Hope Inspires

So the 120th day of 2017 has come and gone.  4/30/17, the last day of April, was filled with Church, Little League, Family, and Friends.  So, as days go, a pretty good one.  But one cannot ignore the news and discussions of the goings on in Washington and the world.  Trump's First 100-days have also come and gone and, no matter whether one thinks this an important data set or not, one cannot deny it is a milestone (to steal from yesterday) nonetheless.  And, at times, I have lost a little hope that things will be OK.  And I can see on FB that some of my friends feel the same.  But, today, I am determined to be inspired to have hope.  Without hope, despair settles in.  I refuse to allow that to happen.  So I am going to focus on what MLK advises, and be inspired to have infinite hope.

Milestone Inspirations

On the 119th day of 2017, I was acutely aware of milestones all day.  4/29/17 included a Baby Shower as well as a friend's 40th birthday party, so we celebrated a birth to come and the impending anniversary of a birth of a friend.  And on Monday I start Year #2 as Univ. Registrar and two weeks later, a life-goal milestone of Graduation will be celebrated for thousands of students.  I agree with Ms. Kennedy's quote above, I am inspired to celebrate and remember the moments as well as honoring and celebrating these milestones.  I hope you can all do the same with the moments and milestones in your lives!

Inspired By Heros

So the 118th day of 2017 was also National Superheros Day.  And, on 4/28/17, I am not sure how heroic I was, but I can sit here, at the end of the day, and think about all of the inspiring, heroic people I know.  They do not wear capes, and they cannot leap buildings in a single bound, but they are heros nonetheless.  They are the teachers in our inner city public schools, they are the nurses, doctors, and other professionals that work 24/7 in our healthcare system and provide care amongst the bureaucracy.  Everyday heros are the most important of heros - first responders, Police, Fire, EMT, and, of course, the heros that serve in the armed forces and assist in keeping us safe and free.  I know there is a lot to worry about on a daily basis, but today, on superheros' day, I am going to focus on my super everyday heros and take my inspiration from them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcASV2sey0

Penn Band Semi Inspirations

I do not get to spend enough time with the Penn Band, these days.  Work, Family, Church, and Community activities take me away from a group I love, a lot.  But, on the 117th day of 2017, Sarah and I got to attend the 2017 Penn Band Semiformal.  And, on 4/27/17, I was inspired by the speeches for the departing Seniors (and Grad Students).  I was inspired by the camaraderie and love in the room.  I was appreciative of the group in which I met Sarah and in which I have had some amazing moments.  As we approach the end of another Academic Year (Happy Hey Day, everyone), I am reminded how fast time goes, and inspired to cherish the moments.  Hope you can all do so as well!

Inspired by Professionals

On the 116th day of 2017, we celebrated the staff in the Registrar's Office.  And it made me happy, on 4/26/17, to be able to show my appreciation for all of the work they do, day in and day out, often similar tasks day after day, but these tasks are essential.  We are entering a time in our office where staff development is going to be at the forefront of our agenda.  The NGSS project is moving along, and now we need to be sure that we are ready, in the Registrar's Office 2020, to support this implementation and, more importantly, support the students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Penn.  I am inspired to work with the leadership teams in the Registrar's Office, in SRFS, and at Penn to make our office as efficient and effective as possible.  And, a fun and great place to work.

Inspire to Depend on Others

Some days, you know it'll be a good day because you get in your van and a great song is on the radio! This is how the 115th day started for me.  And 4/25/17 was another good (but long) day at work - filled once again with meetings and tasks.  But the day ended with a great team meeting where there was work, laughter, and a team of people who trust and depend on each other to get work done.  That is what the song that I heard first today is all about.  One must be inspired to know when to ask for help and from whom.  I think that is what Club Nouveau meant in their cover of this Bill Withers classic.  Because, say it with me, "We ALL need someone to lean on!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mroDtlM65tI

Inspired to Persevere (again)

The 114th day of 2017 was back to business/school for Sarah and the girls.  And I too had many meetings and things to complete on 4/24/17.  Then the snack stand, OMAYSC meeting, Penn Band Board meeting, and now back home finishing emails missed during the day.  There is a lot going on, but a lot of great things are being worked on.  So I must be inspired to keep going, to persevere. And, of course, as Kelly Clarkson sings (Happy Birthday, Kelly!), what doesn't kill us makes us stronger!
Hope you are all being strong out there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I

Inspired to Step Out of My Bubble

It was an interesting day for me on 4/22/17.  We had a great service at Church on the 113th day of 2017, and then I was planning for a nondescript, relaxing afternoon at home.  But I had a really impactful conversation with a friend, online, today.  In it, I really was shocked (and saddened) by my non-realization of an issue I had caused.  It really made me think about my belief bubble....and made me inspired to try to break out of it, and always consider others before speaking and acting.  It is a hard thing to do, and I wish more people (especially those in power) would do this as well.  I know I am not perfect, and I do not think I will achieve perfection any time soon.  BUT, I can be inspired to be aware of my bubble, and to work to consider this before I act and speak, in the future.  I appreciate my friend pointing this out to me, and appreciate the discussion that ensued.  We need more discussing and less arguing these days.

Inspired by Science

The 112th day of 2017 was Earth Day.  4/22/17 was also the march on Washington for Science.  It is so important, this day and age, for science to be honored and respected.  Science is the pursuit of knowledge and exploration.  This is what we need, not Alt Facts, or Fake News, or heresay, rumors, and innuendo (and I mean on BOTH sides of the aisles).  I am inspired to ensure that my kids (and hopefully their friends and classmates as well) understand the importance of science.  I was heartened (again this week) by the number of young people at today's marches.  Hopefully, the future is going to be better.  And, because I feel like a song, and this is a great science song, Thomas Dolby, ladies and gentlemen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FIMvSp01C8

Inspired to Support

I had a really good day at work on the 111th day of 2017.  Of course I did, 4/21/17 was a palindromic day!  The day was filled with opportunities to support others.  Colleagues, co-workers, students, family members, folks in the community, it was a great day.  I believe I am always inspired (and called, even, if we want to get spiritual) to help and support others.  I do not always succeed and sometimes do not have the energy or capacity but, on days like today when I do, I am very happy.

Social Media Inspirations

I witnessed the power of social media on the 110th day of 2017.  And, on 4/20/17, instead of it being a vehicle for stress and arguments (like it has been a lot in the past year), it was inspirational and filled with love.  And, as I saw my alumni friends professing appreciation and love for a colleague, I was heartened (which is so much better than disheartened) and inspired.  I love working in a place where such love and affection can be inspired as well!  Looking forward to more celebrations over Alumni Weekend!  And, this is an inspiring song about testifying and love, so I felt is appropriate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kd5ehaYE8Y

Inspired by Exhaustion

I was tired for most of the 109th day of 2017.  I even fell asleep in a meeting (sorry, colleagues!) on 4/19/17.  I woke up early to take Sarah, Sarah's mom, and Anna to the airport for their (very) early morning flight.  I thought I'd be able to get back to sleep, but, no, so I went into work and got a lot done!  I was inspired, all day, to continue to persevere through the tiredness and even caught my second (or was it third) wind in the Snack Stand.  So, off to bed - inspired now to sleep!

Out of the Box Inspirations

I have been accused of being a creature of habit.  And, frankly, I AM.  I mean, heck, I have been adding a (mostly) daily blog post to my FB page since 2013!  I cannot say that I diverted from my habits on the 108th day of 2017.  4/18/17 was filled with meetings at work, a Wawa hoagie for lunch, a softball game at Colls after work, conversing with the folks at the snack stand (even if from afar), and now, catching up on emails into the night.  But, as I was sitting next to a fellow softball parent (and good friend and neighbor) at the game, it was mentioned that I never have music of a certain kind on my posts.  And, so, tonight, I am inspired to get out of my musical habits and out of my comfort zone.  With thanks to the man behind Oaklyn Rec Hockey, here is a Metallica song.  Not because I like this music, but because I am inspired, tonight, to get out of my comfort zone, if only musically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpq7wn2YPYU

Boston Marathon Inspires

4/17/17 was the 107th day of 2017.  The third Monday of April is always Patriot's Day which is also the Boston Marathon.  To me, this makes me remember the bombing in 2013.  I remember the way we found out, and the comfort we needed to provide to those who were on Penn's campus, but concerned about people they knew (family, friends, etc.) in Boston that day.  I am always inspired to hope for more peace and comfort in this world and less of the chaos and violence.  I know the current political climate is not pushing us.... but that inspires me to work even harder to do so.

Easter Brass Inspires

I love the music on Easter.  And, as I sat in the Choir Loft of Old First, on the 106th day of 2017, I was ready for the service.  4/16/17 did not start off that well, with my tuba's valve snapping, but, thanks to good friends and a backup tuba, by the time the service was to start, I was ready.  You see, Easter is an amazing service, but Easter Brass, for me, is the beginning and the end of the service.  It was Easter Brass that, in College, got me first into a church service.  Playing brass on Easter with Chas Terry at his mom's Church got me to fall in love with Church Music.  And then, playing Easter Brass in Sarah's mom's church, on Easter 1996, was when I took Communion for the first time.  And, playing brass at OFR has given me some of my most musically spiritual moments of my life.  Music is SO important to me and playing it in Church inspires me to give my gifts so others can enjoy and allows me to pour out my love and affection in my music.  So, I am glad I was able, today as I have on many Easters, to play with the hymns, to hear the trumpet descant, and to get goosebumps from the beauty of it all.  And, for a song today, I give you one of the best (if not THE best) brass ensembles playing my favorite Easter Tradition song, the Hallelujah Chorus.  I hope your Easter music this morning was just as inspirational and meaningful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZN819E71M8

Inspired to Pay Taxes

So, even though the 105th day of 2017 was not really Tax Day, we paid our taxes on 4/15/2017.  And, yes, we had to pay a large amount (figuring out our deductions is on my list of things to do this year!) but, honestly, I do not mind.  I believe that the issue is not that we pay taxes, but what our leadership decides to spend our money on.  Here's hoping that research can continue to be funded, education and healthcare are priorities for our Congress, even if it does not seem to be the priority of the Executive Branch.  Tax Day inspires me to continue to support those who are fighting for those in need.

Sorrowful Inspiration

The 104th day of 2017 ended in quiet reflection.  4/14/17 was Good Friday and our family participated in the services tonight.  Alexa and I reflected on the reading of two of the last seven words of Jesus.  I focused on the parental relationship Jesus had with Mary and with God, and Alexa reflected on the sacrifice of the crucifixion.  Sarah played violin on two of the musical offerings and we sang in the Choir as well. It was a very solemn service, of course, it is Good Friday, after all.  But the sorry inspires us to reflect on sorrow and sacrifice, and the sadness inspires us, hopefully, to even more joy on Easter Morning.

Baby Shower Inspirations

We had a baby shower at work today, the 103rd day of 2017.  It was fun, on 4/13/17, to watch my colleague open the presents for his coming daughter.  Great kids' books, cute outfits, BOOTIES, etc. It was also TBT and my mom posted a picture of me at 2 and a half....I showed it to my colleagues and we spent our lunch break showing each other kid pictures.  The joy of an impending child, the memories of childhood and simpler times.  This inspired me to stop, smile, and move a little slower and happier today.  It's a good reminder.  And, although this song is not inspiring at all, it's an excuse to play a little Brittany Spears!  :-D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-u5WLJ9Yk4

Marianne Smith Inspires

Day #102 of 2017 might have been my favorite day at work in 2017 so far!  4/12/17 was filled with a lot of laughter in the Registrar's Office, as we discussed serious topics, but did it with camaraderie and humor.  But the BEST part about today was that I got to participate in Quaker Days (Penn's Admissions Yield Event) and I got to do it by presenting at the School of Nursing.  It was good to be in a familiar space, delivering familiar content to new parents and recently admitted students.  I hope I did what I could to help Marianne Smith bring in the next Nursing BSN Class of 2021.  Because, Marianne has been an inspirational figure in my life.  From giving me advice as a student (when I dropped of meal tickets to her office), to our time together as colleagues at the School of Nursing, to now when she still has words of encouragement and advice for me, Marianne is an amazing person in my life and I am glad she still allows me to present (and have a tasty lunch).  <3

Inspired by Favorite Songs

Today was the 101st (palindromic!) day of 2017.  4/10/17 had numerics going for it and, all-in-all, it was a pretty good day.  A lot going on at work on 4/10/2017, but got to be outside in this BEAUTIFUL weather and got home before it was too late.  Settled in to social media and found out that J. Geils passed away tonight.  The J. Geils Band is foundational in my music history.  One of the three first tapes I owed (along with Van Halen's Diver Down and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' album with I Love Rock and Roll) was J Geils' Greatest Hits.  80s music inspires me to remember a time when there were fewer cares, and much more hair.  Good Times, Good Times.  And. although this is not my favorite JGB song of all time, this song will hopefully inspire others to remember the good times in the past and then get to making more in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHo43B6nu60

Sibling Inspirations

We've come to the 100th day of 2017.  And 4/10/17 was National Sibling Day.  I know it's another Hallmark made-up holiday, but it gives me a great excuse to talk about how awesome and inspirationally amazing my sister, Abigail, is.  She inspires me with her strength of courage, her caring demeanor, her humor, and her perseverance.  Having a sister like I do, inspires me to be a better person.  Love ya, Sis!

Palm Sunday Inspiration

Palm Sunday was the 99th day of 2017.  4/9/2017 started, as most recent Palm Sundays do, at the Oaklyn Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast.  This is one of my family's favorite events, not because the food is good (which it is), but mainly because we all gather as a community to support men and women who volunteer to protect us from fire and other elemental harms.  And then, there was the Palm Sunday service at Old First, with amazing music and inspirational words and prayers.  And then Sarah and the girls got to travel to Grandma Weaver's Annual Egg Hunt AND got to visit TJ on the campus of LVC, after his baseball team's comeback win!  I got to relax at home (after completing required Church work), watch the Phillies, and live vicariously through Facebook photos :-).  Palm Sunday is one of those celebratory occasions where we know things will take a turn in the future. Sadly, we know that sadness is on the horizon in Holy Week, but we must be inspired to have hope and faith in the future.  That is what I think the song The Palms is all about.  And I know few people like this "old chestnut," but I do, and this is MY page.  SO, continuing with some songs for friends who liked the musical theme from last year, and I think reprising the Palm Sunday song FROM last year, I leave you with this Faure masterpiece (in my opinion).  I hope your Holy Week brings you inspirational moments, and moments of reflection, hope, faith, and peace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etrgxd6fSvc

Inspired by Opening Day

Day #98 of 2017 was a fantastic day.  For the first time, in a long time, I woke up on Opening Day for Little League and saw nothing but sun.  Yes, it was a little chilly at times on 4/8/2017, but the day went really well, from the AM clinic, to the parade and Opening Day Ceremonies, to the game after game after game.  And, through it all, the Snack Stand was jumping, and I was also umping, and it was awesome.  The smiling faces of all of the kids, and usually their parents as well, inspires me to work to make the Snack Stand a place for everyone.  Loving the town of Oaklyn today, and all the villagers that helped at the Snack Stand, and all of the smiling faces.  I am exhausted and it's off to bed, but first, I wanted to find a nice song to facilitate my inspiration....so here it is, and Disney, no less.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afzmwAKUppU

Inspired by Baseball

On the 97th day of 2017, I attended my first of two consecutive Opening Days.  4/7/17 was the Phillies' 2017 Home Opener.  Yes, it was cold.  Yes, we got there a LITTLE late (since I had an impromptu all-hands emergency meeting at work).  And, yes, the Phillies came up short at the end, as they often have in their Home Openers.  But, as I have said often, "a bad day at the ballpark is better than a good day at work!"  And it was great to be at the game with our group of family, friends, and neighbors!  The game of baseball is a slower paced game, that is true, and, for many people, that is a turn-off.  But not for me, the cerebral nature of the strategy AND the fact that the winning team cannot run out the clock, each win (non-rain-shortened) must consist of at least 27 outs...And the Phillies almost made this ring true with a last minute comeback...that was just not enough.  My love of baseball inspires me to enjoy the game, ensure my kids enjoy the game, and to be able to relax after a long, long week.  Since I am still trying to give my friend some inspiring songs, here is one of my favorite baseball-inspired songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04KQydlJ-qc

Inspired by TBT

4/6/17 was Throw Back Thursday, TBT if you will.  My mom comes up with some GREAT pics from our childhood and I love them.  And on the 96th day of 2017 she did NOT disappoint!  Made me smile all day, through some really tough meetings and a 12+ hour day as I tried to catch up.  Now it is only 10PM, but I am going to bed, with inspirational memories of my amazing childhood dancing in my head, thanks to my mom.  <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhD9e2SzytY

Inspired to Say Nothing

You know, they say that, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!"  And this is why, for the first time in a long time, I did not make a daily post last night.  I was stressed about a lot of things, yesterday, none of them really all that important but, compositely, overwhelming.  And then the Internet was out for the second night in a row and I had 750+ unread emails and the work was piling up.  I was frustrated, so, instead of struggling to find some half-assed inspiration post, I went to bed, got up at 4:30AM, and went into work and tried to catch up.  So, I am posting this on 4/6, but posting it for 4/5/17 (and changing the date on FB to the 95th day of 2017).  And, because people asked, I found a song that describes my inspiration to be quiet!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLfCnGVeL4

Ballgame Inspirations

It was the second game of the Little League season on the 94th day of 2017, but it was the first night _I_ could be up there on 4/4/17.  It was a tough day at work and I left later than I wanted (and missed Alexa's game), but I had an amazing night at the stand.  Kids were laughing, games were played, practices were held, food was cooked, kids were happy.  After the day I had, my happy place, the Snack Stand, inspired me to be calm, cool, and crispy (OK, wait, that was the french fries).  Excited for Opening Day, only four days away!  And, for my friend who asked for more music, I am going to find some inspiring songs of the day.  This one is from 1908!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4-gsdLSSQ0

NCAA Inspirations

So the 93rd day of 2017 fell on one of the pivotal days in my sports life.  On 4/3/2017, the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship occurred.  NC won, and, since SC won the Women's bracket, I had both champions right.  But, more importantly, the Phillies won on Opening Day and we had a great day at the initial game at the LL Snack Stand (soft opening in advance of OUR Opening Day on Sat.) And all right after Alexa's birthday which makes me remember watching the Finals on the evening before she was born.  Inspired to turn the leaf now, from basketball to baseball, from winter to spring. With the promise of warmer days and rebirth.  Ahhhhhhh.

Alexa Inspires

So on the 92nd day of 2017 I had a PLETHORA of inspiring possibilities.  Opening Day for Major League Baseball, Women's Basketball NCAA Championship, Little League meeting preparing for Opening Day, and an amazing service at Old First UCC.  But, come on, you all knew what my inspiration for 4/2/2017 would come from.  It was the 15th birthday of my oldest daughter, Alexa Sherr.  She is, daily, an inspiration to me and, I think, others as well!  Her constant smile, loving demeanor, hard work ethic, and just amazing joy in life inspires me and makes me smile.  To say I am proud of her would be an understatement.  SO LUCKY that she is in my life.

Inspired by Tradtitions

No fooling, 4/1/2017 was a great day.  Spent most of the day with my fantasy baseball friends, conducting our annual draft with its traditional barbs and jokes and antics.  And then, on the evening of the 91st day of 2017, Alexa and her friends went out to a birthday dinner.  And tomorrow, on the actual day, the family traditions will continue.  Traditions inspire me to remember the past and continue the connections in traditions that live on.