Oakland. What a wonderful holiday--William's favorite!
Labels: dining, family, friends, seasons, thankfulness, tradition, walking
Good Morning! ~~~MSHS Class Reunion
It's early, pre-dawn, and I'm up again. I took a dose of (non-pain) medicine, looked for the (yet-to-be-delivered) newspaper outside the door, and sat here in front of the computer. I read a couple of emails, one on CPR and choking sent to me by Marissa. I also read about developmental leaps being made by Beatrice and Solomon. Beatrice, it turns out, uses parallelisms to make herself understood. Solomon has started to watch his feet, thus become self-monitoring ("Toes! BIG toes! Li'l toes!" as I am wont to intone).
~~~
Charles and I have been discussing our impending high school class reunion. No other classmate he has contacted knows about it...he has started to speculate about the existence of it. Gerthild (in the Nederlands) would like to attend, if her scheduling allows. I, personally, still have hope for the event, as they may hold it during Homecoming weekend, as they did for William and Steve's class last year.
I have never attended a class reunion for my high school. In fact, until last summer, I had never attended a school reunion ever. (I was, however, glad to attend my Wellesley College reunion.) I personally have mixed feelings about attending my high school reunion. However, it's been a long time since I've last seen most of my friends/classmates from high school. I've fallen out of touch with those who don't attend our church in Marietta or who haven't lived near me since high school: i.., Most of my classmate/friends. In fact, all of my lunch time friends I've fallen out of touch with. Turns out Charles has gotten back in touch with our classmate Linda I. from my lunch table, though...Linda, who, like all my lunchtime classmate buddies, I haven't kept in touch with since graduation.
News about some of my classmates has not escaped me, though. Our Future Problem Solving crowd has kept in touch with our coach and advisor, Mrs. B. As for some of our other teachers, they have moved on, in various ways: Mrs. Inabnet, my microbiology teacher, passed away; Mr. Luthy has gone on to a position at the local community college, etc...
The dreams I had my last year of high school, I am living. I am the living dream of my high school aspirations: I had expressed a desire to be a scientist or lawyer my senior year in high school. I had expressed a desire to keep art integrated in my life. I had stated that friends are important as you go through life. And I had quipped (if I recall correctly) as a young sixteen-year old about living in "River City, USA" that it is important to "know where that river is, and where that river's flowing," and to "be a part of the flow." This quote, which I recall providing the local paper, foreshadowed my current life in "RiverS City, USA." I am convinced that as we push forward in our lives, we live our life in spiraling, ever-cycling patterns that we can foresee, if we live an examined life.
Labels: Beatrice, dreams, email, excited, friends, Marietta, niece and nephew, organizing, philosophical, science, tradition, Wellesley
Back from the Flu (So THAT'S what that sounds like!)
My first foray out into the world after the flu was to the orthopedic surgeon's office. I have my surgery scheduled for late this spring.
After an afternoon nap, and a couple of phone calls (one to my boss, that I would be in at work tomorrow; one to Don that I would not be singing tonight), Mom, Dad, and I attended the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper. Bishop David Zubik celebrated the Mass, including washing of the apostles' feet, the homily, and stripping of the altar at the end of Mass. His homily referred to a nun, Sr. Eugenia, who taught him and his classmates a prayer upon receiving the Eucharist for the first time:
Let me remember this Eucharist
as if it were the first time I am receiving the Eucharist
as if it were the last time I am receiving the Eucharist
as if it were the only time I am receiving the Eucharist
and he also referred to the
taking
blessing
breaking and
giving of the
bread at table
and the body of Christ for our sins.
It was good to hear Ubi Caritas again (one of my favorite hymns).
Mom, Dad, and I sat right behind Karina this evening in Mass.
Labels: BAD, Church, cold, diocese of Pittsburgh, health, St. Paul Cathedral, tradition, Zubik
Holy Week 2008--Palm Sunday 2008
Today I sang in the Cathedral Choir. The order of worship included
Hosanna to the Son of David (Proulx)
All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Psalm 22 (Proulx)
Gospel Acclamation by Proulx
Jesus, Remember Me (J. Berthier) with readings from Matthew 26:14-27:66
O Sacred Head Surrounded
Acclamations by Vermulst, Kraehenbuhl, and Lamb of God by L. Deiss
Communion: Parce Domine and Jesus so Lowly (H. Freidell)
Recessional Hymn: Lenten Prayer
Jonathan, Stacy, and I dined at Union Grill--that soup was great, as were the BBQ chicken quesadillas, and the pierogies.
I took a nap and went to
~~~~~~
The Cathedral Concert Series at three o'clock in the afternoon with
Daphne Alderson (contralto), Elisa Kohanski (cello), and Donald K. Fellows (portative organ). The program was
Stabat Mater (Mary's vigil at the cross when Jesus expired) (Antonio Vivaldi)
Sicilienne, for cello and piano, Op. 78 (Gabriel Faure)
and two spirituals arr. by H.T. Burleigh, Give Me Jesus and Don't Be Weary, Traveller
Daphne has a wonderfully rich, expressive alto voice. I was particularly moved by the first spiritual. She sang the last piece with no music.
~~~~~
William, Marissa, Beatrice and I dined at Royal Caribbean restaurant in East Liberty. I had the goat curry with greens and potatoes. Delicious!
Beatrice had figured out that Daddy is a man, and Mama and Auntie Mimi are ladies (in addition to names, we fall in a category, too). She, of course, is a baby. A baby girl.
I had to depart from dinner with them early to join Joe and Tina at
~~~~~
St. Ferdinand Youth Ministry's 25th Anniversary of "The Living Stations."
It consisted of tableaux vivants in the order of worship. Joe, Tina, and I sat next to the parents of the student who was "The Voice of Christ" and a Woman in the crowd. Apparently, the text seems to be the same year after year. The combined "readers" and my verbal descriptions for Joe and Tina were emotionally moving for my seatmates. We congratulated Fr. Steve K. for sharing the talents of his young people with our parish.
Labels: Beatrice, Choir, Church, Faith, family, light, prayer, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, theater, tradition
(just) another Advent/Christmas Choir Rehearsal
Last night was (just) another Advent/Christmas choir rehearsal. We had:
Betty
Many guest singers (including Joe)
Loads of us!
the "scatter" arrangement at the end
Laura's sweet 16 birthday
Don's 3rd year of Christmas CDs
Kelly M's delish hummous and buffalo chicken dips, chips, and pita chips!
Labels: Choir, Christmas, Church, singing, tradition
St. Paul's Cathedral Concert Series--St. Paul Cathedral Choir, Crystal Strings, and Organ 2007
Today, after singing the noon Mass, the St. Paul Cathedral choir with other musicians held a concert in the 2007-2008 St. Paul's Cathedral Concert Series in Pittsburgh.
The choir was joined by the Crystal Strings quartet, and Kenneth Danchik on the organ. The string quartet was composed of David Seward, Crystal Lennartz (violin); Louise Farbman (viola); and Anne Simpson (cello). We were conducted by Donald K. Fellows, Cathedral music director.
The program consisted of:
Pastorale, from Christmas concerto, #8, op. 6 (Corelli)
Carol Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Remember Christians, All (Ravenscroft)
E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (Manz)
My Dancing Day (arr. G. Near)
A Sound of Angels (C. Tye)
Organ SoloVotre Bonte Grand Dieu (C. Balbastre); Ken Danchik (organ)
Carol Away in a Manger
Coventry Carol (Martin Shaw)
Noel, We Sing (Louis Claude Daquin, arr. K. Danchik)
Carol What Child is This?
Organ SoloFantasia on "In dulci jubilo" (J.S. Bach); Ken Danchik (organ)
Where Shepherds Lately Knelt (Carl Schalk)
Carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Christmas Lullaby (John Rutter)
The first piece was played by the string quartet. During the concert, the carols were sung by all. When rehearsing this afternoon, Angela and I agreed that the Manz, Near, and Rutter pieces sounded much better after direction to "move" with the phrasing.
My parents, Beatrice, Marissa and her parents, and some of my friends came to hear me sing with the choir; including a former coworker, Mary Beth and Fred, Renee, and Fr. Don Breier (who appreciated us even before the concert started, during rehearsal). Beatrice was moved to vocalize with us; Mom's favorite piece was the Rutter piece, Dad liked the carol "Away in a Manger," and Chere appreciated the "Coventry Carol" by Shaw.
We had a chance to meet and greet our public after the concert, and I spoke with a woman from Palestine who appreciated the music about Bethlehem.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, Church, music, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, tradition
Thanksgiving 2007
Yesterday after morning Mass, I spent some time taking photos around central campus of the leaves. It was 66 Fahrenheit according to the bank clock at Forbes and McKee about 11:30 am. I got some hair care supplies for mom at the drugstore, and printed some documents at Hillman Library. I communicated with my orthopedist some of my current problems with my hips, and she would like me to get some more imaging evaluation.
Today is Thanksgiving and Dad and I brought some food donations to morning Mass (it was ~60 Fahrenheit) (after hearing the power was out in William's neighborhood). Fr. Kesicki were the visiting priest (we sat in front of the parents), and Matt H. was the lector. Jim was one of the servers, and Don supplied the music ministry. I spoke to Angela after Mass and walked with Joe and Tina after Mass.
I am finishing some work, and Dad, Mom, and I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. Mom commented that it must be cold for the Rockettes, but I countered that it was above 60 Fahrenheit in New York City currently. (Mom called during the first half hour and William indicated that his neighborhood has power again).
~~~
We dined on
croissants and corn bread muffins with butter,
crackers with dips by Marissa and I,
Trader Joe's turkey prepared by Les,
green bean casserole by William,
two versions of sweet potato brulee (sliced and mashed) by Mom and Marissa,
homemade mashed potatoes by Marissa,
stuffing by Les,
two versions of cranberry sauce (the schloop and the TJ's),
drinks were
filtered water and sparkling ciders (domestic and imported).
We all retired to the living room before we indulged in desserts, consisting of:
black and tan cookies (PB cookies with chocolate kisses),
sugar cookies (not Beatrices, this time) (both by Marissa),
and Pumpkin Pie University Squares (by me).
I decided to use the cane this evening to supplement my funky, custom shoes.
Labels: BAD, dining, excited, family, family-Marissa, Mass, seasons, thankfulness, tradition, work
