My teeth feel clean...the dental hygienist Leah cleaned my teeth (again) for my bi-yearly cleaning. The dentist checked my teeth, and I headed back on the rapidly crowded bus to type this entry/post.
Labels: teeth, transportation
posted by Grace @ 9/16/2010 09:52:00 AM
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For the past two evenings Maureen and I have been researching and buying her new toys (computer external hard drive and new notebook). So we researched and went to Staples in our neighborhood and up by Nancy C's neighborhood. We sat at Starbucks and enjoyed cool drinks in the cooling night air, and quickly escaped the cigarette smoke at the quickly-occupied next table last night.
I helped her back-up her ailing computer last night, and helped her do a skeletal set-up this evening before going to help Mom with travel computer questions. I also made reservations tonight for a fantasie musical.
Today for the best part of the morning involved a group training computer class. Renae was there, it was fun to see her again. Quite useful information.
Labels: addiction, computer, dining, friends, music, school, theater, transportation, travel
posted by Grace @ 8/18/2010 10:51:00 PM
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I met other people whilst waiting for the shuttle to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Kristen, who had done this before, and who sat in my row, and Stephen, who was handing out parking stickers for validation.
Francois sat next to me, and we chatted on the way to and from the food bank. Philippa directed us. I was partnered with Kathy, and we directed people to appropriate areas. I had to sit at regular intervals to rest my po' little body. Keith stopped by to say hello, and to talk about past landscapes.
There were about 40 of us, and we wiped down the stainless steel counters afterwards. Four hundred thirty families/groups were served approximately 25000 pounds of food in that session.
Labels: biology, dine, economy, personal finance, school, transportation
posted by Grace @ 6/25/2010 02:03:00 AM
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Monday and Tuesday have been rainy, rainy days. Cool, too (~50-60 Fahrenheit). Monday I ran some errands downtown. I walked from Heinz Hall to near the Kaufmann's Clock to catch a 71A bus home. Tuesday I picked up Mom and Dad from Mom's doctor's appointment. We drove to the hairdressers, where she received a stylish cut. We made an appointment for about six weeks from now. I also went grocery shopping, and ran into Kathy L from the Carnegie. We chatted for a bit. 
Then, dinner last night and meet up with Susan at folk dancing to hear the Balkan group play music whilst the folk dancing continued. I danced intermittently from 19.30-22.00.
This morning, I went to the Newman Center to attend study of this Sunday (Pentecost)'s readings. The event is "on vacation" until early June. Karina arrives from the airport, I'll pick her up from the bus stop this afternoon!
~~~
20 May 2010
9.35
So, it was a beautiful afternoon yesterday when I met up with Karina at the bus stop. We loaded her bags into the car, and ensured her safe arrival at home.
Mom and I dined in the Strip District (sans Dad, who had a tummy flu) for dinner, and then I dropped Mom (and our leftovers) off, to pick up Karina for a Young Adult Church event in Shadyside. (We were half an hour late).
We retrieved her car, then walked on Walnut Street in the shopping district, then called Maureen to join us around the time her dance class lets out. She joined us for a stroll, then all three of us ladies went grocery shopping in Shadyside (Late!).
Labels: Bible, Carnegie, dance, dancing, dining, Faith, friends, hair, international culture, library, music, seasons, shopping, transportation, travel, weather
posted by Grace @ 5/19/2010 09:19:00 AM
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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
posted by Grace @ 5/16/2010 12:11:00 AM
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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
posted by Grace @ 4/08/2010 05:25:00 PM
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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
posted by Grace @ 4/02/2010 05:17:00 AM
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Took a looong nap yesterday afternoon to catch up on sleep. I'm awake again now.
The (major) intersection by Saint Paul Cathedral and the Rand Building has had some pretty deep potholes since the first wave of storms at the beginning of this month. I just noticed yesterday that the potholes were repaired, speeding up traffic through the intersection.
MUST go back to sleep, into the warm comfort of my bed...I'm currently losing my voice (my students and colleagues commented on it yesterday), and need all the rest I can muster, along with the cough syrups, gargling with warm salt water (thanks to Grandpa's suggestions), and cough drops with plenteous fluids, both warm and cold.
Labels: cold, Grandpa, health, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, voice, weather
posted by Grace @ 3/02/2010 04:39:00 AM
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This is the first day the University of Pittsburgh will resume normal operations.
I went to morning Mass this morning. Fr. Utz celebrated the Mass, Fred lectored, John served at the altar, and Don provided music ministry. Approximately ~24 people received the Eucharist in the congregation. I talked to Don after Mass about choir practic, travel, travelling the roads, and preparedness for snow storms.
I plan to stop by campus today.
~~~
19.15
After breakfast, I promptly went home and took a long nap. Auntie Benita woke me up with a phone call. We chatted for a bit, mostly about being snowbound.
I went to M + D's to make some photocopies before heading to campus with Maureen to drop off my students' papers and to notify them of that fact.
We dropped off my DVDs at the Carnegie public library, and then we looked for travel books and DVDs. I saw and said hello to Kathy, head of the music library, and chatted for a bit with her and HK, one of my students who was glad that we were off from class this week.
Maureen and I peeled off our boots/clogs to warm up (with the help of some tea), and then I asked her to take some of my magazines. We headed out, she to her home and me to meet Charles for dinner.
Charles and I enjoyed dinner and I a coconut smoothie at the pan-Asian restaurant. I gave him a keep-the-house-warm housewarming gift, and we chatted for a while.
I stopped by Mom and Dad's place, and am checking my email and catching up on my blog.
Labels: blogs, Carnegie, cold, dining, email, library, Mass, music, school, seasons, traction, transportation, travel, weather, work
posted by Grace @ 2/11/2010 09:25:00 AM
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This morning the Cathedral was locked up except for two entrances on the side. I entered Mass and Fr. Bill was saying the Kyrie (in English). Audrey C. was the lector, and John was the server. Seventeen parishioners received the Sacrament of the Eucharist this morning.
I took some photos after Mass, and noticed that there were traction marks from the Trax on shoes in front of the Cathedral. I made phone calls this morning and walked with Maureen after noon Mass to Panera, where she had lunch and I bought bread.
We pondered the concept of taking a 54C bus to the ends of the line. I said, "I'll take the bus to the Allegheny [North side], but I won't go to the end of the South Side line." We discussed the possibility of selecting a bus that would slip and plunge to the depths of the South Side slopes. "What would our obituaries say?!" We talked about a possible headline and first sentence:
Pittsburgh Educators
Two Pittsburgh educators were found DOA at the hospital after using the 54C bus line to stake out road conditions during this past snowstorm. This was a natural extension from their daily walk to escape cabin fever in this, the sixth day of the state of emergency in the 'Burgh. The bus they were riding was found at the bottom of a ravine below the South Side slopes.
We plan to watch the DVD of Herb Alpert: Live at Montreaux.
~~~
19.50
We watched the DVD and chatted over white tea, as well. Maureen worked on a Reflection (I acted as administrative assistant and typist extraordinaire), and we enjoyed her brother-in-law's chili for dinner.
I waited for a bus, and one came fairly quickly. The snow was plowed clear to the curb sometime between when I had last travelled from that bus stop.
Labels: cold, humor, Mass, photos, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, weather
posted by Grace @ 2/10/2010 02:51:00 PM
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So, in the sun the snow is beginning to melt, with the help of deicer salts (calcium I imagine) and without the help of temperatures, but with the help of the sun. Tonight, temperatures will go to the single digits.
The Pittsburgh Public Schools website announces that school is cancelled for Monday the 8th of February. Maureen is thrilled.
We went to ten o'clock Mass, and then walked to the pancake place to get breakfast. We then walked to the computer lab for me to print out [administrative] sheets and for us to check the status of the public schools.
A walk back home, save some snow photos for Maureen on her USB key / jump drive, then time for a nap.
~~~~~
17.45
A few buses were seen to be running this afternoon in the heart of Oakland....Port Authority has restored service and restored changed service for some routes.
Labels: cold, computer, dining, Mass, school, seasons, traction, transportation, walking, weather, work
posted by Grace @ 2/07/2010 02:22:00 PM
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Today I saw:
a bootless immigrant (grad?) student walking around with plastic grocery bags around his shoes.
a cross-country (Nordic) skier heading north on Craig Street
a tobogganer on his belly heading south on Craig Street
Today I heard:
"Pittsburgh...a state of emergency."
In response to my singing on Bayard Street, "You're much too [joyful] about this," from a shoveller.
Bus service cancelled for the city.
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, seasons, transportation, weather
posted by Grace @ 2/06/2010 08:17:00 PM
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Today was an eventful day, first day back at school, took a nap, went to the Newman Center for Bible Study with Karina and company, and helped Mom and Dad with their medical mission booklet. Also handled some reservations for travel, sent many email communiques as well.
Whew!
Labels: email, Faith, school, sleep, transportation, travel
posted by Grace @ 1/12/2010 12:03:00 AM
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Today was the annual Wellesley tea. We enjoyed a pot of tea each (Martha and I shared a large pot of jasmine tea), and we had a selection of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and desserts of mini fruit tarts, cookie/brownie bars, and carrot cake. Michele opted for the mimosa, as well. At my end of the table were Stephanie, Lynne, Amy, and Martha. At Michele's end of the table were the "K" gals: Kelly, Kelsey, Kathryn, Kathleen, and Karen who switched seats with Martha so that Martha and I could share a pot of tea.
We chatted, and also spoke about plans for the Pittsburgh chapter for 2010...club events where we could get together, again. Amy and Lynne had particularly good ideas.
Lynne was kind to give me a ride back.
I hostessed the tea this time, and I'm glad Kelly suggested a post-holiday event this time around.
Labels: seasons, tea, transportation, Wellesley
posted by Grace @ 1/02/2010 07:21:00 PM
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So, it seems that the airport security machines that were used when we left for Ireland in July 2007 and that I last saw my friend S pass through earlier this year will be retired soon. This article discusses the airport security "puff" machines that detect propellants. Seems that X ray backscatter machines will be utilized instead.
Labels: safety, transportation, travel
posted by Grace @ 12/29/2009 02:05:00 PM
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I made my way up to the choir loft this morning during the rite of Communion. Slowly, people filled the loft, with Ken at the organ console. We had abbreviated preludes from last night, as we got started ~11.40
Brass & Organ: Canzon noni toni (G. Gabrieli)
Choir: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Trad. Polish carol, arr. R.G. Farrell)
A Boy Was Born (16th C. text, R.G. Farrell)
Gesu Bambino (P.A. Yon)
Gaudete (Piae Cantiones, 1582--arr. by R. J. Batastini; verses, J.S. Cook)
At noon we sang the processional hymn,
O Come, All Ye Faithful (arr. Cherwien)
Gloria--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Psalm 96 (J. Chepponis)
Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
Preparation of Gifts: O Holy Night/ Cantique de Noel (A. Adam)
Sanctus, Memorial, and Amen Acclamations--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei--Holy Cross Mass (D. Isele)
Communion: The First Nowell (17th C. English carol)
Silent Night (F. X. Gruber, German text J. Mohr, Engl. transl. by J.F. Young)
Christmas Lullaby (J. Rutter)
Recessional: Joy to the World (arr. J.W. Jenkins)
Postlude: In dir ist Freude
Mom, Dad, Kelly, and I enjoyed cold cuts, cheeses, spreads, dips, adobo with rice, chunk crab meat, green salad with dried and fresh fruits, the fruit tray, breads, and crackers. I invited Karina over this evening at seven.
We have all enjoyed good naps, and Dad has just woken up from his nap, as well.
~~~
23.25
Karina arrived ~19.00 and we chatted for a while. Mom and Dad returned from the pharmacy with meds for Kelly's cold. Dad and Karina and I dined on lunch leftovers and deliciousness, chatted, and generally enjoyed our company. Mom watched Monk while waiting for her blood pressure to lower. I drove Karina home at about 21.30 and then Mom and I worked on PAMS organizational meeting invites, and purchased trip insurance for her and dad.
We just checked her email for the policy and details....it all appears to be in place.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, dine, friends, health, Mass, Pilipino culture, singing, sleep, transportation, travel
posted by Grace @ 12/25/2009 04:48:00 PM
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Mom and I went to the French bakery in Millvale, the bakery in Shadyside, and spoke to a friend about planning family issues. I went to work--the class was on-task and finished early. I'm calling my insurance about what medical appointments I need to make by the end of this calendar year.
~~~
22.30
Mom, Dad, and I just returned from our evening out with ~85 others from Saint Paul Cathedral to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. On the way there, we waited at ~18.00 for the bus with Donna and the two Rosemarys. We were joined by many more people and we retrieved our tickets from Roseann and Pat P. and boarded the second bus. We took a route through downtown past the creche (singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel") and were dropped off by BJ (the choir director for St. Benedict's parish and our bus driver tonight) in front of the Benedum.
The sound was cranked up for the audience, we enjoyed the touring company of the Rockettes, the dances were great, and there were wonderful Christmas story tableaux with live sheep and a camel, and a scrolling Christmas story at the end.
Our bus stopped for ten minutes in front of Macy's windows, and those few of us who braved the newly minted winter weather enjoyed the window dressing.
Mom, Dad, and I walked back home after the bus dropped us off.
I noted that the costumes in the 1970's were more like swimsuits---the Rockettes costumes are more modest now, making it possible for a dancer with hip surgery to dance with them. Also, there are ethnic minority women dancing with them, as well.
Labels: BAD, celebration, Christmas, Church, dance, dolls, friends, Pittsburgh, seasons, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral, theater, transportation
posted by Grace @ 12/02/2009 04:19:00 PM
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The bus ride home this Wednesday was good---no transfers, two seats to myself all the way to Harrisburg, and I chatted most of the way with a German schoolteacher-to-be who is going cross country to California. We had everyone from Mexicans to Italians to an Amish gentleman in our seating vicinity...there was at the back of the bus even a guy with beads in his beard, too. An uneventful trip, all-in-all.
~ ~ ~ ~ 
We met William and his family at the new French bistro for lunch...whilst waiting for a table, Lola and the children checked out the pastries in the window. I greatly enjoyed my meal, especially the hot cocoa at the end.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday, celebration, home, niece and nephew, photos, transportation
posted by Grace @ 10/16/2009 10:44:00 AM
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I slept in until ~eight this morning and went to Reading Terminal Market to meet Pat K. at Philbert the Piggy Bank pig. We decided on breakfast at the crepe place after the Amish breakfast place was full. I had an apple-caramel crepe, and Pat enjoyed a strawberry-banana crepe with eggs. We chatted, shared family stories, etc.
After breakfast I departed for the bus terminal and met Catherine, who is traveling cross-country from Germany. We sat across the aisle from each other until Harrisburg, where we sat next to each other and exchanged stories.
Mom and Dad and I enjoyed a home-cooked meal of chicken, rice, mung beans, fresh tomatoes, and papaya. I packed my lunch for work tomorrow, and answered emails.
Labels: dine, dining, family, friends, international culture, transportation
posted by Grace @ 10/14/2009 08:32:00 PM
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This afternoon I carpooled with Mary Ann to Doug's home for the send-off picnic for Christoph, who will be returning to his homeland at the beginning of August.
We had much fun: Judi grilled the hamburgers and hot dogs, everyone brought potluck dishes to share. Don raised the issue of the next choir tour/trip with a single word: "Spain!" and followed up with a proposed date of next July. I countered that we may want to fundraise for two seasons instead of for one season [to avoid the white-knuckled fundraising experience]. The Christmas CD was not mentioned.
Christoph supplied a return toast after Don toasted him. Christoph said that being in the choir made his experience here better than if he hadn't been in choir.
~~~~~
Mary Ann and I spoke with Nancy after we departed from the choir picnic, and she is holding up well after the disappearance of her brother-in-law from a boat Saturday.
Labels: Choir, dine, farewell, friends, international culture, photos, transportation, travel, water
posted by Grace @ 7/19/2009 09:55:00 PM
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Days in the life of me.
