February 28, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Floral Design Day – These can be as complicated or simple as you wish. Flowers bring beauty into our homes and I hear that designing arrangements isn't as difficult as I think it is. It just takes some creativity and color coordinating skills (alas, that's where I fail). http://www.floralschool.com/floral-design-day.htm

National Chili Day again– Who doesn't like Chili? I hope you do since you just had some a few days ago on the 25^th. Some say this is celebrated on the 25^th every year and some say it is the 4^th Thursday in February, which would change the day every year. One thing is sure, this is definitely a cold weather worthy meal.  You can make turkey chili, beef chili, veggie chili and any other kind of variation you can dream up. http://www.nationalchiliday.com/

National Tooth Fairy Day – Once again we have a discrepancy here as some believe that the Tooth Fairy should be celebrated today and others believe that celebration should take place on August 22^nd. Well, the Tooth Fairy works incredibly hard, if you think about it. Do you have any idea how many children lose a tooth every day? Way too many for me to think about. So maybe she should have two days to celebrate. Let's all do her a favor today and not lose any teeth so maybe she can have a day of rest today.

 





Rare Disease Day – This is a day to spread awareness of rare diseases, NOT a day to acquire one for yourself so don't be nervous. Instead, learn about some of the diseases that are out there and if you feel so moved, contribute to funding to find a cure for them. http://rarediseaseday.us/

National Public Sleeping Day – We've all seen people fall asleep on a bus or train or at the public library or even at their desk at work. Well, today you can join them without having to feel embarrassed about it. Sweet dreams!

National Chocolate Souffle Day – A fluffy, chocolatey, piece of heaven.

To celebrate today, check your teeth to make sure none of them are loose, then go to the library to research some rare diseases and have a nap. For lunch, wake up with some chili, the hotter the better, and check your teeth again. Then go to the local flower shop and admire their floral designs. You can even buy some flowers to bring home and make your own floral arrangement adding some of your household items to it to liven it up and make it your own. Finish the day with a piece of delicious chocolate souffle. It's soft enough your teeth should make it through without falling out. The Tooth Fairy thanks you for the vacation.

February 27, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Inconvenience Yourself Day – Today is a day to go out of your way for someone else. All too often we go through our hectic lives rushing around here and there focused on what we need and we miss opportunities to make life easier for others. Maybe you can reach that box for someone at the grocery store who is shorter or stuck in one of those riding carts. You can certainly find an opportunity to hold the door open for someone, or pick up the quarter someone near you dropped and hand it back. The day is filled with possibilities. Seize as many of them as you can. http://www.inconvenienceyourself.com/

International Polar Bear Day – This is a day to focus on the dwindling habitat of the polar bears by doing what we can to conserve energy and reduce the emissions that cause global warming. http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/our-work/community-outreach/save-our-sea-ice

National Kahlua Day – If you're over 21, feel free to have a kahlua (that's coffee liqueur and rum if you're like me and didn't know.).

No Brainer Day – Don't work your brain too hard today. This is a day for doing things that don't require a lot of thought. Move on autopilot, do the little mindless things that we all have to do anyway and usually end up putting off such as folding laundry. See if you can convince your boss that this is a holiday that the whole company should celebrate. Your co-workers will thank you.

National Strawberry Day – Seeds on the outside, sweet juiciness on the inside, it's just a little bit of heaven in a bite-sized morsel.

To celebrate today, have a kahlua and some strawberries. What, you don't have any rum? Well, that's a no brainer, just go get some. Make sure you ride your bicycle instead of driving since you don't want to contribute to global warming today and take the opportunity to stop and help everyone you see. Maybe you can shovel someone's driveway or open their car doors for them (just make sure they are parked and not just stopped for a stop sign and be careful they are not armed because they might think you are trying to car jack them. You know, maybe you should just find another way to help them. Give them a push as they start to go again so they can use less gas. There you go, two birds with one stone.).

February 26, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Personal Chef's Day – Once again, we have a disagreement as to when this day is celebrated. Some say today, some say it's on July 16. Whichever day it is, I think it would be heavenly to have someone come to my home and make dinner for me. Fortunately, whenever he can be home in time, my husband is my personal chef.

For Pete's Sake Day – An old expression used as a mild oath, I'm often guilty of saying it myself in a fit of annoyance. There is a lot of disagreement, but it seems to date back to somewhere around 1900 and “Pete” may be a shortened reference to St. Peter as in “For St. Peter's Sake, turn down that phonograph before you go deaf!”.

Levi Strauss Day – Born on this day in 1829 in Bavaria, Levi Strauss was the father of the jeans we all wear today. He came to this country in 1847 to work for his brother, then he branched out for himself in 1853 when he went west and began his own dry goods and clothing store. In the 1870's he began making heavy duty work pants which we now call jeans and I believe his company is still in operation today.

World Spay Day – Always on the last Tuesday in February, this is a day to get the word out there to spay or neuter your pets unless you plan on breeding him or her. Spaying and neutering keeps the cat and dog population from getting out of control resulting in mega quantities of feral cats and stray dogs running around in groups terrorizing the street gangs that are trying so hard to take over the cities.

National Pistachio Day – We already celebrated this back on January 26^th but there are those who insist that it should be celebrated today instead. Pistachios are so good that I think they should be celebrated every day so go ahead and get some more.

Tell A Fairy Tale Day – When my kids were little, I used to read them fairy tales all the time. Now that they are bigger, I expect they will protest a little bit and tell me that they are too old for that, but I'll read to them anyway even if I have to sit on them to get them to listen.

To celebrate today, start the day by making an appointment with the vet to get your pet spayed or neutered, then throw on your favorite, comfy Levi's, open a bag of pistachio's and settle in to tell fairy tales to your kids, regardless of their ages. If you don't have any kids, you can always borrow mine. You can take your time since dinner will be prepared by your personal chef today, and for Pete's sake, make sure you replace your usual swear words with Pete's for the day.

February 25, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Clam Chowder Day – We had National New England Clam Chowder in January, but today it doesn't matter if you like your clam chowder white or red. You can have one for lunch and the other for dinner.

National Chili Day – Who doesn't like a nice hot bowl of chili? Besides my daughter, that is. The rest of you can have some chili today and it doesn't even matter how you make it, veggie or turkey, with beans or without, or any other way.

National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day – Any kind of nuts, any kind of chocolate. What more could you want?

National Pistol Patent Day – On this day in 1836, Samuel Colt received his patent for a “revolving gun”.

To celebrate today, have some clam chowder for lunch, chocolate covered nuts for a snack and chili for dinner. There you are, no need to waste time wondering what to make for your meals today. This afternoon, you can celebrate pistol patent day by going to a nearby firing range and hitting a few targets with your pistol. Then, when you get tired of that, you can try shooting at the targets.

February, 24, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Daytona 500 – Today's the big day for all of you car racing fans. I, for one, cannot think of anything more boring that watching cars go round and round in circles for miles and miles. But my grandmother was a fan while she was alive, a fact that astounded and amused me because I just don't see it as a grandmotherly thing to be into.

National Tortilla Chip Day – A very yummy snack that goes really well with salsa and car races. And it's gluten free! So I can eat all I want.

Celebration today is a no-brainer. Hop in your car, get on the highway and race the other cars around you while you eat tortilla chips. I suppose if you're not inclined to eat and drive, you could eat your tortilla chips while you watch the Daytona 500, but I prefer a more active celebration.

February 23, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Curling Is Cool Day – Believed to be one of the world's oldest team games, it became part of the Olympic Games in 1924. And if you didn't know that it was a cool sport, now you do. It is clearly cool enough to have it's own day. http://www.worldcurling.org/history-of-curling

Diesel Engine Day – On this day in 1892, Rudolph Diesel, a German born in Paris in 1858, received patents in Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and filed a patent in the United States, for a “Method of and Apparatus for Converting Heat into Work”. In other words, the first diesel engine.

Iwo Jima Day – I know, I know, we just had Iwo Jima Day back on February 19^th. I'm not repeating, but apparently, this is also Iwo Jima day because on this day in 1945, the photograph “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima” was taken. So there is disagreement on which day should be considered Iwo Jima Day.

International Sword Swallowers Day – Begun seven years ago by the Sword Swallowers Association International and co-sponsored by Ripley's Believe it or Not, today sword swallowers everywhere will celebrate by...want to guess?....you're right! Swallowing swords! You're so smart to figure that out!

Open That Bottle Night – We always save that certain favorite or special bottle of wine for just the right special occasion. Well, there isn't going to ever be an occasion special enough to open it. Just admit it and give it up. THIS is the night you've been waiting for. Go ahead and open it up. http://www.openthatbottlenight.com/

Purim – The Story of Purim is told in the Book of Esther. It is a celebration of the time when the Jewish people in Persia escaped extermination. It's a good day to make delicious hamantaschen cookies.

International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day – I can't find out who created this or when or why, but who cares. If you have a dog, or you know someone who has a dog, give the dog a biscuit. They will certainly appreciate it.

National Banana Bread Day – I love banana bread. I let my bananas get extra ripe just so I can make this bread.

Play Tennis Day – You know you need some exercise today, none of us get enough. Tennis involves exercise, so get a racket and get out there with your kids and bat some balls around.

Celebrate today with some banana bread for breakfast. You know you want to for the alliteration fun if nothing else. Then you can give your dog a biscuit and head outside with the kids for some tennis. Rest up afterward by reading to them from the Book of Esther so they understand why Purim is a good day, then entertain them with some sword swallowing tricks ( you're a beginner so you should start with a tongue depressor), then show them the picture of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, explain how a diesel engine works and take them back outside for some curling fun (hopefully it is nice an icy where you live). After you finally get the kids into bed, celebrate that big accomplishment by opening that bottle you've been saving for a special occasion.

February 22, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Margarita Day – I'm not sure who invented these drinks or when but I know they've been around for a while. They are tasty, but dangerous. http://nationalmargaritaday.com/

Woolworth's Day – On this day in 1879, Frank Winfield Woolworth opened the first Woolworth's store, pledging to sell nothing that cost more than a nickel. They expanded to 1000 stores in their peak but, sadly, finally closed their doors for good in 1997. I'm also pretty sure they raised their prices at some point.

International World Thinking Day – This is a Girl Scout celebration where girls all over the world honor their 'sisters' and strive to make life better for the poorest people in the world.

George Washington's Birthday – One of the father's of our country. Have a piece of cake for George today.

Walking The Dog Day – Well, if you own a dog, every day is walking the dog day, but make sure you give him an extra long one today. After all this winter weather, I'm sure he/she needs it.

Be Humble Day – If you have a job interview today, you'll have to take a pass on celebrating this day because today is a day to not talk about yourself and your own accomplishments. Today compliment others on what they accomplish and give them the opportunity to shine.

National Cook A Sweet Potato Day – Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, rich, powerhouse food. Here are a whole lot of recipes you might want to try in order to take advantage of this day. http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/articles/view/477/1/National-Cook-A-Sweet-Potato-Day.html

Sadly, we cannot go to Woolworth's to celebrate today, but we can have a margarita and reminisce about the Woolworth's we used to go to when we were kids. While we're thinking, see if you can come up with some ways the Girl Scouts can combat poverty. Then take the dog for an extra long walk. It will need to be extra long because you will be stopping everyone you meet in order to ask about and celebrate their accomplishments. Finish up the day with sweet potatoes for dinner and birthday cake for dessert!

February 21, 2013

Today we celebrate:

International Mother Language Day – On this day in 1952, students demonstrating for recognition of their mother language, Bangla (one of two Pakistani languages) were shot and killed by police in Dhaka. So the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization chose this day to promote the preservation of all languages used by people all over the world. So feel free to speak your mother language today. I am.

Introduce A Girl To Engineering Day – Engineering is not an exclusively male field. Women can be just as successful and innovative as men. Here's some ideas on how to start. http://www.eweek.org/EngineersWeek/Introduce.aspx

Ta'Anit Esther – (The Fast of Esther) a Jewish fast that occurs from dawn to dusk on the eve of Purim.

National Sticky Bun Day – It seems kind of wrong to have this day on the same day as a fast, but since the fast is only from dawn to dusk, my Jewish fasting friends can wait until after dark to have their sticky buns.

Card Reading Day – Today is a day to dig out all those cards you kept for whatever reason and stuffed in a drawer or a box somewhere. Read them again today and reminisce over good times. I have all of the Mother's Day cards my children and my husband have given me so I'm going to be looking at those today.

Celebrate today by spending the whole day talking in your mother language, then hopefully, other people will still understand you when you call around to local companies to find an engineering opportunity that your daughter can partake in. Meanwhile, you're fasting so you don't have to waste time eating, but keep that box of sticky buns on the counter so you have a treat to look forward to later on. While you are eating that sticky bun this evening, lick off your fingers and look through all those wonderful cards you have kept for years and years.

February 20, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Love Your Pet Day – Today is an easy day to celebrate. I think most of us already love our pets, but today give them a little extra love. It doesn't matter if you have a dog or cat or fish or hermit crab or snake or elephant or even (shudder) a rat. Make sure they know how much you care about them today.

Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day – This is a made up holiday from the people at Wellcat Holiday's. You are supposed to go outside at noon (local time) and yell “Hoodie Hoo” in order to chase away winter. This could make for some fun times if your neighbors are watching. Maybe you can get them to join in.

World Day Of Social Justice – A new holiday established by the United Nations in 2007 and begun in 2009. Today we need to recognize the need to work on issues like poverty and unemployment among others. I think we already recognize the need, we just don't know what to do to make meaningful progress on these overwhelming issues.

National Cherry Pie Day – Cherry pies have been around for a long, long time. So maybe you should make or buy a fresh one for dessert tonight.

To celebrate today, give your pet an extra treat and some extra attention today. Even if you don't have a cuddly pet, you can at least talk to it a little bit more than you normally would. At noontime run outside and yell "HOODIE HOO" because that is sure to work to chase away the cold weather.  Then, donate some of your time to a local charity that is involved with social issues that need to be solved. Finish up the day with a nice, warm, melt in your mouth, cherry pie.

February 19, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Chocolate Mint Day – Chocolate and mint, my favorite combination of flavors. I'll have to find some Andes Candies.

Iwo Jima Day – Begun on this day in 1945, the fighting at Iwo Jima lasted more than a month with very heavy casualties for the U.S. and for the Japanese because surrender for either side was not an option or even a consideration. Thousands of men died that day and in the month following.

Single Tasking Day – Women in general (and myself in particular) have difficulty with this idea of doing just one thing at a time. Well, today we need to work on this. Choose a task and focus on completing it before you chose another task. Multi-tasking has it's place, but single tasking will help with your focus and you might just get things done faster today since you won't be spending time switching back and forth among all the balls you have up in the air.

You have an easy celebration day today. Make a list of the things you wish to accomplish today and work on them one at a time. To reward yourself after completing each task, have a chocolate mint. Then, when you have finished your list, add one more task. Read up on Iwo Jima and spend some time thinking about all the brave soldiers on both sides who fought there and lost their lives. They deserve to be remembered.

February 18, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Battery Day – Alessandro Volta was born on this day in 1745. He was a professor of physics and he created the first battery in the year 1800.

Cow Milked While Flying In An Airplane Day – On this day in 1930, Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to travel by airplane. In the midst of that flight, she was milked by Elsworth W. Bunce so that scientists could observe the effects of air travel on animals. And also so that they could say she was the first cow (and possibly the only cow) to be milked midair. Her milk was sealed in paper cartons and parachuted down to spectators.

Pluto Day – On this day, also in 1930 (busy day), the planet Pluto was discovered by Clyde W. Tombaugh. Of course, in 2006, it was downgraded to Dwarf Planet, but to most of us who were born before 2000, it will always be a planet.

President's Day – A day to celebrate our past Presidents. We've had some good ones and some not so good ones and a bunch in between. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3uxNZgw0aM

National Drink Wine Day – Today is a day to celebrate all kinds of wine. While I would not recommend celebrating all day long or attempting to drink every kind of wine there is because tomorrow is a work day, you can certainly celebrate by trying a glass or two. Please be safe and do not drink and drive.

To celebrate these holidays, have a glass of milk in honor of Elm Farm Ollie and hope that the cow it came from is grateful it is on firm ground. Then you can use something that requires batteries and wonder what Professor Volta would think if he saw how small they are these days. Then you can finish up this evening by drinking a glass of wine while you admire the night sky and see if you can find Pluto. It's pretty small so you might not be able to, so when you give up on that, try to see if you can find all of the President's faces in the stars. Start with Washington and don't cheat.

February 17, 2013

Daytona Pole Day – This is the race that determines who leads the pack of cars at the start of the Daytona 500 next week.

My Way Day – Do you have trouble with people trying to tell you what to do or get you to change the way you do things? I certainly do. Well, today you can tell them to stuff it because you're doing things MY way. I mean, YOUR way. Oh, you know what I mean.

National PTA Founders Day – The PTA was founded on this day in 1897. It was created to support parent involvement in the education of children and has been going strong ever since.

World Human Spirit Day – We celebrate this day by silently meditating for 2 minutes at 3pm EST in order to come together with the rest of the world with our minds and spirits and celebrate our connection with the rest of the human race. Our goal is to request peace and harmony in the world. The more people participate, the greater the connection will be. The people who created it in 2003 say that as you meditate together, there will hopefully be enough people doing it at the same time that you will be able to feel this greater connection to the world.

National Champion Crab Races Day – I was astounded to discover that there is a National Crab Racing Association. They race hermit crabs professionally. I'm not sure whether the hermit crabs are also considered professionals. But if you and your friends have some hermit crabs, consider having a race today.

Random Acts Of Kindness Day – This is the wrap up to Random Acts Of Kindness Week. Find something nice to do for someone or maybe even multiple someones. Don't wait to be asked, and don't wait around for thanks. Strike fast, do good, and be gone. Hopefully it will be contagious.

To celebrate today's holidays, call your friends and your children's teachers and your friend's children's teachers (hermit crabs make good class pets) and track down a good group of hermit crabs to race in your living room. Seriously, they will freeze outside so get over the yuck factor. Try to time it so that the race is over and everyone is still there at 3pm so you can meditate together. If they don't want to, just tell them they need to do it my way today, I mean your way, you know what I mean. If this is a group of parents and teachers, why not have an impromptu PTA meeting as well. Then you can randomly give them presents as they run screaming from your house, open their car doors for them, close their car doors for them (watch out for fingers and toes) and help them get started by giving them a good push. That should be enough kindness for one day. You'll be tired after all that so you can finish up the day by watching the Daytona Pole race which may put you to sleep if you're not a fan.

February 16, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Innovation Day – Today is a day to think outside the box. Be inventive, find creative solutions for everyday problems.

Kyoto Protocol Day – Countries that signed and ratified this protocol from the UN are required to limit or reduce their emissions of four greenhouse gases. It was adopted in 1997 and put into practice on this day in 2005. The US signed but did not ratify the protocol and Canada backed out in 2011.

Do A Grouch A Favor Day – It isn't usually too difficult to find a grouch around somewhere. Sometimes in your very own house. But since you all are generally very cheerful people, you might have to search one out. When you find one, do something nice for him/her and see if you can de-grouchify him/her and reduce the number of grouchy people out there by one...or two...or even more. Make it a mission today and we'll see how many times we can convert a frown to a smile.

National Almond Day – A snack that is filled with vitamin E, protein, fiber and magnesium, this nut can also help reduce cholesterol, contributing to maintaining a healthy heart. As with anything, however, moderation is the key. You can't eat a whole bag of these things at once because that would be way too many calories.

To celebrate today, first grab a bag of almonds and tuck it in your pocket because you will need it later. Next, put on a comfortable pair of sneakers and pump up the tires on your bicycle because you will not be creating any greenhouse gases today. Now you're on a mission. Ride your bike (or walk if you don't have a bike) around town making sure you stop to ask every person you see if they have any problems you can creatively solve for them. You will probably find that many of them are grouches, so make sure you don't allow anyone to run away from you unless they have a smile on their faces. Something you can ensure if you share your almonds with everyone after first making sure they are not allergic.

February 15, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Lupercalia – An ancient Roman holiday (possibly even pre-Roman) related to Valentine's Day, that involved celebrating one of the gods they worshiped back then, although we don't know which one. We do know that it involved rituals intending to promote fertility.

National Hippo Day – A day for celebrating and appreciating hippo's the world over.

Remember The Maine Day – The Maine was the U.S. battleship that was blown up on this day in 1898 while it was at anchor.

Susan B. Anthony Day – Celebrates the birth of Susan B. Anthony who was so important to the Women's Suffrage movement a hundred years ago. It's hard to believe that just 100 years ago, women were not allowed to vote. I, for one, never miss an opportunity to exercise my right to vote and I appreciate everything that women back then went through so that I have that right.

National Gum Drop Day – Some are sweet, some are spicy, some are sour, they come in all the colors of the rainbow. Enjoy a few today.

Singles Awareness Day – Ok, Valentine's Day is over, now it's time for all of the single people out there to stand up and proudly say that it's okay to be single.

To celebrate today you can munch on gum drops while you ride your hippo to the library to find a book on the Maine that you can read to your children. While you're there, find a book on Susan B. Anthony too. Just don't take too long, hippos don't park well. When you get home, tell your spouse that you're ready to start the fertility rituals so that you can have another baby. After that it probably won't be long before you're able to end the day by standing on the front porch and shouting to the world that you can be perfectly happy in your newly single status.

February 14, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Valentines Day – I don't think this day needs any explanation. I hope all of you who have a significant other have not forgotten about it.

Ferris Wheel Day – Designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Today is his birthday.

Frederick Douglas Day – The chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass. He was born a slave in Maryland around the year 1818 and never knew his exact birthday. He was taken from his mother at an early age and raise by his maternal grandmother until he was seven and taken from her as well. He was an amazing man who taught himself how to read, finally succeeded in escaping slavery and became a gifted orator who inspired thousands of people.

Pet Theft Awareness Day – I had no idea that this was such a problem but apparently pet theft is a big problem. Learn how to protect your pets from Last Chance for Animals (LCA) http://www.stolenpets.com/

Library Lovers Day – Well this is a day for me! I'm definitely a library lover. Check with your local library today, they may have some fun events planned to celebrate this day.

National Have A Heart Day – We need to maintain a healthy heart by eating the right foods in the right quantities. We only have one heart and it is very difficult to get a replacement if it goes bad so let's try hard to not let it go bad. The first step is the food we eat so think carefully about everything that you put in your mouth today and try to make it a habit.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day – The most common birth defect which affects more than 1.8 million families.

League Of Women Voters Day – Founded on this day in 1920, this political organization is bipartisan and neither supports nor opposes political candidates. Instead they focus on studying issues, reaching a consensus and taking a stand.

National Call In Single Day – Apparently whoever invented this day believes that being single is sufficient reason to call in sick to work on Valentine's Day.

National Organ Donor Day – Save a life today and sign up to be an organ donor. Well, actually, I'm hoping you don't save a life TODAY. I guess I really meant to say, save a life SOMEDAY by signing up to be an organ donor. I didn't mean to imply that I wanted bad things to happen to YOU today, I just want good things to happen to others SOMEDAY. This is a conundrum that people who desperately need organs face every day. I sympathize.

Quirky Alone Day – This is a do-it-yourself day. You don't need a significant other to feel like a worthwhile person. This is a celebration of independence. After all, if you can't be happy by yourself, you will never be happy with someone else either.

World Marriage Day – A Catholic holiday that honors husbands and wives everywhere because of their positive impact on society.

National Cream Filled Chocolates Day – It's not too surprising that this should fall on Valentine's Day.

For those of you who thought this was just Valentine's Day, surprise! There is much to celebrate today but it is mostly centered around hearts, love, organs, self confidence, and chocolate. I will leave it to you figure out how to celebrate all of that. I will just say, make sure you give your pet an extra hug today and make sure he/she is safe before you go seek out a ferris wheel to ride on your way to the library to get a book about Frederick Douglas to read to your children.

February 13, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Ash Wednesday – The First Day of Lent.

Employee Legal Awareness Day – A day to focus on the legal education of your employees so that you can avoid legal difficulties later on.

Get A Different Name Day – Do you hate the name your parents gave you? Well, today you get to change it to whatever you want. Be imaginative, be different, but please pick something that the rest of us can spell!

Madly In Love With Me Day – Be confident of your own appeal to others. If you fall in love with yourself first, others will be drawn to your confidence and follow your example. And, if they don't, you will be confident enough to not care.

National Tortellini Day – Tortellini's are delicious. My sister makes a tortellini soup that is out of this world. The city of Bologna claims to be where tortellini was first created and apparently they have an organization dedicated to the preservation of their tortellini traditions.

To consolidate your celebrations today, boost your self confidence by changing your name to the one you always wished it could be today, sign up your employees for a legal education class, and figure out what you are going to give up for Lent before you go to work today. Then you can celebrate your accomplishments with tortellini for lunch. ( Make sure you didn't give up tortellini for Lent first.)

February 12, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Extraterrestrial Culture Day – Celebrated big in New Mexico on the second Tuesday of the month, it is a day to celebrate aliens in the past, present and future.

Extraterrestrial Visitor Day – Seems to go hand in hand with Extraterrestrial Culture Day for obvious reasons.

International Darwin Day – The birthday of Charles Darwin, this day is a global celebration of science and reason, or so the website says. http://darwinday.org/

Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday or Fastnacht day – The day before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins. This is the day to eat lots of food in preparation for the fasting of Lent. Hence the pancakes since they are rich in eggs, milk and sugar.

Mardi Gras – This celebration seems to last for weeks. This is actually the last day of the festivities as far as I can tell so if you wait until the actual Mardi Gras day to go see it all, you will miss most of it.

Paczki Day – a Polish dish that looks like a donut without the hole. It is traditionally made on this day to use up ingredients that could not be eaten during Lent. http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/holidaysfestivals/a/paczkiday.htm

Lincoln's Birthday – The birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, one of the most popular presidents in American History.

NAACP Day – Founded on this day in 1909, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has a mission “to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination”. While all of those things have come a long way since 1909, I don't think anyone believes that its mission is finished.

Oglethorpe Day – This day honors British General James Edward Oglethorpe who founded the state of Georgia on this day in 1733(which he named after King George II).

Safety Pup Day – Developed in 1985 by the National Child Safety Council and designed to address different safety issues with children such as stranger safety.

National Lost Penny Day – Begun in 1995, this is a day to find all of the lost pennies you can and cash them in because combined, pennies are more useful than they are individually. Consider donating the pennies to your favorite charity so they might serve a great purpose.

National Plum Pudding Day – Formerly known as Plum Duff, this pudding has been around for a long time. It isn't really a pudding, to me it's more of a cake, but I've made other puddings that came out very cake-like so I guess others have different definitions of what makes a pudding. Feel free to put this on a plate, douse it in brandy and flambe it.

I wonder if it's a coincidence that we celebrate extraterrestrials on the same day as Mardi Gras? In any case, make sure your children are safe before they go off to school today, then you can search the house for pennies, and have your own Mardi Gras party. Lunch today will be Plum Pudding and Paczki before you leave the house to go to join the NAACP. Then you can celebrate Oglethorpe Day by taking a quick trip to Georgia to admire the land he found and named on your way to Washington D.C. to visit the Lincoln Memorial. You should be able to make it home in time for dinner since your extraterrestrial friends will be giving you a lift. They are waiting to give you a tour of their spacecraft which is full of scientific exhibits which would fascinate Darwin if he were able to come with you.

February 11, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Be Electrific Day – Today we honor the birth of that great inventor, Thomas Alva Edison. Without whom, we would still be using candles. Well, probably not because someone else would have eventually invented lightbulbs so that it would be easier to work all night long and annoy your wife.

Pro Sports Wives Day – Wives play an important role in the personal and professional lives of professional athletes. Of course, husbands do as well so I wonder if there is a Pro Sports Husbands Day.

National Shut-In Visitation Day – It's important, especially in the wintertime, to remember to visit people who are, for a variety of reasons, unable to leave their homes. Make sure they are ok and just offer a little companionship. Many times shut-ins lead a very lonely existence and you have the power to make them a little less lonely.

Satisfied Staying Single Day – You don't need to have a significant other in order to lead a fulfilling life. Some people are perfectly happy to be single and that's certainly all right. You shouldn't feel like you're letting people down just because you're not looking for someone to spend Valentine's Day with.

White Shirt Day – This day honors the men and women sit down strikers at General Motors in 1937. They helped the United Auto Workers union become strong enough to be in a position to negotiate for the auto workers. The strike ended on this day in that same year. These are the rules of White Shirt Day: You must wear a white shirt; You must not allow your shirt to get dirtier than your boss's shirt; You must follow all safety and work rules. Sounds like fun!

Clean Out Your Computer Day – Always on the second Monday in February for reasons that escape me. It was started in 2000 by the Institute for Business Technology. It's going to be a big job so you better get started.

National Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day – You've heard the saying a hundred times, and you still are not listening. Don't make a big deal over a small thing. Unless it's happening in your new car, or on your new couch, or...

National Make A Friend Day – You can never have too many friends. So make a new one today. Who knows, maybe it will be a friendship that will last your whole life.

National Peppermint Patty Day – Refreshing, minty and not too high in calories or fat or so I hope since it's one of my favorite treats.

Well, today I've got your clothing situation figured out, you can thank me later. You will be wearing a white shirt today and since everything goes with white, it doesn't matter what else you have on. Then while you are eating breakfast with your children and they spill milk all over your presentation that you worked on for weeks, don't cry about it. Once you clean that mess up, you can spend a good part of the day cleaning out your computer, which you can see thanks to the lights you have which are thanks to Mr. Edison. When you take a break for lunch, seek out someone you don't know well and make a new friend by sharing some peppermint patties. If you are single and your friends are forever trying to hook you up with some loser, tell them to back off today since you are happy to be single. On your way home today, stop in to see a shut-in, to whom you can also share peppermint patties. Then you can finish up your day by watching a professional sporting event and spending your time trying to pick the wives out of the spectators.

February 10, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Chinese New Year – The most important holiday of the year for the Chinese, we are saying goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and hello to the Year of the Snake.

Plimsoll Day – Samuel Plimsoll was born on this day in 1824 in Bristol, England. He was a British politician, but is mostly known for devising the Plimsoll Line. It's a line drawn on a ship that indicates the maximum load a ship can bear. Once it's loaded so that the line is at the water's edge, the ship is full.

World Marriage Day – Hold tight to your spouse because today is all about the sanctity of marriage and how important it is to the Church and to the world.

Man Day (Sunday before Valentine's) – I cannot find the origins of this day and I've found a few sites that proclaim it to be on June 15^th. So I'm not sure it's real. But that doesn't matter, enjoy the day anyway, Gentlemen!

National Cream Cheese Brownie Day – Ok, I admit it. I'm drooling.

Umbrella Day – Parasols and umbrellas protect us from everything from sun to rain. Except for wind. I highly recommend you do not use your umbrella or parasol when it is windy.

You can celebrate today by going outside and wishing all the snakes in the area a Happy New Year. Make sure you yell loudly so they can all hear you. Then you can get your parasol (or umbrella if you're not the parasol type) go down to the shipyards and make sure they are marking the ships with the plimsoll line in the right spot. (Do they still do that?) Then get a good grip on your spouse so that he cannot grab your cream cheese brownie before you can eat it. Well, it is Man Day, I suppose you can share your brownie.

February 9, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Stop Bullying Day – I don't know if there are several of these days throughout the year or if people just can't agree on when it is. But I say to stop the bullying today, so listen up people. If you're bullying someone, stop. If you're being bullied, tell someone who can help you. If you see someone being bullied, speak up and tell the bullier to stop, then tell someone who is in a position to help.

Read In The Bathtub Day – Relax in a warm tub with a good book and maybe even a glass of wine. Just be careful you don't fall asleep and get your book wet.

National Bagels & Lox Day – I'm sure you know what bagels are, but you may not know what lox is. Well, I'll tell you. It's thinly sliced, smoked salmon. You put it on a bagel smeared with cream cheese and covered with a little bit of onion slices. If you like you can also sprinkle on capers, tomatoes or cucumbers. It sounds pretty delicious.

National Toothache Day – I cannot fathom why we would celebrate pain, but here it is. If you insist on celebrating this day, you may want to do it from a dentist's office where you can get some relief.

You can celebrate today by having some Bagels & Lox for lunch, heading directly afterward to the dentist to fix that tooth of yours, stopping on the way to rescue a kid at the playground from a bully. Then you can reward yourself by wrapping up the day with a nice warm bathtub and a very interesting book.

February 8, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Boy Scout Anniversary Day – Founded on this day in 1910 and still going strong.

Laugh And Get Rich Day – The laugh portion of this day needs no explanation. The get rich part does. Apparently, happy people who laugh a lot are more productive people at work and hence, make more money for the company (and for themselves if they work on commission) and if the company does well, the people who work for it do well. So go to work and laugh it up! Did you know that some comedians work as humor consultants for large companies?

Opera day – I couldn't find the origins of this day, but it doesn't matter. If you like opera, today would be a great day to go see one. If you don't like opera, nothing in the world would drag you to see one no matter what day it is.

National Kite Flying Day – Let's go fly a kite up to the highest height!

National Molasses Bar Day – My favorite cookies and cakes have molasses in them, I've never tried it in a bar so I'll be interested in seeing how it tastes. Maybe I'll try this one: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/frosted-molasses-bars/

Today you can celebrate by cracking some jokes while helping a boy scout cross the street, then sing an opera song for your kids while you fly your kite and eat molasses bars.

Februrary 7, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Ballet Day – I cannot find any information on the web about this day, but who needs a good reason to dance? Throw on a tutu, slap on some slippers and off you go!

“e” Day – This is a math thing. Basically, “e” is used to represent a number, 2.7182818, discovered and named “e” by Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler around 1727. If you're curious to know more, this is a good website: http://www.timeanddate.com/date/e-day.html

Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – There are HIV/AIDS awareness days sprinkled around throughout the year. It's a devastating disease that affects the entire world. Make sure you know how to keep yourself safe. http://aids.gov/news-and-events/awareness-days/

Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbor's Day – Put aside your differences with your neighbors today and instead of saluting them with one finger, be a little friendlier and use all of them. After all, a friendly relationship has to start somewhere. Let it start with you.

National Fettuccine Alfredo Day – Once again, I have solved your “What to have for lunch?” dilemma. You are welcome.

Send A Card To A Friend Day – You don't need a special reason to let a friend know that you're thinking about them. Put a card in the mail today, your friends just might need a reminder that they have friends and there is no time like the present.

To celebrate today, find a card to send to a friend and get that in the mailbox right away, making sure you wave to your neighbors on the way to the mailbox. Then, have an impromptu ballet practice and recital with your children. (They won't care if you look goofy unless they are teenagers. If that's the case, make sure you further embarrass them by taking pictures.) Then, take a break and attempt to explain the whole “e” constant concept to your children. If that goes well, you're doing better than me. Finally, have some fettuccine alfredo for lunch and take a minute to pray for those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and their families. If you are so moved, find a charity that helps with these issues and find out if there is anything you can do to help.

February 6, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Digital Learning Day – A day to celebrate teachers and the effective utilization of technological resources in the classroom. Any day that celebrates teachers is a good day!http://www.digitallearningday.org/splash

National Girls & Women In Sports Day – Women can be amazing athletes if they are given the chance. All too often in history, women were not allowed to compete in anything but a pie bake off. Things are different now, thank goodness. http://www.aahperd.org/nagws/programs/ngwsd/

Lame Duck Day – the elected official who is nearing the end of his/her term is considered a lame duck. This is a day to reflect upon the contributions of this duck, I mean person, to society at large before they go off to obscurity.

To celebrate today, use your computer to learn something new or ask your child's teacher if there is anything you can do to help them today, then if you are female, find a sport that you enjoy and join a team. If you are male, encourage the females in your life to join a team and support them any way you can. Finally, find out if there are any lame ducks in your local, state or federal government and send them a nice letter thanking them for their service.

February 5, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Pancake Day (IHOP) – This is an IHOP holiday where guests can receive a free short stack of pancakes in exchange for a donation to a charity that is designated by the restaurant.

National Weatherman's (Weatherperson's) Day – This day recognizes the contributions of meteorologists all over the country who work hard to make sure we are not caught unawares when bad weather strikes.

Western Monarch Day – Established by the California state legislature in 2004, this day celebrates the return of the Monarch butterfly to the central coast of California to spend the winter.

World Nutella Day – A chocolate and hazelnut spread, you can put this stuff on almost anything and it will taste good, or so I'm told. I've never tried it myself. http://www.nutelladay.com/

African American Coaches Day – A day that is always celebrated on the first Tuesday in February, it's a day to bring attention to the African American Community and the benefits of working with a coach, whether it's for personal or business interests. And just for a little clarification, this does not necessarily have anything to do with sports.

National Chocolate Fondue Day – A good number of us have a fondue pot stashed away somewhere. Dig it out today and make some fondue. You don't need to have a party as a reason, make some for your family or invite a neighbor or two. You don't need more than that, especially since the more people you have over, the more people you have to share your fondue with.

To celebrate today go on out to your local IHOP for breakfast, I'm afraid I won't be joining you since I seriously doubt they have gluten free pancakes. If I'm wrong, let me know. Then, contact your local radio or television station and thank the weatherperson there for all of their hard work. For lunch, invite your coach over for some bread spread with nutella and dipped in your chocolate fondue while you look out your windows to try to find some monarch butterflies. If you live in California, you might actually succeed with this.

February 4, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Liberace Day – on this day in 1987, Wladziu Valentino Liberace died at the age of 67. He lived a very flamboyant lifestyle that you can emulate today to celebrate his life.

Quacker Day – this is a QVC holiday to celebrate the Quacker Factory line of clothing and accessories. You'll have to tune in to QVC if you want to celebrate this day.

USO Day – The United Service Organization Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides programs, services and entertainment to U.S. servicemen and women and their families. It has been in operation, with brief breaks between wars, since 1941.

World Cancer Day – This year, World Cancer Day will focus on dispelling myths and misconceptions about cancer. http://www.worldcancerday.org/

National Create A Vacuum Day – This seems to be more of a science celebration day as opposed to a cleaning celebration day, much to my husband's dismay.

National Stuffed Mushroom Day – I'm not a fan of mushrooms generally, but if you stuff them, I'm all over it.

Thank A Mailman Day – Mailmen and women have a tough job delivering our mail in all kinds of weather. Make sure you thank them for their hard work today.

National Homemade Soup Day – There is nothing like a bowl of my husband's homemade soup in the winter time or especially when one feels ill.

To celebrate today, start by scouring your closet in search of the most flamboyant (also known as ridiculous) clothing you can find and put it on. Then, see if you can help your children figure out how to create a vacuum for their science lesson today, if that doesn't work, make my husband happy and vacuum the living room instead. Wait for your mailperson to arrive with the mail and meet them at the mailbox so you can thank them profusely for their hard work on your behalf. Have a lunch of homemade soup and stuffed mushrooms and round up the day with a little QVC...this can be dangerous, be careful, but if you're lucky you could be just in time to grab a treasure like a DVD of one of Bob Hope's USO performances.

February 3, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Four Chaplains Memorial Day – congress declared this day to be a holiday honoring the 70^th Anniversary of the sinking of the United States Army Transport Dorchester. Four Army Chaplains from four different religions went down with the ship that day when they gave their life jackets to other passengers. They sacrificed their lives for men of all faiths.

The Day The Music Died – A line from Don McLean's song “American Pie” used to describe how the music world felt after the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and their pilot, Roger Peterson on this day in 1959.

Dump Your Significant Jerk Day – This day is traditionally the first day of Dump Your Significant Jerk Week which is always the week before Valentine's Day. So if you have a jerk of a girlfriend or boyfriend, this is your chance to get rid of them, end that stressful, unhappy relationship and save yourself some money since you now won't have to buy them a gift for Valentine's Day.

Super Bowl XLVII – I'll consider this to be self-explanatory since even I know about it and I don't watch football.

National Cordova Ice Worm Day – Cordova is a city in Alaska which explains a lot about this holiday. The winter is so dark and cold and difficult to endure that the people decided to have a celebration to lighten their spirits. They have an ice worm parade (the ice worm by the way is a made up creature), they have an ice worm King and Queen and a whole winter carnival.

National Carrot Cake Day – one of my favorite kinds of cake since it carries with it the illusion of healthiness in the form of vegetables. You can sneak some pureed zucchini in it too and no one would ever know the difference.

To celebrate today, you will want to first dump your jerk. Why wait, start the day out right and maybe you'll have a new jerk by dinnertime. Of course, you won't know that the new man/woman is a jerk for a while yet so it will be new and exciting still when Valentine's Day gets here. Then, listen to some music by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens or The Big Bopper while you eat some carrot cake to make yourself feel better in a healthy way. Then consider going to Alaska for the Cordova Ice Worm Parade and if that doesn't pan out go to or host a Super Bowl party, maybe you'll find your new jerk there. Or even better, maybe your next significant other won't be a jerk but a prince/princess of a person in disguise.

February 2, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Candelmas – a Christian holiday that celebrates three events: the presentation of the child Jesus, Jesus' first entry into the temple, and the Catholic Church celebrates the Virgin Mary's purification.

Crepe Day or La Chandeleur – In France, crepes are traditionally served on Candelmas.

Groundhog Day – let's all hope for a cloudy, shadowless day today so that spring comes early this year.

Ice Cream For Breakfast Day – celebrated on the first Saturday in February, today is a day to throw nutrition rules out the window and go ahead and have ice cream for breakfast! Enjoy.

Marmot day – Alaska doesn't have many groundhogs so in 2009, they decided that marmots deserved some recognition as well.

Groundhog Job Shadow Day – this is for young people to get an up close look at various jobs so that they can see which ones would suit them better. So they shadow various professionals who sign up for the honor of being a mentor. I'm not sure why the word Groundhog is part of the name, but I am certain that shadowing groundhogs is not one of the options today.

Hedgehog Day – according to legend, hedgehogs were the original groundhogs. The Romans would watch the hedgehogs on February 2^nd at night. If the hedgehog came out and saw his shadow in the moonlight, he would go back in and hibernate some more and winter was not easing up any time soon. When people came to America, they switched to the groundhog because hedgehogs were hard to find in this country.

Imbolc – An Irish celebration that marks the beginning of the end of winter when the ewes are nursing their newborn lambs. Spring is right around the corner. To the Romans, this time of year was called Lupercalia and was the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

Sled Dog Day – Sled dogs have been used in the upper regions of the continent since the 10^th century. They can get supplies to places and save people that no one else can get to. This day honors sled dog heroes throughout history. The one's we've heard about like Balto, and the ones we haven't but are heroes nonetheless.

Take Your Child To The Library Day – Begun last year by Nadine Lipman, a retired librarian in Connecticut, this day is a day to promote the multitude of services your library can provide for you. Check with your local library, they might have some special events planned.

World Play Your Ukulele Day – I'm not sure if this is today or May 2^nd. I've seen both days talked about on the web. But if you know how to play one, go ahead and celebrate twice.

World Wetlands Day – On this day in 1971, the Ramsar Convention was signed. This raised public awareness of wetland values and benefits.

Heavenly Hash Day – ingredients for this heavenly dish vary widely from region to region, it could have ice cream, brownies, cookies, rice, marshmallows, fruit or whipped cream or any combination of those items and others. Make your own favorite recipe and enjoy.

Today is a busy celebration day. To help you consolidate as much as possible, have some ice cream filled crepes and heavenly hash for breakfast. After that nutritious meal, get on your sled and have your sled dogs take you and your children to the library and have your children shadow a librarian while you play your ukulele for the patrons. When they kick you out of there for making too much noise, go find a groundhog or a hedgehog or a marmot and wake them up so they can look for their shadow. Maybe do it for all three and compare notes. You'll be very popular among the forest animals. Then search for some ewes so you can show your children their cute, little babies. Finally, have the sled dogs take you home by way of the local wetlands and a church so you can celebrate Candelmas. If there are any small forest and/or farm animals chasing you, you can probably lose them among the pews.

February 1, 2013

Today we celebrate:

Bubble Gum Day – As far as my children are concerned, every day should be bubble gum day. However, today is actually all about using bubble gum as a fun school fundraiser. http://www.bubblegumday.com/Bubble_Gum_Day/Story_of_Bubble_Gum_Day.html

Car Insurance Day – On this day in 1898, Traveler's Insurance Company issued the first car insurance policy.

G.I. Joe Day – I'm not sure of the origins of this day but G.I. Joe was the first doll that parents found acceptable for their sons to play with, mostly because it was called an “action figure” instead of a “doll”. But as we all know, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” - Juliet Capulet from Romeo and Juliet

Hula In The Coola Day – This is a day to forget that you are surrounded by cold, wintery temperatures. Ditch the heavy clothes, grab a grass skirt and have a luau in your very own living room.

National Freedom Day – On this day in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13^th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery. Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, thought that there should be a day for everyone to celebrate the freedom of ALL Americans. He began the National Freedom Association which worked toward accomplishing that goal and the first National Freedom Day was celebrated on this day in 1942.

Spunky Old Broads Day – This day celebrates any woman over the age of 50 who refuses to let her age dictate how she acts and what she does. Do something new and exciting today. Here are just a few suggestions: http://voices.yahoo.com/february-1-spunky-old-broads-day-top-ten-ways-for-2600816.html?cat=12

Wear Red Day – This day is to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women and many times can be prevented if you know the signs. http://goredforwomen.org/wearredday/

Working Naked Day – Begun in 2010, I must stress that this day is for those of us fortunate enough to WORK FROM HOME! Please, I beg you, do not celebrate this day if you work outside the house, or if you work inside your home with other people. You might also want to reconsider doing this if you do a lot of video chatting or skyping as part of your job.

National Serpent Day – Today is a day for all things snakey and slippery. I don't like snakes, but if you do, see if you can find one in your backyard and wish him (or her, I don't know how to tell the difference) a Happy National Serpent Day.

National Baked Alaska Day – The original Baked Alaska was invented in 1876 and consisted of ice cream over a sponge cake and topped with meringue, then baked long enough for the meringue to set.

Since then, brave people added a rum topping and set the thing on fire.

Robinson Crusoe Day – A day to be adventurous and self-sufficient. On this day in 1709, the sailor, Alexander Selkirk, who was the inspiration for the book Robinson Crusoe, was rescued from the island where he had lived on his own for five years. His captain abandoned him there at Alexander's request after an argument.

To celebrate today, give your teacher 50 cents to allow your children the privilege of chewing bubble gum in class, then send them off so you can have a luau in your living room with your son's dolls, I mean, G.I. Joe action figures, After that, do get naked and do some office work for a change – you can't play all day every day, after all. While you are doing that you can make sure your car insurance is up to date and have Baked Alaska for lunch. Then put on something red and go visit your favorite spunky old broad and discuss the whole concept of living a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle. On the way home, look for some snakes to show your children when they get home.