2018: By The Numbers

According to planetary numerology, The numbers associated with the Moon are 9, 81, 369, and 3321.  On the morning of Day #31 of 2018, before we woke up on 1/31/18, the Blue Super Moon occurred.  I love the moon, not because it is made of cheese (one of my favorite foods) but because it is amazingly beautiful.  It causes the tides and the waves that are so nice to listen to on a summer's eve.  But, mainly, I love the pictures that my dad takes of the moon.  I love the moon because he loves the moon.  so, although all of the numbers associate with the moon are awesome, I am going to deem 3321 as the number of the day and this CCR song will be in my mind for the rest of the evening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BmEGm-mraE

I love it when the car odometer hits a palindrome.  On the 30th day of 2018 it happened.  I was listening to the Beatles this morning, but I was not, this evening when, on 1/30/18, the van it 86.668.  So that is the number of the day and the Beatles (to honor this AM's music) song about driving will be the soundtrack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcQDqZIN09I

The 29th day of 2018 started out, as it usually does, with me driving to work listening to the radio.  Needing a little more relaxing mood, I was listening to The Blend on XM Radio.  And one my favorite songs came on the radio.  So I am going to let my song of the day inspire my number of the day, for a change.  I love this song and its instruction to stay "humble and kind."  That is my goal for my own behavior on most days.  Humility and Kindness, we need more of this in the world.  This song is 4 minutes and 20 seconds long.  4 1/3 minutes.... so 4 1/3 is the number of the day and Tim McGraw can sing us home! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzNHuGqoMc

As I drove to Church on the 28th day of 2018, the rain was falling from the sky and, strangely enough, the Top 40 countdown from this week in 1981 was on the 80's on 8 channel.  Why strange?  Because there were (at least in the section I heard on my drive) a lot of songs about rain.  #11 that year was the Barry Manilow classic, "I Made it Through the Rain."  A song about perseverance.  I have needed a lot of perseverance in the past months to make it through some tough meetings, some tough tasks, even some tough encounters in my personal life.  On 1/28/18, I relished the chance to hear this song about making it through, keeping your point of view, and, in the end, being respected by the others who, got rained on too, and made it through (thanks, Barry!).  Now, for the number of the day, I have been focusing on Bible verses that I hear in Church.  Well, sadly, I spent another service in the Church Office, working on Financial Secretary tasks, so I ...

Today, 1/27/2018, was another day important to me.  My niece, Ashley, turned 23 today.  It has been an amazing thing to watch her grow up and become the amazing person she is.  So proud of all she has accomplished and indebted to her for being a role model and mentor for Anna and Alexa!  But, for the 27th day of 2018, I have also been focused on the number 3.  Why?  27 is 3 cubed, which has always made it one of my favorite numbers.  3^3 has a perfect feel.  I spent the morning at basketball (where we saw some 3s being made) and then spend the evening with the three wonderful people in my life.  So let's honor the number 3 on the 3^3th day of the year, and enjoy this Schoolhouse Rock tribute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU4pyiB-kq0

The 26th day of 2018 was, like most 26th days of the year, special to me because it is the birthday of my Mom (Hi Bonnie Sherr) as well as my Best Man (Hi George Schafer!)  Love to celebrate that, on 1/26/18, George turns 50 and my mom turns 74.  And so 74 is the number of the day.  But my favorite Beatles song is When I'm 64, so I present this video (sorry, not the real Beatles) for the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoG0d6HK2Vw&list=PLoVsn4Sj7sy_lBDQbtcilDyo0fadRBVW6&index=9

1/25/18, the 25th day of 2018, and 25 has been on my mind all day.  No question it should be the number of the day.  It is a perfect square, after all.  And it was another busy day, but all through the day THIS song has been my head.  Making me think of my parents (they love Chicago) and the Penn Band (I did not like playing it).  How could I not smile thinking of two of my favorite things.  Goodnight! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUAYeN3Rp2E

On the 24th day of 2018, I was exhausted.  1/24/18 was a long, long day.  And I was driving my daughter to piano lesson and dropped her off.  Skylar (our dog) was in the van with me and just lifted my spirits on my drive home.  The unconditional love of a dog always is good to brighten one's day! So today's number is 43,346,000, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimate for the number of households in the US who have a dog.  Glad we are one of them!  Cat Stevens agrees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm_WNZLReY4&list=PL73E929BF29CEB577&index=10

So today was 1/23/18, the 23rd day of the year and all I could think of all day was Sesame Street.  Maybe it was the need to have simple, happy thoughts in my head during crazy busy times.  123 Sesame Street has so many good memories and good memories can help during busy days at work.  So the number of the day is 123.  And the song is the theme that brings a smile to my face? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrsIX-OajaY

Today, the 22nd day of 2018, 1/22/2018, a busy, exhausting day.  And I am reminded that, two years ago, we lost my cousin, Becky.  So, I have to admit, not motivated to write much tonight (sorry!).  So, we will stick with the number 2 for day (22, 1/22, 2 years).  And, to try to lift my spirits, a classic Motown tune.  Goodnight all! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URU-gWAOlDM

"but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,    they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,    they shall walk and not faint." I have to admit that, on the 21st day of 2018, I missed the Sermon at Church.  I was preparing the Financial Secretary Envelopes and they took me much longer than expected.  But then, on 1/21/2018. after a few errands, we had a family gathering to watch football!  And the Eagles are going to SuperBowl - wow!  And, since I was not limited to today's liturgy, I could find the scripture most fitting for today.  Isaiah 40:31.  "Wings like Eagles!"  So we will go with 4031 as the number today and, for the song, one of my favorite hymns (really, not just because of football) with a connection to the verses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lY_iTQf0GM

So we have reached the 20th day of 2018.  1/20/18 is the one year anniversary of Donald Trump's Inauguration and hundreds of thousands of women, as well as male allies, gathered across the country and across the world to march for Equal Rights, no matter a person's gender, the color of a person's skin, the nation of a person's origin, or a person's sexual orientation. I am so impressed by the passion and conviction of these women and men and I am looking forward to 2018, where we see more of these women running for office, assuming leadership positions to lead this country and this world to a better place.  It can and will happen.  So today's number of the day is 3,764,789,652 (the number of women estimated to be in the world) and the song will be this Helen Reddy classic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUvmPfgVTGQ

The old saying "what a difference a year makes" is certainly on my mind on the 19th day of 2018.  A year ago was the last full day in office for President Obama.  Now, on 1/19/18, we are facing a government shutdown, partisan politics have never been worse, we've suffered a year of watching civil liberties removed or reduced, and each day brings more embarrassment from the White House.  I miss Obama.  I have hope that good things are on the horizon, but I have to admit I am tiring of waiting.  A year, 365 days, sigh...so the number of the day is 365 and, again, I miss Obama. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvlhHJNppQg

1/18/18, like most January 18ths, the 18th day of 2018 is the birthday of some very important people in our lives.  We called and sang (in harmony) to Sarah's mom tonight and heard of the wonderful day she had celebrating.  And then we Facetimed my nephew, Stefan, and laughed and smiled and had fun.  Family is the best, isn't it.  Stefan is 12 today, so we will make the number of the day #12, and the song of the day a Zumba tune I heard tonight for the first time.  I hope Stefan likes it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JILKpAwMPFw

There is a saying, "it's all about the Benjamins" and, in my life, spending so much time on Penn's Campus, it's all about Benjamin Franklin.  And, today, 1/17/18, it is the 312th anniversary of the date of his birth.  And on Day #17, 312 is the number of the day, and a Penn Classic is the song link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb2ElHpAe5s

Today was a crazy day at work.  I am still catching up on emails and projects.  So, with apologies, I am taking the easy way out on 1/16/18 and choosing the #16 for the 16th day of 2018.  And since, when I was 16, I got my driver's license, I will use this as an excuse to post a favorite Cars song that, ironically, reminds me of a time I was on a SEPTA bus.  Goodnight! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuZA6qiJVfU

I was born after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.  So I have only ever experienced his greatness in videos, audiotapes, history books, and memories of others.  And, today, on his 89th birthday I have thought a lot about what he would have thought, living in this world today.  Or, frankly, whether this world today would be this way with Dr. King still alive.  So, on the 15th day of 2018, 1/15/18, where we actually honored Dr. King on his actual birthday, I want to focus on 89 as the number of the day.  And I provide this song, sung by many, but this time by Bruce Springsteen.  There is a lot we all must overcome, in our personal lives, at work, but, most importantly, in society and in the world.  We will overcome, some day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMC8vz-mqmI

"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." So last week, on Sunday, the number of the day was influenced by a scripture from church.  Just as, during the song theme, I used a hymn of the day for Sundays, I think I will stick to this variation on this theme.  Today's verse is Galatians 3:28, so the number of today will be 328!  And, in a week where divisiveness has been heavy on my heart: in the political sphere, on social media, and even in my personal life, a bit, I was so happy to have the sermon today.  Michael focused on the value of dreams and the need to be dreamers, to increase our creativity and spirituality.  One of my traits is that I am an idealist, a dreamer, a person who hopes that good will prevail.  And, a sermon focusing on dreams and hope is what I needed to kick off my day and what I will lean on this week.  Appropriate to be ...

The second Saturday of 2018 found us in the same place as the first Saturday.  1/13/18 was another doubleheader at the Palestra (Women's and Men's Basketball) for the Penn Band and the 13th day of 2018 was a great Sports Day!  Four wins, two for Penn, the Eagles, and the Flyers.  I sure felt lucky.  and 13 is a great number (unlucky for some, but lucky for me, especially today).  13 is my second favorite number (after 7, which I am sure will be featured in this year, if not once, a few times).  And, while featuring lucky 13 as our number of the day (hearkening back to the original post of the day theme), we get to feature a song from Brittany Spears (how lucky!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vvBAONkYwI

Well, 1/12/18 was the 12th day of 2018, but neither 12 nor 18 are the numbers being honored today.  NOPE, the number of the day is 22 in honor of my wonderfully, beautiful niece, Lauren Rebekah Holdredge.  Happy Birthday, Lauren - we love you, and the #22 is dedicated to you today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgFeZr5ptV8

We have reached the first of the Palindromic Days.  1/11/2018 (1/11 is the first palindrome for today) is Day #11 (the second palindrome of the day) of 2018.  So we need to celebrate 11 today, an aspiration for the folks in Spinal Tap and an all around cool number.  And, to celebrate 11, we will travel back to 1/11/11 (WOAH!!!) and listen to a song about falling in love, DJ style! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YoLujv09cw

1/10/18 is, obviously, the 10th day of 2018.  And the first day of classes at Penn.  And, on the tail of yesterday's stress-filled day, I was looking for a much better day today.  And I got it!  Not a perfect 10 on the 10th day, but, compared to yesterday's low number, today was excellent!  So we will honor 10 on the 10th day and the number of the day will be 10!  And, talking about 10, here is some Ravel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r30D3SW4OVw

Well, I know the mantra in 2018 is Less Stress, More Faith, but I had to admit that the 9th day of 2018 had more stress, but that led me to find even more faith.  Yes, on 1/9/18, I spent a lot of the day stressed out.  It is the day before classes start and we lost a lot of time in the office, due to weather.  A lot going on, a lot of meetings, tough day.  But it gives me a reason to use this song from 21 Pilots that I really like.  As we said to the girls tonight, sometimes adulting is really hard.  So, in honor of the group, we will make the number 21.  And enjoy the beat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRviuL6vMY

Day #8 was looking to be great!  A good meeting at work and was scheduled to leave early to see my daughter's basketball team.  But Mother Nature had other ideas and Penn closed at 1PM due to the impending ice.  I rushed home before the bad traffic.....and the basketball games were cancelled.  Safer that way.  So I have worked from home on 1/8/18, but we're safe, together as a family, and the only one of us who is dealing with the icy ground is the dog when she goes outside.  I am glad we were all able to come inside before we started slipping and sliding.  So the number of the day is 32, the freezing point of water, the temperature it was when the icy rain started.  And to celebrate the lack of anyone slip sliding away, one of my favorite songs from Simon and Garfunkel.  Hope you are all warm and safe as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z2QGuYeE7o

"And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road."  My mantra for 2018 has been "Less Stress, More Faith"  So it was fitting that, on the 7th day of 2018, the First Sunday of 2018, the scripture read this morning in church (as well as the subject of the sermon) was Matthew 2.  Matthew 2:12 is my favorite line of scripture.  Because there are a lot of roads in life and, sometimes, it is prudent to take a different one.  If I were Frost, I would say the "road less traveled."  The sermon was poignant, the scripture was palindromic.  Less Stress, More Faith.  So, today's number is the palindromic 212 and the song is the classic road song by John Denver.  "Take Me Home!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vrEljMfXYo

Well, it looks like, on the 6th day of 2018, our negative number trend will continue.  Because, on 1/6/2018, we had a day FILLED with basketball.  Alexa was on the bench (still DNP due to her sore ankle) but Collingswood won a hard fought, 6-point victory.  Six points was the same margin of victory for the men of Penn as they vanquished their biggest rival, Princeton!  But, alas, preceding the men's exciting win, the women's team fell to the same rival Princeton by 15 points.  So, 6 + 6 - 15 = -3.  And -3 is today's number.   Was hoping for a positive number today, and three wins.  But 2 wins and an amazing day with my family and the Penn Band will have to be good enough.  And, this song has made the daily post before, but not in 2018.  Sing it, Kurtis! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_shxzlTRK44

Another Snow Day happened on 1/5/2018.  Unlike yesterday, on the 5th day of 2018, Penn was closed.  And so, once again, I stayed home and did not have to go to work (I did actually work from home, of course, but, again, in comfy clothes).  We got notified by email, text, tweet, and website postings about the closures at Penn (and Temple for Sarah, the girls went to school, 90 minute delay).  It's not as it was back in "the day" when we had to call 898-MELT to find out our fate.  I immediately thought that 898-6358 (MELT) would be a good way to calculate the number of the day!  My daughters tell me this is letting my geek out, but that made me laugh, not upset.  Like my geek was ever "in" to be let out.  So we have our first negative number of the day, -5,460!  And, to honor today, since I do not have a link to "It's 898-MELT time," one of the classic songs of yore, we will honor what I was supposed to be doing tonight, before the game was mov...

Day #4 of 2017 was a strange day.  Snow days usually are.  I did not leave the house on 1/4/18, I worked from home instead of braving the slick and dangerous roads into Philly.  I got a lot of work done and never had to wear a tie (or real pants, just sweatpants and shorts).  That's a snowcation day for me, even with the working!  It was the fourth day of 2018, it snowed 4 inches, so the number of the day HAS to be four.  BUT, the song I want to use today does not have to do with the number of the day......4 degrees wind chill maybe and snow.....it's like the work of Snow Miser.  And, taking advantage of the fact that it's still Christmas (the 11th day!), I give you this song from my favorite Christmas Movie!  Hope you are all staying safe and warm.  We just found out we will be home again tomorrow (well the kids have School but....).  goodnight! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SGlPnA_iCk

Last night, while I was taking out the recycling, I looked up at the huge full moon.  It was a huge circle.  Today, I was thinking about circles all day.  A retiree from SFS came back to visit.  Circling back to the place he worked for years.  It was cold outside today, 0 degrees!  A circle, circling, 0..... I think I have my numerical inspiration for Day #3 of 2018!  And, on 1/3/2018, I am gonna get to 0 unread emails before I go to bed.  It's been a daily thing for me and, frankly, I think it reduces stress.  So I was thinking about a 0 song, and found this circle classic from Harry Chapin instead.  Goodnight! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW0vjZiu_rw

1/2/2018 found me back at work, first day of work in the New Year.  And the 2nd day of 2018 found me using my new philosophy (less stress) to keep myself in a good mood.  And it worked.  I got in on time and left by 6PM.   So, I worked a "normal day" and got a lot of work done!  A good start!  It helps I had few meetings, I am sure that will change, but, for today, I am building on the good feelings of a good day at work.  9 to 5 (OK 6 but.....) so I will go with the number 925 today and dig into the well and pull out this Dolly Parton classic tune.  Back at it tomorrow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwDMFOLIHxU

So, at the end of 2012, I was feeling kind of down.  Really down.  Different from how I felt at the end of 2017....which is more stressed and overwhelmed.  I started this practice of daily posts five years ago!  Wow. 2013: Lucky Theme 2014: Positive Images 2015: Connected 2016: Songs of the Day 2017: Inspirations So, for the past few days, I have been stressing myself out.  What will I pick for 2018?  But that defeats the purpose....this was created to lessen stress, not increase it.  So I decided to be serene about it today (remember, Less Stress, more Faith that things will be good for 2018!)  And inspiration hit me!  In all of the posts, through all the years, I have loved to focus on numbers, the days of the year, palindromes, and other number fun.  I was discussing with a friend on my FB page the other day how much I love numbers and that others know how much I do and mention me when they see cool numbers..... so NUMBERS it is...