2020 Hindsight

I have been looking forward to the 244th day of 2020 since my oldest daughter was born.  No, not because 8/31/2020 was Sarah's 44th Birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH - A Palindromic age!), but because tonight is the eve of Alexa's first day of college classes.  And, to add to it, she decided to attend Penn and, even better, Penn Nursing.  So there was NO way that we were going to miss Convocation.  Since Convocation moved from Irvine Auditorium outside to College Green, with the Red and Blue hues on College Hall, I have been in attendance as a Marshal and as the Asst. Director of the Band.  As far as ceremonies go, Convocation is only topped by Commencement.  And I was determined not to be off-campus for both in 2020.  So, we hopped in the van, got swag from the Bookstore, got Qdoba and Ben & Jerry's (for Sarah's birthday!), and we sat on College Green and watched the Virtual Penn Convocation on Alexa's laptop (on which she will attend classes tomorr...

So, on 8/30/2020, the Internet tells me that it's National Beach Day.  So, it's fitting that the 243rd day of 2020, Sarah took the girls to the Beach.  She always likes to go to the Beach to celebrate her birthday and this year was no different.  The Beach makes my family so happy, even if I do not prefer the sand.  My 2020 Hindsight is Life's a Beach.  I like places that make people happy.

8/29/2020 is the 242nd day of 2020.   Palindromic days are often really good for me and today was not an exception.  Started the day off back on the diamond, umpiring my first Little League game (and my last) of the 2020 season.  I was really happy to be back at it and I thought it was going to inspire my Hindsight....  there was a steady drizzle at the start of the game and it increased as the first inning passed.  I actually did not mind because it was a cooling rain (although between the humidity and my mask, I was struggling with my glasses fogging (you kinda have to see to umpire ya' know! :-) )).  But, the rain was steady by the end of the top of the second and the game was suspended (resuming Monday, but I cannot make it, so 2020 LL Umpiring = 1.5 innings.... hope for more next season!)  I spent most of the rest of the day at my desk here, catching up on work, surfing FB, preparing some video content for Church, and Zooming with an advisee....

In the world of "Daily Holidays," it was deemed that 8/28/2020 is Forgive Your Foe Day.  And, on the 241st day of 2020, it made me think.  I have no problems forgiving others (sometimes it DOES take time).  But I DO have issues forgiving myself!  So, my 2020 Hindsight is that we can all use a little forgiveness.  So, if you cannot forgive others, at least forgive yourself.  Especially in these stressful days, being kind to yourself is the way to go!  And you can forgive your foe as well - #BeKind (not just to others but also yourself!)

The saying goes, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."  And, on the 240th day of 2020 I was a friend indeed many times.  See, I should have known, on 8/27/2020, when I woke up to the Beatles (as I often do) and the song leading into Chris Carter's open was the opening to Sgt. Pepper.. the medley that starts with the Theme Song and ends with A Little Help From My Friends.  It set the theme for the day and, thus, inspires my Hindsight tonight: with a little help from my friends.  It's hard to get by any day without that help.  And I feel blessed I have friends who help in many facets and I just hope I can be there for them, as well, when they are in need.  Thanks, friends!

So here we are at the 239th day of 2020.  8/26/2020 is National Dog Day!  I mean it has to be that it is well known as I learned from Breakfast with the Beatles, but my family told me too as well as a bunch of posts on FB.  So it must be true.  And we're here in August so my 2020 Hindsight is the Dog Days of Summer.  Was not that hot or humid today, was darn right nice.  But tomorrow looks to be hot, humid, muggy, and maybe even stormy.  Oh my!  One of the nice things about working from home is spending a lot more time with Skylar,  Not sure what she will do when (if?) I ever return to the office.  She was great company today and she is amazing.  So, I am off to bed with a tip of the proverbial cap to Skylar and all of those dogs out there who are Man's (and Woman's and non-CIS Gender's) Best Friend!

After spending 10.5 hours sitting at my desk in the piano room (Thanks, COVID!), I stepped out of the front door on 8/25/2020, and was hit in the face by hot, humid air (Thanks, August!)  But, the 238th day of 2020 got much, much better.  For the past three weeks, I have been celebrating the reopening of Royal Fitness by reserving a lane for swimming!  Yes, it's an additional fee these days but it's really nice to have a dedicated lane, at a dedicated time, and almost nobody else in the pool!  And, tonight, I got out of the pool and the August heat was not that bad anymore.  So, my 2020 Hindsight is that It's Cool in the Pool.  Not only have I been getting more exercise (and Sonya will be happy that I am aqua jogging as well), it has also cooled me down.  And, these days, it's good for us to stay cool amidst everything that is at risk of heating us up.  Weather wise and more!

The 237th day of 2020 is Weather Complaint Day.  These days, I have a lot of weather complaints.  I mean, I like summer-time, but the humidity..... UGH! On 8/24/2020, I stepped out into the humidity and quickly into my car (pump up the AC!)  My 2020 Hindsight is Weird Weather.  As much as I do not like how it was outside today, I know Fall is almost here.  It is good to look forward to something.  We should all look forward to the end of the craziness we see on the news every day... cannot wait for the Fall, and better times.

There was some confusion in our house on the 236th day of 2020.  That is because 8/23/2020 is the eve of Alexa's New Student Orientation at Penn.  She was supposed to have moved in to Lauder College House today, but the pandemic scrapped all of our plans (Thanks, COVID!  NOT!)  And so Orientation starts tomorrow and none of us are exactly sure what needs to be done and when.  What is Mandatory, what is mandatory, what is suggested, optional, or not needed.  And, frankly, no incoming student really knows these things on the first day.  Students are typically guided through NSO by the College House Staff: House Deans, Faculty, RAs, GAs, etc.  And, since her College House is 18 W Beechwood Ave. this Fall, Sarah and I are these resources, except we missed training (I think we were too busy dealing with life!)  My 2020 Hindsight is New Student Disorientation.  It's natural, we cannot worry, everything is new and of course nobody has an idea o...

I spent a lot of the 235th day of 2020 alone in the house (well, Skylar was with me).  Why, you ask?  Because 8/22/2020 was the Bridal Shower for our niece, Lauren.  And the women of the family traveled to Virginia to be with her and celebrate her impending nuptials.  They did bring me back some sandwiches and they were delicious.  But, the whole event got me thinking.  My 2020 Hindsight is Here Comes the Bride.  COVID may have changed a lot of the way we are celebrating them, but 2020 is still chock full of transitions for all of the cousins.  Lauren is getting married and will be the first Cousin to do so.  Alexa and Kevin and TJ all graduated.  Kevin is working Full Time, TJ got engaged, Ashley bought a house, Alexa is about to start college, Anna got her permit and is driving..... whooooo!  These six young people are some of my favorite people on Earth and I am glad to celebrate these transitions with them.  Even if some of...

My radio friend, Chris Carter, told me that 8/21/2020 is National Men's Grooming Day.  It made me smile on the 233rd day of 2020 because I got my 2nd haircut of the Covid times this week.  Now, my Covid haircuts have not been normal at all.  They've been done by my nephew, outside, with us masked on the back patio of my house and then the back deck.  And, I realize that there is something missing.  I love my nephew (he is also my Godson), but I also realize my 2020 Hindsight is that I Miss Chuck.  Chuck at Campus Hair and Nails (formerly Campus Barber) is an old school barber and has been cutting my hair for over 25 years.  Not that there is much to cut, but I always leave his shop with a feeling of neatness.  But, more than the cut, I appreciate his conversation.  We talk about his kids and where they go to college and now my kids and where they might go to college.  We talk about Penn, Penn politics, Penn sports, and Penn news.  I...

I woke up on the 233rd day of 2020 and, as usual, I turned on Chris Carter's Breakfast with the Beatles.  On 8/20/2020, Chris told us all of the special days celebrated today.  And the one that caught my attention is that today is National Bacon Lover's Day.  And that made me think of my colleagues on the NGSS Team.  Back when humans were allowed to work in physical proximity, we used to have breakfast together once a month.  The bacon was always popular and subject of many jokes.  So, while I did not have any bacon today (although I DO love bacon), I did think about how good it was to work in the Suite with these folks.  My 2020 Hindsight is I Miss the Bacon.  But really, I miss my colleagues being more than just voices and images on my computer screen.  Can't wait to get back in the Franklin Building!

8/19/2020 is day #232 of 2020.  Palindromic days inspire me to look for the good.  And, tonight, I am seeing so many people who were watching the DNC tonight.  Inspiring speeches from President Obama and Kamala Harris seem to have struck a nerve in people and the hope and positiveness is palatable in their posts.  My 2020 Hindsight is Inspiration.  I am hoping that this inspiration feeling can crest in November and hope and inspiration can return to this country, instead of the fear and strife that seems to be pandemic (yes, I meant that to be what it is) these days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4hdOSUTl3M

Day #231.  8/18/2020.  8/18 is a nice palindrome.  And I did get to swim today.  And my hindsight tonight is Serendipity Day.  Yes, today is, according to the Internet, Serendipity Day.  From the Web: According to Madeleine Kay, creator of Serendipity Day and author, in her book Living Serendipitously, serendipity is "the willingness to live your life as if everything is a miracle...with the belief that at any moment something wonderful is about to happen." She also says that although people view serendipity as "a happy accident," it's not an accident, it's something that you create and make happen. She also says that serendipity is in everyone: it is rejoicing in the unknown and always expecting the best; it is a power within us to make order out of chaos; it makes possibility out of potential, and makes a reality out of possibility.  This speaks to me.  If ever there was a time to make order out of chaos and trying to be positive and expecting t...

I have often mentioned, in my daily reflection, how much I appreciate being part of good teams.  Whether it be at work, or in sports, or at Church, or even in my family.  I love coming together and working towards a common goal and achieving it.  And, on the 230th day of 2020, as I was a part of multiple different teams finding multiple different solutions, I realized what I like so much about teamwork.  My 2020 Hindsight of 8/17/2020 is Collaboration.  To work, in partnership with others.  To give to others on the team and have them also give back to you.  It's a great feeling to be a part of a collaborative team and today I realized how lucky I am to be a part of many great ones.

Y'all know I am a pretty social person.  Some people (including myself) have described me as a pathological extrovert.  And, on the 229th day of 2020, that pathology was out in full force.  For, on the evening of 8/16/2020, I hosted a Zoom call of over 160 Parents of Penn Class of 2024 Students who are all concerned about the Fall, worried about our kids, and were looking for a supportive place.  And, I think we provided it.  It was nothing official.  It was just an idea I had reading so many posts on the FB group of parents with rising anxiety.  Especially those who have not had much interaction with Penn and whose kids have never spent a significant time on campus (and, now, won't until Spring 2021 (at the earliest )).  My 2020 Hindsight is we all need group.  Yes, this meeting was not led by a licensed clinical practitioner.  but it was a support group nonetheless and, I hope, people left feeling better (but likely not 100% settled) a...

I have often been accused of being a throwback, an "old soul."  Well, I think that my hindsight for the 228th day of 2020 might just cement that accusation's truth.  On 8/15/2020, I heard a lot about what the current administration is doing to dismantle the Post Office.  You can say that it is Election related, to make mail-in voting more difficult (and, thus, suppressing the vote even more than they have done in the past).  But, honestly, there have been efforts to hamper the USPS and privatize it since 2006.  But the installation of a Postmaster General that has millions of dollars of investments in other courier companies that are "competitors" to the Post Office is just egregious and an obvious  conflict of interest.  My 2020 Hindsight is I like getting mail.  I like that the mail carrier comes to our house each day (through rain, snow, sleet, and hail) and deposits the day's mail in our mailbox.  Skylar leaps up and barks as they walk do...

There were a few nostalgic moments on the 227th day of 2020.  My work project has a bi-weekly newsletter and they asked us to submit baby pics of ourselves.  So, I went looking and found some to submit.  Then, I think as a positive reaction to the stress we are all feeling, the Penn Parents FB group started posting pics of their kids in front of the Penn LOVE statue.  Well, on 8/14/2020, I was feeling a bit rebellious, so I posted pics of my kids young and on campus.  It made me realize my 2020 Hindsight: Baby Pics.  The medium has changed, I mean the photo I found was in black and white and had been scanned from picture to JPEG.  My kids pics?  Digital since the day they were born.  But what has remained consistent is the nostalgia that these pics bring back and the smiles and joy as well.

On the 226th day of 2020, the world was swirling around again.  So many things happening at work, in the news, everywhere.  It can feel overwhelming.  But, on 8/13/2020, our Pastor sent us his daily "Fear Not" email (he has been sending us a daily, uplifting email since our distancing started!)  He stressed the need to find the positive things in our lives.  Apparently it takes 5 positive experiences to make up for one negative. So, these days, we have to find even more!!  And they are out there.  Best for me today was that Alexa was busy today completing some orientation modules for Penn today.  Which meant she was around all day.  THAT is positive!  I love it when she is around.  My 2020 Hindsight is Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive!  Eliminate the Negative!  Don't mess around with in-between! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yikUzXt9TQ

Our softball game was rained out on the 225th day of 2020.  So, on 8/12/2020, we did not have to rush on our special mission.  Today is the birthday of our good friend from Church.  And she has had a rough COVID time.  So, we jumped in the car, went to the bakery, got some sweets, and drove to her house.  We sang to her, gave her the bakery boxes, and had some distanced conversations.  My 2020 hindsight is that I love my church community.  We're online every Sunday and we are socially connecting in many ways.  I was glad that today's connection (distanced as it was), was in person.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, G!!!!

 Another rough day on 8/11/2020.  The 224th day of 2020 brought us the news that we hoped would not come, but feared that it would.  There will be no on-campus experience for Penn in the Fall of 2020.  I know it is not as awful as the death and the job loss and the economic destruction people are facing because of COVID.  But the disappointment is real.  My 2020 Hindsight is that COVID has taken so much.  It has taken lives, it has taken jobs, it has taken people's livelihoods and businesses.  It has been devastating.  And, although I see no end in sight, we have to buck up and make the best of the crap hand we have been dealt.  Tomorrow, I will try to start being more optimistic.  Tonight, I just go to bed exhausted (again) and disappointed.  Goodnight.

 It's the 223rd day of 2020.  8/10/2020.  It's been a long day.  I'm tired.  My 2020 Hindsight is I Got Nothing.  Nothing really comes to mind tonight and I need to go to bed so it'll have to do.  I never promised they'd all be poignant or even good.  GOODNIGHT!

 I was hoping that the 222nd day of 2020 would hold to palindromic form and be a good day and.... it was!  Got a lot done on 8/9/2020 and did it in a relaxed manner.  One thing that really stood out to me was when Alexa and her classmates went to visit a friend in the community.  He was not able to attend the traditional schools of OPS and CHS, but they treated him as a classmate nonetheless.  And they visited with him and hung out and ate pizza and talked about their future plans.  And, looking at the picture that was posted on FB, I got my 2020 Hindsight: Classmate Bonds.  I have honestly been worried about the fact that these kids who have been in my daughter's (and our) life for the past 12-14 years will suddenly, in the Fall, be gone.   But they won't.  The bonds that they've formed, the friendships they've made, the care they have for each other and their community: these are strong.  So I look forward to staying connected wit...

 11/8/2020 is International Cat Day.  So, on the 221st day of 2020, I was trying to consider a hindsight that had some relation to our family's cat, Talia.  And, then, Sarah texted me this pic of her, just sleeping on the back of the sofa, wherever and whenever she wants.  And I thought, my 2020 Hindsight is be chill, like a "cool cat"  Which could represent a chilled out beatnik from the 70s, or a family cat that is a rescue and is now able to sleep whenever and wherever she wants.  Let's all take a page out of Talia's book, rest, and chill out.  It's the weekend!                                             

 The 220th day of 2020 was Friday in a long week (this week was a long week when it was only Tuesday!)  And, I have to admit, I was grumpy as dinner approached (maybe was a little hangry too).  Luckily, 8/7/2020 was takeout night in our house and we went to a neighborhood place that is famous for seafood (for Sarah) but also burgers.  And, I got the "Big Bite" and it was as advertised.  Really good.  And, it made me think of tonight's Hindsight: Sometimes, you just need a good burger!  Tonight's Big Bite put me in a MUCH better mood and I think I'll get it again, someday.

So I started the 219th day of 2020 at Riverside Heights Primary Care seeing my PA for a check in.  I entered the practice on 8/6/2020 with some trepidation because the first thing they do is a weight check and..... Covid.  It was as I had feared, I lot of the last year's progress has regressed.  Not one step up and two steps back, more like two steps up and one step back.  But it did inspire my Hindsight 2020: Limit the Backsliding.  OK, so now I know what I had presumed and what am I gonna do about it.  Well, went swimming again, 5th time in the last three weeks and I have a 6th on the horizon.  1 swim the first week, 2 the second, and 3 the third and more laps and aqua jog each time.  So, I am dedicated to stop the backsliding and resuming the progress again.  I think we all should find something in our lives that is backsliding a bit (health, physical and/or mental, family relations, work stuff, no matter what, you get to choose), and let'...

So, I have to admit that, on the 218th day of 2020, I let stress get the best of me in the afternoon.  It's been a long week (and it's only Wednesday) and I was frustrated and a bit demoralized on 8/5/2020.  But, I spoke with a few valued colleagues, had dinner with my family, and went to Alexa and Anna's softball game (WIN!)  And, tomorrow I get to swim again!  my 2020 Hindsight is BREATHE!  I needed to stop, chill, think, and refocus today.  Breathing always helps.  Innnnnnn and Ouuuuuut.....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCmsZUN4r_s

We were working towards a time sensitive deadline in the evening of the 217th day of 2020.  Partially because we found some major issues at the last minute and, partially, because I decided I needed, on 8/4/2020, to keep my reservation in the pool swim lane more than ever today.  And, I got to the gym JUST in time for my swim time, and I rushed home and got the project in JUST in time.  My 2020 Hindsight is, thus, In the Nick of Time.  It's not how I want to live my everyday life.  But, tonight, it was kind of exhilarating to get it done at the last minute.  Don't want to make a habit of it, though.

It was sunny most of the 215th day of 2020.  But, on 8/3/2020, I kept getting alerts on my phone, on the Alexa, in my email, about the impending tropical storm that is due to blow through the area tomorrow.  And I know it will rain a lot, and the wind will howl, and we might even lose power (oh, gee, I hope not) or Internet (which is a pain, even bigger when we are working from home).  But, for some reason, I have peace and calm as I finish up my emails and close my laptop and head to bed.  My 2020 Hindsight is shelter from the storm.  I feel that I have it.  And I feel very blessed to feel that way.  And to have my home, and my family, and my friends who provide that shelter and sheltering feelings.  I hope that, especially tomorrow, we call can find shelter from the storm.  Not only the rain and the wind, but also the pandemic and the politics.  We all could use a little shelter.   And, just because I was feeling like some mu...

Well the 215th day of 2020 was also the 1st Sunday in August.  So, that means, on 8/2/2020, American Family Day was celebrated.  And, appropriately, I spent a ton of time with my American Family.  Both the ones I live with, and the ones, in California, with whom I communicated (and laughed harder than usual) with all day.  And even members of our Church Family with whom we were able to spend some socially distanced time in person.  It made me realize my 2020 Hindsight for tonight.  Family First!  If I have learned nothing over the past few years, with all that has gone on in my life and in the world, I have learned that family is the most important thing.  And I cherish every moment I have with each part of it.

8/1/2020 was the birthday of my best friend, Koob.  And I was not able to see him on the 214th day of 2020.  Any other birthday on a Saturday and we would have been at a raucous picnic at his house and smiling, and laughing and joking.  But, it's Covid.  So there was a virtual event that we could not attend, but I thought about my pal all day.  There is not a kinder person on this planet than my good friend Koob.  And so, tonight, my 2020 Hindsight is the Big Koobowski.  I hope your birthday was amazing and that you had a White Russian toast, Dude!  Can't wait until life returns to normal and we can hang out like old times (good times, good times!)