Inspired by Fall Ball

So on the 273rd day of 2017, Alexa and I said goodbye (for now) to the Phillies and Citizen's Bank Park.  It was our last game of the season and it went extra innings.  Sitting there, watching fall ball made me also think about Alexa and her softball team and their fall ball season.  Baseball, and its numbers and pace and strategy and tradition, is my favorite of all the major sports and watching fall ball softball has been a pleasure as well.  I am inspired to continue to feed my love of the game both in myself, but also in my kids as well.  Looking forward to the playoffs and the rest of the fall softball season!

Cool Breezes Inspire

9/29/17 was destined to be a good day!  It was a palindromic day (#272 AND 9/29).  I had the day off from work (even if I did go in for a meeting and spend 5+ hours on campus).  The weather was amazing.  I watched Alexa's Field Hockey team defeat a rival.  And, speaking of the weather, the cool breezes were perfect today as Fall has finally arrived.  The cool breezes inspire me to breathe deeply and relax.  Something I truly need to do.

Completion Inspiration

On the 271st day of 2017, I got something done I needed to complete before tomorrow.  And, on 9/28/17, I earned my PTO day for 9/29/17.  I was inspired to get this done so we could meet our goal, and I could get my needed day off.  And now I need to go to bed.  Goodnight!

High School Inspirations

So the 270th day of 2017 was Back to School Night at Collingswood High School.  So, on 9/27/17, after work, we hightailed it to CHS and, for the first time, we walked the halls and met Alexa's teachers for this year.  And each one, one after the other, were engaged, excited to teach our kids, and enthused about the upcoming school year AND their subjects.  I seriously want to go back and live Alexa's life and learn from these teachers.  So appreciative of them, and inspired by how much they want our kids to succeed.  Inspired also to help in any way possible at the school and to make this year (and the next five years we will have kids in that school) as great as possible.  School Days!  Right Chuck?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHG5-GxI_Es

She's My Inspiration

There are so many things going on these days, it can get overwhelming.  Day #269 of 2017 was no different.  And, on 9/26/17, as I stayed late at work again, Sarah got everything else done.  So happy to be getting through life with such an amazing partner.  She truly is my inspiration.  And she likes Chicago, too!  Good Night!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRfy1yorkec

Inspired to Stay Cool

So 9/25/17 is the first Monday of the Fall.  But, on the 268th day (not a palindrome, but 2 + 6 = 8) of 2017 it was hot, humid one here in the Philly area.  Sigh.  I did my best to stay cool today, even if it seems that the heat was on and the AC was off in many meeting rooms today.  But, metaphorically, I am inspired to also stay cool during this very busy and turbulent time.  Hope you can stay cool as well (literally and figuratively).

Inspired By History

The 267th day of 2017 was the celebration of the 290th anniversary of Old First Reformed UCC.  And so, on 9/24/17, I thought a lot about history.  It was so good to see pillars of our church back to visit us for the anniversary (sitting alongside the pillars of our church that continue to attend).  The pastor that married Sarah and me and the pastor that baptized Anna (both of these alongside Sarah's dad) were both in attendance and it was great to see them.  I love the reflections that Anniversary Sunday brings.  Also regarding history, they say, "those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it." And, yet, I feel as if we are ignoring history every day, these days.  Amidst political unrest, natural disasters created (in some part) by ignoring science in the name of profits and progress, and rhetoric that makes me ill, I am inspired to learn more about the past.  And try to use the lessons learned (or some not learned) to make the present (and future) better.  Would that those in our Nation's Capitol (on BOTH sides of the aisle) do the same.

Inspiration on Hiatus

On the 266th day of 2017, I have had a hard time coming up with a daily inspiration theme.  I have been posting daily since 2013 and, frankly, I enjoy the daily discipline very much.  But, on 9/23/17, I am not sure what to post about.  It's not that I had a bad day.  I slept in a bit, got all my errands done, got to watch a little Penn Softball, Sarah and the girls got to see the Collingswood Band Bash (while I stayed home and caught up on work).  A nice day, really.  But I still had nothing.  So, tonight, I am inspired to allow myself to be on hiatus.  For one night (hopefully).  Goodnight.

Inspired at the Ice Cream Social

How awesome that the 265th day of 2017 was National Ice Cream Cone Day.  Because 9/22/17 was the Fall Oaklyn PTA Ice Cream Social (sorry, no cones).  Sarah and I have helped with this event since I can remember.  And we have it down pat.  But the inspiring part is when the smiling faces (kids and parents and even just members of the community) come streaming in to buy ice cream. These socials are a great way to meet new people, get the students involved (I love OPS' Student Council), and end up with happy people and ice cream.  Hope people were happy, I was.

September Inspirations

So we have come to the 264th day of 2017 and I was happy to know that 9/21/17 was Earth, Wind, and Fire Day.  Apparently this is the day mentioned in their song, September.  It got me thinking about September, the month.  Summer is waning, it is still warm, but you can feel Fall in the breezes. Baseball season pennant races are heating up (and the Phillies have even shown signs of life). Football is in full force, college campuses are buzzing, the kids are back to school.  September is awesome!  I am inspired to keep cultivating this feeling of new beginnings along with waning seasons and use it to inspire me to keep moving, even among difficult times.  And, come one, this Earth, Wind, and Fire Song is awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk

Abigail Inspires

45 years ago (OK, not to the day) and look how happy I was to meet my new little sister.  And, 45 years later, on 9/20/2017, the 263rd day of 2017, I am always happy to see my little sister.  45 is 3 * 5 * 3 so this can even be thought of as a palindromic day for her!  My sister inspires me, she is always doing amazing things and, with Erik, is raising amazing children.  It did take me a little time, in my teen-angst years, to realize what a gem I have in my sister, but I have known for a while, and I am inspired to remain appreciative and amazed by her.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Abigail!

Inspired to Celebrate

9/19/17 was palindromic (times two).  9/19 and the 262nd day of 2017.  And today, at work, we had a celebration for two cherished staff's birthdays.  I am always inspired to celebrate others.  It is meaningful to me.  And am glad we did it today.

Inspired to Hang On

I have to admit that, on the 261st day of 2017, I had a case of the Mondays.  Nothing really bad happened on 9/18/17, but I was still pretty exhausted (physically and emotionally) during the day. So, I am turning in as soon as I turn off Registration  (today is the last day of Add) and am inspired to hang on during the rough days.  Goodnight!

Inspired to Love and Be Loved

Pastor Michael was back in the pulpit (after his Summer Sabbatical) on the 260th day of 2017. So 9/17/17 started off with his message from the pulpit.  And a great message it was.  About allowing oneself not only to love, but also to be loved.  I love to love others.  But, as I was sitting, listening, I realized the reason for this is because I have felt love from others my entire life.  I am indebted to my parents for establishing a household where the love flowed freely and I realize now how lucky and blessed I have been in my life.  I am inspired to ensure that others feel loved.  And, in feeling so, may they also be able to express love for others.  Thank you, Michael, for this message and realization. Amen!

Inspired by Franklin Field

On 9/16/17, the Sherr Family did something we have not done in a long time.  On the 259th day of 2017, we attended an entire Penn Football Game.  We have been missing this for the last 6-8 years because of Saturday Soccer games....Well, Alexa and Anna are not playing soccer this Fall { :-( }, so we made it to the game.  It was a great time, and we were glad to be back.  It was great to see Franklin Field in its glory and the team won, and the Band sounded good and we all had fun.  It is always inspiring to be surrounded by an amazing stadium with amazing traditions and memories.  I hope we can make it to more games this year.  And, I feel like a musical post today, so here is one of my favorite Penn Band songs, played by a different Band, but it's Penn-related nonetheless.  #FightOn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDLbhD4x2ts

Inspired to Take A Deep Breath

There is a lot going on as we come to the 258th day of 2017.  Things are crazy in the news, at work, things are busy in all facets of my life.  On 9/15/17, I am inspired to remember to breathe.  Yes, we all need to pause, sometimes, and take a deep breath.  Inspired to stay calm amidst the chaos of the late summer/early fall.  BREATHE!

Inspired to Be Creative

Who knew?  The 256th day of 2017 was National Live Creative Day.  And, on 9/14/17, I had to be creative.  At work, finding solutions.  At home, helping with homework.  But I am inspired to be more creative in my life.  Sometimes I fall into a routine and I need to be reminded there are other means of getting things done.  So, tonight, as I get ready for bed, I am hoping for more inspiration on my creative side.

Student Leaders Inspire

At the end of the 9/13/17 workday, I ended up in the Palestra (I love that building).  Because day #256 of 2017 was a day where the whole student leadership community at Penn got together to discuss and listen to speakers about creating a safer and healthier community at Penn.  I am always inspired by student leaders, and it was great to see so many engaged, packing the Palestra (please come back for sporting events, folks), and working on important issues.  It's going to be a great year!

Inspired to Encourage

9/12/17 was day #255 of 2017.  And, tonight, while searching for an inspirational theme, I discovered that today was also the National Day of Encouragement.  I am always inspired to encourage other people.  As the quote says, I know people have enough critics in their lives, sometimes even in our own heads, so let's just encourage each other and make the world a friendlier place.

Inspired to Never Forget

911 has always been a meaningful number for me.  I mean, heck, we learn at an early age to call 911 for help.  I also spent most of my childhood (and almost all that I remember) at 911 S. 47th Street. But the 254th day of 2001 still affects me on the 254th day of 2017.  9/11/17 takes 9/11 to a different level as a number.  What a day, I remember it as if it were yesterday and I am inspired to never forget. I pray for all the people who lost loved ones and friends.  I am thankful that my dad was safe on that day, and know we are so lucky for that.  And, once again, I am also inspired to remember the first responders on that day - those that ran TOWARDS and INTO the towers as all others ran away and out.  Those that served (and still serve) overseas and within our borders to keep our country as safe as possible.  And I am inspired to work towards peace and understanding, instead of violence and prejudice.  #NeverForget.

Inspired to Pray for Others

I spent a lot of the 253rd day of 2017 praying for other people.  9/10/17 was the day Hurricane Irma hit Florida, and I know a lot of people there.  So I have been praying for them, and texting, and watching Facebook for updates.  I am inspired to be concerned and to do what I can, which is, basically, praying for them and letting them know I care and am worried.  Let's all hope that all of the people affected by Harvey and Irma (and soon Jose and Katia) are safe, and restoration and recovery activities will occur quickly and effectively.  BE SAFE, Friends.

Coin Drop Inspirations

As 9/9/2017 is the 252nd day of 2017, I expected great things.  Waking up to an amazing weather day (although, as Sarah said to me, the sky looked a lot like the 911 sky today, but that is for a reflection on Monday....) hopes remained high.  And the day started off with me working my corners, for the Coin Drop for Collingswood Field Hockey.  It is not easy to get up early, get out, and to stand there, asking for money, but there is still something inspirational in doing so.  Because, as someone once said to me at the PTA Coin Drop, "thank you for being involved in your children's lives."  And, yes, this is why we do this.  We are inspired to do all we can to be sure the field hockey players (and any other group for whom we coin drop) have all they need and can achieve.  Inspirations to assist, especially youth groups, were my focus today.

Hometown Inspirations

The 251st day of 2017 was a good one.  I had PTO on 9/8/17, but I did still go to campus for a lunch. Today was the last day in SRFS of a cherished colleague of mine.  She and I are very similar in beliefs, spirit, and work ethic.  I say she is my twin at work, so I will miss her.  One of the other similarities we have is that we are both Philly kids, Mayor's Scholars, and folks that did not stray far from our hometown (or alma mater) to work.  And, tonight, as I drove Anna to and from her babysitting assignment in West Philly, I drove past a lot of places I lived.  Including my childhood home at 911 S. 47th Street.  And the apartment building at 48th and Pine where I lived early on.  I am inspired by working, at Penn, in the neighborhood in which I grew up.  I love Philadelphia, and am glad we are here.  So let's enjoy a little Bruce, and not the song about Philadelphia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6LABdHtkUA

First Day Inspirations

So on the 205th day of 2017, I pulled up in front of Oaklyn Public School and my odometer read 81818.  A really good palindromic omen on Anna's first day of 8th grade and Alexa's first day of 10th (8+10 = 18 - even the operational equation is a palindrome).  And there were many smiles, pictures, and excitement on the first day of school on 9/7/17.  It has been nice to see all of the 1st day of school pictures in the past two weeks, and today it was Oaklyn/Collingswood's turn.  The first day of anything always provides me with inspiration.  I like the turning of the page from one month to the next, from one quarter to the next, from one semester to the next, etc.  It's almost as if anything is possible and the slate is clean.  I hope my kids and their classmates are inspired to have an amazing year.  I know I am inspired to help them do so in any which way I can.

Inspired to Calm

What the world needs these days is more calm.  On 9/6/17, I found myself striving to be calm and to calm others, whether it be me staying calm trying to complete all my tasks, or trying to calm others, students with stress, co-workers, colleagues, etc.  Day 249 finds me with newly found inspirations to be calm AND calm others.  Hopefully, I can be the change I want to see (thanks, Ghandi) and the world can be a calmer place for all.

Immigrant Inspirations

Unless you are 100% Native American, you have immigrants in your family tree.  I know _I_ do. On the 248th day of 2017, at Noon, we got the news we had feared.  On 9/5/17, we heard about the plan to potentially end DACA.  This puts students, staff, and faculty of the University of Pennsylvania (and across the United States) at great risk.  But also it places these people in the middle of a political ping pong game, and that is emotional trauma as well.  My inspiration today is to be a person of solace, to create as many safe spaces for people in need, and to aspire to follow the words of the poem on the Statue of Liberty.  My prayers are for wisdom in Washington, DC.  On this and many issues.

Labor Day Inspirations

The 247th day of 2017 was Labor Day 2017.  And, we did not do much labor on 9/4/17.  No, once again, we were in attendance at a wonderful Labor Day BBQ with, as with yesterday, family, food, fellowship, and just good conversation.  And as our minds turn towards the work week to come, my thoughts turn to those who came before us and fought for workers' rights.  The reasons we are celebrating Labor Day.  One of these people was my grandfather.  And, stealing this picture from my mom's page, I am inspired to remember the struggle and protest of my grandfather and his postal worker brothers (and sisters??  not sure if women were involved in the 30s) and inspired to remember that the "good life" we have these days is likely a direct result of their hard work.  I hope you all had a restful unofficial last weekend of Summer, but also hope you can join me in being inspired to remember and revere these men and women.

Family Traditions Inspire

For the past few decades, Labor Day Weekend has meant that our family has its schedule set for Sunday and Monday.  Sundays, like with 9/3/17, have meant the Walters Family Seafood Picnic.  I love this event and not because I like to crack crabs (because I do not, but I DO love watching others enjoy doing so), but because I love family events.  On the 246th day of 2017, we all (well, most of us) got together in York and spent time laughing, talking, playing games, and, yes, eating great food. I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful family and it is so great to watch all of the kids grow up and develop.  I am inspired to remember that this (family time together) is what is really important and, as the quote says above, can be the rock I lean on in this confusing world.

Inspired to Keep Swimming

Because of the rain on the 245th day of 2017, we had not much to do today (beach day trip = cancelled).  So, on 9/2/17, we had time to relax and watch some College Football, but also to get errands done.  AND, I went to the pool and got i a good swim.  I am inspired to try to make this a more regular occurrence.  I felt a lot better after the pool, so I need to, in the words of a famous Disney fish, just keep swimming.  In the pool, and in life!

Inspired to Reduce Stress

9/1/2017, the first day of September and the 244th day of 2017.  What affected me today was interactions I had with two of my advisees.  Both are really smart (hey, they got into Penn) and progressing well in their curriculum at Penn.  Both are worried that they are not doing as well as they want or as well as their other classmates (who all have 4.0s of course (psst, they don't)).  I did my level best to encourage these students and assure them that they are doing great and that all the other students around them are NOT all getting 4.0s.... I am inspired to work to help students find their "happy places" at Penn and to recognize their successes for what they are, not as something to compare to others.  "Penn Face" is real, my friends and we must all be inspired to help students see what is real and meaningful.  Also to help students realize how successful they are, even when others seem more successful.  We are doing our young people a disservice, starting in Middle School and before, by creating a culture of perfection and competition.  I see it in my own kids, even though I have seen the effects on campus.  Let's all work and be inspired to help these kids.... see what is meaningful and real, and still be successful.  For the children!