Holy Trinity Sunday 2010
Before choir practice today, Judi gave me great advice about electronics!
After choir and Mass (during which James W's mom, James W's mom's son, and Stephanie sang with us; as well as Christina Mc sang as a chorister), Stacy, Regina, and I dined on pan-Asian food. I tried the Lard Nar (LUV those wiiide nooodles!), chit chatted about about relationships, and enjoyed our lunches (and for some of us, smoothies). As we exited, we ran into Charles, who was also on the way to pan-Asian bliss (a.k.a. noodles with chicken). I joined him, we chatted over lunch about our summer plans, and parted ways.
I caught a three-hour nap, and am making lists for this summer...Also catching up on email.
Labels: Choir, dining, email, friends, list, Marietta, St. Paul Cathedral, travel, visitor
Auntie Chi and Kelly for Easter 2010
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
Yesterday
Yesterday, I picked up tickets for the symphony tonight (Friday), had breakfast, and then took my prophylactic antibiotics to prepare for my teeth cleaning. Because the dental hygienist is on maternity leave, the dentist himself cleaned my teeth after my regular (digital) X rays. I was happy to find no cavities with my teeth, as per usual.
A trip to the large grocery store for some milk ensued, and then lunch with Mom and Dad. Soon after Dad and I dropped my car off at the repair shop for inspection, etc. We walked home, and I took a nap.
Maureen and I went for coffee smoothies at our favorite smoothie location, chatted, and received a call from Nancy, who agreed to join us and Karina for the symphony tomorrow night, my other two friends being otherwise engaged with a cold and a deadline.
Dinner and then choir practice followed, which was Regina's first practice, in addition to a bass and a (visiting) bass, Craig and Di's son. Snackes were provided by Judi, Ken was back from Paris, France, and I introduced Regina to some fellow choristers. Chatted with Don and Judi afterwards.
Two days ago I attended a particularly productive pastoral council meeting. We were all pleased with the outcome.
Labels: accessibility, automobile, Choir, dine, health, pastoral council, PSO, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, teeth, visitor
Mardi Gras / Das ist ein Berliner
Today is Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday / Shrove Tuesday. I almost forgot to indulge in sweet, fat food until Maureen reminded me of it this evening. We made a run for sweets and groceries (to stock the pantry and larder for Ash Wednesday). Maureen treated me to chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels on the way to the store. I just enjoyed ein Berliner [apologies to JFK].
Yesterday I told a few of my friends that I was concerned about my sleep cycle interruption lately, mostly due to my lack of work during the snow storms. I vowed to do more about it.
After work yesterday, I helped Maureen with some administrative tasks---mostly reports and tables that she needs to have in place for the visitors to her classroom later this week. It was fun preparing them, and looking at the progress of her students over time. We dined on chicken sandwiches and lemon-pepper steamed vegetables. Yum.
Labels: dine, school, seasons, sleep, visitor, work
Another sleepy day...
I slept in today until 9.30 and then headed to the benefits office at work to update some papers. I made LOTS of tuna salad with ~4 small cans/tins of tuna. I also prepared a baon for Mom of a tuna salad sandwich, orange, two cookies and water for after her bloodwork. She and Dad went to the hospital/Giant Eagle for grocery shopping. Kelly is resting once more.
~~~
23.20
At 19.00 Karina and I arrived at Christina's home for a gathering with Jeff, who left the 'Burgh a little over a year ago for an academic tenure-track position at Southern Maine University. We enjoyed dinner at Christina's and met her mom, brother Rob, and her cousin. We chatted over sugar cookies laced with oatmeal, and enjoyed the iced tea. We took pictures around the tree, and admired their ornaments.
Jeff drove out first, and led Karina and me out of Monroeville. Karina presented me with a tin of cookies and dark chocolate-covered nuts.
Labels: chocolate, Christmas, dine, Faith, family, friends, shopping, visitor, work
Graham Clan Reunion: SSSA National Meetings
Met up last night with the Graham clan at August Henry's for dinner. Spotted April and Debbie first, met Doug, saw Bob, Tanya, Tom R. from CP-SLO, Rosemary, and Brian; sat next to Ron T. from SLO and across from April and Debbie for dinner. I had a Pittsburgh steak salad for dinner.
The three girls headed to salsa and drinks after dinner---I danced thrice after speaking with Bobby, the DJ. Tanya, Sylvie, and Brad met up with us.
A fun night that ended with my two former labmates walking me to the bus stop.
~~~~
Met up with April at the bus stop downtown for a tour of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Music Hall, and Carnegie Library Main, and Carnegie Mellon University. We saw the Cathedral of Learning, the outside of Heinz Chapel, Carnegie Music Hall, the Carnegie Library (said hi to Lisa R. there), and took the bus to Carnegie Mellon University, 
where we stopped at Entropy, the Randy Pausch bridge, the Gates building, the School of Fine Arts, and other places.
We met up with Debbie and Susan for dinner at Sonoma Grill. I enjoyed the crab cakes and fettucine. We headed to a bar, Seviche, for drinks afterwards, and saw Tanya, Brad, Paul, and a fellow from Alaska, too. My two former lab mates walked me to my bus stop before bidding me adieu.
Labels: career, Carnegie, dining, friends, meeting, museum, photos, Pittsburgh, soils, visitor
Pamela's with Auntie Chi
This morning Auntie Chi and I went for a walk: We stopped at my work (said hi to Heather S., saw my office), and walked up Thackeray behind Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, where there were movie filming trailers. I took her picture, then we stopped in at the Newman Center before Dad drove Mom, her, and I to Pamela's in the Strip District. Three of us enjoyed "Morning After" specials, and Mom enjoyed the banana walnut hotcakes. I drove them to St. Anthony's Chapel, which was closed.
I walked in to work afterwards. I walked home after our weekly meeting and Auntie Chi and I walked to the Carnegie Main branch to pick up books. We crossed Schenley Plaza to Hillman Library so that I could print out various items.
We helped prepare for dinner, and now await William's little family to join us for dinner.
~~~~~
After dinner of salmon soup, grilled salmon jaw, tapa, pot roast, tomatoes, rice, cantaloupe, raisins, baked cheese crackers, and more, the children played with Auntie Chi for a while, then we all headed to Carnegie Mellon University for the inaugural night of the Randy Pausch bridge lighting. We visited the bridge and the new Gates building...Beatrice was enthralled by the helix! She and William walked down and back up the helix. We visited some classrooms and also sat in an alcove.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, Church, dine, dining, Faith, family, library, photos, school, visitor, walking, work
The Flu
Two instructors this week at work have been out with the flu. I covered one section last night. I could sense that a small group of students were perturbed by my suggestions on how to work more efficiently, so I stated, "I'd be less irritating if I didn't care as much." All in all, they were a good, hardworking class.
When I returned after work and the computer lab last night in a light (barely) drizzle, Auntie Chi had already arrived. She and I shared stories of what had occurred (who had visited and whom we had visited) since her last visit here in April 2009. I did a little side-stepping dance to show off my new hips.
Mom is off for some blood work this morning: I will treat her and Dad to breakfast afterwards.
~~~~~
Mom, Dad, and I went to Primanti's in the Strip District. Dad and I split a Colossal Fish Sandwich, and Mom and Auntie Chi split a pastrami / corned beef sandwich. Dad and I had the fries and slaw on the side. It was a fun early lunch before I headed in to work.
Labels: BAD, biology, dance, dining, health, student, surgery, visitor, work
Official Tour Guide
Yesterday, at about 2am Uncle Alex, Auntie Baby, and Auntie Chuchi arrived for a Labor Day visit. I went to run errands in Squirrel Hill, at the Carnegie Library, and sheet music was provided for a piece I had requested on CD.
Mary Ann H. picked me up, we went to the Pitt vs. Youngstown State University football game at Heinz Field, and had great seats. When the score got to 31 vs. single digits for YSU at the end of the third quarter, Mary Ann and I headed back to Station Square (no chance of flipping the game at that point). Lots of walking for us "li'l ol' ladies."
I headed home for a meal and a nap, and then met up with Christina for some dancing in Squirrel Hill. Fewer "regulars" were there, Ralph and Larry were the only leads with whom I regularly dance with who were there.
Today, I will be the Official Tour Guide for the visiting group.
~~~
Monday 7 Sept 09, 9.55
Yesterday we dined at Pamela's Diner, where President Obama enjoys the Pancakes made by Pamela and Gail's recipe. Dee-lish. Chuchi and I enjoyed an order of Pamela's crepe-like pancakes and Lyonnaise potatoes. We all went to see the stores and street vendors on Penn Avenue on this long weekend. I met up with them again at the end and Chuchi and I went in search of Mom's movie requests, first at the library...
which was closed when we arrived. We enjoyed touring Schenley Plaza (there was a magician under the tent, and the carousel was in full force), the front of the Pitt Frick Fine Arts building (both with views of the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel), and Forbes Field home plate in Posvar Hall.
We headed home after to find where we might find A movie. After a few phone calls, we found Music Box with Jessica Lange, one of mom's favorite movies, which she first saw with Uncle Sonny and Grandma. We all took a nap. Auntie Chuchi made dinner! It was delicious. William's family joined us all, though it was beyond the children's bedtime. After William's family departed, Dad, Mom, Uncle Alex, Auntie Baby, and I watched the movie. Chuchi turned in early.
We'll be going to the sushi buffet today.
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, dance, family, games, library, sleep, sports, visitor, walking
Niagara and Toronto I, August 2009
Mom,Dad, and I travelled to the American side of Niagara Falls (which is a New York State Park and the oldest state park in the United States), visited the visitor center, went to the observation deck (outstanding) and to the Maid of the Mist,
where we saw the American Falls,
other Maids of the Mist, and a view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. We enjoyed our picnic lunch from the disabled parking spot, where a cool breeze blew and there were multicolored hydrangea in full bloom.
We continued on to Toronto, where Uncle Alex and Auntie Baby live. Colleen, their apo, was visiting and we had our merienda. I took a nap, and Allan, Sonia, and their family had arrived as well as Christie and her family. We all dined together on Pinoy food.
After dinner, we took group photos, and Allan shared his thoughts on what to see. I decided I wanted to see many things that are part of their life in Toronto, and some touristy sites, too.
Labels: automobile, Canada, citizenship, family, flowers, ice cream, international culture, New York, photos, Pilipino culture, reunion, travel, visitor, walking, water
Thankful Me
In answering some of my emails this morning, I'm realizing how blessed I am:
I have friends and family wishing me well and praying for me...to dance and cartwheel again soon.
I have friends and family reminding me that I need to do my physical therapy (and hidden in that wish is the fact that I underwent a standard surgical procedure that needs mainly only a visit to the surgeon and simple physical therapy as the major follow-ups).
I have friends and family who want to visit me.
I have family who are housing me and bringing me back to health every step of the way (yummy food, shelter, warmth--physical and emotional, medical care, etc. etc.)
~~~
Dad and I watched the Mass from St. Paul Cathedral this morning, with Fr. Kim and Fr. Joshua celebrating, and Debby Z. cantoring. They spoke about spiritual Fathers and how this is the year of vocations to the priesthood.
Mom woke up a short while ago, and we will help her prepare breakfast....
~~~
4.00m
Breakfast was blueberry waffles, with butter topping or butter, whole milk yogurt, fresh blueberries, syrup, sunny-side-up eggs, little sausages, sardines. MmmmMM!
Today Mom helped me to get my anti-coagulant injection, change TED hose and socks, and to change clothes (again).
William, Marissa, and the children came over for dinner. It was a lovely homemade spread of gourd, shrimp, and coconut milk soup; mixed green salad with grape tomatoes, shredded cheese, and dressing; roasted chicken; egg torta; with dessert of blueberries for the children and key lime pie for the rest of us.
Labels: dine, exercise, Mass, prayer, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery, thankfulness, TV, visitor
Valentino
This morning, I took a nap after doing laundry and chatting with Deb. She warned me of viewing the world of others through my eyes exclusively.
After a snack, Mom and I were shuttled to the documentary movie Valentino by Dad (at the Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill). We did some shopping, I went to the bank, and all three of us went shopping in Mount Lebanon. A trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken was in order, and we got half a bucket of KFC Original, and the other half grilled chicken. It was delicious, with veggies and Klondike ice cream sandwiches after.
I retrieved a message from my friend, M, who stated Teody had given her tickets to be delivered to me. After Wednesday's PNR meeting (which I left Pastoral Council meeting early to attend), where the ticketing process was hashed out by Jun C., the process was made clear to us, and rehashed and sent out by Jun at the end of this week via email. I had contacted neither Jun nor (Tina nor Teody)---the ticket sellers' points of contact---about tickets. "I did not order tickets from Teody." It seems that Jun C. made the flow of ticket sales clear, but somewhere along the line someone had ordered tickets in my name without my knowledge.
There are three of us in my immediate family housing performers, selling tickets, and publicizing/marketing the event. There is no need to send me unsolicited tickets to sell. I feel bad that my friend M was stuck in the middle and has to deal with homeless tickets.
~~~
Turns out the tickets are for me to give to my mom for T. (O well, I guess I get to be the bearer of the tickets = "Mercury") Some kind of communication mix-up...
Labels: cinema, ice cream, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, politics, school, singing, visitor, voice
Jenny's Visit--Now the Preparation Starts
Now that Jenny's visit is over (3/3 visits by friends from afar), I must hunker down to the task of preparing for my second total hip replacement.
I joke with friends and family that I am lucky that I only have two hips, for if I had more, I would have to undergo surgery every summer. (Good thing I'm not a centipede!---ha, ha, they have exoskeleta, anyway).
~~~~
So, Jenny's visit consisted of:
Thursday: My catching the 6:00 bus to the airport and our trip back to my home. We took a nap in the morning, I introduced her to Carlos at the library on campus, as well as the facilities and resources in the old WQED building on campus. We then went to my department, where we met Heather and saw my stomping grounds, as well as checked our email in the computer lab; went to the Great Hall at the Cathedral of Learning, had a snack at the cafeteria in the Cathedral of Learning; had lunch of unagi bowl and chicken teriyaki bowl at my favorite bento box restaurant nearby; stopped in the Law Department at Pitt; stopped at Posvar Hall (saw the home plate of Forbes Field); stopped at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (to pick up a CD by RBP); returned to the Cathedral of Learning; enjoyed some iced tea at the Cafe downstairs; went up to visit the view; stopped by my parent's home to see them and Beata and Solomon; NAP; and then go to the Hofbrauhaus for dinner, drinks, and entertainment with the choir crowd.
Friday: We enjoyed a white chocolate/berry crepe at the creperie in my neighborhood. Jenny and I chatted with Jenn P. about the Legal Studies program at a local cafe. We headed to Vic's restaurant for the lunch buffet (dee-lish); checked email at the 24/7 location on campus nearby; drove up to Mount Washington and took the Duquesne Incline to Station Square; returned to Mom & Dad's to pick up packages for Miranda's birthday; NAPPED; dined at the P. Ring Restaurant in Squirrel Hill (sizzling rice soup, Ma Po Tofu, and ); and then enjoyed the chocolate bomb dessert with Etta Cox and company for Jazz Night.
Saturday: Picked up Maureen for a bakery run (madeleines, fruit tarts, Key Lime pie, and brioches) at Highland Park; dropped off the refrigerated goods at my home; a visit to the bakery in Millvale; the Big Lincoln for breakfast; dropped off Maureen (she picked up her baked goods); went to the Andy Warhol museum (where we purchased gifts, made art packets, and visited the 4th floor); went home and napped, and had dinner at the Vietnamese restaurant in Lawrenceville. We joined Mom and Dad for gin rummy and Mom for Celebrities.
Sunday: Jenny took a walk in the neighborhood while I went to choir practice. She enjoyed the loft and Jennifer H. joined us for lunch of gyoza, veggies, General Tso's chicken, and smoothies and tea at the Pan Asian restaurant. We relaxed and chatted at my home before waiting for the airport bus.
~~~~
Sunday evening brought a pleasant dinner and conversation at Mary Ann's porch with Nancy, Mary Ann's neighbor Rosa, Christoph, and Ornella. We enjoyed, and had a lovely time.
Labels: friends, health, Pittsburgh, surgery, visitor, walking
Luce visits last week
Last week Luce visited from LA, NM. She arrived on Thursday afternoon during rush hour.
Before she arrived, on Monday and Wednesday I had physical therapy early in the day, and on Wednesday at noon I joined a meeting at Shiloh for the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers. It was a planning meeting for the marketing and publicity. Also, there was a meeting Thursday morning at the Pittsburgh Foundation about the new website, Pittsburgh Gives.
Luce's plane arrived about two hours late, so we stopped at the Pan Asian restaurant for dinner for her, and went directly (with suitcase in tow) to choir practice.
Friday morning we walked about 800m to Pamela's (whew!) for breakfasts of a waffle with whipped cream for me and an egg and corned beef hash and potatoes breakfast for her. We stopped at the 24/7 computer lab, dropped off materials at the Carnegie Library, stopped into Heinz Chapel, and visited half of the nationality rooms (south & 1/2 of west aspect) on one floor of the Cathedral of Learning. We had lunch with Marissa, William, and their children at the Thai restaurant in Bloomfield. The afternoon brought a siesta, a walk to a mailbox for one of my clearances, etc. then we had appetizer and smoothies at the Pan Asian restaurant on Craig Street. We drove up to Mount Washington, took the Easternmost Incline to Station Square, where we went shopping, went home, and had snacks at home.
Saturday Luce awoke to climb to the uppermost public floor of the Cathedral of Learning. We then went to Penn Avenue of the Strip District, where we had a late breakfast at Delucca's...I had the caramel apple crepe (YUM). We had a siesta from noon-two, went to the bead shop and the Pan Asian restaurant (for her fave drink) and to the craft & Irish store. I went home and to Mom & Dad's, she to the New Balance store. At about 5:15 we headed to Squirrel Hill to check out the shops. We dined with William, Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon at the Filipino restaurant. I selected the Filipino sampler, which was as Mom described.
Sunday Luce was a guest with us during Mass. Mom, Dad, and I took her to Eat N Park at the Waterfront for a late brunch. We stopped at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, and headed home to either nap or work on medical history paperwork for a future doctor's appointment.
Monday morning we took the early bus at seven to get to the airport. We did some last minute shopping (to spend her dollars--!) and she blew me a kiss from security (TSA).
Labels: exercise, friends, visitor, water exercise
