Two for '22

  Well, that's a wrap!  On the 59th day of 2022, I announced my last basketball game (and ran the clock and scoreboard) for CHS Basketball Teams.  Sadly, it was a Playoff Loss for the Boys (but the Girls did win, on the road, against rival Haddon Township!!!) but even if they had won, their next game was to be away as well.  On 2/28/2022, the last day of palindrome week (2/28/22), my Two for 2022 is Basketball and Announcing.  I never though I would enjoy this as much as I do.  I never thought I would care so much about teams that do not even have one of my kids on it.  I cannot wait until next season, hope they ask me back!  ROLL COLLS! (NOTE: This is not our gym, this is not me (I don't get a headset!), but it was the best I could do from Google Images)

  I have been appreciably happier on the last two Sundays and, although the days ARE getting longer and even the colder days are getting warmer, I realized, on the 58th day of 2022, that it's because John Oliver is back in my life.  Yes, my Two for 2022 for 2/27/2022 is Sundays and John Oliver.  I listed to a lot of comedians discuss the news.  In the mornings I listen to Seth Myers or Jimmy Kimmel (or even James Corden) while I get ready for the day.  I make sure that I listen to Bill Maher's show, and hear the issues debated and his take on the events of the day.  BUT, the person who I think has the best grip on issues, and lays them out (with the help of his staff) using humor, facts, wit (which is different than humor, in my book), and a razor sharp delivery is John Oliver.  He's back now, and his first two shows have been must-watch in my opinion.  If you do not have HBO, find a way to see his shows on YouTube.  And, please, politicians,...

On the 57th day of 2022, I found myself in the Palestra (for the last time until the basketball seasons start back up again in the Fall).  And I could not possibly have missed this afternoon's game because the Penn Band Seniors, Class of 2022, were honored for their years of service.  My Two for 2022 are The Penn Band and its Seniors.  These students arrived on campus in Fall 2018, had one "normal" academic year and then all h$$$ broke lose in March of 2020.  I am so glad that they got to travel away to Brown last weekend (what a buzzer beater win!) and that the Men's Team made the Ivy Tournament (more travel) and there is a trip to Princeton coming up this weekend.  These students have dedicated so much to the Band and, basically, kept it together as a group through the pandemic.  SO, THANK YOU to: Liam, Justin, Sam, Isabel, Landon, Charlotte, Helen, Jessica, Bryan, Leah, Andy, Caitlin, Josh, David, Anjali, Iman, Alan, Lisa, Sean, Cezanne, Naomi, Morgan, J...

It's been a really long week, and a lot of long weeks are ahead.  So on the 56th day of 2022, Sarah and I decided to order out dinner from our favorite Italian Restaurant.  We got the Family Four Pack on 2/25/2022 (Alexa is home for the weekend to help our hostessing at Sappori) and we got the Chicken Parm and my Two for 2022 for tonight, Capellini and Alfredo.  mmmmm so good.  I have been trying to eat low/no carb lately, for my health, but this evening, we splurged.  Back to the grind tomorrow (yes, working on a Saturday), but Friday Night was festive!  Hope you all had a great evening as well!

  My Two for 2022 for the 55th day of 2022 are deadlines and completed tasks.  On 2/24/2022, I completed my pre-deployment tasks and I met my deadlines.  There is a lot of work ahead of us and I really am working hard to get things done on time (not really my forte).  But, for today, I got my stuff done - let's hope that continues!

On the 54th day of  2022, I am not going to lie, I was stressing a bit.  SO much going on in the World, with Covid, in politics, in my project, with my family (nothing real bad just a LOT), with my friends, with people at Church and on and on and on.  But, on the palindromic 2/23/22, I also had to remember the value of the word.... RELAX.  Yes, my Two for 2022 is Stress and Relax.  The work will all be there in the morning, the stuff will likely work itself out, and, frankly, relaxing is a lot better for me than the stress.  I am sure the same is for you all!  Try not to stress and try to relax!!

  You ALL can guess my Two for 2022 for Day #53 of 2022.  They are TWO and TWOsDay.  Yes, 2/22/22, a palindrome (the third of 9 in a row) and ALL 2s on TUESDAY!  A once in a lifetime experience on 2/22/2022 and the best part was all of the people who posted on my wall and messaged me and, frankly, just knew how much I was enjoying it and wanted to join in.  A day of the number 2.  It made the day #1!

The juxtaposition of Presidents' Day and Black History Month (my Two For 2022 for today) has me thinking on the 52nd day of 2022.  Presidents' Day celebrates some of the major influences in the creation of the USA as we know it.  However, on 2/21/2022, I am also reflecting on how some of these men who participated in the creation of our Nation also participated in the creation of some of the norms and laws that have kept people of color from experiencing the same life that was projected in "that perfect union."  And, not that we need to minimize the achievements of our founding fathers, but we should view them in context of how we see things in today's world, and we should strive to right the wrongs and bring us closer to equality and opportunity for all.  And that all really means all.  Not sure if my words are making sense, but I know that, in my heart, I see what needs to be done and hope that I can strive to be part of the solution, and not continue to perpe...

  As you know from my previous posts on the subject today, the 51st Day of 2022 is my dad's birthday!  So, on 2/20/22 the only Two for 2022 that is appropriate is My Dad and Me!  And I have already espoused on why I am so happy that my dad is my dad, so now I will list some lessons learned.  Not all of these "rules" are specifically articulated, but I will attempt to quotation mark the ones that I think are (and Dad can feel free to correct as needed: 1) Work Hard and do your Best Work Always.  Even when (or especially when?) it's not noticed by others.  Eventually, you will be rewarded for your Hard Work 2) Be Kind to Others, no matter who they are, or how they might treat you. 3) "Don't Let the Assholes Get you Down" (that one, I am pretty sure, is a direct quote) 4) Use Humor to break tension in situations (but, this one I need to learn to use in moderation) 5) You can never tell people you love them enough, let them know. 6) "Give 'Em Hell, ...

We were back in the Palestra for the Brown Game (WIN!) on 2/19/2022.  And as I walked the concourse of the Palestra, Pre-Game, on the 50th day of 2022, I could not help but smile.  So many young fans being brought to the game by their families to cheer on the Quakers.  And, I was inspired for my Two For 2022 for tonight: Penn Women's Basketball and their Young Fans.  Because I could remember when my daughters were their age and they came to the games and, in HS, they both participated with the basketball team.  Alexa played Rec, Travel, Middle School, and High School basketball.  And tonight was breaking down strategy with Sarah while watching the game.  Anna played Rec and then decided she'd rather manage the teams instead of playing on the court (although I do enjoy watching her sink baskets during halftime while the team is meeting in the locker room and we are waiting).  And I can only hope that many of the young women who came to the gam...

  Although the Penn Women's Basketball Team did not win on the 49th day of 2022, I still think the evening of 2/18/2022 was a wonderful evening at the Palestra.  It was Equity and Inclusion Night and the Penn Band was asked to, and did perform, Lift Every Voice and Sing prior to the National Anthem before the game.  Thus my Two for 2022 is Lift Every Voice and Star Spangled Banner.  Because they sounded great, and were inspiring, and really started of the game on the (pun intended) right note.  Love the addition and loved singing it for the Church Service tomorrow as well!

My Two For 2022 for the 48th day of 2022 are the Sherr Girls and Firsts.  Because, on 2/17/2022, I woke up VERY early (3:10AM) to drive Anna and her classmates to the airport.  Anna is on a Class Trip this extended weekend and will be in LA.  Today she saw the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame.  She Marco Poloed from the Walk of Fame and it was wonderful to see her smile!  Meanwhile, on the East Coast, Alexa had clinical day #2 in her Healthcare of Women class at Nursing and saw HER FIRST BIRTH!  She was so excited, and that made me just as happy as Anna's smile.  So exciting that they are finally getting to do things that are more "normal" and this was an amazing day of firsts!

It has been since December 22, 2021 that I spent a full work-day on the physical Penn Campus.  And, on 2/16/2022, there I was, in my Franklin Building Office.  It made the 47th day of 2022 go that much better.  I was online for MOST of my meetings, but I got to have an in-person 1::1 with my boss, I got to see all the staff in the FB who I have been missing (Eric at the Front Desk, Nichella and the other housekeeping staff) and I saw a Registrar's Office colleague I have not seen for 2 years.  Even had an after work meet up (at the New Deck) with some colleagues.  This is what work is supposed to be like, not being cooped up in my house.  Sure, it's a but more convenient and, definitely, they get more work out of me!, but I prefer to be on campus because my Two For 2022 is the Penn Campus and Happiness.  And I had both today!

  I have been spending a lot of the wee hours of the evenings preparing data in our SIS for conversion.  Conversion starts in 17 days so the time is rushing through the hourglass and on the 46th day of 2022, I have to admit I was feeling it.  BUT, ask you can see from my FB post I glanced at Skylar and Talia and decided that my Two For 2022 for today (and for the next 4-6 weeks, likely) should be conversion and calm.  So, on 2/15/2022, I am headed off to bed earlier than usual but to get a good night's sleep since I am heading to work from my campus office tomorrow.  And I will be keeping calm and converting the data!  Or, well, preparing it for conversion.  Goodnight!

  We had a really nice Valentine's Evening on the 45th day of 2022.  After I got home from the Penn Band Rehearsal, Sarah had an amazing meal and then we danced to "Only You," the first dance song from our wedding, and hunkered down for some TV watching together.  Yes, my Two For 2022 tonight are Love and Marriage.  We did not need anything fancy to celebrate our 28th Valentine's Day together.  We're getting ready to be "Empty Nesters" and it's nice to know we will have so many nights like this in our future!  <3

We cannot figure our for how many years our tradition has been going on, but my Two for 2022 for 2/13/2022 is The Superbowl and Traditions.   The 44th (and palindromic day) day of 2022 was a great day because I got to hang out with the MacDonald's and Lippincott-Timms, just as we have done for every Superbowl (except that last year was on Zoom) for the past two decades are so.  Food, Friends, Fun, Football, it was awesome.  So glad we could be back in person this year and cannot wait for next year.  It was a great day!

What a week it has been at Penn.  On Tuesday, Amy Gutmann, the longest serving President in Penn's History (7/1/2004 - 2/8/2022) resigned after being confirmed as the US Ambassador to German.  Dr. Gutmann was a TRANSFORMATIONAL President and her legacy at Penn will be long living.  And, in Thursday, the Penn Band played at both of her goodbye events (one for students, one for faculty and staff) and got their last pics with the President.  Dr. Gutmann is succeeded by Dr. Wendell Pritchett, a Penn person through and through and a wonderful choice for SO many reasons.  On the 43rd day of 2022, there he was, with the Men's Squash Team being honored at Halftime of the Men's Basketball game for their 16-0 Record, their Ivy Title, and their hosting of the National Championship Match next weekend!  I look forward to Dr. Pritchett's leadership in the coming months but, on 2/12/2022, my Two For '22 are Amy Gutmann and the Penn Band.  Not sure if any other Presid...

June 2018 was the last time we had a child who was enrolled at Oaklyn Public School.  However, on the 42nd day of 2022, there I was, outside the OPS Gym, checking kids in for an OMAYSC Gym Night.  And, on 2/11/2022, it made me really think about my Two for 2022 for tonight.... A School and Its Community.  43 kids came to the Gym Night, MOST of them above the 5th grade.  Meaning most of them USED to attend OPS but, as with me, have little connection to the school on a daily basis.  BUT, so many times I heard, "I miss this place."  And, frankly, I miss the place too when I am not volunteering in an activity that takes me there.  OPS is a foundational space for so many in our community, kids and more.  I feel lucky that my kids had that experience and, through them, so did I (and I still do since I cannot stop volunteering!) - GO HAWKS!

  On the 41st day of 2022, my Two for 2022 is Harden and the Sixers.  On 2/10/2022 the Sixers FINALLY ridded themselves of Ben Simmons.  Now Simmons is the teammate of one of my other least favorite NBA Players, Kyrie Irving.  Needless to say, I am rooting for the Nets to be really bad, the Sixers to find an elixir to get Harden back to his former self, and for this trade to finally be something good in Philadelphia Sports.   Welcome to Philly, James!  GO SIXERS!

Happy National Pizza Day!  We had pizza on the 40th day of 2022.  So, on 2/9/2022 my Two for 2022 are the toppings we prefer - Sausage and Pepperoni.  And it was yummy too!

With my Two for 2022 Theme for this year's reflections, I think that a lot will be Music and _______!  On the 39th day of 2022, I was again in the Colls HS Gym to man the clock, the scoreboard, and to announce the game.  BUT, on 2/8/2022, I was also able to be the de facto DJ.  Since my phone is connected to the Bluetooth speaker so that I can play the Anthem at the start of the game, I also, as the kids are saying today, "have Aux!"  So I got to play music that made me smile and made people (even the opposing coaches) dance and also made, at times, people laugh.  So, my Two For '22 is Music and Laughter.  Two essential things in all of our lives that I got to create for people today!  

The 38th day of 2022 is a Monday.  So, on 2/7/2022, at lunch, Skylar and I made our weekly trek.  To the Bank to deposit the weekly Church donations.  I love taking Skylar to the Bank because Alexis, our usual drive thru teller, loves Skylar and always sneaks her an extra biscuit.  And Skylar is so patient and waits and then looks at Alexis and wags her tail.  My Two for 2022 is Skylar and the Drive Thru Teller, Alexis.  True friends and, in fact, Skylar looks for her at any and all drive-thrus (I keep extra biscuits just in case).  Was great seeing her today!

  It was a pretty leisurely Sunday on the 37th day of 2022.  Yeah, I caught up on my email on 2/6/2022 and I did a little bit of work (mainly data cleanup - conversion is in less than four weeks!!!).  But I was able to get time in the pool at Royal Fitness today as well.  My Two For 22 for today is Royal Fitness and their Pool.  So glad I found a place where a guy who swims slowly and aqua jogs can find swim lane times and not feel judged as he is doing his workout, his way.  Had over an hour in the pool today and my legs are feeling it - but that's a sign of progress!!  Now off to bed!

We got lucky and got an invitation to our friends' house for dinner on the 36th day of 2022.  It was a family birthday party, but we got included on 2/5/2022 and we are so lucky we did.  My Two For 2022 for tonight is Good Friends and Good Food.  I mean, the meal was amazing, but the friends and the conversation and the laughter and the stories.... were better!  

  The 35th day of 2022 found me back (after a too long gap) in one of my happy places.  On 2/4/2022, we were in the Palestra to watch the Women's Basketball Team (sadly, they lost).  It did made me think about how lucky I have been to be able to watch games in this Cathedral of College Basketball (as John McAdams used to say, "College Basketball's MOST HISTORIC GYM!"  My Two for 2022 is Basketball and the Palestra.  I love watching basketball, and I love the Palestra, and Alexa won the halftime "Around the World" shooting contest and I got to hear the Penn Band in their natural habitat.  It was a good day!

I was one of the presenters in a demonstration of our new system on the 34th day of 2022.  The audience, on 2/3/2022, was mainly Penn Students and they had really good questions for which we had answers.  So, my Two For '22 tonight are questions and answers.  I expect a LOT of questions to be brought to us in the next year or so..... I hope I can help with the answers.

  On the 33rd day of 2022, it is 2/2/22.  So, on 2/2/2022, my Two For '22 are 2s and 3s.  I love numbers and the 2/2/22 has been amusing all day and now I come to my reflection to focus on the palindromic day 33. Numbers are grand!

As I drove to campus today, on the 32nd day of 2022, I realized that 2/1/2022 is the fourth anniversary of my first day in this new job as a Functional SME and Senior Advisor for the NGSS Project and SRFS.  And I remembered my first day, four years ago, and it was not as good of a day that I have been having recently.  Much worse even.  And how I wish I knew then what I know now.  What I thought was a really upsetting job change turned out to be better for me in the long run.  Now we are five weeks away from our Project's Go-Live and I am really enjoying my work and the colleagues that I am able to work with.  SO, my Two For 2022 for today is Four Years and a New Perspective.  Again, would that I knew then what I knew now, it would have prevented a lot of stress and disappointment.  I will try to remember that, in the future, when things do not seem to be going well (in any aspect of my life).