Halloween Inspirations

The 304th day of 2017 was Halloween!!  And 10/31/17 was a great Halloween at that!  Got to leave work early to see my daughter's Field Hockey Playoff Game (loss, sob, great season, Panthers!) and then got to hand out candy to the kids of Oaklyn for the afternoon/evening and then spend the evening with the family watching Hocus Pocus (not as good as I originally remembered (but Amok, Amok, Amok, Amok) and carving pumpkins and watching the World Series.  Halloween is an inspirational holiday for me.  Not because it celebrates ghouls or the occult or anything like that.  No, I love the sense of community as people leave work early to be home to hand out candy; as people set up grills on their front lawn and handout hot dogs and waters; as kids are smiling from ear to ear; as we meet neighbors we have not yet met before.  Halloween can bring out the best in a lot of people, and I am inspired to keep fostering that feeling in my town.  For my song today, I picked a song that fits both Halloween AND the World Series!  A MJ classic!

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

Inspired to Encourage Student Leadership

On the evening of the 303rd day, I was happy.  Not just because 10/30/17 was a palindromic day, but also because I delivered recommendation letters to youth counselors for OMAYSC.  These teens are fantastic students, volunteers, and deserving candidates.  When I think about these students, I am inspired to think we have a chance for a better future.  I know we adults do all we can to mess things up, but I think the next generation (at least these kids) will be AOK.

Inspired to Serve

The 302nd day of 2017 was also the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation at our church.  And, being that Old First is, at its roots, a German Reformed Church,  10/29 had all of the staples of Reformation Sunday, and I especially enjoyed A Mighty Fortress is Our God played on piano AND organ.  But the sermon had more to do with service.  And service to others is what I appreciate the most about our church's message.  We are so blessed, so we serve others in thanksgiving of what we have.  And, in serving others, we become blessed even moreso.  I am inspired to continue to serve, wherever I may be.  And share my blessings with others and, in giving to others, receive as well.

Scooby Doo inspires

10/28/17 was the 301st day of 2017.  And while it was a relaxing day (man, I love Saturdays), the most notable thing about today is it is the 23rd anniversary of the day Sarah and I started to "date".  And it was a Scooby Doo marathon on the Cartoon Network that got this whole Sherr Family thing started and the past 23 years have been so amazing and filled with joys and blessings to numerous to mention.  Instead, I will be inspired to remember the wonder and amazement of a budding romance and the amazing life it has become!  ❤️

https://youtu.be/0_C2HJvtRDY

Frustration Inspires

Honestly, I was frustrated for much of the 300th day of 2017.  10/27/17 brought some frustration at work, but a lot of frustration after work at a community event.  But I am inspired not to dwell on the frustrating moments in my life and, instead, learn from the frustration.  Whether it is changing my ways, learning to delegate and depend on others (at work and in volunteering), or just using the frustration to motivate me to do better in the future, I want to find positivity and success from today's feelings.

College Inspire

After work on the 299th day of 2017, Alexa, Sarah, and I ended up at the CHS College and Career Fair.  Although, on 10/26/17, I felt strange watching my daughter surveying all of these colleges' tables, kinda like a Coca-Cola salesman watching his kid at a Pepsi/Snapple tasting party.  But, I also felt inspired watching all of the young people exploring their options for their future.  A lot of good vibes in the gym tonight, and it was fun to talk, unofficially, about Penn and other schools with them.  I guess I am always on duty.  But it's so easy to speak about Penn.

Anniversaries Inspire

Day #298 of 2017 was 10/25/17 and was the 19th anniversary for my sister, Abigail, and her husband, Erik.  We do not see each other enough, but I am still inspired by their love for each other, their love for their children, and their love for their families.  Any time I can focus on inspirational love is a good day.  Plus, I can link to one of my favorite Elvis songs.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGJTaP6anOU

Inspired to Combat Bad Days

I did not have a bad day on 10/24/2017.  In fact, day #297 of 2017 started with bagels in the office and continued with good meetings and good work.  But, I have seen many posts of "Bad Days" and "Tough Times" on the FB pages of my friends and family.  We all hit rough patches here and there and I think it is so important that we are there for each other in times of need.  So I am inspired to help people combat their "Bad Days" and I start with this song, which has some sad lyrics, but the video, in my opinion, has a hopeful feel and conclusion.  Hopefully my friends can see it too and it starts to help them turn their frowns upside-down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH476CxJxfg

Doing Good Inspires

Day #296 ended in a community board meeting and we discussed the way that we could continue to work to make Oaklyn a better place for our kids.  10/23/17 was a day of hard work, at work, and then some good work, in Oaklyn.  I am inspired to keep doing good in my community and, by doing good, we do well.

Sports Inspirations

I know that real life and sports are not one and the same.  All in all, however, I was glad to spend the afternoon of the 295th day of 2017 at a professional soccer game.  10/22/17 was the first Philadelphia Union game my family ever attended and it was a good one.  A 6-1 victory, far more scoring than I had expected.  And we learned the Doop Song! A good time was had by all.  I am not inspired BY sports, but, as the quote suggests, I am inspired by the relief (temporary that it might be) that sports can provide from the heavy issues of the present day.  Whether it is watching my daughter, watching the Quakers, watching pros in person, or even watching them on TV, I appreciate the diversion.  Now back to reality for the work week ahead.

Inspired by the Power of Song

I spent most of the 294th day of 2017 as a spectator.  First, on campus, at Football and Women's Soccer, but I ended 10/21/17 as a spectator of song.  Anna's ChildrenSong Choir got to sing with the Rowan University Choir tonight.  It was a great concert.  I am always inspired by how song can move my emotions, as the Director of Rowan said, invoking "all the feels."  I am proud of Anna and her group.  They held their own with a college level choir, and sounded very good.  I am inspired by the love of music and theater Anna is showing and look forward to seeing it blossom.

Working Together Inspires

For the past week, we have all been working together on a very large, very important project.  On the 293rd day of 2017 I was a part of a great team, working together.  I am proud of our team on 10/20/17.  The task was not easy, but the spirit of teamwork made it better.  I am inspired to use the momentum of this spirit of working together to continue on and tackle our future work.

My Pastor Inspires

Just 5 days ago, my inspiration was advocacy.  And, today, the palindromic 292nd day of 2017, it is someone who personifies the word.  I was predicting that 10/19/17 would be an inspirational day, and it was, but not in the way I had thought at the start of the week.  Today, while most of us were working in our jobs, or sitting in our classrooms,. my Pastor, Michael Caine, and his clergy colleagues of POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower, & Rebuild), https://powerinterfaith.org if you are interested, peacefully protested a hotel in Philadelphia.  This hotel received $183K (yes that is THOUSANDs) in public funds to build a hotel with a promise of 175 jobs for the community.  Well, the hotel is built and, guess what?, yup, where are the 175 jobs? I am inspired by Michael (and his colleague)'s walking the walk, practicing what they preach (really!), and standing for the rights of those that are the last and the least.  They were willing to be arrested (and trapped in a police station elevator) as an act of civil disobedience.  While I do not want to be arrested, this inspires to me to do what I can to also speak for those without a voice, to fight for what is right, and to practice what I speak.

Inspired to Manage Disappointments Better

I have to admit that I was disappointed on the 291st day of 2017.  On 10/18/17 I was scheduled to be on a flight to Chicago and a professional meeting with some of the best colleagues a Registrar could have.  But, alas, duty calls and we must stay back on campus (calling in to a few parts of the meeting) to complete some key tasks and projects that are essential for the campus.  Now, even though I was (and still am) disappointed, I am inspired to manage this disappointment in a professional and logical manner.  As with yesterday's inspiration, this is not something that comes easy to me, but it is essential and, thus, the reason for today's inspiration.

Inspired to Go (with the flow)

Day #290 did not go the way I thought it would on day 289.  Yes, 10/17/17 went a different way and I and my colleagues had to go with it.  I am inspired to be better at going with the flow.  Life throws a lot at us, so let's all be better at moving and shaking and going with it.  Not easy for me, but trying to be so much better and this inspiration should help.

Inspired to Laugh

On another day (#289 of 2017) filled with long meetings and bad news, I found myself in a late afternoon meeting.  And at 3PM on 10/16/17, the key expected meeting attendee was found to have declined the meeting.  What could have turned out to be a disappointing, anger-inducing time, ended up being a discussion with colleagues that included smiles and laughter.  I am inspired to keep finding laughter in times of stress.  Not that we should laugh AT people, but if we can find ways to laugh WITH people, the world would be a better place.

Autumnal Inspirations

It was a really nice day on 10/15/17.  The 288th day of 2017 started with the Blessing of Animals at Old First Reformed UCC.  Skylar and Talia were well behaved, and it was a beautiful service.  But after a few activities and errands, the highlight of the day was our now traditional trip to Johnson's Family Farm for a hayride, pumpkin picking, and fall culinary treats.  Ending with a nice family dinner was just icing on the cake.  Hopefully the autumnal weather is now here to stay.  Cannot wait for the leaves to change color and the fall breezes cool things down.  I am inspired to sit back and enjoy the fall foliage and use the time to take deep breaths and relaxing.  One fall day at a time, right?

Advocacy Inspires

There was a wonderful event on Penn's campus on the 287th day of 2017.  10/14/17 was the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Penn's LGBT Center.  But it was also the celebration of the career of Bob Schoenberg and the renaming of the Center to the Robert A. Schoenberg Carriage House.  And, as I stood and listened to all of the speeches, I came to realize what I liked the most about Bob's career.  What Bob did, in a nutshell, is advocate for a population of students (and staff and faculty, by the way) who had little to no voice on campus.  He gave them a voice and allowed the students to be agents of change.  As he retires, I am inspired to be an advocate and an agent of change on Penn's campus just as Bob was (and will likely continue to be, in a different role).  In these politically charged times, it can be scary to speak out, but we must.  And we must work to change the future to what we know it should be.

Luckily Inspired

The 286th Day of 2017 was a Friday the 13th in October.  Spooky and unlucky, right?  Far from it for me on 10/13/17.  Spent the day home on PTO, was able to take lunch to my one daughter and pick the other daughter up after school.  We also, as a family, went to the first Gym Night of the year where we had over 70 kids in a safe, substance-free space (and we made some parents' evenings easier as well).  So my Friday the 13th was far from unlucky.  I am inspired to remember how lucky I am, no matter what else is going on and what other stressors exist in my life.  Remember also, wanting to be inspired by luckiness is what got me into these daily postings in the first place.  So let's all be inspired to notice the good and luck that exists, especially in the face of stress.  Lucky also inspires some amazing music, like this Madonna classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThHz9wlBeLU

Vermont Inspirations

I was not sure what my inspiration topic would be on the 285th day of 2017.  So I went to my crutch website and I found out that 10/12/17 is National Vermont Day.  Well, the weather felt like the summers I spent in Vermont.  Vermont is an inspirational place for me. Farm and Wilderness, Ben and Jerry's, Green Mountains, and just a spirit of equality and love.  I do not want to move from the Philadelphia area, but I am inspired to bring the ideals I love from Vermont into my daily life here.  And, tonight, I felt needed a song, and I was inspired to find a song about Vermont... Frank and Ella....mmmmmmm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyyRi3l7E_k

Girls Inspire

10/11/2017 and the 284th day of 2017 is also International Day of the Girl.  In my house, every day is the day of the girl, that is what happens when you're the only XY individual in the house.  But, it's great, my daughters inspire me every day.  I watch their leadership in the classroom, on the athletic field, the stage, the choir room, their community, etc.  My girls inspire, my wife inspires, the power of women in leadership inspire.  We should celebrate and, dare I say, hope that they are represented more in positions of power.  Maybe then the world could return to some normalcy!

Wawa Inspirations

Day #283 started and ended in a familiar place.  Yes, as the image suggests, I started 10/10/17 picking up lunch from Wawa (I did not have a break for lunch today, so brought a hoagie to work) and I ended the day getting gas (and making an ice cream run for my ladies) at Wawa.  To me, going to the neighborhood Wawa is like going to the old fashioned watering hole.  All the people in the town seem to be there and smile and say hello.  I see kids from the High School who are now heading off to work, I see fellow parents who have just dropped their kids off at School.  I am inspired by Wawa's ability to both be a chain and a unique spot in our neighborhood.  Gotta Go to Wawa.

Daughter's Friends Inspire

10/9/2017 was my daughter's friend's Sweet 16 Birthday.  Not her party, that is Saturday, but today she actually turned 16.  So, after a long day on the 282nd day (palindromically, it was a good one at work, good meetings), I had to drive her over and sit and wait for her to give her friend her presents.  As I sat, reflecting, in the car (today's musical inspiration was The Beatles Channel), I was inspired by the quality of my daughters' friends.  She has many friends she would consider "besties" (as the kids are saying these days) and that makes me happy.  I am glad to be still in touch with many  friends from my youth, I am inspired to enjoy my daughter's developing hers and hope she stays in touch as well.

Global Connections Inspire

On 10/8/2017, since it was Sunday, we started the day at Church.  The 281st day of 2017 was also World Communion Sunday.  And today's inspiration is not as much for me about the Communion, but it was what Pastor Michael stated as he was inviting us to the table.  He stressed the connectedness that we have with our global neighbors.  And it made me also think about a friend of the family who is raising money to head to Italy this summer to an international dragon boat festival for thousands of breast cancer survivors from across the world.  In these divisive political times, I am even more inspired to remember the connectedness we share with our neighbors all across the globe.  Would that those in political power also be inspired to remember the same.

Extended Family Inspirations

Day #280 found me amidst extended family.  10/7/17 was the wonderful B'nai Mitzvah (double Bar Mitzvah) of my cousin's twin boys.  It was a wonderful party and it was great to catch up with extended family and great also to spend time with my parents, and Sarah, and the girls.  I am inspired to ensure that these family connections sustain.  Family is the root of all of our success and happiness.  Love my family!

Friday Night Inspirations

Day #279 of 2017 was the end of a long week at work.  But, at the end of the day on 10/6/17, I found myself happy and content.  My mom and dad are here for a family event tomorrow, and they were able to see Alexa play field hockey after school.  Then, we headed out to Pennsauken to watch softball.  It was a great night, under the Friday Night Lights (while back home in Colls, the Colls team won as well!)  Watching student athletes inspire me because of the hard work and love for the game.  I am inspired also to continue to work hard in what I do, but also to foster enjoyment in the workplace in myself and others.

25-Year Club Inspirations

At the end of 10/5/2017, I attended one of my favorite events of the year.  Yes, the 278th day of 2017 was also the night of the 25-Year Club Reception and Dinner.  Not only is this a time to relax and speak with other "old-timers" on campus, but it is also the evening that the retirees are all invited back as well.  So many of these wonderful people were icons on campus and were role models for me as I was early in my career.  It was great to see them, especially my good friend Tobi, who recently retired.  I am inspired to stay in touch with my mentors and icons and to enjoy honoring them, not just on this day, but whenever I can.

Imagery Inspiration

I love images.  I use them often in my daily posts.  On the 277th day, I posted two pictures that were, in my mind, wonderful images.  The (almost) Full Moon on 10/4/17, over the historic Philadelphia skyline and then an amazing spider, on our front porch, four weeks before Halloween.  Awesome images.  I am inspired by images and inspired to use them (as the quote says above) to express my feelings about what I have seen or experienced in the day.  Sometimes images "say" things we cannot express with words.

Inspired to Cry (for my country)

As I drove home from work (it was another good day at work, BTW) on the 276th day of 2017, I, as I often do, was listening to KYW News Radio.  All I heard, on 10/3/17, were the heartbreaking stories of what happened Sunday night in Las Vegas.  And, I have to admit, I started to cry.  I am inspired to cry for my country and what we seem to have become.  It is not good and things must change.  And I am inspired to find ways to promote love over hate, peace over violence, discussions over arguments.  We can do better, America!

Inspired to Speak Up

I am appalled with the news on day #275 of 2017.  10/2/17 was a decent day at work and at home, but the stories in the news are horrible.  Puerto Rico, Las Vegas. Florida, Texas, the Virgin Islands, Spain, North Korea, Russia, Washington DC, etc.  I do not like to be too political on my FB page, but I feel inspired to speak up and let people know how I feel.  Not much on FB, but in person.  I need people to know how I feel and also they need to feel supported by me, if they are vulnerable.  Things have to change, people, they have to change.

Oaklyn Inspirations

The 274th day of 2017 started off amazingly.  The Oaklyn 5K and Color Run/Walk was on 10/1/2017.  And October was off to a great beginning!  The Town Picnic followed and, once again, the Sherr and Press families worked the grill and fed the attendees.  I honestly love volunteering at this event, I love seeing the happy people in line, I love seeing the winners of the Oaklyn Volunteer of the Year, I love seeing the activity at the vendors' tables, and I love the spirit of volunteerism and community at this (and many other) event.  I am inspired by my neighbors and fellow volunteers and I am inspired to continue this work to continue to make Oaklyn a great place to live.