I Want Candy

As October 2016 comes to an end on 10/31/16, the 305th day reminded us that there are only two more months (and 61 days) left in the year.  But, also, it is HALLOWEEN!  Took the day off from work and was able to complete errands and be there to see the girls in their costumes and enjoy the town trick-or-treating with family, friends, and neighbors.  Great day, I am sure I will pay for it at work tomorrow, but, for tonight, I am just going to enjoy this Bow Wow Wow ditty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMICD3aMZpw

A Mighty Fortress is our God

Reformation Sunday was the 304th Day of 2016.  A nice church service started off 10/30/16.  And Sarah and I got to play brass for hymns.  So, for the hymn of the week, song of the day, I give you one of my favorite hymns... I know some people think it is too old of a chestnut, but, then again, so am I!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY4DCG-nFBI

Alma Mater (of the University of Pennsylvania)

10/29/2016 was Homecoming on Penn's Campus.  SO, after mornng erranfs and an early afternoon soccer game for the girls, we headed to campus on the 303rd day of 2016.  The palindromic good karma was in full force (even had a palindrome odometer post on my FB wall to start my day!) and we had an amazing afternoon and evening.  Homecoming is a strange day for me because, on campus almost every day aready, it's not much like coming home for me.  But it was great to see all of those who came back home and to share the amazing day with them.  As I head to bed earlier than usual on a Saturday (SNL is a rerun, whew!), I give you, as the song of the day, the Alma Mater of the institution we all share love for, Penn!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bFRd8-a2UE

Monster Mash

A very long week ended on the 302nd day of 2016.  I did not feel well on 10/28/16, but I powered through the workday and the Halloween OMAYSC Dance at OPS.  And, now, I am exhausted and am going to bed.  For the song of the day, I am taking an easy path and sending you this Halloween Classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxcM3nCsglA

Young at Heart

Day #301, a rainy, cool day.  10/27/16 was comprised of a lot of meetings at work and then a modified evening schedule (as our Halloween Hay Ride got cancelled due to weather).  So I went to Choir, instead, and, I admit, I was a bit immature.  Halloween brings that out in me.  The kid.  I have been accused, at times, including by my own self, of still being a 12-year old.....I have a mug on my desk that says, "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."  Even my choice to stay on the campus of my college days could be viewed at grasping at youth.  But, it's not youth I need. Just need to stay young at heart, that is why I love so many kid-based activities and throw myself into the youth sports and education worlds....Michael Buble agrees as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzADF9IzZ9Q

I Can See Clearly Now

DAY #300 of 2016.  10/26/2016 was another day of meetings at work.  But, two things also happened today that have not happened in a LONG time.  First, the Cubs won their first World Series win since 1945....71 years ago.  But, more importantly, I got my first pairs of new glasses in five years!  And, since I am getting older and my eyes are following, they are, for the first time, progressive lenses (no, I could NOT do bifocals).  So, for the first time, in a long time, I can see clearly (now)....right, Jimmy Cliff??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSuB4t3q_dA

Moon River

10/25/16, day #299 of 2016, and it is the 18th anniversary of my amazing sister and her amazing husband.  Loved seeing the old pics of the wedding for the past few days (thanks, Mom) and tonight's song of the day is their first dance song, sung by Andy Williams himself!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Abigail and Erik!

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

Prelude / Angry Young Man

We're all the way to day #298 of 2016.  10/24/2016 was a return to Penn Campus for me, returning to the work-site from a few days in NYC and then a nice weekend.  And a new employee started today and it, again, made me think of my advancing role at work and how I have moved from the young, upstart staffer to the grizzled old veteran.  I think I like this new role, but I do remember when I was an upstart, cocky, new employee - some would say an angry, young man.  So I will let Billy sing about it (still enjoying the Billy Joel XM channel!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2iNLt_hUZg

God be With You Till We Meet Again

10/23/2016 - Day #297 of 2016 and a really nice day chilling out (literally and figuratively - the temps have really been dropping...) with the family.  We sang this hymn at Church this morning and I got goosebumps, so I feel it needs to be the Hymn of the Week/Song of the Day.

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

Magic

We had a lot going on for 10/22/2016.  Field Hockey Coin Drop, Field Hockey, Soccer Game, Pumpkin Carving Party, Wedding, and errands to boot!  But it all happened on the 296th day of 2016.  All things fell in place and we were even on time for everything.  We all enjoyed the different events we had and we got to see another amazing couple get married!  Maybe it's because I was with Greer at the wedding, or maybe it's because the Cars were on the radio driving to the wedding, or maybe it's because the Cubs are heading to the World Series for the first time in 71 years (to face the team in the AL with the longest championship drought), or maybe it's because Penn State blocked a FG and ran it back to beat Ohio State in a major upset... in any case, this is the song choice for today!  Magical!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0Kv6vxZwL8

Return to Sender

OK, I blame the frenetic pace of this week, but I got off numbering for the days of the year.  I fixed yesterday, when I realized 10/21/16 is the 295th day of 2016.  But I cannot fix my train experience and the karma from palindromic days....so I will leave it as is, for now, and focus on today.  I returned to my hometown today, leaving NYC in the rearview mirror of the Amtrak train.  So happy to be back home.  Having used a lot of home-themed songs and train-songs this week, I am going to, instead, focus on this Elvis song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU5xxh5UX4U

New York State of Mind

I spent the entirety of the 294th day in New York City.  I am not sure, in my 47+ years, that I have ever done this....wow.  10/20/2016 was the second day of my Ivy+ Registrars meeting and I have to say I love having a group of colleagues who have the same issues, struggles, and most importantly, sense of work humor that I do!  Since I have now spent the longest time in NYC, I guess this Billy Joel song is appropriate!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol0dPJdzm1M

Long Train Running

Anyone who perused my FB News Feed today saw that, on the 292nd day of 2016, I got on the Amtrak Train (first time in THIRTY years) and went to New York City.  I am glad for the good karma of the palindromic number on 10/19/16 as it was a great trip and a great first day of the Meeting.  So, for the song of the day, I give you one of my favorite train-related songs.  CHOO CHOO!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4tJSn0QtME

Summer Highland Falls

Day #291 started off with the Billy Joel Channel during my commute.  And 10/18/16 was much warmer than it should be in mid-October (#ClimateChange).  It felt like Summer out there today. AND, given that this awesome Billy song came on during the warm commute and also has the word Summer in it, it had to be the Song of the Day.  It's one of my favorites of his....and always reminds me of Penn Dance Choreography.  Calming me even more on a warm summerish Fall day.

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

Streets of Philadelphia

The 291st day of 2016 was both 10/17/2016 and also was National Boss' Day.  We did not celebrate this at work, and for that, I am a bit sad.  But, let's focus on a different Boss - and focus on a Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen song.  Already having used my favorite (Glory Days), I give you this one from the movie Philadelphia.  Not because I relate to the melcholy lyrics, but because I love the streets of Philadelphia and I love the Boss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z2DtNW79sQ

All God's Critters Got A Place in the Choir

Sunday 10/16/16 was not only the 289th day of 2016, but it was also one of my favorite days at Church.  The Blessing of the Animals was amazing, not only because it was beautiful weather for an outside service, not only because we got to take Skylar and Talia to Church, so our entire nuclear family was represented, but also because we were reminded that this "dog eat dog" world that we live in should be more of a "dog love dog" world (and I love that as I tried to type "dog" I kept typing "god" (twice) - hmmmmmmmm).  And, we were also reminded about our responsibility to care for this Earth on which we live.  I pray that we, as a society, do better.  We have to.  For ourselves and for our environment.  So, although this is not a conventional hymn, per se.  We sang it today during the service, so I take liberty to count this Bill Staines classic as our hymn of the week, song of he day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IuUHD2Iqjg

Vehicle

Some days the choices for song of the day just flow.  10/15/2016 was not one of those days.  I mean, the 289th day of 2016 was a pretty good day.  It was filled with the usual Saturday errands, family activities, and a really nice family dinner.  But my song muse was failing me.....it's the 15th of October....a year ago we were implementing a huge project at work.  Should it be an anniversary song?  Should it be a song about being part of an amazing team, then AND now?  Wasn't feeling it. So, I thought, what about The Ides of October....nothing.  BUT, I did find a song I like from the group Ides of March!  So this is the song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EBMo8xHGNs

You've got a Friend

10/14/2016 was a double gross day (Day #288, get it??).  The day itself was not gross at all.  Good meetings at work, end of the day Presidential Presentation for Penn's Family Weekend (inspiring!)
Then, I rushed home, a bit stressed because I had not prepared well for OMAYSC's first Gym Night of the year.  I was worried that my lack of preparation would reduce the value of the event for the kids and the community.  BUT, I should not have worried.  My colleagues on the OMAYSC Board were on top of details, the School Admin had ensured all the students and parents were aware of the event.  The event went off, and well!  I need to remain focused on the fact that it is best, in life, to realize those around you who can help you make life better.  I am blessed to have such great friends!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEkIou3WFnM

Honesty

Yesterday at work ended on a bit of a downer as my colleagues informed me that a man with a bike rack on the back of his car had backed into my van.  SO, I spent the first hour of 10/13/16 at Ernie's Auto Body getting an estimate.  My family has been going to Ernie's since I was knee high to a grasshopper.  And today's quote was reasonable and that made the 287th day of 2016 start off on a much better note.  And then I texted the guy (who left a note) and he was happy with the reasonable quote and we are going to take care of this nice and friendly-like.  See what can happen when honesty takes precedence and human decency is more important than worrying only about self-serving actions.  It gave me a little more faith in humanity and, these days, I need that.  Billy Joel sang a song about honesty, and so I chose that as our Song of the Day for today!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuFScoO4tb0

Teddy Bear

I cannot believe we have gotten to Day #286 of 2016 and I've only used two Elvis songs (and one was him singing a hymn!)  But, searching for inspiration on 10/12/16, I found out that today is "National Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day."  Now, I did not know this until now, so I did NOT bring a teddy bear to work today, but, I will leave you this evening with this Elvis song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89MihWd6zKk

On A Bicycle Built For Two

10/11/16, the 285th day of 2016.  That means that there are 81 days remaining in 2016....10/11 is also the day (in 1935) that my maternal grandparents were wed.  Aaron Bechtel and Anne Splaver were married at the Courthouse and the rest, as they say, is history.  In 1944 (9 years later), Bonnie Lee was born.  She chose to transfer to Penn (from Ursinus), met David Sherr (in Houston Hall), and BOOM, the Sherr Family was started!  Thank goodness for all the decisions made that led to my wonderful life that I now have!  And, 9 years squared is 81.  And today would have been Aaron and Anne's 81st anniversary (they were married 65 years when my grandmom passed away - 65!!!).  81 days left in 2016 on the 81st anniversary...I am in a numerical nirvana.  And SO, not knowing what their actual wedding song was (if they indeed had one), I will use this song, from Nat King Cole, that my mom says Grandpop sang to Grandmom all the time.  It's not Unforgettable, but the love and devotion they showed to each other, the role models they set for dedication to family and work ethic, certainly are unforgettable to me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78MKBHR3NbU

Summer of '69

If you look on my FB profile, you will see that the 284th day ended with an amazing, palindromic odometer reading.  Yes, 10/10/16 ended with the last palindrome in the 69,000 mileage range.  1969 is the year in which I was born and, in a meeting at work, we checked the 1969 academic catalog for an archival exercise.  SO, I think I will pick this Bryan Adams song as the song of the day, even though it is no longer summer.  At least I am watching baseball as I post this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f06QZCVUHg

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer

Day #283 was a busy Sunday.  10/9/2016 started with a really nice morning at Church, and then we went to Penn (Field Hockey win!), went on a hay ride, had a great dinner with friends, and then came home.  The evening had a little different tone as we watched The Debate II with most of the rest of the country.  Again, not going on a rant, but man we, as a country, need some guidance.  And, since this hymn was sung this morning in church and I really like it (and the tune!), here we have the hymn of the week!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3NmfmVGblw

Aint No Way to Treat a Lady

10/8/2016 was Day #282 of 2016.  A palindromic day is a good numerical day and that usually translates into a day filled with good vibes.  Today was not an exception.  I was allowed to sleep in late (thank you Sarah!) and after a long few weeks at work, that extra rest was welcomed.  Then a great lunch with my District 13 umpire crew and spent the evening relaxing at home with my family. A great day, yes, but that is not what is inspiring my song choice for today.  Throughout today, I kept having to hear about comments made that denigrated women.  I am trying not to let politics get me down, but, these days, it has not been easy.  I will not go on a rant about any of my personal opinions, but I WILL say that this Helen Reddy classic from the 70s pretty much sums up my feelings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJoBH1jJkPw

Smile

10/7/16 is, according to Facebook, World Smile Day.  SO, I already used my favorite smile-related song (from Annie) a while ago, so I went looking, on the 281st day of 2016, for more smile songs. And I landed on MANY versions of this one, choosing to use the Harry Connick, Jr. version.  NOW, I am not feeling as bad as is intimated in this song, but, in a week where I kept discussing what I have learned from my foibles and failures AND having been told, multiple times, that positive attitude is a quality that has helped me in all aspects of my life, I will use this song as the song of the day and I will SMILE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP5Fft2Yt3Y

Doctor! Doctor!

10/6/2016 is day #280 of 2016..man, we are hurling towards the end of the year and time seems to be hard to come by.  Today was, as usual, a frenetic day filled with meetings and tasks (and email), but it was great to end the day with a celebration of the 25-Year Club at Penn.  I saw a LOT of long time friends, but also saw some GREAT former colleagues who have retired, but come back for this event. But nothing from Penn is making the song of the day.  Because, today is the 6-year anniversary of one of the most amazing sports memories of my life.  Now, being in CBP when the Phils won the WS was amazing, BUT, being in the stands when Doc Halliday threw his playoff no-hitter.  I will always be indebted to Dr. Neil who sold me the tickets and will always have the connection with Greer Cheeseman in regard to this memory.  SO, in honor of Doc...here is an 80s classic from the Thompson Twins!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APyl6Cnbfzw

Humble and Kind

10/5/2016 is the 279th day of 2016 AND is National Do Something Nice Day.  I would like to think that EVERY day should be do something nice day!  And, although I was not aware of this day, I hope that I lived up to its purpose today.  And, in honor of being nice, I give you this Tim McGraw classic.

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

Convoy

Although Day #278 of 2016 was National Taco Day, I am going to focus on the day of the year. 10/4/2016 = 10-4, Good Buddy!!!  So all I could think about all day is how I needed to find a trucker-themed song.  And I did - we got a big ol' convoy tonight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd5ZLJWQmss

Shana Tova, Happy New Year

Day #277 of 2016 starts the Year 5777 for my Jewish friends and family.  So, on 10/3/2016, I wish everyone L'Shana Tovah and hope and pray that your year is prosperous and peaceful!  And, here is a neat kids song that I found - not in the usual style of my songs of the day, but I LIKE it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5x8YM0Eu4

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Day #276 of 2016 may be notable because it might have been the last day I will have spent at Fellowship Farm.  I have been going to FF for Leadership Weekends for the better part of two decades.  But, alas, FF is closing, so we here, and 10/2/2016 was the last day of this Fall's Retreat.  I certainly hope that this important part of history is preserved by whomever buys the land and buildings!  And I awoke on World Communion Sunday without having the opportunity to go to church.  So I spent time just staring at the beautiful nature of the farm....amazed at God's creation. The beauty and the calmness of it all.  And so this is today's song, and this week's hymn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlhV80QPUuI

Feelings

Day #2 of Leadership Weekend was also Day #275 of 2016.   And the morning of 10/1/2016 found me lecturing and facilitating on the MBTI.   I love talking with students about the MBTI and, as my favorite preference scale is Thinking/Feeling, in honor of my strong "F", I give you this Andy Williams classic!

https://youtu.be/cxhwM06lLUst