Two for '22

  My Two for 2022 for the 90th day of 2022 is me and my email.  I have been up pretty late in the past two weeks or so, trying to ensure that I read all of my emails before I go to bed.  Meetings, resolving issues, and deployment tasks have been taking up a LOT of time, as expected.  What has not been expected is the sheer email volume.  So, on 3/31/2022, I finish the month of March struggling to get my unread emails as close to 0 as I can before I turn in.  Goodnight!

Honestly, there have not been that many days in the past two years that I could use "joy" and "school" in the same sentence.  But, the 89th day of 2022 was one of them, for SURE!  Because 3/30/2022 was an added CMS Choir Concert, Music in the Schools!  And to sit in the audience and witness the joy on the faces of those students, especially Anna, was inspiring and made me feel so much joy!  My Two for 2022 for tonight are Anna and Choir.  The joy on her face was transferred to me and, so, I feel so lucky that my kids attended a High School with such a great Music Department filled with such dedicated teachers.  Made the statements at Monday's BOE Meeting that much more meaningful and relevant.  Music and Joy!  Well that's a Two For for another day.

On the 88th day of 2022, I worked a 12+ hour day.  3/29/2022 was not abnormal these days, but what keeps me going is my Two for 2022 for tonight: workplace and colleagues.  Even if the workplace these days is mainly online, I look forward to, tomorrow, going into the office and seeing everybody.  It is a lunch to celebrate our VPs last day, and so many of the Division of Finance will be there and I am hoping to see people for the first time in two years.

In my life, I have attended many School Board Meetings.  And, on 3/28/2022, I had planned on attending the Collingswood BOE meeting and speak in favor of niche programs (World Languages, TV and Film, and Music (choral and instrumental).  But, work got in the way on the 87th day of 2022 and, you know what???  It didn't matter.  I turned it on to watch the recording on You Tube at 8:15PM or so, figuring a meeting that started at 6:30PM would be over by then.  I WAS SO WRONG.  The public portion had not even started yet and so I was able to watch the whole public portion.  I was moved to tears (I know, it does not take much these days) by the eloquence, passion, intelligence, and caring that the students of Collingwood (and many Young Alumni) displayed this evening.  My Two for 2022 are students and advocacy.  Ladies and Gentlemen, there are a lot of things about which I worry in the world today (near and far), but the next generation are ready ...

We had a Little League Board Meeting on the evening of the 86th day of 2022.  It may be 23 degrees outside on 3/27/2022, but I am thinking about Little League Opening Day on April 9th.  So my Two For 2022 is TWO WEEKS TO GO!  We have a lot of work to do before we can serve hot dogs and fries, but I am ready and cannot wait to see all the smiling kids this season!

  I know I am not supposed to root for a rival Big 5 Basketball team, especially not for the team that singlehandedly weakened the Big 5 (some would say destroyed it, but I have seen games this season in the Palestra that shows the core Big Five Vibe is alive and well).  BUT, on the 85th day of 2022, I find myself happy to see the Villanova Wildcats heading for the Final Four.  I wanted Michigan to bear them, because my friend's son is in the UM Pep Band, but when that was not meant to be, I started cheering for them  I mean, I had Nova/Gonzaga in the Final Game so it does not hurt my bracket (which is otherwise busted) to see them keep winning either.  SO, my 2 for 2022 for 3/26/2022 is Villanova and the Final Four.  I am rooting for Kansas (who I have in my bracket as well) and St. Peter's tomorrow.  And I think a St. Peter's/Nova Final would be amazing.  Let's see what happens....

I missed posting for the two days prior to the 84th Day of 2022.  I guess my Two for 2022 for 3/25/2022 and the past two days is a Two Day Hiatus.  It has been crazy busy at work, I have had other things to do that have taken me off of the computer and I just did not have the energy for a nightly post after reading all of the emails that piled up during the day.  So, tonight, I am posting before I read them (502 total between work and GMail).  Many are spam and junk or notifications of processes running on the new system, but some will take time and likely that time will be tomorrow.  Goodnight all!

 

 

  SO, after my work experiences yesterday, I came to work (meaning logging in from home) on the 81st day of 2022 with a determination to bring positiveness to every encounter I had today.  Yes, on 3/22/22, my Two for 2022 were Peace and Positivity.   And, you know what, it worked.  YES, we still had some hard conversations and, no, not everyone was happy.  BUT, we stayed positive.  I kept reminding people how much we HAVE gotten done even though the focus is on what is yet to be done.  And I ended my day with a GREAT meeting where my colleague was thrilled with what our Project is delivering his department.  SO, I am going to try to CTRL-C, CRTL V that for tomorrow and probably the next days as well.  We all need more peace and positivity.

  So my Two for 2022 for the 80th day of 2022 are Anger and Frustration.  Not Mine!  But, on 3/21/2022, I had to learn how to deal with this 2-fer from others.  While we have delivered a ton of work on our Project, there are still somethings that are.... how do you say in project-ese??...... gaps in processes.  And people spoke out about them, all day, in many meetings.  And people were angry and people were frustrated and, you know what?, I get it.  I think I might be feeling the same emotions if I were in their position (which I was, years ago at Nursing).  BUT, I did not cope well with this anger and frustration.  Even when it was not directed to me, specifically, I absorbed it and was stressed.  I felt my BP rising and I need to be better.  So, tonight, I pray that I handle anger and frustration better in the coming days.  The emotions are real, the emotions are valid, but we need to work through these feeling towards progr...

On the 79th day of 2022, we had our March Birthday Celebration at the Walters' House.  So my Two for 2022 is March and the Birthday Boys.  I am so appreciative of Jackie on 3/20/2022 because she celebrated her Dad (81), her son (24), and her brother in law (53) so well, as she does every year.  We had a great time with family.  She put out, as always, an amazingly delicious spread.  And she made us all cake (well, Sarah's mom made the cherry pie!)  I was able to taste the cakes and kept those sugars down!  It was a great day!

  As they say on the broadcasts, "anything can happen in March!"  And, on the 78th day of 2022, we were reminded why they call it Madness!  My Two for 2022 for today is March Madness and Upsets.  We watched a lot today.  #8 UNC took down #1 Baylor, a team many had in the Final Four or even winning it all.  #15 St. Peter's (GO JERSEY!) pulled off its second upset in a row of #7 Murray State (second year in a row that a #15 seed has made the Sweet 16!)  And, close to our hearts, we cheered for #11 Michigan to upset #3 Tennessee (I actually had this in my bracket) and enjoyed especially seeing Avery Greenberg with the UM Pep Band!  And, finally, on 3/19/2022, I held my breath as #9 Memphis ALMOST upset #1 Gonzaga (who I have going all the way in my bracket).  My final 4 are still alive.... for now... but the upsets are aplenty this year and I am enjoying it.

What a day the 77th day of 2022 was.  I mean, Day #77, a palindrome, 7 x 11 (my first job was at 7-11).  And I was a little overwhelmed on 3/18/2022, it being my 53rd birthday and, in this Social Media world, me receiving so many wishes that I fear I cannot "Like" react to them all to indicate my thanks!  So, I will try, but if I miss any, I am sorry!  It was been a big day.  We ended our first week of Go-Live, I turned 53, high school softball season has started (scrimmage today), and we had a nice family meal (although, I have to admit, the meal (and the small piece of cake) was NOT good for my sugars).  Back at it tomorrow, catching up on work, attacking the sugars again, and going for a swim amidst errands and Choir.  But tonight, I will think about my 2 for 2022 for tonight, Birthdays and Social Media.  I know a lot of people think FB is a bad place, but it's a GREAT place on one's birthday.  THANKS EVERYONE!

  I'm not Irish, I don't like beer (of any color), and I did not even wear green on 3/17/2022.  But, St. Patrick's Day on the 76th day of 2022 has me thinking about my Two for 2022: 3/17 and Luck.  "The Luck of the Irish" they say, but I feel pretty lucky today.  Lucky that, in two weeks, I went from 377 on my glucose meter to a day where my highest was 210 and I was in the "zone" for 81% of the day!  I feel lucky that I could go to CVS and pay for insulin yesterday, even though I am not sure when I might start to use it.  I am lucky to be working with such amazing people on this project.  I am SO LUCKY to have my amazing family....and especially Sarah who has been with me on this journey to get my health in good order.  Yes, friends, and I am so lucky to have a community of caring souls, in Oaklyn, from Church, and online even on Facebook.  Tonight I go to bed tired, but I go to bed a lucky, lucky man!

It was another very long day at work on the 75th day of 2022.  Who am I kidding?  I am still working on 3/16/2022 (even as the calendar changes to the next day).  But, you know what?  We are making it work.  All it takes is my Two for 2022 for tonight: Determination and Drive. I am trying to attack my sugars with the same process that I attack my work.  All it takes is a will and a desire to get it done.  And some luck would help too!  Hoping things get easier on the work front and the sugars front and, if they don't, it won't be for lack of trying!

  So my Two for 2022 for the 74th day of 2022 are two things that I am missing very much.  Carbs and Sugars.  Having been recently diagnosed with diabetes, I have tried to (with pretty good success) cut out most carbs and sugars from my diet.  I have not had ice cream in 2.5 weeks.... (admission, I did have sugar free water ice from Cabana's today - meh) and bread, a frequent staple of my diet, has been seldom seen on my plate.  It's the Ides of March, 3/15/2022, and I need to have more Caesar Salads (get it?) and keep up this work.  According to my BGM (blood glucose monitor), I was 43% in the suggested zone today (count of 70 - 180).  That is NOWHERE where I need to be, but FAR better than 377 and 0% in the zone that I was 2-3 weeks ago.  Just have to keep reminding myself it is a marathon not a sprint and remind myself that, once under control, I might get to splurge every once and while with a nice buttered bagel or a small bowl of Breyer's......

We did it - We went LIVE on the 73rd day of 2022.  And I spent a lot of 3/14/2022 in the HelpDesk email queue.  Which is why my Two for 2022 is Read and Respond.  Because that is what I did.  Read the email and then Respond to the question, request, concern, etc.  But, tomorrow, I am going to take this image's advice and Keep Calm and Reflect as well.  But now, off to bed - it's been a good, but long, day!

  I remember exactly where I was on Friday, March 13, 2020.  I was in the hallway of the Franklin Building between the Annex and the Main Offices.  It was 11AM or so.  And I saw on my phone that Penn had decided to shut down "For 2-3 Weeks" because of the concerns around the outbreak of Covid.  We started to work and plan on how we were going to equip staff to work, for the "short term," remotely.  We stood on the precipice of the unknown and, oof, what a time it was to follow.  Today, the 72nd day of 2022, the NGSS Team stands on another precipice.  My Two for 2022 is simply TWO YEARS tonight. Tomorrow, we Go-Live.  And, no, not everything is completed, but a TON of work has led to this day.  On 3/13/2022, I think about where I was on 3/13/2020.  Wondering what would come in the future and, honestly, a little worried.  Today, I also wonder what will come in the future, how we will continue to enhance this system and ...

Day #71 of 2022 has been filled with anticipation.  On 3/12/2022, not only are we still creeping closer to our Go-Live, but we are also on the eve of Daylight Savings Time!  So my Two For 2022 for tonight is New Light and Happiness.  I know that DSG is a subject that brings debate and disagreement, but I prefer more light in the evening.  And, with the new light, happiness comes.  Baseball, Little League Snack Stand, warmer days, flowers and trees.... so much to look forward to!  And, tomorrow's extra light is the first step.

  On the 70th day of 2022, the NGSS Project continued with its validations and deployment steps.  And, as I listened to my teammates detail the confirmations and validations and checks and data reviews and and and.... I could not help think, on 3/11/2022, that this project is really the epitome of my Two For 2022 for tonight: Measure Twice and Cut Once.  We are moving towards Deployment on Monday, but we are also making sure that all of the Is are dotted and the Ts are crossed.  I am sure there will be issues, but it will not be for lack of careful review.

On the 69th day of 2022, I found myself on my second Zoom Candidate Meeting in 2 nights.  What is a Zoom Candidate Meeting, you ask??  Well, 3/10/2022 (and the evening before) was a time for the Oaklyn Democratic Committee (of which I am a member) to vet candidates for the open Council position in Oaklyn (to be elected in 2022).  It was really nice to get to know two people in my community.  I think I know everyone from the Snack Stand, and maybe I do know them by name and/or face.  But my Two For 2022 is Meet and Greet because, when you really meet someone and have a conversation, you know more and you expand your understanding.  I think I want to take the time to talk to more of my neighbors and truly meet and greet them.  The More We Know.... right?

With my sugar worries this week, one thing that has been delicious is the chili that Sarah made for dinner.  We've had it for the past two nights and I really enjoyed it on the 68th day of 2022. But, on 3/9/2022, something was different.  No rice.  Yes, my Two For 2022 is Chili and Rice.  Once I get these sugars under control, I can add rice again.  But, for tonight, just chili and it was delicious!

  Happy International Women's Day on this 67th day of 2022.  On 3/8/2022, my Two-For 2022 is Women and Power.  And with power, I would add leadership.  We had another successful day of conversion on our project today and I was glad to be working with a group of consultants that, except for one, are female.  I know people who are intimidated working with smart, powerful women.  Not me, I think I have always worked well with strong women, likely because I was raised by one, have one as a sibling, and live with three in my current nuclear family.  Here's to women, hear them roar (no, I will not play Helen Reddy again, but you can have that song in your head now). 

  I am heading to bed early on the 66th day of 2022 (66....22..... palindromes that divide to 3, HAD to be a good day!)  This is possible because, on 3/7/2022, we were able to complete the validation of the initial three conversions for our project.  I mean I am kind of nervous because it is going TOO well.  But, for now, I am going to sit back and enjoy the Two For 2022 for tonight, planning and success.  We had 4+ rounds of mock conversions to get to where we are now with a 99.5% success rate.  I mean whoda thought I would ever earn a 99.5% :-).  But it's all of the planning we did - as a team - that is getting us to this point and I am happy.  Happy too that I could find a Ben Franklin quote to link this sentiment back to Penn for this project.  Hoping everything continues to go this well (and knowing that there will be bumpier days ahead), tonight, I sleep.  GOODNIGHT!

I cannot remember a time where that has not been war in the world.  And, these days, we are hearing the horrific news about war in Ukraine, a European conflict the likes we have not seen since WWII.  But, on the 65th day of 2022, let's remember that wars have been commonplace, sadly, in many places in the Middle East, Africa, South America, and other places where people look less "like us."  But, on 3/6/2022, only one of my Two Fors is War.  The other is Sacrifice.  Yes, my Two-For 2022 is War and Sacrifice.  It is horrifying to see the sacrifices the Ukrainian people are making just to try to move to safety or defend their country.  Meanwhile, here in the US, all I hear is people complaining about the high price of gas and a few empty shelves in stores.  Sarah and I have been talking about how Americans today do not have the intestinal fortitude to give up things for the common good of the world.  I mean, during WWII there were rations and, ...

I was working on a Saturday during the 64th day of 2022.  But I was prepared (I mean it IS conversion weekend) and I was feeling pretty good.  Why?  Because of the amazing outpouring of support, love, advice, etc. that resulted from last night's posting.  It made me think of my Two for 2022 for tonight: Social Media and Good Vibes.  I know there are many people that think that social media contributes to a lot of our societal ills these days - and it DOES.  BUT, when I experience what I experienced over the last 24-hours, it reminds me that there are major good vibes that can be created by social media as well.  So, I guess what I am saying is, THANK YOU for all of you who reacted to and commented on my post with support and words of encouragement.  I believe we can use social media for good and, frankly, we should be trying to.

  So the past month or so, I have been thinking a lot about my diet.  No, not a fad diet or keto or "thirty in thirty" but the everyday food and drink that I consume.  I knew something was wrong, I could feel it, so I tried to cut down on carbs and eat more fruits and veggies but, on the 62nd day of 2022 (ironically World Obesity Day), I was diagnosed as a diabetic.  On the one hand, I should be happy that it took so long to catch up with me.  I don't drink, smoke,. or do drugs, but I sure love my food!  And, on 3/4/22, I need to march forth (get it??) into the future making better choices about my daily diet.  That is why my Two for 2022 is Me and My Diet.  What I was not today was placed on insulin.  Yeah I have some prescriptions to fill and I will consult with a diabetes educator, but my PA does not want me to go on insulin until we're sure I cannot "Diet my Way" out of this.  I appreciate the chance, I have my doubts of my own resol...

On the 62nd Day of 2022, I was reminded how important tonight's Two for 2022 are.  On 3/3/2022, I am focusing on Health and Wellness.  Yes, many other things consume our thoughts on a daily basis: Work, Politics, Sports. Love, Friends, Family, Community.... and they are all important.  But nothing is more important to us than our Health and Wellness.  And, now, before it gets TOO late, off to bed to focus on circle #2.

It's another unique Two for 2022 on the 61st day of 2022.  It's because 3/2/2022 is Ash Wednesday.  "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust" as the saying goes and we had a nice online service tonight.  So the Two For is Ashes to Ashes.  It will be strange to be in Lent at the same time as my project ramp up.  But the somber mood at this evening's service grounded me.  So, grounded, I head towards our Project ramp up tomorrow (and for the next two weeks and beyond), here we go! 

  I have a different kind of Two for 2022 for tonight.  Here we are, on the 60th day of 2022, and we are TWO DAYS TO CONVERSION!  So I spent a lot time doing data cleanup, attending planning meetings, and preparing for training.  It's getting real and we are getting close..... so much to do!!!