March 1, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Pig Day – This day was begun in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave. According to Rave, the purpose is to “accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals.” I have heard that pigs make great pets and they are cute but I'm not sure I would be willing to have one in the house.

Self-injury Awareness Day – There are quite a lot of people out there who choose to harm themselves in a variety of ways. This is a day to spread awareness of this issue, talk about it openly, educate everyone about the signs and symptoms, and break down common stereotypes. To celebrate, some people will wear an orange ribbon, write “LOVE” on their arms or draw butterflies on their wrists.

National Peanut Butter Lover's Day – We all know about President Jimmy Carter, but did you know that President Thomas Jefferson was also a peanut farmer? Today you can be part of the 90 percent of households in the United States that eat peanut butter. For more fun facts about peanuts: http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/classroom-funfacts.php

National Fruit Compote Day – I know you're thinking what I was thinking, “What is compote?” Well, I have the answer for you. Compote is the French word for “mixture”. So fruit compote is a mixture of fruit and syrup. Sounds good to me, I think this is going to be dessert tonight.

Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day – On this day in 1942, the American Cruiser Houston, the Australian Cruiser Perth and the British Cruiser Exeter were outnumbered and outgunned by the Japanese. But they fought bravely and went down with their guns blazing in the Sunda Strait. Memory of their courage and dedication encouraged the Navy to strive ever harder to win victory in WWII.

National Horse Protection Day – This majestic creature is my daughter's favorite animal. They are a faithful friend for many people. If you think about it, this country would not be where it is today without the hard work of horses before the invention of automobiles. They helped plow the fields that fed families, they carried people and supplies everywhere in this country and now, they even help children with a variety of disabilities. This day was created by Colleen Paige, a Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist/Advocate. See more about this day and how to help thousands of mistreated and abused horses find help and loving homes here: http://www.horseprotectionday.com/

Peace Corps Day – On this day in 1961, President Kennedy established the Peace Corps. The purpose of which was to send trained American men and women into foreign nations to help develop them. President Kennedy wanted to get an American foothold into these developing countries in an effort to win over the hearts and minds of the people and keep them from becoming Cold War battlegrounds.

Plan A Solo Vacation Day – Why wait until your family has time to go somewhere together. Get away by yourself and recharge for a few days. Sometimes it is more relaxing to get away by yourself and do only what you want instead of trying to keep the kids under control and cater to your spouse/significant other's agenda as well as your own.

Refired, Not Retired Day – Retirement isn't the end of an era, it's the beginning of a new one! The retired people I know are even busier than they were when they were employed for a living. But now they are busy with things they WANT to do instead of things they HAVE to do. So fire up your enthusiasm for a new life.

World Compliment Day – Begun in the Netherlands as National Compliment Day and celebrated on this day every year, this is a day to find a way to compliment everyone you meet. I know you can find something nice to say about absolutely everyone...even people you don't really like too much. Let's spread the positive feelings around the world today. http://www.worldcomplimentday.info/

To celebrate today, fire up your enthusiasm for retired life, or plan how you will spend your retirement when the time comes. Compliment your children on something they did this morning, then talk to them about the dangers of self-injury, the bravery of the Asiatic Fleet and the work of the Peace Corps while you share your fruit compote. Finally, head out for your solo vacation doing whatever you love to do to relax.