Following the Leader

Day #274 was a day of Firsts and Lasts.  9/30/16 was the last day of a long, long month at work. BUT the first day for our new Deputy Registrar.  It is also the first evening of Leadership Werekend, but the last time, perhaps, it will be offered at Fellowship Farm.   So as I lie here in darkness (man it gets dark in the woods), I think of all the students I have facilitated for here at FF and all of the amazing colleagues with which I have staffed this retreat.  And this Peter Pan song comes to mind.

https://youtu.be/5xmNaZqxNpI

Blessed

On a cold rainy Fall day, on 9/29/2016, I felt blessed.  Why did I feel this way on the 273rd day of 2016?  Well, I spent a lot of the evening thinking how lucky I am to have the kids that I have.  Alexa got varsity time in the Field Hockey game again today, a testament to her hard work this season.  And she manages all of this while doing well in school and being a decent teen (most of the time).  And Anna stepped out of her comfort zone and will be in the ensemble of the Lion King play at the Collingswood musical.  And she is also doing amazing things in school and I love her art.  I am just so lucky and blessed.  And, although Elton was singing this about impending kids, I will extrapolate it to the kids I have now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_u1wtR_Tvc

Cherish

We have reached the middle of the last week of September.  9/28/16 was a very autumnal day, cool, with showers.  And it was also day #272 of 2016.  A palidromic day that foretold a good day.  And, for the most part, it was a good deal.  There were a few setbacks, but we will work through those, as we always do.  Got home in time to eat dinner with my family and reflect, together, on this autumnal cool day.  Cool.  Like Kool and the Gang.  And, like Kool and the Gang, I am cherishing what I have tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s09LuDYX12g

Hakuna Matata

Day #271 of 2016 was another long day at work!  Good day, but still catching up, once again.  But, we did take a break from things this evening to watch the Lion King.  Anna has a tryout for the Middle School Play tomorrow and they are doing the Lion King!  Such great music in these older Disney movies!  With all the stresses in our lives these days, it was good to sit back and think, "Hakuna Matata!"  NO WORRIES!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB5ceAruYrI

Stronger

After a long day packed with meetings from 9AM - 8:30PM (not all at work, but MAN did the email back up today), we ended the 270th day in front of the TV, watching the 9/26/16 Debate with the 2016 Presidential Candidates.  Not much to say that has not already been said (sigh)....but needless to say, I am going to stick with Brittney and be #Stronger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWtLf4-WWs

It is Well (With My Soul)

Day #269 started off (as most Sundays do) at Old First Reformed UCC.  And Pastor Michael preached on 9/25/2016 about loving his congregation (we love you too!!!)  BUT, more importantly, we sang one of my favorite hymns, so it was a shoe-in to be the Hymn of the Week/Song of the Day.  It is also apropos of how I feel these days....with all the tragedy in the news, the hate filled political scene, stresses in our lives, etc.....it is good to think about our souls....and being well.  PEACE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzffv3dR8bo

Band on the Run

It finally felt like Fall on the 268th day of 2016.  And 9/24/16 was filled with Fall sports (FH Practice and Soccer Game) and then some errands and then a Fall tradition - the Collingswood Band Bash. So I was trying to think of songs with the word "band" in them and this is the one I came up with.  I really like this song and, with fewer than 100 days left in this song-of-the-day experience, I really want to get songs I really like in the queue!  Hope you like this one too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew

Sugar

Spent most of 9/23/16, Day #267 of 2016, in a Management Retreat for work.  Although I was not sure how it would go, it went excellently and I am feeling really good about the work we did.  Had to run right to OPS for the PTA Ice Cream Social.  I love this event and I love selling the tickets and getting to say hi to everyone who comes in!  I guess this fits my DiSC profile, huh??  Well, this also meant that I had dessert (nice bowl of ice cream!) before I ate anything for dinner.....tackling emails with SUGAR running through my veins!  Right, Archies??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JywK_5bT8z0

Summer Breeze

Day #266 which means only 100 days left in 2016!!!!  9/22/2016 was another long day of meetings at work but it was also the first day of Autumn.  Now, thanks to global warming, it was still "too hot" today and looks to be even hotter (88 degrees) tomorrow.  But, driving home, with the windows down, I was enjoying the breezes and the air and the smell of Fall which is coming.  Summer breezes....the jasmine of my mind.....song of the day.......goodnight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=its0qifGDxU

Give Peace a Chance

9/21/2016 - Day #265 of 2016.  And it is International Peace Day today.  What more needs to be said?How can one go wrong with peace?  Nobody can argue that we need more peace in our daily lives, in our communities, in this country, and in the World.  The news online and in other forms of media certainly is filled with war, hate, fear, and turmoil.  And the answer to all of these issues is peace.  So, tonight, all I am saying, is GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!!  And I like that Lennon released this song in 1969, and I was born in 1969....so, tonight, this is my spirit song, as well as the song of the day! PEACE everyone!  Peace out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yU0JuE1jTk

Happy Birthday Song for My Sister

The 264th day of 2016 was 9/20/2016.  ABIGAIL SHERR'S BIRTHDAY.  Long day at work, School Board Meeting, home catching up on emails, so not a lot to add to this except for this is a unique song of the day, for a unique sister who I love with all my heart!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMEAv1j4AR4

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirates life for me

9/19/16 was talk like a pirate day!  And, on the 263rd day of 2016, I was too busy at and after work to ARRRRGH anywhere.  But here, with the song of the day, I can remedy that!  Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A19q7rysLs

Sent Forth by God's Blessing

9/18/2016 was the 262nd day of 2016.  Ahhhh, yes, a palindromic day that was, as they often are, an amazing one.  Spent the day with service on my mind.  Morning started with the Oaklyn 5K Color Run and I was amazed by the dedication of all of the planners, volunteers, participants, sponsors, and spectators of the event.  All gathering together to make a wonderful event that raised funds for programs so vital to our community and our youth.  Then, after a brief break, we cooked at the Oaklyn Town Picnic.  I LOVE serving at this event, and love cooking with Sarah and Kathy and Anna and the other members of the Oaklyn Civic Association.  It was a wonderful event and the community came together.  AND I got to sing Happy Birthday to a really good friend of mine as well. SO, as I sit here tonight, trying to find an appropriate hymn on a Sunday I was not able to make it to church services, this song came into my head.  It is an amazing hymn about being sent forth into the world, with God's blessings and strength to do good works.  And we did good works today.  And I got to see other do good works as well.  And we celebrated those in the community who also do good works.  So, good works and service abounded on this day, so I leave you with this hymn.  And, one last thing about this hymn, it makes me smile EVERY time I hear it because it is set to the tune of Ash Grove, and my mother sang that song to me when I was young.  Another reason this is the song for tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6_-NYsxtEM

Let There Be Peace on Earth

9/17/16 was day #261 of 2016.  It was also the evening of Anna's Concert for Peace at the Kimmel Center.  It was inspiring to see all of those young musicians.  But it was even more inspiring to hear the message of using music to promote peace in this world.  To hear how music has saved people from harm and has inspired others to do good.  Given the messages in the media and on the Internet we have been seeing these days, it was refreshing to have this message of music and peace.  And I loved the song that ended the concert.  All of the performers sang together, on stage, with the audience singing along as well.  It's a message I think we can all hope for.  Peace on Earth!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPH4LRASWbo

I Fought the Law

On the 260th day of 2016, we got another good piece of mail.  Yesterday, we got the van's title, on 9/16/16, we got a notice that a parking ticket I had disputed had been dismissed!  After a long day at work (another 12-hour day!), it made me smile and I needed it.  Because, as in this 60's classic, I fought the law, but this time, we won!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgtQj8O92eI

Baby You Can Drive My Car

A lot to enjoy on Day #259 of 2016.  9/15/2016 was comprised of work meetings (good ones), TBT pictures on FB, Back to School Night at OPS (always fun), watching Alexa play (her team won 2-0) in the JV FH game, and hanging out at Philly's Phatties for the Colls Girls Soccer Fundraiser.  Add to that, amidst the bills and junk mail, we got a mailing from Toyota.  It is the title to our minivan.  YES, Brenna is 5-years old and PAID OFF.  SO, Beep Beep, YEAH!  Thank You, Beatles!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcQDqZIN09I

Food Glorious Food

Day #258 was another long day at work (yes, still catching up on emails at this late hour!)  So I, again, went the easy way and looked up the National ___ Day.  Well, guess what?  9/14/16 is National Eat a Hoagie Day as well as National Creme Filled Donut Day.  I also had lunch with a good friend and colleague today, so let's focus on..... FOOD!  One look at me and you know I love food. So I looked for a food related song.  AND, since it is also the birthday of the PGC Director, Josh Glassman, let's pick a food show tune!  OLIVER!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7PONiKGUs

Mighty Quinn

After another day of meetings at work on the 257th day of 2016, I found myself at Citizens Bank Park watching the Phillies (probably for the last time this season).  Anna and I had tickets, on 9/13/16, in the Hall of Fame Club (Thanks Again, Dr. Kramer!)  And the best part was, as the game progressed, Anna insisted that we would stay for every inning, even if the game went extra innings. This is progress from the little girl who would only last about 2 innings before we had to go to the Phun Zone, get ice cream, and then get pestered about when we were leaving.  And, although the game was a loss for the Phils (sigh), we had a great time and we enjoyed watching one of the newst Phillies, Roman Quinn.  Quinn is playing like a young player who wants to stay in the majors!  And his energy was fun to watch.  And, if not for the blown save from Gomez, he would have scored the winning run in the Bottom of the 8th.  Rooting for Quinn made me think of this 60s classic, so it's the Song of the Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K13hH0pJx5s

You Raise Me Up

After an emotional September 11th, it was time to return to work on the 256th day of 2016.  9/12/16 was a long day of work, meetings, Band rehearsal, and then a Church meeting.  Exhausting day, but filled with great times and good work.  Then I looked it up and found out that 9/12 is also the National Day of Encouragement.  And that made me think.  I would not be anywhere I am now without all of the encouragement I have received.  From my parents, from my family, from my wife and kids, from my Work Study supervisors, from my Church family, from my mentors, from my friends, from my co-workers, from my colleagues, from my advisees, from everyone that is meaningful in my life.  I am so appreciative of the encouragement I have received and continue to receive.  I only have one message for all of you (besides the gratitude) and that is YOU LIFT ME UP!  Cue the Grobanator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJxrX42WcjQ

How Great Thou Art

On the 15th anniversary of 9-11, I needed a hymn of the week that was both somber and uplifting. Somber, because I spent most of the 255th day of 2016 reflecting on the losses suffered on 9/11/2001. And, on 9/11/2016, I both realized how lucky I am and was for the graces that protected the ones most close to me on 9-11.  But I also grieved with many about the losses we ALL suffered and the even more loss experienced by some.  I HAVE to believe that things will get better, even if the current events on the news and the Internet are trying to tell me otherwise.  I HAVE to have faith that, somehow, the World will start to turn from War and Hate towards more Peace and Love.  So, for this week's hymn, and tonight's song of the day, I have chosen a song that has both hope and solemnity.  Heal, World, Heal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klgLTp6lf4o

Circle of Life

It was another scorcher on the 254th day of 2016.  Because, on 9/10/16, after watching Alexa's FH game (I have to admit I cheated and watched from the van with AC), we attended the First Anniversary for the daughter of a long time friend and colleague.  And, as we sat there, I realized that I met my friend (and colleague) while working my Work Study job, Freshman year.  And she was pregnant with her daughter (the one who's anniversary we were celebrating).  And in the ensuing years, my friend and her husband, and their daughter, have watched Alexa and Anna many times. And today, I sat, poolside, and watched Alexa and Anna play with little kids.  The same way THEY were played with in the pool by teenagers.  It made me think how things are progressing, time is flying, and the sittees are becoming the sitters....and we celebrate marriages and babies and promotions and, well, it's overwhelming sometimes, this Circle of Life.  So the only song I could think of was Elton John's classing from the Lion King.  Happy for my part in this circle, but somedays I wish it would rotate a bit slower.... :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8ZnCT14nRc

Sweet Dreams

Day #253 caps the end of an exhausting week.  Another 12-hour day at work on 9/9/16 (9A - 9P this time) and I am so ready for bed.  To sleep, perchance to dream.  Sweet Dreams.....right Annie?

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

Still Crazy, After All These Years

9/8/16 was day #252 of 2016.  Given that it was a palindromic day, I was looking forward to it being great.  Now, it was really packed with meetings (and, here I sit, reading backlogged emails again late into the night), but one of the meetings was a tour of the New College House, and another was a really good advising session.  And I got to reminisce with a colleague about my history at Penn and she shared her history too.  And these remembrances were fitting on this day, my second anniversary at SRFS, and thinking back to 9/4/2016 (Sunday, my THIRTIETH anniversary at Penn!)  Night was capped off with Choir Rehearsal, singing with folks I have been singing with for almost 20 years! After all this time, still going strong.  Still crazy, after all these years.  Sing it, Paul!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVK3tTBJze4

Oh Sherrie

OK, I admit it, some days, I take the easy way out with the Song of the Day choice.  On the 251st day, after spending 8AM - 8PM working on 9/7/16, I needed to have an easy choice.  Still working on email, but posting now so I can get right to bed.  Happy to have been told that today is a special mathematical day (9 + 7 = 16, 9/7/16), but also happy to realize that today is the birthday of my good friend, Sherry.  Yes, not Sherrie, but SHERRY, but, tonight, we will agree to not care about spelling and enjoy a little Steve Perry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFxGtIqqwT4

Back in Time

So we have come to day #250 of 2016.  And 9/6/2016 was the last First Day of School at OPS for Alexa.  Last year we will have Alexa and Anna in the same school for a while.  Lots of First Day of School pics on FB today, and a lot of comparative pics with some from a year ago, some from YEARS ago.  I love these moments in time, frozen by social media and available for review and enjoyment.  It really takes me Back in Time, right Huey?

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

Look for the Union Label

Labor Day Weekend, since I have been dating/married to Sarah, has always meant Family Picnics. And, on 9/5/2016, this was still the case.  On the 249th day of 2016, we had our second family picnic, this time on the Weaver side.  And, sitting here at home now, after an amazing weekend filled with family, food, and fun, I am perusing FB and seeing people reminding us of the TRUE meaning of Labor Day.  So, I thought I would find a union-based song for the Song of the Day.  Unions have a strong history in my family tree, even if not now in present time.  My grandfather, Aaron Bechtel, was a union organizer at the Post Office.  And my parents raised me, in the 70s, with pro-worker, pro-fairness values, and (although I may not have realized it then) songs.  SO, I was very pleased to find this medley of songs from an artist of whom I was previously not aware (Natalie Douglas) and, not only do they speak to the real meaning of Labor Day, but they also remind me of the music of 911 S. 47th Street, which connects me back to another part of my tree, not the one(s) with which we have been spending the weekend.  SO, although there is a brief talking intro, I hope you enjoy these songs, and I hope you can take some time and think of the people who went before us, fighting for the rights (like the 40-hour work week) that we all take for granted today.

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

Blessed Be The Tie

Day #248 of 2016 found us in York, PA.  9/4/16 was the Annual Walters Labor Day Seafood picnic.  As always there were crabs and shrimp and other yummy food. But, more importantly, there was family.  Old and new (new baby, new cousin) gathered together and had a wonderful time.  Therefore I wanted to find a hymn appropriate for Song of the Day/Hymn of the Week and decided on Blessed Be the Ties that Bind.  Searching, I found this adaptation and I really like it.  I love family time, but there are other ties to discuss tonight as well.  This is the 30th anniversary of my arrival on Penn's Campus as well!  Another family for me. So I hope you feel the ties that bind you to love that I have found in my family and work lives!!

https://youtu.be/gcYFtihSg_8

Riders On the Storm

The Saturday of Labor Day Weekend is always a combination of recreation and work.  The 247th day of 2016 was no exception as we spent 9/3/2016 doing various activities of work and plan.  First the Snack Stand cleanup (a LOT of work), then the girls went to the pool while Sarah and I watched College Football (play), then we spent the evening together doing errands, watching TV, and I got through some emails (combo work and play).  All through it, we kept getting reminders of the impending tropical storm, whether it be from the news alerts on the TV, to the sounds of the increasing breeze....so, tonight, as we await the storm's arrival, I give you this Doors classic as the Song of the Day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DED812HKWyM

Blueberry Hill

9/216 was day #246 of 2016 and the end of a long week as classes began at Penn, NSO continued, and preparations for our own Fall activities started to ramp up.  Pretty tired after working all day and trying to catch up on back emails....will be working this weekend to clear out the queue.  So, as I totter off to bed, I noticed that today was National College Colors Day, but I used The Red and Blue on Monday for Convocation, so I checked to see what other days it also might be.  And I settled on National Blueberry Popsicle Day (WHAT??)  But Blueberry made me think of Fats Domino and this classic.  Posting this while watching Steven Colbert from the Ed Sullivan Theater makes it even more of a connection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKQZy2PJtq8 

Greatest Love Of All

9/1/2016, the first day of September 2016 and the 245th day of 2016.  Rainy morning, humid afternoon, but getting nicer and cool this evening.  Spent the evening after work with the parents of Alexa's class, starting plans for their last year at Oaklyn Public School.  I love planning events for kids, they are awesome.  As Whitney sang, they are the future.  Hope they feel our love, like in this song!

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