2018: By The Numbers

Day #151 was an excellent day.  Spent 5/31/18 with my Student Affairs colleagues and then the evening honoring the students of Collingswood High School at the Academic Awards Ceremony and Reception.  Got to present the OMAYSC award and watch Alexa and her classmates get honored for academic achievement.  An inspiring educational day all around.  The excellent 151 is thus the palindromic number of the day and since we spent so much time focusing on education, we can rock out to a little Chuck Berry singing about school.  GOODNIGHT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHG5-GxI_Es

As we approach the end of May 2018, we have reached the 150th day of the year.  5/30/2018 was a normal day, almost boring in its normalcy.  But, sometimes normal is welcome as the mundane allows for time for the brain to rejuvenate.  Today's wacky day of the year is National Hole in My Bucket Day and even my National Day Calendar website cannot find the origin to this one.  But, who cares?  Let's celebrate it with the number one (it only takes one hole to drain a bucket) and the classic version of the song sung by Harry Belafonte and Odetta. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AthT8kw7CIo

So the 149th day of 2018 was also the evening of the Athletic Awards Banquet at Collingswood HS.  We went to celebrate Alexa because we knew she was named 1st Team Colonial Conference for Softball and she was a three-sport athlete again this year.  We also went to celebrate all of the Class of 2018 teammates she has had as they were graduating and earning awards and scholarships.  What we didn't know is that she was named TEAM MVP for Softball this year!  On 5/29/18 I am, once again, immensely proud of her.  She is my All Star.  So the number of the day is 2533 to honor her numbers (25 in basketball and softball and 33 in field hockey) and we'll rock out to Smashmouth's ALL STAR as our song.  ROLL COLLS! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_jWHffIx5E

It's the 148th day of 2018 and 5/28/18 is Memorial Day.  We started the day at our town's Memorial Day remembrance ceremony which was poignant and somber.  I, personally, do not know of any friends or family who have lost their lives overseas, but I DO know that I have friends and family who have served and I am certain they are aware of their colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  I also know that, in this day and age, patriotism is a hot button topic and those of us who are not happy with the state of affairs in DC often have our patriotism questioned.  This has happened to me this weekend in discussions about politics, about the NFL's new anthem policy, and about gun control.  But, on a discussion page I am on, the best way to address this was as one of the posters stated: "The incredible sacrifices made across our history in the World Wars and all the way back are of so many people who saw freedom as something for which we must put our lives on...

We started the 147th day of 2018 at Church.  And, on 5/27/18, it was Trinity Sunday.  I liked what Pastor Michael said today about the fact that we should take the Bible seriously, but not literally.  And that there really are not scriptures that support the trinitarian beliefs.  So, instead of a number based on scripture verses (my frequent go to on a Sunday), I think the best number to honor today is simply the number 3.  And, for our song, a New Age version of one of my favorite hymns, one that celebrates "God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity"  Happy Trinity Sunday, All, hope you are feeling Holy, Holy, Holy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdbxSpJn1yQ

Day #146 of 2018 was a day of relaxation, the Collingswood May Fair, and a BBQ with friends.  And, on 5/26/2018, I found that, 111 years ago (hey, a palindrome), John Wayne was born.  For today's number, we will hold up 1907, the year of Wayne's birth and we will play, as today's song, the theme song from a Wayne Classic, True Grit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuAZ4WhbI8o

At the end of day 145 of 2018, I came home to find my daughter watching TV.  And her movie choice on 5/25/18 was Mamma Mia!  I like this movie, based on Mamma Mia! the Musical, inspired by ABBA's 1975 song of the same name.  So 1975 is the number of the day and the song, Mamma Mia! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unfzfe8f9NI

It is the 144th day of 2018.  And, although 5/24/18 was not gross at all, we will focus on the number 12 today (or at least its square) with 144 as the number of the day.  And then, with 12, we'll play this classic Sesame Street tune! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX9J7WcYtxI

The 143rd day of 2018 was also the day of the Collingswood Vocal Music Concert.  After a long day at work on 5/23/18, it was good to relax and hear the product of amazing teachers working with amazing kids.  My favorite part of the HS section was when the Choir sang a few songs that focused on love.  We need more love in this world, so I leave you tonight with Seasons of Love, from Rent, as our song of the evening.  And, of course, that means our number needs to be 525,600 (minutes). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj7LRuusFqo

Day #142 was a pretty ordinary day.  Just work, work, work because Little League was (again) rained out and I needed to catch up!  So, on 5/22/18, I needed to go to the Internet for inspiration and I found it!  May 22nd is National Buy a Musical Instrument Day.  At its core, it's a day to celebrate music and playing music.  I started music lessons at about 3 years old with Mrs. Mallon's class (Ta Ta Tee Tee Ta!) and I have never stopped.  Nor do I ever want to.  So 46 will be the number of the day for the number of years I have been studying and playing music.  And we'll put a nickel in the nickelodean and celebrate music, music, music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVxKln-YYa8

5/21/18 is day #141 of 2018.  As with many palindrome days, it did not disappoint.  After some appointments in the AM for the betterment of my physical and mental health and some key errands, we found ourselves at Collingswood High School watching Alexa and her team earn the first playoff win for Collingswood softball since 1985!  Alexa pitched the whole game and only gave up one run in the first inning.  It was such a great game and I am so happy Colls came out on top!  Then, after a short break, she headed out for her Little League team and pitched another 5 innings, and they won 20-3.  12 innings, 4 runs, 2.25 ERA, two wins.  Alexa is my hero, she is exhausted from a virus she has had and yet she showed perseverance and, yes, grit, to fight through and do an excellent job.  The song of the day is the Bette Midler classic, since she is my hero (did I ever tell her that?) and we will go with 2.25 as our number, for her ERA and the 2 games pitched...

The 140th day of 2018 is Pentecost.  And, on 5/20/18, we focus on the Holy Spirit being breathed onto the people.  Another focus was love.  And there was a infant Baptism, which is perfect intersection of the Holy Spirit and Love!  The Scripture passage that got me thinking today was: Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. To me, these verses are talking about the effects of the Holy Spirit.  When breathed upon, people were able to speak in their native tongues and be understood and accepted.  Yeah, it was messy and noisy....but everyone was together, even in their own uniqueness....

On the 139th day of 2018, I spent 7.5 hours in Central New Jersey (Mercer County to be specific) watching Futures Field Hockey.  OK, yes, Alexa was really only in four games and we did, in between games, run to Target to buy towels to dry off (it rained ALL morning) and stopped in Panera for a warm-up lunch.  But we got soaked as well in the cold, windy rain, and we finally warmed up after we got home.  I was impressed, on 5/19/18, by the skills on display from Alexa and the other Futures participants.  But, for the song for today, I need to honor the rain with this B.J. Thomas classic.  And, for our number, we'll go with 7.5 for the length of the tournament.  Hope you all stayed warm and dry today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sySlY1XKlhM

Not much interesting happened on the 138th day of 2018.  But 5/18/18 is Sam Smith's 26th birthday (OK, OK, I had to Google it!)  So 26 is the number of the day, and a Sam Smith Song will play as well (Stay With Me!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA

I met my wife in the Band at Penn, so it's pretty evident that instrumental music is pretty important to me.  This is why, even before my kids played in the OPS Band Program, Sarah and I have been sitting in at the concerts, providing low brass support to the Elementary and Junior High Bands. The 137th day of 2018 was no exception and, by my estimation, this was the 39th time I have played with the Band(s) at OPS.  And, we have two Promotion Ceremonies coming up in June and it will all be over, as the Middle School will be at Collingswood next year and Alexa and Anna will be in HS.  So I will be spectator and have to get my playing at church and in the Palestra.  That'll still be fun!  For the number of the evening, let's go with 39 for the number of concerts....and, accompanied by a  classic song with the word Band in it from Wings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew

The Internet is exploding on the 136th day of 2018 over whether people are hearing Yanny or Laurel.  On 5/16/18, I am firmly ensconced in Team Laurel.  Since 1880, it is estimated that 41,005 girls have been named Laurel.  So, 41,005 will be our number and, since sound frequency discussion is now also the rage, we will have this R.E.M. classic as our song of the evening.  LAUREL! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWkMhCLkVOg

5/15/18 was the day after Commencement, a day when I am always tired after a busy weekend and Monday.  So, at the end of the day on the 135th day of 2018, I rushed home to relax (the coming storms even washed out the Little League games so it was a true evening off).  An evening off to rest, hang out with family, and enjoy photos of rainbows on friends' FB pages - double rainbows even.  In honor of these beautiful, inspiring images, we'll listen to Judy Garland singing her classic song and hold up 515 (for the palindromic month/day) as the number of the day.  GOODNIGHT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxmZmBfnU

The 134th day of 2018 was the day of the 262nd Commencement at Penn.  And, on 5/14/18, as I have for countless other ceremonies, I marshaled at the ceremony on Franklin Field.  I love my team of FF marshals and we had a good day, even if some of the students were a little....well....incapacitated (really Penn '18??)  As my mom stated to me yesterday, I LOVE the Pomp and Circumstance of these ceremonies and today was no different!  So we will honor the number 262 (the perfectly palindromic commencement number for today) and listen to the original Elgar March that inspired the snippet we play for the processionals.  CONGRATS to the Class of 2018! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moL4MkJ-aLk

5/13/18 was Mother's Day and the 133rd day was also the College Graduation Ceremony.  So I was not able to call my mom tonight but, thanks to my sister, we were able to get her a nice gift.  I am in complete awe of the amazing luck I have experienced to have a great mother, to be married to a great mother, and I have also been mothered by so many other amazing women (and some men as well).  So, in honor of the 50th Mother's Day for which I have been alive, we will have 50 as the number of the day.  And, for our song, we will play this Louis Armstrong song to which my mom and I danced at our wedding. <3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21LGv8Cf0us

5/12/18, the 132nd day of 2018, was also Spring Fling at Oaklyn Public School.  It was our 11th Spring Fling and, as usual, our family was in attendance and working stations.  I love Spring Fling mostly for the happiness it brings to those who participate, especially the smiling kids that fill the street and ride the rides.  I, myself, do not ride the rides, but, if I did, I would be On a Carousel (our song of the day, from the Hollies) and our number will be 11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-EKGsrq39E

I knew the 131st day of 2018 would be a good one.  The palindromic 5/11/18 was also Friday of Alumni Weekend at Penn.  It's Sarah's Reunion so we are registered for the weekend!  Celebrating the 48 years of our reunions combined, we have 48 as our number of the day and we sing Fight On, Pennsylvania to our Penn Band recording! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjFWNk4CrdA

The National Junior Honor Society was founded in 1929.  And, tonight, on the 130th day of 2018, we were in attendance as Anna and three of her friends were the last cohort inducted into the Oaklyn Public School Chapter of the NJHS.  We are so proud of Anna (and her friends) and were happy to see her smiling face get her certificate.  For 5/10/18, let's hold up 1929 as our number of the day (interestingly, for the second time!) and I found this classic song about being proud!  CONGRATS ANNA! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IOSp_26BIA

At the end of the 129th day of 2018, I rushed to the Scottish Rite in Collingswood.  That is because, on 5/9/18, Alexa was being honored at the Fine and Performing Arts Awards Reception for CHS.  She won a Choir spirit award for being a positive influence in the group and a "solid alto."  Quite proud I am, and I would like to present one of the works they are rehearsing, Mozart's Requiem and, for the number, we will lift up its catalog number 626!  So Proud! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi8vJ_lMxQI

The 128th day of 2018 is also Teacher Appreciation Day.  So, on 5/8/2018, I reflected on the many amazing people who taught me in my elementary, Junior High, and High School days.  And the many, many amazing individuals who have taught (and continue to teach) my kids.  Teachers are so underappreciated, and I cannot say thank you enough times to all of them.  According to my research, there are 3,860,270 teachers at last count by the US Dept. of Education so that will be our number of the day.  And this CSN song is amazing and will be our song.  Let's heed their suggestion, and teach our children well! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuBGEoxbFN4

It is the 127th day of 2018.  And 5/7/2018 was also the 14th day of my abstention from artificial sweeteners.  That's right, two weeks of no Coke Zero, no Diet Coke, and no Diet Green Tea.  It's been a struggle and the temptation has been real.  But I have been good, and we will see if I can make the 30-day benchmark (first 2 weeks, then 30 days, then, who knows!)  So, for tonight, we will celebrate the number 14 and, although I am trying to limit it as well (so a LOT of unsweetened tea and just plain water), a song about sugar, the natural sweetener. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljpwi4daxGA

5/6/2018 is National Nurses Day.  So, on the 126th day of 2018, let's honor the 2,906,840 nurses in America.  So many of my friends are nurses and, of course, my wife as well.  For the number of the day, we will, of course, go with 2,906,840.  And, for our song, this classing song about healing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWf-eARnf6U

Excepting Leap Year, I realized today that Cinco de Mayo is on the 125th day of the year.  So on this 125th day of 2018, I had a great day at the snack stand and Anna's concert and then a nice family dinner out.  5/5/18 was an awesome day.  5/5 is day 5^3 of the year.  But we already recently honored 5, so we will stick with 5^3 (125) as the number of the day.  And, even though I do not like the cultural appropriation celebrated (poorly) on this day, let's listen to Madonna's ode to a special island. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqIIW7nxBgc

It was in Math class in 7th grade when I first heard "May the Fourth Be With You!"  Too bad Mr. Chango did not patent it because these days, and on 5/4/18, the saying is pervasive on email, in person, and especially on FB.  On the 124th day of 2018, let's honor the number 1977 (when the movie that started it all was released) and play the classic theme song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D0ZQPqeJkk

5/3/2018 is day #123 of 2018.  Busy day started early since my morning commute was so short (the benefits of a sleep study in a campus hotel).  Work, Commute, Snack Stand, Hangin' with the Fam.  And now it is time to go to bed with the sounds of Gloria Estefan in our heads singing 1-2-3-4 (the number of the day) in the song 1-2-3 (the song of the day).  Come on Baby, say you love me! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNJf2ySQVZI

It's an early update on the 122nd day of 2018.  5/2/18 is the night of my Sleep Study (the second one I have ever had, I was here 12-14 years ago for my first study and have been using my CPAP ever since).  Tonight, I am back her for a checkup study and, apparently, need to get into bed at 9:30AM.  So, updating early with a song from the Tokens and the number 930.  GOODNIGHT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LBmUwi6mEo

We have reached the 121st day of 2018.  I love the number 121, 11^2 (which is an anagram for 121 as well).  A palindrome AND a square.  Should be a good day.  And from start to finish, work to softball to snack stand, it was.  5/1/2018 is also May Day, and a day to celebrate workers.  So we will use 121 as the number of the day and this CLASSIC ad from the 80s for the ILGWU! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO7VUklDlQw