2018: By The Numbers

3/31/18 is the end of the first quarter, in accounting terms, for 2018.  So it was fitting that the AM of the 90th day of 2018 was spent collecting and counting the money for the Little League Coin Drop.  To be honest, I only counted the paper money, we are taking the large number of coins collected to the bank's coin counter machine on Monday!  So, to honor the quarter coin and the accounting quarter, the number of today is 1/4.  And I found a crazy song about coins so...what the heck? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnXJGNo08v0

As the 89th day of 2018 comes to a close, I am emotionally and physically exhausted.  3/30/18 was the Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party for Alexa.  And, honestly, it went about as perfect as we could have expected.  Yes, I accidentally allowed the large "1" balloon to escape the van at the end of the evening (it sailed away towards the bright and full moon) and I definitely ordered too much food (but we did not run out!).  But Alexa and her friends had a great time, Uncle Ron (the DJ) had them dancing the whole night, and it was so amazing that my friends in my village came to help setup and cleanup.  It was a great evening.  And now I need to crawl into bed and deal with the fact that I will soon have a 16-yr old kid.....wow.  Of the 117 she invited, 82 were able to come, so 82 will be the number of the evening and, with apologies to Greer Cheeseman, Celebration is in order for the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M

The 88th day of 2018 was also National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  I found out while driving home from work on 3/29/18 (listening to the news) and it made me think of, and appreciate, all who served during this turbulent time in American history.  While I do not typically agree with war and aggression, I am always appreciative of those who have served (and those who continue to serve) to keep our country free.  And I want to remember, with the number of the day, the 58,000 (plus, sadly) troops who gave the ultimate sacrifice during this combat (and the countless others who were treated poorly upon their return).  I am glad this is a recognized day, and I am glad that these men and women are getting the respect they deserve.  Today's song honors all American soldiers....would they always be safe and serving in a time of peace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWrMeBR8W-c

Self Care is very important.  Last week, it was returning to the chiropractor and the swimming pool.  On the 87th day of 2018 my self care plan turned to the brain.  And on 3/28/18 I feel much better for it.  Learning how to stay relaxed in stressful situations and thinking about good things, not bad, are important exercises.  And I am glad to have been reminded of that today.  For the number of the day, let's use 283 for the number of diagnoses in the 2011 DSM-IV-TR, the most recent edition (up from 95 in the 1952 DSM-I).  And, I searched songs about brains and got this Rihanna diamond.  So, let's enjoy.  Now, off to bed before Midnight, another way to practice self-care!  Goodnight! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RyInjfgNc4

This last week of March has been mundane.  This is why, on 3/27/18, the best I can do is celebrate National Joe Day.  On the 86th day of 2018, the number will be 532,746 to celebrate all the people named Joe in the US.  And, I like JOE Cocker, so we will play one of his most recognizable songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjrOcrisGyI

On National Spinach Day, let us turn our eyes to Popeye the Sailor Man who first appeared in the comics in 1929.  I am exhausted, so I will take the easy way out and his theme song is the song of the 85th day of 2018.  And, on 3/26/18, we will hold up 1929 as the number of the day as well.  Good Night! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8O0PwGSoO0

Today's post is inspired by Scripture from Palm Sunday, the 84th day of 2018. John 12:13 "So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him,  shouting, ‘Hosanna!  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!’" 3/25/18 started off with the Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast (delicious as always) at the OFD and then an inspiring service at Old First.  I know of the sorrow that is to come from Good Friday, but, today, we sang about the Hosannas and the exhalations.  Yes, Pastor Michael reminded us of what is to come in the days ahead, but I appreciated the celebratory music.  For the number of the day, we will be inspired by John 12:13 and use 1,213.  And for the song, a Palm Sunday classic hymn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3a8fTTrAdE

It was an amazing day on the 83rd day of 2018.  Not because of anything _I_ did.  I was really mundane today.  But across the country, in 800+ locations, kids led marches in support of gun control and safer schools.  These kids inspire me.  We adults have been messing things up lately, and the kids of today give me hope!  It's been like this for a long time, even the Who sang about it (song of the day).  And the number of the day is 800 for the number of locations.  Let's hope they make a difference.  Something surely needs to! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afam2nIae4o

The 82nd day of 2018 was also the day of the last Blue and Gold Night at OPS.  On 3/23/18, we rushed home to get there on time and watch the kids of Oaklyn battle it out and stay positive and supportive of the other team as well.  And we had fun.  I am really tired, so I will not be long, but we will use OPS' Snow Emergency Number (592) as the number of the day (heck, snow IS still on the ground from Wednesday's snow day) and this Beach Boys song about school spirit will play us to sleep. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7sLDziV2hs

It was kind of ironic that 3/22/18 is National (or is it International) Goof Off Day.  Because yesterday was the idle day, with the snow day, and today was filled with work meetings, tasks, and activities after work.  But the 81st day of 2018 was also the first night of the NCAA Sweet 16 games.  And, except for the Michigan blowout, these games have been close and exciting.  So it is a much better use of 16 as the number of the day than the first time I used it (lazily on day #16), and a classic song with Sweet prominently in the title! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Du-CWASm20

Whelp, due to the snow on 3/21/18 I never left the house today.  That's right, stayed in 18W all day on the 80th day of 2018.  Not much happening today, just hunkering down during a strange Spring snowstorm.  Our house number will be the number of the day (18) and we will sing about our house (in the middle of the street). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXA6CLTDekw

Well, you'd never know it from the weather, but the 79th day of 2018 was the First Day of Spring.  I hustled home quickly on 3/20/18 to get into the house before the snow gets bad.  I cannot believe it's going to snow again!  grrrrrrr  I want to ignore the snow, and focus on Spring.  So I am playing Vivaldi's Spring as the Song of the Day, and it is RV269 in his catalog, so 269 is the number of the day.  Come on Mother Nature, give us a real Spring! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LAPFM3dgag

On the 78th day of 2018 I finally got back to the chiropractor.  It had been 420 days since my last visit.  That is a trend that I am determined to change.  3/19/2018 was a day of self-care for me.  Chiropractor, Swimming, Two-Hour Discussion with a friend I had not seen (in person) in about 30 years.... a great PTO day!  Self-Care is important, and I have a lot more I need to do.  Today was a good start.  420 will be the number of the day as we listen to more advice about caring for oneself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tja_J-P3nww

3/18/18, my 49th Birthday, the 77th day of 2018.  The number nerd in me could not stop thinking about how I turned 7*7 on the 77th day.  Hopefully, this numerology is a harbinger for an excellent year ahead.  I know I could use one!  We started the day, as we usually do on Sundays, in Church and Pastor Michael's Sermon Series on Covenant continued.  Today, I was struck by this verse:                             Jeremiah 31:33                                "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,                                  says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts;                     ...

St. Patrick's Day 2018, the 76th day of 2018.  3/17/18 was a day filled with Irish activities for many people, for us, we just watched NCAA Basketball and had a nice family day.  While I am not fond of the SPD holiday, I wanted to honor a number and song for those that are.  St. Patrick died in 461 A.D., so we will have 461 as the number of the day and, while there are many shapes and sizes of Irish Music, I prefer to have, as song of the day tonight, movement #4 from Holst's 2nd Suite.  I loved playing this song, and like listening as well.  Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Goodnight! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opG2psvyAB4

Before the 75th day of 2018 appeared, the #1 Seeds in NCCA Tournament games were 135-0.  This almost changed yesterday afternoon as Penn started strong against Kansas, but did not finish as strong.  But, on 3/16/18, UMBC changed that all.  #16 knocked off #1 UVA in the tournament.  I am tired after a long day at work and OMAYSC Celebrity Gym Night, and we stayed up late to watch the game, but it's off to bed now honoring 136 (for the victory in the 136th attempt) and this song celebrating Cinderella. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zye-4GGANzw

The Ides of March.  3/15/18, the 74th day of 2018.  I wanted to have a Caesar Salad all day but, alas, it was not meant to be.  Instead, I figured I would honor Shakespeare and his Julius Caesar play, written in 1599.  So 1599 will be our number, and this strange song about JC will be our song.  Off to bed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI24OtN678o

Ahhhh 3/14/18 - the day we all knew what the number would be.  It's PI DAY.  3.14159265359 is the number we all thought about today.  And I also thought about pie....mmmmmm pie....I found this classic tune about pie.  HA! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Ow_78bgNk

3/13/18 is National Good Samaritan Day.  So I want to celebrate help today.  I get a lot of help from my friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc on a daily basis.  So, on the 72nd  day, I also celebrate today's numerology.  3/13, a nice palindrome.  72 = 3^2 * 2^3.  Yes, I am a nerd (but wait until tomorrow).  So let's log 313 as the number of the day and listen to a Beatles song about Help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVqWj5-NY40

According to the National Sleep Foundation, "More than 85% of mammalian species are polyphasic sleepers, meaning that they sleep for short periods throughout the day."  I must still not be fully healed because, at the end of the 71st day of 2018, I needed a nap.  So I cut short my schedule of evening meetings and spent the evening relaxing at home. I listened to my body on 3/12/18 and I think it means I want to nap more often.  I like the plans of 85% of the mammals on earth, maybe I should join the 85%.  85 will be my number of the day and what is a good nap if it does not have a good lullaby? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcnd55tLCv8

On the 70th day of 2018, Pastor Michael's Covenant Sermon Series continued for Lent.  So I was reminded, at the start of 3/11/18, of the ultimate sacrifice made for us all.              John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." We all, in our everyday lives, to a lesser extent, make sacrifices: for family, for friends, for work, even.  But during Lent, it is good to have this period of reflection as we had this morning.  Keeping it simple tonight, we will have 316 be the number of the day and an Elton John #1 single for the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrLkTZrPZA4

It amazes me how some of the staples of our culture were TV shows that did not run for very long at all!  The Addams Family had 64 episodes that ran from 1964 - 1966.  And, yet, it's theme song is iconic and it has spawned a Broadway show and at least two big movies (and a bunch of smaller ones).  3/10/18 was the last day of the Collingswood High School production of the show.  And, on the 69th day of 2018, we attended the closing show and it was inspiring to see students who I have seen in the classroom and on the athletic field, put on an amazing, near-professional show!  I am always inspired by the youth that put on these amazing shows and I am so thankful for the teachers, parents, and administrators that support them in doing so.  THANK YOU ALL!  For the number of the day, we will honor 64 (for the 64 episodes and 1964) and you can guess what the song would be.  Yup! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6QzbvH-ZNo

At the end of the 68th day of 2018, I found myself at the last OMAYSC Blue and Gold Dance.  The Jr. Jr. High is moving over to Collingswood Middle School next year, so Blue and Gold will not happen after 2018.  On 3/9/18, we have 52 kids having a great time in a safe, substance-free environment, laughing, dancing, singing, and having a good time.  When dances go as well as they did tonight, I am happy and inspired to think of what OMAYSC can do in the future.  So 52 will be the number of the night to honor all the kids who came, and a favorite Bowie song will play as the song of the day.  Let's Dance! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4d7Wp9kKjA

Today, the 67th day of 2018, is International Women's Day.  And I spent a lot of the day on 3/8/2018 reflecting on all of the strong women in my life.  I am not surprised that I have often had strong women bosses, I enjoy being married to a strong woman and, with her raising two strong young women.  And why?  Because I was raised by many strong women, not the least of whom was my mom!  I used the Helen Reddy song for 1/20 and the Women's Marches, so I will use the Beatles Classic to honor mothers out there and their knowledge.  Thank you, mom, for all you have done for me and (with dad) for raising me (and my sister, another strong woman) to enjoy being around strong women.  And, for our number of the day, we will pick 17 - the number of women as heads of government and elected heads of state as of 2017. It's up from eight in 2005, though down slightly from a peak of 19 in 2015. Women hold the highest office in Bangladesh, Chile, Croatia, Estonia, Germ...

3/7/2018 is day #66 of 2018.  66, being a palindrome, meant the day would be great.  Oh, and work was closed for Sarah and me and the girls got out of school early.  All for snow that, by our unofficial "official" measurements was 5.37 inches,  But we had a snow day and, personally, I did not have to leave the house.  Back to work tomorrow, but, tonight, we celebrate 5.37 as the number of the day and I found a snow-related song that is not considered a Christmas Carol!  :-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-zXT5bIBM0

3/6/18, Day #65, and it really IS National Oreo Cookie Day (also Dentist Day, ironically, but I pre-celebrated with yesterday's post).  Mmm Oreos.... introduced in 1912 (so 1,912 is the number of the day) and favorites to many, including Cookie Monster! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye8mB6VsUHw

3/5/2018, the 64th day of 2018, found Alexa at the Dentist after softball practice.  How appropriate, on National Dentist's Day!  So, for the number, we will halve today's 64 for the 32 teeth adults have (well, I have 28, because wisdom teeth are gone but...) and we will use 32 again as the number of the day.  And, for the song, my favorite song about dentists! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOtMizMQ6oM

I always like the 63rd day of the year (not just because it is 3 * 7 * 3) and 2018 was no exception.  3/4/18, March 4th, the day of the year that gives us all an other, to (get it?) March Forth!  So, we will march forth to the sounds of the Penn Band to my favorite march, The Penn Band March!  And, for the number, we will honor the tempo and the number 120!  March forth all and Go Quakers! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_7ACpZ_iGQ

Today was a great day.  I knew it would be.  3/3/18 spoke to me this morning in a numerical sense.  3 x 3 - 1 = 8.  Yes, I know I am a nerd.  The 62nd day of 2018 was also, because of NASPA being in Philadelphia, a day of catching up with old friends, some now working long distances away, now here in town.  Friends, Laughter, Good Food, Conversation, Memories, Stories, Updates.... it was great.  For the number of the day, I want to honor the numerically awesome date (3318) and, for the song, I will use one of my favorite Springsteen songs to remember my Glory Days with these friends and former colleagues.  Glory Days, indeed! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQpW9XRiyM

It was February 2004, we had not yet moved to Oaklyn, but our niece Ashley and her friends had a number in the OPS Talent Show, so we attended.  And, today, on the 61st day of 2018, attended our FIFTEENTH OPS Talent Show in a row.  And, this time it was our youngest daughter with a number in the show.  I also realized, on 3/2/18, that our dear friend, Claudia Super, had a kid in the show, also for fifteen straight year and, for most of the last of them, she has run the whole shebang.  So this year was her last year running the show and our last year with a kid in the show.  All the emotions (and, as the kids would say, the feels) running through my mind this evening as we hold up 2004 as the number of the day (second year number in a row), and this amazing song about The Greatest Show, which, in many ways, these talent shows were. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyVYXRD1Ans

At the end of a gloomy 60th day of 2018, I was happy to find that 3/1/2018 was World Compliment Day.  I am getting sick so the time is short.  And the number is 2011 (the first World Compliment Day) and the song has us being complimented by Bruno Mars.  Now off to bed and hope I am better in the AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk