Inspired to Find Order Amidst Chaos

Although 7/31/17 was the 212th day of 2017, and a palindromic day at that, it was a bit chaotic. Returning to work after a relaxing weekend, craziness in the news again, traffic issues everywhere (even though this is supposedly the week everyone is supposed to be on vacation).  But, what I am inspired to do in these cases is to search for the order amidst the chaos that exists.  Need to keep thinking about this and finding that order.  Hope you can all find order these days, because there is certainly enough chaos to go around.

Inspired to Spread the Love

7/30/17 found me at Old First Reformed UCC for the first time in three weeks (because of vacation). It was good to be back on the 211th day of 2017.  And the sermon from Pastor Bob was really good. He spoke about the parable of the mustard seed and then encouraged us all to take our own mustard seeds and to spread love and peace everywhere we go.  This is a great inspiration to have.  Especially in these chaotic times, it is good to be focused on spreading love, peace, and good.  Amen!  Now to bed early (after John Oliver) as another work week is on the horizon!

Inspired by BBQ Fun

7/29/17 was a relaxing (thank goodness) day.  And the 210th day ended at Gupta Fest, an annual event for the Penn Band and its friends.  It was great to relax, talk with friends, and have some delicious food (THANKS Koosh and Joe!)  The inspiration tonight is to keep this mode of relaxation going through the weekend (heck, maybe even into the work week) and to reach back to remember tonight when I need to smile.

Inspired by a Meal with Good Friends

Day #209 was end of a very long and crazy week.  Crazy at Work, Crazy in politics....it's dragged me down a bit.  So, on 7/28/17, I was so glad to be lifted back up by a great dinner with great friends.  I am inspired to lean on the good times, and the good friends.  And going to hopefully relax this weekend!

Inspired to Handle Stress Better

The 208th Day of 2017 was not an easy work day.  On 7/27/17 I, once again, was a bit overwhelmed and someone actually asked me if I was OK today.  OK, more than one.  I needed to dig down and find inspiration to handle the situation, and I did.  By the end of the day, I was smiling.  And now I am going to bed earlier than usual again, so I can smile again tomorrow.

Inspired to Just Breathe

Things were a bit overwhelming at work on 7/26/17.  But, on the 207th day of 2017, I did not get a chance to eat until I finally got home, I did try to remember to stop and breathe multiple times during the day.  I am inspired to ensure I take this time, try to stay calm (or at least calmer) and stay sane! And, to make matters better - off to bed!  GOODNIGHT!

Inspired to be at the Ballpark

The 206th day of 2017 found me, at the end of a long day at work, at Citizen's Bank Park with Anna. And, yes, on 7/25/17, we saw another Phillies loss (and a shutout at that!)  But the ballpark is a great place to be and I am glad I did not let the work I have to complete ruin my planned evening with my kid and baseball.  Again, inspired to ensure that plans do not get ruined by sheer amounts of work. And, unrelatedly, inspired to get sleep - so goodnight!

Inspired to Take it One Day at a Time

On Day #205 of 2017, I returned to work for the first time since 7/14.  7/24/17 was a crazy busy day and I have to admit I stayed late, through the rainstorm, to try to catch up.  But, I refused to be overwhelmed by all of this.  I am inspired to be sure to take care of myself and take it one day at a time.  But I did stay up late to make sure registration reopened for the Class of 2021.  So it's time to go to bed.  Goodnight, enjoy the TV Theme Song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDSRGnS7l3A

Comng Home is Inspring

We spent most of the 204th day of 2017 traveling.  Yes, 7/23/17 was our return to the East Coast.  The trip was long, but fairly palatable and went as planned (except for landing in the rain, which made me nervous but the pilots were fine!)  It was good to be homeward bound.  Sure, we will miss the times we had on this vacation and miss the West Coast family we see too infrequently, but I am inspired to appreciate what we have in our house here in Oaklyn.  Inspired to enjoy family time and to have perspective on the important things in life.  And, being homeward bound gives me a chance to reference one of my favorite Simon and Garfunkel songs!  Now to bed!  Work tomorrow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z9wd9bS1FM

Inspired to Withstand Goodbyes

So we have come to the end of the Sherr Family Vacation, 2017.  The 203rd day of 2017 was the day we packed up the Lake Tahoe House and prepared to travel home.  So hard to say goodbye on 7/22/17 and know that it might be another 51 weeks or so until we are all together again.  Thank goodness for Social Media and Facetime which allows us to feel closer in our bicoastal family.  I am inspired to stay connected in the weeks until we see each other again.  And inspired to enjoy the pictures and memories for as long as I can!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYpd-2buQc0

Inspired to Conquer Fear

On the palindromic 202nd day of 2017, I did something I previously stated I would not do.  On 7/21/2017, I actually got in a gondola and traveled up to 9,123 feet and looked out on Lake Tahoe with my family.  While I was terrified most of the time, I am also so glad I did this because the views were amazing, I got to be with my family, we took some great family pictures, and we were together as a family.  I am inspired to face my fears in other facets of my life as well.  Hopefully I can dig down and remember how I managed my fear to participate today.

Inspired to Be Flexible

Family vacations are fun, but sometimes things get overwhelming.  Everyone has an idea of what they want to do and not everyone gets their way all the time.  On the 201st day of 2017, we did not all agree, but, on 7/20/17, we figured out how to get people to where they wanted to be and, in the end, we were all around the dinner table, eating happily, and telling us the stories of the day.  As most people know, I am a personality profile that likes order and knowing what is going to happen.  But, today, I went with the flow and I am inspired to be more flexible so, as John Wooten suggests above, I can be more stable as well!

Palindromes Inspire

We have reached the 200th day of 2017.  And 7/19/17 is the last day of palindrome week.  I love me some palindromes and on this low Wifi day (we are in a cabin after all, I am going to remain inspired to embrace these wonderful palindromes and enjoy.

Inspired by Nature

7/18/17 - it has been good to be on vacation during much of palindromic date week.  On the 199th day of 2017, we spent another wondrous day in the Lake Tahoe nature.  The lake is so beautiful, and the snow capped mountains, the wildlife, the sun on the water.... I am inspired by the beauty of nature and thankful for its relaxing influences.

Inspired to be Married

So we have come to the wonderfully palindromic day of 7-17-17.  And the 198th day of 2017 was also the 6,576th day that I have been married to the amazing Sarah Sherr.  So happy to be relaxed and on vacation, driving them to and from the lake shore beach, playing mini-golf, having family meals, and family game night.  Marriage is not always easy, but it was today and I am inspired to work hard to keep our amazing partnership moving forward and to marvel at the amazing things that have happened to us in our lives.  Eighteen years has changed us (just look at how young we were!), but the changes are amazing and there are many changes that we will experience in the coming years.  So much love to go around today, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Sarah!

Family Time Inspires

7/16/17 was the first day of our family vacation AND the birthday of my amazing sister-in-law Jackie Walters.  So the 197th day of 2017 was family filled.  As I explored the majestic Tahoe area with my parents, sister's family, and Sarah and the girls, we also were thinking of Jackie back in Oaklyn. Because family times that we have on the East and West Coasts are so very important to us.  And I am inspired to enjoy as much family in my life that I can!  Happy Birthday, Jackie!

Inspired to Stay Calm (while traveling)

We spent the 196th day of 2017 running hither and yon.  Alexa needed to be at Band Camp in the AM, we had errands to run, tasks to complete.... all before Alexa's Summer Band Camp Concert. After the concert on 7/15/17, we rushed to the airport to make our flight!  I have to admit, I was really stressed out about this trip - a long flight to Las Vegas (on the way to Reno/Tahoe) and I forgot to check in on time so we had bad boarding number.  Flying is never easy for me, and trying to coordinate as a family is always nerve wracking.  But, after all that was said and done, all worked out and we reached our destination safely (and exhausted).  It reminds me that I must just relax and take it as it comes.  I am inspired to try to remember this trip, on future trips, when I am just as stressed out traveling.

Inspired to Embrace Change

The 195th day was filled with changes.  7/14/17 started off with unsettled weather, meetings at work, a cancellation of Alexa's softball game (and now she cannot finish the tournament), and an evening where we were all places we were not planning to be in the AM.  We speak a lot about "Change Management" at work these days with a lot of really revolutionary projects all expected to hit campus in a short window of time.  I am inspired to, first, find my inner strength to handle these changes.  And then, I hope, I can work to help others be inspired to change as well.  Change is inevitable, so let's work to make it work for us and others.  Right, David??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl3vxEudif8

Inspired to Wait

There was waiting on the 194th day of 2017.  Alexa and I drove all the way to Ocean Township on 7/13/17 just to have thunder, lightning, and rain make us wait for two hours.  Then they told us game was cancelled.  Well, we had a good time commuting again, and I am inspired (again) to roll with the punches and appreciate the wait.  Not just during rain delays, but in all aspects.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxsOXOPni0o

Laughter Brings Medicinal Inspiration

The 193rd Day of 2017 was a good one.  Not only because work was productive, but also because 7/12/17 was the second game for Alexa's team in the NJ States Juniors Softball Tournament.  And they WON!  But that was actually not the best part of the day.  The best part was during the 3.5-4 hour total commute (1.5-2 hours each way) with Alexa.  We were listening to music on the radio, singing, talking, and LAUGHING!  As you see above, they say laughter is the best medicine.  And after my appointment this morning (where my vitals were good!), I am inspired to ensure that my Rx for laughter remains plentifully filled!

Inspired to Try Again

It is the 192nd of 2017 and 7/12/17 was a long day.  And there was a lot going on and not all was successful at first flush.  But, I like the slogan in the image above, and I am inspired to listen to its advice.  I am hoping Alexa's team hears this, I hope I can follow this at work, I hope I can be inspired by this philosophy in all aspects of my life.  Goodnight!

Palindromes Inspire

I do not know why (well, I do, it's from my dad!), but I love palindromes.  I mean REALLY love them.  From the look at the posts on my wall today (the 191st day of 2017) many of my friends know this!  7/10/17, the first (of 10) days in Palindrome "Week," was a great day.  Productive meetings, good conversation, and ended with umping an extra-inning U10 Baseball Playoff Game.  I am tired, but I am inspired to keep loving my crazy palindromes, and keep on keeping on!

Inspire to Love and be Loved

The 190th day of 2017 was a Sunday, so we started it off at Church!  The scripture reading on 7/9/17 was from the Song of Solomon and Pastor Bob gave us an excellent, positive, hopeful sermon focused on the love that God has for us all.  So, I am inspired to take that love and bring it into the world.  To my family, to my friends, to my job, just overall into life.  I have been listening to a lot of Beatles since the advent of the Beatles channel.  They sang, "All you need it love!"  So I am inspired to focus on that, loving and being loved, to get us through all the trials and tribulations we face in our daily lives.

Journeys Inspire

Well, a LOT went on during the 189th day of 2017.  7/8/17 started off with a family trip to Sears to replace our washer, dryer, and microwave (and pillows, as it ended up!)  And then we did errands, got Skylar to the groomer, and even got to take a nap.  But the bulk of the afternoon and evening was spent driving to the Shore again as Alexa's Softball team played in, and eventually won, the Section 4 Juniors Softball Tournament.  I mentioned, on our way home, that we had put a lot of miles on the van today with our journeys too and fro.  This made me think of the e-Pistle from Church this week where I focused on the journeys we are all on in our lives, especially with parenting.  Lots of proud moments in the past months, not the least of which is the Section Championship tonight.  Just, again, being inspired to sit back and enjoy the journey, as it happens, and not to get too caught up in the process.  Proud of Alexa and her team (again) tonight and awaiting the journey to states.  And, speaking of journeys and believing in good things....we shant stop (believing)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8craCGpgs

Fireworks Inspire

7/7/2017 was a great day.  Good day at work, got a lot done (love Summer Fridays when people out of the office a few meetings!), and then we ended the evening of the 188th day of 2017 at Citizen's Bank Park.  It is an annual tradition to watch the Phillies and then their Fireworks show.  And this year's did not disappoint.  But, when I was looking for songs to accompany this daily post, I thought of the Katy Perry Firework song.  I watched the official video (yes, for the first time) and realize that Katy is singing to people to be themselves, and break free from anxiety, worry, and concern that may be holding them back.  I am inspired to take that message forward as well.  To those that feel marginalized and "the least."  Hope I can be part of something that helps them find the firework inside of them and be inspired to take action and be happy.

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

Inspired to Slow Down

The treadmill slowed a bit on the 187th day of 2017.  7/6/17 was a very busy day at work, but, as I got ready to rush home for Little League duties, I got the call.  Games rained out.  Nothing on the plans.  So we got to have a nice family dinner and then chilled at home (OK, I was not unplugged, but I did catch a nap!).  It is always a good time when you get to slow down and relax a bit.  We do not get these often, but I am inspired to enjoy them when they occur.

Comeback Inspires

On the 186th day of 2017 I was inspired, once again, by my daughter's softball team.  Down 4-1, in the 4th inning, on 7/5/17, during a Sectional Tournament game, they held off the opposition for the last three innings with great pitching and defense and then won it in the bottom of the 7th with offensive fireworks!  I had a long day at work and there were some stressful moments (yes, I tried to use my mindfulness chimes but....) and this evening was the great finish to the day.  I will go into tomorrow inspired to comeback from any setback I may encounter.

Independent Inspirations

7/4/17 was a day off for many.  But, for first responders, the 185th day of 2017 was a workday.  This is because, for first responders (and service employees, healthcare workers, security, and, of course, our servicemen and women) there are few days completely off.  As I appreciated all of the events of the day, from our wonderful town parade, to the ceremony and hot dogs, to our annual BBQ ending in fireworks, I am inspired to remember those who work so hard (even on "vacation days") to keep us safe, and preserve the very independence that we celebrated today.  HAPPY FOURTH ALL!

Inspired to be Mindful

So in the first half of 2017, I have had some stress in my life.  On the 184th day of 2017 I tried to do my best to change that.  First, on 7/3/2017, I installed a mindfulness chime on my computer (thanks to our Church Administrator for inspiring me to do so!).  And I stayed calm at work and even left on time.  Now, almost nobody was at work today, but I still will use this successful day as an inspiration for the remainder of the year (maybe it's my Fiscal New Year's Resolution) and beyond.  We should all be inspired to breathe deeply and relax.

Inspired by Surprises

I am embarrassed to report that, on the 183rd day of 2017, I was scheduled to umpire at the 8/9/10 baseball tournament at Oaklyn.  This is because I did not think my daughter's softball team would be playing on 7/2/2017.  BUT, they won last night, so were playing tonight and, guess what?, they won tonight too!  And tonight, one of the teams in the baseball tourney surprised their opponent and won as an underdog.  I am not the kind of person who usually likes surprises, BUT, in these cases, I am inspired to sit back, and enjoy them.  Alexa's team plays again on Wednesday and I hoping we are all happily surprised again!

Inspired to Cheer for Softball

It was nice to sleep in on the 182nd day of 2017 and then we spent most of the afternoon and evening of 7/1/17 (a palindromic day, if I might say) driving to Northfield, NJ and watching the District 13 Merchantville/Oaklyn All Start Junior Softball team defeat the team from District 15 (Gibbstown) 9-0.  It was the first win for District 13 softball in the LL Sectional Tournament in a long time (if not ever) at the Juniors level.  I did not have to ump, I did not have to coach, I did not keep the book, I did not run the snackstand, no, I was merely a fan and got to sit in the stands and cheer.  And cheer we did.  It was nice and inspirational to watch this team put all that had been learned at practice together on the field and win!  Good luck tomorrow, team!