2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

Most of the 243rd day of 2019 was spent celebrating Sarah's Birthday (43 as well!)  And, on 8/31/19, we were together as a family and we were in fresh air (if not a little warm).  And Temple won, and the Phillies lost, but we were having good family time in great sports venues.  I am grateful that Philly is a Great Sports City.  From our times watching Penn teams to Temple to the five major sports (we include the Union), good times, good times.

Day #242 of 2019 was a great day, as many palindromic days are.  Was off of work (did read a bunch of emails) because we had to replace our HVAC System and Water Heater (a fact of life when you've been in your house for 15+ years).  But the day just got better once Sarah got home from work as we ventured to the main business area of our town for the Civic Association's Final Friday Food Truck event.  Usually we just grab food and come home and eat it, but this time we took our chairs and parked ourselves and got to visit with neighbors, family, and friends as we munched on the food truck food.  It was a really nice evening, weather was nice (for late August) and I am glad we were able to go.  I have much gratitude for Food Truck Fridays (and for all of the members of the Civic Association who work so hard to pull these off.)

I no longer have a lot of hair on the top of my head but, sadly, what I do have grows and looks unkempt.  SO, after work on the 241st day of 2019 I went across campus, as I have for 25+ years and stopped in to see Chuck.  And we had good conversation AND the hair that remains is now looking a bit better (well shorter, at least).  On 9/29/19, I am grateful for Chuck, at Campus Barber.

The 240th day of 2019 found me rushing from the Franklin Building, after work, to the Platt Performing Arts Center.  Why?  Because 8/28/19 was the Penn Band's First Rehearsal of the Fall semester.  The Recruiting Chairs have a long list of interested members of the Class of 2023 and FIFTY of them came out tonight (we expect more on Monday when there will not be class conflicts!)  The first rehearsal is always filled with excitement, music, mirth, and ice cream and, as with the events of the last two nights, it's great to see all of the excitement and energy that a new class of students brings!  Tonight I am grateful for the Penn Band's First Rehearsal, and hope it's the start of a great year!

After work on the 239th day of 2019, I rushed over to Penn Commons for one of my favorite annual traditions.  It's not as fun and ceremonial as Convocation, but the Welcome Back Picnic for Sophomores and Juniors is always a good time and, on 8/27/19, I was once again asked to check IDs as the students streamed in.  At the start of the semester, the students always seem so relaxed, excited, and refreshed from the Summer.  And tonight was a great weather night and we had a record 1,200+ students in attendance.  There is so much energy on campus at the start of the Fall and that is why, tonight, my gratitude is for the first day of the Fall semester.  Best wishes for all who are starting their new (or continuing) endeavors!

The 238th day of 2019 is also National Dog day.  And, on 8/26/19, I returned home after a long day at work (good day, but it was Convocation, so LONG day), and who was at the door to greet me??  SKYLAR!  I have said it before, and I'll say it again, I am filled with gratitude for Skylar Sherr (good doggie!)  Extra hugs for her (and treats) tonight!

It wasn't for a good reason, but my sister came to visit us this weekend.  Although it was for a funeral, I really enjoyed being able to see her (in person) for the second time this month.  On the 237th day of 2019, she was able to get to the Shore to spend more time with her grieving friend and also spent the evening with us, just laughing and chatting.  So, as I head to bed after a tough weekend (although with amazing weather), I am grateful for my sister's visit.  Hopefully we will see her again soon, for happier reasons.