2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

I was not at work on the 31st day of 2019.  I took 1/31/19 off of work so I could work at the PTA Book Fair at Oaklyn Public School (where my daughters used to attend).  When I was a member of the Oaklyn PTA, I used to love volunteering at this event and helping the kids check out (purchase) their books.  So, since it makes me happy, I decided to continue to volunteer here even with my kids out of OPS.  I am grateful that I was able to take the day off, that the Oaklyn PTA allowed me to sign up for shifts today, AND that I get to go back tomorrow.  Happy Kids, Books, Education - what else do we need in life?

The 30th day of 2019 was one of the coldest in recent memory (and tomorrow is looking to be colder).  But, driving home from piano on 1/30/19, the girls and I did not care (well, we did, but the heat was on in the van).  We were listening to the Beatles Channel and singing out loud to 'An Innocent Man.'  I am so grateful for the Beatles Channel and the fact that my girls like the same music that my parents taught me to like.  The Beatles, a generational group, classic songs, and a great station where I can hear them anytime we want.  We had fun tonight, and I love singing with the kids! Enjoy the song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H23tUK3z17U

The 29th day of 2019 ended with me in the Manor, with a group of neighbors, planning the revival of a foundation to support educational initiatives in the Oaklyn Public School.  But the best part of 1/29/19 was after the discussion ended, when we, The Gertrude Hawks (we sell candy to raise foundation funds), won the Quizzo contest (it was Disney themed, so we HAD to win).  Happy that this revival is happening, and thankful for the people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work to benefit the school, the town, and especially the kids!

At the end of the 28th day of 2019, we sat in the Cafeteria of Collingswood HS and watched the induction ceremony for CHS' National Honor Society.  The Advisor for the NHS opened the ceremony by thanking the parents.  But all I could think about during the ceremony on 1/28/19, was how grateful I am for all of my children's teachers through the years. From the PreSchool rooms at St. Mark's to the halls of Oaklyn Public School (where Elementary School Teachers laid the foundation for their academic pursuits) to the teachers, coaches, and administration of Collingswood, I am thankful and feel blessed that my kids have had such wonderful teachers and role models (to continue yesterday's theme).  Education is the great equalizer and great teachers make a difference.  THANK YOU TEACHERS!

Role Models are important to have.  And, on the 27th day, I have been thinking about a role model that both of my daughter's have been blessed with.  1/27/19 is the 24th birthday of my niece, Ashley.  Ashley has been a blessing to our family because she has always been there for Alexa and Anna.  From babysitting to hanging out at holidays to taking them out for a dining excursion during her birthday week, Ashley has been a prime example for my daughters to follow.  It has been a comfort for Sarah and me to know there has been an ideal for the girls to follow, while they embark on teen-dom and move to young adulthood.  So, tonight, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY, we love you!

It’s the 26th day of 2019 and there is never a question of what my daily post’s subject will be on the 26th day. On 1/26/19, my gratitude flows for my mom. Happy Birthday, mom! I love this picture because you are looking at me with love in your eyes. I hope I still inspire that love in your heart, because the love I have for my family and others has its root in the love you have always shown me. ❤️ 🎂 ❤️

On the 25th day of 2019, as I was driving to pick up my daughter from her chorus' dress rehearsal, I looked in the back seat at Skylar, our dog.  Yes, as I was leaving the house on 1/25/19, Skylar wanted to come with (she ALWAYS wants a car ride!)  And, of course, she had her head out the window, as dogs stereotypically do.  Skylar is stereotypical in so many ways (she is always begging, she greets me happily at the door when I come home from work, she chases birds and squirrels, she barks at the mailman, etc.), but she is ours and a part of our family.  Tonight I am grateful that we were able to adopt her and that she is a part of our family and a part of our lives.

Today, 1/24/19, is also National Compliment Day.  I love giving people compliments and, of course, I like receiving them as well.  I am of the opinion that we do not compliment each other (or ourselves) enough.  We spend a lot of time worrying about faults (ours and others'), finding problems in others, and trying to "solve" issues (again, in ourselves and in others).  But today, the 24th day of 2019, I want to think about the compliments I have received and how good they made me feel.  And I am grateful for the people who took the time, and it makes me inspired to be sure to compliment others.  Like with many things, if we thought about others and did just a little bit more to make others' lives better (and compliments make people feel better, right?) maybe the world would be just a little better.  Hope you all receive (and give!) compliments on a regular basis.

I started the 23rd day of 2019 off by eating breakfast in my car on the way to work.  And the breakfast, on 1/23/19, contained one of my favorite things - a banana.  It made me think of how good fruit is.  From the morning banana, to the occasional snack of grapes (with cheese) or apples (with peanut butter), to peaches for dessert after dinner, to the awesome fruit salad we always start a meal with when we are together as family for the holidays.  So, today, my gratitude is for fruit.  As my friend said, "Fruit is Life."  I hope you all have fruit in your life that you can enjoy.

On the 22nd day of 2019, the inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame were announced.  And, on 1/22/19, Roy Halladay was announced as a member of the HOF Class of 2019.  Some of my favorite Phillies memories include Doc Halladay including the playoff game against the Reds where I was present, in Citizens Bank Park, for his No Hitter.  And, driving back from Washington DC and listening, on the radio, to Doc's perfect game in Florida.  Doc left us far too soon, but, today, I am grateful for his time in Philadelphia and the memories (and winning seasons) he gave us.  Thank you Doc!  And congrats to you for being a Hall of Famer!

It was cold on the 21st day of 2019 (still is, tonight!)  And I spent a lot of 1/21/19 worrying about people.  There are thousands of people living on the streets of Philadelphia and other Northeastern cities (not that the NE is the only cold region tonight).  And, I was off most of the day (Penn observes MLK as a holiday and was closed), so I was in and out of my house (for errands and appointments).  Each time I stepped out of the cold and into my warm home, I was thankful.  My gratitude is tempered, however, by my worry for the people on these streets.  As I go to bed tonight, thankful for my home, a warm home, and wish that we could live in a world where everyone can have the shelter they need.  Stay Warm, friends (if you can!)

The 20th day of 2019 is National Cheese Lovers Day.  And, anyone who has seen our fridge knows that our family loves cheese.  Not knowing it was our day on 1/20/19, we even had grilled cheese sandwiches (with ham!) for dinner tonight.  Cheese is amazing.  All Hail Cheese!  My gratitude today is for cheese, glorious cheese.

On the 19th day of 2019, we found ourselves watching the Penn/Temple Basketball game on TV.  Yes, on 1/19/19, we would have rather been at the game (heck, the game should have been in the Palestra and we really would have been upset to be missing it!), but a lot was going on on this cold and wet January day.  So, we watched as Penn beat Temple in Fran Dunphy's last Big-5 Game.  The irony was not lost on me.  And, although I was happy to see that Penn will likely have its first Big-5 Title in 17 years, I was a little maudlin that Fran's last Big-5 game was not a win for him.  Thinking about how lucky and grateful we all are to have Fran Dunphy in our lives.  What a coach, what a mentor, what a person.  A gem.  I will be rooting for Temple as much as I am rooting for Penn for the rest of the season! To see what Fran has meant to Penn and to Penn Basketball, please click on the link below to hear his players talk about his influence.  And, loo...

On the 18th day of 2019, the news shows were filled with weather reports and video of DOT trucks filling up with salt.  But, on 1/18/19, I am grateful that these reports are telling us that the snow is tracking North and all we will get tomorrow is rain.  I really do not like snow and ice (I have a hard enough time staying upright without the ground being slippery).  So I am glad tonight that it might be a lot better out there tomorrow than we first had thought.  Let's hope so - stay safe out there!

They say that laughter is the best medicine.  I did wake up with a stuffy nose on the 17th day of 2019.  But, at the end of the workday on 1/17/19, I found myself in my office, working with some co-workers on a project, and we were laughing hysterically as we did so.  So, yeah, I had a long day, and I did not get a chance to get out for lunch (munched on some snacks at my desk), and a friend and colleague is leaving Penn.  But to end the day, laughing, in my office made it just a little bit better.  I am grateful for the laughter today and hope that, even in the tough times, you can all find a little laughter to brighten the day!

On the 16th day of 2019, my thoughts have been with the 800,000+ Federal Employees who are affected by the longest Government Shutdown in US History.  On 1/16/19, I am grateful for the public servants that are working (with deferred pay, which causes major cash flow issues) and those who would like to work, but have to stay on furlough.  I also await the time when the politicians in DC start to govern instead of politic and think about our country and its people instead of worrying only about party tenets and re-election.  Yes, I know that time may be long off, but I hope it's not.  Sorry about a political post, but this is going on FAR too long and the people in Congress can stop it.  The Legislative Branch has power it refuses to weld.

The 15th day of 2019 is, as all 15th days are, the anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King.  And, although we are not officially celebrating MLK on 1/15/19, _I_ am celebrating him today.  I am so appreciative and thankful for the life and the work of a man who inspired so many and brought to light so many injustices in the world.  And, although my gratitude overflows for this wonderful man, at the same time, I am sobered by the injustice, hatred, and suffering that continues.  Personally, I long for a world that meets the expectations of Martin's dream so I will continue to work, each day, to better my small part of the world so that we can get just a little closer to the ideal.  I know the official day for the "holiday" is Monday, 1/21.  But, today, I am thankful and wish to honor Martin Luther King on the day of his birth.

I started the 14th day of 2019 with my first trip to Mullica Hill Chiropractic in the new year.  So 1/14/19 (which was also a PTO day) started off on the right foot!  And the rest of the day was productive and quite good.  I am thankful for my chiropractor.  I am thankful that he knows how to adjust me and help me get through the ensuing two weeks between appointments.  Always good to be well adjusted!

The 13th day of 2019 included a sad moment when we realized that the Eagles Magic is over for the year.  After last year's Superbowl journey and and victory, the parade, and a up and down 2018 season that ended with a miraculous spot in the Playoffs and a thrilling Double Doink infused win against the Bears last week.  But, on 1/13/19 the magic journey ended with a thud as the ball slipped through Alshon Jeffery's  hands and into the hands of a Saints defender.  I know I should be sad, but they were playing with house money.  They were not supposed to be there (once the losses started to pile up).  Injuries, backups, bad luck, all should have doomed them from the Playoffs.  But, they were one of the last 8 teams standing.  So, tonight, I am re-affirming my love for the Eagles, looking forward to an interesting off-season, and preparing for another roller coaster ride for the upcoming season.  Tonight's gratitude is for that Eagles Magic, and ...

The 12th day of 2019 found us spending the afternoon in one of the best places on Earth!  1/12/19 was the second game in the Penn/Princeton Men's Basketball regular season series.  And, it was great to play with the Band filled with students and again alumni and friends (since it is still Winter Break!)  But it was even better to see The Palestra ("College Basketball's Most HISTORIC Gym!") filled to the brim.  What a great atmosphere for college basketball and, yes, the Quakers again fell to the Tigers (we'll get them in March in New Haven!) but the spirit, the sounds, the cheers, the bands, the squeak of shoes on the court, all amazing aspects of the best place to watch basketball in the WORLD!  I am so grateful that I have been able to experience the Basketball Mecca so many times in my life and even have played a few pick up games (and the Provost's Cup in the 90s) on the Palestra floor.  I hope you all get to experience a game in the Palestra!  GO ...

One of my community activities is being the President of OMAYSC, a youth-focused substance-free activity group.  Tonight, 1/11/19, was a Gym Night.  So, I spent the evening of the 11th day of 2019 in the gym of the local school with activities for about 50 kids, 4th - 9th grade.  But, it went well, and it was easy.  Why?  Because of our OMAYSC Counselors.  These are the teens of the community (many of whom came to our events when THEY were younger) who come out to be counselors and run the events to keep the kids engaged, and, thus, safe.  I am grateful for these teens and their empathy, leadership, and hard work.  They give me hope for the future!

The 10th day of 2019 was cold and blustery.  And, as I departed from the parking garage on the morning of 1/10/19, my hands were immediately cold.  I instinctively reached for my gloves and put them on and, frankly, the elements were easier to bear during my short trip from the garage to the Franklin Building.  And, that made me think.  How grateful I am that I have a pair of gloves to warm my hands on a old blustery day.  It also made me think of how some people do not have gloves, and how can I change that.  I think I will buy some gloves and take them to Church on Sunday so that they can be given to people who need them.  Because, as they say, All You Need is Glove.  Glove is all you need.  And if you can show love by giving gloves, well, isn't that just what it's all about.  Stay warm friends (and help others do so as well!)

1/9/19 (neat date) and I spent the 9th day of 2019 at work, at rec basketball, and driving to and fro (as we often do on evenings with activities).  But the best part of my day was two conversations with individuals looking to get their careers re-started at Penn.  One was a former colleague from YEARS ago, re-entering the job market after 14-years as a stay at home mom.  The other was a person I met for the very first time, trailing a spouse and looking to re-establish his career in higher education in Philadelphia.  It was a reminder to me about how robust my network (at Penn and beyond) has become and I was happy to try to use my network to assist others.  I am grateful tonight for my network.  For all of the people I have met along way, who have lifted me along with them, who have collaborated with and counselled me, I say THANK YOU!  Here's to building networks and using them to help others!

On the 8th day of 2019, I had a "normal" day in the office.  After my day off yesterday, I returned to the office on 1/8/2019 and all my teammates had returned.  Many were off last week (and the week before).  Many worked remotely last week (after the holiday vacation).  But the "gang was all here" today and there was collaboration, laughter, and good work was completed.  I am grateful for the members of our project team.  Their jokes, their laughter, their knowledge, they are truly a great group of folks.  The work is sometimes hard, the work is not always exciting, but great colleagues help us get through.  Many of us work in teams and groups.  I hope yours are as enjoyable as mine.

The 7th day of 2019 was a very busy one for me.  On 1/7/2018, I got to the gym to swim (and hydro therapy for my sore knee), went to an appointment, sat on a panel for a job interview, watched the JV (loss) and Varsity (BIG WIN) Girls Basketball games at Collingswood, attended a 2 hour+ budget meeting at church, and watched the end of the National Championship Football game.  What you did not see in the previous statements is anything to do with my job.  I was on a Paid Time Off (PTO) day today.  I am very grateful that my place of employment allows us Paid Time Off as well as a Special Winter Vacation between Christmas and New Years.  Between the holiday week, MLK Day, and a few PTO days, it does not look like I will have to work a full week in January.  Sure, I still have the same amount of tasks to complete, and it is likely that I will read email and do a little work when I am off, but at least I will be in sweats (or even my PJs).  PTO days are go...

Day #6 of 2019 was the first Sunday of the year and the first time we attended Church in the New Year.  And, in Church, on 1/6/2019 a child was baptized.  It does not matter how down or troubled I may be in the back of my mind, when I see a baptism of a child, I smile ear to ear.  The New Testament Scriptures today were about the Three Kings following the Star to see the new baby born.  And Michael's sermon connected the two, stating that the stars in our lives are the children in our lives.  I liked this, since children bring me hope and joy.  Sitting in the pew (or, in today's case, in the pulpit as the Liturgist) and watching babies get baptized is one of the times I truly feel at peace.  And it was a great way to start today.  I hope that the hope and joy that children bring can be felt by all of you as well!

Much of the 5th day of 2019 was spent in Princeton, NJ.  Why, you ask?  Well, 1/5/2019 was the Penn-Princeton Basketball Doubleheader.  The Women played first (WIN!) and they were followed by the Men (close OT loss :-( ).  But, I was not thankful for being in Princeton, and especially not for being in Jadwin Gym (the anti-Palestra, if you will).  My gratitude today flows for Penn Band Nation.  As the Spring Semester does not start classes until 1/16, our Penn Band students are on Winter Break (even though 6 of them came out and played in the Band today).  But the rest of the Band?  Filled with Band Alumni, Band Children, and Band Friends.  We call it Penn Band Nation and, as my friend says, we all have a bond because "we have worn the sweater."  I am sure being married to someone I met in the Penn Band has something to do with it, but Penn Band Nation has been a large part of my life.  From my wife, to many of my close friends, to m...

On the 4th day of 2019, the Collingswood High School Girls Basketball had a home game.  So, in the early evening, I found myself in the Irvine Gymnasium after a big win (team is now 5-2 heading into a tough rival game on Monday!)  But my gratitude on 1/4/2019 does not come from basking in the glory of a win, but my gratitude is for the teammates that Alexa has on this team (and has had throughout the years).  Alexa has truly loved playing with these girls, some of them since the 4th grade!  And to see them cheer each other on, to see them work together on the court, and to see them smile and enjoy interacting with each other makes me so thankful that Alexa has these experiences.  I believe she (and I) will remember these teams for the rest of her (our) lives.  We all have our groups, I hope we all can find teams that cheer each other on, work together, and smile and enjoy their interactions!

At the end of the 3rd day of 2019, I found myself standing in line at a viewing for a beloved member of my community who left us far too soon.  Now, you may ask why, on 1/3/2019, I would find my inspiration for gratitude from such a solemn event.  Well, looking at the long line of people paying their respect and consoling the family, reading all of the nice sentiments on our community's FB page, seeing and knowing the support that is pouring out for the family and friends of our departed neighbor....well..... it made me filled with gratitude that I live in a community that provides this consolation, care, and support for people when they are in need.  I know Oaklyn is not perfect, but I am so glad I live here, in a small town community (and we're so close to all of the large-city resources of Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs).  I am not happy that we lost a neighbor and friend, but I am thankful for my community.  May we all find our communities of su...

Frequent readers of my posts will note that I really am fond of music.  And it's true, I like many genres of music from a span of times and there are few that I really do not like 100%.  But, my all-time favorite genre is music from the 80s and that is, on Day 2 of 2019, what I am extremely grateful for.  On 1/2/19, I returned to work after a loooong layoff (one of the longest, and least work-filled in recent memory).  So it was a bit of a shock to have to be up and out of the house early today.  As I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and got on the road and over to Phila., I encountered awful traffic (accident, construction, volume, etc) as I approached campus.  But, I was lucky (2013 theme alert!) and thankful (2019!) to have 80s on 8 on the radio.  The songs that were playing pepped me up, made me sing, and eased the pain of the commute (my excellent alternative route through my old neighborhood did not hurt either!)  My gratitude today is for mu...

Here we are at the first day of another year.  Day #1 of 2019.  So, a new year means a new theme for my daily reflection.  I started this in 2013 with a theme of what made me feel lucky in that day.  I needed a daily discipline to make me feel positive about that day.  I was not feeling positive at the end of 2012 and this action has really helped me focus and be attentive to the theme of the year.  And, frankly, it has ensured that something (usually) positive appears on my timeline each and every day.  These days, more than ever, we need more positivity on social media.  The news and the comments online have really caused stress in our society and I even see friends shedding social media accounts because of it.  This makes me sad because the connectedness that social media allows is something I value and depend on. So far, our themes have been as follows: 2013 - Lucky 2014 - Positive Images 2015 - Connectivity 2016 - Songs of the Day ...