2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

The evening of the 59th day was a unicorn.  After work on 2/28/19, we actually had nothing planned.  Anna and Sarah went to the gym, Alexa went out with friends, and I chilled at home.  Tonight, I am thankful for this brief respite (I know it will ramp right back up real soon).  Goodnight!

My daughter's basketball season (the next to last one) came to an end on the 58th day of 2018.  On 2/27/19, the Panthers fell, in double OT, to the Bulldawgs of Haddonfield.  I do not want to focus on the sadness of the loss or the end of the season (both of which I am feeling today), but I DO want to focus on something for which I am very grateful (this IS about an attitude of gratitude and all!)  Tonight I am reflecting on how awesome the fans have been for this team in the Playoffs.  First, at home, on Monday, the crowd of students was large, loud, and proud!  And MANY of them made the trek to Cherry Hill East HS (the HMHS Gym is not available this season) to cheer on the girls in their 2nd round game.  Also present were a plethora of parents who did not even have kids on the team (and even a few who do not even have kids in the School anymore!).  All to support this wonderful team and lift them (almost) to victory.  I want to especially expres...

On the 57th day of 2019, in the morning, I saw a post on FB by a friend who used to work at my Church.  She posted about Mr. Rogers on 2/26/19.  And it inspired me, I posted, others commented, and I was moved (even to tears) by some of them  But, as I sat at my desk, at lunch, crying a bit, I realized it was a good cry, because Mr. Rogers was an amazing man who did amazing things.  And he was a pure as a person could be.  Today, I am thankful for Mr. Rogers.  And I am thankful that my friend posted and inspired me (and others) to reply.  I am glad today that I was his neighbor.

On the way to lunch on the 56th day of 2019, I seemed to have dropped my PennCard.  Not sure when or how, but I did not have it at the end of lunch and I DID have it when I left the office on 2/25/19.  So, I returned to the office, frustrated at myself and not looking forward to paying $30 for a new ID.  But, GUESS WHAT?  I sat down, opened up my email, and there was a message from the PennCard Center saying someone had found my ID and turned it in.  So, I scooted over the Bookstore, up to the PennCard Center, and got my ID back.  And, SO, my gratitude today is for Nice People Who Find Things, specifically the person who found my ID and turned it in today.  No idea who it was, but THANK YOU!

As the 55th day of 2019 was coming to close, I was watching a show that I often watch to close out my Sundays.  Yes, 2/24/19 was the 2nd episode of the 4th season of Last Week Tonight, with John Oliver.  I really appreciate the way he can, with humor, really hammer hard on the issues that matter. It's better to laugh, than cry.  And I appreciate his style and humor as the last thing I watch before going to bed to prepare for another long week.  Thank you, John Oliver!  My gratitude today goes out to you.

We spent a lot of the 54th day of the year on Penn's Campus.  And 2/23/19 ended with us at the 157th Penn Glee Club Spring Show.  Penn is filled with a lot of traditions and, as a Glee Club alumnus, it makes the show even more enjoyable to experience the next generation honoring the old traditions.  From the "VOOM" to the tap dancing Finale, the show was filled with great singing alongside great traditions.  And I was able to see a lot of my Glee Club Alumni friends!  Pictured here, alongside some ensemble shots, is a picture of the Fruit Heads in attendance.  Olive Head, Papaya Head, and the ol' original Lemonhead!  I am filled with gratitude for my time in the Penn Glee Club, and the years of continued enjoyment as a member of the audience.  Dare to be Magnificent!

I still remember the Summer before Anna went into 6th grade.  She completed a week long summer camp with ChildrenSong in Haddonfield and had a great time.  My mother-in-law noticed how much she enjoyed it and encouraged us to sign her up to become a member of the group.  We did, and, on the 53rd day of 2019, I sat and listed to her sing a beautiful solo and it was amazing.  So, on 2/22/19, I go to be with gratitude in my heart for ChildrenSong, the talent that exists in the group, the experiences it has allowed Anna to have, and the confidence she has singing on stage.  I look forward to much, much more in her future, with ChildrenSong, with the Collingswood Chorus, and on stages everywhere!

Years ago, when Alexa was in Rec Basketball, I started assisting the organizers by running the clock during the games.  This accelerated to volunteering for home games for the Middle School Basketball Team, when Alexa joined in 6th grade.  Then, I got to sub, a few times, for my sister-in-law, who ran the clock at the High School for Girls Basketball.  And then, as Alexa was joining the HS team, my SIL became a Principal of a school and could not serve anymore and hooked me up as her replacement.  Now, today, on the 52nd day of 2019, I found myself running the clock (AND ANNOUNCING) for the HS Girls AND Boys varsity basketball games.  And, as I left the gym after the boys game, on 2/21/19, a father from the opposing team (which had just lost 54-53 to the Collingswood Boys) smiled at me and told me I sounded like a professional (and he said he has heard a lot of announcers in his following of basketball).  And I realized how lucky and filled with gratitude I...

The number 51 is pretty cool.  3 x 17, two of my favorite numbers.  So it's not a surprise that the 51st day of the year is also a day where I think about a pretty cool person all day!  See, 2/20/19 is the birthday of David M. Sherr, that's right, MY DAD!  The picture provided says all you need to know about the father he was for me and my sister.  He's smiling, he's relaxed, he's got us both in his warm embrace, and we are both quite happy to be with him.  My dad truly is one of the most caring, loyal, honorable men I have ever known.  And he has been a shining example for me on how to treat others and how to work hard, while still having fun, in everything one does.  But, the most important gift I think he has imparted upon me is showing me how important a Dad can be in a child's life and that has been my mantra and model in my own fatherhood.  So, Dad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and here's to many, many more.  So glad you are coming to visit ...

As the 50th day of 2019 was ending, I got an interesting phone alert - Penn is closing for a Snow Day tomorrow.  Yes, it's predicted to snow 3"-6" tomorrow, it's been cold and windy, and February is the longest short month of the year!  But, guess what also happened on 2/19/19?  Heim's (a purveyor of snack stand delicacies) sent me their price list for the coming Little League Season.  Manny Machado signed with the San Diego Padres, pushing baseball to the forefront of sports news.  What does this mean?  SPRING IS COMING!  That is my gratitude today!  I am thankful for the coming Spring and they hope that it inspires!  Hope SPRINGs eternal!

The girls did not have school on 2/18/19 so Sarah and I took the day off as well.  And, on Day #49 of 2019, we found ourselves on Penn's campus (even though I was not working).  Why?  We did our official Penn tour with Alexa today.  And it was quite interesting to view the Penn experience as a potential applicant's parent!  But, my gratitude, today, is not for the tour, but it's for where the Info Session took place.  As I sat in the audience, in Irvine Auditorium, I looked up and was amazed by the beauty and grandeur of Irvine.  Now, no, this was not the first time I sat in Irvine.  But sitting in as a parent, it seemed to take on a different aura to me.  The detailed decorations, the amazing Curtis Organ, and the high ceilings made me really appreciate Irvine in a different light today.  And I am grateful for that, and for being able to be on a campus with such beautiful facilities, each day.

If you read many (or, last year, any) of my daily posts, you know that I love music.  The 48th day of 2019 is a Sunday so, on 2/17/19, I found myself in a familiar place: the pews of Old First Reformed UCC.  And, as we do most Sundays, we sang a lot of hymns.  Music is one of the things I like most about Church, it's what introduced me to services (playing in Easter Brass) and it provides me with a lot of joy in each service.  But sometimes, while singing, I am moved.  It could be a tear, it could be goosebumps, or it could just be that feeling.  The feeling that something is happening and I may not understand it.  I guess that is why the core of most religious beliefs is FAITH.  This morning, we sang How Great Thou Art, an "old chestnut," if you will.  And I loved singing it, hearing it, and the feeling I got experiencing it.  It was a great way to start my day.  So, tonight, my gratitude is for hymns that move me.  Because fe...

I almost forgot, on the morning of the 47th day of 2019, that I had planned to go to the Gym today.  2/16/19 was another Saturday filled with few obligations, so we could do what we WANTED to do.  And so I made the trek to Royal Fitness in Barrington and I swam my laps.  And, especially after the Brazilian Steakhouse yesterday, it was a needed fitness event.  It is sometimes hard for me to get it all together to get there but, once I do, I am always glad to be in the pool.  SO, as I head off to bed tonight, I am grateful for The Pool at Royal Fitness and for swimming, an exercise that I actually enjoy.

We had a lot of fun on the 46th day of 2019.  After work, a bunch of us headed out to a Brazilian Steakhouse (Chima) and had a really fun meal.  On 2/15/19, I am grateful that I work with a group of colleagues I enjoy hanging out with.  And the dinner was tasty as well.  I am full, and sleepy, goodnight!

Yes, the 45th day of 2019 was Valentine's Day.  And, yes, we exchanged gifts and had a nice family evening after an exciting basketball game (WIN!)  But, on 2/14/19, I do not want to focus on the materialistic holiday that makes some people feel obligated to go overboard and others to feel badly because they are looking for love and/or have lost someone they love(d).  I DO want to focus on that word - love.  As I thought about today, and watched the movie Valentine's Day with the family, I realized how grateful I am to have experienced love throughout most (if not all) of my life.  Starting with my nuclear family (thanks mom, dad, Abigail!), though my high school and college years (experiencing love from many friends throughout my education), to the various places I have worked (yes, I have cared for many of my co-workers, and I think they for me), to my current nuclear family of Sarah and the girls - I have been lucky and blessed to almost always felt loved....

A great numerical day, 2/13/19 was.  Day #44 of the year (any palindromic day is enjoyed), 21319 is cool (2+1)*3*1=9, but that is not why I am thankful today.  Today, my gratitude is for my friend and neighbor whose birthday it was today.  Went to a dine and donate for our town's food pantry (it was PACKED) and saw her celebrating.  Wished her a HBD and gave her a hug.  And it made me think about all she does for the town and how amazing she is (and she has raised some amazing kids as well).  So, Happy Birthday, Claudia, and thank you for being you!

The 43rd day of 2019 is always the birthday of a very special person.  2/12/19 would have been the 103rd birthday of my grandmother (Bubbe), Nettie Soskin.  She and her husband, Sol, were not my biological grandparents (they were my dad and his brother and sister's foster parents), but they never let us feel that.  They loved us all (and our partners and our friends) unequivocally!  I was so lucky growing up.  Many of my friends never had a chance to meet their grandparents, and I got to meet ALL EIGHT of mine (only really remember 6 of them).  My gratitude tonight is for these grandparents, and the lessons they have taught me and the role models many of them have been for the way I wish to live my life here on this planet!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bubbe!

2/11/19 is National Make A Friend Day.  Interesting.  So, at the end of Day #42, I have gratitude for each and every one of my friends (Facebook and otherwise).  42, according to Douglas Adams, is the answer to life, the universe, and everything.  But I also think friends fit that bill as well.  So, to all of you friends, thanks for being there when I need you (and, sometimes, even when I don't).  I am not sure I made any new friends today, but I think every day is make a friend day!

The 41st day of 2019 started off, as a typical Sunday does, at Church!  And, on 2/10/19, we thanked the retiring (for now) leaders and welcomed the new (and current) leaders (some of the new were also the ones who retired).  So at the end of a long day of activities and events, I am grateful for mt fellow leaders at Old First and look forward to rolling up my sleeves and attending the Board meeting tomorrow. evening.

Saturdays are my favorite days of the week.  They are usually more relaxing that the other days of the week.  It's not that they are not filled with activities, they are, but it just seems like things are easier when the stress of the weekdays are left behind (and are not returning the next day).  the 40th day of 2019 was one of these wonderful Saturdays.  Slept in, went swimming at the gym, got the dry cleaning picked up, the kids babysat, Sarah and I went to the Women's Basketball game (PENN WIN!), Alexa had dinner with friends, Sarah and I had a post-game date dinner.....2/9/19 was a really nice day.  And, for that, I am grateful for today, and for Saturdays that are equally amazing.

Multiple times during the 39th day of 2019 I received feedback from others.  It was at work and at home.  It was verbal and via email.  It was both positive and constructive.  And I am grateful for it all!  It is always nice to get good feedback, makes me feel great.  But it is also good to get constructive feedback letting you know how things could be improved, especially when delivered in a civil way (i.e. constructive).  So, on 2/8/19, I am grateful for open dialogue, for people who tell others when things are done well, and for receiving constructive criticism and being able to contemplate how to do things better in the future.

At the end of the 38th day of 2019, after watching Alexa play basketball (Colls WIN!) and listening to both of my daughters talk about the softball planning meeting after school today, I was graced by being able to hear them practice piano.  So, on 2/7/19, I am filled with gratitude that I have daughters with diverse talents.  From athletics to music to singing to academics, they are diverse and amazing.  And I am so lucky and grateful for them tonight.  Smiling as I head off to bed!  Goodnight!

At the risk of causing a recursive loop, the focus of my gratitude on the 37th day of 2019 is, well, GRATITUDE!  On 2/6/19, I experience, more than a few times, people thanking me.  Whether it was for the work of a community group I help organize, or for a favor done with a smile, or for some tasks completed at work done to the liking of those who requested them, I had a lot of people thanking me today.  So, my gratitude is right back at them.  It is always nice to be thanked and it reminds me to continue to pay that forward.  So THANK YOU and Goodnight!

The 36th day of 2019 found me in a familiar place.  I was, once again, asked to judge a mock-trial in the NURS 163 class.  I used to do this when I worked in Fagin Hall and I am lucky that the faculty of the class continue to invite me back each year.  I missed last year so that made 2/5/19 even more special.  Not only did I get to meet a new amazing Penn Nursing class (and hear some really excellent testimony from which I learned even after doing these cases for multiple years), but I also saw some of my really fantastic colleagues from the Nursing School.  In the same theme as my Saturday trip to the "Ol' Neighborhood," this was the work version of that feeling.  Yeah, some things have changed in the 4.5 years since my office was in Fagin, but the smiles and friendships have stayed strong.  Tonight, as I go to bed early (I am exhausted), I go with a smile thinking of how grateful I am to have my colleagues from the Nursing School and how lucky I am t...

The 35th day of 2019 is also National Thank a Mail Carrier Day.  So, on 2/4/19, I am thinking about how lucky we are in this country to have a postal system that quickly and efficiently delivers our letters, magazines, packages, etc.  It is the best in the world.  I know people can complain about everything, but, today, I am grateful for the men and women who walk miles a day to get people the information they need.

Super Bowl LIII was not the most entertaining of games (even the ads were mediocre).  However, 2/3/19 found us in a familiar situation.  On 2/3/19, we hosted our traditional Super Bowl party with the Lippincott-Timms and MacDonalds.  I cannot remember the last Super Bowl we watched without them.  The party rotates between the families, but we are almost always together.  The food is good, the friends are amazing, the laughter is plentiful, so it does not matter how good the football game is.  I am grateful for these friends, for being able to stay connected since our Dining Services days, and for the amazing times we have during the Super Bowls.  And, although I go to bed tonight for the first time in 364 days with the Eagles NOT being the Champions, I have solace in knowing that Nick Foles is still the last QB to have a TD pass in a Super Bowl.... at least until LIV, hoping Carson takes his place in that regard.  Goodnight!

In my life, I have not traveled very far.  Almost 50 years and I am still in the Philly area.  But, because of that, on the 33rd day of 2019, my daughter babysat for a family who lives on a block where I used to trick-or-treat as a kid.  And, on 2/2/19, as I drove to a from their house to take her and drop her off, I drove past my childhood home and smiled every time.  The Ol' Neighborhood has changed a bit and, yet, it still felt familiar.  Driving through it brought back memories and, as with the sight of my childhood home, they made me smile as well.  I am thankful that I can go back and visit the Ol' Neighborhood and I am glad the memories it conjures up are good ones.  Maybe you CAN go home again :-).

The end of another PTO day on the 32nd day of the year found me in a gym watching girls basketball.  Maybe it was the weather on 2/1/19, maybe it was the talent show at one of the local schools, maybe it was people stuck at work, but there were fewer than usual parents in the cheering section of the game.  But, we remained connected over a text update message we were sending from the gym and they were texting back.  It made me realize (and be grateful for) the fact that we have team of awesome kids playing these games, but we also have a group of really awesome people cheering in the stands.  I appreciate the community that is formed by the basketball parents (and the siblings who do the intro dance as loud as the team during lineup announcements).  I have been sitting with many of these parents since the 4th grade, watching these games, and I am grateful for their friendship, humor, and fandom!