What Are We Celebrating Today -- Friday,...

Yesterday did NOT go well at all. I had one of those "it can only happen to me" events. I'll write about it later I guess....that way ya'all can get a good laugh. I know my kids did.

My friend was buried yesterday, and I wish I could have gone up to the funeral. Her family will need all the support and prayers they can get. I still don't know details, but at this point, it looks like she took her own life. I don't get it!! And her poor mom....no mother should have to bury their child. I just can't imagine.

Oh, don't forget I won't be around today, as I'm chaperoning Angela's German Club as they go to the statewide German Convention. It's an overnight thing too.

So...what are we celebrating (and I need something to celebrate)...

1). Bubble Gum Day: This holiday is a fun way to raise money, without kids having to sell stuff. Author Ruth Spiro thought it would be cool to have lots of kids all chewing gum and raising money on the same day, which is why she created the holiday back in 2006. funds raised on previous Bubble Gum Day celebrations have been used for some amazing things: To buy animals through Heifer International, to send snacks to soldiers stationed in Iraq, and to purchase books for Reading is Fundamental. This year, one school is raising money for World Read Aloud Day.

2). National Freedom Day: This holiday celebrates freedom from slavery, and recognizes that America is a symbol of freedom. Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, created National Freedom Day in 1948. He believed that there should be a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865. So, February 1st was chosen to celebrate National Freedom Day. On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed a the bill proclaiming February 1st as National Freedom Day.

3).Hula in the Coola Day: It's February, it's cold, and it's grey outside. But don’t let the winter doldrums get you down! Just get some moola and pack up your coola and get ready to do the hula at a Luau party. A nice pina colada would pick things up (virgin ones for those of us who don't drink)....and I'm sure your neighbors would love to attend a party.

4). National G. I. Joe Day: This holiday celebrates the G.I. Joe action figure (not a doll). I saw mention of a contest relating to this holiday, but we missed it. The deadline was yesterday. Bummer!

5). Working Naked Day: Please skip this one, unless you work at a nudist colony. One, it's just too cold outside to be parading around naked, and two, I think you'd end up fired (and maybe arrested) if you come to work naked. Now if you do decide to celebrate this holiday, DON'T blame me if you get in trouble. I will deny, deny, deny....

6). Robinson Crusoe Day: is holiday celebrates the anniversary of the rescue of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor who had been put ashore (in September 1704) on the uninhabited island Juan Fernández, at his own request, after a quarrel with his captain. His adventures formed the basis for Daniel Defoe’s book Robinson Crusoe.

7). Wear Red Day: The first Friday in February is dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that kills more women than all cancers combined - heart disease. It's an annual event that raises awareness and educates the public about the dangers of heart disease in women. Wear Red today!!!

8). National Baked Alaska Day: Yum! I've never actually had this dessert. It's a masterpiece of chemistry: ice cream, cake and meringue baked in the oven until the meringue browns.

I have also heard that it's Give Kids A Smile Day, Car Insurance Day, and Spunky Old Broad's Day. Wow, that's a lot to celebrate. I am posting this early so you have ample time to celebrate.