May 6, 2016

Today we celebrate:


No Pants Day – Celebrated on the first Friday in May, this is a fun day that involves not wearing any pants. The really fun part is that you have to pretend that there is nothing unusual about what you are doing, then sitting back and watching other people’s reactions. This is probably not a good day to wear a thong, but that’s just my opinion, you do what you want. This is about not taking yourself seriously and reveling in the absurdity of the situation. Some of us more hardy folk celebrated this day back in January 10th, which is the original anniversary of the first guy who, back in 1986, left home without any pants, discovered the oversight on the subway, and bluffed his way through the day because going back home wasn’t an option.

National Tourist Appreciation Day – If you are a tourist, appreciate yourself for the positive impact your patronage will have on the places you choose to spend your money. If you do business with tourists, appreciate their desire to support your business, whether you are providing a location for them to lay their weary heads, feeding their empty bellies, or selling them unnecessary but cute tchotchke. (I knew I'd be able to use that word someday if I was patient enough.) If you are annoyed by tourists visiting your city, remind yourself that they are vital to your local economy. You thrive because of them even if you don't directly do business with them.

International Space Day – Also celebrated on the first Friday in May, this is a day that is all about space and anything that you can learn about or from space. Museums that have Air and Space exhibits may have special events going on this weekend. This celebration was created by the Lockheed Martin Corp in 1997 in order to get young people all over the world excited about science and math.

International Tuba Day – And another first Friday in May day, this one is about recognizing the challenges that tubists endure in order to play their instrument. These are big and bulky instruments and are frequently disrespected among fellow band players. The day was created by Joel Day (this may or may not be his real name) in 1979 when he was one of two tuba players in his high school band. I’d be happy if my children’s high school band had even one tuba player. Mr. Day continued celebrating this day into college where he was known for popular Tuba Day activities and the celebrations have spread from there.
Beverage Day – This is a day to enjoy your favorite beverage, whatever it happens to be.

National Nurses Day – This is the first day of National Nurses Week. It runs from May 6th to May 12th every year. May 12th is significant because it is the birthday of Florence Nightingale who is probably the most famous of all nurses. Nursing is a difficult profession that is best suited to caring, compassionate, intelligent, and dedicated people. Make sure you show them appreciation today.

International No Diet Day – Created in 1992 in the United Kingdom, this is a day to accept yourself however you look, however much you weigh. Do not try to change yourself by dieting today. You are beautiful just the way you are. If you eat healthy food and live a healthy and active lifestyle, learn how to be happy with yourself no matter what shape your body happens to have. We are not defined by our body shape, we are defined by who we are inside and how we choose to live our lives.

Crepe Suzette Day – There are differing accounts relating to how this dish originated. But the one sure thing is that it is delicious and involves pouring liqueur over a crepe and setting it on fire. A practice that I have never been able to bring myself to try because I'm afraid of setting other things on fire as well. So have a fire extinguisher at the ready, look over the directions that no one ever reads, and don’t be afraid to use it if necessary.

Joseph Brackett Day – Born on this day in 1797, Joseph Brackett was a religious leader of the Shakers (The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing) community in Maine. He wrote a song called “Simple Gifts” that became very popular in the Shaker community.

Military Spouses Day – This day was originally proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and celebrated on May 23rd. But later, the US Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger made it a yearly holiday and changed the date to the Friday before Mother's Day. This is a day to acknowledge the support and sacrifices made by spouses of the Armed Forces.

Provider Appreciation Day – Begun in 1996, and celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, this is a day to appreciate your childcare provider, and anyone else who spends any amount of time taking care of your child.  Working parents, in particular, have reason to be grateful to their childcare providers, but even parents who do not work outside the home have need of childcare help now and then, if not...well you might want to consider it, you deserve a night out now and then.

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