Praise Him All Ye Little Children

Last Day of July, 7/31/16 and, on the 213th day of 2016, I was glad to see July in the rear view mirror.  It was a crazy month and I am hoping that things calm a bit (work wise, back spasm wise, weather wise, etc....).  But the best part of the day was that Alexa returned to us from her trip to Florida for the UCC National Youth Event.  I reflected on Pastor Michael's observation that, in a world with a lot of stress and turmoil, one only needs to look to the youth for a message of hope.  So I figured, for the Hymn of the Week (Song of the Day), I'd pick a kid's hymn.  This is a little too young for my current kids, but it made me smile when I played it.  Here's hoping this coming week is great and filled with hope!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMBXgf-oqpw

Hound Dog

7/30/16, Day #212 of 2016, was a day of recovery.  After a hectic and, at times, stressful month, it was good to have a day with NOTHING scheduled.  And, in the middle of this day, I realized that, yesterday, our puppy, Skylar, turned THREE!  I was so wrapped up in my own back pain and stress that I forgot to celebrate her last night.  I asked her for forgiveness and she said yes (she must have known it was a palindromic day, so it had to be a good one!)  So, in honor of Skylar, here is one of my favorite Elvis songs.  Now, Skylar HAS never caught a rabbit (she caught a baby squirrel once, but Sarah and Anna saved it) but she IS a friend of mine!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SKYLAR, WE LOVE YOU!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eHJ12Vhpyc

Everybody Hurts

7/29/16, Day #211 of 2016, and another long day.  Something happened this afternoon and my back started seizing.  So I am hurting tonight, and that is OK.  Forcing me to rest and relax more this evening, and hopefully I can sleep in tomorrow.  Good Night, and enjoy this classic REM song.

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

Holding Out for a Hero

7/28/2016, day #210 of 2016, and it was another long day.  But the work meetings were productive and I got some needed tasks done as well.  Then.....I shuffled to the garage, exhausted from the long day and, guess what?, the elevators were out.  S, up I trudged, up the stairs.  Got to level 3 and I was sweating (it WAS pretty humid) and, VOILA, a friend who also parks in the garage, picked me up and drove me up the next few levels.  I felt like I was rescued by a hero.  And that, plus my love for 80s music, made me pick this Bonnie Tyler song as my song of the day! After yesterday, it would not have taken much for me to consider this day good, but it was better than expected!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcASV2sey0

Bad Day

I'm not going to lie.  Day #209 of 2016 was not my most favorite day of the year.  I mean, worry not, nothing terrible or horrible happened on 7/27/16, but I did have a lot of stress and I sit here tonight, both inspired by the speeches at the DNC, but also exhausted by the stress of the day (and into the evening).  SO, to bed, to bed, and I leave you with this song.

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

Karma Chameleon

7/26/2016, the 208th day of 2016, and it was the end of the season for the Home RNs softball team. We had a good season, and made it to the League Championship game, but it was just not meant to be this evening as we played a team with more offensive firepower than we had.  But the team was also really intense and a little over the top.  SO, amazingly enough, we stayed for the next game and rooted for their opponent (in honor of the Political Conventions, our endorsement of their opponents was "full-throated!")  And we enjoyed watching the team who had beaten us, get beaten themselves. And the player who was injuring our players had a terrible game.  As my friend said, "karma gets you in the end!"  And Karma made me think of this 80's classic - enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmcA9LIIXWw

America

I have to admit that we watched a lot of the end of the RNC last week.  Not just the Colbert live shows (which were GREAT) but the actual speeches from the floor.  Just needed to see what was being said, even if it made me feel badly at times.  But, on the evening of the 207th day of 2016, the DNC was on our TV for even longer (I even skipped the Phillies and they won 4-0!)  Yes, on 7/25/16, we watched the speeches of Cory Booker, Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders! It inspired my song choice of the night, which is also stolen from Bernie's campaign ads!  Let's keep up the Hope for a better future, as opposed to fear and hate!  It's for the children!

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

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

The 206th day of 2016 was a different Sunday.  Because, on 7/24/16, we had Church in the evening, an inter-faith service on the eve of the Democratic National Convention.  And the homily was given by our Conference Minister who implored us not to buy in to the fear that political campaigns prey on. And he reminded us that many of God's words of advice start with, "Fear Not."  I did not like the fearmongering I was watching at he RNC, and I wonder what is in store for us during the DNC, so today, for the Hymn of the Week/Song of the Day, I picked this one.  My favorite part is the last verse, "May I Hear Thee Say to Me, 'Fear Not, I will pilot thee.'"  Here's to life with Faith, not Fear!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgtz3V2IGdo

Everything Old is New Again

Well, the way the 205th day of 2016 started, I thought maybe James Taylor's Traffic Jam would be the song of the day.  BUT, once we got to Cape May on 7/23/16 (4 1/4 hours after we started on our way from Oaklyn!), the day got MUCH better.  The Cape May Lighthouse was climbed.  We window shopped, got ice cream, and took a trolley tour of the mansions of Cape May, and we had a nice family dinner (and met a feral cat we named Sandy) at Angelo's.  But, the topper of the day was attending the Summer Club at Cape May's Convention Hall.  It is the creation of my friend, Jeff, from Penn and the Penn Glee Club.  And the concert took us back to the days of the Rat Pack, to Big Bands, took me back to the Glee Club, and really was a wonderful, fantastic show.  As they mentioned the fact that kids (including mine) were in the audience, they made reference to keeping this style of music alive for future generations.  This is a cause I can stand behind, and I am thinking about what we could do to get more people exposed to revues such as the Summer Club!  Alexa and Anna enjoyed as much as Sarah and I did. So, if this music can come back into fashion, then Everything Old is New Again.  Hey, we know a song about that!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YObuBMB3gCk

Forever Young

I do not always feel my age of 47.  Most days I feel mentally younger and most days I feel physically older.  BUT, on the 204th day, I both felt my age AND I felt young. I had lunch today with a former advisee today who told me she was shocked I was 47!  Made me feel good (and realize I do not always present as maturely as I should!).  Then I spent the evening of 7/22/16 umpiring a Sectional Little League Finals Game.  Was honored to be asked, but, better yet, really enjoyed watching the exuberance of the young men and their love for the game, I love.  I admit I took some Advil before the game, but I felt pretty spry out there too!  This classic song, from the 80s Band, Alphaville, came on the radio this morning, on my way to work.  And I think Forever Young is a good way to be!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1TcDHrkQYg

Moonshadow

I learned this morning, on the 203rd day of 2016, that 7/21/16 is Cat Stevens' birthday.  So, tonight, as I am thinking of the song of the day, I have decided to meld yesterday's moon theme with today's birthday, and give you this classic from the 70s...another song that makes me think of my childhood and my parents.

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

Mooning

As far as palindromic days go, the 202nd day of 2016 was pretty low key.  Got a lot of work done at work, then came home and spent the evening quiet at home with Sarah.  But, I found out that, on 7/20/16, it is Moon Day!  That made me think of the awesome full moon last night on the Little League Field.  And also made me think of my dad who, I think, is the moon's biggest fan!  So, with moon on our mind, here is a little ditty from Grease as our song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjlv8pbzoZ0

The Party's Over

Day #201 of 2016 has ended late for me.  I did not know, on 7/19/16, that I would be umpiring a Juniors Baseball game after Midnight!!!  Well, it happened, and now I am tired....so, sing me home, Willie!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoQZ0qmf-mk

Just You 'N' Me

Day #200 of 2016 was a hot and humid summer day.  But, after the storms came on 7/18/16, washing away our softball games, Sarah and I found ourselves at the Phillies game.  It was a very nice night, just Sarah and me.  We get so few of these moments together.  And, although I miss my kids, it was nice to have a date night.  SO, for the song of the day, I pick this classic from Chicago that not only describes my feelings tonight, but also has some amazing horns in the orchestration - which is also fitting for us. <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sgenkjmXZ4

Only You

It was October of 1994.  And Sarah and I went on our first "date."  We went to see the new movie with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr. , Only You.  Therefore, when we got married, we picked that title song for our first dance.  SO, on the 199th day of 2016 (17 years ago it was on the 198th day), 7/17/16, Sarah I celebrated our anniversary.  I feel so thankful that she chose Penn over Duke and York College, I feel so thankful that she joined the Penn Band, I am thankful for SOCI 001 and its assignment of surveying.  I am thankful for Scooby Doo, long lines, and all the other serendipitous events that brought Sarah and me together - and blessed by our family and love that have kept us together.  Truly, tonight, Sarah - it's only you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0mWVVSkYHo

Abide with Me

Although the 198th Day was a Saturday, we started it off at Church.  Because, on 7/16/16, we celebrated the life of Peter Brigham.  Peter was a wonderful man and I certainly knew that before this morning's service.  But, as people shared their love for and remembrances of Peter, my awareness of his wonderfulness just grew and grew!  Peter was a Yale Man and he and I often discussed the Ivy League, and Ivy League athletics.  Peter was an amazing musician, playing Clarinet in Church often and I miss him standing next to me in Choir singing tenor, as I sing bass.  But, the everlasting gift Peter gave to me is the confidence to serve as the Lector and read Scripture at Old First.  After my first time reading, during which you could tell I was quite nervous, Peter took me aside and gave me advice.  Advice I have never forgotten!  Every time I stand in front of the Congregation and read Bible verses (and, frankly, even when I speak at events at work sometimes), I always have the wise and sage advice of Peter speaking to me.  So, in a way, Peter has left this Earth, physically, but he will remain with me all the days of my life.  We sang this hymn today at his service.  And, since tomorrow is my anniversary and I have other plans for the song of the day, the Hymn of the Week (song of today) is the hymn, "Abide with Me."  When I Googled the hymn, I found that it was written by Henry Francis Lyte, as he laid in his bed, dying from TB.  That Lyte was able to create such a beautiful work, as his body was failing his, makes me think of Peter and all of the stories of how he was himself, mentally and spiritually, to the very end, even when HIS body was failing him.  To add to my thoughts about this hymn, I would like to end with the last two lines of its 2nd verse, which are quite appropriate given the times in which we are living these days.

"Change and decay in all around I see;
  O Thou who changest not, abide with me"

Peter's advice and my love and memories of him will abide with me forever.  Rest in Peace, my friend.

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

The Hills Are Alive

We've come to the end of another busy week.  7/15/16 was the 197th day of 2016.  And the day started early for both of the kids.  Anna got to sing for the Good Day Philadelphia TV Show and Alexa played with the Band Camp in a concert in the University Museum.  The day had to be great, because it started with Music.  I know there has been a lot in these past weeks about which to be sad or stressed.  The world is a crazy place and sad things keep happening.  But, today, I want to focus on the joy that music can bring.  To the performer as well as to the listener.  So I give you this song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbQSAdU4Qb4 

Hot Hot Hot

Day #196 was a busy day.  So much happening on 7/14/2016, at work, took Alexa to FH, back to work, Alexa at Band Camp, work from home.  But, the only song of the day appropriate is this one, because, as we let the dog out and turn in for the night, the heat index is still in the 90s!!!  HOT HOT HOT!

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

Come Together

Day #195 had a common theme in many facets of my life.  On 7/13/16, it was necessary for a lof of my communities (Work, Home, Community) to work together to solve issues and problems.  I like the team approach.  Yes, sometimes it takes longer than working alone, but I think the results are SO much better.  And it helps that, generally, I like people.  SO, for tonight's Song of the Day, I picked this cover, by Aerosmith, of a Beatles song.  Not only do I like this version, it's just really hard to find Beatles material on YouTube!  Hoping to have more togetherness and teamwork in my life.  It is also a good message for the World.  Instead of isolation and strife, we should come together to solve the issues plaguing our society, our communities, our country, our world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjoN2yXwmoc

Under Pressure

The 194th day of 2016 was packed with meetings, as most have been.  Trying to make sure I keep all of the balls in the air AND take care of myself (i.e. not reading email past 11PM tonight!).  I have to admit I was feeling some pressure on 7/12/16.  It made me think of this Bowie/Queen song and it's line "Why can't we give love one more chance?!?!?!"  It's a great question for the pressure cooker than this country has been experiencing these days.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUW_8cWG7YA

We're All in This Together

Teamwork took center stage on the 193rd day of 2016.  7/11/2016 was a crazy day at work, with our team having to change course, midstream, and be flexible and problem solvers.  Then, after work, the Home RNs won our playoff game and moved on the next round of the playoffs.  THEN, I got to go to the Band Camp's FF night and watch the campers working together to make an excellent 1/2-time show.  I needed the last two events after the events of the work day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbrbUfYSt0E

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

For the Hymn of this week, it does not really matter what happened on the 192nd Day of 2016.  All in all it was a very good day, but, as I turn in to be on 7/10/16, faced with another intense week at work, I am still rocked by this week's tragedies, from the bomb in Baghdad, to the young men who lost their lives, to the police who became targets of hate, to the reactions on the News, Social Media, and, yes, even in person that I have experienced.  As one of my friends wrote to me, sometimes all we can do is fall on our Faith and hope things get better.  So, for the Hymn of this Week, I am leaning on the everlasting arms, and hoping I can find solace and support there!  Stay safe everyone and remember, LOVE not LABELS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caUOl-URnNM

Ebony and Ivory

7/9/2016 was the 191st day of 2016.  191 is a palindrome so the day was destined to be good and we did have a good family day - attending a movie, celebrating a neighbor's highschool graduation, and working the snack stand and umpiring at the last Little League game of the season to be played on Oaklyn's Fields.  But, I have to admit, the good day was clouded with my continual thoughts about the issues gripping our country and society today.  And. you know what, they are issues have gripped us for a long, long time.  It is much more evident now, with access to smart phones with video, social media, and a 24-hour news cycle hungry for content.  But these issues are not new, they have been festering for years.  Witness this song of the day, from 1982.  McCartney and Wonder knew of these issues, even if they did use a simple song, panned by the critics, to illuminate them.  I would like to think that we have made some progress in the last 34 years, but it has not been enough.  As I said to my friend in a comment, what I am doing now is grieving, praying, and hoping that things can get better.  Hoping for the darkness before the dawn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LajppsE2_LY

Black or White

This week has been a heady one.  I have thought a lot about society and the world today and the 190th day of 2016 was no exception.  Because I woke up on 7/8/2016 knowing that the news would be filled with reaction to the Dallas ambush of members of the Dallas PD and the Dallas Rapid Transit Police force.  I went to bed devastated last night.  Saddened by the fear and violence that has gripped our country.  And, sadly, when I turn on the TV, look at Facebook, or read the paper, it does not seem anything is going to get better anytime soon.  But it MUST!  We need to do better, we need to teach and show our children that we can do better.  We must not be satisfied with a world where populations (be they racial minorities, be they police officers, be they LGBT, be they those who have less resources than othes) feel marginalized, targeted, disenfranchised, unsafe, and so on and so on. As my posts have focused on this week, we should be all working together to create a world where we value Love, Peace, Happiness, Gratitude over Hatred, Distrust, Violence, and Evil.  Because, in the words of Michael Jackson, "if you're thinkin' of being my brother, It don't matter if you're black or white."  And therein lies the rub for me.  For me, it's not Black OR White, it's Black AND White (and Brown and Tan and Purple and Rainbow and and and).  We need inclusivity and people who do not see the world in the duality of issues, but see the ranges of ideas, of colors, the "grey" area if you will. Two videos on YouTube speak to me on this issue.  One is Ash Beckham's TED talk on duality and Trevor Noah's commentary, on the Daily Show, stating that one can be Pro-Black Lives Matter AND Pro-Police.  Why must we choose between the two?  It's not the way I want to live, and, as I prepare to turn in for the night, I pray that we can do better, as a country, as a society, as a world.  More words from Michael's song of the day:

"It's a turf war on a global scale
I'd rather hear both sides of the tale
See, it's not about races
Just places
Faces
Where your blood comes from
Is were your space is
I've seen the bright get duller
I'm not going to spend my life being a color"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2AitTPI5U0

Thank You

So, this week, we've posted about Love, Peace, and Happiness.  On the 189th day of 2016 I want to focus on gratitude.  I am thankful, on 7/7/2016, that I have a job I love, and co-workers who work together to achieve great things.  I am thankful I get to meet so many amazing students (these pre-Major advising sessions are humbling when the students are a billion times smarter than I am!)  BUT, most of all, I am thankful I get to come home to my amazing family.  Sarah and the girls never cease to make me smile, and make me feel loved, even after a long, tiring day.  SO, tonight, I quote Dido, but I thank them for giving me the best DAYS of my life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TO48Cnl66w

Happy

7/6/16 was day #188 of 2016.  It was a hot one!  Walking across campus was a chore and I was SOAKED after umping a Little League Game.  But, as I turn in tonight, I want to continue the song theme of the week.  Love on Monday, Peace on Tuesday, so HAPPINESS on Wednesday.  And, when I think of happiness, I think of Pharrell, who provides us with the song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

Peace Train

Day #187 of 2016 saw us all return to work after a long weekend and the postponed fireworks in Collingswood (due to yesterday's rain).  There was a lot going on, both at work and on our front lawn on 7/6/2016.  And, again, as with yesterday, I considered posting a patriotic song of the day.  BUT, this song came on the radio this morning and I really like its message.  It's message of impending peace in the world meshes well with yesterday's message of love in the world.  So I give you this Cat Stevens classic that makes me think of my parents (they had this album, I think) and makes me hope for peace in this world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaNtV_iU61U

What the World Needs Now

The Nation celebrated its birthday on the 186th day of 2016.  7/4/16 started with an awesome Oaklyn tradition, the parade, and I rode with Alexa and Anna's softball teams and we had a great time.  Then we had our annual BBQ with family and friends and, well, the fireworks will be tomorrow.  We did have the food, and it was good!  I started looking for patriotic songs for the song of today and, well, I changed course.  I mean I love Bruce's Born in the USA, but it's not really patriotic (listen to the words!).  Then there is Proud to be American, which I was going to choose, but then I started thinking about the like "where at least I know I'm free" and it got me thinking.....shouldn't there be freedom EVERYWHERE.  I know there is not, and I am glad to be in the US and feel lucky and privileged to be here.  And I am so thankful for all who serve and work and toil to keep us free and safe, but I wish it was not so much toil....and that all could feel free and feel love.  So, I decided to change course for the song of the day and go with this classic....because the world DOES need love these days....we ALL do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7CXpOAbPgo

America The Beautiful

Day #185, 7/3/2016, and another relaxing day to go to Church, do a few errands in preparation for tomorrow's BBQ, and watching the Phillies win while catching up on work emails.  As it is Sunday, I was looking for a Hymn of the Week for my Song of the Day and, although not a hymn in the traditional sense, this is in the UCC Hymnal and we have sung it at Church.  AND, frankly, Ray Charles can sing to me anytime and any place!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yaetvTj5DE

Firework

7/2/16 brought a tradition I love each year.  Day #184 of 2016 was a BEAUTIFUL summer day (really, the weather was perfect) and we only had a few errands on our docket and then our trip to the Phillies for the Fireworks show.  It was a great show as always, and now I am tired and need to get to bed.  But Katy Perry provides us with the Song of the Day as I turn in!

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

Working for the Weekend

Day #183 was a shorter day at work.  Office closed early on 7/1/2016 for the Holiday Weekend and, even though I stayed behind and got some work done, I was still home early (and before Sarah!) Anna is back from York, we have few things on the agenda for the weekend (as opposed to last weekend) and it looks to be relaxing.  Because, this week, all I have been doing is working to try to get to this weekend.  Sing it, Loverboy!

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