I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

11/30/2016, and we are about to enter the last month of 2016!  Today was Day #335 of 2016 and we are truly in the home stretch.  I am exhausted after a long day of meetings, so I am being lazy with my song of the day choice!  Since many of you are making Christmas Wish Lists, I give you my faux one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49LAPkV9xJg

I Believe in Santa Claus

So, 11/29/16, was #GivingTuesday.  I actually do not give any additionally on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving because I believe in giving every day, not just when the Internet tells me to do so!  On the 334th day of 2016, I reflected on the culture of giving and hope that, with each Christmas, it can be fortified that much more.  I guess it's because, just as Kenny and Dolly, I believe in Santa Claus and the giving nature embodied by the character so prominently featured during the season.  Heard this song on the Holly XM station this morning and it HAD to be my song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpFjIPzV894

We Need A Little Christmas

What a great numerical day it has been on 11/28/2016.  Yes, today was the 333rd day of 2016.  A pretty good day (which should be numerically expected).  But, the best part was driving home from work.  Not only because I was coming home, but as I drove home, I drove past all my neighbor's houses with amazing and awesome decorations.  It uplifted my spirits after a long day.  We need Christmas these days more than ever, these days.  We need a little Christmas, we need a LOT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FB3h8IFCro

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

11/27/2016 was the 1st Sunday of Advent.  I have been waiting for Advent, one of my favorite seasons of the year.  And, the 332nd day of 2016 did not disappoint.  Awesome service at Church, small trip to buy some needed pants for me (NOT at the mall, still avoiding the mall, if I can, during this season), decorating the house, catching up on work, football, and now early to bed - full week of work is ahead!  Advent hymns are some of my favorites!  And, this hymn of the week/song of the day, sung by Enya, is even that much more special.  Hope your Advent started as well as mine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPHh3nMMu-I

Deck the Rooftop

So, on the 331st day of 2016 (11/26/16), the Sherr Family was invovled in a lot of holiday decorating. Still none at Chez Sherr, but at a friends' house and at the Church.  Honestly, I did not do much, I am still really tired from a crazy month.  So, while I rested, they worked, and in honor of their work, here is a Glee Christmas Song Mashup for our song of the day.  Now, off to bed early!  Goodnight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jszPSluq53o

The Christmas Can-Can

So Day #330 of 2016 was "Black Friday" but our family did not go out shopping today.  No, on 11/25/16 we did not buy in (get it?) to the consumerism of the holiday season.  We slept in, we cleaned the house to get ready for decorations, and we attended an amazing birthday party for a Band Member's dad.  It was a great day.  It was, for me, also the start of the Christmas Tie season and, yes, now we can listen to CHRISTMAS MUSIC.  So, I warn, the rest of 2016's songs of the day will be heavily dominated by Christmas Music (which I love).  But, to start, here is a song that, humerously, does address some of the issues with the holiday season.  So, acknowledging them, but with excitement of this musical season, I give you this Can Can tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E-47VmFopE

Thanks for the Memory

On Thanksgiving, day #329 of 2016, I have so much for which to be thankful.  And, as I get ready for bed on 11/24/16, I am thankful for my family, thankful for the time off to spend time at dinner, thankful for the people who prepared the feast tonight, thankful for a job I love, thankful for supportive friends, thankful for all that I have.  And especially thankful that I am not out shopping tonight or, hopefully, tomorrow. So much better to create memories with my family.  So, like Bob Hope, I am thankful.

https://youtu.be/OIRyvgfRkr8

St. Elmo's Fire

11/23/16, Day #328 of 2016, was an abbreivated day at work.  Then it was time for the pre-family gathering haircut and then home to an evening with the family.  A great way to start the Thanksgiving Break.  As I was driving to and from picking up my girls from piano, I noticed the typical pre-Thanksgiving gatherings of friends from High School.  Traditional Football games and the like.  It made me think back to the reunion we had from my high school class last year at this time (30 years!) And it made me a bit sentimental.  And, when I get sentimental, I think of this song from one of my favorite "old friends" movies.  Great music, especially the counter melodies.  Hope you are all with family or friends this holiday as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pPgv63CyvM

Hello

I was watching James Corden last night (yes, up late catching up on emails) and he stated that yesterday was International Hello Day.  SO, I had already picked my song for yesterday, but I figured that, for Day #327 (three hundred plus three cubed!), I would pick a Hello song.  So, throughout the day at work on 11/22/16, I tried to figure out which one I would use.  And Lionel won!  HELLO!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBYnT8JY7sE

Blowing in the Wind

The wind was REALLY whipping on the 326th day of 2016.  Driving to work on 11/21/16, I could see things just blowing.  Sitting in the office, you could see the trees leaning back and forth in the gusts.  So, as I went looking for a wind-related song, I hit the jackpot.  A song about wind AND about the need for peace.  I love Peter, Paul, and Mary, so I chose their version. ENJOY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld6fAO4idaI

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

11/20/16 was Day #325 of 2016. And we have officially entered Thanksgiving Week.  Started off with a wonderful service at Church and we sang hymns of thanks as we made our pledges for 2017.  I love church music, and this hymn I have chosen for the hymn of the week (song of the day) is one of my favorites.  We did not sing it today, but I like it so much, here it is!  Maybe the last non-Advent/Christmas hymn of the year.  Yes, the Christmas Music Season starts on Friday (but NOT before!), but, tonight, we give Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msOzJ6DY7EA

The Way We Were

The 324th day of 2016 was a surreal day for me.  11/19/16 was a Saturday, so, lately, those have on the relaxing side.  But, today was hectic, with two shows for Anna as well as a soccer game.  We were booked end-to-end starting from Noon.  But, the hecticness did not cause the surrealness for me. It was the finality of a few things.  Alexa and her classmates in 9th grade, most likely, played their last game for the Oaklyn Soccer Club.  Alexa has been playing Oaklyn Soccer for forever (I think 9-10 years) and I have really enjoyed the fact that she AND Anna have been able to play together for the last few seasons.  And then Anna had her last two shows for The Lion King over at Colls Middle School.  She has blossomed in this show and I have loved watching that - and now we have to wait until Fall 2017 for the next Colls MS Show.  Time marches on and milestones are reached.  It made me think of this song we sang at Graduation from Masterman.  And, I know these events today were not scholarly graduations, but they were milestones nonetheless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yrd6caXygw

Mickey Mouse Club

11/18/16 was day #323 of 2016.  I have to admit, for a palindromic day, the workday was a little rough.  AM meeting, which was kinda long and I was hangry, followed by nice events and appointments, and then the worst phone-call of my professional career.  But I had an amazing evening at the OMAYSC Gym Night and then an evening out with family.  So, the day turned around!  And, to add to the palindromic awesomeness, 88 years ago, the amazing Mickey Mouse made his debut (along side Minerva (Minnie)) in Steamboat Willie.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a Disney fan!  Love the Mouse - enjoy his theme song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq6Kgf6Tnus

Can You Feel the Love Tonight

A song from the Lion King was inevitable because, on the 322nd day of 2016, the Colls Middle School production opened. I volunteered backstage on 11/17/16 and so I heard the show, cannot wait to see the show on Saturday.  So I already used Circle of Life and Hakuna Matata, so I picked this song because I DO want people to feel the love tonight.  I felt love for Anna, she and her friends were great tonight.  So, hoping you all felt the love in your own way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25QyCxVkXwQ

We Didn't Start the Fire

So, I was determined, on the 321st day of 2016, to try to get back to my old self for a bit (I HAVE been maudlin for the past week or so) so, upon a suggestion from a friend, I returned to 80's music. So, on the way to work on 11/16/16, 80's on 8 was the radio channel in my van.  And, as often is the case, the music spoke to me!  This classic Billy Joel song came on, and it made me realize, yeah, things seem to be whackado in the world these days, but most times have had their issues.  From Begin, Reagan, Palestine (Terror on the Airlines) to AIDS, Crack, Bernie Goetz (British Politician Sex) the issues seem to be overwhelming....so we must stay calm, continue to work towards good, and support each other!  Goodnight everyone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g

Fight Song

It's been a tough week.  And the 320th day of 2016 was a long one.  And I am tired.  And, on 11/15/16, a week later.  I am still a bit down.  Someone told me today they want me to return to my old self and it remains to be seen if that will happen.  But here is a step in possible recovery.  Rachel Platten wrote this song.  And it was used in the campaign this year, but more important is her quote about it.  This is why I picked it for today's song of the day:

"When I wrote 'Fight Song,' I was in a particular low point. I needed to remind myself to not give up, that I still believed in myself and that I still had fight left,"

I still have fight left!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc

Werewolves of London

Everyone who knows my dad, knows he loves the moon.  So, on Day #319 of 2016, the Super Beaver Moon is amazing, and makes me think of my dad.  So I went over to his FB profile on 11/14/16 and, of course, he had an appropriate song (#ChipOffTheOlBlock).  This Warren Zevon classic is perfect for tonight's moon and song of the evening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MRu8N2K0NY

Hallelujah

As I do most Sundays, I went to Old First Reformed UCC on the morning of the 318th day of 2016. Being born on 3/18, I should like the 318th day, and, all in all, 11/13/16 was a pretty good day for us. But I do admit to being emotional this morning when singing the impromptu anthem that we got together (this was supposed to be an "off-week" for the Choir) because I love this song, Leonard Cohen died this week, and SNL paid tribute to him by having "Hillary Clinton" play and sing this song.  So, singing this morning not only made me think of the amazing Mr. Cohen, but also what could have been had things turned out differently on Tuesday.  Spent much of the rest of the afternoon working on reports to bolster the efforts to support our students at Penn who have been a victim of some hate crimes.  It's a crazy new "reality" in which we all now live, but I pledge to work towards peace and understanding as best I can.  And I leave you with the recording of our Choir singing today.  It's not as polished as many of the videos I have been posting, but I feel it's appropriate as our Hymn of the Week/Song of the Day.  Goodnight, and may we all have a better week.

Safe and Sound

So, on day #317 of 2016 I spent a lot of time reflecting on the events on Penn's campus yesterday.  24 hours later, on 11/12/16, I am still worried about how the students on our campus feel after the horrible threats made to them on social media yesterday.  One of the basic needs a human has is the need to feel safe and sound.  I have to admit I am unsure of exactly what I need to do to help them feel safe, but I know something needs to be done.  So I will be listening, praying, and figuring out how to do so.  In the meantime, I dedicate this evening's song of the day to them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47dtFZ8CFo8

Saber and Spurs March

11/11 is a really nice date, huh?  11/11/16 was Day #316 of 2016 and was also Veterans Day.  I have many friends and family members who have served (or are still serving) in the military and I so appreciate the sacrifices that they (and their family members) have made in order for us to live in a safer and more secure Nation and World.  To salute them, musically, with the song of the day, I needed to find a good Sousa March.  So I picked this one, which is appropriately subtitled "The March of the American Cavalry."  THANK YOU, VETS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwIg5sjFx90

Love Will Find a Way

I am still a bit perturbed on the 315th day of 2016.  11/10/16 was a long day at work followed by a trip to the mall and I am only now sitting down to try to catch up on some emails.  I am not sure I have anything else profound to say.  Reading FB today in between meetings both uplifted me but also angered and saddened me as well.  So, instead of trying to be poignant, I will share my second choice song from last night, which I heard on the way into work yesterday....and I hope it is correct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9sbA2gnWHI

Lotta Love

I have to admit, I was really tired, depressed, and sad on the 314th day of 2016.  11/9/2016 started off, at 2AM, watching the returns and going to bed thinking that the impossible had happened.  And, I awoke this morning to find that it had.  And I was grumpy today at work, many were.  And it was really hard to be on Facebook today, but I did it and I did it without succumbing to anger or hate as a reaction to what I was seeing and feeling.  And then, grumpily driving home (actually stuck in traffic) in a very rainy, slow rush hour, a friend suggested I listen to music to make me happy (I still had the news on from this morning).  And, you know what?  Sometimes God speaks through music (He often does).  And, tonight was no exception.  This Nicolette Larson song came on (I had always known this song, but only now know of Nicolette Larson) and her lyrics are perfect for tonight:

"It's gonna take a lotta love
To change the way things are.
It's gonna take a lotta love
Or we won't get too far
So if you look in my direction
And we don't see eye to eye,
My heart needs protection and so do I.

It's gonna take a lotta love
To get us thru the night.
It's gonna take a lotta love
To make things work out right.
So if you are out there waitin'
I hope you show up soon,
'Cause my heart needs relating not solitude."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80PTNnrwUO8

It's the End of the World

Well, it was day #313 (palindromic karma, do not fail me now), and voter turnout on 11/8/16 seemed to be at record levels.  But it does not seem to have been enough.  I have no words.  Just this REM song.  Goodnight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY

Come Monday

On the way to work on the 312th day of 2016, I was listening to the Bridge.  Relaxing songs for stressful days (thank goodness the strike ended on 11/7/2016 and traffic should get better tomorrow).  But, even without traffic, tomorrow will be a heavy day.  But this song came on the radio and reminded me that things will be Ok in the future.  Just need to sing "Come Wednesday" instead of Jimmy Buffet's real lyrics.  Cannot wait for this "brown haze" to end....

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

I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

Day #311 of 2016 was 11/6/2016, and we recognized All Saints Day at Church this morning.  It really got me thinking about the myriad of saints in my life, both the living saints and also the ones who have passed on but live in my heart, mind, and memory constantly.  From my grandparents, to friends, to fellow congregants at Old First, there are many to remember on days like today.  But, as I read the scripture this morning, as the lector, I could not help but remember Peter Brigham again. Peter is often on my mind at Old First, but, especially when I read scripture as he really took me under his wing and mentored me on the most effective ways of delivering the verses to people.  He always reminded me to "slow down" and, today, when I was getting a little emotional (I always get nervous, no matter how many times I have done it), I heard him tell me to "slow down"..... so I DID!
So, this hymn of the week / song of the day is for Peter, and my grandparents, and my colleagues, and my friends and family who are guiding me daily, and with me always.  I hope I can also be a saint to others:
                               "For the saints of God are just folk like me,
                                                               And I mean to be one too."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrQor_dX3IM

The Way You Do the Things You Do

I have come to really love Saturdays.  And, on the 310th day of 2016, it was a relaxing one!  Nothing on the docket for us except for a few errands for me and a few rehearsals for Anna.  Then, we ended the evening of 11/5/2016 at a family dinner at Bahama Breeze.  It was a really nice meal and we enjoyed the Island Music.  So, for the song of the day, I give you a song from my favorite island-ish band, UB40.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvIxxn36pUU

Brave

11/4/2016, day #309 of 2016, ended another long week.  I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and hoping to both get some good sleep and get some work done (I NEED to catch up!)  As I was running around this evening, this song came on the radio (no more Billy Joel channel, so I am listening to the Blend these days), and I really like.  We all need to be Brave these days!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4

Sara

As the 308th day comes to an end, there really is not a specific song that needs to be used.  So, on 11/3/2016, as I left the gas station (refilling for the first time under the new higher gas tax, which really was not that bad), this Fleetwood Mac song came on Eighties-On-Eight.  It made me smile, it always does, songs that make me think of my amazing wife always do. <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzKh9q7vvHY

Let's Go Crazy

What a crazy evening of the 307th day of 2016.  Sitiing at home, on 11/2/16, watching Game 7 of the World Series and this has been an amazing game.  There really are no words, so I went searching for an appropriate song.  Having used all of my baseball songs during the summer, I landed on this, another Prince Classic.  Not only does this focus on the CRAZINESS of this game, it is the song that George and I used to pump ourselves up before our Levittown Softball League.  Game's not over yet, but I wanted to post now, I have no idea what might happen!

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

Seven

November arrived on 11/1/16.  The 306th day was a very wonderfully numeric day.  11/1 is a palindrome, my lunch bill with a friend was exactly equal for each of us, and the Odometer hit 70707 on my ride home, which, inverted is also LOLOL.  That spoke to me and, so, here is my favorite song about my favorite number - SEVEN!

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