Medicinal Food Inspires

Day #334 of 2017 was a long (but productive) day at work and, when I arrived home on 11/30/17 I was, once again, exhausted.  After a quick nap on the couch (mmmmm naps), I found out why.  99.6 degree fever, slight. but still impactful, so I fed it with medicinal food.  Soup (OK, Won Ton, not Chicken, but still) and some concoction called "Green Goodness" mixed with OJ that was way too sweet.  But my wife and kids tel me it will make me feel better, and I am off to bed, early, to test theit theory.  Inspired to take good care, and get good sleep, and eat medicinal food.  Goodnight!

Inspired to #BeKind

I know that I have probably used this theme before, but on the 333rd day, a palindromic perfection, my inspiration is again to be kind and inspire others to do so.  On 11/29/17, kindness and the need for us to be kind to each other, were topics in a few meetings I attended.  In this crazy political time, on my uber competitive campus, in a world where people seem to be incentivized to look out only for themselves, we need to focus on kindness.  Maybe the Christmas Season will invoke these feelings in others.  I am inspired to be kind every day and try to inspire others to do so as well.

Inspired to Give

11/28/17 is #GivingTuesday.  I know it's a made up holiday that allows charities benefit from the consumer culture that brings us Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  But, on the 332nd day of 2017, I am inspired to give every day and as much as I can.  I hope you are all giving what you can, as well.

Inspired by Technology

The 331st day of 2017 was Cyber Monday and it was also Election Day for the Penn Band.  And, on 11/27/17, I watched as a student in Argentina (on a Study Abroad) ran for, and won, a position on the Band Board.  She conducted her speech with a video she sent, and did a Q & A on speaker phone.  Technology is amazing, whether it allows people to buy things without waiting in long lines and crowded parking lots, or when it brings Band members, countries away, together.  I am inspired to focus on the positive aspects of technology (yes, I know there are some concerns as well) and inspired to use technology for the good of others and inspire others to do so as well.

Visiting Friends Inspires

After Church on 11/26/17, we went visiting.  And, on the 330th day of 2017, we were blessed to visit two really good sets of friends and spend some ordinary time together.  But, as the quote states, these ordinary times were made extraordinary by being with amazing people.  I am inspired to ensure that our friends know how much we appreciate and love them, and inspired to visit them whenever we can (and when they will have us!)

Parade Inspirations

Inspiration came early on 11/25/17.  Because the 329th day of 2017 was also the Collingswood Holiday Parade.  And, for the first time, Oaklyn School had a float in the parade, along with all of the other elementary schools in Collingswood.  It was truly a community effort and it honored Tyler, who we lost at the end of the School Year last year.  My community never ceases to inspire me and, today, it was very inspiring.  Looking forward to future parades and future community efforts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b5phblXXlA

Rescue Inspirations

11/24/17 marks the 4th anniversary of our dog, Skylar's gotcha day.  We drove all the way to Ohio and, on 11/24, met her, in person, for the first time.  So on the 328th day of 2017 (just as it was in 2013), I am inspired by all of the people and agencies in our world that save and rescue animals.  And I am glad that Skylar was rescued and came into our lives.  Since we cannot imagine our world without her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9mp3s2gpy8

Thanksgiving Inspirations

327 is a great number.  3 cubed is 27 so there was good numeric karma on the 327th day of 2017. And 11/23/17 was also Thanksgiving.  Not much doubt about what inspired me on this day.  Thanksgiving is a great holiday, filled with family, food, fun, football, just a great evening was had.  Heading to bed happy and content and inspired to remember what is important.

Inspired to be Thankful XX: Thankful for Anticipation

11/22/17 was a day of anticipation.  On the 326th day of 2017, everyone at work was headed to the early dismissal at 2PM.  And we are all waiting for our family and food filled day tomorrow as we celebrate Thanksgiving.  I am inspired to enjoy the anticipatory moments, but also to slow down and enjoy the present and not let the future come too soon.  Thankful for what I have now, but also thankful that I anticipate more to come.  And if this Carly Simon song is good enough for a ketchup commercial, it is good enough for an inspirational song of the evening.

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

Inspired to be Thankful XX: Thankful for My Bed

It is 11/21/17, and I am so tired.  The 325th day of 2017 was a doozy.  The best part of my day was when I was in the Dentist Chair getting my teeth cleaned (yup, the day was a doozy) listening to the Pandora Beatles channel.  Chilling in the chair, trying not to fall asleep, made me think of my bed, where I am headed now.  Earlier than usual, but I need it.  Thankful for my bed, and inspired to spend more time in it in the upcoming long weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVFx13745L8

Inspired to be Thankful XIX: Thankful for Penn Band Nation

11/20/17 was the annual Penn Band Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving/Lowbrass Dinner and Pageant.  It was a long day of work on the 324th day of 2017, but the music and mirth, the food and friendship, made me inspired to be thankful for my involvement with the Penn Band.  Glad it continues to this day.

Inspired to be Thankful XVIII: Thankful We (soon) Have a New Couch

After Church on day #323, we ended up at the Mall.  Yes, on 11/19/17, we finally (about a year too late) went couch shopping.  Although we love the furniture we currently have, the combination of Skylar and young kids have brought us to the time to get new ones.  I am inspired to be thankful that Alexa and Sarah picked out some good stuff (I was just the chauffeur), and they texted Anna for the AOK.  We spent the rest of the day as a family, and a lot of it in the family room.  Furniture is important (and I will be happy when it finally arrives), but the people ON the furniture is what is important.

Inspired to be Thankful XVII: Thankful for Teams

I saw a lot of productive teams on the 322nd day of 2017.  From the members of the Marching Band, who covered more events than on a Homecoming Saturday, to the teams that we followed on the field and the court today (who all won their games), to the myriad of teams involved in the Little Mermaid at Collingswood Middle School.  On 11/18/17, and on most days, I am so thankful for wonderful teams.  They inspired me today, and I am inspired to continue to work in teams and lift up teams because we truly can do better in a group than alone.

Inspired to be Thankful XVI: Theater Thanks

I am so happy and thankful for the Theater Program at the Collingswood Middle School.  On the 321st day, after an unexpected day at work, I was in the CMS Auditorium watching my daughter who has become a full fledged theater kid.  On the 16th day of Thankful Inspirations, 11/17/17, I am thankful for the amazing program, the inclusion of  Oaklyn and Woodlynne kids, the amazing leaders in Miss Whitman and Mr. Hartung and their teams.  Anna loves performing and I love watching her.  So proud!

Inspired to be Thankful XV: Thankful for Relaxing Music

The 320th day of 2017 found me working late on 11/16/17.  Sometimes you just get a data request that you cannot deny and you must work to complete it.  But, I was inspired to be thankful for relaxing music which soothed my soul as I worked late.  Thank you Pandora Enya Radio!

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

Inspired to be Thankful XIV: Thankful for the Piano

The 319th day of 2017 is a Wednesday.  And, on 11/15/17, as with most Wednesdays, that meant we had piano lessons to run to this evening.  Since Sarah had a meeting, I made sure I was home on time to get to piano on time and I was lucky to hear Alexa and Anna practice before the lessons started.  After a day of work, not much is better than hearing my daughters play the piano.  I am thankful that they are still playing, thankful for the beautiful music they are inspired to play, and looking forward to years of beautiful music in my future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mVW8tgGY_w

Inspired to be Thankful XIII: My Community is Involved

It was a long work day on 11/14/17, but I still rushed home on the 318th day of 2017 for another meeting.  And the turnout at the Oaklyn BOE Meeting was great!  A discussion of the future of our sending relationship with Collingswood and the future of the school and its place in our community was had.  And the questions and conversation was really great.  So many people who care about the kids and our community.  I am thankful for this community of caring individuals and inspired to continue to do what I can for the kids and to support our school.

Inspired to be Thankful XII: My Love of Numbers

Not a lot dramatic happened on the 317th day of 2017.  And that is just fine.  I was reminded, on 11/13/17, that it is a triple prime day (11, 13, 17) and then, on the way home, my odometer hit 84048.  Simple pleasures, in numbers.  I am thankful for the pleasure that simple numbers can bring, and I am inspired to keep finding happiness in the simple numerology of life.

Inspired to be Thankful XI: The Hope From a Baptism

Sunday, 11/12/17, the 316th day of 2017, started with an amazing event.  I love Baptisms and I was blessed to be asked to be AJ's Godfather (kiss my ring) and we attended the service this morning.  Whenever I watch babies being baptized, it fills me with hope.  Babies are so pure, and I am inspired by the futures that are possible.  Adults are the cause of most of the mistakes we see in society, so I like to focus on the kids and the good they can bring.  I am thankful to have been chosen to be AJ's Godfather and pledge to help him achieve the future that he (and we) deserve.  And, in a musical sense, let's focus on a classic from Whitney!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYzlVDlE72w

Inspired to be Thankful X: Veterans (and those who continue to serve)

11/11/17 - Veteran's Day 2017. And, on the 315th day of 2017, I am repeating a post from a year ago. My thankful inspirations are, once again, for all those who have served and those who continue to serve. THANK YOU!

Inspired to be Thankful IX: I Love My Kids

The commute to and from work on the 314th day of 2017 was so much better than usual.  That is because, on 11/10/17, I convinced my daughters to spend one of their NJEA vacation days with me, in the office.  Had a productive day at work, the girls made me smile all day, and then we capped it off with all four of us having a family movie night.  There is no question how thankful I am with how well my daughters are growing up.  From little kids to beautiful (inside and out), young women.  I am inspired to be sure they always know how much I love them and how much they mean to me!

Inspired to be Thankful VIII: Got a Haircut

11/9/17 was day #313 of 2017.  Being a palindromic day, it had to be a good one.  And it was!  A good day at work, a good meal with my family, TV show catch-up, even got a little work done on the home computer.  A satisfying day.  But, a day most notable because I was able to finally get a haircut.  In my season of being inspired to be grateful, I truly am thankful that I have had the same barber for years and, frankly, I do not have much hair, but he always makes it look better.  And the best part is the conversation, not really the haircut (not much hair, remember).  I am a loyal customer and a creature of habit - so today I thankful for being able to have the same person as a barber for year and year and hopefully years to come!

Inspired to be Thankful VII: Good Friends

All throughout day #312 of 2017, I was constantly reminded of the value of good friends.  On 11/8, I laughed with good friends at work, I saw my kids interact with their good friends, and I spoke with good friends online.  In our time of thanksgiving, I am inspired to appreciate the friends I have and the friends I have yet to make.

Inspired to be Thankful VI: The Privilege to Vote

11/7/2017 was Election Day 2017.  So I started the 311th day at the ballot box.  I am always inspired to vote, to state my beliefs in the voting booth.  And my favored candidates do not always win (but they did today!) but I am always inspired to vote.  The privilege of voting, the way to honor the process and those who fought for our right to vote, and, of course, voting allows us to also complain.  I am inspired to continue to be part of the process and to work to improve our processes.  Politics seem very frustrating these days, but they will only get better if we all vote.  I am thankful for the privilege today and glad I exercised that right.

Inspired to be Thankful V: The Church Administrative SLG

It was a long, but fruitful, day at work on the 310th day of 2017.  But, still, I found myself at a 2-hour Administrative SLG meeting on 11/6/17.  And it was a great meeting.  As I continue the Inspirational Thanksgiving theme, I am so thankful for the inspiration I gain from members of this committee, working so hard to be great stewards of the time, talent, and treasure our church has been blessed with.  There were thoughtful discussions, laughter and smiles, and then we ended with prayers of the people.  AMEN!

Inspired to be Thankful IV: Church Music

Being a Sunday, we started 11/5/2017 at Old First Reformed UCC.  And the best part of the morning of the 309th day of 2017 was getting to sing again in Choir.  I have been so busy at work and with other things, that I have not had time for Choir.  I really hope to be able to return to singing soon, being musical is inspirational.  And I am inspired to feel that inspiration more.  I am thankful for the solace that music brings in my life, both performing it and listening to it.  And, even though we have already discussed saints (on 11/1), I leave you with one of my favorite hymns.

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

Inspired to be Thankful III: Homecoming

Day #308 was Penn's Homecoming!  So most of the Sherrs (Anna had play practice) spent a lot of time on Penn's Campus on 11/4/17.  It was a great day, perfect weather, a Penn Football win over Princeton (that was a little too close for comfort, but still great!), and a lot of time talking to a lot of Penn Alumni.  I am inspired by how happy people are to come back to campus.  I am also inspired to remember that it truly is coming home for many alumni (even though when we work on campus, it's just coming back for another day).  Had a great day, on a great campus - GO QUAKERS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_7ACpZ_iGQ

Inspired to be Thankful II: Fridays

11/3/17, the end of a long, long week.  And the 307th day of 2017 ended an amazing family dinner out (Red Lobster, yum cheddar biscuits!) and then family TV time.  I am thankful for Fridays, especially lately, because they provide a needed respite at the end of chaos.  And they are the precursor for the best day of the week this Fall, Saturdays.  I am inspired to use these times to relax and recharge.  And I am thankful for this time with self and family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je5SBsCW7NE

Inspired to be Thankful I: My Family

So we are in the Season of Thanksgiving, starting with the 306th day of 2017.  Starting with 11/2/17 and running through Thanksgiving, I have decided to be inspired to be thankful each day.  So, my initial thanksgiving inspiration is, of course, My Family!  After work, it was great to come home, and then run right back out to watch Alexa play her last Fall softball game of the year.  Sarah kept the book and I charted the game on the iPad, it was a family affair.  And now we are all together, getting ready to relax and go to bed.  No matter what is going on in my life, I am thankful and blessed to have my family as my rock.  They inspire me, also, to be a better person.  Much love and thanksgiving tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBpYgpF1bqQ

Saints Inspire

The 1st of November is All Saints Day.  And, at the end of the 305th day of 2017, I sit here at my computer thankful and feeling blessed by all the saints in my life.  From my grandparents (Aaron, Ann, Nettie, Saul, Amelia, and Paul) to those at work (Lu, Frank, Peter, Sondra, Michael) to those from Church (Peter, Jeanne, Lois, Carl) to those in my community (Tyler, Ed, Michelle, Tommie) to those not mentioned here but present in my heart, all of these saints have advised me, loved me, made me laugh, educated me, mentored me, and added to my life in so, so many ways.  I am inspired to never let those memories fade.  I am inspired to live life to honor their wishes and their values.  And I am inspired not to be sad, but to be joyous for their lives and the love they gave.  This is why I am picking this song today to express this joy.

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