2021, A New Hope

As with many Spring Evenings, I spent the evening of the 120 day of 2021 at the Oaklyn Little League Snack Stand.  And, since it was a quiet evening (only one game), it was just me and Sarah at the Stand tonight.  So, since she wanted to cook, I spent most of my time at the counter window.  And, on 4/30/2021, I found myself having a lot of nice conversations with a bunch of nice kids from our town.  So, reflecting on these conversations, I have hope for kids tonight.  Kids both give me hope, as they are some of the purest souls on the planet, and I also have hope for kids, as this pandemic has taken so much from them in the last 16 months.  I sat at the stand and watched the practices on the baseball fields and the game on the softball field.  I listened to the laughter coming from the playground.  And I was glad that things are starting to open up, and kids are getting more opportunities.... and I hope this continues!

The post for day #119 of 2021 is being posted a day late.  Things just got away from me yesterday.  I WISH it was because I was celebrating International Dance Day on 4/19/2021.  I wasn't, but I can still reflect on my Dancing Hopes.  When things get busy, let's all make sure we set aside time to dance.  Right David Bowie?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbD_kBJc_gI&ab_channel=DavidBowie

On the 118th day of 2021, I have AC Hopes.  No, I do not want to travel to the Jersey Shore and gamble in a casino.  My hopes on 4/28/2021 have to do with air conditioning.  Today was the first really hot day of the year and we finally caved, this evening, and turned the thermostat to cool.  Ahhhhhhhhh.  I love AC. 

I have said, many times, that I love the AAA Status of Collingswood HS (where Anna is in the 11th Grade and from where Alexa graduated last year).  What I mean by AAA is that the HS excels at Academics, Athletics, and today's inspiration, the Arts!  Today, Anna was featured on the Collingswood HS Choir's Page.  The profile was really nice and I was so proud (and appreciated the posting by the Choir Director on my FB newsfeed).  And Anna had a great time at play practice today.  Tonight I am filled with hopes for the arts in education!  I am so appreciative of how hard the Colls Music Dept has worked to keep the students engaged during the remote, pandemic learning cycle.  And also so impressed that the department has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education.  Arts has shaped so much in my life, and I am pleased that this has continued for the students in our schools.  THANK YOU COLLINGSWOOD/OAKLYN MUSIC DEPARTMENT!

The 116th day of 2021 is National Pretzel Day.  So it was ironic, on 4/26/2021 that we RAN OUT at the Oaklyn Stack Stand tonight.  I was bummed out and I have Pretzel Hopes that I can remedy this for tomorrow's games.  We need hot dog buns too......(Snack Stand is on a roll!)

So I was speaking with a friend today and she called me a worrier.  You know, she's not wrong!  I was very worried about how I would feel when I woke up on the 115th day of 2021.  But, as I got out of bed on 4/25/2021, all I felt was a slight headache and some muscle aches.  Advil took care of that and I have been doing quite well today.  But I lost a lot of time (and energy) worrying yesterday (and, honestly, in the days leading up to the Pfizer #2 shot).  My hopes are for less worrying.  I am not saying we should throw caution to the wind.  And I am NOT saying we should ignore what is wrong with our world (there are many things that need fixing, friends).  But think, we should channel productive energy towards these issues and problems and worry less.  I will try, and I hope y'all can try as well!

So I got the second Pfizer shot on the 114th day of 2021.  So, on 4/24/2021, I have been drinking a LOT of Gatorade.  And water as well.  Trying to load up on fluids and electrolytes in hope that it mitigates some of the side effects that people have been experiencing after their second shot.  Going to bed earlier than normal as well (thank goodness no SNL to tempt me), and hoping I feel OK tomorrow.  Yes, I have Gatorade Hopes.  We'll see, tomorrow, if it works!

On the 113th day of 2021, I could not stop thinking about tomorrow.  Yes, I was not much focused on 4/23/2021 today, I was focused on tomorrow and the fact that, at 5PM on Saturday, I should have completed the 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.  Yes, I have vaccinated hopes.  I hope that being vaccinated, along with MANY other people, will make it possible for things to open up more and for some activities to resume.  I hope that I do not suffer too many side-effects of the 2nd shot (but I want to feel something so I know that it's working!)  I hope that others continue to get vaccinated as well.  I hear, on the news, that the supply will soon exceed the demand in many places.  I hope that those who are hesitant can see the value of this vaccine and the importance of the herd immunity that it will allow to occur.  I hope that the vaccine is approved for 12-15 year old kid so that my other nephew can get it.  I hope that a vaccinated population...

4/22/21, Earth Day 2021.  And on the 112th day of 2021 I have Earthly Hopes.  There is so much we should be doing to ensure the planet's health for future generations.  Tonight, I am thinking about composting and thinking about a better way to dispose of (recycle) the used frying oil from the Oaklyn Snack Stand.  We have to do something, we have to do better!

The 111th day of 2021 is Administrative Professionals Day.  So my hopes for 4/21/2021 are administrative hopes.  For the folks who keep our lives together it must be so hard to do it all from home.  While probably watching their own kids and maybe taking care of other family members.  I am all about appreciating unsung heroes and that is what my hopes are focused on tonight.

  The 110th day of 2021 is a momentous day in US History.  But I was not celebrating about the verdicts handed down on 4/20/2021.  Don't get me wrong, I was pleasantly surprised with the decisions of the jury, but I am also filled with renewed hopes for justice.  I will only truly be happy if this is the START of systemic change, not the end of it.  Let's hope all can feel they truly are deserved justice.

The past two days have been softball filled (as April days should be!).  Last night was a Mustangs scrimmage and neither Anna nor Alexa could attend.  But I coached.  And, on the 109th day of 2021, the Collingswood HS Softball Season officially kicked off.  Also, on 4/19/2021, Sarah and I worked the snack stand for an Oaklyn Coach Pitch Softball Game.  I have always loved softball and, now that it is back in season and they are able to play, I find myself admiring the way the teams bond.  My reflection tonight is Teammate Hopes.  I hope that all of the Secret Sister gifts are inspirational.  I hope that the team bonding efforts of the captains and the coaches take hold.  I hope that Anna's teammate who broke her ankle today sliding heals quickly and does not lose her passion for the game.  There's something about a teammate bond.  I hope the bonds are strong and they all have fun.  Glad they're back at it!

I had ten items on my checklist for the 108th day of 2021.  And, yes, even on a Sunday, I was trying to be productive on 4/18/2021.  These items ranged from the mundane (completing my workplace timesheet and taking a pile of magazines to my campus office) to maintenance (changing oil in the snackstand fryer) to Mustangs (i.e. a fun softball game).  And I got home, and looked at my checklist, and realized I completed 7.5 of 10!!  So I have checklist hopes to complete the last 2.5 items before I get to bed (but I AM running low on time) and continue to be productive in the coming week.  Hope ya'll are being productive too!

The 107th day of 2021 was a day filled with events that were very enjoyable.  Started of in my Happy Place #1: the Oaklyn Little League Snack Stand.  And, throughout the day, Sarah, April, Jeff, and I served snacks, drinks, and candy (and surprising a lot of slushies for such a chilly day) to the kids playing the games on the fields and the family and friends who are their fans.  And then we rushed home and got ready for our family excursion to my Happy Place #2: Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies.  The thing about Happy Places is that, even when things that are not so good happen (like achy knees from running around the snack stand or a burn on my arm from accidentally leaning on the hot dog rollers while cleaning and an annoying set of fans seated a few rows behind us while the Phillies played poorly and got smoked by the Cardinals), one is still happy.  And I was happy, ALL DAY LONG.  So, on 4/17/2021 I am filled with Happy Place Hopes.  I hop...

  It's a well known fact around these parts that there is a lot going on in my life these days.  This does not mean that these are bad things.  But it's a lot.  And the workday on 4/16/2021 was filled with productive meetings, but a LOT of them.  And there are tasks to track, and a LOT of them.  And the softball seasons (HS and Club) are about to start and there is the Snack Stand and PTA and OMAYSC and planning for Commencement at Penn (yes, I have been invited to marshal - YES!)  A lot of this is good and fun, and a lot of it is satisfying (as I check off work tasks).  But, it's a lot.  And so, on the 106th day of 2021, I hope I keep my cool.  The weather is getting warmer (and I have my fan on, even now when it's a bit chilly), and the work is getting intense, and the activities are getting plentiful.  Deep breaths, Adam, it's a lot, but it's things you like and you should not get overwhelmed.

So the 105th day of 2021 was supposed to be Tax Day for the US.  Because of the pandemic, 4/15/2021 is not Tax Day this year, US and NJ taxes have been extended to May 17th.  Tonight I have taxing hopes.  No, I do not hope for more taxes.  I hope that life is less taxing.  I am heading to bed before Midnight tonight, even though I have unread emails and unfinished tasks.  They will be there in the morning.  I need to get good rest, lest I tax myself.  Even moreso that the governments tax me :-).

You know, the 104th day of 2021 almost felt "normal."  No, I was not on Penn's Campus on 4/14/21, but I had a busy day at work and Anna was at a Softball Scrimmage and, after work, I went up to the Snack Stand and worked with April and then came home and read email.  Not sure why but, other than the mask wearing, the day felt like a regular ol' Spring Day.  Tonight I am hoping for a return to normalcy.  Just hoping these trends continue and we can get out of this pandemic funk!

The 103rd day of 2021 is School Librarians' Day!  I have always loved libraries and it makes me say, on 4/13/2021, that some students have not been in their school library since LAST MARCH,  Tonight, I have School Librarian Hopes.  I hope that those who wish to return in person to school in the coming months will be able to.  And, when they do, I am pretty certain their School Librarian will be there to greet them.... and Drop Everything And Read.

So YESTERDAY was National Sibling Day and, although 4/12/2021 is National Only Child Day, my hopes for the 102nd day of 2021 are Sibling Hopes.  I hope I see my sibling soon, it's been since August 2019.  And a lot of things have to happen and fall right for us to see each other in August.  I hope that Anna and Alexa continue to have a great relationship as they mature and head in their own directions.  And I hope that any of you out there who are not on speaking terms with a sibling, can come to a resolution.  If the pandemic has taught me anything it's that one can never overvalue (or take for granted) family.  SO here's hoping all good things for my sibling, and for siblings all over the world!

I have been thinking a lot, during the 101st day of 2021, about how hard compromise seems to be sometimes.  Whether it be in politics, in community organizations, in personal relationships, or other venues, it seems people are less and less willing to compromise.  And, I do not mean putting people into compromising positions, or asking people to compromise on their basic values, but I DO think that people could work harder to find common ground.  We live in such a polarized and polarizing society these days.  On 4/11/2021 I have hope for compromise.  For people actually listening to each other, taking all sides of an argument into account and working to find common ground.  It may take a little more time, it may take a lot more work, and it definitely will take a focus on empathy (something I also find lacking these days).  But, I honestly think it would be worth it and it might cause "the temperature to cool down" as some are saying.  I admit I n...

4/10/2021 was the Opening Day for the Oaklyn Little League.  It was so great to be back in the snack stand after almost 16 months of Covid-induced exile.  And so I was 100% happy on the 100th day of 2021.  As an aside, in other 100 news, my nephew TJ got his 100th career collegiate hit (he plays baseball for LVC!) ALSO on the 100th day of the year.  Tonight, I have seasonal hopes.  I hope that TJ's last season of baseball with the Dutchmen continues to provide him with amazing, lifelong milestones and memories.  I hope that our Little League season continues safely and successfully (and with a lot of happy people at the Snack Stand).  And I hope that Anna's Junior Season with CHS and the last year of Mustang Softball is ALSO filled with milestones and happy memories.  I am sore (I think I was more active today than since before the pandemic), but my heart is happy and it was a good day all around.  And, finally, enjoy this pic of some of the ...

It's been a rough few weeks, time management wise, and I have been waking up grumpy in the past few days.  The 99th day of 2021 was no different.  But what WAS different on the morning of 4/9/2021 is that I walked into the bathroom to shower and brush my teeth and I looked out the window and the tree right outside the window had BURST with green buds.  I swear just yesterday it had the barren branches of winter and now, the green buds of spring.  So, today, my hopes bloom with spring.  Spring is here, baseball is playing its season, Little League Opening Day is tomorrow, my Snack Stand is opening, the trees are budding, the flowers are blooming, and, sure, my allergies are kicking in but, HEY, I am happy to be dealing with normal annoying reasons my nose is running instead of thinking it could be Covid (its not, another negative test this week - woot).  Here's hoping that the hopefulness of the spring season can carry forward and that all of this optimism i...

4/8/2021 is Zoo Lovers Day!  And, on the 98th day of 2021, we are in the middle of Zoo Animal Elections, a Spring time tradition of the Penn Band when the members vote for an animal to "adopt."  And so, tonight, I reflect on my hopes for the Zoo.  The Philadelphia Zoo is a City landmark and one I have not visited in a while.  But, each day, more and more people get vaccinated and leads us closer to being able to travel and visit places such as the Zoo.  I wonder which animal will win the Elections, and I hope to visit it at the Philly Zoo, soon!

The 97th day of 2021 is another Wednesday.  And Wednesdays have had a theme at least for this and last week.  Yes, 4/7/2021 was another set up day in the Little League Snack Stand.  It feels good to be getting things together for Opening Day on Saturday.  But there are a lot of unknowns.  Will people feel safe to come to the Stand.  Will we be able to provide all that we have in the past (or at least most of it) in a safe manner (I certainly have enough cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer!)  Tonight, I have Snack Stand hopes.  I hope it goes well.  I hope people feel safe.  I hope I at least have enough sales to make back what we have spent.  And I hope for just a little return to what we had before.  Happy players, happy parents, happy fans.... and a lot of French Fries consumed!

There have been a few good things to come from these pandemic times.  One of them has been my family's increased use of the Marco Polo App to stay in touch with frequent video chats during the day.  It helps me feel even more connected to my West Coast family and even keeps me up to date on Alexa at Penn and sometimes even Sarah at work, on Temple's campus.  On the 96th day of 2021, my parents are in Oregon, visiting my Aunt Anne and my mom's cousin Marianne and her daughter Betsy and her family.  And they were brought into the Marcos today and it was great to see their smiling faces.  My reflection on 4/6/2021 is for Distant Family Hopes.  I hope we are able to travel this summer and so we can see my West Coast family in person.  Until then, Marco Polo will have to do.

I started the 95th day with an adjustment.  No, not an attitude adjustment (I was in a pretty good mood today), a chiropractic adjustment.  Yes, I started 4/5/2021 with Dr, Smith, who worked my back and shoulder and I left feeling quite good.  I have adjusted hopes.  I hope that these adjustments can continue to make me feel better, physically.  And I have adjusted hopes for this Spring, not as busy of a Little League Season as in the past, but still hoping for a lot of good times at the fields.  I hope you are all getting adjusted to the way things are and have hopes that things are improving (as I do!)

  The 94th day of 2021 is Easter!  And, on 4/4/2021, some normalcy was back in our lives.  Church, although still online, started with Easter Brass and ended with the Hallelujah Chorus.  Because of vaccines and a nice weather day (so we could dine outside), we were able to have a holiday meal with Sarah's Family (including her parents!) for the first time since Christmas 2019!  And the Phillies completed a sweep of the defending NL East Champs, the Atlanta Braves (OK, OK, that's not normal at all, but it was fun to watch!)  So, tonight, I have Easter Hopes.  I have the optimism imbued by the Resurrection Story.  I have the hope of those waiting for their savior to come.  I have the joy of the Easter Celebration and the rebirth of both Jesus, but also the world as Spring brings things back to life from their dormant Winter states.  I don't know, maybe it's the Easter Brass talking (I DO love me some Easter Brass), but I really feel optimi...

SO on the 93rd day of 2021 I finally received my first Covid vaccine shot.  I signed up for today's appointment back in January when I got a head's up from a work colleague who also lives in NJ that Virtua had just opened up more appt slots.  In the ensuing weeks, I had the opportunity to attempt to move my vaccine to an earlier day, but I liked that my shot was going to be 4/3/2021.  As I said, 4/3/21 is a good day to count down to.  And so, tonight, I am counting down to hope.  Counting down to my second shot on 4/24.  Counting down to 5/22 when all in my family are scheduled to be two weeks post shot #2!  As we look to the future when more and more people have had their shots as well, and things can return to some semblance of normalcy.  So, on 4-3-21, I am hopeful and each day gets us closer to our goal.  

It will surprise NOBODY that, on the 92nd day of 2021, I am focused on Hopes for Alexa.  I spent a long time on 4/2/2021 thinking about time, and our perception of it.  I mean, I feel like it has been eons since I have regularly been on the Penn Campus that I love and since I have been able to move freely without fear of contracting a life-altering virus (or giving it to others).  It has been forever since I have seen my West Coast Family!  BUT, as Alexa begins her 20th trip around the sun and we celebrated her 19th birthday (last as a teen), I could not help but wonder where all the time went.  It seems like yesterday that she was the smiling toddler in this first pic.  And then she was off to K.  And, in a blink of an eye she was a Senior and then admitted to Penn Nursing and then moving in to her room in Lauder College House.  I have so many hopes and dreams for the child that first made us parents.  And I am enjoying watching her make her...

The Day of the Phillies' Home Opener usually finds me at Citizen's Bank Park, in the 400 Upper Terrace Level, as much behind the plate as possible.  And, I did have four tickets (much fewer than my usual 40-50) to the Home Game on 4/1/2021.  BUT, I was not there on the 91st day of 2021, as the Phillies defeated the Braves in extra innings for their first win of the season.  No, my family could not attend with me AND I am not yet vaccinated SO I sold my tickets (at face value, I am no scalper) to friends of mine whose son is a HUGE baseball fan.  And they graced me with this picture below.  The view from our "regular" Opening Day seats.  And it filled me with Opening Day Hopes.  Ahhhh, Opening Day, when all teams are as close to the Playoffs as each and every other team.  When fan bases, even of middlin' teams, have hopes of a great season.  I am sad to have missed my second Opening Day in a row, but I am filled with optimism as, once I am vax...