Fellin' Stronger Every Day

So an interesting thing happened during the 182nd day of 2016.  We lost email at work on 6/30/2016 (along with a lot of Microsoft O365 users across the country.  So I got projects done and I attended a lot of meetings, but the emails will have to wait for tomorrow.  I did get a chance to look at my phone and see, via a FB post, that my dad completed a hike today that brings him back to his usual distance. This makes me very happy because, as he says, and as we discussed on his page, he is getting Stronger Every Day.  And someone else posted this Chicago song on his page, but I get to choose it as my song of the day to celebrate his hike today!  Now off to bed so I get up early to tackle those emails tomorrow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PvN7ujfj2w

Unchained Melody

6/29/16 was day #181 of 2016.  And, as palindromic days go, it was OK.  Kind of stressful at work as the email volume is starting to get a little crazy.  But we will manage.  Great meetings today and after work got to have a nice dinner with Sarah.  But, today's focus is on the 42nd anniversary of my In-Laws, Jim and Winnie Walters.  Also neat to see, on Facebook, that they share the day with a few of my other near and dear friend-couples who also got married on 6/29.  June has been a great anniversary month with my parents' 50th on the 4th day and now finishing up the month with my in-laws' on the 29th.  To celebrate, here is Jim and Winnie's wedding dance song!  LOVE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiiyq2xrSI0

Heat of the Moment

The 180th day of 2016 was a hot a humid one.  Come to think of it, with apologies to Emily Ford, 6/28/16 was, in a word, moist!  And there was a lot going on at work and at Little League.  And, as a theme for this week, maybe I should use songs the Penn Band plays and songs I wish they did play. So on a day where I was bothered by the heat outside, I will celebrate with this Asia song!

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

Kodachrome

As the 179th day comes to an end, I have no reason that, on 6/27/16, I want to pick this song.  It came on the radio as I drove to work today....and I sat in the car until it was done.  Any song that can make you do that deserves its shot as the song of the day.  It helps it is also one of my favorite ditties that the Penn Band has played....just so musically sound and I love Paul Simon.

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

We Are One Body

Day #178, as was the case with the previous day, was filled with Little League.  On 6/26/16, Oaklyn hosted it's 4th and 5th tournament games over the three day weekend (5 games in about 50 hours!) And besides the fact that it was spending time in beautiful weather with baseball and my community, what I also liked is how teamwork was held up.  Teamwork for the boys on the team, teamwork to get the fields ready, to set up and serve at the Snack Stand, and teamwork between our umpiring crews. So, on this Summer Sunday, I found this hymn I really am enjoying.  It's a unity hymn, more religious that baseball, but similar in that it highlights unity between people of faith in many nations.  Given the political landscape of the world these days, I think it's good reminder that we must band together to solve the world's problems as well.  Listening to this has made me smile a little more, and that will make facing a new work week tomorrow THAT much easier!  Goodnight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqh5IM5FKl8

You've Got a Friend in Me

I spent most of the day on 6/25/16 dedicated to Little League.  After some morning errands on the 177th day of 2016 (a few that ALSO had to do with Little League), I headed up to the fields to prep the Snack Stand and then get ready to umpire for the two Tournament games we hosted.  I was honored and excited to be a part of a "four-man" crew (and quotes are necessary as two of the umpires were women) with some of my friends and neighbors from LL.  And I was only able to do this because ANOTHER friend bailed me out and agreed to work the stand, while I umped.  And, although I am a little sore and dehydrated, the games went well (I mean, calls were argued, but that is par for the course), and the snack stand went well, and it was all because I got to spend the day with baseball, the snack stand, and friends!  So, the song of the day is ANOTHER friends related song (thank goodness there are many of them out there) that I first heard in a Pixar movie, but I LOVE this Michael Buble version, mainly for the orchestration (can you hear the bassoon??).  And I THANK my FRIENDS for a wonderful day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2khhJpECXQ

Hey Mickey

6/24/2016 was another long day at work.  But, on my lunch break on the 176th day of 2016, I was blessed to be able to head over to the Palestra and see my daughter competing at the Penn Women's Basketball Camp.  What a joy to watch her play on the Palestra floor and hit a shot to put her team ahead near the end of the game (the other team did hit a last second 3 for the win but....).  But, honestly, the best part of the day was being able to commute to the camp this morning with Alexa. Listening to the 80's on 8, we enjoyed this one-hit wonder....so it is my Song of the Day because it made me smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoDxSgoVHG0

Stand By Me

Day #175 (6/23/16) was another long day of work and I am getting to bed late, after working on emails and projects all evening.  So, I am going to just jump off the theme I started last night and go with another "Stand By" song.  This one from Ben E King.  Easy, but some days you need an easy one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwZNL7QVJjE

Stand By You

6/22/16, day #174 of 2016, and another long day at work.  Still at home, slogging through emails and data reports..... so I do not have much time to write a long post tonight.  But, I have known the song of the day since this morning.  Driving to work, in need of an upbeat mood, I heard this song on the radio.  So, for all of you (including me) who need some positive energy tonight, I give you this song about friendship, love, and support!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwB9EMpW8eY

Be Our Guest

The 173rd day of 2016 was a great day at work!  Because, on 6/21/16, SRFS hosted one of my Registrar colleagues all day for an NGSS strategy session.  So many good ideas introduced and shared with the team and our campus colleagues.  Then, we rushed over to Cohen Hall where the SRFS Senior Directors hosted a Meet and Greet with our Penn campus colleagues.  Another good time of information sharing and networking.  Good People, Good Ideas, Good Times.  I liked hosting these two sessions and, when thinking of hosting, this song always comes to mind!  It's Disney, so you know it's good!

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

Centerfield

I took the day off of work on the 172nd day of 2016.  Even though I did, I attended a work meeting in the AM of 6/20/16 and then drove to the ballpark to get to the Businessperson's special.  I try to get to one each year and it always seems to be 90 degrees!  Today was no exception and, through the sweat and tears, I watched the Phillies lose their 6th game of the homestand, swept at home for the first time since 1964 (and I thought Cleveland's 52 year feat was big!)  But, instead of dwelling on loss, I am going to focus on how amazing baseball is and how much I love it.  And this John Fogarty song speaks to me in these regards, enjoy and PLAY BALL!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04KQydlJ-qc

Faith of Our Fathers

So the palidromic week ended, on 6/19/16, with the 171st day of 2016.  Double palindrome AND Father's Day - of course the day was wonderful.  Already sent all my Father's Day wishes out to all, and happy to have spent an amazing family-based day.  So, all that is left is to pick my Hymn of the Week/Song of the Day to be appropriate for the day.  And I think this one fits the bill, and the fact it is sung by Bing Crosby is just icing on the cake!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rD5MEh_4pY

These Are The Times To Remember

It's been an amazing palindromic week and 6/18/16 was no difference.  What a juxtoposition of events in the past three days.  9th Grade Promotion at OPS on Thursday and the realization that Alexa is entering High School and Anna is entering Junior High; then CHS Graduation and watching my Godson and his friends walk across that stage, many of whom I remember when they were starting Kindergarten!  And then, today, celebrating with Kevin while discussing Alexa's plans for HS Field Hockey and then, tonight on the 170th day of 2016, attending a dinner with MY High School classmates celebrating when WE graduated High School, 30 years ago to the DAY.  It ALL seems like yesterday, Kevin and his friends starting school, Anna and Alexa starting school, ME graduating from HS.  But it's not yesterday, it's been a glorious time and there are so many glorious times ahead. Feeling so lucky, connected, and positive today - this is the song that, keeping with the theme from yesterday's song, brings it all together!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSaaEVAMi3o

These Are Days

Another fabulous palindromic day on 6/17/16.  The 169th day of 2016 was my Godson and Nephew Kevin's High School Graduation!  The passage of time has really been evident to me lately.  Maybe it's because my kids are becoming young ladies and are no longer "little."  Maybe it's the passing of my last living grandparent.  Maybe it's the graduation of my Godson who I always remember as the Dora watching kid at the Outer Banks.....maybe it's just that time is passing, and it seems to be speeding up.  I like this song, suggested by Sarah, that played at HER High School Graduation.  So it is presented to you this day, because today, and every day, IS a day to remember.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI1d8NO-dgY

School's Out

The 168th Day of 2016 was 6/16/16 - another great palindromic day.  And it was the last day of School at OPS (Oaklyn Public School).  So, I rushed home after a loooong day at work and we played in the Promotion Ceremony for the 9th grade.  A Promotion Ceremony that we will have a participant for in two of the next three years!  Then I chaperoned the Promotion Dance with friends and neighbors....so, another exhausted evening brings this Alice Cooper classic as the Song of the Day.  Have a great Summer everyone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8A9zFAArJQ

Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

Some days, I need to Google things to get my song inspiration and the 167th day of 2016 was one of them.  6/15/16, although plaindromic, was another long day at work and I am more tired than inspired as I sit here at the keyboard for the daily post.  BUT, then I found out that today was National Smile Power Day (hooray for made up holidays) and that knowledge actually made ME smile.  And I realized that the best I felt this day, even when dealing with mounds of work, was when I and others were smiling.  So, Annie had it right!  And Sia has a nice remake for this song of the day! SMILE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKjJ6DQF7xY

You're a Grand Old Flag

It was fitting that, on the 166th day of 2016, I found myself in a cemetery.  Because, 6/14/16 was the funeral of my paternal grandmother.  The cemetery was filled, as most are, with American Flags, especially today, Flag Day!  So, exhausted from a long and emotional day, I leave you with this classing song honoring the Flag - it makes me think of the Penn Glee Club, and that makes me smile.  And, on days like today, a smile helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toX5cEKg5I8

Happy Birthday Song

June 13th is always a great day.  6/13/16 was no exception, as our palindromic date week continues.... The 165th day was also the birthday of two of my dearest friends....one from childhood - Alex Kudera and one from my child's childhood - Kathy Press.  I love that FB allows me to stay connected to Alex, even as he travels far and wide.  And, daily, I am connected to Kathy as our paths intersect in our daughters' activities in and out of School.  So, on the day of their birth, I bring out this Stevie Wonder song as my song of the day and hope that they had a great day today....and the rest of the year too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KibW1FBhQlU

Jesus Loves the Little Children

6/12/2016, Day #164 of 2016.  I cannot find any proof of this, but FB told me that today was International Children's Day.  It matters not, but it is interesting that we spent the whole day dedicated to events involving and honoring children.  Starting early with a softball playoff game (continuation from last night's game suspended for darkness) - WIN!  Continued in the afternoon, when we watched our kids in their piano recital (always makes me smile), and then finishing up honoring one of our neighbor's children who is soon graduating from High School.  All this focus on children on a day when we are also thinking about the victims in Orlando, as my friend stated so astutely, all of whom were someone's children.  There is a lot of hate and evil in the world, but I love to focus on youth and children who, as a whole, are far more understanding, open minding, loving, and caring than the adults of the world.  So, as it is also Sunday, I am going to focus on this Children's Hymn and remember that Jesus Loves the Children, "Red and Yellow, Black and White" and pray for a world where peace and understanding can win out over evil and hate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52j9JhkheeE

Rockin' Robin

Although I had to be reminded, we have entered a streak of days that are sure to be awesome.  Why, you ask?  Because the 163rd day of 2016 was 6/11/16.  Which is a palindrome!!!  Just as 61016 was yesterday and 61216 will be tomorrow,  This filled me with great hope for the coming days, as things have been getting busy all aspects of my life!  Today, the busyness was mitigated when I was saved (once again) by Robin Collier who helped in the Snack Stand so I could go watch Alexa's softball game.  And it was exciting and I was glad I was there!  So, to honor Robin, I give you, as the song of the day, this awesome Jackson 5 ditty!  Robin, YOU ROCK!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alm0HS2os-I

I Hope You Dance

Another long week as come to an end on 6/10/16.  After work, on day #162, I rushed to Anna's Dance Recital and it was wonderful.  Followed it up with a nice night out with family and friends.  I am so glad that Anna has kept up her dancing, the numbers get nicer each year and she has a nice group of friends.  I realized, during the recital, that I have watched a lot of dance in my time.  Not just Anna, but Penn Dance, and Glee Club, as well as other dance groups at Penn.  So, to celebrate dance, I give you this song of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw

Never Gonna Let You Down

6/9/2016 was the 161st day of 2016.  And, with palindromic days, it was filled with good karma. The weather was amazing and the workday, albeit filled with meetings, tasks, and (a LOT of) email was also filled with laughter and good vibes.  On my way to work today, I heard this song on the radio.  It speaks to me.  It is the way I like to live my life, like to parent, like to be a good colleague and friend. So, as I turn in, exhausted, tonight, I leave it for you to enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr8lXUUpkzo

Grandma's Song

6/8/2016 was the 160th day of 2016.  It was an interesting day filled with PTA Field Day (interrupted by a set of thunderstorms), running to work for necessary meetings (on my PTO Day), umping a Little League game, and family time in the evening at home.  But, my thoughts this evening are mainly about my Grandmom Millie.  Millie, my dad's birth mom, died today at the age of 94.  I had not seen her in a long while, and I am not sure she would have recognized me if I had seen her recently, her mind had gone, and her body fought on.  But, today, my uncle informed us all she had been placed in hospice and she did not have long, and it was true, as she passed a little after 4PM today.  This is not just significant because of our family's loss, but she is the last of the set of that level of the family tree.  I no longer have any living grand parents.  Now, instead of crying, I am trying to rejoice that I had such a rich and plentiful grandparent experience!  I know people who never even knew their grandparents, or only knew 1.  I had at LEAST 6 that played significant, meaningful parts in my life.  So, tonight, I smile and remember huge family dinners at a long dining room able, I remember overactive dalmatians, I remember watching the Eagles on her big TV with the wooden frame, I remember A-Treat in the basement, I remember corn field baseball, and I remember the smiles and laughter that filled her home when our family all got together.  As I stated yesterday, remembering my maternal grandfather on the anniversary of his birth, the strong family foundation provided by those at the trunk and roots of our family tree live on strongly now, as I work to make family the root of my life.  I will always remember Grandmom Mille's smile and laugh, and I pick this song of the day because it seems fitting to me tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOBwYuWi2T8

Count On Me

The numerical karma was strong on the 159th day of 2016.  6/7/08 was my grandfather's birthday (1908, that is), SO 6/7/16 would have been his 108th.  And, as I noted below, 108 = 3^3 * 2^2 or the palindromic equation 2*3*3*3*2.  Numbers - gotta love 'em.  And I have to think my love for numbers and knowledge started with Aaron Bechtel, who was a Renaissance Man, a Farmer, a Father, a Husband, a Tennis Player, a Great Books Leader, a Penn Grad, a follower of Linus Pauling, but most importantly (for me), a loving, caring, mentoring grandfather.  So, in honor of numerical karma, and in honor of my grandfather as the foundational rock upon which so much has been built, I offer you this Bruno Mars number as the song of the day.  Because, you could always count on my grandfather, numerically, figuratively, and literally.  <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMsvwwp6S7Q

Up All Night

It's 12:30AM on the 158th day (forget that we have not bled into the next day) and 6/6/16 is finally coming to an end.  A day, once again, filled with TONS of meetings.  And now it's time for bed.  I feel like this is coming to be commonplace to be UP ALL NIGHT reading emails (400-500 a day). I must commit myself to a better management of all of these...but for tonight, I give you this One Direction song about being up all night, and I head to bed.  GOODNIGHT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TpWaaKMPeI

Take My Hand, Precious Lord

So here we are, Day #157 of 2016, and 6/5/2016 was a typical Sunday.  I did not even have to go up to the Little League Stand, because it rained and the game was postponed.  I did spend some time cleaning out my old office in the FB, and prepared boxes to be moved upstairs, but that was not too strenuous.  But, I sit here, only at 10PM, and I am tired.  This makes me a bit nervous, because I usually feel rejuvenated by the weekend, and I have some long weeks ahead of me, busy times at work and at the Little League fields.  So, I think what I need to do to GO TO BED!  I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.  So that inspires this Hymn of the Week, sung by Elvis himself.  Honestly, things are not as bad for me as they may be for Elvis in this song, but I am hoping that turning in early will provide me with the good energy foundation for this week!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV7znC9TWYs

Downtown

Although it was a numerical day earlier in 1966, the 156th day of 2016, 6/4/16, is the 50th Anniversary of my parents' wedding day!  I obviously owe my entire being to their meeting, falling in love, and starting our family!  So, for the song of the day, I pick their song.  I remember playing the 45 on our record player at home.  Now we find it online.  A lot has changed in 50 years, but not the fact that my parents have provided a foundation for everything that has happened in my life.  THANKS MOM AND DAD!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fllN8bUJ77c

Nobody Told Me

The longest short week of my work life ended on 6/3/16.  And, at the conclusion of the 155th day of 2016, I am so ready for bed!  There is so much going on and I am just trying to keep up.  Nobody told me there'd be weeks like these!  :-)

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

Can't Stop the Music

6/2/16 was Day #154 of 2016 and was a day where I needed to rely on the help of others in many aspects of my life!  Chris and Robin helped me with delivery people who come at their on schedule, Sarah and Robin (yes a new Robin) rocked the Snack Stand while I was stuck and work, working with my work village to get necessary tasks completed.  We always say "It Takes a Village," so I am going to pick a song from the VILLAGE people - because, you know what, you really can't stop the music, nor can you stop a village of determined people!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFX4hItUQIA

Banana Boat Song

We all knew that Day #153 of 2016 would be a great one.  As I commented on my page, 6/1/16 (palindromic date); the 12th birthday of my amazing daughter, Anna (palindromic name); The 1,000 game for the Phillies in Citizen's Bank Park, not numerically notable except for the fact that, in the previous 999 (palindrome) games, they have 545 (palidrome) wins and 454 (palindrome) losses.  But let's turn the focus back on our wonderful Anna Banana with my favorite banana related song from the amazing Harry Bellafonte!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMigXnXMhQ4