The sun inspired

Although I had a long day at work on the 151st day of 2017, I was glad 5/31/17 was a palindromic day and lived up to its tradition to be a good one.  Lots of good meetings and good conversations and good work was my experience today.  And I was glad to experience the sun.  Outside, walking to a lunch appointment with an friend and colleague, I enjoyed the sun's rays and it reminded me that out of the cloudy yesterdays, come the sunny todays.  Let's hope that we can be inspired to remember that during the cloudy times....weather and otherwise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwmVfewqu7I

Cloudy Inspirations

5/30/17 was Day #150 of 2017.  It was hard to return back to the grind after a long, long weekend. But that was not the hardest part of the day.  The weather has been quite gloomy these past few days and that continued today.  But, we must be inspired to push on, better days are in the future.  Like Annie said, the Sun will come out tomorrow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZq-G6wEH6k

Inspired to Remember

I'm not going to lie, I took advantage, once again, of the relaxing pace of the 149th day of 2017. 5/29/17 was Memorial Day and, since I was off on Friday, the fourth day in a long weekend.  And, as I have most of this weekend, I did do a little bit of work, but I was able to rest, relax, and revive for the work that is to come in the coming weeks.  But that is not the most important 'R' of the day. Today was a day to Remember.  I could not stop thinking about all of those who have served in the armed forces and so many of them who have lost their lives.  I remember not only them and their sacrifice, but also those who are left behind.  I pray for more peace on this Earth and a situation where no parent, spouse, child, family member, friend (etc.) has to experience this tragic loss.  And I pray for those who have lost someone.  I know this weekend was filled with rest and BBQs for many, but let us remember it has different meaning for many others.

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

Inspired to Commence

So the 148th day of 2017 started off a bit emotionally.  At Church, we "sent off" Pastor Michael to his sabbatical work with refugees in Sicily.  And, as he alluded to, every ending allows for a new beginning.  5/28/17 was also our starting with Pastor Bob Robinson as he fills in for the Summer. Bob is a long-time member of the congregation who has just retired as an Old Testament Professor and I cannot think of anyone else better for the position.  And, just as I am sad when students graduate, but happy for the sense of Commencement as they begin their lives post-graduation, I feel the same way for Michael, even though this is just three months.  Thinking about it, sometimes we all need to let go, enjoy the transitions, and go with the flow.  I am inspired to take my own words to heart, I hope I can practice what I preach (see what I did there?)  We have a lot of transitions coming our way in the next few years.... just need to sit back and enjoy the ride.  And, although the Hymn of the Week is no longer the theme for Sundays in 2017, I could not let this one go by without this wonderful song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLp85eLlaIM

Dancing Inspirations

So the Saturday of Memorial Day was a day of relaxation for our family.  On day #147 of 2017, the girls went to the Collingswood May Fair, and food shopping, but most of the day was spent in the house, relaxing.  And, on 5/27/17, we caught up on all of our DVRed Dancing with the Stars episodes (yes, a Sherr Family guilty pleasure).  The show is often over the top, but I do like the symbolism of dancing telling a person's story and the artistry that can be shown through dance.  That is not surprising considering all of the time I spent around Penn Dance as their Tech Director for 20+ years. That ended this year, but I still do like watching dance.  I have never been (nor will I ever be) a good dancer, but I can be inspired to relax, and enjoy life through movement.  And, I have neighbors who dance and put hilarious videos on FB.  AND, this theme gave me an excuse to include a YouTube of my favorite song of all time.  Hope you are all Dancing (yes, like nobody is watching).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fFn2LZGnMM

Inspired to Relax (again)

I admit it, the last few days I have been stressed.  There has been a lot going on at work and a lot of events in my family and community and I am exhausted.  So, on the 146th day of 2017 I was determined not to end it grumpy as I did last night.  I did make a difficult decision not to go on the Band/Chorus trip to Hershey Park on 5/26/17, and that disappointed Sarah and the girls, but I think I would have been horrible company if my sleep deprived, stressed out self had gone with them.  Since I had the day off, I slept in as long as I could and then, yes, I spent the day working online and catching up on Match Game (I know, I know, not the way to spend PTO).  But, now, at the start of the long Holiday Weekend, I have all of my overdue work completed and, while I will still do some emails over the weekend, I think I will be able to relax better and enjoy the mini vacation.  I am inspired to learn how to disconnect better.  Not sure if it will ever completely happen, but I have to do better.  I should listen to the Go Gos....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fQESUBMwGg

Pictures Inspire

We had a hard job on the 145th day of 2017.  We were up against the deadline (tomorrow) to pick pictures for the slide show at Alexa's ceremony next month.  I was amused, emotional, and entertained to pass through the last 15 years of digital pics.  I think we did a great job, and Alexa says she is inspired to capture as many memories for her kids as we have done for ours.  They say a picture says 1,000 words, and I am inspired to keep talking....through photos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUW5nyM1O5o

Inspired to Mentor and Be Mentored

For the second day in a row, my workday, on the 144th (ew,gross) day of 2017, ended at a retirement party of a dear friend and colleague.  On 5/24/17, it was a colleague who was not just a friend, but also a mentor to me and MANY others.  As I said in my comments, she mentored me and inspired me to be an advisor as she was.  So, when I got to nursing, the benefits of her gifts and wise counsel flowed through me into other students.  I am inspired to continue to be that connection between her ideals of student-first advising and continue to deliver her quality of service to the students at Penn. And maybe, in my career, by mentoring others, I can, as she did, have an influence wider than just my circle.  #PayItForward.

Retirement Inspirations

At the end of another busy day on the 143rd day of 2017, I found myself at the retirement celebration of a dear friend and colleague.  5/23/17 was thus emotional for me as she mentioned life long employment and how ingrained Penn has been in her life.  These things resonated with me and inspired me to always want to the best for our students, all the way to the last days in the office.  I loved hearing the stories from years ago, because I love my job now, but it is fun to remember the "glory days!"   Sing it, Bruce!

https://youtu.be/nvUOgIgLqOQ

Board Games Inspire

So my parents are visiting for Anna's Confirmation and one of the best parts of their visits is when Board Games are played.  And, as I returned from work on the 142nd day of 2017, I came home to see my mom holding her own in a game of Monopoly with Alexa the Champion.  But, on 5/22/17, things soon returned to normal as Alexa swept Mom AND Anna away in Monopoly Junior.  But who wins and loses is not important, the smiles, laughter, and memories created were the inspiring moments of the day for me.  So, speaking of games, how can I not think of this Penn Band classic! And to make matters better, it's a great cowbell part for my friend Koob who is going to be a father any week now!  <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLi7Ljcy6n8

Inspired by Confirmands

I was really happy this morning when I realized that Anna's Confirmation would be happening on a palindromic day!  5/21/17 was day #141 of 2017, and the day of Anna and her classmates' (eight amazing young adults) Confirmation.  The service was filled with excellent music and with the prayers and statements of the confirmands.  And then we had a nice picnic with family and friends. These young adults inspired me to remember that our journeys are all still in progress, theirs might be just beginning, but none of us are complete.  And they inspire me to listen more to young people, especially at Church, because they often have amazing things to say.  God Bless Anna and her class and God Bless us all!

Spring Fling Inspires

Day #140 of 2017 was Oaklyn's PTA Spring Fling.  So, much of 5/20/17 was spent setting up, selling water ice, selling pretzels, watching kids sing, waiting for basket auction numbers to be called, and then collapsing on the couch at home.  I am always inspired to see how our community comes together to support the PTA, raise funds for good causes, and provide a really fun event for the kids and families of Oaklyn.  And now, we sleep.

Inspired to Problem Solve

Although I do it every day, I seemed to have a lot of opportunities to problem solve on the 139th day of 2017.  5/19/2017 started with me running around solving sock issues, then, on my day off, I was online much of the day solving other problems.  Then, after School, we solved Anna's bike issue, arranged dinner for a group of kids and then it was back online solving issues with data.  I am tired, yes, and soon off to bed, but enjoy the problem solving I was able to do today, and inspired to keep trying to solve more.

Graduation Awards Inspire

The 138th day could not have ended in a more inspiring way.  I rushed out of work on 5/18/17 to present at the Colls HS Academic Awards Ceremony.  Almost $100,000 in scholarships were handed out to many deserving students.  When I see the students who are the future leaders of this country, of the world, and I hear about their achievements and successes, I become very inspired.  So happy to have been able to be there, to present the OMAYSC Scholarship Award, to be be inspired by these students.

Young Musicians Inspire

Music is a big part of my life, there is no doubt about that.  And the 137th day illuminated that for me.  5/17/17 was the Oaklyn Public School Spring Concert.  It was a little bittersweet as it was Alexa and her classmates' last one.  Watching the young kids grow their talent and their love for music warms my heart and I have felt honored being able to play alongside them for the past years.  I am inspired to continue to try to foster this love in my kids and in other kids as well.  Here is a pic with my good friend and fellow tuba player.  He made All South Jersey Junior High Band this year - 1st Chair Tuba.  Very Proud!

Inspired to #BeKind

We have come to Day #136 of 2017 and I was dragging much of the day (still am) on 5/16/17, still tired from the past week's activities.  But, one can never be too tired to be kind.  At the snack stand, this evening, at the School Board Meeting tonight, being sure to thank the kind person who found Anna's umbrella, there were many opportunities to be kind, and I was inspired to do my best to be so.  There has been a groundswell of support for the #BeKind campaign to honor the life of OPS student Tyler Quinter who passed away last week.  I hope you are all thusly inspired to #BeKind as well!

Graduation Inspiration

So the 135th Day of 2017 was a loooooong day.  Left the house at 6:45AM so I could be on Franklin Field by 7:30AM.  Penn's Commencement, on 5/15/17, was a wonderful, inspiring event, from the Invocation to the Speaker to the happy graduates and families.  Then capped the evening off at the Nursing Commencement in Verizon Hall.  Saw a bunch of former advisees walk across the stage which filled me with inspiration and pride.  Nursing's speaker was quite good as well.  From the College Commencement (another set of great speakers), through the events of today, I am tired but filled with the good feelings that Commencements bring.  Time.....for.....BED!  Enjoy this Billy Joel song that celebrates important times (and was released in 1986, when _I_ graduated (from H.S.)!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M443VsY4XI

Mothers Inspire

You knew that the post for the 134th day of 2017 would be about moms.  Because 5/14/17 was Mothers' Day and, as I prayed at Church this morning, I am thankful for the moms in my life (especially my mom and the mother of my children!) as well as the grandmothers and great grandmothers too!  But I am also thankful for those in my life (mothers and otherwise) who have mothered me.  These have been bosses, friends, cousins, sometimes even my kids!  These have been males, and females, and those in between.  I have had so much assistance in getting where I am today, that Mothers' Day seems like a fitting day to be inspired to be thankful for all of the mothering I have received in my life, and to be inspired to mother others in my own way.  And, to end this post, I wanted a mother song and this is from Paul Simon, so here ya' go!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0BUsDf0dxY

Inspired by Music

Day #133 of 2017 was very different than originally planned.  Rain (and resulting migraines) washed out a lot of what we were to do on 5/13/17, but the last event was Anna's Spring Choir Concert with ChildrenSong of NJ.  It was an amazing concert and we are so proud of her and her chorusmates.  And, during the concert, I realized once again how music inspires me on a daily basis.  Today it was the chorus concert, but also knowing the Penn Band was doing its thing at Alumni Day (and seeing the FB posts as proof) and the Tuba Play in with the Phila. Orch and Tubular was going on at the same time.  Young tuba players make me smile - I love that they are inspired to keep it going and I hope this video can support them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0oGv_5rL2E

Caring Inspirations

The 132nd day of 2017 was the end of a very long week.  5/12/17 was an inspiring day, but it was an emotional one as well.  Sarah and the girls attended Tyler's Viewing and Funeral, it was a day filled with meetings and tasks at work, and the day ended with the Nursing Awards Ceremony, celebrating Marianne Smith's Honorary Alumni status.  What was the common inspirational theme?  Caring! From the community (including DOZENS of kids) coming together to honor and celebrate Tyler, to people at work caring for each other and the students we serve, to celebrating Marianne Smith and her caring for all of the students in Penn Nursing, and then even at the Snack Stand, when caring neighbors jumped in to help Sarah (since I was not yet there).  Caring is so important, and I am glad I experienced it a lot today!

Edible Inspirations

A palindromic day on 5/11/2017.  Day #131 of 2017 was a long day at work and then some great meetings at home and now back to work on the computer to cruise through some tasks and emails. All on National Eat What you Want Day.  And, while I did eat today, I am not sure I chose all of my meals wisely.  I am inspired to try to eat what I want, but also eat better.  Hopefully the workload will lessen to help me on that path.  In the meantime, enjoy Weird Al.

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

School Nurse Inspirations

So here we are in the middle of both National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week.  So, it totally makes sense that today, 5/10/17, the 130th day of 2017, is National School Nurse Day.  We all know that nurses inspire me and teachers inspire me, so how inspired must I be by the intersection??  I am so happy that Oaklyn has had amazing School Nurses.  I am also glad to hear that the Philly Schools are slowly restaffing their schools with School Nurses as well.  Nothing is more important than the health and education of our children.  And School Nurses are the ones facilitating this on a daily basis.  So, remember to thank your School Nurse!

Appreciating Inspiring Teachers

11/9/2017 was day #129 of 2017 and was Teacher Appreciation Day.  Exhausting Day and I need to get to bed, but not before I post my appreciation for the inspiring teachers in my life and in the life of my children.  Have been having a fun discussion on my FB page with my HS classmates and one of my teachers, the one who inspired me to go into Education.  Meanwhile, at OPS, my kids are being cared for my inspiration teachers who are helping and guiding them through a tough time in our community.  And so many of my other friends are teachers, maybe not of me or my kids, but still amazing people.  So, as Teacher Appreciation Week chugs along, I ask you all to recognize, and appreciate, the inspiring teachers you know!

Inspired to Always Love

I have to admit, the 128th day of 2017 was not the easiest day of the year by any means.  And, no, I did not have a bad day at work on 5/8/2017 and even my Church Meeting that went late into the night was fulfilling and prayerful.  No, today, the Oaklyn Community lost one of our young people and it was the first news of the day I heard today.  It made me really acutely aware of how inspired we should be to ensure those who we love hear it from us all the time.  I hugged my kids extra hard today.  I hope you all feel inspired to tell those who you love how you feel.  And, you all know I love Whitney Houston, and she sings this song about love, that I love.  Love and Hugs - two things we all need!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU

Inspired by Graduations

What a day the 127th of 2017 was for our family.  We drove back and forth to Happy Valley, PA for the college graduation of Ashley Rose Walters.  Ashley was born right as Sarah and I had started dating, so she has been a part of our lives for a long time.  It was still shocking to think that this day had arrived so quickly and, as the first of the cousins to graduate from college (she is the oldest, you know), this will be the kickoff of a myriad of graduations (College AND H.S.) in the next 5-7 years. Maybe it is because I have worked so many of them, but I just LOVE Commencement Ceremonies and I truly enjoyed today's as well, even thought it was not on Penn's campus.   I was inspired by the stories of the student marshals, I enjoyed the Commencement Speaker, and I loved watching the processional when the names were called.  The happiness and sense of accomplishment in the arena was palatable and also inspired me that these are the folks that are going to change the world, hopefully for the better!  And, to be honest, when the Alma Mater was played at the end of the ceremony, I got goosebumps.  Yes, I felt like I was cheating on the Red and Blue, but, well, I guess I just like ceremony.  For a day, I was all Penn State, so here is their Alma Mater for you to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWqmGZqLY3U

Inspired by Nurses

So, the 126th day of 2017 was also the start of National Nurses Week 2017.  And, although I no longer work for the School of Nursing, nurses are still a huge part of my life.  My wife is a nurse, many friends are nurses, and, of course, a whole slew of former advisees are connected on FB.  I am totally inspired by anyone who has chosen nursing as a career.  Nurses, of course, are at the top of list of trusted professions in America.  And, those who go into nursing have a caring, patient spirit (how else could Sarah tolerate me on some days?) and a good soul.  During National Nurses Week (and, frankly, all the time), we should all take the time to thank the nurses in our lives!

Inspired to be Punny

Here we are, the 125th day of 2017.  Five Cubed!  Great Day.  Long, tiring day at work and came home on 5/5/2017 and my wife had made burritos!! YUM!  We had to have Mexican Food today, because it is Cinco de Mayo!  But, during the tiring day, I found myself using humor to diffuse situations.  I like puns, I am inspired to be punny.  Speaking of puns - Happy Cinco de Hellman's.  Now it is time for sleep!

May the Inspirations Be With You!

As it turns out, my Junior/Senior High School Math Teacher was a man ahead of his time.  May the 4th never comes without me thinking of Mr. Chango, who always exclaimed, "May the Fourth be with you!" on May 4th.  So, today, on the 124th day of 2017, with glee I went to his FB page to exclaim it back to him!  And I said it a lot on 5/4/2017, because I am, deep inside, a Star Wars nerd and, today, I was inspired to share that with others.  So, for you all, I exclaim, "May the Fourth be with you!"  And here is the day's soundtrack as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D0ZQPqeJkk

Neighborhood Inspirations

Sesame Street's most famous address is 123 Sesame Street.  So, it was fitting that in the evening of the 123rd Day of 2017, I felt a lot of neighborly love.  Because, on 5/3/2017, my neighbors bailed me out with an issue, worked along side me at the snack stand, cheered on my daughter's softball team, smiled at me, rode alongside of me while I hauled trash and recycling, and much, much more.  I have expressed my happiness with living in the community of Oaklyn, and today was no exception.  Days like today make me inspired to work to make this community a better place, any which way I can. This theme also made me find this amazing (yet hokie) song.  Love my neighbors (most of them, at least!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43-rNXpP9T8

Inspired to Help Others

We have reached day #122 of 2017.  5/2/17 was a long day at work, capped off by a family trip to the dentist!  But the later portion of the day found me in a huddle with some neighbors, trying to figure out how to help a fellow neighbor.  You know, I realized then that I am really inspired to help other people.  It does not matter if it is at work, at Church, in my family, or in my community.  There are a lot of MLK quotes I love (I mean, I used one a few days ago).  This one is really good and resonates with me.  Do for others, it's a great inspiration - hope you are all inspired to do so as well.

Inspired to Support Teachers

May 1. 2017, Day #121 of 2017 and, as with many palindromic days, I had high expectations.  Did not get much done, task wise, at work - had meetings most of the day, but the meetings I had were good ones.  The split my evening between the Little League Snack Stand and being the interim leader for an Admin Team meeting at Church.  Both events were filled with laughter and good works.  But May Day 2017 was also a day of activism in Philadelphia.  Teachers in Philadelphia marched and demonstrated to draw attention to their lack of a contract for OVER FOUR YEARS.  As a product of the Philadelphia School System, I am indebted to many Philadelphia School Teachers.  Generations of Philadelphians are as well.  Here in my community, I stay connected to the local schools and I have been inspired to support teachers in my kids' schools.  I wish more people in Philadelphia (especially those in City and PSD leadership) were just as inspired to support these amazing men and women who are on the front line in our city schools.  I am inspired to shout my support for teachers (locally and in Philadelphia) from the mountaintops so others may be likely inspired.