Friday, February 29, 2008

February 29 is...

Leap Day

It's that time of...whatever again.  Year number four.  We've successfully added up enough extra time in our journey around the sun to add another day to the calendar year.  So, now you have an extra day.  Use it wisely.  And While we're on the subject, did you know there's such a thing as leap seconds?

National Surf and Turf Day

Steak and seafood.  It's a classic combo, like PB&J or Sonny and Cher.  Unfortunately it's more expensive to enjoy than either of those.  Today you really do have to go celebrate because national surf and turf day only comes around once every four years.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

February 28 is...

Public Sleeping Day

Though I have done this, it's kind of scary.  You just never know what people might do to you.  Most of my public sleeping adventures have been either on airplanes or in airports, but I have taken the occasional nap in a park.  Good times.  Maybe this time around I'll try the furniture section at Wal-mart. Hmmm...

National Chocolate Souffle Day

Oh wow, I'm excited for this one.  I'm definitely gonna whip out a recipe here and indulge myself.  I just don't know what else to do with a day like this.  Indulgence- not always bad.  I'd post a recipe, but there are a billion, and I don't know which is best.  My dad has one that I think he's concocted from several - perhaps I'll post that after I call him tomorrow...

Blue Jeans Day

Lucky for me, I just bought some hot new ones.  I'm definitely gonna be sportin' em - while eating chocolate souffle, and napping in public.

Coming Attractions: National Surf and Turf Day, Leap Day

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

February 27 is...

International Polar Bear Day

Um...I think the only legitimate thing I can actually suggest is going to the zoo...provided there's on in your area, and that it is home to a polar bear.  Otherwise, just fill your tub with ice-water and jump in.

National Strawberry Day

I love strawberries in all forms - fresh, as a preserve/jam, in pie, covered in chocolate - especially covered in chocolate - as a garnish, you name it, I'll eat it...within reason.  I was unaware that strawberries were in season this early in the year, but regardless.  Go out, get yourself some strawberries, and practice being sensual.  Heaven knows I could use some practice.

Flip a Pancake Day

I wonder what the rules are regarding spatulas here.  I think I might practice flipping the pancake without using a spatula.  I think that would be a cool/impressive trick for when you have kids.  Plus, you get to eat pancakes, though seeing as how this is simply flip a pancake day, one is certainly not required to eat the pancakes one has flipped.  I recommend topping the finished pancakes - at least the ones that survived - with strawberries and whipped cream.

Coming Attractions: Public Sleeping Day, National Chocolate Souffle Day, Blue Jeans Day

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

February 26 is...

National Pistachio Day

One year for Christmas my parents gave me one of those giant alien heads you used to see on the counters of specialty shops filled with alien-head suckers, filled to the brim with pistachio nuts.  I was elated.  I love nuts - though my tongue does not.  My tongue gets sore quite quickly when consuming nuts.  But I can enjoy pistachios in other ways - pudding for example.  I always wondered why it was green.  Anyway, enjoy a pistachio or two.  I know I will.

Ring Finger Day

Why we have a day to celebrate this particular fingers whilst leaving all the others in the dust is beyond me.  I don't even wear rings.  I guess maybe one day I will, but until then...
For those of you lucky enough to don a sparkle or two on your ring finger, show them off.  For the rest of us, maybe just strike up a conversation with a stranger about the merits of the ring finger as opposed to the others.  Compare and contrast the ring finger with the pinky, perhaps.  Draw your ring finger and send it in card-form to a friend.  Buy your finger flowers.  The possibilities are endless.

Coming Attractions: International Polar Bear Day, National Strawberry Day, Flip a Pancake Day

Monday, February 25, 2008

February 25 is...

National Clam Chowder Day

Mmmmm.  I love clam chowder.  Ok, so I guess technically I love New England clam chowder, but there are other kinds and today's a day to explore them all.  Go out there and have fun with it!  Here are a few recipes:

New England Clam Chowder
Manhattan Clam Chowder
Boston Clam Chowder
Rhode Island Clam Chowder

Go Bowling Day

I love bowling too.  Though I don't know that I'd recommend clam chowder and bowling at the same time.  I've always wanted to go human bowling.  You wear sweats and helmets and you are the bowling ball.  I think it'd be fun.  But I digress.  Go out there at see if you can't get a high score.  I don't think I've ever broken 200.  In fact I'm pretty sure that I've barely broken 100 a couple of times.  Oh well, it's really all about having fun.  So I think I will...

Coming Attractions:  National Pistachio Day, Ring Finger Day

Sunday, February 24, 2008

February 24 is...

Sorry I'm a bit late with today's - crazy weekend.

National Tortilla Chip Day

Possibly one of the most versatile foods known to man.  I can think of a thousand and one uses for it.  Nachos, soup garnish, noise-maker...the possibilities are endless.  Explore as many as you like.

Dinosaur Lovers' Day

And really, who isn't?  I used to be fascinated with dinosaurs.  I find them to be highly intriguing.  Where did they come from?  Why were they here?  Where did they go after death? (sorry...)  So, it's time to dig up your old toys, maybe have fun with a coloring book, or make dinosaur-shaped sugar cookies.  You can frost them and then cover them in tortilla chips...

Tomorrow's adventures include: National Clam Chowder Day, and Go Bowling Day.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Adjustment

So, for the last week or so I've been posting holidays a day early, but I've discovered that this causes a bit of confusion.  Therefore, I'm going to go back to posting holidays the day of.  However, to help with planning issues, at the bottom of each days post there will be a list of upcoming holidays a la "coming attractions."  This should help with confusion issues, but still allow for adequate planning opportunities.

Thank you, 
The Management.

Friday, February 22, 2008

February 23 is...

National Banana Bread Day

I love banana bread.  I don't know that there's much of anything better than a thick slice of fresh banana bread right out of the oven - slathered in butter and joined by a tall glass of milk.  Mmmmm.....
Now, most banana bread recipes call for several ripe bananas, but I'm a slightly green banana eater, so I usually have one banana that's left over - past its prime and good for nothing because I don't have enough bananas to make bread.  Luckily I found this fantastic recipe for banana bread that uses only one banana.  How convenient.
And just for fun, here's some history.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

February 22 is...

Be Humble Day

Now is not the time for self-aggrandizement.  Let someone else shine.  You may be the cat's pajamas, but today - let it go.

National Margarita Day

Hooray for liquor!  Though I'll be celebrating virgin style.  Margarita is Spanish for "little Margaret"  or "Maggie," I suppose.  And apparently it's also Spanish for "daisy."  Ademas here's everything else you never wanted to know about this most popular of tequila-based drinks.  Enjoy - and drink responsibly.

Birthday Wishes!

So, I just decided that since this is my blog, I think it'd be fun to send personal shout-outs and birthday wishes to family and friends as they occur.  The 22nd will be the birthday of one of my BFF's - we'll call her Felicity.  And she's the big 25 - that's right a quarter of a century old.  Good times.  Happy birthday!
Birthday's I've missed up til now.
My long-lost, yet still faithful friend Sean. (Jan. 7)
My good, and far-away friend Mr. Powers. (Jan. 15)
My cousin/roommate, and the coolest night-shift nurse around - Annie (Jan. 17)
The Cutest Nephew in the world Jack. (Feb. 1)
My Pa (Feb. 18) - Happy Birthday Dad!  You're the best!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

February 21 is...

Card Reading Day

I'm assuming they mean tarot cards.  But for those of you who aren't too keen on astrology and all that jazz, head to your local Halmark store and read some of those cards.  I've spent many a delightful moment perusing the fresh ink cards.  Some of them have made me laugh out loud.  You could also dig up old birthday/Christmas/get well soon/whatever cards and reminisce while reading those...or I guess you could just read a deck of playing cards, though I doubt they'd provide much entertainment.

National Sticky Bun Day

I'm not sure why no one coordinated this day with the Feast of the Sticky Buns, but I'm not complaining.  Go get some sticky buns, make some yourself, or just eat your leftovers from last week.  Go on, celebrate!

Barley Pudding Day

For those wondering - yes.  There is such a thing as barley pudding.  And no, it's not alcoholic.  Apparently it tastes like rice pudding, only it's better for you.  So enjoy!  You're lucky, you get two desserts today.  I'm thinking maybe one counteracts the effects of the other, though I'm not sure which...

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

February 20 is...

Hoodie Hoo Day

On this winter day, people go out at noon, wave their hands over their heads and chant "Hoodie-Hoo".
It is a day to chase away winter and bring in spring. After all, everyone in the northern hemisphere are sick and tired of winter at this point and a little crazy being cooped up inside all winter and not seeing the sun.

I don't really get how chanting "Hoodie-Hoo" is going to change global weather patterns, but I guess it's worth a try...

National Cherry Pie Day

That old American favorite.  I much prefer it to Apple.  Though I don't know if I'll celebrate.  I hardly have time to bake.  I'll celebrate in spirit.  I feel the cherry...I am one with the cherry...

Gum Drop Day

Gum drops are not my favorite.  But I guess they're sugar, so they work.  Sugar-covered colored sugar, in fact.  Maybe I'll build a little gingerbread house...or a gingerbread man with gumdrop buttons.

Monday, February 18, 2008

February 19 is...

National Chocolate Mint Day

Has there every been a greater combination of food?  I submit that there has not.  Some as great, perhaps, but never one greater.  Mint brownies, mint M&M's, mint hot chocolate.  All the lusciousness of chocolate combined with the sensualness of the mint.  I love it.  Enjoy.

Watch Casablanca Day

I guess today's the day.  I've seen parts of Casablanca, but never the whole thing.  Maybe it's about time.  For the rest of you - do it.  It's a classic.

Hug-a-Mormon Day

That's right!  It's everyone's favorite day of the year!  Whether you're feeling inspired by Mitt's campaign...or not-so-campaign...or you just wonder who these quirky religious-types are, go out and find one then give them a giant hug.  Everyone needs a hug every now and again after all.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

February 18 is...

Play-Dough Day

I love play-dough.  The way it feels, the way it smells, the way it's impossible to get out of most everything including carpet, knitted fabrics, and cat fur.  I don't, however, like it when it dries out and is no longer usable.  But today, we won't worry about that.  Just be a kid again...or still...and play with some play-dough; even if you make your own.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

February 17 is...

Melba Toast Day

To be honest, until about 5 minutes ago when I looked it up, I didn't even know what melba toast was.  According to wikipedia Melba Toast is a very dry, crisp, thinly sliced toast often served with soups and salads, or topped with either melted cheese or paté.  For those who are wondering how to make melba toast, wonder no longer.  This link also includes some history which may or may not be interesting - I make no guarantees.

Friday, February 15, 2008

February 16 is...

Feast of Sticky Buns

I remember the first time I experienced the glory of this celebration.  We actually had a party.  Everyone brought sticky buns/cinnamon rolls (though technically they are two different things...) and we had a grand old time.  Perhaps I'll celebrate in a similar fashion this year.  In any event, you can celebrate with this fabulous recipe.

National Almond Day

Almond-shaped eyes, almond colored kitchen appliances, almond flavored cookies - we want it all!  Useless - or maybe not - trivia about almonds.

February 15 is...

Singles Awareness Day

Officially today is single's awareness day.  Some choose to celebrate on the 13th, some on the 14th to counteract the effects of all that disgusting romantic love in the air, but according to the Day's Official Website - today's it.  So for you people in relationships of a romantic nature - sorry, you're up a creek on this one.  For the rest of us, let's get out there and celebrate our singleness!  

National Gumdrop Day

To be honest, I don't even know where to get gumdrops, though I'm assuming Wal-mart would have them.  They have everything, after all.  So, go find some, buy them, eat them, decorate with them, pelt the pesky neighborhood children with them - use your imagination.  And here's some interesting info/gumdrop lore.

Burger Lover's Day

I do love a good burger on occasion.  Though lately I've tried to stick to chicken or fish as a protein alternative.  Burgers, though tasty and delicious, aren't as appealing as they once were.  Maybe today I'll celebrate.  I've always wanted to try the Baconator at Wendy's, but just haven't worked up enough chutzpah.

---------------

An avid reader of mine made a suggestion to me today. He said that I should post holidays a day early so that one may more easily plan a celebration - or at least a meal. I think I'll take this sage advice and run with it. So, I'll now post things a day early so you can plan ahead a bit - make a run to the grocery store, give grandma a call, invite the neighbors etc.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

February 14 is...

Valentine's Day...of course

I have mixed feelings about the old V-day.  I'm not anti-valentine's day, I think it's good to celebrate love, but at the same time, more often than not, I am severely lacking in that area.  Not love, necessarily, but the kind of love associated with this most dichotomous of holidays.  Anyway, as Scrooge says in A Christmas Carol (roughly), "You keep it in your way, and let me keep it in mine."  Either way, I get to have super fun Valentine's parties with elementary kids today.  You can't help but have a smile on your face in that situation.

Ferris Wheel Day

I can't think of a better non-summer day to have such a holiday.  Ferris wheels are quite romantic.  Just watch Charly and you'll see.  I, of course, can't of any ferris wheels which might be open right now, but if you're fortunate enough to be close to one, take advantage of it.  You could even use today as a way to overcome your fear of heights, commitment, and carnies.

National Creme Filled Chocolates Day

Again - what better day to celebrate chocolates?  Heaven knows the world produces enough of them around this time.  In fact, I went to Wal-mart today to find Valentines - you know, the kind that you passed out to everyone in your class in 3rd grade - and I couldn't find anyone because all they had were atrocious stuffed animals and piles and piles of chocolates.  I, personally, will be making a stop at See's.

February 13 is...

Get A Different Name Day

I choose Raul De La Frontera Hidalgo El Magnanimo.  What's yours?

National Tortellini Day

Tortellini - one of various filled pastas - is apparently surrounded by legend and mystery.  Who knew?  I personally enjoy a good plate/bowl of tortellini, but then I'm kind of a pasta nut, so I enjoy a plate/bowl of any pasta.  For ease in your tortellini endeavors, check out the freezer section at your local supermarket.  For a bit of adventure and pride in your meal, I recommend this way.

Stamp Collector's Day

Ah yes, a day for those quirky people who used to sit in the corner during recess and gluttonously peruse their stamps.  I guess I can't mock too much - some of them are now richer than I'll ever be.  But I can mock a bit.  Money doesn't make up for basic social skills - but I digress.  I would tell you to go browse a stamp collection, but I don't even know where such a thing might be housed.  I certainly don't know anyone with a stamp collection.  At least not anyone who openly has one...

Yesterday was apparently declared "National Pancake Day" by IHOP.  They give out free shortstacks.  This doesn't do you any good now, but just remember that you can always get free pancakes at IHOP on Shrove Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

February 12 is...

National Plum Pudding Day

Plum Pudding Info
Sorry for the boring post, but it's late, I'm tired, and I don't have a great interest in plum pudding.

Monday, February 11, 2008

February 11 is...

White T-shirt Day

This is fashion classic. It always makes me think of James Dean. I think I might wear a white t-shirt with a funny saying on it. They're more fun.

Peppermint Patty Day

The treat or the peanuts character? Maybe just buy a box and watch a Charlie Brown movie. Then you've got your bases covered.

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

So, don't make a big deal out of anything. Really. Just let it go, it doesn't really matter. I think I see spilled milk on a daily basis. We just call the janitor.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

February 10 is...

Umbrella Day

For a day like this, you'd think they'd have it be on the first day of the year when rain is forecast or something, nonetheless...
Grab your umbrella and carry it with you all day.  If nothing else it'll make people wonder, and that's always fun.  If you don't have an umbrella, today would be a good day to buy one.  And you never know when that freak rainstorm might pop up.
Here's an adorable song about a small umbrella.  I love it.

Cream Cheese Brownie

I just bought cream cheese brownies at Wal-mart.  I call that a stroke of luck...or maybe it's fate.  In any event, here's a recipe.

Boy Scout Day

It's time to pull out the old kerchief and show off your orienteering skills.  Or at least try to remember the scout motto...or is it the oath?  A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.  And my dad always added hungry, which is perhaps the most true of all.  I'll admit I had to look a couple of them up, it's been a while since I was actively involved in scouting.  And that's actually the scout law.  (hides head in shame)

Saturday, February 9, 2008

February 9 is...

Fire Safety Week!!!

Pizza Pie Day

Grab a pizza, grab a friend, grab a movie, and go to town!  For this plan I recommend Little Caesar's Hot 'n Ready pizza.  $5, no wait.  For a more delectable celebration I recommend "The Pie" in Salt Lake City, any authentic pizza place in Chicago, and Cici's in Orlando.  But I guess you can't really go wrong with pizza...unless it's school lunch pizza, then I'd be wary.

Friday, February 8, 2008

February 8 is...

Fire Safety Week!!!

Kite Flying Day

I'm wondering if this was inspired by the middle-east somehow.  You don't see much kite-flying in February in the US, but in the book "The Kite Runner" they fly kites in the winter in Afghanistan, so maybe...
Lately it's certainly been windy enough for a kite, however the wind has been mixed with snow, so I don't know that that would work.  I guess if you live somewhere further south than I do it might.  I think maybe I'll just watch Mary Poppins...

Moo Cow Day

Yep.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

February 7 is...

Fire Safety Week!!!

Chinese New Year

This is the year of the rat.  People born in the year of the rat are traditionally known for being leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Everything you ever wanted to know about Chinese New Year, and perhaps a little bit more.

Charles Dickens Day

That master of literature was actually born on this day in 1812.  I suppose it's fitting, then, that we celebrate him on this date.  So, bust out your favorite Dickens tale - though it'll probably take you longer than a day to get through most of them.  Dress up in a top hat or a corset, and fake your best British accent.  People make give you funny looks, but who cares?

National Fettucine Alfredo Day

Now here's a holiday I can really celebrate - and often do.  Fettucine Alfredo happens to be one of my favorite foods.  The story goes that  the the sauce was invented because a restaurant owner's wife couldn't keep any food down.  He tried everything he could, and finally Alfredo sauce worked.  It was originally served at Alfredo's restaurant.  Today there are only three of these restaurants in the entire world.  The original one in Rome, one in New York, and one at Disneyworld in the Italian pavilion at Epcot.  But Fettucine Alfredo has become a favorite of Italian lovers the world over.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

February 6 is...

Fire Safety Week!!!

Lame Duck Day

I don't even know what this means.  I don't live in an area replete with ducks - especially during the winter.  Maybe I'll buy a plush duck and remove one of its feet.  Or perhaps a chocolate duck and eat the head first.  So may possibilities, so little time.  For those in warmer climates where water-fowl are common, adopt a gimpy duck.  Give it a home...and then maybe eat it.  I dunno...

Great Pie Day

I couldn't really find any info on how this is different from regular Pie Day - other than someone putting the world "great" in the title, but I'm not complaining.  I think every day should be pie day.  So, go find more pie, and enjoy. :)

February 5 is...

Fire Safety Week!

Disaster Day

I think it's a disaster that I was too tired to do this last night before bed.  Don't go overboard today, but you might as well at least refrain from cleaning your room.  I know mine will look the same at the end of the day.  I'm sure I'll also have plenty of opportunities to celebrate with 150 or so 7-year-olds at my school.

National Chocolate Fondue Day

It's days like this that make me wish I had a bit more free time.  Oh well, I hope you all get a chance to celebrate.  Break out the pot, some fruit, and maybe a sponge cake and dip away.  Invite someone over and make it a party.

Old Shoes Day

Any celebration involving shoes merits at least an effort.  Find an old pair of shoes and sport them proudly.  This is an especially good day to break out the pair that's been sitting in your closet for months/years because you just haven't had the heart to throw them out, but couldn't figure out when to wear them.  I think this may be the perfect occasion.

Monday, February 4, 2008

February 4 is...

Fire Safety Week!

Homemade Soup Day

Forget the Campbell's, today it's from scratch, or it ain't worth nothin'.  Brush up on your cooking skills.  Broth-based, cream-based, it doesn't matter.  I like my mom's chicken noodle recipe.  Cioppino is also a family favorite.  Serve it up fresh, or don't serve it at all.

National Stuffed Mushroom Day

Oh my, I think I just died and went to heaven.  I love stuffed mushrooms.  Some people don't like mushrooms because of where they grow, but as far as I'm concerned they're just closer to the fertilizer.  The soil gets it's nutrients from dead things and poop anyway.  And now that you've worked up an appetite, here's a good way to prepare your favorite fungi.

Create a Vacuum Day

To be honest, I'm not exactly sure of the best way to go about this, but I guess there are several ways including, but not limited to sucking an egg into a bottle, a suction cup, and a plunger.  You could always just use your vacuum cleaner.  Then you can celebrate while being productive.  For those with enough free time, here's quite a lot of useless information on vacuums.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

February 3 is...

FIRE SAFETY WEEK!!!

This is it!  Time to check your escape routes, evacuation plans, safety precautions.  If you're a family with kids, you should have a meeting place in the event of a fire.  Kids should know about stop, drop, and roll.  They should also know what to do if they can't get out of their room during a fire.  Make sure the batteries in your smoke detectors are still good, and review safety procedures to avoid fires/burns i.e. don't mix chemicals, cook safely, don't play with matches etc.  Fire can be useful, and we joke about it sometimes, but it's a serious matter.  Take the steps to keep yourself and your family safe.

National Carrot Cake Day

Is it really a healthy alternative?  No one knows for sure, but it sure is tasty and we can rationalize away whatever calories there might be by saying it's made with carrots.  Of course the cream cheese frosting really counteracts all of that, but who's really paying attention anyway?  Carrot Cake is the bomb.

Take a cruise Day

My parents will be celebrating this one with style and flare later this week, and I'm a bit jealous - not gonna lie.  Although the type of cruise isn't necessarily specified, so you could take a cruise in your car, on a bike, or on a stick horse for that matter.  Have fun, be creative.  Just remember sunscreen when/where appropriate.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

February 2 is...

Groundhog Day

Ah the age-old tradition of relying on a rodent to predict the future.  According to the Official site of the Punxsutawny Groundhog Club, Punxsutawny Phil has predicted there will be six more weeks of winter this year.  For those who've forgotten all about this holiday and it's meaning, read this.  According to the article groundhogs everywhere are popping in and out of holes all over the place and a larger percentage are predicting that spring will be early this year.  I, for one, and pulling for them...and I'll probably end up watching the Bill Murray movie too.

National Wear Red Day

I don't know why we wear red today, but I look good in red, so I think I'll celebrate.  Whether it's for a drug-free status, AIDS awareness, team support, or just cause you're feelin' sassy, bust out that crimson wardrobe and let the world know you mean business.

Friday, February 1, 2008

February 1 is...

Serpent Day

So buy yourself a snake.  I dunno.

National Baked Alaska Day

The first experience I ever had with Baked Alaska was on a cruise I took with my family a couple of years ago.  Until then i didn't realize it was ice cream.  I just assumed it would be some world-shattering carbo-loaded pastry-like substance.  I was a bit disappointed.  But that's no reason not to celebrate this famous dessert.  So, here's the recipe.  And a little history.

Healthy Heart Day

Hooray for health!  Start out the day with a bowl of Cheerios, hit up the gym for some cardio, and give plenty of people hugs.  Check your family history for heart disease, plan a lower-fat/lower-cholesterol diet.  Have you cholesterol checked.  You may think it's too late to start worrying about that, but there's no time like the present eh?

Also...

It's February now!!!  So, check out the new monthly holidays and corresponding links.  If anyone knows of any more that should be included, feel free to let me know and I'll update it ASAP.