May 3, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Join Hands Day – Celebrated on the first Saturday in May, this is a day that is about bringing together young people and adults to build trust and respect. This day was begun and is promoted by the American Fraternal Alliance. http://fraternalalliance.org/join-hands-day/what-is-join-hands-day/

National Homebrew Day – I'm not sure if this is supposed to be celebrated today or tomorrow. I have found convincing evidence for both days. But what I am sure of is that it is a day for brewing your own beverages. Primarily beer, I am sure.

Lumpy Rug Day – Nobody likes a lumpy rug, they are just no good to lay on while you watch TV or take a nap. So this is a day to celebrate good, non-lumpy rugs. If you have a lumpy one, it would be a good day to look for another one. I’m not sure who created this day, but I suspect it was someone associated with the making or selling of rugs.

World Press Freedom – Declared by the United Nations General Assembly, this is a day to stress the importance of freedom of the press and to remind governments around the world of their responsibility to respect the freedom of expression outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

National Raspberry Popover Day – I didn't have much luck the last time I tried making popovers. Maybe because they weren't raspberry. I'll have to try again.

National Chocolate Custard Day – I have found numerous references to this particular food.  Some people say to celebrate today, others say to celebrate on May 5th.  I say, let’s do both!  

Garden Meditation Day – Today is a day to focus all your attention on your garden today. Clear your mind and relax your body by doing mindless things like weeding, tilling and cleaning your garden even if it's just for a few minutes.

National Two Different Colored Shoes Day – This is a day to celebrate diversity in the human race. Take a risk and wear shoes of different colors today. Just make sure they have the same size heel or you will end up in traction by the end of the day from your lopsided back.

Paranormal Day – This is a day for paranormal believers to get together and share experiences. There are related seminars and radio broadcasts happening all over the country.  This one in Michigan for example: http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4ZZ0T_spring-fever-reliever-2-paranormal

Hug Your Cat Day – Exactly as the name says, this is a day for cat owners everywhere to hug their beloved cats. Unless you have one of those temperamental cats who will scratch you as soon as look at you. There are many differences of opinion as to when this day is celebrated. Some of the options other than today are May 12, May 30 and June 4th so if you are so inclined, celebrate on all of those days.

National Special-abled Pets Day – Begun in 2006 as National Disabled Pet Day, this is a day to focus on the care of pets with special needs. Some animals are born disabled, others are injured and become disabled. Caring for them can be challenging but they deserve just as much love and attention as any other pet because they still love you just as much as any other pet. http://www.petmeds.org/petmeds-spotlight/national-specially-abled-pets-day/

Free Comic Book Day – This is a great day for comic book lovers. On the first Saturday in May, participating comic books stores give away a free comic book to anyone who comes into their store. Check with your local comic book store to see if they participate. http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Home/1/1/27/992

National Scrapbooking Day – Begun in 1995 by Creative Memories and celebrated on the first Saturday in May, this is a day to work on all that scrapbooking that you've let pile up for the last few months or longer.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Day – This day is meant to spread awareness of the symptoms of bladder cancer and promote research to find a cure. There are Bladder Cancer walks scheduled for today in at least 32 states.

Childhood Stroke Awareness Day – Celebrated on the first Saturday in May, this is a day to highlight the dangers and warning signs of infant and child strokes. You don't generally think of people that age being in danger of having a stroke but it does happen and when it does, it is devastating.

Public Radio Day – On this day in 1971, National Public Radio aired the first broadcast of “All Things Considered”, a daily news show. That show is still on the radio today and although it has changed quite a bit in that time, it is still quite popular.

To celebrate today, join hands with your kids and meditate in your garden on the paranormal experiences you have had.  Then, hug your disabled cat while you read the newspaper articles in your free press newspaper and listen to National Public Radio.  Put on two different colored shoes so you don’t feel the lumps in your rug while you make some homebrew beer to have with your raspberry popovers and chocolate custard.  Lastly, have your children read comics to you so you can watch them for signs of stroke while you make a scrapbook page with a bladder cancer theme.