Traditions Connect

So the 120th Day of 2015 (4/30/15) was also the 100th Hey Day on Penn's Campus.  And, although I missed my Hey Day in April 1989, I have been to almost every Hey Day since the Picnics started in the mid-90s.  And, traditions such as this one connect me to memories, and people, and the Band, and my friends at Penn (like Elise Betz who helped save the tradition).  And, I like connections (as you can all tell from this and the previous 119 posts this year).  And I am glad Hey Day has returned to its rightful place among the traditions to be honored and not ruined.

Connecting in the Band

On the 119th Day of 2015, I found myself, once again, on the stage of Oaklyn Public School playing in a Band Concert.  4/29/15 was the Spring OPS Concert, and it was great connecting with the music, connecting with the kids, connecting with my own kids, and my wife.  Just so awesome to keep being invited back to make music in these groups.  And, since my ultimate connection (relationship with Sarah) started in a Band (the PENN BAND), it is always good to enjoy musical band connections!

Campus Connections

On the 118th day of 2015 (4/28/15), I realized how much I enjoy having campus connections to Penn. Whether it is during a walk across campus on a beautiful Spring day and seeing the developing canopy over Locust Walk, and thinking about the change of seasons, or seeing people I know on campus, during that walk and stopping and talking and even doing some "on the road advising," or reaching out to work connections on campus to better come up with a solution to a work issue....it does not matter how, I just enjoy being connected to Penn.

Difficulty Connecting

4/27/15, Day #117 of 2015 and I find myself struggling to find a positive connection about which I can post tonight.  I mean I am happy that my daughters' softball teams won, I am happy that we found our cat, under the steps of the patio, after only three hours of her going missing, I am happy work went well and that my after work meetings went well as well......but with all that is going on in the world, earthquakes, volcanoes, unneeded violence in the streets of US cities as well as in the streets of countries far, far away......and all I can do is pray and hope that people find peaceful ways to connect, that government and leadership can find ways to connect to the people of this and other countries and realize that social injustice must be vanquished and a more level playing field is needed for everyone.  SO, tonight, I pray for better connections for all, and hope I wake up to a better world tomorrow....

Earthly Connections

This was an awesome weekend and it was capped off by the 116th day of 2015.  And, at Church this morning, 4/26/15, we celebrated Earth Day Sunday.  And from the prayer to the scripture to the lessons to the anthem, it was great to see the connection we have to the Earth and how we must take better care of it.  And today is also the anniversary of my Grandfather (Bechtel)'s passing.  I think it fitting that I am thinking about my grandfather and the Earth on the same day.  It is a great connection to each other for nobody cared for this Earth and the flora and fauna of the World like Aaron Bechtel.  He was a man who loved his garden and loved the world and worried about its care.  In his honor, I will try to do my best to do a better job and think of Priscilla's sermon this morning while I do so.  

Genetically Connected

On this 115th Day of 2015 (4/25/15), the reality of our connections to those who have come before us was cemented into my brain.  Whether it is because I saw Alexa make a face that I once saw my grandfather make, or that I see people in Oaklyn getting as involved in their community as their parents did before them, years ago (also in Oaklyn!), or when the teenaged kids (and one older) of my neighbor are volunteering with the same gusto as their mom has, or when I look in the mirror, or listen to the jokes coming out of my mouth and realize how connected I am to my dad.  One of those things (I think) Dad says is that, "you cannot deny genetics!"  And, today, it was fun to watch these genetic connections grow and flourish!

Children Connect Us

On this 114th day of 2015 (4/24/15), I realized that one of the reasons I am happy with the myriad of activities pursued by my children is that these activities connect me to some of the best people I know.  Whether it is working in the Snack Stand on a Friday night, or shivering in the stands of an April softball game, or figuring out teams for the Fall Soccer season, or arranging rides for a busy Saturday, the parental connections to all of these activities have created a network of people, without whom I could not have as much fun or be as relaxed or have such great conversations, etc.  So, tonight I thank my kids for having wide interests that have created amazing connections and networks for me.

Social Media Connections

On the 113th day of 2015 I was, once again, reminded of how powerful the connectivity of social media is.  On 4/23/15, a Facebook post about a crime prompted a visit to the Snack Stand from Fox 29 News.  What followed was a Tweet from a reporter, a website post of a news story, and a myriad of FB posts and texts.  My 1:30 of fame made me realize how fast news can fly.....it's why I try to use my connections for good news!  :-D

Good People Make Good Connections

On the 112th Day of 2015 (4/22/15), I just feel so blessed.  I have such good fortune to have such good people in my life.  And they are such good connections and connectors.  From family to friends to community to church to the myriad of networks at Penn - just chock filled of good people and I am luckily connected to them all!

Softball Connections

I know a few recent posts have been focused on softball, but, on 4/21/15, the #111th day of 2015, here's another one.  I just love how Alexa and Anna's softball teams, players, coaches, parents, etc. all are interconnected.  I just enjoy the vibe at their games, the cheering, the mentorship that the coaches provide, etc.  And it does not hurt when they win - so glad Sarah and I were able to attend their last home game (for Colls M.S.) of the 2015 season!

Helping Hands Connect

I had a long, exhausting day on 4/20/15 (not a bad day, mind you, but I am really tired).  And, on the 110th day of 2015, I was constantly reminded on how my connections in my life, so often, offer me a helping hand.  Whether it is just a kind word, or a smile and a hug, or a text, or willing to be there in the Snack Stand if I need them, or give my kids a ride, or a meal, or shelter.....there are too many ways in which my connectors help me, constantly.  And, for that, I am grateful and blessed.

Coaching Connections

In the evening of the 109th day of 2015 (4/19/15), I was the umpire of the Juniors Little League game in Oaklyn.  Now, this is not unusual but it DID spark a realization in my head today.  All of the coaches of Aron Movers (the Juniors Boys team) are TRUE VOLUNTEERS.  None of them have children on the team and only one of them even has a kid in the Little League at all.  But the connections they make with the young men on the team are so valuable - and not only on the field, but off the field as well.  As a board member of Little League and as a parent in the community, I thank these men who, in their own words, "do it for the love of the kids, and the love of the game."
THANK YOU, COACHES!

Future Quaker Connections?

The 108th day of 2015 was an awesome one.  Much of 4/18/15 was spent in Penn Park, watching the Penn Softball Team defeat Princeton in a afternoon/evening doubleheader.  Better yet, it was "Future Quaker Day" and Penn Softball invited local Little League softball teams to come and watch and enjoy what could be part of their future.  At the end, the team invited all the girls on to the field for a meet, greet, and signing and picture taking.  This was an amazing way for the girls to connect to what could be for them, if they continue and excel in softball.  They were able to connect with each other as they enjoyed the games and connect with players that could be role models for them as they progress in their softball careers.  GO QUAKERS!

Powerful Musical Connections

The weather improved so much on the 107th day, cloudy and cool when I went into work, and, when I left, sunny and almost 80.  And 4/17/15 improved from there and my favorite moment was when I drove a bunch of Alexa's teammates (and Alexa) to and from her softball (VICTORY) game.  It was awesome to see them connect together and sing in harmony to the Girl Power songs Alexa kept picking to play over the BlueTooth audio in the van.  And maybe, just maybe, the connections from the music helped them play better on the field.  Just a fun evening!

High Five Connection

Well, well, FB tells me that today, 4/16/15, the 106th day of 2015 is National High Five Day!  I like the connection you can make with someone when you share a high five, or even a fist bump.  Words do not need to be spoken to connect with someone with a high five.  Something good happens, you smile, turn to a friend, and SMACK, High 5!  It's an intergenerational way of connecting.

Interested?  Check it out here - http://www.nationalhighfiveproject.org/

HIGH FIVE!!

Connected for a Cause

On Day #105 of 2015 (4/15/15), I was impressed by the way some politicians (in this case the Mayor of Philadelphia) can use their connections to, simply, do good.  The Central H.S. Robotics Club, which receives no funding from the School District, of course, made the Championships, and needed $40,000 to travel and be lodged there.  So advocates reached out to Mayor Nutter, who called the Presidents of Penn and Drexel and, BOOM, each school gave $20K.  THIS is what governing is all about - not partisan politics, but the greater good and the good of the kids! Connections well played, Mayor Nutter, connections well played!  Makes it easier (and on Tax Day no less) to think about paying taxes to a place, when influence can be used for the greater good of these kids!

Connecting to Happy Things

4/14/15 was the 104th day of the Year of Connections.  And, today, I felt really connected to all the things that make me smile.  Accomplishing something at work, watching my daughter pitch in a Middle School softball game, reading a thank you email from a student I had helped, a hug from my youngest, a smile from my wife - amazing connections to amazing people in my life - #blessed.

Quaker Connections

Soon 4/13/15, the 103rd day of 2015, I got to return to the School of Nursing, if only for 2-3 hours, to participate in Quaker Days and try to get admitted students (and their parents) to consider Penn!  I got to do my Penn Traditions presentation which connects me, of course, to all the things I love about Penn.  I got to hear the student panel and remember the amazing students that are in the Nursing School.  And I got to connect with some of my old colleagues.  It was just three hours, but it was a nice change of pace.  Tomorrow, it's back to testing as on of our project's launch dates is coming soon!

Unstructured Connection

On the 102nd day of 2015, 4/12/15, I found myself, unexpectedly, actually, in the Snack Stand because I became aware of a game that was suddenly on the schedule!  And, as I watched out the open window, in the slower middle innings, I smiled.  Our family is very much governed by the structure of sports that Anna and Alexa play.  There is a practice here and a game there and then the other teams' schedules dictate when we may be in the Snack Stand.  But, today, I observed the kids on the playground, just devising their own rules and playing their own games.....and, there, over on the softball field, was a PICK UP game of players from various softball teams and others who are not formally playing, but today, they were.  And the connections they were making with each other, and in their minds has so much value that I was glad for the unexpected game, which spawned other unstructured fun for my kids.

That's What Connections are For

On the 101st day of 2015, I was reminded, OVER AND OVER again, how amazing my friends and connections are.  Because 4/11/15 was Little League Opening Day, in Oaklyn, when the community really bands together to put on an amazing event for the kids.  And, knowing I was a bit behind in my planning and preparations, my friends and neighbors picked up and assisted me all day.  And, all day, my phone kept beeping and dinging with notifications and texts and inquiries on how Anna is doing after her crash (still bumped and bruised, but getting better with every passing moment!)  And the day ended at the wedding of Molly Cheeseman, surrounded by friends with whom I am so connected, I consider them part of my family.  And we had an amazing time, and got to play with the Band and make music and mirth together.  How could this day have been any better, I am not sure!

Sibling Connections

So, apparently the 100th day of 2015 (4/10/15) was National Siblings Day.  I, honestly, had no idea! But, seeing all of my friends' FB posts of their siblings and their kids made me think how connected we are to our brothers and sisters.  I am so happy that I got to grow up with my sis, and I am happy to stay connected to her and watch her kids (brothers) grow and develop.  Also love to watch my own two girls grow up as individuals, but stay connected to each other and, in doing so, stay connected to us as their parents.  Much love to all today!

Feeling Neighborly

On the 99th day of 2015, I drove through my old neighborhood.  It was a trip down memory lane on 4/9/2015......I drove past my childhood home.  I drove past my old elementary school.  I saw the Swim Club where I learned to swim and where my family was the 64th (or was it the 46th) family to join.  I picked up my Farm to City order from an enterprise food service center in a building where a supermarket used to be.  I drove past homes where childhood friends used to reside...including where I watched Game 4 of the 1980 World Series.  I drove past the schoolyard in which I played stickball, pretending _I_ was in the 1980 World Series.  I have realized, in this past week, that my connections to Philadelphia, in general, and University City, specifically, are as strong as ever.  Daily, I meet students, at Penn, who have traveled the world and have lived in many countries and, me, I have lived or worked within a mile of Penn my whole life.  I am in awe of those who travel the world (especially those are studying at Penn and coming from countries thousands of miles away!)  Today, I realized that Penn is not the only strong connection here....the Univ. City neighborhood connection and bond is great.

Hug it Out

4/8/14, the 98th day of 2015, was a rainy, cold morning.  But, the morning walk from my garage to my office was warmed and brightened by old acquaintances who smiled at me and gave me a hug.  It was a nice connection to have on a cold morning, and it made the day much,much better!

Bracket Connections

Well, March Madness is over (even though 4/7/15 was the 97th day of the year and a day in APRIL). Coach K won his 5th last night and Geno A won his 10th tonight.  Iconic coaches winning with iconic programs.  And, although I was rooting against BOTH of those teams (and lost two brackets because the won), it was still fun to be in these brackets.  Brackets, at NCAA time, connect family members, former colleagues, and friends and alumni...fun to be in them and fun to be connected. And the games were really fun to watch this year, even IF I ended up losing 2 of the 3 pools I entered on this last day!

Opening Day Connections

I went to work on 4/6/15.  But, with permission, I left early on the 96th day of 2015 to get to Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies' Opening Day Game.  And, although they lost, and badly, I had a great time with my kids, my Godson, and friends from our community.  And connections and memories were made and I thought of all the Opening Days that I had been to in the past, with my Dad, with my friends.  And Social Media allowed me to reconnect with those same folks and they posted comments to my pictures.  And, the beauty of it all is that, on Opening Day, all the teams have a chance....OK, I know it's not our year this year, but it was beautiful weather and I loved being there.

Easter Connections

The 95th day of 2015 was 4/5/15, EASTER!  I love Easter!  So many connections forged on this day. As I was sitting in the Choir Loft, waiting to play brass for "Jesus Christ is Risen Today," I thought of the days back in College, playing brass with Chas Terry in Mrs. Terry's Church Music Program.  That was my initial connection to Church Services.  And I liked them enough to reply "can I come too?" when Sarah told me, way back in Fall 1994, that she was going to Church tomorrow (after I asked her what her plans were).  And so we went to Church together.  It was not Easter, but Easter still connected us.  And then there was the Easter at Mt. Zion Church when I finally took my first Communion.  And to that service I was connected today when, in Old First, I took Communion with my current Church Family.  So, from being the available tuba player on Easter (when in College), connections abound all the way to 25+ years later in my current life.  One could say Easter Brass has connected me to most of my current life - and I am SO thankful for that!  HAPPY EASTER, ALL!

Music Connects Family

On the 94th Day of 2015 I thought a lot about the connections music gives us.  And, yes, I do my best not to be too duplicative in my postings, but music is so so central to my life, that it is hard.  And, on 4/4/15, there were many examples where a song on the radio connected me to a memory from my childhood.  Or a FB YouTube posting of a song, took me back and connected me to my parents' living room growing up and playing their records and enjoying their tastes (which I still enjoy to this day!)  And I think that Sarah and I are connecting to the music that Anna and Alexa listen to on current radio while, at the same time, connecting them to the music of our time, and our parents time. Music, the ultimate connector.

Solemn Connection

 I was off of work on the 93rd day of the year, 4/3/2015, and it is Good Friday.  And it rained.  I always feel a spiritual connection on rainy Good Fridays.  To me, it's as if God's tears are covering the Earth on a day we remember the ultimate sacrifice.  I have to admit (and you probably all know, so this is not a shock to many) that I much prefer the pageantry of Palm Sunday and the joy of Easter to the solemnity of Good Friday....but, as the quote goes, into each life, rain must fall...and the sadness we experience today just illuminates the contrast of the happiness we will experience Sunday.....

Teenage Connections

So, at 2:16PM on 4/2/15, the 92nd day of the year, Sarah and I became the parents of a teenager. And, although at many times I am hanging on to the days of bangs and braids (see above picture), I have to say I am feeling so lucky and blessed to be connected to such a great kid.  She makes us proud every day and I'd like to thank her for that.  I think I will soon be connected to her on Facebook, because now she is legal to have an account (she is deciding), but the connection she and we have is unmistakable.  As I told her this morning, she changed my life, turned me from just a guy to a dad and, if you know how much being a parent means to me, that was a connection I will never forget.  LOVE YOU ALEXA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Serendipitous Connections

Day #91 was an awesome day.  It was warmer out on 4/1/15, I guess Mother Nature realized the entire month of March was a bad April Fools Prank, and the day went well (although filled with a lot of meetings).  But the most amazing connection realized today was one with a student.  I met him on Leadership Weekend, over a year ago.  But, in the Fall, the fates crossed our paths as I walked to my car from my new office in the FB.  We spoke, I heard about his interest in a program that I knew an alumnus had also done.  So, I connected them.  And the alumnus gave the student some great advice and support and, today, I found out the student got into the program!  He thanked me, but I should have thanked him back.  Because I got a lot of joy from a successful set of connections, and I am so happy!