Inspired to Turn the Page

For a year where nothing really terrible happened to me or my close circle of family and friends, 2017 was still a stressful time, for much of it.  So, on the 365th day of 2017, the last day of the year, 12/31/17, I am inspired to turn the page on 2017 and look forward to 2018.  I really do believe that the best is yet to come, and I am inspired to, as I said in Church today, have less stress and more faith that goodness and good things will happen.  I hope that you are all able to find your hopeful and happy inspirations as we turn the page from 2017 to 2018.  See you on the flip side!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Inspired by Eggs

12/30/2017, the 6th day of Christmas and the penultimate 364th day of 2017.  And, as the song goes, the day is about 6 geese, a layin'.  But, it's not geese I want to be inspired by today (although there are TONS of them around).  No, today, the egg is the inspiring element.  An egg is a new life, a chance for a new beginning.  After the year I experienced in 2017, I am ready for a new start, a new beginning for 2018.  Tomorrow we say goodbye to 2017, and today we can be inspired about the new beginning that 2018 will bring!

Ring Inspirations

It's the 363rd day of 2017 and the last palindromic day of 2017.  12/29/17 was a wonderful day.  Sure, Alexa sprained her ankle at basketball practice, but that did not stop us from having a wonderful family day on the 5th day of Christmas.  And, as the song goes, "my true love gave to me, Fiiiiive Golden Rings!"  No, I did not get jewelry today, but I did get to watch my spouse in action and marvel at her skills as a mother, as a nurse, as a person!  She is my true, true partner and we work hard, together, to keep our family going.  So, for the last palindromic, wonderful, family day, I will focus on the golden ring I have on my left hand's ring finger, and be inspired to keep working with my partner for as long as we both shall live.

First Responders Inspire

The 362nd day of 2017 started off with some excitement.  On 12/28/17, a house on the street behind ours had a fire.  It was a fire that could have been a lot worse than it ended up being.  But the first responders reported, quickly, in sub-freezing temperatures, and quickly got the fire under control, saved as much of the house they could, and kept it from spreading any further.  These first responders: Fire, Police, EMS, the nurses, doctors, and other health professionals, and, of course, the amazing men and women of the military who serve and protect, even when it's the holidays, and many times away from their family and friends.  I never forget them, but, today, I am inspired to appreciate them even more.  Given it's the fourth day of Christmas, I thought the most fitting image was this of verses of Psalm 10-11.  Oaklyn certainly had its angels today!

Christmas Movies Inspire

12/27/17, and another day of Christmas Vacation.  The Third Day of Christmas (and Day #361 of 2017).  We hankered down tonight and watched Christmas Movies.  Not really good movies, but movies that made us laugh and had Christmas themes.  So they were really good for us.  I am inspired by family time, especially in the Christmas season.

Twelve Days Inspire

12/26/17 is the Second Day of Christmas and the 360th day of 2017.  And, yes, I said the second day of Christmas.  For some, it seems, the mindset is towards New Year's and even Valentine's Day.  Radio stations that have been playing 24/7 holiday tunes since Halloween are now suddenly back to their standard format.  Not me, I am still in Christmas mode and I am inspired to enjoy all TWELVE days of Christmas.  I am hoping that the Christmas message of hope, joy, and generosity is living in all of you as well.

Christmas Inspirations

CHRISTMAS!  Day #359 of 2017 was spent with family.  12/25/17 was family first, middle, and last - the way Christmas is supposed to be.  I am inspired to always remember the most important part of life, family.  And glad to be with them today! ❤️🎄❤️

https://youtu.be/yHDgzQ6eQw4

Christmas Eve Inspirations

Christmas Eve is always a special day for our family.  12/24/17 found us at Church (even moreso since the 358th day of 2017 was also a Sunday).  AM Service, Family Traditional Lunch, brief rest, and back at the Evening Service with brass and choir anthems and the carols.  Yes, music is one of the best parts of the Christmas Eve Service.  But, in this hectic time (for me, personally, and the world, politically), the message meant so much to me.  The story of Christmas is more than just a story of a baby being born who would become the Savior of us all.  It is a story of a baby being born into a turbulent political time, while the oppressive politicians of the time were rounding up people and figuring out how to charge them more taxes.  Kinda like now.  Except the story is a HOPEFUL one.  Christmas represents HOPE.  And hope is what we should have, as we pass the light around the world, as we passed the light around the sanctuary today, with our candles.  I am inspired to have hope, even amidst turbulent times, and to pass the light and hope from myself to those that I meet.  May we all have the spirit of Christmas and do the same.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5iRUABBiko

Christmas Traditions Inspire

One thing that is certainly true about the Sherr Family is that we love our traditions.  Tomorrow, Christmas Eve, is Sunday, so we cannot join the usual group in the light show traditions.  So our family did them tonight, on 12/23/17!  And we will join them for lunch tomorrow and then all of our wonderful Christmas Eve traditions will follow.  On the 357th day of 2017, I am allowing the traditions to inspire me to feel the Christmas spirit and be happy.

Christmas Light Inspirations

As I drove around, on the evening of the 356th day of 2017, in Oaklyn and neighboring towns, I came to the realization that one of the reasons I love Christmas so much is the lights.  I really appreciate the artistry of my neighbors, of the towns (especially Haddon Ave. in Collingswood), and I just am inspired to be happier when I see the lights of Christmas.  It's 12/22/17, so the lights will soon be gone, but, while they are here I will allow them to inspire me to be happy and content.  Christmas is coming!

Task List Inspirations

So, on Tuesday, I stated it was the second to last palidromic day of 2017.  Well, Day #355 had a palindromic bent, it is 12/21.  12/21/17 found me working to check things off of my Task List.  It is something I will continue to do as we head into break as I want to start 2018, at work, caught up and ready to roll.  I am inspired to complete these tasks, and enjoy myself doing so. 

Low Point Inspirations

On the 354th day of 2017, I feel like I have hit a slight low point.  Maybe it's the shortest daylight hours of the year, maybe it's the horrible political climate, maybe it's the end-of-semester exhaustion, I dunno.  But, on 12/21/17, I had some glimmers of the excellence that is to come.  A great day of fellowship in the office, filled with holiday food and laughter, the realization that daylight hours will just get more and more plentiful in the days and weeks to come, watching my daughter and her classmates in an amazing vocal concert, spending a great dinner with my family, these are all beacons of hope in a rough time.  So, today, I want to focus my inspiration on realizing that change (for the good) is in the future and let's wait for it and embrace it when it arrives.

Inspired to De-Stress

On the second to last palindromic day of 2017 (Day #353), things were not as great as they usually are on palindromic days.  Yes, at the end of 12/19/17 I am exhausted.  And stressed.  So I went searching for de-stressing suggestions and, as I get ready to turn in, I am going to be inspired to follow these tactics.....vacation is coming.

Role Models Inspire

And the workday on 12/18/17 ended at another retirement party for a long-time colleague.  I got to speak, on the 352nd day of 2017, and I expressed my appreciation at the example that this colleague has provided for those of us who worked with him for parts of the past 43 years.  I am inspired by, and appreciative of, those who have led the way, taught me the ropes, and helped me along the way.  I will miss my retiring colleague(s), but will always aspire to do as they taught.

Tuba Christmas Inspirations

The 351st day of 2017 was, again, filled with tons of musical inspirations.  From Alexa and Anna playing their piano piece at Church, through the Children's Pageant, to Tuba Christmas, and ended with Anna's performance with ChildrenSong at the Ritz Theater, in town, the sounds of music were plentiful.  On 12/17/17, I felt so lucky to be able to perform with Tuba Christmas.  Each year, we gather, rehearse for 2 hours, and then play a concert for an appreciative audience.  It is one of the highlights of the season, and I am inspired to continue to keep this tradition in future years.

Christmas Music Inspires

There was a lot going on during the 350th day of 2017.  12/16/17 was filled with errands, a basketball game, a babysitting gig, practicing for Church piano playing, trombone Christmas, and pretzel making.  Some of these event were directly Christmas music.  But even the events that were not required a driver (me!), and I was listening to the XM holiday channel the whole time.  I love holiday music.  It inspires me to be happier, and I think it inspires others as well.  People seem happier during the season (as long as they are not in a shopping mall).  Hope your holiday preparations are going well.

Commuting Inspirations

Although I left work early on the 349th day of 2017, I still arrived later than I had hoped on 12/15/17.  I (and many others) had a horrible commute home.  Rush Hour snow is the worst kind of snow.  I was inspired to get home in time to see Anna before her Snowball Dance and, thankfully, I arrived with time to do so, even if I could not help set up.  Not much else inspired me today, just an inspiration to get home by any means necessary.

Bovine Inspirations

Day #348 started in a unique way.  On 12/14/17, I got texts, tweets, and FB posts about my Church, our Pastor, and our cow being in the news.  And as the day progressed, the national news even picked up the story (slow news day, I guess).  Although I am sorry for the lack of sleep that John and Michael got last night, I am happy for the celebrity this has brought our nativity scene and I hope that it inspires people to come visit us and experience the living nativity and the way the story can be told in real life.

The Arts Inspire

The end of the 347 the day of 2017 was very busy, but also very fulfilling.  I rushed home from work on 12/13/17 to pick up Anna from a rehearsal to get her to an awards ceremony for an essay contest at the VFW (she came in 2nd!)  Then we rushed over to Colls to watch Alexa in the Instrumental Concert.  I love that my children are immersed in the arts: vocal, language (i.e. writing), and instrumental (not to mention the theater that Anna has been doing as well!)  I am inspired by the talent on display in these arenas and inspired to keep feeding the love of the arts in my kids and their classmates.

Alabama Inspirations

While it is not over, yet, and almost 1/2 the votes still voted for an accused pedophile over a "Liberal," the 346th day of 2017 has brought some hope to this crazy political world.  As 12/12/17 comes to an end, it seems that the Alabama voters have rejected Roy Moore.  So, I know this really does not mean that all worries are over and it does not mean that America is headed back to political sanity, it is a beacon of hope in a crazy time.....so, for tonight, I am inspired that a Democrat won in Alabama, even if he was running against a dumpster fire.  Let's hope the momentum continues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye5BuYf8q4o

Disney Songs Inspire

Day #345 was a long day.  A lot of meetings at work on 12/11/17.  And then a few after work events, parent-teacher conferences at OPS, and then finally a dine and donate for Collingswood Softball.  But the best part of the day was when driving Alexa and her friends home, and we were listening to Disney Music, upon request.  Disney music always puts me in a good mood.  I am inspired to remember how I feel listening to these songs when I am facing another tough day of meetings.  And, because I feel like a song, here is my favorite Disney song of all time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC_mV1IpjWA

Human Rights Day Inspirations

In addition to being a Sunday filled with wonderful family events from AM Church to Anna's ChildrenSong Concert, to a wonderful family dinner out, the 344th day of 2017 was also the UN's Human Rights Day.  So, on 12/10/17, I remain inspired to treat all human beings with the respect they deserve and to do what I can to ensure that everyone is treated in a humane manner.  I know I can only affect my small corner of the world, but if we were all so inspired, our small corners could cover the Earth.

Snowy Inspirations

It was a snowish (not really that much stuck, but it did snow) day on the 343rd day of 2017.  And although the snow was an annoyance to me on 12/9/17, it did not really stop us from doing anything we had planned, and it did add a sense of holiday cheer to all the events.  So I am inspired not to let the snow bother me as much as it usually does, and to be inspired by the happiness it brings to others.  As long as I am allowed to stay inside and be warm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-10fWHdpmks

Helping Others is Inspiring

The year is rapidly coming to a close, day #342 was a day filled with helping others.  Mainly at work, there were people to help on 12/8/17.  I am always inspired to help others and inspired by those who help others.

Inspired to Chat

I chatted a lot on 12/8/17.  Meetings that were planned did not seem to happen, but it left me with time, and opportunity, to chat.  And, in chatting on the 341st day of 2017, I actually got a lot of work done (maybe even more than in the planned meetings).  It is a reminder that informal conversations can sometimes be just as valuable as formally planned events.  I am inspired to work to use all forms of conversation to get stuff done.

St. Nicholas Inspires

12/6/17, the 340th day of 2017, was St. Nicholas Day.  St. Nicholas Day celebrates the third-century saint who sold all his possessions and gave his money to the poor. Raised to be a devout Christian, his whole life was dedicated to serving the sick and suffering.  Amidst all of the consumerism of the Christmas Season, I am inspired to think of THIS paragon of Christmas.  And to think of others and those who have little during this season.  And, while thinking, do something to help make things better for those in need.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1MoLSxS64I

Basketball Inspirations

12/5/2017 was the opening scrimmage for the Collingswood Girl's Basketball Team.  So I spend a large portion of the end of the 339th day in the Gym watching Alexa's team.  I am always inspired by the team's effort and cohesion.  It is also fun to see so many kids we saw playing in the Rec League playing at the High School Level.  This season should be fun.  ROLL COLLS!

Good Meetings, Good Teams Inspire

Monday, Monday, Monday, yes the 338th day of 2017 was a Monday.  And, for a Monday, it went pretty well!  Lots of good meetings on 12/4/17 with good teams of people.  It is sometimes hard to be inspired by meetings but today, it was the PEOPLE in the meeting that were inspiring me and the meetings went well, thankfully, because of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69sa-jYk444

Inspired to Have Hope

We started the 337th day of 2017 at Church (it was Sunday).  And on 12/3/17, Michael's sermon was about having hope.  And not hope when it is something you do not think you will get (i.e. I hope I win the lottery even though I never buy a ticket....)  But real hope.  I am inspired to have hope.  Especially after this week (in the news, at work, body aches and sickness).  Being inspired to be hopeful is a good inspiration to have.  And a good way to start the week.

Christmas Preparation Inspirations

Day #336 was both relaxing and busy, if that is possible.  Feeling better, I slept in, just in case, but have slept so much in the past two days, I could not sleep THAT long.  And then, on 12/2/17, we completed some Christmas preparation tasks.  The tree was obtained, the ChildrenSong Preview Concert was attended (it was beautiful) and the Church was decorated.  And, of course, as we drove from place to place, Christmas music was on the radio.  People also just seemed nicer today, as I pulled out to make a left at the Christmas tree place, a lady stopped to let me go, and then rolled down her window and said, "Have a Nice Day!" when I waved a thank you.  This is how life should be EVERY day, but I am inspired to enjoy the Christmas preparations and to keep the season's positive mindset.  Hoping others do the same.  Maybe it's the spirit of Santa in us all (yes, like Dolly and Kenny, I still believe).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpFjIPzV894

Inspired by the Benefits of Science

12/1/2017, World AIDS Day and the 335th day of 2017.  On World AIDS Day I am always reminded of how horrible the initial people suffering from this disease were stigmatized and how poorly they were treated (emotionally and sometimes even medically) in the early years.  But, for today's inspiration, I want to focus on the people who are working day after day, 24/7, to find a cure, to understand the science, to make the lives of people so much better.  We have come a long way, we have a long way to go, and I am inspired by and thankful for those researchers and practitioners who refuse to give up.