End of the Work Week, end of March 2012
Met up with Megan and her friend M. after work yesterday. They were apartment hunting. Met Megan earlier this week in upper campus.
Weather has been cooler...in the 30s to 50s Fahrenheit during the night to day. Was in the 60s to 80s during the day for the two weeks earlier. The bulbs (tulips) in my neighborhood, forsythia in front of my work building, and other flowers are up, due to this. Students were arriving in shorts and sandals in lab two weeks ago, and I advised them that that week (Population Genetics laboratory week) was okay to wear non-lab togs, but they should be advised that it would not be okay for the rest of the labs.
Ah, to go from Autumn into late Autumn, into Spring into Summer! That is what this last half year has been like.
Labels: flowers, friends, seasons, weather, work
Happy Holidays!
So, we've prepared a little holiday gift for each of the people on my support team, people who have been instrumental to me. I will deliver them after lunch today.
The weather has been light snow and very cold up until now, and will switch to rain (eek!) after noon today.
I will wear thick jeggings, sweatpants, and a velveteen long skirt with a T shirt, ribbed sweater, and thick red Irish fishermen's cardigan under my orange wool (lined) coat. Hopefully, this, paired with my taking the bus, will keep me from experiencing the "Tin Woodsman" effect.
Labels: BAD, gift, weather
Themes
Painting (Oil and Watercolor)
Art
Hot Weather
Music--Bernstein's Requiem, My favorite movement of all Vivaldi pieces, sacred acclamations from the Mass
making muesli from grain
Hornflakes
Panoramic Paintings
Hot weather
Meeting Jehovah's Witnesses
NOT climbing tower/s
Good food
Good Thai food
Seeking relief from the heat at a pool
seeing political leaders
Good company, throughout
Good homemade food
Good homemade Thai food
Good Indonesian rice table
assistive technology for exercising
Labels: accessibility, art, dining, exercise, health, list, love, music, painting, shopping, water exercise, weather
Early Morning I, June 2010; Yoga June 2010
I awoke ~ an hour ago, early for me on a Saturday morning. Am organizing the papers I photocopied yesterday night.
I'm planning on going out with the girls tonight for dinner. It will be fun, but we'll miss Maureen, who is visiting family.
~~~
13.00
Karina and I went to yoga in Squirrel Hill, after she repaired a necklace's jump ring connection for me. We had yoga class for a little less than two hours, explored Squirrel Hill a bit, then are both at our respective homes to cool off from the muggy, hot morning.
Labels: dining, exercise, friends, jewelry, organizing, seasons, sleep, travel, weather
Beginning of June 2010
Yesterday was the first day of June 2010. I awoke ~5:30 am and took care of various questions and issues:
Got an appointment for physical therapy evaluation
Asked questions on the phone about insurance, my (lost) hip/s card and needed preventive antibiotics, and using my battery charger at different voltage levels (no converter needed, just the adaptors).
I made spaghetti with white clam sauce with Mom, and a lovely salad for us to enjoy for lunch (and later for dinner).
*
Today, I awoke ~5:30 and took two long naps as I did yesterday, but not before going to morning Mass and inviting Anu to the Sunday reading Bible study by Fr. Drew.
I went for an evaluation of my health problems by Cara, PT.
And I attended Parish Pastoral Council, where we discussed updating the website and Elaine, Carmella, and I received thank you gifts for our time on Council. Matt will receive his later.
It is pouring down rain, so Tom gave Elaine and I rides home.
Labels: Bible, dine, exercise, Faith, Mass, pastoral council, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, travel, weather
Rainy, Rainy beginning of the week
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
Art All NIght 2010
I met up with Regina and John for Art All Night. We also met up with Charles and Susan. The encaustic wax was useful for our little group, as both Victoria and Susan, Charles and I discussed separately and together. I spotted an Icelandic work by Stacy, and we all found favorites.
Saw K & Theresa there, Chris W (a former coworker) there. As of 11.00 Sunday, Stacy said she spotted me there, as well, at a distance. (Definitely a place to see and be seen!)
A fun--albeit rainy---ending to a productive day!
Labels: art, BAD, music, painting, photography, seasons, weather
This Weekend, March 2010
Saturday I awoke early to work on a student reference letter. I cleaned my living room a bit and in the afternoon weeded out part of my closet. I took a nap, as well.
Sunday I awoke early, prepped for work this week, took a nap, then headed to St. Paul Cathedral to check out the process for distributing Volunteer Registration Forms. Went to choir practice, and after Mass I handed out some volunteer registration forms, a goodly number to students, as well.
Nancy C. and I had a great conversation over smoothies and a noodle/won ton dish (with noodles flown in from San Francisco!), got cookies and snacks (at the Indian store), and sat in my garden to discuss.
I walked Nancy to her car, went home, took a nap, and then spoke with Maureen, napped some more, then went with Christina and Karina to Jen P's party at her home in Friendship. Her landlords were pleasant, lovely people. She had prepared at least four carrot cakes (with obvious orange flavor) for her 28th birthday party. The Newman Crowd was there, and Father Mike was even there.
Labels: Birthday, cleaning, dining, Faith, organizing, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, volunteering, weather, work
Spring Break 2010 III
Afternoon yesterday, cleaned and organized my files. Went for a walk yesterday late afternoon with Maureen. We ended up heading toward the pan-Asian restaurant in Oakland, and ran into Dan from choir on the way there. Chatted with him for a while, and ran into Freddie at the restaurant, where we got General Tso's chicken with a pot of green tea. Mmm. Nothing is better for the soul and the coughy throat on a cool-tending-to-cold March night.
~~~
3.37
Just finished deleting files to reduce my file space by more than half in my work email account. I am so happy! I'm now down to 13.0% of total disk space possible/potential. Yay!
~~~~~
5.20
I'm consolidating my work and school files---tossing excess waste, recycling paper...Now I'm getting tired and less effective. Time to rest.
~~~~~~~
6.33
Never took a break: Am doing laundry. Need to move to the dryers in a few minutes.
~~~~~~~~~
19.00
Ran errands in the AM---walked to retrieve my prophylactic antibiotics for my teeth cleaning later this week.
Had lunch at the sushi buffet with mom and dad. Purchased computer storage supplies at the office supply store, then headed to the visitation of our neighbor, Rita. It was good to see her extension into the community and to talk to her family.
I worked on some paperwork, then did some computer work.
It will be good to rest tonight.
Labels: Choir, cleaning, dining, email, farewell, friends, health, laundry, organizing, school, seasons, walking, weather, work
I'm Awake Again: About those Potholes
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
Late Night/Early Morn Letter
Hi all from (currently slushy-road) Pittsburgh,
I live in the same town as my brother, WIlliam, and experienced the snows slightly differently.
I live near the campus where I work and have been taking photos every day until Wednesday (after the second wave of storms--see Wm's comment, below). Bundling up and wearing sufficient traction (early on after the snows) and sufficient traction and waterproof footgear (now) has been important. Having had two total hip replacements, I use a cane for security from falling in the snow and icy slush.
I've been to Mass at St. Paul Cathedral every morning since Monday. The 10.00 am Mass on Sunday was well-attended, but it seemed composed mostly of students / people arriving on foot.
I didn't venture out in a car until Friday (yesterday) at lunchtime, with a friend who has a heavy automobile with snow tires.
I was on a bus from downtown Pittsburgh Friday night when the first wave of storms hit--I ended up walking ~1mile from the highway exit to home, as cars and buses were stuck in the snow.
I am thankful...I remember the days growing up in Ohio when I was the main snow shoveller in my immediate family and REVELLED in it (!)
Labels: cold, family, seasons, weather
Snowbound 7 Thursday
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
Snowbound 6B, Wednesday into Thursday, Announcements
Announcements...Maureen found out yesterday afternoon that Pittsburgh Public Schools were closed Thursday, as well. She found this out on Facebook.com, and I noted that that site is currently ranked as the fourth most popular site for receiving news...it apparently used to be Google.com News, but the position has been usurped by people getting information from the online grapevine, instead. (from the WSSH radio airwaves, Wednesday morning)
Posted on both the pitt.edu and the my.pitt.edu websites Wednesday night was the following announcement:
In the absence of extraordinary circumstances, the University will resume full operations tomorrow, Thursday, February 11.
This announcement was accompanied by an attached one-page letter from the Chancellor, Mark Nordenberg's desk.
~~~
I spotted a Humvee on the bus ride home Wednesday early evening. Must've been the National Guard helping to clear the streets of snow, slush, and ice.
Labels: cold, radio, school, seasons, weather, work
Snowbound 6A, Wednesday
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
Snowbound 5, Tuesday
Bring it on! The snows start again at about noon today. Half a foot ~= six inches is predicted. We shall see. We shall see what foot gear I wear for this storm. The Doc Martens with crampons have given me small, quarter-coin-size blisters on each heel at the attachment of my Achilles tendon, despite double socks.
~~~
Just returned from morning Mass. Approximately 25 people in the congregation received Communion. We were sans music ministry this morning. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass. He delivered a homily on tradition and how human constructs such as these do not trump the heart. John served, and Joan L. lectored. I spoke with Carmella about parish pastoral council issues at the beginning and after Mass.
Time for a hearty breakfast.
~~~~~
18.35
After cleaning a bit of my bedroom and a nap, I met Maureen after noon Mass for Eucharistic adoration (at the Oratory) and a walk to her home to view the movie "My Architect." Very interesting documentary produced by Nathaniel Kahn about finding his father's life. Louis Kahn was a man married to his work in many varied ways, including sleeping on a carpet in his office, in the way he treated his closest personal relationships, and in his passion for every detail of his work.
His son focussed on his hands, even in his last goodbye to his father. This reminds me of a short story entitled "The Hand" or "Le Main" from Colette's collection of short stories entitled L'Autre Femme. In one of the scenes which did not make it into the movie Louis Kahn is quoted as saying, "Our lives are accidental and filled by circumstance."
I caught a bus back home and am enjoying a dinner of pasta, meatballs, juice mix, and salad.
~~~~~~~
19.15
"...closed on February 10th...Full operations to resume Thursday February 11th."
---voice message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Pitt is again closed on Wednesday February 10, 2010. Essential personnel
are to report. Full operations to resume on Thursday February 11.
---email message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Labels: cinema, cold, dine, health, Mass, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, traction, weather
Snowbound 4B, Monday
So Maureen and I met up at the morning Mass this morning. Fr. Daniele celebrated, John was the altar server, and J.R. provided the music ministry, sans microphone from the choir loft. The homily examined the Gospel reading, how deep faith is necessary for true healing to occur. Approximately ~19 parishhioners in the congregation received the Eucharist.
We called Karina, who is busy studying, for breakfast, and ended up stopping near the Cathedral for Maureen's latte and continuing into the heart of Oakland for breakfasts of cinnamon crunch bagel and puff bacon and spinach souffle for breakfast. We did a little shopping, then took photos all the way home. Maureen found out soon after lunchtime that Pittsburgh Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, as well.
I went home to do some administrative work for my class, then took a brief nap around three o'clock right before all three of us decided to head to the public library for an outing. We found ourselves in the video section, and I borrowed two nonfiction videos, and Karina insisted that I watch one particular entertaining video. I said hello to Scott and Richard K, and Don W. in the "Reference" area, Tim in the Music Department, and Lisa R. in the administrative offices.
We headed up Craig Street for pizza slices and casserole serving, and then continued up the street for some more shopping, including at the new Indian grocery mart. WE ran into Jen and her daughter K. walking down Karina's street. They were on their way home. We shared tea and sympathy chez Karina, and then Maureen and I continued home.
I received a call shortly before 18.00 from the University indicating it would be closed an additional day, and that essential personnel need to report (I guess I'm non-essential).
The message on the pitt.edu websites state:
News 2/8/10
Given the increasing likelihood of more severe weather tomorrow and in light of a request from the city's public safety director, the University of Pittsburgh will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9.
Because of our continuing need to maintain critical services, essential personnel are again asked to report for work.
We urge all members of the University to exercise caution and to make safety their top priority.
~~~~~
23.10
Just finished watching the movie Karina recommended for me, He's just not that into you. An all-star cast. Right now, I'm very tired and I'm not certain that I "got" the lesson I was supposed to learn from this movie, except that the rule is that the guy is supposed to go after you if he really likes you. [That's it, isn't it, Karina?]
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, cold, dining, Faith, library, Mass, school, seasons, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Snowbound 4, Monday email Letter
Here's part of a letter I sent overseas:
...[T]he snowstorm has created a state of emergency in Pgh.
They have cancelled ...my class... for the WEEK. We received 1.5 feet = 0.5 m of snow total, and some melted, and it is currently 4 degrees F out. Needless to say, I am wearing my YakTrax on my Doc Martens. Bishop Zubik gave a dispensation from Mass this past weekend. Many people attended 10 am Mass Sunday at the Cathedral, but they were mostly students, arriving on foot. Only Noreen and Sally [neighbors] were Eucharistic Ministers.
And late last night:
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed. Essential personnel are to report to work.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, late last night.
Labels: cold, computer, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, neighbors, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Truly Snowbound 3--anticipated Monday
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be open.
---from the WWW.pitt.edu news on the www.my.pitt.edu website
The sun melted the snow and the deicer applied to the sidewalk did, as well. It's going to be seven Fahrenheit tonight. Thus, there will be ICE on the sidewalks tomorrow.
~~~~~
22.04
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, NEWS section.
~~~~~
22.30
All [of our class] labs are cancelled for the week. All labs will be pushed back one week for the remainder of the semester. You will be completing Lab #4 the week of Feb. 15. The last week of the semester, the week of April 12, was to be a review week. The review week will now be replaced with the last lab exercise of the semester... If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you.
---from Meredith, one of our course coordinators
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, school, seasons, weather, work
Yak Trax--Snowbound 2, February 2010
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
Properly Shod...
Wore my Rocket Dog clogs last night because my hiking boots---despite their sufficient tread---lacked the material on the soles (Rubber Soles) to prevent slipping. Wore the thick-soled clogs again today with jeans and gaiters to keep the snow out.
Haven't yet used my YakTrax crampy-crampon thingys. I'm waiting for more ice...
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, seasons, traction, weather
