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!

Coming Home to Connections on Homecomig

Day #311 was a day filled with activities.  And. although slowed by my asthma flares, we got to do a lot today.  And 11/7/2015 was Homecoming at Penn and we found ourselves in the stands of Franklin Field, of course with the Band.  And I watched as the current Band connected with the Band Alumni and definitely vice versa as well.  And I watched my own kids connect to the excitement of Penn's OT win against rival Princeton and sing the Penn songs and, as Anna said, know the Red and Blue arms "better than some of the football players!"  I love the connections the Band has forged and continues to forge in my life.  And I love the connections to Penn that I and my fellow alumni have and that the current students are developing.  GO QUAKERS!

Finding Connections, in a Haystack

Sometimes, finding solutions to life's (or work's) problems seems like finding a needle in a haystack. But, man, when it is found, boy do you often feel connected to the solution and the person (or people) that helped you find it.  A lot of needles were found on the 310th day of 2015 and, on 11/6/15, I am going to bed feeling connected and breathing (well, kinda breathing, the asthma has been bad tonight) sighs of relief.  Thankful for those connections that have found the needles: at work, at home, with friends in distress, and more.  And, feeling thankful, I turn in for the evening......zzzzzz

Saddling Up for Connections

11/5/2015, Day #309 of 2015....I went back to work!  And, while that may seem strange to make a person happy, it was good to get back and connect with my co-workers.  Once again, I realized how lucky I am to work at a place as great as Penn and lucky to be able to connect with a great bunch of people on a daily basis.

Classmate Connections

Day #308 (11/4/2015) was another non-normal weekday for me.  Once again I was home, still recovering from my asthmatic bronchitis and, as I am feeling better, I am chomping at the bit to get back to the projects that are on my desk and in my inbox.  But, my connection moments today were about classmates.  Seeing people excited about coming back for Homecoming at Penn.  Seeing the pictures of the Homecoming Dance kids in Colls.  Watching my kids hang out with their classmates after School, shooting hoops, hanging at the coffee shop or Wawa, or just chilling in the backyard. Also, seeing classmates reminisce on the Alumni FB page of my old Elementary School as we were informed of the death of a beloved teacher.   Working with a classmate to try to get assistance for another of our classmates.....no matter what, there is an inexplicable bond between classmates past and present.  Connections forged during school days that stay ensconced throughout time!  So glad for all the amazing classmates that I have had, and that my kids have.  Friends!

Powering Down Connections

Day #307 was not a normal day for me.  Because, on 11/3/15, I took a sick day.  I NEVER take sick days, but, today, I did.  And I did my best to power down a bit, rest my connectivity, so that I can bounce back and be better than  ever.  I did venture out to vote and to the PTA meeting to make my report, but other than that it was napping on the couch (and, yes, connecting a bit remotely to do email and a little work).  And now, I am  powering down for good....TO BED!

Connecting to Self-Care

On the 306th day of 2015, I was tired.  I started out slowly on 11/2/15, and I thought it was because of the World Series game the night before.  But, I soon realized, it was my usual seasonal, allergy-induced, asthmatic bronchitis flaring up badly. So, I surprised myself.  I connected to my personal needs, packed it in, went home, and rested.  Now, I think, had I not come to this decision myself, my co-workers were sending me home anyway, but, luckily for me, I did.  And it is important that. regardless of what is going on, that we are sure we connect to our own self-care and ensure that things do not get worse.  So, after a nap, I am off to bed again!  Goodnight!

Saintly Connections

11/1/15 was Day #305 of 2015.  And, all through the day's events (and, there were a lot of them, mainly sports and family related) I could not help but to remember that today is All Saints Day!  And it was not because I had the Saints' QB (Drew Brees) as my fantasy football QB today and had a monster game.  No, All Saints Day for me is a true day for connections.  Connecting to those who came before us, who paved the way for the lives we have today, who taught us how to live, learn, and love (amongst other things).  So, today, all day, I thought of Aaron and Ann Bechtel and Nettie and Sol Soskin, I thought of Frank Neithammer and Lucilla Mauer.  I thought of Gene Montague and Eleanor Hopkin.  I thought of many many more Saints from the many facets of my life and I say prayers of thanksgiving for them all.  May you feel connected to the saints in your lives every day, but especially on All Saints Day.  FOR ALL THE SAINTS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OaBgaMcOvM