January 31, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Backwards Day – my kids do this already. They wear their clothes backwards, walk backwards and even talk backwards whenever they feel like being really silly.

Inspire Your Heart With Art Day – A day to celebrate the effect of art on your heart. Why not make your own art today?

Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day – Do you receive Social Security? Well, today you should appreciate it. Not that you don't anyway, after all you probably paid into it for years and years. Nonetheless today you should be conscious of that appreciation.

Today you can celebrate by walking backwards through an art museum. Make sure you stop in the gift shop to buy something with the money from your social security check.

January 30, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Croissant Day – Flaky, buttery, melt in your mouth goodness.

National Inane Answering Message Day – I think this is a made up day as I couldn't find any source for it. What information I could find suggests that it is a day to get rid of the inane messages left on your answering machine, but I think it would be more fun to call all your friends and leave inane messages on their answering machines so they will be sure to have something to delete.

National Escape Day – I think we all need a day like this. So take advantage of it. Whether you escape to the Virgin Islands or to a stall in a public bathroom. Do what you have to do to get some time and space to yourself today to decompress a little.

Today you can celebrate with a croissant, a telephone and a little privacy. I'll leave it up to you what you do with it all.

January 29, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Corn Chip Day – Well, I generally try to avoid these because I love them so much but they are so bad for my hips.

National Puzzle Day – There are all kinds of different puzzles out there to enjoy. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, number puzzles like Sudoku, word puzzles. I plan to enjoy as many of these today as I can.

Curmudgeons Day – This is the birthday of W.C. Fields, our most famous and loved curmudgeon.

Freethinkers Day also known as Thomas Paine Day – A very important man to our country. He helped to shape our country before, during and after the American Revolution. This is his birthday.

Seeing Eye Dog Day – On this day in 1929, Seeing Eye, Inc was founded. Seeing eye dogs are so important to helping the visually impaired maintain their independence. If you have a seeing eye dog, maybe you could give him/her an extra treat and belly rub today. http://www.seeingeye.org/aboutus/default.aspx?M_ID=472

Today you can celebrate by eating corn chips (just make sure you don't do what I will want to do and eat the whole bag) while you work on the puzzle of your choice. Make sure you watch a W.C. Fields film and imitate his curmudgeonly ways. Perhaps you can use that free thinking part of your brain to help our country figure a way out of its' troubles. If you do, be sure you share with your congressman or woman. Then, go out and search until you find someone with a seeing eye dog and give the dog's owner a treat for his/her dog.

January 28, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Blueberry Pancake Day – One of my favorite things to have for breakfast.

National Kazoo Day – Celebrating 163 years of kazooing. Kazooists are nothing if not flexible so they say you can celebrate today or any other day that's convenient. http://www.nationalkazooday.com/

Data Privacy Day – An international holiday that raises awareness of data privacy issues and promotes data privacy education.

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day – This is always on the last Monday in January. If you are a bubble wrap aficionado, you already knew this was coming and you stocked up. If not, let me tell you, go to the store, find some bubble wrap and let the festivities begin. You know how you always joked about wrapping the kids in bubble wrap. Well, today you can do it along with everything else you can think of.

Thank A Plugin Developer Day – This is a relatively new day declared by Matt Mullenweg when the WordPress repository passed it's 4,000^th plugin. It is now an official WordPress holiday because where would WordPress be without the hard work of it's plugin developers.

Clash Day – Now THIS is my kind of day. I can clash my clothes without even trying. Today I don't have to ask my husband or children if I look good enough to be seen with them. Today, we can all wear our favorite pieces of clothing and not have to worry whether the tops go with the bottoms or the scarf is the right color.

For today's celebrations start the day with a clashing outfit, some blueberry pancakes for breakfast, and check your computer for data privacy issues. Then run out to the store for some bubble wrap, see if you can find a plugin developer so you can thank them, then run home and get busy bubble wrapping anything you want to bubble wrap. The remainder can be put on the floor for you to dance on while you play your favorite songs on the kazoo.

January 27, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Punch The Clock Day – Do you punch a time card to track your hours at work? Does anyone still punch a time card? Maybe it's outdated technology now. I remember when I was younger I worked at a job where I had to punch a clock when I got to work, at the beginning and end of every break and at the end of my shift every day and this is a day to remember jobs such as that one.

National Chocolate Cake Day – I don't think this day needs any explanation. If you like chocolate cake, today is your day!

Thomas Crapper Day – This is the anniversary of the death of Thomas Crapper in 1910. While he did not invent the flush toilet, he did increase it's popularity and usefulness by inventing various devices to make it work better like the ballcock (that floating device that stops the water flowing when the water gets to the right height in the tank).

Aushwitz Liberation Day – On this day in 1945, the Soviet Army liberated Aushwitz (a concentration, extermination and forced labor camp) and its' remaining 7,000 prisoners. Most of whom were very ill and dying which is why they were not included in the 60,000 prisoners who were forced to march to Wodzislaw ahead of the Soviet invasion. http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/auschwitz/

Holocaust Memorial Day – Today is a day to remember the millions of people who were murdered in the Holocaust. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/resources/h/holocaustmemorialday.asp

International Day Of Commemoration In Memory Of the Victims Of The Holocaust – The UN designated this day in 2005. I'm not sure why they waited so long, this should have been done years ago. http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/ihrd/comment_post.php

Vietnam Peace Day – On this day in 1973, the Vietnam Peace Agreement was signed.

World Leprosy Day – Leprosy is still a serious disease in places like Vietnam, China and India among others (incidentally, it does not cause body parts to fall off). It is treatable but the social stigma associated with the disease prevents many from reporting it and having the treatment.

Celebrations today should be more solemn than silly. This would be a good day to talk to your children about the Holocaust in an age appropriate way. Also a good day to track down a Vietnam Vet and thank them for their service and their sacrifices. We don't have much leprosy here in the States, but perhaps you will feel moved to donate to a charity that supports leprosy treatment in other countries.  If, after all that, you need a little silly in your day, you could sit on a crapper while you eat chocolate cake and reminisce nostalgically about your time clock punching days.  Try this recipe suggested by my friend Stacey: http://bit.ly/VcChIf
 

January 26, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Peanut Brittle Day – if you like brittle peanuts, this is the day for you.

National Pistachio Day – Pistachio's don't last long in this house, almost all of us love them. Make sure you stock up if you have a similar situation.

Spouse's Day – You know about Valentine's Day, but did you ever hear of Spouse's Day. It's not a day for giving gifts. No, this day is better. It's a day that's all about spending time with your spouse and enjoying each other.

Lotus 1-2-3 Day – in 1983, Lotus began selling it's spreadsheet program for Microsoft DOS called 1-2-3. Catchy name, wasn't it? Does it make me really old if I admit that I used it....a lot.

Toad Hollow Day Of Encouragement – everyone needs a little encouragement now and then. Well this is the day to give it and get it back.

Celebrating today's events is going to be easy. Get a spreadsheet program up and running...I'll give you a pass on using Lotus 1-2-3, since I think there's very little chance that you could find it...and use it to plan your special day with your spouse. Nothing too expensive is required, it just has to be meaningful. Make sure you get some pistachio's and peanut brittle to share and give each other plenty of encouragement.

January 25, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Irish Coffee Day – whiskey, coffee, sugar and cream are the necessities of life if you wish to make the perfect cup of Irish coffee. http://www.irishcentral.com/news/-National-Irish-Coffee-Day--how-do-you-make-the-perfect-Irish-cocktail--137790618.html

Opposite Day – Another day that I can't seem to find agreement on. Some think it's celebrated on January 7^th, others say it is on January 24^th, and still others name today. I think they are just being contrary. But if you choose to celebrate it today, say exactly what you don't mean and don't do exactly what you mean to do.

Fun At Work Day – There is more controversy for this fun filled event. Some say it's today, others say it's on Jan. 28^th, or 29^th, or April 1^st. The April 1^st idea is probably an April Fool's attempt to get out of working. But today you have a legitimate reason to get out of working at work so have some fun today.

Macintosh Computer Day – As far as I can determine, today in 1984, the Macintosh computer was introduced...so all you geeky Mac users rejoice today.

National Pre-school Fitness Day – Always on the last Friday of January, you can't start fitness practices early enough. Get those little arms lifting those weights, take them jogging with you, train them to swim a couple of miles. They're little but strong, they can do it! Right after their afternoon snooze.

Tu B'shuvat – This evening is the beginning of this special day on the Jewish Calendar. It's the start of a New Year For Trees. It falls on a different day every year but is always around this time of year. It ends at sunset tomorrow.

To celebrate today, start out by giving your preschooler a good, long, hard workout, then pick them up at day care and put in a long, hard day's work on your computer making sure you do not joke around and play games. After work you can not go home, dump some Irish Coffee down the sink and go on out and cut down a tree.

January 24, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Peanut Butter Day – it is believed probable that the first people to crush peanuts into a paste were the Aztecs. Peanut paste was turned into more of a peanut buttery type substance similar to the peanut butter we know and love today in the 1890's with various patents. One of which was by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg who served it to his patients at his Battle Creek Sanitarium.

National Beer Can Appreciation Day – on this day in 1935, the first beers were served in cans and the rest is history.

National Compliment Day – one of the easiest days you will ever celebrate. Simply compliment everyone you can today.

National Eskimo Pie Patent Day – Christian Kent Nelson invented the I-Scream-Bar somewhere around 1920. His inspiration was supposedly seeing a child trying to decide between buying ice cream or candy because he didn't have enough money for both. It was renamed the Eskimo Pie shortly after he received his patent on this day in 1920 or 1921.

Global Belly Laugh Day - Small chuckles and little teehee's will not do today. Today is a day for big, from your stomach, belly laughs. Join the belly laugh bounced around the world today at 1:24pm here on the East Coast. http://www.bellylaughday.com/

Talk Like A Grizzled Prospector Day – if you thought Talk Like A Pirate Day was fun, here's another one for you. First, ya gots ta figger out a name fer yerself. Sumthin grizzly like Cactus Pete. Today back there in '48, James Marshall found himself the first great big ol' nugget up there at Sutter's Mill.

Women's Healthy Weight Day – A healthy weight is different for everyone. So today we honor women of all shapes and sizes who strive to be a healthy weight no matter what that number on the scale happens to be.

You can celebrate today with a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich, along with a can of beer to drink, and an eskimo pie for desert, then offer compliments to your chef while sharing a great big belly laugh (at 1:24pm). All of the above must be ordered as if you were a grizzled prospector and the rest of your day should be spent exercising and eating fruit and vegetables to maintain a healthy weight.

January 23, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Pie Day – According to some sources, this is to be celebrated on December 1^st. I cannot determine which date is the correct one but the majority of the sites consider it to be today. Whether it is today or not, you really can't go wrong by having a nice piece of pie today anyway.

National Handwriting Day – celebrated on John Hancock's 276^th birthday, this is a day to focus on your writing skills and how readable they are. Do you write sloppily so that no one can read it or do you write so tiny that people need a magnifying glass? Maybe you write with big loopy letters? What does your handwriting say about you? Today is the day to find out.

Measure Your Feet Day – do any of us really know exactly how big our feet are? I know that mine are larger than they were before I had children. If you know your foot measurements you'll be all set the next time you want to fit your feet into anything like those cute boots at the shoe store or those roller skates at the rink your children pester you into taking them to.

Your day won't be too busy today, not to worry. This morning you can measure your feet, then let your feet take you to a bookstore or library to get a book on handwriting analysis so that you and your friends can analyze each other's handwriting over a delicious chicken pot pie.

January 22, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Blonde Brownie Day – If you're not a fan of chocolate, these are the perfect solution for you.

National Answer Your Cat's Question Day – For all those cat lovers out there, your job today is to pay extra attention to what your cat is doing so that you can ascertain when your cat has a question and what it might be. Do they rub your leg or twitch their whiskers just the right way when they want to know something? Every cat is different so pay close attention. Then, do your best to answer the question. For example, your cat might want to ask you, “Why do I have to go to the vet?” or “Why do you freak out when I present you with the gift of a dead mouse?”

Celebration Of Life Day – We have all been given the wonderous gift of life. Some of us have had life altering experiences which cause us to realize just what an incredible gift that is, but today all of us must live life to the fullest, like it is our last chance to do so.

Rid The World Of Fad Diets And Gimmicks Day – This is the day to realize the uselessness of fad diets that don't work long term, sometimes not even short term, along with the gimmicks you can spend tons of money on that don't reduce the weight of anything but your wallet.

Roe vs. Wade Day – This year is the 40^th Anniversary of the famous and controversial decision made by the Supreme Court upholding the right of women to have an abortion.

We can celebrate today by giving our cats, assuming you have any, extra attention and answering any and all questions they have, quitting that fad diet you started for the New Year, making some blonde brownies instead, and do something wild and crazy to live life to the fullest like riding a bronco or bungee jumping or going fishing with your children or simply stopping to watch the sunrise.

January 21, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Martin Luther King Day – The anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That great man who was so important to the Civil Rights Movement and had a profound impact on all people, not just the African-Americans.

National Granola Bar Day – Granola bars were developed in the 1970's when an inventor, possibly Stanley Mason, figured out that by compressing granola with something sticky, like honey, and baking it so it stays together, he can create a portable breakfast.

National Hugging Day – Not everyone is a hugger, so make sure you ask first if you are wanting to hug someone you don't hug on a regular basis. There are different kinds of hugs: the Bear Hug, The Side to Side Hug, the Cheek Hug, the Back to Front Hug and the Heart Centered Hug. Pick the hug that suits the situation and the person and have at it.

Squirrel Appreciation Day – today is a day to appreciate those creatures that many of us consider to be pests. Instead of shooing them off your bird feeders, throw a few nuts out for them. Hey! I said out FOR them, not AT them! Come on, if you look at them the right way, they are kind of cute. Yes they are! If you don't see it, try squinting. The black ones are the cutest, you don't see those too often.

National New England Clam Chowder Day – what a great lunch that would be. Isn't it great when I solve your dilemma about what to eat for lunch today!

Inauguration Day – as mentioned yesterday, since Inauguration Day was on a Sunday this year, the public celebrations and events are happening today.

AFRMA Fancy Rat and Mouse Day – AFRMA stands for the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association and their goal today is to convince you that Fancy Rats and Mice (which are apparently different from regular old rats and mice) would make great pets. My children better not listen.

To celebrate today's events, start out by hugging your family members, eat a granola bar for breakfast and watch the squirrels from the window. Then, spend some time reading about Martin Luther King Jr. and watching the Inauguration (which you set up to record yesterday so you can watch it at your leisure today.), have some New England Clam Chowder for lunch and go to the pet store for a new rat or mouse for your children.

January 20, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Buttercrunch Day – I like chocolate but I'm not a big fan of stuff mixed into it so I'll take a pass on this day. But for all those buttercrunch lovers, here's a recipe for you to try. http://thechefmaven.com/2010/01/national-buttercrunch-day-is-january-20th/

National Cheese Lover's Day – Finally! A day that my husband can get excited about. Cheese predates written history so we're not sure who first started the cheese making process. But there is some speculation that it was begun by Nomadic tribes who carried their milk in animal skins and organs. If milk is carried in an animal stomach, it will turn to curds and whey which doesn't sound appealing, but it's starting to turn into cheese so the nomads probably enjoyed it.

National Penguin Awareness Day – If you live in Sandy, Utah, call up The Living Planet Aquarium. Last year on this day they offered free admission to anyone dressed as a penguin or in black and white from head to toe. Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll do it again this year. The rest of the world will have to make do with watching a Penguin documentary. Several species are endangered due to oil spills, climate changes and eroding habitat. A sad plight for this adorable little animal. Did you know there are fairy penguins who only weigh about 2 pounds as adults?

Camcorder Day – Does anyone still have one of these? They were the latest, most exciting gadget when I was young.

Inauguration Day – Today is the official Inauguration Day, however, since it falls on a Sunday this year, the public swearing in of the President will occur on Monday, January 21.

National Disc Jockey Day – I think that most everyone listens to the radio at some point in their day. Today is the day to call up your favorite disc jockey and tell them how much you appreciate what they do. Where would we be without invisible people speaking to us and playing music for us through little boxes in our cars or bedrooms.

World Religion Day – People of different religions can get along and can even find common ground with their beliefs if they are willing to look for it. Today is a day to promote tolerance of other's beliefs and to find those similarities instead of focusing on the differences.

National Sanctity Of Human Life Day (or Pro-Life Day) is the third Sunday in January. Begun by President Ronald Reagan and continued by both President George H.W. Bush and his son President George W. Bush, this day is meant to celebrate life and discourage abortions. As with anything related to this topic, people either love it or hate it.

To celebrate today you can dress up as a penguin, eat nothing but cheese and buttercrunch all day, find your old camcorder and record everyone you encounter today as you visit as many different religious places of worship as you can fit into the day. At each place you can proclaim your plan to never have an abortion (unless that is not your plan because I wouldn't want you to lie) and you can listen to a variety of DJ's on your radio which you are carrying around with you. You can also program your VCR (see how old I am?) or DVR or other such acronym to record the Inauguration tomorrow.

January 19, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Popcorn Day – today is my daughter's favorite day. She lives on popcorn. Try some fun popcorn related activities with the kids today. Decorate the house with popcorn strings, mix popcorn with different ingredients like chocolate or cinnamon and see what it tastes like. Fill a container with popcorn and guess how many kernels are in it. Have popcorn fights. Your imagination (and tolerance for messes) is your only boundary.

Tin Can Day – the tin can was patented in 1810 by Peter Durand. The can opener was patented by William Lyman in 1870. Hmmmm. Does anyone else see a 60 year problem here?

To celebrate today, fill a tin can with a few dozen unpopped popcorn kernels, put plastic wrap over it and secure with a rubber band. Now shake it and you have a musical instrument that you can use to express your enjoyment of the bowl of popped popcorn that you are eating.

January 18, 2013

Thesaurus Day – Peter Roget was born on this day in 1779. He created (authored, composed, devised, fathered, invented, made) Roget's Thesaurus, which I still use (employ, utilize) periodically (occasionally, sporadically).

National Winnie the Pooh Day – AA Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh was born on this day in 1882. I wonder if he knew that he shared a birthday with Peter Roget.

International Fetish Day – I have absolutely nothing to say about this.

To celebrate (consecrate, dedicate, honor, observe, glorify, exalt) today, try reading (perusing, studying) the thesaurus to the Winnie The Pooh bear you know you have around somewhere.

January 17, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Ditch New Years Resolutions Day – this is a day to give up all those promises you made in the heat of the moment on New Years Eve. You know you were unrealistic about it anyway.

Kid Inventors' Day – Today we honor the birthday of the famous inventor, Benjamin Franklin. Let's get busy kids, use those incredible brains of yours and make something new! http://www.kidinventorsday.com/.

Cable Car Day – if you have access to a Cable Car, take a ride on it today. The rest of us will just have to read about it. http://www.lowfares.com/blog/2011/01/17/cable-car-day-jan-17/

Hot Heads Chili Days (17-18) – this day is so hot, it needs two days to celebrate. Or maybe one day to partake and one day to recover.

Get To Know Your Customers Day or Customer Service Day – without customers, no business could survive. So today is a day to get to know them better so you can serve them better and appreciate them for their desire to give you their business. Yes, even the annoying ones.

Women In Blue Jeans Day (17-18) – celebrates the women of rural America who wear jeans and work boots to work every day.

Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Day – this is a catholic celebration that must be fun to see. I imagine in some parts of the country, the animals that are brought for blessings are more than just cats and dogs.

Judgement Day – a day to prepare yourself for the end of the world, whenever it should come. I am NOT predicting that it will come today!

Rid The World Of Fad Diets And Gimmicks Day – we all know that to lose weight we need to eat reasonable quantities of healthy foods and exercise to the best of our ability. But we still always look for the quick fix. If you eat nothing but grapefruits every day, you will lose weight, but you can't keep that up and the weight will come right back. So ditch all the fads and stick to the good old fashioned way.

This is a busy day, but you can do it! First, wear jeans today, eat healthy and get some exercise, unless that was one of your resolutions that you're ditching. Then visit the Cable Car web site I put up there and take a look at all those cable cars that you can't ride today. Unless you live close by in which case, what are you waiting for? Meditate to prepare mentally for the eventual end of the world, then go out and meet your customers and get to know them better. If you have any animals, take them to the nearest Catholic Church to be blessed today, don't worry about whether or not you're Catholic. And finally, get your kids or your neighbor's kids to invent something before taking them out for some hot, hot, hot chili. Enjoy your day!

January 16, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Fig Newton Day – Created by Charlie Roser, a cookie maker from Ohio, who sold his creation to Kennedy Biscuit Works, which later became Nabisco. In 1891, James Henry Mitchell invented a funnel within a funnel device which allowed the Newton's (as they were originally named after the town of Newton nearby the factory) to become mass produced.

National Nothing Day- interestingly enough, this day was suggested in 1972 by Harold Pullman Coffin, who clearly was tired of celebrating something every day. So today is a day to not celebrate anything. So tough luck if your birthday is today, we are not celebrating it. Of course, when this day falls on Martin Luther King Day or some other holiday that is set to a day of the week instead of a specific number day, we have a conundrum.

International Hot And Spicy Food Day – do you have an international dish that is hot and spicy? If so, today is the day to make it for lunch or dinner.

Appreciate A Dragon Day – Donita K. Paul created this day to promote the release of her book, Dragonspell, in 2004.

Robert E. Lee Day – Robert E. Lee's birthday is today. In some southern states it is a state holiday. Other states combine it with Martin Luther King Day and still others combine it with a day for Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.

To celebrate today you have to make a choice. If you decide to celebrate National Nothing Day, you cannot celebrate anything else. If you decide to celebrate the rest, you cannot celebrate National Nothing Day. I'm sorry, that's just the way it has to be. For those of you in a more celebratory spirit, find or draw some pictures of dragons to color or read a book about dragons while you eat some Fig Newtons. Then tonight while you are eating some hot and spicy foods, watch a Civil War documentary and learn more about Robert E. Lee than you ever wanted to know.

January 15, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day – My son's favorite ice cream! I guess I'll just have to get him some.

National Hat Day – you know that crazy hat you used to love way back when. Drag it out of the closet and show it off today, you might want to brush off the cobwebs first, it's not Spooky Hat Day after all. It's early in the year yet, maybe we'll see that one in October.

Humanitarian Day – Martin Luther King's birthday and the first of three Emancipation Days of Respect which honor the memory of Martin Luther King by promoting respect, unity and remembrance.

To consolidate your celebrations today try wearing a hat while eating Strawberry ice cream and reading a book about Martin Luther King's life.

January 14, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day – Well, this is good. Now you don't have to worry about what you're having for lunch today. Here it is.

National Dress Up Your Pet Day – this is a relatively new day. Created in 2009 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige, it is a day to have fun with your pet. The pet experts do ask that you not dress your pet in anything they might find uncomfortable. Which is funny to me since I think that pets would find any kind of clothing uncomfortable.

Cesarean Section Day – cesarean sections have been performed throughout history as a last ditch effort to save a baby. Historically, the mothers were always either already dead or died shortly after. In the 1500's the first recorded survival of both mother and baby occurred. But it wasn't until the 19^th century that women were considered to have a fighting chance of survival. On March 5^th, 2000, Inez Ramirez performed a c-section on herself and both she and her son survived. So far as we know, she is the only woman to ever perform a successful c-section on herself.

National Clean Off Your Desk Day – Ok people, time to be honest. Is your desk a mess? It is time for some serious spring cleaning and since spring is still a couple of months away you better get started today.

Organize Your Home Day – and what a coincidence! It is also time to organize your home today! Wow! You've got a lot to do in only one day. Better get busy. Come to think of it, I'd better get busy too!

Ratification Day – today in 1784, the Treaty of Paris was ratified at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland by the Confederation Congress. This act officially ended the American Revolution and established the United States of America as an independent entity separate from England.

To celebrate all these things today, take your well dressed pet to the park, after stopping to pick up a hot pastrami sandwich for lunch. Then call your mother, wife, sister or friend, whoever you can think of who had a cesarean, and let them know that you're glad they survived. Then it's cleaning time, clean up your desk at work and then go home and organize that house. You know you want to, you just needed the excuse to get started. Then, before your kids go to bed, explain to them all about Ratification Day.  They'll be fascinated.  Especially if it delays their bed time.

January 13, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Peach Melba Day – Invented by the great French chef, Auguste Escoffier, in 1892 at the Savoy Hotel and named for the famous Australian Soprano, Dame Nellie Melba, this yummy dessert combines peaches, raspberries and vanilla ice cream.

Make Your Dream Come True Day – We all have dreams and today is the day to work toward making them come true. Do you dream about becoming an actress? Audition for a local theater group today. Do you dream about becoming a writer? Work on your Great American Novel today. Whatever it is you dream about, take steps to make it come true.

National Rubber Ducky Day – Rubber Duckie you're the one! You make bath time lots of fun! Rubber Duckie I'm awfully fond of you! Today is Ernie's rubber duckie's birthday.

Public Radio Broadcasting Day – Today in 1910 was the first public radio broadcast. One of the few places in this world where you can listen to something without having to endure commercials.

Stephen Foster Memorial Day – I wonder how many of you know who Stephen Foster was? He was a songwriter in the 19^th century who wrote "Oh Suzanna!", among other songs you've probably heard of.

To consolidate celebrations today, sing a round of "Oh, Suzanna!", do something to make your dreams become reality, listen to public radio, make some peach melba for dessert, and take a bubble bath with your rubber ducky.  Go on, you know you want to.

January 12, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Marzipan Day – Marzipan is used by pastry chefs to decorate cakes.

Feast Of Fabulous Wild Men Day – I can't find a source for this holiday so I think that you can do with it whatever strikes you fancy. Let your imagination run wild as long as you stay within the confines of the law.

National Pharmacist Day – Where would we be without Pharmacists? I have one in the family and he is absolutely indespensible. You can ask them anything about medications and if they don't know the answer off the top of their heads, they have the answer at their fingertips.

Stick To Your New Year's Resolution Day – Be determined! Be resolute! You will stick to your resolutions whatever they are! You are strong! Ignore temptations to be lazy and cave to the easy road.! You can do it!

You have an easy celebration day today. Make a cake with marzipan decorations, have some wild fun with your hubby if you have one, if you don't and you want one, I'll leave it to your imagination on how to handle this day, Call your pharmacist with any questions you dream up regarding your medications and stay firm to your New Year's resolutions, whatever they may be.

January 11, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Step In A Puddle And Splash Your Friend Day – I don't know where this day came from and I don't care. Watch out for those puddles because I'm right behind you!

Milk Day – On this day in 1878, milk was delivered in bottles for the first time. Not something I ever really thought about before but now I wonder how people got milk before then. Did someone wander the neighborhood with their cow filling pails for whoever asked?

Cigarettes Are Hazardous To Your Health Day – I know that this will come as a shock to some of you but I assure you that it is true. So quit today and start on a new and healthier you.

Learn Your Name In Morse Code Day – Use the translator on this web site: http://www.glassgiant.com/geek/morse/ and have fun tapping it out to your co-workers.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – It's hard to think about things like this sometimes but tragically it is true that in this day and age people are still bought and sold like commodities. And I do not like to even try to contemplate the way they are mistreated as if their lives have no meaning. All life is precious and everyone deserves to be loved and treasured by someone.

International Thank You Day – Today is a day to appreciate everyone in your life, even someone who usually annoys you. Make sure you take the time to thank everyone for something today. Just think, maybe you'll start a trend that will spread around the world.

Secret Pal Day – Shhh! Don't tell anyone that you are the one who left that cute little gift on your friend's desk at work.

We have a busy day today. We have to contemplate the value of human life, quit smoking, drink a glass of milk, learn your name in Morse Code, thank everyone for everything, and leave a secret gift for a friend. That last one is especially important because after all you need to cheer them up after you jumped in a puddle and splashed them. It's the only decent thing to do.  Have a surprising day today!

January 10, 2013

Today we celebrate:
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day – Yes, I know that not everyone likes chocolate. But I think those people are in the minority.  If you are not one of them, rejoice with some chocolate today.

Peculiar People Day – I'm sure that someone knows how this day came about, but I couldn't find them. It's just plain peculiar. Kind of like some people I know.

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day – Today is the day to spend some time figuring out how to save some money on energy. And when you figure it out, please share your secrets with the rest of us.

League Of Nations Day – On this day in 1920 the League of Nations came into being. I didn't know there was a League of Nations. Is it anything like the Justice League?

So while you are studying ways to cut your energy costs and pondering the peculiar people in your life in general and the League of Nations in particular, make sure you have some bittersweet chocolate.  Have a fabulous day today!

January 9, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Apricot Day – Apricots are one of my daughter's favorite fruits. Full of Vitamin A and beta-carotene, they are a delicious and nutritious option if you get tired of peaches. Of course, my other daughter wouldn't touch them if you paid her.

Play God Day – This is meant to be a day where you are inspired to do something good for someone else, but people on the web seem to be wary of well meaning interference that causes more problems than it solves so be cautious of your choice of good deed.

National Static Electricity Day – We've all experienced static electricity. Well today you can show your kids how static electricity will make balloons stick to walls. This Bill Nye the Science Guy video will help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-77IzaXGcg

Balloon Ascension Day – Dig out that hot air balloon you've been keeping in the closet. Today is the day to blow it up and take a ride. This day in 1793 was apparently the first recorded trip in a hot air balloon by Jean Pierre Blanchard and was witnessed by General George Washington.

So after playing by charging small balloons with static electricity and sticking them to the walls, get out that big balloon and go for a ride. You can fly low and toss apricots to all the cheering kids for your good deed.

January 8, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National English Toffee Day – did you know that toffee is mostly sugar and water, so it must be easy to make. Here's a recipe if you want to give it a try today. http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/816/Simple-English-Toffee131672.shtml

Bubble Bath Day – I haven't had a bubble bath in years but today is a great day to relax in a warm tub full of bubbles with a glass of wine on the sitting next to you. Maybe play a little music and burn a little incense if you like. Just make sure you don't fall asleep.

National Male Watcher's Day – Today the women have permission to turn the tables on the men and publicly admire any man you find to be attractive. So ogle to your hearts content.

Show And Tell At Work Day – Why should Kindergarteners have all the fun? Find something interesting that you have done and show and tell your boss and/or coworkers today.

Argyle Day – Argyle, for those who are not aware, is a pattern of colored diamond shaped blocks on clothing. Don't feel bad, I had to look up the explanation, too. Fashion is not my forte. But today is the day to find something argyle hiding in your closet and wear it for all to see.

Earth's Rotation Day – Obviously the earth rotates every day, but for some reason, whoever created this day decided we needed to be reminded of that fact.

Midwife's Day or Women's Day – This is a Greek holiday, but I like it and I think it should be celebrated here too! On this day, women in Greece stop doing housework and instead spend time in cafe's socializing while their husbands do the housework and take care of the kids. The web site I found said that in some villages, men that are found outside are drenched with cold water.

War On Poverty Day – On this day in 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared war on poverty during his State of the Union address. His policies resulted in increasing support for Roosevelt's policies from decades before as well as starting new welfare programs.

Well, to consolidate celebrations today, clearly you need to wear something in an Argyle pattern, be aware of the rotation of the earth and not complain about welfare. That's easy for some of us, hard for others. Then we can do a little show and tell presentation at work (if you work at home, show and tell with your spouse and/or children and/or animals) using the toffee that you made that morning as your exhibit, make sure you go out for lunch so you can ogle the men in the area. If you're Greek, you can come home to a clean house with happy and well cared for children, courtesy of your husband, and you can wrap it all up with a luxurious soak in a relaxing bubble bath. Have fun!

January 7, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Tempura Day – Everything tastes better dipped in a flour and water batter and deep fried. This is a popular Japanese dish that originally came to them via Portuguese traders and missionaries.

National Old Rock Day – Today is a day for finding, excavating, or just appreciating old rocks of all kinds, including fossils and gemstones. For the adventurous among you, there are lots of rock related activities for adults and children that I found on this web site: http://www.altiusdirectory.com/Society/old-rock-day.php for the less adventurous and naughty among you, simply pull out that coal that Santa left in your stocking and admire it for a while.

I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore Day – Today is a day of action. Whatever it is that upsets you...your job, your hair, your weight, your love life, your children leaving their shoes and coats right in the doorway as they come in....today is the day to fix it. Look for a new job, get a new hair cut, go to the gym and start a diet, kick the bozo to the curb and go out and find a new bozo, tell your children you will charge them $10 every time you step on one of their shoes. Whatever it is that is making you crazy....find a way to fix it!

Harlem Globetrotter's Day – On this day in 1927, the Harlem Globetrotter's played their first game. That first season they won 101 out of 117 games. For more fascinating information of this team named after Harlem in NYC see: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/harlem-globetrotters-play-their-first-game

Orthodox Christmas – Orthodox Christians, working from the Gregorian calendar, celebrate Christmas today. Those of us who celebrate on December 25 are using the Julian calendar, which supposedly predates the Gregorian calendar but I don't know anyone old enough to verify that information.

So to consolidate your celebrations you can sing Christmas carols while you dig a hole in the back yard with your kids looking for rocks. Then line up your treasures to admire on table in front of you while you watch an old Harlem Globetrotter's cartoon. For dinner, since you can't stand cooking for ungrateful people who don't like anything you make anyway, fix it by going out to dinner at a Japanese place that makes good tempura with your spouse and children who will be very nice to you because they don't want to be kicked to the curb for making you crazy.  Have a wonderful day today!

January 6, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Shortbread Day – traditionally a Scottish dish based on biscuit bread...feel free to try this one http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/How-To-Make-Shortbread.aspx.

Cuddle Up Day – find someone to cozy up with. If you can't find a willing person, try an animal (tame and domesticated preferably). If you can't find a willing live animal, try a stuffed one. If all else fails, you can borrow my dog, he'd be very happy to cuddle with you.

Three Kings Day or Epiphany or Twelfth Night – The twelve days of Christmas began on Christmas day and end today with the Feast of Epiphany which is also called “The Adoration of the Magi”. Magi is a fancy name for Wise Men (or kings) of which there were three who went to visit baby Jesus, hence the Three Kings Day. So although they seem like they should be separate celebrations, they are really all the same.

Apple Tree Day – if you google Apple Tree Day you will find a whole lot of day care centers. But that is not really what this day is about. Today is a day to celebrate apple trees, and since it's not a good time of year to plant an apple tree, a great way to do that would be to make an apple pie. But that's just my opinion.

National Bean Day – there are beans in all different shapes, sizes and colors. You can cook with them or craft with them or even make musical instruments with them. I see where your mind went just now, and that's just stinky and not at all what I meant.

A great way to celebrate everything today would be to make an apple cobbler with a shortbread cobbled on top, make some bean soup, cuddle up on the couch with the honey of your choice and watch Twelfth Night. Have a great day!

January 5, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Whipped Cream Day – today is the birthday of Aaron Soffer “Bunny” Lapin (do not ask me who gave him that nickname) the founder of Reddi-wip. He was the first one to think of putting whipped cream into an aerosol can, and I'm sure we are all grateful to him. Although some consider this holiday to be insensitive and in bad taste given the state of hunger and malnutrition in the world.

National Bird Day...nearly one-third of the world's parrot species face extinction along with 12 percent of the world's nearly 10,000 bird species. Find a lot of other fascinating information on their website. http://www.nationalbirdday.com/

This one is easy, squirt yourself a bowl of whipped cream (you can put it on something, anything, if you object to eating it all by itself.) and stand at the window with some binoculars and do a little bird watching today.

January 4, 2013

National Spaghetti Day...Italian restaurants everywhere are making pots and pots of this delectable dish today.

Trivia Day...do you know what the little dot above the “i” is called? It's called a tittle. Today is the day to entertain and/or annoy everyone around you with little known facts we like to call trivia.

Dimpled Chad Day...I didn't know what this was either, but I found out. A chad is a small piece of paper that is supposed to be removed when a hole is punched in paper or a card. A dimpled chad is a chad that has been punched but is still attached. This is a problem in some voting areas like Florida that use machines that punch chads for votes, if they do not work perfectly, dimpled chads can be contested. I guess it's kind of perfect that this day is on the same day as Trivia Day.

Pop Music Chart Day...when did you last think to check the pop charts? If you're like me, never! But then, I didn't know there was a day devoted to doing just that, so maybe I'll look and see what I've been missing.

Tom Thumb Day...Another piece of trivia...General Tom Thumb was the stage name of Charles Sherwood Stratton, a dwarf born today in 1838, who became famous due to his work at P.T. Barnum's circus.

World Braille Day...today is the birthday of Louis Braille, the Frenchman who invented a way to open the world of reading to the blind.

World Hypnotism Day...you are getting sleepy...very sleepy...zzzz Hmmm, be careful with this, I don't think it's good form for the hypnotist to hypnotize him/herself. http://www.worldhypnotismday.com/

So to consolidate your celebrations, peruse the pop charts to find some good music to play while you play Trivial Pursuit with your family (make sure you incorporate some shorter stature players – your children or borrowed children will do) while eating spaghetti. You'll have to get a Braille version so you can close your eyes to read the questions and make sure you punch some dimpled chads into the cards as you go, so you know which cards you have used, and work on hypnotizing your opponents so you can be sure to win. 

January 3, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Fruitcake Toss Day...remember that fruitcake you made back in December on National Fruitcake Day? Well today it has aged sufficiently (let's face it, no one ever actually eats it) and served it's purpose of providing holiday cheer so go ahead and toss it. Just make sure you don't hit anyone because that would probably knock someone out cold.

Humiliation Day...before you say “YES!” and go off to humiliate your most annoying sibling or co-worker, stop and take a breath because this is a day that is focused on YOUR humility, not theirs. Be meek and not prideful today. C.S. Lewis said,” Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”

Momento Mori “Remember You Will Die” Day...I can't find the source of this holiday but I did find that it's not meant to be a depressing day. Live it up today because you never know when your last day will be so rejoice that it's not today and don't put anything off until tomorrow because someday tomorrow won't be coming.

National Drinking Straw Day...on this day in 1888, the first paper drinking straw was invented. The first straw was made out of dry, hollow, rye grass which oddly made all drinks taste faintly like grass. So this new invention was a big hit.

J.R.R. Tolkien Day...on this day in 1892 J.R.R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The Tolkien Society invites Tolkien Fans around the world to join in a toast to Mr. Tolkien. So at 9pm California time (midnight for you East Coast fans) lift a glass of some type of drink and say “The Professor”, then take a sip of your beverage and get to bed. What on earth are you thinking staying up so late on a work/school night!

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day...Chocolate and Cherry fans around the world, rejoice!

Festival Of Sleep Day...I put this one last because you're not going to want to read any more. You're going to want to just go and crawl back into bed whether it's for a few minutes or a few hours. Whatever you have time for, use it to catch up on all the sleep you lost over the holidays. Today, you're allowed!

So when you wake back up from your Festival of Sleep, have a chocolate covered cherry, and a drink using a straw, read a little Tolkien and contemplate your mortality and ways to display your humbleness, then live it up by going out to toss that fruitcake, remembering to avoid other people or animals.  Have a fabulous day today!

January 2, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Science Fiction Day... this day coincides with Isaac Asimov's birthday. He was, of course, one of science fiction's greatest authors. - http://www.sciencefictionfantasyhorror.com/article.mgi2?article=science-fiction-day-2006

National Run Up The Flagpole And See If Anyone Salutes It Day... a cliche from the 1950's and 60's meaning present an idea and see who likes it. Find a way to sneak it into a conversation today and see if anyone notices.

Earth at Perihelion ...the point at which the earth is closer to the sun than at any other point in the year. Depending on where you live, this may have happened yesterday. Here on the east coast it happened at midnight which technically is today but you missed it anyway because I don't post this at midnight, so sorry. I was sleeping through it just like you, and it doesn't even matter because it is darn cold outside and if we are that close to the sun it shouldn't be that cold outside! Don't talk to me about axis tilting and the angle of the suns rays, I don't want to hear it. - http://earthsky.org/tonight/earth-comes-closest-to-sun-every-year-in-early-january

55-MPH Speed Limit Day...back in 1973 we had an oil crisis so Nixon signed a law making it illegal to go more than 55 mph in an effort to save oil. Well, it saved a little bit, but mostly people ignored the law so it didn't work too well.

National Buffet Day and

National Cream Puff Day...we'll start the diet tomorrow.

National Motivation And Inspiration Day... darn it! Ok, we'll start the diet after lunch.

National Personal Trainer Awareness Day...these people are very important to your diet and exercise resolutions and they will be very busy for the next two months so be aware that they are there, but don't attempt to talk to them, they have too many people to help and not enough hours in the day.

So, to consolidate your celebrations you can grab your boss, toss him in the car, bask in the nearness of the sun (shiver) while you drive 55 mph to go visit the buffet at lunch today, pitch your latest crazy idea to your boss over lunch, make sure you have a cream puff for desert, then drop your boss back off at work, assuming you still have a job to go back to, if not, leave your boss at the buffet. After work, stop at the gym, identify who the personal trainers are, then hop on the treadmill with your favorite science fiction book to distract you from not being able to breathe. A perfect day!

January 1, 2013

Welcome to my very first blog.  Many people have suggested that I post the celebrations of the day here instead of just posting them to Facebook so I decided to give it a try and see how it goes.  Please let me know what you think, good or bad, so I can decide whether or not to keep this up.

 

Today, the first day of the year 2013, we celebrate a whole lot of crazy days:

There's New Year's Day, of course

New Year's Dishonor List Day...every year at this time Lake Superior State University in Michigan produces a list of overused words that should be stricken from the English Language.

National Bloody Mary Day...you might want to make yours non-alcoholic if you are not feeling too well today after your celebrations last night.

National First Foot Day...this was originally a Scottish tradition (or so I read) the first person to visit your home after the New Year begins is called the First Footer, and he/she must bring gifts. A lump of coal for good luck, a coin for happiness and wealth, and a drink of whiskey for the host.

Copyright Law Day

Ellis Island Day

Euro Day

Global Family Day...around the world this is a global day of peace and sharing. It is a day where we share food with friends and the needy and make personal pledges of nonviolence and spread a message of peace and sharing by ringing bells and/or beating drums in hopes of making society and the world a safer place to live.

Mummer's Parade...held every year in Philadelphia, PA...thought to be the oldest folk festival in America.

Polar Bear Plunge or Swim Day...for people who are just slightly insane (my own personal opinion).

Saint Basil's Day...one of the forefather's of the Greek Orthodox Church, known for his kindness and generosity.

Z Day...this is an odd holiday that my son, Zach, will enjoy as it involves letting people with a last name beginning with Z be first in line for the day.

Rose Bowl Game

Tournament of Roses Parade Day...we'll be watching, will you?

 

Now so you don't get scared off and think that everyday is as crazy as this one, let me tell you that some days we only celebrate one or two events and some days more.  I imagine there has to be at least a few days where there is nothing to celebrate, but I haven't encountered them yet so I'm not sure.  Some days I try to help you out with your celebration schedule and suggest ways you can consolidate or link together some of the celebrating such as going to Ellis Island to take part in your Polar Bear Plunge and have a Bloody Mary ready and waiting for you when you get out to get your blood flowing again.  However, on a day like today, I think that would be exceedingly difficult to accomplish that with all of the items on the list.  But I am always open to clean and fun suggestions

Enjoy your day!