Sarah Jayne Inspires

I love 8/31st.  And 8/31/17, the 243rd day of 2017, was no different.  8/31/94 was the day Sarah Jayne Sherr moved into Penn.  And, days later, we met in the Penn Band.  The rest, as they say, is history.  But 8/31 is also Sarah's Birthday, and it was great to celebrate with our local family as well as over Facetime.  All of my inspirations come from Sarah - she is my rock and my foundation and I am so blessed that she chose Penn Nursing, chose the Penn Band, and then chose me!  Happy Birthday, Sarah, I love you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFCTFXn6xE

Inspiring Colleagues

Today, 8/30/17, was the 242nd day of 2017.  As a palindromic day, I had high hopes for an inspirational day.  And, as fate would have it, one of the darker moments of my day provided me with my most inspirational moment as well.  This week, people claiming to be people "of God" are "preaching" in the heart of Penn's campus, on College Green.  The hate coming out of their mouths is widespread and attacks almost anyone who walks by (even I felt their wrath as they claimed I am fat because I do not keep my wife in the kitchen and, instead, eat at McDonald's).  My volunteer task (yes, this is how I spent my lunch hour) was to observe the scene and ensure that the tenets of Open Expression were being upheld.  It was not easy, but I stood there for an hour, trying to make sure their rights were preserved and that they followed the rules (which, they are masters of doing, to try to instigate action that they can create lawsuits from).  What is inspiring about that, you ask?  Well, I also got to observe my amazing colleagues from VPUL, the Office of the Chaplain, and Penn Police. They diligently worked to ensure that students had a an outlet for a counter, positive activity and, when necessary, to provide the counseling for students upset by the scene.  Their calm, caring actions during this time of hate and chaos inspired me to make it through the hour (and my hour tomorrow) and to respond likewise in the future.  As I head for bed, I am inspired to consider how blessed I am to have such amazing colleagues at Penn, and to pray that this hateful group limits its visits to our campus.

Helping Hands Inspire

Throughout the whole day on 8/29/17, I have had Houston and the Texas region on my mind.  At work, we were mobilizing resources for affected students, on the news, the pictures and videos were scary to see, and, of course, the rain falling from the sky made me think of the rains falling in Texas. On the 231st day of 2017, my inspiration comes from all of the stories of rescue and assistance I have been seeing.  These disasters bring out the best in many people.  And, I am inspired in my life, to be that kind of person.  Even when there are no disasters, but especially when there are.  Be Safe, Stay Dry, Prayers for Texas.

Convcational Inspirations

8/28/17 was Convocation on Penn's campus.  So I spent the evening of the 230th day on College Green, listening to inspiring speeches for the Class of 2021.  And, the most inspirational message I received was instructing the new students to speak their mind, but also to be mindful as they are doing so.  To, as Provost Pritchett stated, make your argument, but understand the other side (or sides) of the argument while doing so.  Good advice for the Class of 2021 and I hope to be inspired by it as well.

Inspired By This Stretch of Weather

With all that is going on in the Gulf with Hurricane Harvey, I feel a bit guilty that I enjoyed the weather in our area on the 229th day of 2017.  But 8/27/17 was an amazing day outside and we got to enjoy it too and from Church, and then at the Women's Soccer game, again all as a family.  I am inspired by this cooler weather, the Fall is on its way, a new School Year for the girls, new Fall semesters for Sarah and me, and when the pages turn, from month to month or from season to season, it is an inspiration to focus on what needs to be done and move positively towards our goals.  Hoping for a great Fall Semester for us all, and you all as well!

Dogs Inspire

Although the temperature today felt nothing like a dog day of summer, the 228th day of 2017 is National Dog Day.  And, we had a family-focused day at the pool and then a nice dinner out with new friends.  And then, on 8/26/17, we brought our new friends home to show off our #1 dog, Skylar.  I am inspired by Skylar and her capacity for loving us with all of her heart.  It does not matter how long she has been left in the house, she greets us with energy and a lot of tail wagging.  Dogs are awesome, loyal, faithful, and true.  I am inspired to be more like Skylar.  It is also something to note, Be Like Skylar rhymes but #BeLikeTyler.  Today would have been Tyler Quinter's 14th birthday and we should ALL be inspired to honor his memory and #BeKind in our daily lives.

Soccer Inspires

At the end of the 227th day of 2017, Sarah and I enjoyed ourselves watching soccer.  No, not our kids anymore, they seem to have retired from the sport we have watched for the last 11 years.  On 8/25/17, we watched Penn Women's Soccer play Lehigh.  It was a really nice night and a nice date (the kids had better things to do than hang with their parents, sigh).  I am inspired to continue to follow the sport I enjoy so much in the Fall, and Penn Soccer makes it easy to do so.  And, as per this quote, I AM inspired to shoot for MY goals (which are not soccer goals, but are good goals nonetheless).

Inspired to be Peachy

The 226th day of 2017 is National Peach Pie Day.  And at the end of 8/24/17, without knowing this, I had peach water ice.  I love peaches, one of my favorite fruits.  But I also like being peachy.  It's good to be "Peachy good."  I feel inspired to do what needs to be done to be good, to be peachy.  Hope you can all be peachy as well.

Move-In Inspirations

The 225th day of 2017 was Move-In at Penn.  Long day at work, culminating with the Penn Parents "Know Before You Go" Panel.  I am pretty tired, so I will just leave with this inspiring quote about beginning a journey.  Hope the Class of 2021 has an amazing NSO.

Penn Band Inspirations

The 234th day of 2017 was also the first evening of Penn Band fun.  8/22/17 was the first Board Meeting, followed by the NSO Rehearsal as the Band gets ready to welcome the Class of 2021.  I really enjoy this rehearsal because members of the Band greet each other after not seeing each other for over three months.  I am inspired by the bonds of friendship that being part of this musical group can grow.  After yesterday's late concert, I am also really tired.  So, playing off my Beatles mood today, I am mixing Band and Beatles and I give you this McCartney classic.  NIGHT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew

Billy Inspires - LIVE!

So we have not had a Billy Joel post in a while and since, on the 233rd day of 2017, we traveled to NYC to see Billy on his "home court" (MSG), I think this is a good time for him to be the inspiration. And, on 8/21/17, as we sat and listened to his amazing music, I did find myself impressed and inspired at the talent, music, and words of this amazing artist.  It was great to kick off Sarah's Birthday Celebration (10 days early, but that is when the concert was scheduled!) with good friends and great music.  It was also interesting to note the subtle (and not so subtle) political statements Billy was making in his concert.  He opened with this song (link below) which reminds us that, although the news may be rough, it has always been that way, been burning since the world's been turning.  I am also inspired to remember that and, as we have in the past, we will see these issues through.  And now, really late, I am off to bed - goodnight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g

Inspired to be Sent Forth

Since 8/20/17 was the 232nd day of 2017, I had great hopes for the palindromic day.  We got an amazing start at Church this morning, with an excellent service that was filled with music.  Music that soothed my soul (to steal from last night's inspiration).  And then, after Church, we recorded some hymns for a dear member of the Old First Family who is in the hospital.  I love music.  I mean I really love music.  And one of the hymns in today's service was Sent Forth in God's Blessing.  This hymn really inspires me because it is a reminder that we do not have to act Christian only at Church on Sundays.  The morals and ideals and tenets should guide how we interact with everyone we meet in our daily lives and work.  And that is my inspiration for this week.  Stay calm, soothed, and be sent forth, blessed, into the week.  I also have to admit, another reason I love this hymn is that it is set to the Ash Grove melody, and my mom used to sing that to me when I was a kid.  So an amazingly connected, musical, inspiring day (it's the last three yearly themes converged).  Goodnight all!

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

Inspired to be Soothed by Music

August 2017 has not been an unstressful month.  The 231st day was pretty chill (as the kids are saying today, although they are probably not), because 8/19/17 was filled with a lot of parties and time spent together as a family.  But the BEST part of the day just happened.  I was picking one of the girls up at the last of the parties and, as we were pulling in the driveway, a Cat Stevens song came on the XM Radio (I love the Bridge for relaxing music).  Whelp, as it turns out, I am not the only one who likes this song, my daughter does too.  Not because she knows what he is singing, but because it was soothing.  So we sat, in the car, being soothed by music until he was done.  Holding Hands.  I am inspired to allow the soothing power of music calm my soul in troubling times. <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rifby1tVE8

Inspired to Make it Through

It rained in the evening of the 230th day of 2017.  And, on 8/18/17, Sarah, the girls, and I made it through that storm and out to dinner.  Thinking about that made me realize it is a metaphor for how I made it through the week.  It was sticky and humid, but we got through as a family.  And there is a lot going on, and we are making it through, as a family.  Whelp, we made it through the week and I am inspired to continue to fight to make it through and find myself respected by the others who, got rained on to, and made it through!  Right, Barry??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z48oTB6ie10

Inspired to Be Well

The 229th day of 2017 started for me with a trip to my Physician's Assistant for a Med Check.  And, on 8/17/17, my vitals were good, I need to exercise more, and I got a flu shot.  It did make me think about the things I need to do and undertake to ensure I am well into the future.  Being well is important and it is more than just physical health.  I am inspired to work to ensure the wellness of my own self, physically but also my mental health as I manage the stressors of work and life and family and (on and on).  Also inspired to worry about the wellness of others.  It's why I try to treat everyone as I would want to be treated.  It's why I forced my kid to wear her bike helmet (when none of her friends would).  It leads me to be who I am and guides me in my ways and relationships.  I hope I can continue to be well and help others be well, as well (pun intended).

Inspired to be Whelmed

There was a lot going on during 8/16/17.  I am, on the 228th day of 2017, pretty exhausted.  Maybe it's the oppressive humidity which seems to take a lot out of me.  Maybe it is the frenetic pace at work.  Maybe it is the horrible news on the TV, radio, and Internet all day, every day.  Maybe it is something I cannot place my finger on.  But, what I am inspired NOT to be, is overwhelmed.  I do not want to be underwhelmed either.  So, not knowing if it really a thing, but finding some images (thanks Google) that states it is, I will be inspired to be just whelmed.  And go to bed.

Triangular Inspirations

I was given a day's notice of the amazingness of the 227th day of 2017.  8/15/17 - a perfectly triangular day.  Long day at work, too, and, of course, the news tonight is filled with disturbing news. So I think it best for me to allow myself to be inspired by the geometry of the date (if not the day) and just go to bed.  Goodnight!

Inspired to Speak Out

A lot was on my mind on the 226th day of 2017.  I read a lot on 8/14/17 (on FB and other sites) about the horrible events at Charlottesville this weekend and it has been hard for me to process it all.  And what I have decided I can do is speak out!  I am not sure how much of a protester I am and I do not have much influence in the political sphere, but I can post here, on my page, an unequivocal condemnation of Nazis, of white supremacism, of racists, of violence, of the Alt-Right, of hate, of anti-Semitism, of all that the hate-groups who descended on Charlottesville stood for.  I know that all of my FB friends do not share the same political views as I do, but I am pretty sure we all stand together in solidarity against these hate-filled ideals.  And, if we do not, I do not want you to unfriend me, I want you to talk with me.  In person, not online, and I want us to reconcile what has been going on.  I am inspired to have hard discussions, if necessary, and try to reconcile how others are feeling. It's the least I can do.

Championship Inspirations

After Church, on the 225th day of 2017, we spent most of the remainder of 8/13/17 celebrating the Merchantville/Oaklyn Junior Softball Team's Section 4 Championship and their 3rd place finish at the State Tournament.  This team has been truly inspirational and I have really enjoyed watching them play.  We had a really nice time at the celebration and hope it is the first of many to come.

More Baby Inspirations

It's the third day of the year where I was very inspired by a baby.  On the 224th day of 2017 it was the second time the baby was little Leo.  We went to visit him and his parents on 8/12/17 and, although I will never get over my fear of "breaking" a small child, we got to hold him and marvel at the miracle of life.  Inspiring, this miracle is.  Little babies (and their perfect feet, I must add) inspire me to work to make the world a better place, for them.  Today's news cycle was filled with some overwhelmingly horrible things.  White Supremacy rearing its ugly head in Charlottesville and an inappropriate response from our Commander in Chief.  A war of words with North Korea (once again, an inappropriate response from....awwww I'll let you finish the sentence).  It's a scary time, these days, but we must stay focused on making the world a better place.  For Leo!  And ALL the babies.  Let's all be inspired to do so.  For the children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik9dxkKriV0

Penn Campus Inspirations

On the 223rd day I traveled across Penn's campus to Penn Park to watch Alexa play Field Hockey. Because 8/11/17 was Phriday Night Lights for the Collingswood FH Team.  It is the start of our second High School FH season.  Looking forward to following this amazing team of student-athletes. But what inspired me was the beauty of Penn's  Campus, the amazing Penn Park facilities, and the skyline of Philadelphia, which is a lot different than when _I_ was a student at Penn.  Time marches on and I am inspired to stop to appreciate the beauty and enjoy the time.

Inspired By My Fortune

I had an interesting fortune in my cookie on the 222nd day of 2017.  But on this palindromic day (#222!), the bill at lunch was $47.74.  AND, the mileage when I got gas was even palindromic as well.  So, for me, the numbers on 8/10/17 are speaking to me and telling me to heed the fortune.  Be inspired to feel blessed that I HAVE found the place on campus where I can do the work that I need to get done.  Yes, sometimes weeks (like last week) are hard.  But things are better this week and we will continue to move forward.  Less than two weeks until the Class of 2021 arrives!

The 80s Inspire

8/9/2017 was day 221 of 2017.  It was a relatively normal day at work, and even after work.  But the 80s references were strong in this day.  From Miami Vice to Joe Isuzu, I was reminded of the 80s many, many times.  I am inspired to keep the 80s knowledge strong in my children.  Not only the love of music and movies of the time, but also to learn from our mistakes in the 80s and hopefully not repeat them in current days.  And now, facing an early morning tomorrow, Crockett (to whom I was inexplicably linked to today) is going to bed early - GoodNight!

Inspired to Get Happy

So, the irony of 2017 is that I often have to find inspirations for my Inspiration post.  And on 8/8/17 I found out that today is National Happiness Happens Day.  Being happy is a good thing, last week I wish I had realized that.  But, on the 220th day of 2017, I WAS inspired to be happy.  And I was. And I will carry this happiness inspiration with me for a long while, I hope.  And I hope you are all inspired by happiness and to be happy as well.  The Penn Glee Club makes me happy, and this song reminds me of the Penn Glee Club, so I hope it makes you all happy too.  Goodnight!
#HappinessHappensDay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7d0NRewzW4

Inspired by Books

An amazing thing happened on the 219th day of 2017.  After 15 months, I finally received all of my boxes and books from my old office.  They had been in storage while we figured out where my office would end up.  As it stands, on 8/7/17, I have stayed in the same place since I became University Registrar and now, this week, I get to unpack.  Tonight Sarah and I unpacked all of my books and we got them on my shelves.  I love books, just looking at the titles and the spines brings back memories. Books from my MSEd degree, books from my time at Dining (Retail Management, even!), books from Nursing, books from NASPA, Leadership books, and more.  So, today, the inspiration is to actually READ some of these books.  Yes, many I have bought with good intentions, but life and other stuff got in the way.  So, I am inspired to prove my wife and daughters wrong and read some of these books and re-reading some as well.  I know I will enjoy it, and maybe I will inspire others to read too!

Inspired to Stay Connected

Social media is not always the beneficial tool that it can be.  On the 218th day of 2017, for instance, we learned of a Little League Softball team disqualified from the Junior League Championship Game for a profane picture posted on SnapChat.  But, on 8/6/17, I would like to focus on how social media inspires me, at times.  At Church, this morning, we celebrated and sent off a member who is going to be Provost of a university in the UAE.  It is something I could never conceive doing myself (heck, look how far I have (not) moved in my life.  But it is an exciting time for him and I am happy that he joined FB, we connected, and I also was able to connect him with a dear friend and colleague who is also working in UAE Higher Education.  I am inspired to keep using social media for as much good as possible.  There is a lot of bad in the world, and a lot manifests on social media, but I am going to try to turn those tables and be on the good side of the equation.  May others be inspired to learn from the softball team's actions and do the same.

Inspired to Converse

I awoke on 8/5/2017 in a bit of a funk.  I think there was a bit of a work-induced hangover from the last week.  But, I was really lucky on the 217th day of 2017.  A friend of mine and I had a really good conversation and it really put my mind in the right direction and got me back on track.  I am so lucky to have good friends who know when I need some encouraging words.  I am inspired to heed his advice and stay on the right track.  But, also, I am inspired to seek out others when they might need the same kind of therapeutic conversation I was blessed to receive today.  Paying it forward, I guess, and taking care of each other.

Inspired to Thrive

The 216th day of 2017 was the end of a long, and admittedly difficult, week at work.  At the end of 8/4/2017, looking back on this week, I am inspired to face next week with a different mindset. Someone asked me how I was today and I answered, "I'm not dead!"  Now, that was a joke, kinda a weak one though, but it speaks to surviving and I am inspired to do better than that, to thrive.  Let's hope I can do it!

Inspired to Hug Porcupines

In 2017, my year of inspirations, inspirations have come in all shapes and sizes.  Some days it is harder than others to find themes and subjects of my inspiring post.  On the 215th day of 2017, it was not difficult for me to find what is inspiring me.  So, on 8/3/17, I was reading my friend's FB page. Sadly, my friend recently lost his son to cancer.  It is a heartbreaking situation, and he is handling it by posting 365 thoughts inspired by his son.  Today, his suggestion was to hug a porcupine.  And, I am inspired to do so.  No, you will not find me in the backyard with quills on my face, but you WILL find me, in places in my life, trying to appreciate, empathize with, and, yes, maybe even hugging those who are not always as nice to me as I would like.  In work, this happens all the time.  So, instead of being mad, I will try to be inspired to rationally respond and move towards a solution instead of dwelling on the negative.  I am so appreciative of the words of my friend that inspired me today, and am sending prayers, hugs, and love to him and his family in this tough time.

Inspired to Eat Ice Cream

It is summer and on the 214th day of 2017 we celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day.  8/2/17 was a day of meetings at work, as usual, but I was able to get home in time for a nice dinner out with the family and then home to catch up on work.  I did not have an ice cream sandwich (I did have a peach with vanilla ice cream), but now I am inspired, tomorrow, to have an actual ice cream sandwich.  YUM!

Koob Inspires

On the 213th day of 2017, I woke up and I knew it was a good day.  8/1/17 is the birthday of my best friend, Ryan Crocetto.  Koob inspires me because he has dedication, perseverance, and is almost always positive.  We have both been very busy in the past few months (he has a better excuse, he has a new son at home!), but I am excited we will see him, Kristy, and Leo on Sunday.  Happy Birthday, Koob.  This is a song inspired by you, and you will quickly figure out why!

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