2020 Hindsight

As I get ready to go to bed on the 152nd day of 2020 I am, again, filled with a lot of emotions.  On 5/31/2020, the emotions are sorrow, worry, panic, and anger.  I want to start by unequivocally stating that I completely understand and support the peaceful protests and support and stand with those who are demanding an end to the systematic aggression against and persecution of persons of color.  I, too, long for an America that is truly the home of the free and the brave.  But I cannot, and will not support actions that destroy property and place lives of first responders (and peaceful protesters for that matter) at risk.  Reports of looting, of rioting, of destruction of property, of violence against Police Officers (caustic chemicals, hitting with vehicles, throwing of bricks and other items, ALL unacceptable) make my blood boil with rage.  But they also fill me with sorrow at the realization that many of these stores (and their jobs and tax dollars) wil...

I am emotionally exhausted at the end of the 151st day of 2020.  Personally, 5/30/2020 was a really nice, palindromic day.  The weather was warm, but not humid (would have been a great day for baseball/softball/snack stand!)  Our lawn was mowed, we had dinner on the back patio, Sarah got to kayak for two hours!  We got to deliver our basket of swag to our CHS Class of 2020 adoptee. And there was the uplifting moment of watching the Space-X launch that seemed to go off flawlessly.  But the undertone of this whole day is the grief and anger that is sweeping over this country over the tragic death of George Floyd.  Peaceful protests have turned violent.  Groups that are intent on causing chaos and anarchy (and have no connection to the peaceful protesters) are taking advantage of this to wreak havoc in the heart of our cities including, tonight, Philadelphia.  And the country lacks governmental leadership that can inspire a calming of the rage and, i...

These days, usually when I am talking about banner, I am talking about Banner, the student information system software that my project is implementing.  But, on the 150th day of 2020, we were all surprised by a different kind of banner.  The Collingswood HS Administration, Faculty, and Staff surprised the Class of 2020 Spring Athletes (and their proud parents) with beautiful banners honoring them and recognizing them amidst their cancelled season.  I was glad I was on PTO on 5/29/20 because, as soon as I spotted it on a friend's FB feed and another friend texted me, we jumped in the van to check them out.  And they were so nice to see!  Not only did the school honor the Spring athletes, but they also honored EACH AND EVERY student with a display of lawn signs, each with the student's graduation photo and their name.  It was an awesome sight and, since I am an emotional guy and this has been an emotional week  I have to admit I got a little verklempt....

I am not sure why, but this week has been a battle.  Even though I am only working three days this week (holiday on Monday and PTO on Friday), it has dragged on..... Some of it is because our project is going through some reorganization and spirits are down, some of it was my worries on Tuesday, some of it is just tiredness.  But, on the 139th day of 2020, I think I am starting to get over this whole deal.  Yes, on 5/28/2020, my 2020 Hindsight is this is getting tiresome.  The quarantine.  The worry every time we go into public.  The uncertainty of the future.  And the knowledge that not much is going to change about this in the near future.  So, we grit our teeth and try to make the best of it.  And hope that people who are venturing out do not ruin it for the rest of us.

Well this is a Last Dance post that has NOTHING to do with Michael Jordan.  These days, that is a rarity (and, no, I have not watched it yet).  But on the 138th day of 2020, I was lucky enough that my daughter (as you can see below) was willing to do a short video of us to commemorate the Last Dance tradition for Collingswood High School.  And, as 5/28/2020 is still within Pandemic Times(TM), we had to dance on our front lawn instead of being able to do to the school, as scheduled, last night.  And, while that is a tad bit disappointing, looking at the fun we (the parents AND the kids) had making these short videos, it's nice to see we were able to continue the traditions and modify them for the times in which we are living.  This Class of 2020 is, hopefully, going to take this flexibility (in the technical project world, we call it being agile) and apply it to the rest of their lives.  I hope this learned ability to "go with the flow" serves them well in t...

I was feeling "off" in the morning of the 137th day of 2020.  I had worries on my mind and it was enough to bring me to the brink of tears.  So, on 5/26/2020, I texted people from my family, texted people from my Church, and emailed my colleagues at work, just to let them know what was going on and warning them of my potential "off"-ness.  And the love and support and prayers that I received back carried me through the day.  All the way to the afternoon when better news brightened my mood.  SO, tonight, my 2020 Hindsight is the power of prayer.  Do I think everything went well and the good news was a result of the prayers.... well, I do not think the prayers hurt (like chicken soup, "can't hoit!"  But what I will tell you the prayers caused was my calmness and a feeling of being supported through a tough time.  So, tonight, I feel blessed that things went well, but I feel even MORE blessed by the prayers of my family, friends, and colleagues and t...

Memorial Day is the 136th day of 2020.  And, on 5/25/2020, we were cognizant for the reason for this day.  Today, we remember all who have sacrificed to serve our country.  Especially those who gave their lives, the ultimate sacrifice.  I really appreciated seeing all of my trumpet-playing friends playing the Country-Wide Taps on their FB posts.  The song really hits me in the heart.  It's not just those who served, but also those in their family who are mourning their losses today.  My 2020 Hindsight is thanks for those who sacrificed.  Memorial Day is the "unofficial opening to the Summer Season," but I cannot forget the reason why this is a day.  Thank you, and rest in peace.

So Memorial Day Weekend is the "Unofficial Start of the Summer Season" and this weekend has been pretty relaxing so far.  On the 145th day of 2020, we got outside and were able to throw the softball around a bit.  I think the start of any kind of organized play is far away and the School Season is not going to happen.  But, on 5/24/2020, it was good to be out in the fresh air and I think I got some sun (kinda red on the top of the head if you know what I mean (not burnt, but a reminder that it's never a bad time for sunscreen and a hat!))  My 2020 Hindsight is here comes the sun!  I hope that things continue to get better and we don't see a surge that sends us back inside for a longer period of time.

I have to admit, it's easy to get wrapped up in all that is being lost during this COVID quarantine.  We have lost time outside, time visiting our friends, I am missing my nephew's HS Graduation, heck, we're not sure what Alexa's Graduation will even look like, not to mention Prom, and the Senior Trip has been cancelled.  We lost the chance to see Anna's play more than the one Preview Night and the chance to see her sing in Children Song's 20th Anniversary Concert.  We have lost the ability to worship with our fellow church members.  And more.  BUT, on the 144th day of 2020, while we were using a borrowed power washer to clean things in our backyard that have needed cleaning for years (some of the stuff coming off the fence was GROSS (fitting for day #144)), I thought to myself, this is only happening because of the time we have sequestered at home.  And we are having more family meals together.  And we have seen communities come together to support ea...

So things are loosening up around here on the 143rd day of 2020.  On 5/22/2020 I heard a lot of news stories about loosening of restrictions and areas going from Red to Yellow (yellow STILL means caution), and I am nervous.  We will not be going to the beaches this Memorial Day Weekend.  And, while we will likely see a few more people than we have in past weekends, it will still be from a distance.  My 2020 Hindsight is Be Careful Out There!  Not just all of my friends on FB, but all of society.  Let's not backslide.... Be Safe, All!

For almost all of her teenaged years, Alexa has wanted a job.  Well, now, in pandemic times, she has free time on her hands (WHAT?!?!) so she applied for, and got (right away) a job delivering for a local pizza place.  And, on the 142nd day of 2020, we made an online order and asked for our favorite delivery person (tipped well, but not the largest tip of the night for her!!!)  She did not have any schoolwork on 5/21/2020 so she worked an 11 hour shift.  So my 2020 Hindsight is Pizza, Pizza.  We had it tonight, and it seems my daughter is good at delivering it!  One bright spot in the changes that the pandemic has brought.

The 141st day of 2020 was another day filled with online meetings.  On 5/20/2020, I think I might actually be getting screen fatigue.  I am thinking about if I can escape being online one day this long weekend.  I think I am getting a bit Zoomed out.  My 2020 Hindsight is Who's Zooming Who?  I love technology, but I think I am hitting a wall with too much of a good thing.  And, that being said, I am turning in "early" so I can be back at it in the AM.  Goodnight!

Well, we planned to go to Krispy Kreme on the 140th day of 2020 because, on 5/19/2020, they had a promotion to give the Class of 2020 a Free Dozen of their special donuts.  But, we did not get over there and, even of we had, I think they ran out early (but were giving out other donuts I hope) and we had Apple Cider Donuts instead (that Sarah got from the Farmers Market).  So, on an other wise nondescript day, my 2020 Hindsight is Time to Make the Donuts (I know, wrong brand).  We'll have to go to Krispy Kreme another day, pay for them, and treat ourselves.  Oh Well!  :-)

I will admit it.  I got very emotional on the 139th day of 2020.  5/18/2020 was the Commencement Day for Penn's Class of 2020.  But it all happened virtually today and the team that created the event did an amazing job.  My 2020 Hindsight is Congrats, Class of 2020.  Watch the link below - what a day - and I cannot wait to see all of the 2020 grads back at Franklin Field next May.  Two ceremonies in two weeks - wow! https://youtu.be/Qa-BJDCY-q0

The 17th of May is a very important day for Alexa's Mustangs Softball Team.  That is because their coach, Bob Wetherspoon's birthday is on May 17th and all he ever asks for is that he can be on the field with his team and that is how he wants to celebrate (although his wife always has something sweet to eat for the day).  Well, on the 138th day of 2020, there are no softball games being played in the state of New Jersey.  So, on 5/17/2020, we did the next best thing.  We gathered all of his players and had a Birthday Parade where the girls threw him a softball with birthday wishes and one of the team moms made this amazing cake in the shape of the team jersey (and he's 53 this year, hence the #).  Elmo was later added, a Wetherspoon family tradition, but it does not change that my 2020 Hindsight for tonight is Happy Birthday, Coach Bob.  Since Oaklyn joined forces with Merchantville in 2017, leading to two straight runs to the State Tournament (finishing ...

What a strange day the 137th day of 2020 was.  5/16/2020 was supposed to be my 30th Reunion at Penn's Alumni Weekend.  Instead, we watched the Penn Alumni FB Live videos (ironically, we made it to FAR more official events than usual (but MUCH less Marching Band and no Penn Nursing tent :-( )).  So my 2020 Hindsight is Hurrah, Hurrah, Pennsylvania.  It was nice that they gave us programming at home, but it just was NOT the same.  Looking forward to next year when there will be TWO Alumni Weekends in a row (IN A ROW!)  Can't wait!

It was a nice warm day on the 136th day of 2020 and all I could think about during 5/15/2020 is how wonderful of an evening it would have been at the Oaklyn Little League Snack Stand tonight.  Yes, we would have had a line at the stand and there would have been 2, 3, 4 games going on and this would likely have been the week that we started to turn a profit.  That is why my 2020 Hindsight tonight is turning the corner.  Yes, that is what I say when the Snack Stand recoups all of the costs and starts to have more sales than expenses.  And I do really miss the Snack Stand and all of my neighbors and friend and the kids and the people from other towns.... this has been a hard time.  But, hopefully, the situation is turning the corner too.  Hopefully the curve is flattening and hopefully this will be over, eventually.  We have to hope that the corner is being turned in many ways.

The 135th day of 2020 is Mark Zuckerberg's birthday.  And Mark is the reason that, on 5/14/2020, I am finishing my day with a post on social media.  Mark is the reason that I can stay in touch with 4,635 on a social media platform.  Mark is the reason that I have so many pictures to peruse (and some video too) when I was asked to provide some visuals for Alexa's Senior Tribute from MLL.  And more.  But Mark is also the reason that misinformation can often get a viral platform in this country and world.  Mark is the reason that I had to kick a troll out of a local community group for constant bad behavior on his first day in our group.  And more.  Yes, over the years Facebook has had its ups and its downs and, for me, it is more ups than downs.  But I realize that is not the same experience for everyone.  My 2020 Hindsight is 16 Years of FB.  Yes, I was on in the early years and, on Mark's Birthday it made me think of that history....

We were not in a Birthday Car Parade on the 334th day of 2020.  But, if 5/13/2020 had included one, I would have been blasting Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday (to Ya)" song,  Have played it many times in many lines of cars during this pandemic.  It makes me smile and I hope it makes the subjects of the parade smile as well.  Well today is Stevie's Birthday!  So my 2020 Hindsight is Happy Birthday, Stevie.  And I will link the song and hope it makes you smile too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KibW1FBhQlU

For dinner, on the 133rd day of 2020, Anna finally got something she had only previously seen on TV.  Yup, we had spaghetti tacos on 5/12/2020.  Ever since she saw them on iCarly, she had wanted to try them, but we never got around.  So she, Alexa, and Sarah had them tonight (I stuck with the traditional pasta bowl to hold my spaghetti and gravy.  So my 2020 Hindsight is Spaghetti Taco Tuesday!  It was fun to watch, but I stuck with the traditional fare.

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed on the 132nd day of 2020.  By 9:45AM on 5/11/2020 I was quite weary.  I made it through the morning's meeting and went on a bank errand on my lunch hour.  On the way back, a song came on the radio that put me in a great mood.  Ahhh the power of music and inspiration for my 2020 Hindsight: Manic Mondays.  Honestly, during the pandemic, Mondays have been easier than Tuesdays.  Not today, but thankful for music and my mood change.  On to Tuesday!

The 131st day of 2020 was a wonderful day.  It was looking up when I realized 1) it was Mothers' Day, 2) the weather was sunny, if not a bit cool, and 3) 131!  Palindromic (and someone posted a funny post on my wall even!  Started off with a great service at Church (each week, we get better with the technology) and then a drive-by, social distanced visit with friends who we missed terribly.  and the rest of the day was family oriented as the girls surprised Sarah with some treats, we had a great dinner, and, of course, spent time together as a family and FaceTimed with others.  And, all day of course, out thoughts were filled with love and thoughts about mothers.  Our own mothers, Sarah, the house's Main Mom, but also all the moms in our lives that have also cared for us, mothered us, helped us, made us laugh, etc.  My 2020 Hindsight for tonight is Thank You, Moms!  I mean, I have love for many moms each and every day but today, it was our focus....

The 130th day of 2020 was supposed to be a hectic day.  First, on 5/9/2020, we were supposed to leave NJ early and hustle to State College for our nephew's Graduation at Penn State.  Then we were to rush to our other nephew, TJ's celebration for HIS graduation from LVC.  Sadly, these are more events that have been altered by the COVID-quarantine.  And, although we watched the video stream from LVC and we were in our car, observing from a distance, at Kevin's front yard ceremony, we really wish we could have celebrated with them and given them the hugs and accolades they deserve.  My 2020 Hindsight is Congrats to my Nephews!  I am so proud of their accomplishments and cannot wait to see what the future has in store for them.  May this clear up soon so that we can tell them in person, and hug them!

On the 129th day of 2020, my mom reached into the Treasure Chest and pulled out a gem.  She posted, on 5/8/2020, a picture of my 2nd grade class from the H.C. Lea School 1976 Yearbook.  Some people are angry when their parents pull out the old pics.  Not me, I LOVE them.  My 2020 Hindsight is exactly that: Old Pic, I Love 'em!  One of the things I appreciate about FB (and, yes, I know it has its flaws) is the old pictures that come up and show us "Memories."  Sure, this year has been hard with all of the softball memories that have popped up during the season that wasn't.  But, if that is my largest "issue" during the pandemic, I am a lucky, lucky guy.  Some say pictures are window to the soul.  For me, they are a window into memories......just seeing this pic reminded me of the Lea School Annex which, I think now, is an Asian Grocery.  And learning Greater Than and Less Than by thinking that the shark will always eat the larger number (...

It's been 51 days since I was able to set foot on Penn's Campus.  And, on the 128th day of 2020, as the semester wraps up it's easy to get maudlin with this situation.  But, on 5/7/2020, I got a happy text from a friend and colleague.  She's just been admitted to Penn's Positive Psychology Program and she said she had to text me, because positive makes her think of me!  Well, that made me smile and is inspiring my 2020 Hindsight: JOYFUL, JOYFUL!  Also inspiring this is the fact that this that 196 years ago (1824), Beethoven's 9th Symphony premiered!  So I thought I would provide some joyful music tonight to, hopefully, inspire some joy in you as well! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-mvutiDRvQ

During this pandemic, on the 127th day of 2020, I am happy to see that nurses are finally getting more of the respect they deserve (I would never say ALL the respect they deserve because we're only slightly getting close).  And 5/6/2020 is International Nurses Day and the start of National Nurses Week.  I wrote yesterday about how I started at the Nursing School almost 20 years ago and what a wonderful influences midwives have been in my life. But as good as midwives have been to me, all the other nurses out there have been even better.  Of course, married to a nurse, I was predisposed to be a advocate for nurses but, working with and for them for 14+ years I have been blessed by the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and clinical associates that came into my life.  My 2020 Hindsight is I Love Nurses.  Not just the one I married and the kid that has decided to be one, but all of you who are on my FB Friend list.  I have seen people listing all of the importa...

It was the end of May 2000, almost 20 years ago, that I started at the School of Nursing at Penn.  Back then, I had very little knowledge about midwives.  But, as I sit here on the 126th day of 2020, I know a lot, lot more.  And 5/5/2020 is not just Cinco de Mayo, it is also International Day of Midwives.  My first faculty boss at Penn Nursing was a midwife.  One of my best friends in the School of Nursing is a midwife.  So many wonderful students, staff, and faculty that I met at Penn Nursing are midwives.  A Penn Midwife was our doula at Alexa's birth.  The same Alexa who is starting at Penn Nursing in August.  My 2020 Hindsight is the amazing midwives in my life.  I am so lucky to have met them, and I am glad, 20 years ago, that I started the journey that brought them into my life and I am glad that Facebook allows me to stay in contact with so many of them.  HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE!

The 125th day of 2020 is a day when we always smile.  May the Fourth (be with you)!!  Star Wars Day!  And, on 5/4/2020, Teacher Appreciation Week also began.  May the Fourth Be With You?  Teacher Appreciation?  The only answer is for my 2020 Hindsight to be My Favorite Teacher.  Mr. Ed Chango, my HS Math Teacher for many of my grades (including 7th and 12th).  He is the first person I ever remember uttering "May the 4th be with you!"  And he should have patented it!  Because now it is huge.  As is my appreciation for Mr. Chango who infused me with a love of math and numbers and taught in an interesting and humorous manner.  Thanks, Mr. C!!

The 124th day started off with a local neighbor (who does NOT have a student in the Senior Class of CHS) running 20.20 miles around Knight Park to support the CHS Class of 2020, especially those who cannot afford to purchase yearbooks.  And, to me, the money is not the most significant part of this occurrence.  What I appreciate about what he did was that he showed the students that people in the community care.  My 2020 Hindsight on 5/3/2020 is appreciation for those who care.  We need more people who care for others in this world and I hope this person's actions inspire others.  Not necessarily to help the Class of 2020, but just to care for the people of the world.

The 123rd day was a beautiful weather day.  And, all day on 5/2/2020, I could not help but think about where we should have been.  Today was supposed to be the Palmyra Softball Tournament.  This event (and I think the whole season) has been cancelled.  I was so looking forward to watching Alexa's Senior Softball season.  Seeing the team in pregame, I think it really had a chance to so well.  And Alexa was only 29 hits away from 100 with a 25-game season planned.  It was well within her reach to get to that milestone and get her name on that banner.  But it is not to be.  Now I do know, in the grand scheme of things, the loss of the Spring Softball season, and even the other Senior events (awards ceremonies, lunches, celebrations) is not that big of a deal.  What is important is that we all stay healthy and that we "flatten the curve" so this pandemic can end (someday).  But my 2020 Hindsight is still that I Miss Softball.  Not ...

On 4/30/2005, we packed up the Haddonfield House and moved westward.... all the way to Oaklyn, NJ.  So, on the 122nd day of 2020, we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of our first full day in our Oaklyn abode.  5/1/2020 was not that remarkable of a day, filled with the usual work, walking the dog, two Zoom calls with different sets of Band alumni, and, well, I did have Donkey's for the first time (THANKS, Sue and Steve), and..... WOW!!!  And so my 2020 Hindsight is The Big 1 5.  I am so glad we moved here.  I hate to think about ever moving again (I HATE packing and sorting and moving and unpacking), so it is amazing that I love this small town as much as I do.