Tag Archive for Day

Do it…TODAY!

If you haven’t yet registered to vote, this day was created for you in 2012. The idea is to get as many people as possible registered to vote, because everyone should have a voice in how our democracy will be run in the coming years. If you think your one vote doesn’t matter, think about the math. Your one vote, added to another single vote, added to another…that’s how elections are won and lost and how propositions win or lose. And who gets elected and what propositions we’ll have to live with really DO affect each one of us.

Here’s a safe, bipartisan site you can go to to register on line (there are many others, of course): https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/ Or at the federal government’s site at https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote. Or fill out and mail in a paper voter registration form. However you do it, just DO IT!

Make a difference. Decide your own future. Register now, and be sure to vote.

A Grand Day for Book Lovers

Almost here (on Aug. 9): Book Lovers Day. Okay, okay. Some say it’s every Aug. 9 and others not until Nov. 7. I say, Why not celebrate it both days? And any day?

Nobody knows how this day got started. But if you love books, who cares? It’s an excuse to curl up with a good book (or an educational tome or trashy novel) and enjoy stepping into another world. It’s a chance to tell yourself and others that you’re really doing something while pretty much doing nothing, a chance to seek out a comfy chair or section of grass under a shade tree or a swaying hammock and settle in. If you fall asleep, well, no matter. The whole idea is to relax, anyway.

A Special Day for Your Mutt

Call him a “mutt” or “half-breed” or “exotic mix,” he’s still our treasured family member.  And today is his day.  It’s National Mutt Day, also known as National Mixed Breed Day.  Well, one of the annual days, since it’s also celebrated on Dec. 2.  But,  hey, humans’ best friend deserves two days.

Animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige established this day in 2005 to counter the trend toward designer-dogs and pure breeds. plus over-breeding, especially by puppy-mills to supply pet stores with these dogs.  The result has been sick and extremely neglected dogs.

Meanwhile, 80% of dogs in shelters are mixed breeds just waiting to be adopted before they’re euthanized.  This day is intended to point out that mutts generally live longer, are healthier, naturally better behaved, and can just as easily be trained to be service dogs, bomb/drug-sniffers, search and rescue–you name it.  And they’ll wag “I-love-yous” even when you’re grouchy.

Think about it.

Chocolate Me for Chocolate Day

To many of us, chocolate is comfort food. And, since we can all use some comfort, what better day than today, Chocolate Day? I hope you enjouy my little chocolaty poem:

CHOCOLATE ME

In my next life, I’ll be chocolate.

Sometimes nutty, sometimes smooth,

Sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet,

Or hiding a squishy center.

Harmless in moderation

But increasingly expensive.

A melting mess in warm hands

While maintaining my allure.

Adding weight to the over-burdened.

Raising spirits periodically.

Hazardous in extremes.

A cause of sibling rivalries

(Fighting over me!)

Plus a rapid thumping heart

And a crawling belly ache.

There will be those who want me gone,

Yet secretly crave more of me. 

Yes, that’s what I will be–

Sort of like I am now.

But in that day, when I’m chocolate,

Everyone will love me.

——- Jackie O’Donnell

What Do Nurses Actually Do?

Yesterday, on their special day, I highlighted teachers. Today, on National Nurses Day, we honor those who have chosen to spend their lives caring for us. They do it in so many ways that we don’t even think of, as this video shows. Thank you, nurses, for all that you do.

Women Vets

They’re often-unsung heroines. Let’s remember them today.

Why We Bother Working

Sometimes we feel all we do is work, work, work. And to what end? Today’s Thursday Thought gives a glimpse into the future.

“Our work is to sow. Another generation will be reaping the harvest.” (Dorothy Day, Aims and Purposes)  — So let’s get to work!

What a Dog-Gone Day Today Is!

Today, and every Aug. 26 since 2004, is National Dog Day. It’s a day for all of our dogs, pure-bred or so mixed they have to be referred to as “American.” The day was established to remind us of the multitude of dogs that need to be rescued or re-homed, and the many way dogs serve us–protecting us, searching out bombs, drugs, and humans lost in earthquake rubble, helping the blind and disabled, and, in recent years, detecting seizures and cancer in people. Read about this day and its significance at About National Dog Day.

Meanwhile, I’m remembering all my past faithful furry friends and celebrating Rosie, my re-homed companion/helper, shown here when she couldn’t decide on whether to continue her nap or play.

Father’s WEEK

Think of this as Father’s WEEK.  Extend the spirit of yesterday’s Father’s Day to a man who has helped you grow.  Maybe he helped you learn right from wrong or saved you from going in a bad direction in life. Or he helped you through a physical, emotional, or spiritual crisis that became a turning point for you.  He could simply have “been there” for you when you didn’t realize that you needed someone to lean on or listened to you when no one else would.  He can be your actual dad, another relative, a friend, a teacher, a police officer, a priest, a youth leader—just about anyone.  Think awhile about what happened and what the results were of his presence in your life.  Sometime this week, go to him and explain what he did and how he made a difference.  He probably doesn’t know.  This is good for you AND for that person.

Turtle Day? Really?!

Believe it or not, today is World Turtle Day. In honor of turtles everywhere, today’s Thursday Thought comes from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” It’s good for all of us who sometimes have a hard shell…

Splinter: You will listen now. My Master Yoshi’s first rule was ‘Possess the right thinking’, only then can one receive the gifts of strength, knowledge, and peace. I have tried to channel your anger, Raphael, but more remains. Anger clouds the mind. Turned inward it is an unconquerable enemy.