2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

I know it's not good to put sports and sports stars up on a pedestal.  But, on the 90th day of 2019, my gratitude of the moment is for Bryce Harper.  Not because he's a great baseball player (which he seems to be), or because he is rich and famous.  No, as I was watching the Phillies on 3/31/19, and listening to a National Broadcast that did not place Philadelphia and its fans in a negative light (even if they did mess up their comments about cheesesteaks!), I reflected on how Bryce, in picking Philadelphia, the area's spirits have been lifted and excitement has returned to Citizen's Bank Park.  So THAT is why I am grateful tonight for Mr. Harper.  What a great start to the season! Today's prayer is also a prayer of gratitude for my fellow coaches on the Merchantville Mustangs.  Bob and Shawn make it so much fun for the players and also for me.  And the success of this was on display tonight as the Mustangs remained unbeaten (6 wins in 2 days) and wo...

On the 89th day of 2019, my wife and friends threw a party for me.  We celebrated my 50th on 3/30/19 with family, food, fun, friends, and it was Fantastic!  I am so grateful for my dear friends and family and for the love they showed today.  Fifty was truly nifty today!  :-) My prayer today is a prayer of thanks for the members of Alexa's Mustangs Softball Team.  I have been lucky to be able to join the coaching staff as the bench coach this season (after assisting in the final round of the playoffs last year).  The kids are both great players and great people. My prayer for someone who disagrees with me is for Jessie Biddle.  Not because I really disagree with him, but because he gave up a monster home run to Bryce Harper today.  Jessie is a Philadelphia area kid, playing at GFS.  And he was drafted by his hometown team, and then traded.  Now, with Atlanta, he had to pitch against his hometown team.  I hope that he is not too u...

The 88th day of 2019 started out a bit tough.  The first thing I did on 3/29/19 is attend the funeral of the father of a Penn colleague who is also a dear friend.  And, although I have never been an official staff member of VPUL (Central Student Affairs for Penn), I have always called myself a "VPUL Wannabe!"  And I sat with VPUL colleagues in the sanctuary, and the music of the choir washed over us (and some of us were singing along) and I felt like we were family.  I know one should not get too emotionally attached to their workplace (believe me, I understand this more than ever these days), but I could not help it today.  Today, I was in service with my VPUL Family and I am grateful for them all. Today's prayer, of course, goes out to my colleague and her family (and friends and neighbors) who are coping with the loss of an amazing man.  I never met him but, after today's service, I wish I had.  He was a wonderful man. Today's disagreement praye...

I took a day of from work on the 87th day of 2019.  That is because 3/28/19 was Opening Day for the Phillies!  What a great day of baseball, friends, a Phils win, three Phillies Homeruns, a some of the nicest Opening Day weather in recent memory.  I am grateful for Opening Day, a new beginning if you will.  Nobody has any losses (yet) and anything (almost) is possible to conceive for your team and your favorite players.  Here's to a great season! Today's prayer is a prayer of thanksgiving for the way Bryce Harper has embraced the City of Philadelphia.  So far, everything has gone perfectly, and I know it will not be perfect forever, but a prayer of strength for us all when it's not :-). And today's prayer for someone with whom I disagree is for the Braves fans from Nashville who travel around the country following their favorite team.  We did not agree on who we wanted to win, but we all enjoyed being in the stadium and baseball! 

This month I have been the captain of Penn's Open Expression Observers Team.  We have had a variety of events to staff and, on the 86th day of 2019, I was at an interesting one.  Sean Spicer came to campus to talk about the political scene, invited by the College Republicans.  Before that, still on 3/27/19, I was staffing Penn's University Council Open Forum, where we heard impassioned advocates for Veterans, cultural center staffing, changes to the proposed sexual harassment policy, and admissions policies for undocumented and DACA students.  But the most impassioned presentation was from a student with Fossil Free Penn who made an emotional case for divestment from stocks supporting fossil fuels in light of the changes the world is experiencing in its climate.  Late last week, we staffed a protest from Students and community members advocating for funding for Philadelphia Schools.  It was a month of varied views and emotions.  And that is why Penn is...

I know I have already shown gratitude for the Gertrude Hawks, our trivia team that won after our first planning meeting.  But, on the 85th day of 2019, I have similar gratitude for the people who came out for our next OEF Planning meeting.  The group is filled with a good set of interests and with parents of kids in HS all the way through Middle School, OPS, Pre-School, and no kids yet!  And, on 3/26/19, we discussed organizing plans, we laughed, we reveled over our successes so far, and got ready for the work ahead of us, raising needed funds for the teachers and students of our community. My caring prayer tonight goes to my advisee who is nervous about her family's situation.  They live in Venezuela and the situation there is dire, at best.  It's hard enough for a first-year student to acclimate to Penn and to do well academically.  It is even harder to do so when worried about your family, miles away.  Prayers of strength for her as she plans her ...

As I arrived on campus on the morning of the 84th day of the year, I was greeted by an inspiration sign in front of a campus store.  "SPRING IS IN THE AIR: ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS"  And I saw these flowers (above) outside my garage.  And it put me in a good mood!  So, I am grateful, today, for Spring Flowers Blooming. My caring prayer tonight is for the coaches of the Colls HS Basketball Team.  We attended the team's banquet tonight and I have prayer of thanksgiving for the leadership and guidance they provided for Alexa and her teammates. My prayer for someone with whom I disagree is for people in the office who snipe against others, without any direct examples or feedback and the ones who believe them.  May they find it in their hearts and soul to stop their behavior and may those who believe them find the wisdom to detect the truth.

It's funny.  Sometimes those who you view as opponents can later become some of your best teammates.  I reflected on that theme on the 83rd day of 2019 as I sat on the bench coaching for the Merchantville Mustangs - the UGSL U18 Softball Team on which my daughter plays.  We had our first exhibition game on 3/24/19 and it was a great game, won 19-2.  Alexa had a great game at the plate and in the field as well.  But that is not what I am grateful for.  I am grateful for this team of players, coaches, and parents that have been together since the Junior Little League Tournament in 2017.  This is our third season on this team and it is filled with so many talented players, caring coaches, and just nice parents to be around.  I am grateful Alexa had the opportunity to play with them in the 2017 Tournament and that developed into the teams in the 2017 Fall, 2018 Spring, 2019 Fall, and now the 2019 Spring seasons.  GO MUSTANGS! Today's prayer for...

On the evening of the 82nd day of 2019 we had a reprise event.  3/23/19 was the closing performances of the Collingswood HS Musical, Grease.  I've loved Grease (it IS the word and all) since the movie (1978) and our HS production of it in 10th grade (1984).  The performance at CHS was far better than the one at JRMHS and I laughed and sang along the whole time.  Tonight I am grateful for all who came together for such an amazing production: The Cast, the Crew (including Anna!), the Pit Band, and the teachers and administration that facilitated it all.  I'll drift off to sleep singing Raining on Prom Night tonight.... My caring prayer tonight is for family members who are dealing with a medical emergency in their other side of the family.  Prayers for wisdom, healing, and reconciliation. My prayers for someone with whom I am disagreeing is for the person who would not allow me to merge onto Rte. 76 today.  It's another prayer for someone who made me...

At the end of the 81st day of 2019, I was in my "happy place."  The Palestra, the Cathedral of Basketball ("College Basketball's MOST HISTORIC Gym!")  And, on 3/22/19, I was present to watch the Penn Women's Basketball Team defeat the Eagles of American for a win in the 1st round of the Women's NIT.  I was with friends, knowledgeable basketball fans.  I enjoyed hearing the Band, in full throat, spirit, and musicality.  And I am grateful for the Penn Women's Basketball Team.  Tied a program record with their 24th win of the season.  Showed balanced scoring, tenacious defense, and resolve.  I wish them the best of luck as they travel to Providence for the second round. My caring prayer tonight goes out to the players on the Quaker Women's Team (and all of the basketball players in the postseason tournaments).  The spotlight is on them, the academics don't stop, and the travel is stressful and tiring.  My prayer is for their strength and ...

While I was a student at Penn, I sometimes made some poor academic choices.  And, frankly, I did not get the best academic advice (more MY fault, because I should have gone into the office to see advisors!)  Today, on the 80th day of 2019, I continued to meet with my current undergraduate advisees (because, I know what advice I wish I had and I attempt to provide that to students).  And, as I turn in to bed on 3/21/19, I am so grateful for the chance to be an advisor for my alma mater and the school in which I was enrolled.  The students I get to speak with are so interesting and I really enjoy our conversations.  Sometimes I think I get more from knowing them than they get from knowing me. My caring prayer goes to one of my advisees who is currently on a leave of absence.  I was working an event on campus and I ran in to him (he is from Philly) serendipitously.  But I think it was fates putting us in the same place at the same time so I could again ...

On the 79th day of the year, it started to get a little warmer.  What does this mean, on 3/20/19 (when, by the way, I am 50.05 - palindrome!)?  It means that SPRING IS HERE!  And that is the subject of my gratitude today, that Spring is Here.  Now, it's gonna pour tomorrow, but April (and late March) Showers will bring May flowers! My caring prayer today is for my old colleagues at the School of Nursing.  I got to see them this morning and it reminded me of the family feeling I experienced while working there.  It was nice to feel a little of it again this morning. And for those with whom I disagree, I pray today for people who hide behind their keyboard online and say hateful and offensive things that they would never say to someone's face.  These people and their tactics can turn social media into a harmful and hateful place.  I, on my corner of the Interwebs, try to be positive and true to myself.  Would that others could do the same!

After work on the 78th day of 2019, I saw a Marvel Universe movie for the first time (!!!!)  3/19/19 was a work-outing to see Captain Marvel.  It was a fun movie and I am intrigued enough to watch some more, but maybe not ALL of them.  So my gratitude tonight is for Movie Night Outings, with friends and co-workers.  And I am looking forward to the next one. My prayer of care tonight is for my co-workers who organized the movie night and inspired me to go out with them.  I had fun, and I likely would not have seen this movie without their encouragement. And my prayer for someone with whom I disagree is for whomever created the dumb riddle that I answered on my friend's page and, thus, I lost and had to post on my page (not because I wanted to, but I am honorable).  I still think my answer is right.

So I have reached the ripe ol' age of 50!  You know, I am not that upset about it (because it is better than not making it there!)  And on the 77th (PALINDROME) day of the year, I took the day off of work and I am so glad I did so.  Not only was I able to spend the day with Sarah (who also took my milestone birthday off) and we had a great lunch, I also was able to get some errands done, watch my daughters practice softball after school, and have family cake night!  But, on 3/18/19, I also was glued to social media for much of the day.  As my friend Brian says, Facebook Birthday Greetings are one of the most redeeming features of the platform.  And, today, I tried to keep up with the flood of good wishes, and I think I :Liked" them all as a way to say thank you!  These messages warmed my heart and made me feel so good.  So, tonight, my gratitude is for Social Media Birthday Messages.  At least FB was good for something today! My caring pray...

Sometimes the mundane makes me very happy.  The 76th day of 2019 was one of those days when this statement was true.  For 3/17/19 was not a out of the ordinary Sunday, but a lot happened to make me happy, all mundane.  One of the things that has been bothering me for a bit of a time is that my tire maintenance light has been on since it has been alternating 50s and 20s degree weather.  Well, I finally got to take the van into Mr. Tire and they fixed it.  And not only did they remove a bolt (A BOLT!!!) from one of my tires, but it was covered by warranty and cost me a grand total of $0.00!  So, tonight, I am thankful for Mr. Tire for fixing my tire and or free! Tonight's prayer for those I care for are for the players of the Penn Women's Basketball Team.  They lost a tough one in the Ivy League Tournament this afternoon.  My prayers of thanksgiving for their season, especially for the Seniors (Ashley, Princess, Kristen, and Deja) and the great ba...

It was over 21 years ago when my Brother in Law (Sarah's brother) came up to me and asked me if I was serious and in it for the long term with his sister.  I told him that I planned to propose in June and that the only reason I would be out of the picture would be if Sarah did not want me around.  I guess he asked Sarah and she gave him a good answer because, on the 75th day of the year, my Godson, Kevin, was born.  And 3/16/19 is Kevin's 21st Birthday and today I am grateful for him.  For his smile, for his jokes, for his caring for my kids, for his caring for everyone!  He made me a Godfather (and, no, I never asked him to kiss my ring) and for that, I am also grateful (of him an his parents!) and I hope he has a great day today! Today's caring prayer also goes to Kevin!  It's a 21st birthday and I pray that he had fun, but not TOO much fun <wink, wink>. And today's prayer for those with whom I disagree is for the plethora of revelers that were ...

The 74th day of 2019 ended at Oaklyn Public School at the OMAYSC Celebrity Gym Night.  An event such as this cannot be pulled off without a lot of help.  And, on 3/15/19, I had a LOT of help.  Oaklyn Police Officers, Oaklyn Fire Department members, the coaches and players of the Collingswood High School Girls Basketball Team, and, of course, my fellow OMAYSC members, all working to pull off a community tradition and an amazing event for the youth of Oaklyn.  So, tonight, my gratitude runs deep for the volunteers in our community who are excellent at coming together and pulling off great things.  And, I am tired, but I am happy as I head to bed this evening. My prayer for those who I love is, once again, for my daughters.  Tonight, in many ways, I was in awe of the young woman leaders that they are becoming.  They make me so happy and proud. Tonight's prayer for those with whom I have a disagreement may be a little controversial.  Tonight I am ...

The 73rd day of 2019 is 3/14/19.  That's Right!  Pi Day!!!!  And, I love Pi Day.  Because it brings out all of the science geek posts on my friends' FB pages.  I also like the posts of pie. Mmmmmmm PIE!  So, on Pi/Pie Day, I want to express my gratitude to pi (i.e. amusing science mems) and pie yum! My prayer tonight goes out to the cast and crew of the Collingswood HS production of Grease.  After a long day at work, we hustled to the theater and we were NOT disappointed!  The singing, energy, and acting were delightful! My prayer for those with whom I disagree is for all of the people who were causing traffic snarls, impeding my ability to get home quickly.  Unlike last night, I stayed in a good mood, ate a quick dinner, and got to the play (see above), so I forgive those who held me up.  And I hope to stay serene in future traffic.

So today is 3/13/19.  3/13 - a nice date, a nice palindrome.  It's also the 72nd day of 2019.  72 - 3^2*2^3, another palindrome.  I love palindromes, I love numbers.  My gratitude today is for numbers.  Because numbers bring me joy, even if they will also bring me scorn for being a geek. Today's loving, caring prayer is for friends who drop of Rib Eye bones for my dog after enjoying their steak dinner.  Basically, I love people who think of other people all of the time. And, today's prayer for someone with whom I have a disagreement is for my wife and kids.  Because I am grumpy tonight (I need to get more sleep).  And I broke my Lenten "giving up" and was angry a bit tonight.  And now I am sorry so I send them prayers of reconciliation and for forgiveness.  And tomorrow, I will have to give up something extra since I failed at giving up being angry today (and I was doing so well).  It is actually not that big of a deal, but...

I woke up early and got my kids to school on the 71st day of 2019.  And, arriving at the office early, I skimmed Facebook, of course, before getting to work.  And so, my day on 3/12/19 started with an image of a friend (and former colleague) and her wife (another friend and former advisee) celebrating the adoption of their child.  It warmed my heart and made me feel, in this time of political tumult, that there is hope for equality in our future.  It was a picture filled with joy, hope, and love.  So, tonight, my gratitude pours out to the small steps our society is taking towards equality.  I believe we have better days in our future and I will continue to lean on my hope and faith. Tonight's prayer goes towards my friends and their new family.  I pray mostly prayers of thanksgiving, but also of joy and strength for their household.  And I, once again, thank them for making my morning so happy (and that carried through most of the day!) Tonig...

Since it is the Monday after DST started, 3/11/19 is also National Nap at Work Day.  I actually did not sleep at work on the 70th day of 2019.  But, I do want to express my daily gratitude for naps.  Naps are awesome.  Just not at work.  Now, I am off to sleep so I do not feel the need to nap tomorrow. Today's caring prayer goes to the Board of Elders at my Church.  We had a busy meeting tonight and discussed some important issues.  And we did not always agree.  But I send my loving prayers out to them tonight. For a prayer for those with whom I have a disagreement, tonight I also pray for my morning conversation with a friend of mine who continues to support the policies of the POTUS (even if, honestly, he does not support his behaviors).  I know that this person is a good person, so I pray for his wisdom to see through the charlatan's claims.

The 69th day of the year started off, as Sundays typically do, at Church.  On 3/10/19, Alexa and her friend were ordained as Elders at Old First.  But, that's not the subject of my daily gratitude missive (regardless of how happy and proud it made me).  My gratitude today is for Lenten Disciplines, the subject of Pastor Michael's sermon today.  I am inspired by him to give something up and take something on.  I wanted to take his suggestion to give up excessive alcohol, but he reminded me I do not drink.  So I will be giving up angry thoughts about myself, or my situation.  I am hoping this also cuts down on the times I yell (alone in the car AND around other people) :-).  And I will be taking up a daily prayer for others.  One for someone for whom I care AND one for someone with whom I have a disagreement.  I will add these to the bottom of my daily gratitude posts, because I do not want to maintain a separate Blogger instance.  :-...

At the end of the 38th day of 2019, we prepare to "Spring Forward" and set our clocks one hour ahead.  I know this bothers a lot of people, and I am not happy to be losing an hour of sleep on 3/9/19, but I am looking forward to the extra daylight in the evenings.  Later sundowns is another harbinger of Spring and my daily gratitude is that more daylight is coming!  LIGHT!

Day #67 of 2019 is also International Women's Day.  So, on 3/8/2019, there is no doubt about the subject of my day's gratitude.  I have been blessed, in my life, to be constantly surrounded by strong women.  Starting with my amazing mom, and my grandmothers and aunts and other wise woman relatives in my family, moving to my sister, with whom I grew up, extended to my nuclear family now of my amazing wife and wonderful daughters.  Even many of my jobs have surrounded me with strong women (especially the fourteen years at the Penn School of Nursing).  It was fun looking at my FB feed which had many, many posts from these strong women about the day.  So, thank you my female friends and family, and know that I appreciate you on ALL of the days of the year!

The 66th day of 2019 was a long day (not a bad day, but long and filled with obligations (both at work and after work!))  So, too tired to think hard, and Given that it is National Cereal Day, I will express my gratitude for Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  And will call it a night.

Ash Wednesday was the 65th day of 2019.  And, as I head to bed on 3/6/2019, the words sent to me by my Father-in-Law as the Daily Devotional for today ring true:                      "As we begin our observance of Lent on this Ash Wednesday,                        let us be mindful of our imminent mortality.                        Let us repent for being reckless, negligent, and sometimes                        ungrateful for this precious gift of life. And from this                        day forward, let us never take another day for granted." I am grateful for the ashes I experienced on Ash Wednesday and for the reminder of what is truly important.  Ash Wednesday is a somber ho...

Had a great evening out with colleagues on the 64th day of 2019.  Because, on 3/5/19, Hello June played a show on Main Street in Manayunk and our work team went to show support of a former colleague.  It was really cool hearing them live (after watching the You Tube videos) and their set was awesome.  It also made me very thankful to have colleagues with such musical talent and a willingness to share.  Musical colleagues are amazing colleagues and we enjoyed the music tonight!

The 63rd day of 2019 is March Forth.  Wait, I mean 3/4/19.  Last year, for my song of the day I picked the Penn Band March.  And, on this day, I was to express my gratitude for marches, which I love to play in Wind Ensembles, or even with the Penn Band.  And, since I like songs and I do not post them much this year, I will post one of my favorite Sousa marches! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov1kjVvYpWk

On the 62nd day of 2019, another harbinger of Spring was experienced.  On 3/3/19, Sarah and the girls had their traditional visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show with Sylvia and Vivi.  The Flower Show is always a welcome sight.  February has been cold and grey.  And, this year, early March has been cold and the weather has been damp and cold (snow, sleet, wintry mix - YUCK!)  So it's good that the Flower Show can provide colors, beauty, and lift the spirits of those who have been longing for the light of Spring.  And I love all of the pictures Sarah takes and shares.  Next week Daylight Savings starts.... maybe it'll even get warmer soon.  But, for tonight, I am grateful the we live in the Philadelphia area and that the Philadelphia Flower show provides joy, year after year.

Hope Springs Eternal in every March as Spring is on the horizon.  But, more importantly, Spring Training in in full force and today, the 61st day of 2019, I was sitting, watching a press conference from the Phillies' Clearwater Spring Training Home.  Why?  Because on 3/2/2019 the Phillies welcomed Bryce Harper as an official member of the Phillies.  The event was filled with a lot of people saying hopeful things and it made me smile!  So, until they break my heart (as they often do), I will enjoy the Phillies' hopeful aura and have gratitude for Spring Training, when all of the teams are 0-0 and have a chance!  I think in 2019, the Phils have more than a chance.

It's no secret that I like to make friendly wagers with my friends.  We do not bet anything significant and it is rarely for money.  It's more for some kind of food that we can enjoy together (guaranteeing that, no matter if I win or lose, I will have a good time, with good food, with the friend with which the bet has been made.  On the 60th day of 2019, after a nerve-wracking Penn Women's Basketball win, I finally paid off a wager lost in July 2016.  And, although he had to wait until 3/1/2019 to be paid off, I enjoyed a nice time with my friend, his son, another friend, and a bunch of cheesesteaks.  So, tonight, my gratitude is for friends with cheesesteaks...... and a hope that I win the next wager!