WWConnections

What a night on the last night of June 2015, the 181st day, and, since 6/30/15 is a palindromic day, you know it had to be good.  I was able, because the Little League Tourney game was rained out (I was supposed to ump) to watch the Women's World Cup match between the USA and Germany with my wife and daughter!  Alexa is doing a soccer camp at Penn this week, so strategy is on her mind.  It was so fun to hear her break down the play on the pitch and connect her teaching from her team and this camp to the play of the US Women's team.  And the 2-0 win was celebrated loudly!!  And we feel connected with Carly Lloyd as well, the Jersey Girl with a goal and an assist!!  USA USA!!!

(oh, and Happy Fiscal New Year's Eve, everyone...anyone watching the Big '$' drop in Times Square?!?!)

Connecting at Launch

So the 180th day of 2015 was an exciting one for me.  My stomach was in knots all morning because we launched the first pre-phase of our project today at work, and 6/29/15 was a big day.  It went as well as could be expected.   We had a few hiccups, but they were dealt with and I felt a real connection with all of my co-workers as we all worked to make this launch as smooth as possible. And I think it went well.  I hope others think so as well and tomorrow will be another test, as more people login to the system and start using it....it's a soft opening, if you will, for the main project launch that happens in the Fall.  So, tomorrow, I hope I can eat lunch, because today I was too nervous about the launch :-).

Tournament Connections

The 179th day of 2015 was a very busy day for me and the rest of the Oaklyn Little League volunteers as well.  On 6/28/15, Oaklyn hosted THREE tournament games in the 9-10 baseball District 13 Tournament.  And while I was in the Snack Stand, or in the Announcing Booth, or umpiring on the field, I enjoyed watching these young men play hard, have great sportsmanship, and have fun!  The connections they make with their teammates and coaches are invaluable.  And, as many of them are playing for the first time this season outside of their towns, the connections they make with their opponents are valuable as well.  As one of the base coaches said to me, the whole Little League community benefits from these kids of competitions.  I appreciated my connection Little League today, and will go to bed and sleep well!

Connections to Our Kids' Baby Time

On 6/27/13, the 178th day of 2015, was a nice day.  I've had to do some work this weekend, big launch of part of our project at work on Monday, but the evening was fun.  Alexa has a new piano piece for her lesson on Wednesday and Anna remembered it, but was not sure from where.  I remembered, I connected it to our playing of the Baby Mozart DVDs for Anna and Alexa when they were babies.  So, what did we do?  We found it on YouTube and watched it together as a family.  Fun connections and memories.....!!!!

Connecting to Pride

Anyone with access to Facebook, the news, or a radio could not miss that the 177th day of 2015 was a day to go down in history as a day of major significance.  This is, of course, because on 6/26/15, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality.  This is, of course, awesome and a major (but not the final) step towards equal rights for all!  But I think one of my favorite parts was scanning my newsfeed and seeing the connections across my friends and contacts and how so many people were happy, joyous, excited, and free.  I feel so happy for those who now no longer have to worry about any state taking away their right to be married.  And I feel happy for the direction this points our country in.  I feel better knowing that we are moving closer to where we should be.  We are not there yet - but we are on our way!

Reconnecting to Advising

6/25/2015 was the 176th day of 2015.  And it was a return of sorts to me as I had my first meetings (by FaceTime and Skype no less) with my pre-major advisees.  It is nice to be re-connected to advising, even if (or maybe especially with) a smaller set of students for which I am responsible.  The meetings went well, I had to call a few times for clarifications, but it was great to speak with these students and help them on their paths.  Reminds me what working at Penn is all about.... looking forward to more this weekend!

Connecting to Friends at Work

6/24/15, the 175th day of 2015, was my first day back at work, after my Western Vacation.  Sarah took an extra day and, as part of her day, said goodbye to a cherished co-worker who is moving to the Midwest.  Seeing the picture Sarah texted me made me realize what I like the most about working at Penn (and I think Sarah likes working at Temple) - the sense of an office community and the connections we make with our co-workers.  It is so much easier going to work, when the office is filled with people who you also enjoy.  We wish a good trip to Sarah's co-worker and hope to stay connected via social media and other traditional methods (now we have another excuse for a trip!)

Connections to Home, from Afar

It's a late posting for Day #174 of 2015. This is because 6/23/15 was a day filled with travel. We awoke early and got on the road. SD through NE to Denver, CO and the airport to fly home. And while we were approaching the airport we got tweets and alerts about the weather back home in NJ. Because the beauty these days is that one can be far far away but still connected via social media and other apps to the happenings back home. And it was good to be connected, to see the posts on FB confirming people were OK. To be able to text neighbors, friends, and family and be sure they were OK too (and they even checked our house for us). I love these connections and appreciate them dearly, even when afar.

Connected to Americana

Day #173 was another amazing day in the Midwest.  6/22/15 had us in Deadwood and Spearfish, SD, in Belle Fourch, SD (the geographical center of the US (ALL 50 states)), and also in Wyoming again, at Devils Tower.  And my awe at this country and what it has to offer just increased as the day went on.  We get a very parochial view of what our country is when we live in one place (as I have for all of my life) and we watch what the news media portrays as "American Culture", and then we get out to see places we never thought we'd see and we get connected to our land through National Parks and Monuments (and The Department of the Interior, for today's fish hatchery), and we see the goodness of this place and the amazing history, nature, and culture that we have to offer.  So glad to have been invited to come out here and so glad we decided to come.

Paternal Connections

Today is Father's Day, 6/21/15.  Day #172 of 2015.  And I'd like to celebrate all of the fathers out there but ALSO celebrate all of the PARENTS out there - because, although there is a Mother's Day holiday and a Father's Day holiday, let's be honest, there should be ONE big PARENT/GUARDIAN's DAY for all of those who work hard each day to raise kids.  Uncles, Moms, Brothers, Grandparents, heck, sometimes even a neighborhood mentor or teacher.  So many influences in my life that I feel have connected me to my parenting style.  But, yes, my greatest parenting connections are from my parents and, today, I appreciate all that my mom and dad did for me and taught me.  And, as I have stated before, I see myself being more like my dad with each passing day and, although I may not have admitted it in my earlier years, today I realize what a blessing it has been to learn from my dad and, slowly, to become more like him.  So, David Sherr, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.  And thanks! And to my wife, Sarah, thanks for letting me be a father.  And to Alexa and Anna - our journey together has just begun - looking forward to all that is ahead of us.

Wedding Connections

6/20/15 was day #171 of 2015. Another in the set of palindromes that have often brought me days filled with happiness and joy. And today was NO exception. Today we were blessed to be present at a wedding of a former student (two times over) of the Penn School of Nursing. It was great to see her connections to her classmates (from the BSN and the MSN) and it was great for us to have been invited and to be connected as well. Nursing has been on my mind a lot this week, what with softball on Monday, leaving my parking spot on Wednesday, and this trip. I have been cherishing the connections I made while I was there, especially with the students, and so happy to see them continuing, both online and in person. CONGRATULATIONS MEGAN AND DAN!

Connected to Nature

6/19/15 was day #170 of 2015 AND day #2 two of the Sherrs take South Dakota.  Full Day of activities including those related to touristy things (zip lining and alpine slide and ANOTHER trip to Mount Rushmore) and wedding-related things (welcome dinner for out of town guests), but the connections we felt today were the connections we found on the 67-mile wildlife loop in Custer State Park.  What amazing animals we saw, including the largest herd of publicly owned bison in the US. These beautiful animals are amazing, and a reminder of what the whole Midwest used to be populated with.  We found this momma and her calf in the middle of the road.  She not only stopped traffic to feed her baby, but she came RIGHT up to our car.  Anna snapped this shot 6 inches away (no zoom!) and we were amazed all day!  Mother Nature amazes again (and the storm that just blew threw the area was pretty amazing too!)

Traveling Connections

On the 169th day of 2015, 6/18/15, we traveled.  For a wedding of a former student, the Sherr Family boarded a plane at 6:40AM (GULP) and flew to Denver, connected to a Rental Car (after an Adam-caused glitch - ooops), and continued on to Rapid City, South Dakota.  And I realize how traveling can strengthen family connections as we spend a lot of time together, in smaller than usual spaces!
And family memories are made, and we connected to history at Mount Rushmore, and got to check three states off of our family list (CO, WY, SD).  And now we are in a plaindromic room awaiting what connections meet us tomorrow!  GOODNIGHT!

One School, Many Connections

As the 168th day of 2015 (6/17/15) came to a close, I found myself, as I often am on the last day of school in Oaklyn, at the Promotion Ceremony for the Oaklyn 9th Graders.  And I marvel at the level of connections I feel in this small school.  It is K-9, my "Junior High" was 5-9, I feel connected there. Many of the 9th graders have been attending OMAYSC activities since they were 10 (boom, connections).  Once again we were invited to play in the pit with the Band, connecting to many past playings of Pomp and Circumstance at Graduations and Convocations at Penn and other places...... when it comes down to it - I just feel connected to the kids and the community, the music and the ceremony.  I love this event!  Now, if I can only hold it together, 2 and 4 years from now, when my kids are on stage...

Changing Connections

So, on 6/16/15, the 167th day of 2015, there were significant changes in an old connection.  Today is the last day that I will park in the Fagin Hall Garage.  I swapped spots with a Nursing employee who needs the space more than I do.  This, and the expiration of my Nursing account (had been logging in to assist with some transition issues), made me realize that the connections on campus are really changing for me.  And that is OK.  Chapters close, and, as I noticed with the softball team yesterday, connections do not go away, they just change.  And change they did today.  Tomorrow, a new garage.

20 Years of Summer Connections

6/15/15 was the 166th day of 2015.  And it was the first evening I could get out on the field with my Summer Softball Team - still, after all these years, the Home RNs.  It was good to see old friends and colleagues, some of whom I have been playing softball for 20+ years.  Ironically, my own daughters' softball games had been keeping me, but today I could connect with an activity I have enjoyed since my days as a student in Dining!  And I connected with my teammates as my transition in my job is changing the connections I have on campus, it is good to see that some connections are everlasting.

Piano Connections

The 165th day of 2015 included attending Anna and Alexa's Piano Recital.  And that meant that 6/14/15 was going to be an amazing day no matter what else happened.  It has been great to see my daughters connect to music, which is very important to me.  Also great to see Ms. Anna, their teacher, connect with her students.  She knows what their fears are (in regard to their music) and knows how to make them feel better about playing in front of large groups of people.  And when I watch them play, I feel connected to my mom (who used to teach piano) and my mother in law (who still teaches piano) and I feel like we are continuing the family tradition of musicality.  Thank God for Music!

Mothers Connecting with Daughters

So, for the 164th day of 2015, I will stick with the jewelry quote image theme!  Because today, 6/13/15, was a day where Sarah and girls spent a lot of time together.  First, I was at a bunch of meetings at Church most of the morning and early afternoon.  Then I got home just in time to drive them to their evening excursion to a concert in Philadelphia.  I love watching Sarah and the girls connect.  Although it is trying for me at times, I love watching these strong young ladies grow up with the role model of another wonderful strong woman.  Love my ladies and love their connections.

Sisterly Connections

On 6/12/15, the 163rd day of 2015, I started out at Donuts with Day, the PTA Fathers Day event (school ends Wednesday so they had it a week early).  It was fun to connect with my daughters at this event.  Then, after a successful day of testing at work, I umpired a Little League Championship game where both sets of pitcher/catchers were Sisters.  A 6th grader pitcher throwing to a 5th grader sister. Seeing these players connect with each other, their teammates, and their (father the) coach was heartwarming.  I love my sister, but there seems to be special bond between two sisters and it is nice to see.

Time and Connections

Time was at the forefront of my thoughts on Day 162 of 2015 (6/11/15).  With all the meetings and deadlines at work, I felt like time was flying faster than I could handle.  Time both connects us to each other, and our tasks, and our memories.  Then, after work, we celebrated the birthday of one of our kids in Oaklyn, with our annual funnel cake celebration at the Snack Stand - another connection to the passage of time.  And I ran from the stand and drove quickly to JUST make Anna's Dance Recital performance (just in the nick of TIME).  And now, I am just getting ready for bed, with a lot still left to do, wishing I had more time.  Time is such an interesting concept - we need more of it, but, honestly, we only get 24 hours each day.  365.25 days per year - and, yet, it seems to go faster each year......trying to slow down, but not sure it is possible.

Connected We (are in the) Stand

The 161st day of 2015 was another day that was sure to be good (because 161 is, yes, a palindrome!). And it was a much better day at work on 6/10/15, and it was a great (if not hot and humid) night in the Snack Stand with each and every field occupied tonight (I had to park a long ways away from my usual spot!)  And I am so appreciative of my connected partner in crime in the stand, April Marino. April, through thick and thin, has been there for me countless times over the past two seasons.  And, tonight, we worked side by side and it was fun - now that I have recovered from my partial dehydration and heatstroke I can say that.  It is heartwarming to work with someone who connects to the stand in a similar way that I do.  Thank you, April!

Connected in Victory

It was the 160th Day of 2015 today and I had some bumps and bruises (figuratively, not really) at work today.  So, on 6/9/15, I was happy to be at the Oaklyn Fields again watching my daughters play softball.  And I got to see them win TWICE.  First Alexa's Junior team finished a game from last night and, since the pitcher struck out the side, it was a quick result!  Then, Alexa and Anna's Majors team won THEIR playoff game.  And, winning is fun, but it is NOT the only thing (regardless of what the cliched quotes say), and I found THIS quote, to which I connect.  Because, it is the team effort of working together towards the win and the connection to and with teammates and coaches which is the important thing, in my opinion, and this I got to also watch today and, for this, I am grateful.

Teammate Connections

On 6/8/2015, the 159th day of 2015, I had great support in the Snack Stand, so I got to sit and watch Alexa and her team play in the Juniors softball playoffs.  As I heard the cheering from the bench and watched the girls lift each other up and play so well as a team, while their other friends (and soccer teammates, in some cases) cheered them on as well, I smiled.  I really enjoy Alexa's participation in sports and I am so glad her teammates are such good people.  The connections forged on these teams, and the working together to play well, will serve them all well in the future.

Grandfatherly Connections

Today, the 158th Day of 2015, started with a blast memory from the past.  My mom shared her picture from 3 years ago, of me and my paternal grandfather.  And, I have to say, although he has been gone for about eleven years, I STILL feel very connected to Aaron Bechtel.  6/8/15 would have been his 107th birthday, and I am sure he would be embarrassed at any platitudes passed his way.  His humility is something I attempt to connect with because being humble is something I learned from him.  I cannot state all of the million things i learned, but I can highlight his humility, his care for others (especially in his family), his ability to discuss and debate (always in a congenial tone), his care for the Earth and all things living on it, and his faces - his amazing faces he made, when happy, when consterned, when surprised....I see his faces in my kids' faces sometimes, and that makes the connection all the more strong.  Happy Birthday, Grandpop!  Love you!

Little League Connects Us

The 157th day of 2015 was like many Spring Saturdays.  On 6/6/15 I spent most of my morning into early afternoon at the Oaklyn Little League Snack Stand.  But, today was special, we moved on to more Little League fun as it was OLL Night at the Riversharks.  And, as I sat in my seat in Campbell's Field, I saw the awesome connections these players have with their teammates and friends.  I see the connections they make with the adults (coaches and parents) of their team.  I looked around and saw my neighbors and friends, with whom I connect via Little League as well....I am so glad I got involved!

Everlasting Colleague Connections

On this, the 156th day of 2015, on 6/5/15, I found myself at the end of the work day at a Farewell Ceremony for one of my dear colleagues at Penn.  Staying at Penn as long as I have (and, hopefully, for many more years in the future), it is inevitable that colleagues will come and go.  I treasure my connections with campus colleagues and I hope that, even after they depart,we can stay connected through social media, professional organizations, and a little hard work!  I could not help but note that the House Dean of my Freshman residence (Hill) was being feted in the Rooftop Lounge of my Upperclass residence (Harrison).  It was an uncanny connection, but I think it points to the fact that, even though she is leaving Penn, our connection will be everlasting....Good Luck, my Friend!

The 49-Year Old Connection That Started it All

Everyone knows how much I love numbers, and especially the number 7!  The 155th Day of 2015 (6/4/15) is also the 49th Anniversary of my parents' wedding day.  And 49 is EXPONENTIALLY better than 7! And, although the connection was made years before on Penn's campus (to which I am still connected by work and by loyalty), this wedding was the legal beginning of the family connection from which I was nourished and developed.  So, to Bonnie and David Sherr, I say CONGRATS!  And THANKS!  And here's to many, many more.  With much love and affection for you guys, for our family, and for oriental rugs - LOVE YOU!  Your Son, Adam.

Family Connections to the Phillies

The 154th day of 2015 was a day filled with meetings at work and then post-work activities with the kids and we were all pretty exhausted at 9:30PM on 6/3/15.  So, we thought about going to bed....but wait, after the Phillies' Game.  And then Franco tied it and it went to extra innings and the Phils won in a very unpredictable manner (and not just because they won!) and I realized that we (all four) were riveted to the screen.  A family connected to each other in fandom and connected to the outcome of the game. And we were happy!  PHILS WIN!  (and, no, we are not having a 3rd kid - that must be some boy-ball photo bombimg our family pic! :-) )

Connected to Current Events

It is interesting, being the parent of an 11 year old and a thirteen year old.  Today, 6/2/15, on the 153rd day of 2015, we spend the evening discussing, as a family, a debate topic for Alexa's Current Events Essay assignment.  We discussed politics, gay marriage, abortion rights, the death penalty, and much, much more.  Heavy topics for the kids, but they had some really interesting things to say. And I am glad to know they are aware and connected to the issues of the day....and it was neat speaking with them and connecting with them as well....now I do not agree with all of their opinions, but talking is good...

Connected to Anna at Eleven

So today is Anna's Birthday - and there is no question about what is inspiring my connections today. Born on the 153rd day of 2004, we celebrated on the 152nd day of 2015 (6/1/15) due to the lack of a Leap Year.  We have had this first photo in our kitchen for a while and it always makes us smile. Anna loves her cake, and, at one, she connected all over :-).  Now, she is a fine young lady, eleven and chilling on the couch, and inspiring all the local family to flock over for her birthday cake and pie celebration.  I love watching Anna grow up (even if, many days, it seems to be happening so fast) and I love the connection that we have now, and I hope we will always have.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!