January 31 is...

Scotch Tape Day

I don't know how to celebrate this one, other than to suggest that you might hang things all over the place, or rip a bunch of paper and then repair it. I don't know that scotch tape has much utility outside of the Christmas season...

Backwards Day

I can't see how this is really any different from opposite day, but celebrate anyway. I guess if there's something you already do backwards - i.e. you're left handed - then don't change. Maybe today would be a good day to like Canada.

January 30 is...

National Croissant Day

Love me some of this French delight.  I like to buy them in bulk from the Wal-mart or the Costcos.  I then cut them in half, unabashedly smear them with butter and my favorite home-made berry jam, stick them in the micro for 15-30 sec. and enjoy.  However, the potential of the croissant is virtually endless.  Use your imagination, use a recipe, use a Pillsbury tube, use the bakery, just use a croissant.

Escape Day

Just get away from it all.  Take a hot bath, take the day off, take a number.  Maybe you don't need an escape from life.  Maybe you just need an escape from your horrible living room furniture.  Well, whatever the size or nature of your need for a break-out, today's your day.  You provide the reason, I'll provide the get-away car...as long as your reasons for celebration are legal.

Thermos Bottle Day

My friend gave me a lunchbox for Christmas.  I was disappointed to discover that they no longer come with those really cool, completely useless thermoses with the cup/lid.  They now come with a sport bottle.  *sigh*  Well, find a thermos...if they still make them, fill it with soup, hot chocolate, coffee, iced tea - whatever.  You'll know that it'll still be the same temperature when you need it.  Unless, of course, you happen to own an old-school lunchbox thermos.  Those couldn't keep self-perpetuating hand warmer hot.

*note

I've apparently missed a couple of holidays lately.  Yesterday was National Puzzle Day.  I didn't realize that until I got to school and it was written on one of the first-grade classroom white boards.  Also, a good friend informed me that the 21 was Squirrel Appreciation Day.  I realize these holidays don't do you much good for this year, but put them on your calendar for next time around.  Also, if you come across any holidays I miss, feel free to let me know!

January 29 is...

National Cornchip Day

Again, not one of my favorite foods, but I recognize their usefulness in situations involving chili, taco salad, or some sort of party for a big game of one type or another.  So, grab some Fritos and sprinkle to your heart's content - especially since that's today's only holiday.

And for that reason, here's some useless information about the Fritolay company.

Unofficial History of the corn chip.

And a recipe for the daring.

January 28 is...

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

There is some discrepancy as to the actual date of celebration here.  I've found sources that say everything from Jan. 23 to Jan. 31.  However, according to bubblewrap.com it is, in fact, today. (sorry Launi)  Time to celebrate America's favorite ADD inducing product.  Pop it, pack with it, even make sculptures or clothing.  The possibilities are endless.

National Kazoo Day

Rock on brotha'!  I love me some kazoo.  I need to find one.  They had a kazoo band in a parade I saw once.  I think I may start my own.  So, take this highly portable instrument and annoy everyone you know.  They can't complain, after all, it's a holiday.

National Blueberry Pancake Day

I know what I'm having for dinner.  I'd have it for breakfast, but that would require me to get up far too early, and it's really not worth it.  But I haven't had breakfast for dinner in quite some time, so I think I'll enjoy that this evening.  Here's a recipe for you ambitious folk.  Personally, I think I'll just use a mix.

January 27 is...

Chocolate Cake Day

Are you kidding me?!  An entire day devoted to chocolate cake.  I don't think there's anything to complain about here.  Whether you like it moist, dense, frosted, from scratch or out of the box.  Go for it.  And remember, it's the official day, so calories don't count.

I couldn't decide on just one recipe, so here are a bunch.  Pick your favorite.

Happy Adoption Day

I've always thought that adoption was a much better alternative to abortion...and I still do.  So find your favorite adopted relative - have you any - and give them a hug and some chocolate cake.  Or just spare a thought for the thousands of people who can't have kids.  Say a little prayer that they'll find a little angel to join their family.

January 26 is...

Alzheimer's Awareness Day

Rather than quoting a bunch of stale information about Alzheimer's Disease, I'll just say that today might be a good day for a Boy Scout moment.  Go to your local rest home and visit someone lonely.  Seriously.

And for those of you who were hoping for the stale info.  Here's a link.

January 25 is...

Opposite Day

Today's the official day.  I remember this day in elementary school.  Everyone would wear their pants backwards, and say "no" when they mean "yes."  I'm all about mayhem and confusion.  So, wear your pants backwards.  Or better yet, wear your underwear on the outside.  Say "yes" when you mean "no."  Maybe the creepy men who hit on you will finally get the hint.  Also, I don't think you should send me any money...

Cookie Legend Day

This refers to the legend of the woman who was charged $250 for the Neiman Marcus cookie recipe and then took her vengeance by circulating the recipe via e-mail to the entire known world.  To help her in her quest for justice, here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
4 ounces milk chocolate, grated
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts


DIRECTIONS

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2) Cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each. Add the vanilla and mix well. Measure oatmeal into a blender or food processor, and then blend to a fine powder.

3) In a separate bowl, mix together flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

4) Stir dry ingredients into creamed butter and sugar.

5) Add chocolate chips, grated chocolate and nuts.

6) Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 6 - 8 minutes.

HAVE FUN!