Money

Day #91 of 2016 was the last day of March (3/31/16).  I was actually off of work, so the day was far from normal.  But, honestly, the day was not much to talk about.  Not in a good way or in a bad way. Just a normal PTO day, and relaxing at home, and trying to work on my schoolwork.  But, since it was the last day of the month, it was PAYDAY.  So, I'll ask Pink Floyd to sing us home,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhX5W7JoWI

Control

I am learning a lot about special days of the year in 2016.  And on 3/30/16 (the 90th day of 2016), I learned it was National "I am In Control" Day.  This is because, on this date (albeit day #89) 35 years ago, Ronald Reagan was shot.  I remember I was in the Central Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library after school and, as my mom picked me up, she delivered the news to me.  Thankfully, the President survived but, while his condition was unknown, Secretary of State, Alexander Haig, uttered the famous words, "I am in control here!"  While I remember these events, I never knew it had spawned a day where people are urged to combat the out of control feeling.  I have to admit, lately, sometimes I have felt out of control about certain things, and I have not enjoyed it that much.  BUT, this day, I guess, is a reminder both that we should take action (when we can) to regain control where we can but, also, sometimes, we should try to accept that we cannot be in control of everything, all the time.  And, to assist me in celebrating this day, I am invoking the assistance of Janet Jackson. Sing it, Janet!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fMea0P-qnA

Dentist Song

3/29/16 - Day #89 of 2016, and it was another pretty normalish day.  BUT, Anna and I did have dentist appointments this evening.  Since the day was pretty uneventful otherwise, and we've gone a few days since a show tune, I give you this special song from Little Shop of Horrors!  :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOtMizMQ6oM

Monday, Monday

Monday, Monday.  Day #88 was palindromic and a regular ol' day at and after work.  Work, Band, Home, Work.  Just a regular ol' day on 3/28/16.  Tired from the busyness of Easter, but still had a pretty good day.  Not much to say, so I'll let the Mamas and Papas sing about Monday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxS9N-npE2Q

Jesus Christ is Risen Today!

You know, on the 87th day of 2016 (Easter Sunday 2016, 3/27/2016) I was actually considering a song other than a hymn.  I love the Hallelujah Chorus and we used to sing it all the time at OFR for Easter, so it seemed like that should be the song of the day.  But, my friend Jen is right!  There really is only one song of the day for Easter - and it is Jesus Christ is Risen Today.  We played this in Church today, Easter Brass, and I realized how important Easter Brass is to me.  Even before I was regularly attending church, Easter Brass was my exposure to religion.  Playing in quintets with Chas Terry's mom's church, enjoying the service and singing all the hymns, made it feel even more natural when I started attending with Sarah.  And, today, while playing with Sarah and our Penn Band ringers, I realized that, while the Hallelujah Chorus is beautiful, it is this hymn that really speaks to what this day is all about!  I hope your Easters were all as wonderful and blessed as ours was today!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT7dGcsrPkQ

Take It Easy

Day #86 of 2016 was a really nice day.  The weather on 3/26/16 was a little cool, but we started with the Oaklyn Little League Coin Drop and we ended with an egg dyeing party with friends, and in between, we just took it easy.  That is what was needed after a busy work week and in anticipation of an active Easter Morning.  Not much more to say, so I'll let the Eagles sing about it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeNhwnO8hw

Were You There?

Good Friday.  Day #85 of 2016.  3/25/16.  And after a quiet day of work, I got to thinking about Good Friday.  I struggle with this sad story and the hymns that come with it.  But, as my friend once told me, the sadness of Good Friday makes the joy of Easter even more vivid.  But the question "Where you there?" and the hymn that accompanies the question (which will be the Hymn of the Week, two days sooner than usual) is valid for the non-religious realm as well.  Can we stand by while all of the craziness abounds in politics?  Can we stand quietly while states like North Carolina pass laws filled with hate?  Can we stand by and not express our frustration with the wars, poverty, and inequality that faces our world today.  NO!  We cannot.  We are here, we need to be positive forces, and we owe it to the generations that follow to fix the World as best we can.  And, hopefully, just as Good Friday sadness leads to Easter joy, we can right these situations and bring more joy to the World as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nFE3VSBWG0

Don't You (Forget About Me)

It was Day #84 of 2016. And 3/24/16 is the 32nd anniversary of the Breakfast Club's Detention.  Not when the movie was released (2/15/85), but when they claimed to have been in the High School Library (3/24/84).  I loved (and still love) this movie.  Debating with Sarah as to when it is appropriate to show the kids.  It's rated R, but, that was then and this is now....we shall see.  But. for now, I am smiling remembering watching this movie, in the theater, on VHS, and maybe someday On Demand.  The obvious choice of Song of the Day is the classic, from Simple Minds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HND8ywYcC0

Fat Sam's GRAND SLAM

I had a great afternoon on the 83rd day of 2016.  The Colls Middle School Navy (8th grade) Softball Team's first game was this afternoon.  Although I did get stuck in traffic and came to the game late, so I missed Alexa's first at-bat where she slammed a GRAND SLAM!  Sigh, I did get a text report and got to watch her get two more singles, one walk, and score three more runs! And she closed out the game with two scoreless innings pitched!  So, I looked for a song that had a grand slam theme...and this one is the one I found - I like show tunes, so here it is!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2uQQ9mMnOI

Nothing Without Love

Day #82 started off somberly, with news on the Today Show from 3/22/16 about the terrorist attacks in Belgium. Brussels today, attacks in Turkey over the past few months (that get far less air time in the media), daily attacks against tourists and residents in Israel, San Bernadino, South Carolina.....one could get really caught up in the horrible news of the day.  And, as people pray for the victims, we should also pray for the situations that make people feel so lost that terror is their only solution they can find.  I know a saying in the 60s was "Make Love, Not War," but it's true.  What we need in this world today is more love for each other, more caring, more understanding, more tolerance. Unfortunately that is not what seems to sell on the media and it's not what the politicians (at home here in the US and abroad) seem to be focusing on.  For me, I want to focus on love.  Maybe it's because it is Holy Week, maybe it's because I am tired of the focus on hate and fear.  But truly, we (as a people of this Earth) are nothing without love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssVvkfcL9HI

Dancing with Myself

3/21/16 was both a normal day and an extraordinary day.  Day #81 started off with me taking the fundraising candy orders to the classrooms in OPS.  In one of the classrooms, the young man who sold the candy was so happy to get his order, he got up, at his desk, and started to dance....so I danced with him.  It was a great way to start the day!  Then the normal part - the day was filled, end to end, with meetings, and I struggled to keep up with all the email and tasks, and ended with a Band Board meeting and rehearsal.  BUT, in between, while having lunch with a friend and colleague, I ran into good ol' Markus Barone, one of my roommates in Sophomore and Junior Year on the 22nd floor of HRS.  He was visiting Penn (and other colleges) with his son, in his Junior year, and it was GREAT to see him.  And THEN, getting into the car to drive home, Billy Idol came on the radio.  I immediately smiled from ear to ear.  All signs pointed to this Idol song for the song of the day.  From a young student dancing, to seeing Markus, to Billy on the radio.....it all points to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG1NrQYXjLU

The Palms

Palm Sunday - Day #80 of 2016 - 3/20/2016.  What a great day!  Started off with the Annual OFD Pancake Breakfast, and then the wonderful Palm Sunday Service at OFR.  Then we rushed off to Alexa's Soccer game and then home to spend the afternoon and evening together.  A day filled with food, faith, family, and (Europeans call it) football.  How could anything be better?  And, all week I have been thinking about this "Old Chestnut" we used to sing in Choir.  I think I am the only one around who really likes singing this number, I know it is old...but I guess I have an old soul.  SO, today, on Palm Sunday, I offer it as my Hymn of the Week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etrgxd6fSvc

That's What Friends are For

I spent 3/19/16 surrounded by friends.  In that regard, this birthday weekend is shaping up to have an awesome theme.  The 79th day of 2016 started off in the Snack Stand, where I had amazing friends help me with some prep for the prep (i.e. getting things from the attic, so we can start setting up next week).  Then I sat with friends to watch Alexa in an indoor FH game (to which she was brought, by another friend, since I was with Anna at another event) and capped off the evening with a belated birthday dinner with great friends.  Friends, man, where would we be without 'em.  As I was yesterday, I am thankful and feeling blessed for all of the friends I have in my life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyTpu6BmE88

Thank You for Being a Friend

So here we are, the 78th day of 2016.  Usually my Birthday is on a palidromic day (#77), but it's a Leap Year, so 3/18/16 was #78.  And, frankly, my friends, I am overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed by the outpouring of greetings and love and friendliness that has been expressed to me, on my FB wall, on texts, on messages, in person.....My heart is filled with the messages of friendship and love that you have all given me.  And, frankly, I am humbled and grateful and feeling blessed to have you all in my life.  Thank you friends, families, and colleagues!  This song of the day was easy to find and the fact that it was the Golden Girls theme song is even better!  :-) <3!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN3E9Yyd1HA

Danny Boy

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!  The 77th day of 2016 is 3/17/2016.  Spent St. Patrick's Day looking forward to future and would could possibly be.  Exciting times, exciting times.  And for this day, and in honor of the MANY friends I have with Irish heritage, I say:

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you

And here is an Irish song from Bing Crosby to cap it all off:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2QtBYR7NJs

Happy Birthday (Kevin)

Day #76 of 2016 was an important day for our family.  For, on 3/16/16, my Nephew and Godson, Kevin Walters, turned 18!!  I have enjoyed all of the posts on his page and that have tagged him today and all of the old pics of his smiles through the years.  He is a remarkable young man, and I have loved to watch him grow and mature.  I looked for songs with 18 - none were appropriate since I am not a girl who wants Kevin to date or party with me.  I looked for songs titled Kevin.....again, no appropriate options.  So, when all fails, you go with PENGUINS singing happy birthday!  Happy Birthday, Kevin.  2016 is shaping up to be an amazing year for you - your stage debut in the play, senior baseball season, Graduation, and then PSU in the Fall!  LOVE YOU KEVIN and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (and, as I texted you this AM, don't forget to register to vote!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3MgQqT3uHY

Stuck in the Middle with You

BEWARE it's the Ides of March.  3/15/16, the 75th day of 2016, and I should have had a Caesar Salad, but, sadly, I did not (Pesto Chicken Panini come close?  NO!  oh well).  Not much else to report on a rainy, cool, typical March Tuesday.  But, since it is the middle of March, I give you one of my favorite songs with the word middle in it!  :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DohRa9lsx0Q

American Pie (Pi?)

3/14/16 and the 74th day of 2016 was a long one.  Starting with a rainy commute to work and ending with an amazing celebration for a #10 seed for the Penn Women's Basketball Team.  But today, 3/14, is also Pi Day!  Being a math geek, I love Pi Day.  I actually passed up pizza (pie) tonight because I had eaten it yesterday, but I appreciated the constant (get it?) humor on FB all day related to Pi.  And I knew my song of the day had to be related to Pi/pie as well.  SO here is the Don McLean classic we all know (and some love).....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih7N9_VUU4U

Senzeni na? (What have we done?)

We are at Day #73 for 2016.  I was tired for most of 3/13/16, but I attribute that to more to the fact that it was "Spring Forward" Day as well as to the fact that I stayed up to watch SNL last night (#Time-SleepManagementIssues).  It was another Sunday filled with kids' activities, from dyeing egg shells (for the Easter cascarones) after Church with the Youth Group, to sitting in the rain for two hours watching Alexa and her team play soccer (and win 1-0!), and finishing up with a Little League Board Meeting, planning for a successful 2016 season.  But I reached down into my energy reserve that was filled this morning with our Church Choir's anthem.  Holly Phares (who is our Artist in Residence this year) introduced us to this South African Hymn which translates to "what have we done?"  During Lent, of course, the question is likely directed to the crucifixion of Jesus.  But lately, I have been thinking "what have we done?" in relation to the state of discourse in America today.  I am, of course, talking about the political scene from Trump and the Republicans to awful things being said by radical Hillary and Bernie supporters.  But also just general discourse in America today, from FB rants, to online comments on webpages, to cyber-bullying, to peaceful protests that turn violent, it could seem that hope for the future of America is lost.  Then, as I watched the video on You Tube of the South African Youth Choir, I thought of how this diverse ensemble would have been impossible to conceive during the Apartheid-South Africa.  And I, again, though back to the panel of diverse and thoughtful 8th graders on the panel with Alexa this past week. Truly, what HAVE we (the adults) done?  I have hope that the next generation will be more thoughtful and healing than we have been.  So Senzeni na, while not a TRADITIONAL hymn, becomes my hymn of the week - and I will listen to it as the week progresses, both for its beautiful harmonies, but also for its remembrance of transgressions of the past and the hope for healing in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fDU1PYWT8A

Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News

3/12/16 was the 72nd day of 2016.  Our first Saturday without basketball, and I missed it a bit.  But, after a nice relaxing (relatively) day, we spent the evening watching the Colls H.S. Theater Department's production of the Wiz. It was an amazing show and so, of course, my song for the day is inspired by it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKdv1vme2h4

Be True To Your School

3/11/16, and it was Blue and Gold Night at Oaklyn Public School!  So we spent the latter part of the 71st day of 2016 in the Gym of the School, watching the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders compete in a Spirit-Day set of competitions.  And, tonight, Alexa's Gold Team was on the losing end of most of the competitions, athletically, but her team won the Philanthropic, Academic, and Spirit categories.  All in all, it really does not matter who wins (to me, it matters a lot to the kids, I'll admit), I enjoy watching the competition and enjoy the fact that this tradition has been going on so long that one of the parents of the Blue team was rooting for Gold because that is what HE was on, years ago, when he was at OPS.  Oaklyn School may be small, but the spirit and the teamwork and the camaraderie were large tonight, and these are memories I am sure Alexa will remember for years to come.  So the song today does not relate to ether of the teams, but, instead, speaks to the School Spirit that this night fosters!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7sLDziV2hs

Walking on Sunshine

Day #70 of 2016 is over - and I think I have cleared all of the hurdles of this week, at least the ones I could foresee!  3/10/16 was an amazing day, weather wise.  The workday went pretty well too.  A little bump this morning when the entire block was without power from 8:30-9:05, but thankfully it came back on and all was OK.  And I enjoyed the times I was able to be outside today, even taking a walk at lunchtime.  It is amazing how much better everything seems when you can be walking outside on a sunshiney day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U

The Kids Are Alright

3/9/16 was the 69th day of 2016.  It ended with me attending the Camden County School Board Association Meeting where Alexa was one of many 8th graders on stage answering questions about their experiences in Middle School/Junior High and their hopes for the future.  They had a lot of insightful things to say and the moderator made a comment that they were far more articulate than many of our current Presidential candidates.  And, this is true.  There is always hand wringing and teeth gnashing about the youth of today and how they are going to destroy America.  Frankly, the kids I heard from tonight are well on their way to be the leaders we need in the future.  As the Who sing in today's song, I am feeling that the kids are alright tonight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETvVH2JAxrA

I am Woman

It is fitting that on Day #68, I celebrated the Ivy League Championship for the Women's Basketball Team of Penn!  Because, on 3/8/16, I was in Jadwin Gym (just as I was in 2014) to watch them beat the Tigers to clinch the Ivy Title.  And 3/8 was International Women's Day, so it just seems like it was the right time to clinch this!  And, as I was driving home from Princeton, thinking about this post, I realized why I enjoyed it even more on International Women's Day.  Because, for my entire life, I have always been surrounded by strong women.  From my mother and sister in 911 S. 47th Street, to my caring, but firm, grandmothers and aunts, to my amazing cousins and 2nd cousins, my family is filled with amazing, caring, funny, strong women.  And, of course, I am married to a strong woman and we are, together in partnership, raising two strong (almost, at times, TOO strong willed) women.  And, in every facet of my life, Penn (each and every department in which I have worked has had strong female leadership, and in the Band, and the students in the Nursing School, and my Student Affairs colleagues), Church, Community, and Friends, I have always been in situations where there has been strong women to learn from, to work with, to help build up, and support when needed. I have to think, though, it all started at 911 S. 47th where my mom really showed me, every day, the benefits of embracing strong, female leadership and the benefits I could get from seeking out, and benefiting from strong women.  And, when I was thinking of songs, I, of course, thought of this one from Helen Reddy.  I remember listening to my mom's album of this song, and hearing it now takes me back to 911 and my mom and the foundation on which my whole philosophy has been built. Thanks Mom, and thanks to all of the strong, supportive, amazing, beautiful women in my life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4xpDuf84A

Stressed Out

OK, the good news.  I survived the 67th day of 2016.  So 3/7/16 wasn't the best day I have ever had, but it was not as bad as I had feared either.  One of the methods I used to stay calm was thinking of this song all day.  My kids like it and, I have to admit, it has a decent beat!  I do yearn for times long ago sometimes, when things were more simple.  I think that is why I love Little League, and Rec Basketball, and OMAYSC.  Being with the kids reminds me of the simpler times.  And I think it is good to remember that all of life's stressors are just that, stressors.  Ground oneself in what really matters: Family, Friends, Doing Good, Being Nice.....let the rest of it just happen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRviuL6vMY

In The Garden

The Hymn of the week, on this 66th day of 2016, has more to do with tomorrow and this coming week, than with today. 3/6/16 was a pretty good day.  From Church to Errands to Family Dinner and Movie night, the flow was good and the company even better.  But Church this morning had me thinking about two things: 1) when bad things happen to good people and 2) when you need God (or Jesus) to be with you, keeping you strong.  And that made me think of this hymn.  It's always been one of my favorites and, actually, it's one of the hymns I'd like at my Memorial Service (yes, I morbidly think about that from time to time, even though I hope it's 40-50 years away).  Although it is often thought of as a funeral hymn, tonight I'd like to focus more on the line, "And He Walks with Me, and He Talks with Me."   Tomorrow and in the coming week, I will need people to walk with me and talk with me and I am pretty confident I will be able to close my eyes, take a deep breath, feel the presence with me, and persevere.  Hope others can as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aIhta9exts

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Day #65 of 2016 was a pretty typical Saturday in early March.  We celebrated the end of the Colls Girls Rec Basketball Season on the morning of 3/5/2016 and we ended the day at the Palestra watching the Quakers Women's Basketball Team get its record setting 23rd win of the season.  And, since it is Penn's Spring Break, our numbers, in the Band, were enhanced by some of the Band's faithful alumni.  Between this weekend and last weekend's Basketball Homecoming, I really realize how much the Palestra is an amazing place, truly "Basketball's MOST HISTORIC Gym!"  I love going there to watch Penn's teams and I love how I feel so comfortable and at home there.  It's not a tavern, but it is a place where "everybody knows my name."  Ok, most everybody...but close enough for me to think of today's song, a song we used to play for graduating seniors, on Senior Day for the Penn Women as well.
GO QUAKERS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-mi0r0LpXo

FAME!

I love the number 64.  8 * 8, 2^6, when I'm 64...and all that.  Today, 3/4/16 (hey, Jeff, 3 + 4 -1 = 6), was day #64 of 2016.  And on March Fourth day, I should be posting a Sousa March or a Penn Marching (sic) Band show.  But, instead, I want to focus, again, on the Talent Show at OPS.  We had fun yesterday at the Dress Rehearsal, but the show tonight was even better.  I am always amazed and impressed, both by the effort and talents of the kids, but also of the dedication of the parents and especially the organizers of the show.  And, later on, when these kids are famous and I see them on TV or on the big screen, I can say I remembered their name!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dtz6BVysjQ

Counting Stars

The evening of 3/3/2016 was spent watching the Dress Rehearsal of the OPS Talent Show.  What a way to end the 63rd day of 2016.  The theme this year is Star Wars: the Talent Awakens and I enjoyed watching the talented stars of OPS perform their acts on stage.  I also enjoyed watching the proud parents in the audience and remembering when I was bursting with pride during my kids' and their friends' acts.  Looking forward to tomorrow night, working the curtain, and enjoying the stars one more time.  Maybe I will count them...cue song:

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

Route 66

The 62nd day of 2016 was an excellent day.  Because 3/2/16 parses to 3 x 2 x 1 = 6 & 3 + 2 + 1 = 6.
Someone at work said to me, "6.6.6"  But, I corrected to 66.  And then it is also the third anniversary of my dear friends the Crocettos.  LOVE THEM!!!  66 is a multiple of 3.  1966 is when my parents were married, at age 22.  22 times their 3rd anniversary = 66.  All numbers point to today.  3/2/16.
And, for the song of the day, here is one of the masters of Rock and Roll, Chuck Barry, singing about Route 66!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg2EbJy-9dc

Lovely Rita

Well, Day #61 of 2016 was 3/1/2016.  The first day of March 2016 came in like a lamb (weather-wise), but like a lion, email-wise (seriously, first day in a long time I felt so overwhelmed by the number and content of emails.  But I pushed through and the workday ended and I have caught up, for now, on old emails.  The song inspiration of the day comes from Anna's desire to go to Rita's Water Ice today, as they opened today.  One of many signs of better weather to come.  Weber's opened, and so it Rita's.  Lovely Rita's.....hey, we know a song about that!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj0FuXnfN80