A Year of Connections

So, here we are, the end of 2015 - 12/31/15, the 365th day of the year of connections.  And, it HAS been a year of connections.  I am so blessed to have amazing connections at home, at work, at church, in my community, even online.  I have really enjoyed this year's theme: Connections, and I have Dr. Nancy Tkacs to thank me for the inspiration.  Just think, it was three years ago, on NYE, and I was feeling a little overwhelmed by lots of things that, looking back, were not a lot, but at the time, they certainly were.  So, I thought, let me try to post a daily thought on Facebook stating why I felt Lucky that day (it was the precipice of 2013, Lucky 13 and all...)  And I made it a whole year and really enjoyed doing it.  Not only did it help me gain perspective on things, especially on rough days, but I was told (by others) that people enjoyed them as well.  And now we have done a Lucky Year, a Positive Image Year, and a Connected Year and I do not want to stop!  So, for 2016, I hope that all of my connections are reinforced, repaired (if they need it), and maybe even some new ones will be found.  But the theme for 2016 will change and we will turn the page, but just as I have felt Lucky and have tried to stay Positive in the year of Connection, I will try to continue those two and stay Connected in the coming year.  HAPPY NEW YEAR to all, and to all a GOOD NIGHT!

Phila. Zoo Connections

We have come to the penultimate day of 2015.  Day #364 of 2015, 12/30/15, was a great day.  We spent the first part of it (and a significant amount of time) at the Philadelphia Zoo.  Again I realized, as I have a lot this year, how lucky and blessed I am to live where I do and how wonderful some of the area attractions are.  I love the zoo.  I love the connections you can make with the animals as you observe them (and, often now, they you).  But I also love the connections the zoo has to my past. Even though the zoo has modernized and there are many differences in the physical structures, but, as I walked through the grounds today, I could not help but remember many of my prior trips with my family, with school, with summer camps.  I love animals and I love the zoo.  And I am really appreciative of the zookeeper who opened up a closed portion of the Small Mammal House (a critical light was burned out and there was a safety issue) so we could see the aardvarks (a current family tradition).  I also am glad that I was able to connect and share our trip with my mom via frequent FB updates.  I know there are a lot of controversies about zoos and other animals in captivity, but I think they do much more good than anything bad.  And I still miss the elephants.....

Connecting to Inspiration

12/29/15 was the last palindromic day of the year.  On day #363 of 2015, another movie must was achieved.  Sarah and I watched Invincible, which we have had from Netflix (yes, we still get the DVDs in the mail) for so long that our online account does not have it in our shipping history! Ironically, we watched this movie, which had a subplot of a charismatic college coach coming to coach the sad sack Eagles, on the day another charismatic coach was fired by the Eagles.  But, other than that connection, the connection I appreciated that was highlighted in this movie is the connection of the fans to the team.  Football is just a game.  But, for many, the Eagles provide hope when other things in their lives are not going well and, in Philadelphia in the 70s, this was really true.  All in all, it was a great story and, I have to admit, I got goosebumps at times as I made connections to the film and story as well.  I am thankful for the Winter Break when Sarah and I both have downtime to catch up on these and other films...and I am thankful for the Vince Papale story and its inspirational message.

Star Wars Connects

So today, on the 362nd day of 2015, I finally corrected a parenting wrong.  12/28/15 was the fourth day of Christmas and on this day we, as a family, completed the Original Star Wars movie trilogy.  We watched all three together this break, the last two tonight, and I loved seeing my kids' connections with the movie, asking the same questions that I had when I watched them for the first time.  Asking me what was going to happen (remarkably I remembered very little of the 3rd one) and enjoying the story and the music.  I also enjoyed the connection that the "Force " represents and that, in the end, the family connection was more powerful than evil.  I mean, I knew good prevailed, but, honestly, I did not remember the details and I think I enjoyed them more now than I did when I was younger.  Perspective helps, I guess.  Now we get to see the prequels (the girls want to know why Anakin turns to the Dark Side (I kinda want to know as well) and we can go see Episode 7 in the theaters!  GOOD NIGHT!

Great Grandma Connects

On Day #361, I was really happy.  Because we got to celebrate Sara Helen Weaver's 95th Birthday on 12/27/15.  And, as I sat in the room and watched all of the family that gathered for the celebration, I realized all of the connections that were rooted by her love, her faith, her persistence, her traditions. The room was filled with so much love and smiles that I could not stop smiling myself and feeling so thankful and blessed to have been able to be a part of her family, and the connections that this has brought into my life.

Family Game Night Connections

We spent a lot of time in a circle on 12/26/15, which is fitting because it was Day #360 of 2015!  Family Christmas Celebration in York, PA, and tradition means a lot of family games, with people in circles, laughing, playing, smiling, I love these holiday family traditions.  A good time was had by all and connections were enhanced and love flowed.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Family Movie Night Connections

CHRISTMAS - 12/25/15, the 359th day of 2015 and the start of the last week of the year.  This year we made a conscious decision to stay home and just chill out as a family.  We've been running a lot this season and it was nice to stay in our PJs and just watch movies.  Connecting as a family unit but also connecting to some of the classics.  For the season, Elf and the Grinch.  And for historical purposes, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars (IV).  RoJ and tESB coming up next week so I am looking forward to more connecting movie times, for the family and to the classics!  MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!  LOVE, PEACE, HAPPINESS, and Good Night!

Christmas Eve Connects

Day #358 is (except for Leap Years like next year) is always one of my favorite days of the year! 12/24/15 was no exception.  I love Christmas and I love our Christmas Eve Traditions.  Connecting with family and friends at our traditional lunch outing.  Multiple services at Old First where we connect with our fellow congregants but also guests for Christmas.  And, now, movie time at home, connecting Anna and Alexa to one of the CLASSICS (White Christmas).  All in celebration of the light that was brought into this world and that we must take out and spread to all.  So, tonight, I wish you all Peace, Love, Happiness, and a very Merry Christmas.

Taxi Driver Connections

I spent much of the evening of the 357th day of 2015 on the road. Driving to and fro (hither and yon) to get the kids where the needed to be at the times they needed to be.  And. although some of the traffic on 12/23/15 stressed me out a bit, I powered through it and the kids were happy, so I was happy too.  Being able to connect my kids with the activities and friends they want to be with is strangely satisfying to me, usually.  And tonight, except for the traffic, was no exception.

Christmas Cards (and Letters) Connect

12/22/15 was the 356th day of 2015.  First full day of winter and weather in the 50s so it's hard to feel like it is Christmas.  BUT, a trip to the mailbox solves that for me.  I love getting cards and letters from our friends and family far and wide.  I love the connections rekindled with people we have not seen in a while and I love hearing about what they have been doing and seeing the pictures of their families.  Christmas time is a time of love and kindness and connections, and the mail just reinforces those feelings for me!

Beijing Connects

On 12/21/15, the 355th day of 2015, found me at lunchtime at a campus mainstay.  Glee Club and Band Directors, dining together and discussing campus life and student affairs.  It made me think how many great connections I have made in that place: Beijing Restaurant.  It is a great place to grab a meal and sit and chat.  Generations of Penn students, staff, and faculty have done the same! And I even have, through the years, made connections with the owner of the eatery.  It was good to see him today and great to connect with my colleagues, over tasty food!

Tuba Christmas Connects

Day #354 was a day we had circled on the calendar for a while.  12/20/15, was Tuba Christmas 2015! I love Tuba Christmas.  I love connecting with Euphonium and Tuba players in rehearsal and then turning out a nice concert each year.  I like that the Penn Band Low Brass section connects to this event and comes back for it (current students and alumni).  I also especially like that this has now been another date where friends and family can connect in a tradition of watching the concert and then our post-concert pizza dinner.  What a great day, filled with tubas and Christmas music!

Connected to and by Pictures

12/19/15 was day #353 of 2015.  The penultimate palindromic day when my odometer also hit 59,995 (and 60,000, a milestone for sure, and guaranteeing that tomorrow we will see 60.006).  All good signs to a good weekend and so far it has been!  The connections I have felt this weekend have been a lot about pictures.  Yesterday I saw that people were posting an App that displays the first FB picture posted by the user.  I decided to do this manually, and posted a pic of Alexa and Anna from 2005.  This amused Alexa and caused her to go into my albums and "like" a bunch of these pics on FB (she is new to FB so they were new to her).  This made them show up in newsfeeds and other people started liking these pics from long ago.  And, thus, I was able to see them all and re-connect with the pics and the memories connected to them.  And, bringing it all to the present, we got our Christmas cards to be mailed (covered with pics from the last year) AND I got to download the pics that were taken at our family Thanksgiving photo shoot.  A day of looking at pictures of the people I love and smiling from ear to ear.  A great way to start the weekend!

Special Days Connect

The morning of the 352nd day of 2015 made me smile.  Not because I had the day off today (but that did not hurt) and not because I had an excellent NP appointment this AM (but I did, and also did not hurt), but it's because FB reminded me this morning that it is the anniversary of Sarah's sister and her husband.  But it is ALSO the anniversary of the first "date" concert of a set of friends of mine (who are now married and happily so!)  I love connecting with people's happy times, especially when other news in the world can be sadness inducing or head scratching.  Much more fun to connect with happiness and love.

Collaborating and Connecting

On the 351st day of 2015, I went looking for positive quotes about consultants.  This is because 12/17/15 was the last day on site for our Banner AR Consultant from Ellucian, who has been INVALUABLE to me as I started my new position at SRFS and as we hurtled towards Go-Live, and implemented in a relatively smooth manner.  Rob took me under his wing, as I started in the project mid-stream, and he always made sure I knew what I was doing AND WHY I was doing it.  As I stated in my remarks at his goodbye party, any successes our team had with the implementation (and beyond) were built on the foundation that Rob laid for and with us.  I am so happy to have connected with a consultant that was more than just a guy from a company, he was a colleague and a friend.  I have been blessed to have many such consultant relationships in my career at Penn.  I am truly a lucky guy.  Hoping to see Rob at the conference next year, and stay connected in our own ways!

(12/16) Connected in Fandom

OK, so the post for 12/16/15 (the 350th day of 2015) is late - I was tired last night and things are really busy in the season and I collapsed.  And there are a lot of seasons coverging at the same time, but the one I am enjoying the most right now is the Middle School Basketball Season.  Yesterday, as I sat in the gym and cheered on Alexa and the Colls MS Girls Bball Team, I enjoyed the connections I have with the parents of the other girls on the team.  I like it that we travel well.  I like it that we can joke with each other and we look forward to hanging out on the gym bleachers and watching games. Connecting in fandom of our daughters and their friends.  It's a great reason to connect!

Fundraisers Connect

12/15/15, Day #349 of 2015 was a long, productive day.  And it ended with the family driving around town, delivering candy purchased in a fundraiser for the Oaklyn Education Foundation.  I really do actually like fundraising.  It allows me to connect with the charities for whom I am raising funds.  But it also allows me to connect with my neighbors and my communities (in Oaklyn and at work and elsewhere).  Because, as long as the products are useful (who doesn't like candles and chocolate?) and the programs are beneficial to folks who need it (PTA and OEF), we all win!

Retiring Connections

During the 348th day of 2015, we celebrated the career of another colleague at work.  12/14/15 was both a sad and happy day as we congratulated her on an excellent career and wished her the best of happiness in her retirement.  Thinking of the years gone by, connects me with other colleagues who have already retired.  All of them added so much to my own current career and I owe a lot to those who came before me.  I am sure these will get harder as my career goes on, but, for today, I am happy for my friend and colleague.

Penn Athletic Connections

On the 347th day of 2015 I really appreciated my connections with Penn Athletics.  Because 12/13/15 was the DRIA Holiday Party and we (the whole family) got invited because I am the Asst. Director of the Band.  It was a really nice evening and the girls really enjoyed it.  I also got to connect to some coaches I had never met before, as well as saying hello to those I knew.  I love Penn Athletics and I love that my kids are welcome at the events as well.  GO QUAKERS!

Connected to Those Who Serve

12/12/15 - Day #346 of 2015 and there was not a lot on the docket today, thankfully, because I was really tired.  But I did spend the time to watch the Army/Navy Game on TV (and it was a great game) and I made the connection that the young men on the field were different than most of the young men we watch in College Football.  While the Heisman was awarded tonight and Derrick Henry will be playing football on Sundays, these young men playing at LFF today will all graduated and go to serve our country.  And, because they are willing, the world is a safer place.  SO I thank them and am especially appreciative of them at this chaotic time!

Cohort Connections

12/11/15, the 345th day of 2015, was a long, but really nice, day.  And, all through the day, from the Division Luncheon, sitting with work colleagues and realizing we represented 350 total years of service at Penn, to watching Alexa and her friends take pictures and get ready for their Snowball Dance, to hanging out with parents during that dance, I felt connected to the cohorts of colleagues, friends, and family members with which I am blessed to share connections.  It is these close knit groups that really make me smile, laugh, and feel lucky.  Tonight, I go to bed a little later than usual, but feeling really good about the connections I have in my life.

Connected to the Old Neighborhood

12/10/15 was a good day.  Had an excellent vendor demo at work on the 344th day of this connected year.  But, after the workday ended, I drove back into my old neighborhood in West Philadelphia to the Mariposa Food Co-Op.  I had to pick up some clothes that were collected for Old First, and so I spoke with the manager.  I was filled with awe as I walked into the building, thinking about how amazing it is now, looking like a true retail store, not the co-op I remembered in the small place.  I told the manager that I dad was one of the founding members of Mariposa and she told me the co-op is 44 years old.  When I told her I was 46, she called me a "Mariposa Baby."  And it's true, I remember working there, helping pack up the food orders.  I also realized that the co-op's new building is the same building where the bank was where I opened my first bank account!  So many connections to my old neighborhood and tonight I was feeling them strongly.  (AND, in a #NumberGeek moment, my odometer was 59695 as I pulled up to the co-op - a sign from above that it was the right time and place to be there!)

The Danger of Being Connected

12/9/2015 and it is the 343th day of 2015.  Palindromic days (the second to last one of 2015) are usually good for me and, frankly, it was a pretty good day at work, and afterwards, but for one small (largish) event.  Just after Noon, my phone exploded in texts, FB messages, and emails.  Someone started an account and tried to portray themselves as my identity in order to collect information on them and maybe even trick them into giving "me" money..... But, luckily, my connections know me and alerted me and we had the Bad FB account gone in about 15 additional minutes....shows the danger of being over-connected and susceptible for these kinds of events.  I am glad I am connected, but connected wisely we all must be.

Connected to my Grandma

I was reminded, on the morning of 12/8/15, the 342nd day of 2015, that, 15 years ago (actually on the 343rd day of 2000) my grandmother passed away.  But, by posting this, my mother connected me to my grandmother and the wonderful person she was.  And, as I told my mother, "She left us physically, but I feel her with me all the time - in laughs, in my mom, even in Anna and Alexa."  And I believe this.  I know not what happens after our physical time is completed on this Earth, but I do believe that souls are everlasting and memories are priceless.  I will always be connected to my grandmothers, and my grandfathers, and all those that went before us.

Connected to Walt

You all know how much I love Disney.  And the Senior Director of my department in SRFS knows this as well!  So, on the 341st day of 2015, she came in and told me that 12/7/15 is Walt's Birthday! ACTUALLY, I Googled it, and Saturday (12/5) would have been his 114th birthday, so I am not sure why she thought this, but I DO like thinking about Disney and how I have connected to not just his creations (movies, characters, theme parks), but also his quotes and philosophies.  I DO try to do well each day, and will continue to do so as long as I can.  Happy Belated B-Day, Walt - thanks for your dreams!

Hanukkah Connections

Day #340 of 2015 was also Night #1 of Hanukkah, 2015!  12/6/2015, for me then, connected Communion in Church in the AM to all the pics of Hanukkah celebrations in my FB feed this evening.  What I remember the most about celebrating Hanukkah, as a kid, is that we spent it with family, cousins and all.  So, how fitting that we spent the evening, after Anna's amazing ChildrenSong concert, all connecting together at a family dinner, Anna with her Grandparents, and Uncle, and Aunt, and Cousin.....I mean we did not light any candles at dinner, but we did feast together as family.  And Family is what Hanukkah means to me!  HAPPY HANUKKAH EVERYONE!

Basketball Connects

339 is a pretty cool number (113 x 3, and 113 is prime), and Day #113 was an awesome day filled with family and basketball.  I love the connections that were made on 12/5/2015.  Anna started back with Rec Basketball this week and I love to see the way she is connecting back to basketball after a few years off.  Then, after getting the family Christmas Tree, Alexa and I went to watch Penn Women's Basketball play Navy.  Not only did Penn win, but I got to hear Alexa's analysis of the play on the court.  It is great to see her connect to the coaching she has gotten in Rec, Travel, and Middle School.  She really can see the court and what plays are being called.  I learned from her today.  And any day you can learn from your kids, is a good one!

Sewing (sowing?) Connections

Day #338 was 12/4/2015 and my parents are in from CA on a visit.  And that provides so many opportunities for viewing connections.  But the connection on which I wish to focus from tonight was my mom teaching Anna how to sew.  The looks of both concentration (while sewing) and joy (upon completion) on Anna's face warmed my heart.  And the connection Anna and my mom made was everlasting.  <3

I LOVE a Parade (and its Connections)

Day #337 ended well.  Because 12/3/15 was the evening FireTruck Light Parade for our town.  And Oaklyn did it well, people came out and really enjoyed the wonderful event, put on my the Boro, the Fire Department, the Police Department, and the Civic Association.  It was truly an event that connected the community but also connected me to parades I have enjoyed in the past and also enjoyed tonight.  Was great to also see Anna sing in the parade and at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Such a great festive night!

Creche Connections

12/2/2015, Day #336 of 2015, and today the animals arrived at my Church's Living Creche.  I love the connections the Creche provides at my Church.  Firstly, my kids LOVE the animals and love this season, so they are always wanting to see the animals, pet the animals, watch the animals, and we have taken many a nice family picture in the Creche, so it's fun to look at these and connect with our family, years ago.  But I love how the people in the neighborhood and in the City, and visitors connect with the Creche, connect with our Church, and connect with the Christmas Story.  This little display on the corner of 4th and Race has an effect on its community, on its City, on its visitors, and that is meaningful to me and makes me happy.  Just another reason to love this season!

Giving Connects

I am a pretty stubborn guy.  So, on the 335th day of 2015 (12/1/15), which was trumpeted as #GivingTuesday, I actually did not make any charitable donations.  Not because I do not believe in charity, anyone who knows me knows I love to give to people and organizations in need.  But I do admit to be resentful of the commercialization of the art of giving in that now Giving Tuesday is a "thing" like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  It bothers me.  But, what I cannot deny is that giving to people and organizations fosters connections with the people who serve and the people who are served.  And it makes me feel good to give, just not on #GivingTuesday.  I will give the other 364 days of the year, not because someone tells me to, but because I want to.

Christmas Ties Connect (and Tie!)

11/30/15, Day #334 of 2015, was the last day of the 11th month of the year AND was the first day of a season I love: The Christmas Tie wearing season!  I do not usually have to wear a tie every day to work, but, during this season, I will as much as I can.  Christmas ties connect me to the season but also many of my ties have a story as to who gifted them to me.  So these ties, tie (get it?) me to connections to others and connections to the Season.  I love them!

Advent Connections

I usually love the 333rd day of the year.  And 11/29/15 was not an exception.  Except for in rare cases, this day is always one of the early days of Advent, probably my favorite season in Church. The connection to the music of this season makes me so happy, and it was great singing in Choir this morning.  But the connection to the message of Advent is even more profound for me.  Not only to the Living Advent Calendar that Pastor Michael is sending out again this year, but also just the basic tenets of Advent.  Connecting to Hope, to Love, to Joy, and to Peace, well, those are connections I enjoy in Advent and year-round as well!

Decorating and Connecting

Day #332 was 11/28/15, it was also a day for decorating.  We took advantage of the warmer than usual temps to work on our outside decorations.  Working as a family to get the lights all in the right place and in working order is a task that connects us both in joy and frustration.  But we got them all where we wanted them and then we went to Church and connected with the Youth Group and helpers in getting the Sanctuary ready for Advent tomorrow.  It was a great day of decorating and connections.

Christmas Music Connects

The day after Thanksgiving, 11/27/15, was the 331st day of 2015.  And it marks, for me, the start of an important season - the CHRISTMAS MUSIC SEASON.  Yes, I know others have been playing it for weeks, but, for me, I need to put Thanksgiving "to bed" before I can bring out Christmas.  And I DO love Christmas music.  A LOT.  Each song has a connection or two to moments or people in my life.  So, I love these songs not just because they are wonderful, musically, but also because they illuminate connections in my life!  And I really appreciated it today, as I drove past the packed parking lots of the malls and I keep hearing about the sales and mobs and frenzy around "Black Friday."  Me, I'd prefer to keep the spirit of Christmas and its music in my heart and focus on the messages of giving, goodness, and light instead of commercialism.

Thankful for Connections

Day #330 (11/26/15) and you all know it is Thanksgiving!  And, as I reflect on the day, and on the last year, and on my life, I realize that all of the things for which I am thankful represent connections of some shape or another.  My family (near and far!), my amazing friends and support group, the amazing communities in which I live and worship, the team with whom I work at my job, and my Facebook Friends, near and far.  All of these were on the forefront of my mind today and are on my mind tonight as well.  I go to sleep, saying thanks for all of these connections, praying for blessings upon on all with whom I am connected, and hopeful for the future interactions with all of these connections.  GOOD NIGHT!!  AND THANK YOU!

Haircut Connections

Day #329 was a short day at work with the traditional 2PM dismissal before the holiday.  So, on 11/25/15, I took advantage of the extra time to get a needed haircut (hey, the Christmas Card picture is tomorrow!!)  For the past 20+ years, I have been going to the same barber in the same spot, on campus.  I really appreciate the connections that can be recognized during a haircut.  He asks about my kids, I ask about his.  We talk about campus politics, the performance of the Quaker sports teams (many coaches are also his clients), and we discuss his business - as it has grown, we have discussed marketing strategies and other ways for him to connect to students.  Other than my mother-in-law, I have no let anyone cut my hair except for him.  And it's not only because he does a good job (which he does), but it is because of the connections that also exist.

Family Laughter Connects

I spent most of the 328th day of 2015 in my house.  No, not sick this time, 11/24/15 was one of those "use it or lose it" vacation days.  But the house was lonely (OK, the dog was here but....) until the kids got home.  And then, we were all home, all watching TV together (a rare evening of no kid activities), spending a family bonding night together.  When I hear my kids' laughter, it warms my heart.  Laughter connects us as a family and I am glad that it was present in our home tonight!

Potluck Connections

11/23/15 was the 327th day of Connected 2015.  But 11/23 was ALSO the day of potlucks in my different spheres of my Penn life.  First, at work, we had a potluck lunch that was really impressive in the number of people who provided food and drink and the smiles of my co-workers as they were really impressed with the spread and the hard work of the organizing team!  Connections at work were strengthened.  And then, of course, being the Monday before Thanksgiving, it was the Penn Band's Bonegiving Celebration!  This amazing tradition, borne of discontent, now has grown to be a wonderful community building event within the Band.  It also connects us to Band alumni afar (who I love to text from the celebration) and near (who come back to celebrate).  What a wonderful way to start the Thanksgiving Week with events that share and strengthen connections and community around our tables.

Church Community Connections

The 326th day was the end of a productive weekend.  Many events and connections were experienced!  But, for 11/22/15, I would like to focus on how connected we were at Church today.  It is Stewardship Season, so there was the conversation on giving (especially right before Thanksgiving as well), but it also was more about just giving.  It was about deliberately being called to give to others in need.  And about the ability to be able to stand up and articulate one's needs.  As we made two groups of those who were in need and those who were willing to give, it was stated that any of us (all of us, really) could be on EITHER side of the equation.  But what is for certain is, that when one gives to another who is in need, the connection that is made is both tangible for the pairing.  But it is also a way for us to connect to God and how we should be living our lives.  Being brave enough to articulate our needs, and being compassionate enough to give to others IN need.

Oaklyn Soccer Connections

The Saturday before Thanksgiving brings the end of the soccer season for the Oaklyn Soccer Club. 11/21/15 (the 325th day of 2015) was no exception.  The exceptional thing, however, about today is that it has a good chance of being Alexa's last game for OSC.  She is close to aging out of the league and it made me think back to the start, as a 4-year old in Clinic Soccer, and the long journey to today's U14 game.  Both the U14 boys' and girls' teams won today and finish undefeated seasons! Many of these kids have been playing together for years and years.  They even played, in the beginning, as a Co-Ed U10 team.  So I feel connected to all of these kids, the boys and girls and connected to the Oaklyn Soccer Club that fostered a love of soccer in both of my daughters now and provided the foundation for their skills.  I am also quite appreciative of all of the coaches through the years.  We have some really amazing people in the Oaklyn Soccer Club and I hope we can stay connected, even after my kids age-out.

Classical Connections

On the 324th day of 2015, I end the day still humming the piano concerto I heard on my way into work today.  11/20/15 was a classical music inspired day.  Ever since Sarah and I went to the Phila. Orchestra last week, I have been enjoying the classical station on XM radio.  Classic music connects me to my high school days in Orchestra (man, oh, man, say what you want about Dvorak, but he can really write for the French Horn!)  Classical music also connects me to serenity.  Sometimes when I am working on a project, I will put on some classical music and power through.  Music really feeds my soul, and today I was soulfully well fed.

Healers Connect

Well, as I stated on Monday, I have needed healing this week.  My allergy-induced asthma has been hanging on, longer than any of us would have liked, so today (11/19/15), I finally did what I should have done long ago - I went to have myself checked out.  And on the 323rd day (palindromic, so it trends on the good side, right?), I walked into my Primary Care Office and immediately felt the connections.  Fourteen years at Penn's School of Nursing will do that to me..... Connected to two of my former students who now work as NPs in the office (one, I usually see, but she was off today). Connected to a faculty colleague who also works in the office.  Connected to their colleagues as we discussed my plans for treatment.  And, I laughed, as the treatment plan determined by my PA today, was the same as what my wife had told me it likely would be (nice to live with a second opinion!) But the good news is that I connected with CVS and got my scripts filled and, hopefully, this will conquer this asthma!  It'll be nice to feel better again!

Syrian Connections

Day #322 was another long day at work and then Parent-Teacher conferences at the kids' school.  But the connecting moment of 11/18/15 was when my mom posted this picture.  It's of my grandmother (paternal) and of my cousins and me (from 1977!)  Mentioned in the post, as the resulting comments, is that my grandmother was of Syrian descent and, in fact, her family was, at one time, Christian Syrian refugees fleeing religious persecution.....and, wow, that connects me (and us) to current time. And it makes me think that (except for my 100% Native American FB friends), anyone who is reading this likely has, in their geneology, a set of family members who emigrated to the U.S.  And, while not all were escaping religious persecution, some were escaping a potato famine, some were looking for a better life in a new world and, yes, some were brought here against their own will.  But the fact remains that the United States is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and identities.  And that is how we were founded as a nation.  To think that there are a people who wish to deny entry to this country for a set of people that are refugees, escaping religious persecution, when many of those same people likely have family history of the same situation saddens me.  We should all understand that we are connected to all across this world and, in this time of political turmoil, we should welcome those who are looking for a safe space, and a better life.  Because many of us are connected to the same circumstances.

Art Educates AND Connects

I attended a Board of Education (BOE) meeting on the 321st day of 2015.  3....2.....1....CONNECT! And, on 11/17/15 I connected at this meeting.  We heard, once again, how wonderful the artist-in-residence was for the school last week and I got to see the mural in the hallway, in person!  But I also connected it to the school's strategic plan that was ALSO discussed at the meeting tonight.  Art connects as it educates...and it educates far more than on the surface.  I am so glad my kids go to a school where the teachers, administration, and school board/district value the arts!

Healing Connections

Day #320 was a busy one, as most Mondays are.  And, on 11/16/15, I have started to feel better, started to heal.  And, although not completely better, feeling better is better than, well, feeling worse. And as I reflected on that tonight, I realized that many more than I need some healing.  Some of my colleagues, facing medical issues, some of my neighbors, feeling sadness, and of course the World's nations, and the current political climate.  May we all use our connections to reach out to people who may need healing, and may we use our connections to make the World a little better each day.

Choosing our Connections

11/15/15, the Ides of November 2015, was day #319 of the Year of Connections.  And this morning, in Church, there was a strong focus on the choices we make in life and how that defines our lives, our values, our beliefs.  Yes, it is Stewardship season at Church, so we did discuss the choices we make with our time, talent, and treasure, but what I appreciated the most about today's sermon was the connection you can make between our spending choices and the important things in our lives.  Pastor Michael suggested that we look at our credit card statements and see what those transactions say about our values and choices.  Well, I did look at mine, and there are a lot of transactions to support my kids, to support my community groups, to support my church, and a few meals out with my family.  Family, Community, Church.....these are connections I feel good being connected to!

Orchestral Connections

The evening of day #318 (11/14/15) was spent with Sarah at the Kimmel Center.  She joined the Young Friends of the Phila. Orchestra and we got a good deal on tickets.  The performance was amazing, and they played my favorite composition, Sibelius' Finlandia.  It is amazing how hearing this piece can connect me back to my time in H.S. Orchestra and when we played it.  When Carol Jantsch (the tubist of the Phila. Orch) played the solo, I remembered playing my solo.  Music truly can connect one to memories.  But the most poignant moment was when the Orchestra opened the whole evening with the French National Anthem.  Again, with just music, we were all connected together in support of the victims of yesterday's attacks.  Music is so important....and it connects.

Crises Connect

11/13/15 was the third Friday the 13th in 2015.  And Friday the 13th is not usually unlucky for me, but, tonight, the 317th day of 2015 was unlucky for the World.  The attacks in Paris sadden me, but, they also connected me.  Connected me to people I did not even know were in France, but FB told me they were OK.  Connected me to people at Penn who banded together to offer services to students who may have been affected.  And connected me to people I do not even know, the residents of Paris, who are in my thoughts and prayers tonight.  I am NOT happy that a crisis has occurred, but I can stop and appreciate how crises bring people together and connect them to do good.  Would that this good and light can shine brighter than the terrorist evil this evening....

Gary Clinton: Connecting with Heart and Soul

The 316th day of 2015, 11/12/15, ended emotionally for me.  After a day of productive meetings at work, I was honored and blessed to be in the audience at the retirement ceremony of one of my dear friends and colleagues, Dean Gary Clinton.  And it was amazing to see the connection that the Law School has to Gary and the connection that he has to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the School.  I have to admit, when listening to some of the stories of how Gary connected with these students, often in their greatest times of need, it made me tear up.  The presenters continuously stated that Gary was the heart and soul of the Law School and it is obvious to me that he used his heart and his soul to connect with over 11,000 students in his career at Penn.  Penn Law will miss him, Penn will miss him, _I_ will MISS HIM....but we all wish him the best in retirement.  Gary's in the Penn Law DNA...so his legacy will live on!

Connected to Veterans

11/11/15 - Day #315 of 2015, and it's Veteran's Day.  Today, I feel thankful and connected in this gratitude to all who have served and are serving to protect our country.  These brave men and women sacrifice so much (including, sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice) to allow the rest of us to live in freedom here in the United States.  I also feel connected in gratitude to the families of those who have and are serving.  They ALSO sacrifice a lot and are profoundly affected during and after deployments.  So, I extend my Veterans Day gratitude to the families of those in the military as well, and I hope they know that these heroes and their families are in my thoughts and prayers EVERY day, not just one day a year.  Again - THANK YOU!

Working Together Connects

Day #314 was a good day at work.  11/10/15 was the start of 2-3 weeks of demos on campus, as part of our Pennant Records Project.  And I like work events that bring my colleagues on campus together, connecting ideas and questions together to assist us in making this project successful.  I look forward to these demos in the next weeks, as more opportunities for these connections and improvements.

Deep Breath Connections

Somedays, you feel connected to things, even if you cannot have them.  I spent a lot of 11/9/15, the 313th day of 2015, searching out deep breaths.  My allergic asthma is wreaking havoc on my breathing...but it was a good reminder that, sometimes, you have to slow down and catch your deep breath, intentionally.  I connected to a few today, not as many as I would have liked, but here's to more deep breaths tomorrow....

Eagles Connect

Day #312 is coming to an end.....and 11/8/15 started out great (awesome morning at Church) and is ending on a high note as well.  The best part about watching the Eagles in this age of social media is the ability to connect with all my FB friends who are Eagles fans and see how they are feeling.  It's only a game, but it is interesting how connected people feel to their teams....and it was fun watching the reactions tonight.  And now, I am off to bed, with a smile on my face.  E-A-G-L-E-S.....EAGLES!