May 31, 2014

Can you hear me? How about now? We're ready to celebrate:

Save Your Hearing Day – This is a day to focus on a very important sense, our ability to hear. For as long as I can remember, young people have been determined to destroy this sense as quickly as possible. Probably something to do with knowing that they will one day have very loud children and so they know already that there will come a day when they will be glad that the noise is somewhat muffled. Or, maybe it is simply because they like loud music. Who doesn't? I like to crank up my radio when I'm alone in the house too, but I also have to endure the many complaints of my family members that I should get my ears checked because I can't hear diddlysquat. Which is nonsense. Who wants to hear diddlysquat anyway?

World No Tobacco Day – This is a day for absolutely everyone to spread the word any way they can that tobacco can cause many health problems. Some ideas include: working on banning tobacco advertising, holding anti-smoking meetings, going into schools and telling kids how bad tobacco is, stopping people in public places and encouraging them to stop smoking, holding public marches and demonstrations. Because you never know, some people who have lived under a rock for the last twenty or so years, just might emerge today and be receptive to your information. You could save a life today.  The theme for this year is, “Raise Taxes on Tobacco”.

National Macaroon Day – Macaroons are cookies made with egg whites, sugar, ground almonds, coconut and maybe some chocolate. They do not use flour. They are also not to be confused with macarons, which are sandwich like treats filled with butter or jam. Have some macaroons today. These won't even mess up your gluten-free diet if you are on one.

Heat Awareness Safety Day – We had Heat Awareness Day last week.  This week we need to be aware of how we can be safe in the heat. Most of it is commonsense, such as making sure you drink enough water, stay out of the direct sun as much as possible, try to complete outside labors in the morning or evening when it's a little cooler, wear sunscreen, wear a hat, etc. The hard part is putting that knowledge into action. You know, this is a great opportunity to go have a glass of water. Yes, I'm talking to you.

What You Think Upon Grows Day – This is a day that is all about the power of positive thinking. Whatever you allow your mind to dwell on, will come to pass. If you persist in thinking about negative things, negative things will happen in your life. So anytime you start thinking negatively, push those thoughts right out of your head and replace them with positive thoughts. The more positive thoughts you have, the more positive things will happen in your life.

To celebrate today, throw away your tobacco and think only positive thoughts while you stay out of the heat, eat macaroons and lecture your children about saving their hearing.