Tag Archive for national

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.

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.

Take a Nap Today–and Every Day

Feeling extra tired today? You’re not alone. The day after the start of Daylight Saving Time is when most people feel the worst sleep deprivation. That’s why today is National Napping Day–we may need a nap today. And we may need what the Spanish call (and take) a siesta each day.

Besides the Spaniards, other cultures have long recognized the value of a midday nap, going back to ancient Arabia, Rome, and Greece. They found napping to improve health and productivity.

So, celebrate this unofficial national day, for the sake of your health and well being.

Child Health–a Good Day

It’s the First Monday in October, meaning it’s National Child Health Day.  It’s a day established in 1928 to promote our children’s physical health, but why not focus on their mental and emotional well-being, too? We can play a few active games with them, take a walk or bike ride together, or team up to clean up the garden. We can also spend some extra time with them, maybe having a little picnic in the backyard, doing some chores together and complementing them on their help, giving them a few extra hugs, talking to them, one-on-one, about friends, school, activities they’re involved in or a movie you saw together or an incident when you both saw someone acting as a bully. Yes, these are things we should be doing every day with our children. But this is a great day to redouble our efforts–for the good of our children.

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.

Hug?

It’s National Hug Week. Yes, it exists and has existed for 33 years.

Read about how it started, related customs and traditions, and the benefits of hugging. Go to http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/national-hug-day/ .

Yup. It’s National Hug Week. And what are YOU going to do about it?!

En-Abling Theatre

Here’s an interesting new concept for the Arts–theatre with performers exclusively from the disabled community. There’s a lot of talent among them, but Hollywood casts what I call the “temporarily non-disabled”* into roles of characters with disabilities. That’s the case with live theater, as well.

The National Disability Theatre, created by a group of theater artists, will offer opportunities for talented individuals with disabilities to perform in major productions. In the process, they’ll be showing the world that the disability isn’t the person–and educate, say, potential hiring people to the fact that brains, creativity, work ethic, and other valuable employee-assets can NOT be determined by focusing on a person’s limitations.

Read more about this new venture at Disabled Artists Launch National Disability Theatre.

  • “Temporarily non-disabled” because all of us will, sometime in our lives, experience either a short-term or permanent disability.

What to Do Today

“Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” ~Frank A. Clark

That sums up the spirit of today’s National Do Something Nice Day.

Use your imagination. Go big, medium, or small.  Here are some suggestions: Send flowers to someone for no reason, with a card that says “Just Because.” Invite that office mate who eats lunch at her desk each day out to lunch with you. Give an extra big tip to someone who serves you.  Mow a neighbor’s lawn or take out their trash with yours. Help someone struggling with grocery bags get them into their car. Ask a disabled person if they need  help opening a door or getting their wheelchair into their car. Smile at a stranger as you pass them by. Or do something nice without letting the person know who did it.

Seems to me, this is a good way to end a hectic work week.

 

A Good Activity for Tonight

Want something to do tonight?  Be part of the annual National Night Out.  The idea behind it is to get people out of their homes to mingle, to get to know each other.  It’s intended to help build neighborhood solidarity and friendship and get people involved in crime-prevention activities.  The result is to put the bad guys on notice that we’re fed up with their crimes and are organized and unified enough to take back our neighborhoods.

There are National Night Out events which you can participate in.  Otherwise, grab some lawn chairs and sodas, invite neighbors to join you, and talk about the kids, pets–preferably not about politics or religion–and how you, as a group, can make your neighborhood a safer place.

See you there!

This Saturday, Clean Up!

Next Saturday (4/20) is National River Cleanup Day. Do your part locally. For details, go to

http://www.cleanacreek.org/volunteerinformation.asp.