Fun National Days in June

 I did some digging and found some fun holidays to celebrate during June.

Here we go:

June 1

National Olive Day

A day to celebrate one of the world's oldest fruits.  Another symbol we get from this is the olive branch which stands for peace, love and friendship.  Olives are used in cocktails (think Martini), in salads or even better, on pizza!  

It's also

National Barefoot Day

A day for RT to continue his love of going barefoot.  Let's hope he doesn't get a splinter again.  I don't want to be the lucky recipient that gets photos of the bottom of his foot.

It's also

National Say Something Nice Day

I think everyone can participate today.  Think about the nicest person you know and put one of their better qualities into practice.  Give someone a compliment.  Do it for the joy of seeing them smile because of your kind words.  

And, 

National Pen Pal Day

Remember the joy you would get sending letters to people in the mail and then waiting to hear back from them?  Having a pen pal improves our writing skills, offer us a broader view of the world and also gives us a break from technology.  Don't have a pen pal?  How about writing a letter and sending it to a friend?

June 3

National Repeat Day

A great day to say everything again.  A great day to say everything again.  How to celebrate?  Say "Thank You" twice instead of once every time.  Call your Mom (or a friend) twice and tell them the same things in the second phone call.  Play your favorite song twice and sing along both times (preferably when RT is not around). 

June 4

National Cheese Day

A great day for those that like to eat cheese.

 

June 5

National Moonshine Day

Moonshine is mostly made of corn mash and is typically made illegally.  White Lightning, Mountain Dew, homebrew, hillbilly pop and rotgut are just a few of the names used.  Moonshine became a big business opportunity during Prohibition.  There are some distilleries making Moonshine (legally) and, of course, there are still others that produce it illegally.

It's also

National Trails Day

Get out there and Take a Hike!

June 7

National VCR Day

Time to pull out that good ole VCR and watch a movie!    Oh, yea, don't forget to rewind it after you're done!  Believe it or not, I think we still have some movies on VHS.

June 8

National Best Friends Day

A day to honor your best friend.  The best way to celebrate?  Tell them how much they mean to you.  Send them a letter (in code), invite them out for margaritas and nachos to chat and share a memory or three.  

June 10

National Ballpoint Pen Day

Celebrating pens and the date that they had their patent filed.  I love pens, so I will definitely be celebrating today.   And, how shall we celebrate the day?  Well, how about using that pen to create a doodle.  Handwrite your 'To Do' list.  Write a letter or note to someone special.

June 13

National Weed Your Garden Day

National pulling weeds day is everyday for me.  My family has to stop me if I start to pull weeds otherwise I will be out there for hours.

June 19

National Martini Day

"Shaken, not stirred."

June 20

National Hike with a Geek Day

The day encourages IT (and techies) to push away the keyboard and get outside in nature.  Guess I'll be going on a hike with RT today.....

June 21

National Selfie Day

How to celebrate?  Post your favorite selfies from your travels, with friends/family and use #NationalSelfieDay on social media.  Need inspo ideas?  Duck face selfie, car selfie, bathroom selfie, gym selfie, work selfie (my favorite), pet selfie, bff selfie and food selfie.  

June 23

National Detroit Style Pizza Day

Thick pizza that is cut into squares.  I think this means that Uncle Steve should have a pizza party.

June 24

National Handshake Day

Do people still use the handshake or has it morphed into a fist or elbow bump?

June 25

National Take your Dog to Work Day

My absolute favorite day!  Pack your lunch, Pippen you're coming to work with me!

That's it for June.  Get out there and have a great month!

I played Hooky

 I have been working five days a week for a year and a half and have only taken two days off.  Unfortunately, those two days off would not be considered as fun days.  They were each taken (separately) due to a death in the family.

I was starting to get an attitude at work and decided that it was time for me to take a day off for myself.  

A personal day.  

A mental health day.  

A day to take care of me.

RT:  What are you going to do today?

Me:  Nothing.

Of course, nothing in my book means that I will be scrubbing the house from top to bottom all day.  I guess that's still doing something for myself, because I live here and I get to enjoy a nice, clean house.  It doesn't exactly scream fun, though, does it?

So, what did I do on my day off?

Slept in a little.

Took an extra long morning walk.

Drank a nice, hot cup of tea.

Played with my dog.

Cleaned the bathroom.*

Got a pedicure.

Took the child and her friend thrifting.

Made pizza for dinner.

Watched a few shows on Netflix.

*It had to be done.  I'm not exactly proud to say that I cleaned on my day off, but, I am happy that the bathroom is clean.  At least I didn't do an entire house cleaning!

If you know me then you know that I never take a day off from work.  I would have to be on my death bed in order to miss a day of work.  Someone would have to die for me to miss work (see the first paragraph).   I'm one of those people that does things for others and tend to forget to take care of myself.   I feel guilty when I do something for myself.  So, something like taking the day off or playing hooky is very odd behavior for me.

Guess what?  There were no feelings of guilt today.  In fact, I think I enjoyed myself. *

*Don't worry.  I won't make this a habit.  

Mother's Day

 I thought I would give everyone a friendly reminder that Sunday is Mother's Day.  I don't want you to forget the most important person in your life.   You still have time to run to the store and buy something essential for your Mom (I'm sure she can use some toothpaste, toilet paper or a block of cheese, or more importantly, a case (or two) of wine!).

If running out to the store is too much for you, maybe you can make a card at home?  All you need is some paper and a pen.

Search Mother's Day on the blog and you will get a few ideas for Mom:

pencil cup
flower pen

How about hosting a Mother's Day Tea?  All you need is some tea and coffee mugs.  You can even get fancy with cucumber sandwiches and/or cookies.

My favorite Mother's Day gift was a letter from each of my children.  Yes.  I was a little frightened when I first requested a letter from them.  Who knows what they would write about and what they would bring up in these letters?  Turns out the letters were a pleasant surprise and are hands down my favorite Mother's Day gift ever.   If you plan on writing one to your Mother, don't fret over what to write.  She will love it and will be very happy to read it (over and over again).

If you really want to surprise Mom this year, National Clean Up Your Room Day is on May10.  You can get a head start on that celebration by cleaning up your room now.  I think that just cleaning up your room would make a wonderful gift for Mom!  This gift will be one that she remembers and will talk about in the years to come.  For some of you, this might even earn you "Favorite Child" status.

Whatever you decide to do, Mom will love that you remembered her Sunday and every day.

Happy Mother's Day!

Χριστός Ανέστη

 We are celebrating Greek Orthodox Easter at our house.

Xristos anesti

ek nekron,

thanato thanaton patisas,

ke tis en tis mnimasin zoin xarisamenos

Christ is risen

from the dead,

having beaten Death by [his own] death

and having given the gift of life to those in the graves.

Christos Anesti. (Χριστός Ανέστη)  (Christ has Risen)

Alithos Anesti.  ( Aληθώς ανέστη!)  (He has risen indeed)

Kalo Pascha!

Red Easter Eggs

There are a lot of things that stick with you.  For me, Easter eggs have always been dyed red.  

I remember my Mom dying Easter Eggs on the Thursday night before Easter.   All of the eggs were dyed red and then shined with a little olive oil.  We were not allowed to eat them until Easter Sunday.  Before we were able to eat the eggs, we would play a little game.  One person holds their egg (pointed side up) while the other person uses their egg (pointed side) to hit that egg (head on).  As the two eggs hit, you say, "Christos Anesti" (Christ has risen).  You then do this with the round side of the egg and say, "Alithos Anesti" (He has risen indeed).

I did a little digging on red Easter eggs and thought I would share.

Eggs were a pagan symbol for fertility.  Eostre, the Germanic goddess of fertility, carried a basket of eggs.  This was to encourage fertility.  Her followers would give her eggs as an offering.  Christians adopted the egg as an Easter symbol but gave it a new meaning.

Egg decorating was been around for quite some time.  Painted ostrich eggs have been found in Africa that are around 60,000 years old.

During the early days of Christianity in Mesopotamia, eggs were dyed and used as a symbol for Christ's resurrection.    This was done as a reminder for the blood Christ shed for us on the cross.  

The Greeks kept the tradition of dyeing eggs red to symbolize Christ's blood and the egg itself to remind us of His tomb.  When the egg is cracked, it represents His resurrection. 

There is a legend that gives Mary Magdalene credit for starting the tradition of red eggs.  The story goes, Mary Magdalene went to Rome to preach the Gospel.  While handing Emperor Tiberius an egg, she said, "Christ is Risen."  He was skeptical, and when he said that to Mary, the egg that was in her hand turned blood red.

 Here is my source for all things Easter eggs.

Fun National Days in May

 I did a little digging and found some interesting holidays we can celebrate in May.

Here we go:

May 1

National Join Hands Day

This is a day that both the older and younger generations come together.  Put their aside their differences and work together towards a common goal.  Volunteering, reading to residents at a nursing home, organize food drives or clean up local parks.  

it's Also

National Play Outside Day

Put down the phone or tablet and get outdoors!  Go for a hike.  Take the kids to the park.  Take the dog for a walk.  Do a little gardening.  Ride your bike.  Dance in the rain.  

May 2

National Lemonade Day

This day encourages the entrepreneurial spirit in children.  Who hasn't set up a lemonade stand as a child?  And, more importantly, who doesn't love a nice tall, cold glass of freshly made lemonade?  

May 3

National Lumpy Rug Day

Two ways to celebrate this day.  Spring cleaning, because who doesn't love a nice clean rug?  Or, face our problems head on and not sweep it under the rug.  I'm sure we can all celebrate this day one way or another (or both).

  

May 4

National Star Wars Day

May the Fourth be with you.

May 6

National Beverage Day

This day encourages us to enjoy our favorite beverage.  Hot or cold?  Caffeinated or carbonated?  Cocktail or mocktail?  Frozen, blended, creamy, smooth?   How will you celebrate the day?

May 7

National School Lunch Hero Day

Dedicated to the lunchroom ladies (and men).  What was your favorite lunch at school?  I would have to say spaghetti (in elementary school).  The school I went to had actual lunch ladies that made the lunches at school.  The food was pretty good.

May 8

National Dog Mom's Day

I expect a card and breakfast in bed, Pippen!!

May 9

National Lost Sock Memorial Day

This is the day to say goodbye to those single, lonely socks in your drawer.  What to do with them?  How about:  Make a sock puppet, use it as a dust rag, make wrist warmers or choose to never wear matching socks again.

May 12

National Limerick Day

There was a lady named Ferris

Whom nothing could ever embarrass

Till the bath salts one day

in the tub where she lay

Turned out to be Plaster of Paris.

May 14

National Dance Like a Chicken Day

This day encourages everyone to dance like chickens.  Flap your arms and strut like a chicken.  Do the chicken dance.   Maybe Patti's chickens can teach us some new moves?

May 15

National Armed Forces Day

A day set aside to pay tribute to the military in the United States Armed Forces.  The United States Military is composed of 6 branches:  Army, Airforce, Space Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.  How to observe?  Volunteer for an organization that supports those that are deployed.  Organize some care packages to be sent out.  Send letters to those serving in the military to thank them.  Honor a service member.

May 16

National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day

Break out those random acts of kindness and shower some or all of your neighbors.  Help an elderly neighbor with some yard work, run some errands for a neighbor, invite them over for coffee or drop off some yummy homemade baked goods.  

it's also

National Love a Tree Day

Trees do quite a bit for us and it's time to give back.  Besides providing oxygen, moderating the climate and creating a beautiful landscape to enjoy, trees also provide a home for animals.  Go outside and celebrate trees by taking a hike, hang out in a park or arboretum or, even better, plant a tree!

and, most importantly, it's

National Mimosa Day

Luckily this falls on a Sunday.  Go ahead and have a few Mimosas this morning to celebrate!

May 17

National Pack Rat Day

Take a good long look at yourself and your possessions and decide if you have pack rat tendencies.  A great day to clean out your attic, garage or basement and get rid of things that are collecting dust.

May 18 

National Visit Your Relatives Day

Since I have a lot of family members reading this, they won't be surprised when I drop by their house today.  

It's also 

National No Dirty Dishes Day

This will never happen at our house.  I can dream, though.  

May 20

National Rescue Dog Day

A day to celebrate our rescue dog, Pippen.  As if he doesn't get celebrated enough around here...

May 21

National Pizza Party Day

It's Friday and I'm making pizza.  Come on over!

May 23

National Lucky Penny Day

Once upon a time, pennies were made of copper, making it valuable.  You could also buy things for a penny (penny candy).  Some people only pick up pennies if they are head side up.  See a penny pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck.  Keep your eyes peeled for those pennies.

May 24

National Brother's Day

A day to celebrate our brothers  that tortured us as kids while our parent's weren't looking .

May 25

National Brown Bag It Day

Pack up a lunch and bring it to work or school today!  What you pack will be much more healthy than eating out.  Don't forget those reusable containers!  

it's also

National Towel Day

A tribute to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."  "A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have."  Think about it.  A towel can be used to dry yourself off after a shower, bath or swim.  They can be rolled up and put at the base of a door to keep a draft out.  They can be used in an emergency to stop bleeding.  We use them to dust, wash/dry our car and bike.  The list goes on and on.  You can celebrate today by packing a towel.

May 28

National Road Trip Day

The kickoff to the summer road trip season.  Where will you go?

May 30

National Creativity Day

Unleash your imagination.  Embrace your own creativity and celebrate other's creative works.  

May 31

National Smile Day

This day encourages everyone to smile.  Your smile can help brighten someone's day.  It can also improve your day.  Smiles are infectious.  Smile and the whole world smiles with you.  

National Poem in your Pocket Day

 Today is National Poem In Your Pocket Day.  It's the day to put a copy of your favorite poem in your pocket and share it with everyone you meet today.  

This holiday was started in New York City as part of their National Poetry Month celebration.  What a great way to share your love of poetry with other people.  

It's very simple to participate in this holiday.   Print out (or handwrite) a copy of your favorite poem and carry it with you today.  Share your favorite poem with friends, family and coworkers.  If you are shy about reading poetry in front of others, why not print out copies of the poem and hand them out?  Be creative.  Poems can be handed out at a favorite coffee house, train station, grocery line, nursing home or local business.  Encourage local businesses to participate by offering a discount to those with a poem.     Maybe put a poem in a loved one's lunch today.  Or on a coworker's desk.    Add a poem to your signature on your emails.  Tape a poem to the watercooler, in the breakroom or copy room.  How about trying your hand at writing poetry?

You can also share the poem(s) on social media by using  #pocketpoem .

If you have not given poetry a fair chance, this is your day to discover this wonderful art.  Check out The Academy of American Poets.  You can join a number of people and read a poem a day.   

Do you have a favorite poem or poet?