2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

There are not a lot of kinds of pickles that I like.  And, on the 151st day of 2019, I did not eat any pickles.  But, the Oaklyn Snack Stand was open on 5/31/19, and business was booming.  And we were selling pickles provided to us by Elsie's and people were enjoying them and a community business was helping another community organization and, frankly, that is a representation of what I like about my town.  So, tonight, my gratitude is for pickles.  I can be thankful for things I do not eat myself, right?

After an AM Student Affairs Conference on the 150th day of 2019 I found myself at Citizen's Bank Park.  5/30/19 was the date of the Annual Nursing Pal Trip to a Business Person's Special Phillies Game!  We had a great time and I am so glad that these outings can continue.  So my gratitude flows today for baseball outings, and the friends and former colleagues who were there as well (and of course for Dr. Kramer for the ticket opportunities.

It was another day of rushing home from work at the end of the day on the 149th day of 2019.  Because, on 5/29/19, Collingswood Schools presented their Choral Concert.  And it was fantastic (check out the FB Live videos on my page for some of the performances).  I got goosebumps a few times, it was a wonderful concert.  And I sat in my seats, thinking how lucky we are in Colls/Oaklyn/Woodlynne to have such a dedicated group of music teachers that have created a wonderful choral program, from the Elementary years, all the way to HS.  Tonight, my gratitude flows freely for these Choir Teachers (and choir teachers everywhere!)

My left ankle has always been a little weaker than the right.  I remember, even growing up, it would give out every once and a while.  FINALLY, on the 148th day of 2019, I got something to try to address this.  On 5/28/19, a lace-up ankle brace was delivered and I have been wearing it since I got home after work.  I already feel it working, to stabilize the ankle, and I hope this continues into tomorrow.  Tonight, am a grateful for my new ankle brace, and I hope I remain grateful for it in days to come.

I am not going to lie, when we went to the Memorial Day Service, presented by Oaklyn's American Legion Post in front of the Oaklyn Memorial Library, I got very emotional.  And, on the morning of the 146th day of 2019, when they played Taps, I started to tear up and choke up.  During 5/26/19, I truly did think of and say thanks for those who left their country and their families to serve their country and were not able to return.  I am pretty much a pacifist, but that does not mean I do not support and appreciate those who choose to serve to protect the freedoms we are afforded in this country.  That is why, tonight, as I head off to bed having enjoyed my extra long weekend (I was off Friday too!), my gratitude is for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.  And my prayers are for their friends, families, and all that knew and loved them.

After Church on the 146th day of 2019, we headed to an event with college friends. And, on 5/26/19, we had a really great night, with really good friends, most of who have a Penn connection to us.  So, my gratitude tonight is for College Pals.  Fun was had by all!

The 145th day of 2019 was a very relaxing one.  And 5/25/19 ended with a BBQ at the home of one of our very good friends.  Good Food, Good Conversation, Friends, and more relaxation.  My gratitude is for Holiday BBQs and tonight's was just really nice.

The 144th day of 2019 was not gross at all (I am sorry, I think I make this joke every year).  I had the day off of work, it was beautiful weather, I got to do errands with Skylar in the van, I got to take lunch to my kids at school, I got to pick up my kids after school, I worked in the snack stand (and got to be playground monitor for about 40 minutes), watched a little baseball, and then we all went to see the 11PM show of Aladdin (I think it's the latest I have ever been in a movie theater, we left at 1:35AM!)  So, on 5/24/19, my gratitude is for this day, May 24, 2019.  A great day, spent with the people I love, doing the things I love to do.  Who can beat that?  Goodnight!

As I winded my way home (more bad traffic on the 144th day of 2019) on 5/24/19 I was smiling through the backups.  I am off tomorrow and Monday is Memorial Day, so I have a loooong weekend!  YES!  My gratitude is for Long Weekends.  Off to bed.

During the 142nd day of 2019, I am still recovering from Monday's events.  But driving to and from work (and to Alexa's softball game) with the windows down made me thankful for the Cool Spring Breezes.  So the target of my gratitude on 5/22/19 is the Cool Breezes of Spring.

Although I hit some snarly traffic on the way home from work on the 141st day of 2019, I still made it to my location on time.  5/21/19 was the Annual CHS Academic Awards Ceremony.  It was very uplifting to see the academic excellence in my daughters' high school, and I got to present two scholarships as well.  So, as I crawl into bed, I am smiling at the thought of what these students may accomplish in the future and I am sending my gratitude to HS Awards Nights.  GOOD NIGHT!

So I attended three Commencement Ceremonies in 24-hours.  So, on the 140th day of 2019, I am exhausted (and still trying to replenish fluids).  And on 5/19/19 as I drag myself to bed, my gratitude flows for Commencement Ceremonies.  I love them.  Until next year!

It was early 2015 and I had been in my new NGSS job (the first time) for 4-5 months.  It was more structured and less stressful and, yet, I felt unfulfilled.  Sarah reminded me how important advising students was to me at Nursing and I was inspired to apply to be a Pre-Major Advisor for the College of Arts & Sciences (my School at Penn).  And, in the Summer of 2015, I was assigned 10 new members of the Class of 2019.  And now, tonight, on the 139th day of 2019, I stood in Franklin Field, Marshaling College Commencement and listening to the names of the students as they were announced.  And each time, on 5/19/19, I heard one of my advisee's names, I smiled widely.  I am very proud of how hard they worked to get their degree, I will miss our conversations, and, yes, I will admit I am also really glad I did not do anything to screw their plan up and/or delay their degree.  Tonight my gratitude is directed to my Graduating Pre-Major Advisees.  May...

Being on Penn's Campus for as long as I have, I guess it is inevitable that I will attend many retirement ceremonies for my mentors.  This happened on the 138th day of 2019.  Yes, on 5/18/19, members of the Performing Arts Community at Penn (Past and Present) gathered to celebrate the 36-years (I think it is the end of his 37th Academic Year on campus) of Peter Whinnery's advice, mentorship, advocacy, expertise, and caring, calm presence.  I remember my Freshman Year when I agreed to be the new Stage Manager of the Penn Glee Club and Peter took me aside, told me everything would work out (even if the big, Spring, on-campus show was 5 weeks away.  So, tonight, after all of the Alumni Day festivities have ended and I am reflecting on my attitude of gratitude, my gratitude is 100% in the direction of Peter Whinnery.  He's one of a kind and I am blessed to have benefited from his brilliance.

It is Alumni Weekend at Penn, so it is no surprise that tonight's gratitude is for Penn Alumni.  Now, this has many meanings.  On the 137th day of 2019, I volunteered and drove golf carts in the evening shift for the alumni events.  Since the carts are only for people with "mobility issues," I got to meet older alumni from the Class of 1964, the Class of 1972, and the 25th reunion class of 1994.  What I liked (besides driving a golf cart hither and yon on campus) on 5/17/19 was all of the stories I heard from these alumni.  Discussions of how much the campus has changed (it REALLY has!), about how when the first classes moved into the High Rises, only the lower 12 floors were finished and they lived in the towers as floors above them were completed, stories about meeting best friends, spouses, lifelong networks.  I am grateful for all of the new people I met tonight.  And I am also grateful for Penn Alumni, the organization for which I was volunteering...

Yesterday, I rushed to 30th Street Station to pick up my Mother In Law.  And on the 136th day of 2019, she helped us so much.  Working on Alexa's softball pants....getting them whiter, starting to catalog the items in the Basement we need to handle from the flood, AND going with Sarah to Mays Landing to cheer on the Colls Softball Team in their playoff game against Oak Crest.  Then, after the team was defeated, she gave Alexa a consolation foot rub.... (and put her to sleep).  I am lucky I really like my In-Laws and, on 5/16/19, My Mother In Law is the object of my gratitude.  She does it all for us, and we appreciate it!

After work on the 135th day of 2019, we rushed to the CHS Instrumental Music Concert.  Walking in to the auditorium, I saw many teachers who have been a part of my daughters' musical education since the 4th grade.  Yes, 5/15/19 was the night of the 8th Spring Instrumental Concert I have attended in OPS or CHS.  And my gratitude, tonight is for the CHS Music Department and all of the wonderful experiences that my daughters' have been afforded.  Thank you, CHS Music!

The workday of the 134th Day of 2019 ended with me in a familiar place.  5/14/19 was the last day of Finals for the Spring 2019 semester, so it was the Class of 2019 Senior Carnival (the kickoff to Senior Week).  And I was in my customary position, swiping cards at the door with my friend and colleague Rodney.  And we laughed and we saw happy students and we congratulated them and they were smiling.  My gratitude tonight is for Campus Events with which I am still able to assist.  CONGRATS Class of 2019!

As you likely saw on my FB page, we had a basement issue last night with our sump pump.  So I awoke on the 133rd of 2019 pretty tired.  Only got to sleep from 3-8AM.... sigh.  But, turning in early on 5/13/19, my gratitude is for 24-Hr Plumbers.  Thank goodness for them, and grateful that he arrived at 2:25 and was done by 2:55.  The cleanup is ahead of us, but it could have been much worse (rained all day today) had Mike from Wittmaier Plumbing had not been our savior last night.

The 132nd day of 2019 was, as you all know, Mother's Day.  And 5/12/19 was spent at church, at home, at dinner, at a college info session, and then at home again.  And we celebrated with Sarah (the mom in our household) and we called our moms.  And my post this morning honored our moms so I want to express my gratitude, tonight, for all who have mothered me in my life.  This includes, of course, Sarah and my mom and my mom-in law, and my grandmothers.  But it also includes my dad, my Pastors, my work study bosses when I was in College, a girlfriend or two, best friends, and even my kids, at times.  One of the definitions of mother (as a verb) is "to care for, or protect."  And, these days, I think we could all use more mothering.  So, on this Mother's Day, let's honor and acknowledge those who have mothered us and let's pledge to mother others in our daily lives.  We can all use some care and protection.

On day #131 of 2019, I have another Little League themed post.  5/11/19 was the Annual Pennsauken Mid-Season Softball Tournament with levels for Majors, Minors, and Coach Pitch.  Alexa's Majors Team won this Tournament five years ago and lost in the Finals (to the team coached by her now GSA team coach (with some of her current teammates on that team).  So, as I stood in the sun for 6+ hours, umping the bases for all four games in the Majors division, I was constantly reminded of the tournaments of the past.  And that made me smile.  And the play of the girls in this year's tournament made me smile as well, they had so much fun and played so well.  And I am lucky to be able to ump in District 13 with a bunch of amazing volunteers.  So, this evening, as I prepare to put my lobster-skinned body under the covers to sleep (I did not wear sunscreen and that was a bad idea), I am grateful for NJ Little League District 13 for keeping this tournament going and...

The evening of the 130th day of 2019 found me (again!) at the Snack Stand.  Four fields were in use tonight (it was supposed to be all five, but a game got cancelled).  And on 5/10/19, we had a lot of people coming to the stand.  And the stand smelled great.  Why?  Because we had a new shipment of fries from our supplier, and the mom who has perfected the making of them was on the fields and stopped in to make them for us.  And they were flying out of the stand and the smell of (air) fried dough and confectioner's sugar drifted over the fields.  My gratitude tonight was for funnel fries, the happiness the brought to the people who bought them, and the people they attracted to the stand who bought much more than just funnel fries.  Now I am tired, and I need to go to sleep!

It's been a week light with volunteers at the Snack Stand so, on the evening of the 129th day of 2019, I found myself again at the Oaklyn ballfields.  And, time after time, the kids came up to the stand and bought things.  And they were smiling, polite, and happy after they got their snack.  The kids of Oaklyn (and Collingswood when they come to our fields) are the reason why I have been running this stand for the past 11 years.  They made ME smile tonight, and I am grateful for the kids at the snack stand.  Thanks, kids!

So the PM of my Records Stream of the project I am on is from Toronto.  And he and I have a friendly wager on the Sixers/Raptors series.  I put up a case of Tastykakes against his case of Canadian Maple Syrup.  Well, on the AM of 5/8/19, on National Give a Person a Cupcake Day, I found myself in Acme and Tastykakes were on sale, 5 for $10!  So, on the 128th day of 2019, I brought Tastykakes to the office to preview what I will likely have to give to Bryan in a few games.  Sigh.  BUT, today I am also thankful for Tastykakes and how they made the folks in the office happy today!

Friends are amazing, and best friends are even moreso.  On the 127th day of 2019, I got to spend time with one of my best buds.  Yes, on 5/7/19, even though she has no kids anymore in Oaklyn Little League, my friend Kathy Press joined me for Snack Stand duty.  And we had fun.  We worked hard, but we also laughed, saw old friends, and helped little kids make their snack (i.e. candy) choices.  I really appreciate all of the people who help me in the Snack Stand (my Oaklyn Village, if you will), but I really appreciated being with Kathy today.  So, my gratitude tonight, does to My Best Bud, Kathy.  I look forward to the next time we work together (which might even be tomorrow!)

5/6/19 was the first day of National Nurses Week.  So, on the 126th day of 2019, my gratitude is to Nurses.  Nurses everywhere.  But mainly the one I live with, the ones I have worked with, and the ones who passed through my life as an advisor in the Nursing School.  Thank you NURSES!

The 125th day of 2019 was a lazy, rainy, Sunday.  We were scheduled for a softball tournament that was cancelled mid-week last week (weather concerns).  Then the replacement game we had scheduled for the afternoon of 5/5/19 was also cancelled (since it rained ALL day).  So I was able to catch up on some tasks that needed to be completed and I head into the busy workweek feeling better about my task list.  My gratitude is for catching up, and the mindset it has put me in for the coming week.  Hope you all are able to catch up as well.

The 124th day of 2019 was a nice, relaxing Saturday.  And 5/4/19 (May the Fourth Be with You!) ended with a ChildrenSong of NJ Concert.  As I sat in the audience, listening to the beautiful singing, I found my gratitude inspiration for the day.  I am grateful for Anna singing.  Whether it be ChildrenSong, or Choir at Collingswood or the Broadway Night at the High School last night or Church Choir or Theater at CMS and, next year, CHS, I love the sound of Anna's voice.  We knew early on that she was a great singer and I love sitting in the audience and hearing her sing.

I have a lot of FB Friends.  Mainly it's because I am connected there with a lot of former students.  But it was not my student contacts, on the 123rd day of 2019, who provided me with my gratitude inspiration.  Many times, on 5/3/19, I received support from friends and other connections on FB.  Support is never a bad thing and, so, tonight, I am grateful for this support.  It's been a long week, and I needed it.

Since yesterday (5/1) was the last day of classes at Penn, today, 5/2/19, was Hey Day.  And on the 122nd day of 2019, the Class of 2020 were proclaimed Seniors in front of College Hall.  As I have for 28 of the last 30 Hey Days, I was there.  No longer working for Dining, now I work with my VPUL colleagues in assembling and distributing the hats and canes and then protect the flank of the band from the marauding Juniors.  And, although there are aspects (past and present) about Hey Day that I do not enjoy, the overall parade, looking back on the 38th St. Bridge at the procession down Locust Walk, and the assembly in front of College Hall with the Band playing music and students cheering and dancing are really wonderful traditions for me.  Penn Traditions are some of my favorite things about my career at Penn. So, tonight, I am grateful for one of these traditions, Hey Day.  Congratulations to the Class of 2020.  One more year....

Throughout the 121st day of 2019, I received a lot of surprises that returned time to my control.  Maybe it was that 5/1/2019 was a palindromic day (121 and 11 squared, a numerically strong day!).  Or maybe it was just luck, but things just kept getting cancelled today.  Two meetings, returning two hours to me to get tasks done (which may not seem like a lot, but two hours is 1/4 of the workday!  Then the Little League games were all cancelled, which made me sad at first, but I was able to get a lot of things done tonight.  So, tonight, my gratitude is for cancellations.  They are not always pleasing, but today they were.