Lucky 2013 Archive (I Sherr Am Lucky)

Day #164 (which is 41 x 4, not sure if that means anything, but, you all know I like numbers) of lucky year 2013! This day was a memorable day and ANOTHER one chock full of activity....but the luckiest I felt today was in the pews at OFR as Michael Caine was installed as the Settled Pastor and Teacher at Old First! The service was filled with fun, friends, music, and the right balance of social justice! Fitting for Michael! The moment that brought me to tears was the solo ... by Jordana Composto , and the smile she and Michael shared after the song. It seemed to me like she was saying, "this was for you" And it was so beautiful. And Michael smiled back as if to say "Thanks". A wordless exchange, but yet oh so meaningful. So glad to have witnessed it and so glad for Michael and lucky for all the people who did so much to make the day the way Michael wanted it, especially Mindy Beecher who, as with most things at OFR, was behind the scenes and working hard...

6/22/2013, Day #163 of lucky year #2013. What a FULL day it was. From home, to work, to Ashley's Graduation Party, to the Snack Stand, to back home - all day was filled with good people, good food, and fun! I feel lucky, however, that we were able to celebrate Ashley's day with so many of our family - we see the girls' second cousins so rarely and it is always fun to watch them play. So glad Cheri , Nicole , Scott , Jayne , Susie, Jeff, and even Beeker (who is not family, but might as well be) were able to make it up and it was great seeing you all!

Today was 6/21/2013, day #162 of lucky year 2013. Today I felt SO LUCKY that my daughter, Anna, has such a great, fun, group of friends. Also lucky that we got tickets (online) to the Opening Day of Monsters University. Another Pixar gem...and Sarah Jayne Sherr and I took 15 kids to see it to celebrate Anna's birthday (20 days later, but we were in the softball playoffs!) :-) Thanks also to Kristin Olsen and Winifred Walters who helped us wrangle the kids and SPECIAL THANKS to Winnie for the homemade icing that went on the cake - not a drop of cake was left! mmmmmmm

6/20/2013 - Day #161 of lucky 2013 is one I will not soon forget. Tonight I was so proud to sit in the stands of the Collingswood Stadium as I witnessed Ashley Walters graduate from High School. I started to date Sarah when Jackie was 6 months pregnant so I pretty much do not remember life with the Walterses without her. And she has been such a blessing to our family. Has been the best cousin and role model to Anna and Alexa that you could imagine. SO PROUD and lucky that my kids have been able to grow up with the best babysitter ever, even if she cannot make mac & cheese! :-D LOVE YOU ASHLEY!

Day #160 of lucky year 2013, 6/19/2013. A lucky day indeed. I feel so lucky to be a part of the Oaklyn Little League. It was so great to see all the people who came out for the Coach Pitch Championship game tonight and so awesome to see both teams on the Fire Truck for the victory lap. Because they both brought the win and the championship to Oaklyn! What a sense of community and I feel so lucky to be amidst it all, and able to run the Snack Stand. I do love seeing all the happy people at the stand! Excited for the tournaments coming up. Let the games begin!!! On Friday! ;/)

Day #159 of lucky year 2013 was 6/18/2013. Tonight I felt so lucky to see my Godson, Kevin , walk across the stage and complete the Promotion Ceremony at Oaklyn Public School. For the 6 years that Alexa and Anna have been going to OPS, we always knew their "big brother" and his classmates were watching over them. Congrats to the 9th grade Class of 2013 at OPS, what an amazing group of excellent kids. And thanks go to their parents who are raising them well. It takes a village...

Day #158 was a wonderful day - 6/17/2013 - first, at work, along with LJ Hollenback , I helped to welcome the newest class of Accelerated BSN students, I love meeting 80+ new people on a given day! And then, as you can see from the picture below, I got to take in a ballgame with my ladies! But, what made me feel lucky was what happened as we were leaving. The Riversharks catcher had thrown a ball to us after an inning ending strikeout. I gave it to Anna and, although there ... was a little bit of bickering, things were going well. We went to leave the game and Anna and Alexa spotted a really little boy who REALLY wanted a ball. They had been trying to get a second one from one of the players to give to him. BUT, since they were not able to, they decided to give their ball to the little boy. His mom was stunned. And, i could not be prouder of my girls!

6/16/2013 - Day #157 of lucky year 2013! It's FATHER'S DAY so you KNOW what I feel lucky for tonight. I feel lucky that I am father. I LOVE being a dad. And I am so lucky and thankful that Sarah Jayne Sherr said yes to marry me so we could start a family and I could get to be a dad! And I am thankful and lucky that we have two of the most wonderful kids on the planet! I am also lucky and thankful for MY DAD - David Sherr . He is an amazing father, still, even now, takes ... care of me and us. Always has good advice, and even more often has a good joke. When people tell me I am a good dad, all I can do is think to thank MY dad, who taught me everything I know about being dad-like. Even further, I am lucky that I have had so many other amazing father figures in my life. Uncles, Cousins, Bosses, Colleagues, Friends....the list goes on and on. I would like to note Aaron Bechtel , my maternal grandfather, who also taught me a lot about being a man, a parent, and a g...

Today was Day #156 of lucky year 2013. Today, as I have been many times in this (and other) years, I feel so lucky to live in the town of Oaklyn! The vibrancy I have felt this weekend from the Studio Lulu Open Mic and the OMAYSC Dance last night to the PTA Town-Wide Yard Sale, Oaklyn Memorial Library Book Fair, Swim Club Open House, Little League Playoff Game capped off by Oaklyn Fire-Department coming to ride the champions around town. We are a small town, but we have heart and care for each other and, frankly, that is why I (and we) are lucky to live here! #oaklynproud

6/14, day #155 of Lucky year 2013....and a lot of good things happened today and tonight, but I felt the most lucky when I was able to drop off musical instruments to the Oaklyn Public School that had been donated to Musicopia and then earmarked for OPS. Because of people's generosity to Musicopia and because of their generosity to us, 10 or so OPS kids will have the chance to borrow an instrument to start learning and that may open the door for someone without the resources to do so on their own! Thanks to LJ Hollenback who is on their Board and made the connection with Kushol Gupta and the Penn Band and thanks to Joe Becker who helped me get them into my van. Seeing the joy on the OPS teachers' faces makes the whole day worthwhile!!

Today was 6/13/2013, Day #154 of lucky year 2013. And, today is the 50th Birthday of my wonderful friend Kathleen Kronberger Press and the 44th birthday of my childhood and lifelong friend Alex Kudera !!! So, today, I am lucky and blessed that June 13th reaped two wonderful people with whom I hope I am always in touch and with whom I have shared some wonderful times through the years. Kathy and Alex, hope your days were wonderful and the year to come brings you happiness, peace, and blessings.

Day #153 of Lucky Year '13 was 6/12/2013. Because of tonight's softball game, I am struggling to write this one tonight - most of these lucky comments have flowed right out but my frustration with the way our girls were treated by the adults of a rival league tonight....well...saddened me. BUT, the point of this exercise is to make sure that, even in despair, a bring light of luck shines through....and, AFTER the softball game we moved right on to Alexa's soccer evaluation for her new team this Fall. I DO feel lucky that she will continue to be able to play with her friends and, from the sounds of it, will really be developed and trained in a different method and style. I think a diversity of training and teaching in sports is good and can only assist her in her skills development.....

6/11/2013 is day #152 of lucky year 2013! And, today I felt so lucky to see evidence of my daughters' progression in softball! Both of their teams were in the playoffs again tonight, Anna's team lost, sadly, but Anna, the kid who told me last season she just wanted to practice and not play games, and then play home games only and not go on the road, had a good night at the plate and in the field at a ROAD playoff game and, despite telling us she did not want to play anymore ... , she was genuinely sad that her season is now over. Meanwhile, at home, Alexa's team won again!!! 9-8 on a walkoff, standup triple! Alexa pitched the last two innings (yes, Alexa who told us she did not want the pressure of pitching!) so she has her second win in the last two playoff games! And, although I would like to take credit for their development, and although I do give them tips and encouragement, it is the wonderful coaching they have received this (and last) season that has aided...

Day #151 of lucky year 2013 was 6/10/2013 and, as we move towards the halfway mark of the year, I am pausing, on a VERY rainy day, to think how lucky I am to have a roof over my head. With the water pounding today, this morning, afternoon, AND evening, I cannot help but think of those on the streets....most of the Winter Shelters are closed and a lot of homeless people struggle to find a safe, DRY, place to stay. Sometimes I think I take it for granted, this house of mine, but tonight, so glad to be safe and dry (and soon, asleep!).

6/9/2013 - Day #150 of lucky 2013! I had the good fortune of being able to watch all of Anna's softball game today (they WON 8-7 to advance in the playoffs). But I do not feel lucky because they won (although I am VERY happy they did), I feel lucky for what happened AFTER the game. After a hard fought game (and series, this is the third time these teams faced each other this season), Katherine Ashman-Justus quickly pointed out the two teams were playing together on the park! Swings, slides, hide-and-go-seek, it was the pureness of childhood fun!! A wise man once said, "it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." And play they did! Would that the rest of society could be as civil......

We've known that day #149 of lucky 2013 would be a great day for years - we have had this date on our calendar for Avery Greenberg 's Bar Mitzvah and we knew it would be great - and nothing disappointed today. Avery did an excellent job this morning (I do not have a LOT to compare by, but he seemed like he was a rock star of the Torah) and then the party tonight was fun with a capital F and every detail was thought of and covered. Not that I doubted it with Brian and Sherry Straus Greenberg making all the arrangements! I feel lucky to have been a part of the day and blessed to know Avery and the Greenbergs. Good night, now I am tired and MUST go to bed!

Day #148 - 6/7/2013. Tonight I feel lucky that Anna and I made it to North Jersey through the CRAZY weather with no issues on the road. Driving on the NJT is crazy enough when it's not rainy, and foggy, and filled with construction....glad the travelling mercies were with us....now enjoying our Homewood Suite!

6/6/2013 was day #147 of lucky year 2013. So, I know it's not original, but I am SO lucky that my kids bring joy to my life each and every day. Tonight, while Anna danced in her Recital (and from Sarah 's report all went well, the pyramid even stayed intact!), capping her year of working in her gymnastics class, Alexa played in another softball playoff game, and hit and pitched to help her team to victory, 11-1! I know they are growing up so fast, and seeing the Colls Class of 2013 in their prom dresses, and seeing them prepare for their senior dances and banquets and trips makes me know that these years are going to go by fast....but I think I'll just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Day #146 of lucky 2013 was 6/5/13.....and I DO feel lucky to live in a world where people see walls falling down on people and buildings and sprint TOWARDS the scene and go into the mayhem because they heard a sob or a scream or saw something. I say prayers of thanksgiving for these saviors as well as prayers of healing for the hurt and those who lost lives....what a crazy scene at 22nd and Market today!

June 4th, 2013 is Day #145 of lucky year '13! And, today is surely a lucky day for me each and every year! Luck on this day started in 1966 (YES, even before I was born) when David Michael Sherr married Bonnie Lee Bechtel Sherr in the back yard of my granparents' home. As I said on my mom's wall today, I am really glad they did get married, not only do I not know where I would be had they not hitched up, I do not even know IF I would be if they hadn't. So, lucky for me, they did. And lucky for me they gave me an awesome childhood and they continue to provide support (emotional, financial, and otherwise) for us and our kids year after year. I could not ask for anything more than what they gave us. Love you mom and dad! Thanks! Hope your 47th anniversary was fantastical and it was great to see the pics from Europe!

6/3/2013 - Day #154 of lucky year 2013, and, tonight, all was turned topsy-turvy with the return of rain RIGHT before the girls' softball games. SO, what did we do, we went to the previously scheduled Church Meeting. And, I had the girls since Sarah was working late. Those girls sat in the office, and acted so well behaved! I am lucky that they are growing up to be such great kids.

Day #153 of lucky year 2013 is in the books. 6/2/2013. And, today, Old First Reformed UCC celebrated the "Graduation" (I refuse to call is a retirement) of our beloved Director of Music, Julie Steiner . I look forward to the great things that this transition will now free Julie to do, with her teaching position (hey, she won the Lindback, so great things are in her DNA), with her family, and, yes, with OFR in her other ministry passions (and, maybe, the occasional musical n ... umber). I know I feel extremely lucky to have had Julie in my life, as a teacher, a leader, and as a friend. I had a hard time getting through the Anthem today, knowing it was one of the last I would be able to sing while watching (and, yes, I was looking up) Julie's direction. But I know how important music is in the life of OFR and I know great things are to come. <3 you Julie Steiner! See you in the pews!

Day #152 of lucky year 2013 is 6/1/2013. Day #152 of 2004 was also VERY lucky for us. Anna Victoria Sherr was born and what a joy she is and continues to be! I am so proud of how she is growing up - she makes me laugh, she makes me see the good in life, she makes me so happy. It goes without saying that what I feel lucky for today is this beautiful daughter of mine.

I spent the first part of Day #151 of lucky year 2013 in the Oaklyn Public School at the BOGO Book Fair again. And, as I sat there watching the Oaklyn teachers and PTA members assist the kids of OPS with finding books that will encourage their love of reading I realized how lucky we all are to have such caring and competent teachers and to have a school that has such a wonderful Library as a resource. Kept me smiling all day as I thought about it!

Lucky 2013 chugs on, warmly, on 5/30/2013, Day #150 of lucky year 2014. And, 13 years ago, TODAY, I started working at Penn Nursing. I was 31 13 years ago (I like the way those numbers lie) and now I am 44. Palindromes abound! AND, in those 13 years, 5,411 different students passed through the School. I'd like to think I met most of them! :-) If you include those who pursued multiple degrees, we have had 7,018 records in our files during those 13 years. Some days I wo ... nder where all my email comes from, today, I guess the numbers tell the story :-) . But, seriously, it has been a great 13 years and I have worked with some of the best people I have ever met, and I truly can say I love my job, and it is NEVER the same day twice. It may overwhelm me at times, but the Nursing School is my work home, and home sweet home it has been for 13 years! I have 23 more years and then I retire :-D . Here's hoping they are just as interesting and fun as the last 13.

5/29/2013 - Day #149 of lucky year 2013 - and tonight I was surprised and felt EXTREMELY lucky for the existence of Good Samaritans such as Danya Morrison Doto who found a check that was meant for me and had been accidentally dropped out of a pocket. I also feel lucky for social media - a quick post to FB and we connected and BOOM, I have my check. Thanks, Danya! I promise to pay it forward!

5/28/13 was Day #148 of lucky year 2013. As we start the 22nd week of 2013, it was a good start. I survived Day 1 (of 5) of being a single-dad (Sarah is in Boston at a conference) and, even better, I got to watch the Phillies beat the Red Sox on TV while I knew Sarah was there, in person (Happy Mother's Day!) seeing a game in Fenway (_I_ need to get there now!) and remembering Grandpa Weaver while cheering for the Phighting Phils! I feel lucky that I could get her the tickets and that she had a great time and that my village here in Oaklyn (especially Anne Tiedeken Mondile and Kristin Olsen ) helped me with the kids! To bed sooner that usual, we have to get up early to get the kids to school!

Memorial Day 5/27/2103 - day #147 of Lucky Year 2013. Today, during the Memorial Day Services, I, of course, realized how lucky WE ALL are that those who have (and are) serving are protecting our country and allowing us the freedoms we take for granted. What a moving ceremony this AM. The wreath laying really got to me. For all those who have paid the ultimate price, and their families and friends, today I remember you and I say thanks and I add extra prayers and blessings......hope you all took time to remember today!

Day #146 of lucky year 2013 - 5/26/2013 - has come to an end. Today, I felt so lucky to be able to sing in Choir at Church! It's not just making music with Julie Steiner that i enjoy (and I DO enjoy making music), but, looking out on the congregation, I love the smiles and looks that we get back. Today, I especially enjoyed Margaret Rohdy 's smile....I always enjoy Margaret's smile while we are singing - thank you Margaret!

5/25/2013 - Day #145 of lucky year 2013. Today I felt lucky to live in a community that is next to Collingswood and we could attend the May Fair. What a fun day of community, food, crafts, rides....it's always good to see friends and neighbors out enjoying. ANOTHER day of family fun! Good start to the weekend!

Day #144 - a GROSS weather day (heh) - of lucky year 2013. 5/24/2013. Today I feel lucky that a significant amount of time, again, was spent with my family tonight. Go the early release from work and was able to get Anna from School and then spent the evening, once Alexa returned from her trip, as a family unit. Treasuring these moments now, before they become pre-teens and teens and have a social calendar far too cool to include their parents....

5/23 - day #143 of lucky year 2013!!! Today Alexa got to go on the OPS D.A.R.E. trip. I feel do lucky that we have this program at the school and I am quite thankful that Craig Stauts is on the force and willing to dedicate the time and energy to making the experience both meaningful and education. I know Alexa enjoyed it. Thanks.

5/22/2013 was Day #142 of lucky year (not "lucky" year, Cheryl !) 2013. And tonight's inspiration for feelings of luckiness stem from my kids. Nothing that they did specifically tonight, but, as we were chatting tonight, getting ready for sleep, comments were made (about our old Green Minivan for Pete's sake) and then Sarah , the girls and I laughed for about 10 solid minutes....if laughter is the world's best medicine, we have 4 healthy people in our house tonight!

Day #141 - the start of the 21st week of the lucky year 2013. Tonight,I felt lucky to, once again, be playing with my team, the Home RNs in the Penn Summer Softball League. I do not remember how many years this is, but it is at LEAST 20 years! Maybe more! Great playing with Michael Malvey , Scott Schmidt, Jen Ryshack, Kara Martin Koch , LJ Hollenback , John FinAid DeLong , Nate DiGiorgio , Scott Romeika (welcome back, if only for one game), Darcy Ward, and Emily Vitale. OK, OK, so we lost to Evil Troy 's team 26-20.....we had fun and, HOLY MOLY, that ball Schmitty hit is still on the tracks - OVER the screen - what a shot. I even hit today (what can I say, we had a lack of player availability) and went 2-4....next game Thursday - GO RNs!

5/20/2013 was day #140 of lucky year 2013.....today my luck stemmed from, once again, working with the amazing OAA team in orienting the newest crop of MSN students at Penn Nursing. And, as Dr. Nancy Tkacs stated, what a diverse group this was, from many states, backgrounds, clinical experience, undergraduate institutions, ages, ethnicities, and interests.....love Ice Breakers (yes, I am a Student Affairs Geek) and I was impressed by how our OAA team once again came together, only a week after pulling off Graduation. From the planning of Kara Martin Koch to the attention to detail from Dee Ricks and Linda Turner to the contributions from all the team, I feel pretty good about the day's events....and look forward to seeing another crop to completion!

Day #139 of lucky year 2013, 5/19/2013 - I feel SO lucky that we instituted Family Movie tonight. We shared A League of Their Own with Alexa and Anna, and they LOVED it. It was good to see them so excited and also hear the laughter of Sarah . A good evening was had by all - great way to wrap up the weekend!

5/18/2013 - Day #138 of lucky year 2013. Today I feel lucky that, well, the day went pretty much as planned. From the start of the day to the end....there were a few unplanned moments, and a few surprises (as there always is in a day), but everything that needed to get done, got done. Everywhere people needed to be, they were. And I think things went pretty well....here's hoping the weekend trend continues tomorrow. Now, I am off to bed to sleep off 7 of the next 9 hours with no email (yes, I am twitching, but, in all fairness, it was planned! (the email outage, not the twitching)).

Today, 5/17/2013, was a glorious day! Great weather, got a lot (but not all) of my work done, and was able to partake in pieces of the SALT 2013 Conference. I kept thinking how lucky I am to work at a place that respects and values student affairs so much that they would fund such an endeavor. EVEN LUCKIER that it was in Fagin Hall - and I could zip in and out, as needed.

5/16/2013 was day #136 of lucky 2013 and is now in the books.....today, I had a lot going on at work, and I started to feel overwhelmed, but then I realized that I am lucky to have a job that engages my brain in so many different ways throughout the day. I am never bored, always challenged to think and problem solve....these days, i think I could go for a little less challenges :-) , but being engaged is so much better than stagnating.....Good Night!

Day #135 of lucky year 2013 - 5/15/2013 - and today I felt extremely lucky to be able to take a short break from the mounds of work (although I did check my email) and attend the Annual Phillies Excursion with Linda Turner , Bill McCool , and Madeline Perkel. Who cares that the Phillies lost 10-3 (OK, a LOT of people cared, including me), but a bad day at the ballpark beats a good day in the office! :-D . Now, going to bed FAR too late, trying to make-up for the respite, time-wise, but still feeling happy and even a bit refreshed from having an afternoon with friends, at the ballyard.

5/14/2013 - Day #134 of lucky year 2013, and tonight I feel lucky that, when I was floundering in the Snack Stand tonight, all alone (I did not know Ms. Coyle was coming), my friends Sandy Hart and Jen Hauck Somers jumped in and saved me. And then Ms. Coyle arrived to do her shift and Kathy Press jumped in at the end to help and - GUESS WHAT!?!??!?! - we turned the corner tonight! SO, now our sales are more than our expenses and we move forward into the season (and, hopeful ... ly, the playoffs and tournaments) with a chance to raise funds to support the coaches, and PLAYERS of Oaklyn Little League. Also a huge season-long shout out to Anne Tiedeken Mondile who opens the stand whenever I cannot and gets it ready to go!! I love the stand, but, more importantly, I love the people who help me along the way. And, of course, none of this is possible without my partner in Snack Stand and life, Sarah Jayne Sherr !

Day #133 of lucky year 2013 - 5/13/13 - Commencement Day at Penn and Penn Nursing. So exhausted as ai stumble off to bed (I assisted at three Ceremonies in 24 hours, so that had to contribute to it) :-) . But, it's a good kind of exhausted because I feel lucky to be witness to so much job and sense of accomplishment from these graduates (undergrad, masters, and doctoral alike) as they reach this important milestone. Graduation is always one of my favorite events, not, as someone said to me today, because I am happy they are leaving (many tears were shed by me today), but because I know that they did it. In some cases, WE did it. So happy to have been able to help, where I could, these brilliant hard-working people get to this point in their journey......hope they stay in touch, I miss them already!

5/12/2013 was Day #132 of lucky year 2013. And, of course, it was Mother's Day. Spent the AM at Church, playing in the Band with Sarah and Alexa, and that was fun, and then had a great family lunch (although I had to leave early) Cooked by Jackie and Chris Walters . But then spent most of the rest of the day at Graduation related events and will spend most of tomorrow (bright an early for the security check at 6:45AM!) at events as well. So happy to have the mothers in my life and SO LUCKY that I do. From my mom, mom, biological of course, to Sarah, the mother of my children (and often me as well) to the people who have mothered me along in my career, at Church, in my life, and more, THANK YOU! Could not make any day without the mothering and assistance I have received. again, THANK YOU!

Today was day 131 of lucky year 2013. Now, 131 is a palindrome so you KNEW it would be a good day. And it was, spent with family, meaning even more since I will be working much of the next two days (including Mother's Day) because of Graduation events.....I REALLY felt lucky tonight when Sarah and her mom, Winnie Walters were playing beautiful music at Miss Shernoff's wedding. Not only did their music move me (as it usually does), but I was able to see the joy in Anna and her friend's faces as they were able to attend the ceremony and see one of their favorite teachers get married. Best comment overheard "I am pinching myself so I know this is not a dream!" This pure joy is exactly what I feel a wedding should be about. And the music, and the girls' reactions brought that joy to the forefront. Amen!

5/10/13, the last working day before Graduation! Program inserts came yesterday so we could stuff whenever we wanted. And, on the #130 day of 2013, we stuffed them so quickly. I am truly lucky to work in the OAA with a truly amazing team. They put the together so fast and, just as fast my mind was placed at ease!! So glad I have the pleasure and luck to work with an awesome team.

5/9/2013, day #129 of lucky year 2103! And today I was lucky that my daughter was pitching in her softball game and I was able to structure my time to be able to watch her do so!!! Here is a short video of her K to end the 3rd inning......so proud of her!

5/8/2013 - Day #128 of lucky year 2013. Today, I feel lucky for the cleansing power of rain. Sure, it was frustrating the way that Mother Nature played games with us today - sunny/pouring/sunny/sprinkles/partly sunny/POURING - but the rain seems to have washed away much of the pollen that has been causing me great nasal distress....so tonight, I am breathing better and for that, I feel lucky.

5/7/2013 - Day #127 of lucky year 2013. Today I felt so lucky to be asked, as I usually am, to check IDs at the President's Senior Class BBQ. The Class of 2013 looked so happy and relieved as they kicked off their Senior Week with a Soiree at Chez Amy G. and I love seeing the joy and sense of accomplishment as it starts to set in that, yes, they are done! Working with my good friend, Rodney Robinson , always makes the time go by faster and my mind was able to be at ease because I knew that Jen Kline Cassel had all in hand at the Snack Stand. A really nice evening topped off by a Phillies win (why are they always on the West Coast during Graduation Prep week?) and I am REALLY ready for bed. GOODNIGHT!

Day #126 of lucky year 2013, 5/6/2013, National Nurses Day (with much love to my favorite nurse, Sarah Jayne Sherr ) and my favorite nurse and I got to watch Anna get the game winning hit in her softball game tonight - what luck that we could both be there and cheer for her and what fun it was to her be so happy and relieved (and to say thanks towards the heavens!). All made possible because I had the A-Team in the Snack Stand (thanks to Nancy MacGregor , Melissa Michaluk , Susan Kline Angelucci , and Amy Doyle Gavaghan who ran (AND LABELED and ORGANIZAED) the stand so I could watch the game. Not only do I feel lucky tonight, but I have much gratitude to them.

CINCO DE MAYO - 5/5/13 - how kinda math geeky cool is it that 5/5 is Day #125 (5^3) of the year. Lucky year 2013 moves on and I have a PLETHORA of things for which I can feel lucky. But, as you can see in the attached picture, today was ALSO National Midwives Day. And, working in the Nursing School, I OFTEN have reason to feel lucky that I know, help, and work with a wonderful bunch of midwives on a daily basis. Midwives played an important role in the birth of both of my kids, and I admire their passion for women, women's health, justice, and policies that will better the health of women, children (and men for that matter) across the world. Too all my CNM friends on Facebook and beyond - THANK YOU and keep up the passion!

5/4/2013 was Day #124 of lucky year 2013. Today, my lucky feeling stemmed from interactions over email and on Facebook with childhood friends. Whether it was high school friends remembering Mr. Chango 's greeting on May the Fourth Be With You Day (which seems to be quite the rage online these days) or chatting with Rachel , Beth , Heather, and Alex about good (yet nerdy) childhood times, I loved the memories they conjured. I am happy to still be connected with so many people from all facets of my life story and history.....hope that continues into the future. It takes a village ro bring back good memories!

Day 123 of lucky year 2013...on to the 2nd third of the year! 5/3/2013 and I feel lucky that, when I was in Fourth Grade that my dad told me the story of how he got started in on the tuba. And then, luckily, Wayne Guise at the Lea School has one for me to try. And on I went to Masterman, and the PMEA and NMEA conferences, got to go to DisneyLand, played in the Band and other groups at Penn, found love of church music in Easter Brass, met my wife in the Penn Band....wow - what love and joy my tuba has brought me! HAPPY INTERNATIONAL TUBA DAY!

5/2/2013 - Day #122 of lucky year 2013. And, tonight, I really realize how lucky I am that my NP suggested a consult that ended up getting me support socks. OK, so they are not the most attractive things a guy could wear, but they have dramatically improved my life and, in the two months I have been wearing them, have given me ankles back, have made my legs feel better, and have made it easier for me to walk across campus. I mean, I will never beat Michael Vick in a 40-yard dash, but, man, it's getting better each and every day.

Day #121 of Lucky Year 2013 was MAY DAY 5/1/2013. But no troubles for me today, today I feel lucky that, although it sometimes overloads me, my job provides me with really fun projects, interesting committees, wonderful people, and gthe ability to use many of my skills and strengths. Never the same day twice, at least I never get bored....

Last Day of April - 4/30/2013 - Day #120 of lucky year 2013....the last two days I have had performance review lunches with folks in my office. I am SO lucky to work with great people. I know I am not the best supervisor in the world, but working with great people makes it a much easier job. The paperwork portion of this (can you call it that when you complete it online?) is not fun, but the conversations and visioning is!

Day #119, keep up with me Wayne Timm , was 4/29/30. The 4th month of lucky 2013 is coming to a close. And today's lucky feelings surround the act if getting better. I feel lucky that the medicine is starting to work and, probably aided by the rain, are making my allergies act up far less than they have been in the recent days. Feeling better is a good thing! Now to sleep!

Today was 4/28/2013, lucky day #118...close to 1/3 through the year and time is flying. I was so lucky today that, while I was at home recouping from this allergy attack, my amazing partner, Sarah Jayne Sherr , was making sure the kids got to Sunday School, playing violin for the Choir Anthem, food shopping, getting Anna to her softball game, etc. etc. I know I was pretty slow and unhelpful today but it's always good to know your partner has your back! I will find a time to repay! :-) . Let's hope tomorrow is a good breathing day and I can be effective!

Day #117 of lucky year 2013, 4/27/2013. And I was nervous about the Coin Drop - I was worried how it would go....and, because I am SO LUCKY to live in a town that understands what volunteering is all about, it went GREAT! We had all shifts covered, we raised money for the programs supported by the PTA, and we had a great weather day to do so. Lucky and Blessed am I!

Day #116 of lucky year 2013. And today WAS a lucky day - I was able to battle through this continuing allergy attack and get MOST of what I needed to get done, done. Tonight we had the last OMAYSC Dance of the school year, and, you know, I could not get all that we get done in OMAYSC without help from volunteers at ALL corners. My Board, Vincent Mondile , Jack Deen , and Claudia Super plus the members that are always there for me, Anne Tiedeken Mondile , Denise Currie , Joseph ... Abbate , Mark Moore , Jamie DiMarco , Richard Currie , Ms. Alexander and the staff at OPS, The Oaklyn School Board, the Gym teachers at OPS, etc., etc. It's my village, and I could not exist without you all. Thanks to Vince, Anne, Claudia, and, of course, Sarah Jayne Sherr , who chaperoned with me tonight and thanks to Shannon Super and Kevin Walters who got the kids out to the dance. Best of luck at Colls, Class of 2013, be safe and be well!

Day #115 of lucky year 2013 and I am SO lucky that the Oaklyn Public School has a robust music program led by energetic and creative teachers that inspire the kids to do their best. I so enjoy playing with them in their concerts and love the vantage point I had for Alexa's trio feature today on Cat Stevens' Morning Has Broken!! She was the only 5th grader featured. The other two are 6th......bursting with pride!!

4/24/2013 was Day #114 of lucky year 2013! I am so lucky to be able to work in higher education where traditions have been going on for years and years. And today was HEY DAY! And, it was the first one I missed since I missed my own (I went to work, I was mad they ran out of shirts) in 1989. Allergy attack persisted today and I thought it prudent to not go stand on a field for 3 hours, so I am enjoying the event via Social Media from others' experiences. Wish I could have been there with my Penn Band family, but I hear that they, as usual, rocked the house. And now, to prepare for Senior Week, and Commencement, and then to start all over with Orientations all Summer. It's the Circle of Academic Life! GO QUAKERS!

Day #113, 4/23/2013, was a long day....going to bed WAY too late, but some tasks completed.....as I drift off, I think about how lucky I am to enjoy my work enough that doing it until 1:30AM does not even seem like that much of a burden. Hoping I awake in the AM with lungs filling with air and not any asthmatic bronchitis! :-) . Goodnight.

4/22/2013 was Day #112 in lucky year 2013. Today, I felt lucky that my wonderful wife, Sarah , can figure out how to keep me breathing during my allergy attacks. Marrying a nurse was the best thing I could have ever done :-) . But, seriously, I appreciate the kindness and care she can show to me and the girls, even after dealing with sick college students all day at work!

Day #111 of lucky year 2013 was 4/21/2013. I feel EXTREMELY lucky this morning that I wss able to hear a Pastor who is able to express his anger (and allows us to express ours) when the world seems to be unreasonable and things are hurdling beyond our control....but, after we pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, there is hope at the end of the tunnel and, so it was this morning and shall be for us always. Thank you Michael Caine ! Thank you Old First Reformed UCC!

4/20/2013 - Day #110 of lucky year 2013....today I feel lucky that we have such an extended family....I love that Anna considers the kids of her aunt's sister just as much cousins as she considers my nephews and nieces. Fun times with family today and, again, that's what it's all about!

4/19/2013 - Day #109 of lucky year 2013.....I am truly lucky and blessed to live in such a wonderful community that is Oaklyn. How wonderful that so many activities were going on at once tonight. The Science Fair (thanks to Lorraine Rigler and Diane Gualano for organizing) showed the talents of the OPS' future scientists, while the Oaklyn Little League had two games on the fields, plus practices (thanks to Sarah Grimaldi, Eric M. Smith , Katherine Ashman-Justus , and Kristin ... Olsen for handling (AND CLEANING) the Snack Stand so that Sarah Jayne Sherr and I could be at the PTA Ice Cream Social! And we had so many wonderful volunteers helping as well from School Board Member Mrs. Riley to PTA President Michele Lavanture Phillips , to Kathy Booth , to Jackie Walters and Kevin Walters and the OPS Student Council. All in all, hundreds of students, parents, coaches, teachers, and friends enjoyed all the events in Oaklyn tonight - nice job Oaklyn, love the community and the fo...

Day #108 of lucky 2013. 4/18/2013 - Parent Teacher Conference Night. I am SO lucky that I do not dread these meetings. I love listening to the teachers talk about Alexa and Anna because they are doing well, working hard, and behaving. And, as a parent, isn't that all we can ask of our children in relation to school. I feel lucky that OPS has such dedicated teachers and I feel lucky that Alexa and Anna are blossoming there.

Day #107 of lucky 2013 was 4/17/2013. Staying on the Little League theme, tonight I was reminded of how lucky I am to work with the parents of the OBLL players in the Snack Stand. Another great crew in the Stand tonight and another night where I could get the things I needed to do done at work before I had to worry about anything, and I knew all was OK because Anne Tiedeken Mondile was opening and the staff was ably manned (or womanned as the case may be) by Amy Rommelman Stauts , Senel Cercioglu Cussat , Joe Evans, and Jimmy Steinhagen ! With the assist, as always, from Sarah Jayne Sherr , another great night at the Fields!

Lucky Year 2013 trundles on and, with weather like today, it is NOT hard to feel lucky. But the weather is not what REALLY made me feel lucky today, today my lucky feelings stem from watching my daughters play (and progress in skill while doing so) the game of softball. Alexa had a complete game win, pitching her team to a 20-3 win last night (and she got some of those hits too) and Anna's team played tonight, great coverage in the Snack Stand allowed me to watch most of th ... e game, including her first Home Run (even snapped a picture as she connected, see attached!) They are getting better and better and they are aided by the wonderful coaches in their careers including (but not limited to) Nick Cussat , Kathleen Kronberger Press , Shawn Fore , Brian Cole , Brett Bataloni , Craig Stauts , Jimmy Steinhagen , and Coach Sue (sorry, she is not my FB friend yet!) :-) . It takes a village to teach and imbue the love of the game into kids, and the coaches and volunteers of OBLL ar...