National "She's Funny That Way" Day, Terri's Day, more

March 31st, 2011, is National "She's Funny That Way" Day, Terri's Day, Take Your Parents to the Playground Day, Bunsen Burner Day, and National Clams on the Half Shell Day.

In honor of National "She's Funny That Way" Day, either do something eccentric or enjoy some female comedians - comediennes - on YouTube. I'd recommend Paula Poundstone for a start.

Terri's Day honors the memory of Terri Schaivo, whose life and death inspired a national debate about the nature of life and the medical dilemmas that arise when patients cannot speak for themselves.

Take Your Parents to the Playground Day means just what you think it means. Make your child's day! Have you hugged your inner child lately?

Your inner child surely remembers the old days in science class, fiddling with the Bunsen Burner when the teacher wasn't looking. Well, today is Bunsen Burner Day!

If you're in the mood for some seafood with a touch of elegance, celebrate National Clams on the Half Shell Day.

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I Am In Control Day, Take a Walk in the Park Day, more

March 30th, 2011, is I Am In Control Day, Take a Walk in the Park Day, The Grass Is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day, National Pencil Day, National Doctors' Day, and Turkey Neck Soup Day.

On this date in 1981 Secretary of State Alexander Haig promised the United States that he was in control, following an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. As a result today is known, rather tongue-in-cheek, as I Am In Control Day.

What to do on Take a Walk in the Park Day? Should be obvious. Relax and smell the (whatever flowers are blooming in your part of the world).

In honor of The Grass Is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day, try to be content with what you have. Don't covet your neighbor's wife, car, lawn, or iPad.

National Pencil Day is a time to celebrate your....pencils. There's actually a poem about pencils that will warm your heart.

Take time to appreciate your favorite doctor(s) today, National Doctors' Day. This date is the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery - and for that, we can be grateful.

Turkey Neck Soup Day - comfort food doesn't get any more comforting. I also have an updated version I've concocted - Turducken Soup.

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Smoke and Mirrors Day, Lemon Chiffon Cake Day, more

March 29th, 2011, is Smoke and Mirrors Day, Lemon Chifon Cake Day, National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, and Knights of Columbus Founders Day.

For Smoke and Mirrors Day, do something magical or be mysterious. The world needs a little intrigue.

"Lemon chiffon" could be something to wear as well as something to eat. Oh well. Enjoy Lemon Chiffon Cake Day.

Eschew the national chains in favor of local business today, National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. What you might lose on the sale price, you'll more than recoup in charm and good karma.

Today is the Knights of Columbus Founders Day, commemorating their formation in 1882. They were inspired by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, who brought Christianity to the New World. The Knights of Columbus support many causes, including scholarships and charitable donations.

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Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, Something on a Stick Day, more

March 28th, 2011, is Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, Something on a Stick Day, Eggsibit Day, and National Black Forest Cake Day.

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day is a chance to recapture your youth. Admit it - you've popped your share of bubble wrap! These days you can pop virtually or buy the real stuff in an array of colors.

In honor of Something on a Stick Day, what's your fave impaled food? I'm partial to chicken satay with peanut sauce.

Eggsibit Day is a time to appreciate the elaborate art of egg decorating, popular in Eastern Europe, or perhaps just decorate your own.

National Black Forest Cake Day celebrates a fabulous German concoction made with chocolate, cream, and cherries. Pass me a slice!

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Arrange some beautifully decorated eggs in a nest of pastel bubble wrap for a unique centerpiece. Serve cubes of Black Forest cake on skewers.

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Celebrations for the week of March 27-April 2, 2011

This week - March 27th through April 2nd, 2011 - we honor National Tsunami Awareness Week, Root Canal Awareness Week, and the beginning of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

National Tsunami Week is an excellent time to not only become more educated about this phenomenon, but also to find out how you can help the earthquake/tsunami victims in Japan.

Root Canal Awareness Week is one celebration I would rather not think about, but it's good to know my dentist is available when necessary.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival begins this week in Washington, D.C., continuing through April 10th. The cherry trees were a gift to the United States from Japan.

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National "Joe" Day, Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, more

March 27th, 2011, is National "Joe" Day, Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, and National Spanish Paella Day.

On National "Joe" Day, ask people to call you "Joe" if you're not fond of your given name. That's my husband's name, so I love it.

Today is Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day. Post your faves in the Comments section below!

Está exquisito - National Spanish Paella Day.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Host a paella party. After the feast try some country karaoke with your friends - Betty Joe, Sammy Joe, Kayla Joe, and so on....

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Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Earth Hour, Purple Day, more

March 26th, 2011, is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Earth Hour, the first day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Purple Day, and National Nougat Day.

Celebrate Make Up Your Own Holiday Day. How to celebrate? You decide!

Tonight at 8:30 p.m., your local time, turn off your lights and honor Earth Hour. Think about what you can do to sustain or improve our planet.

Today is the first day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The event continues through April 10th.

Wear purple for Purple Day in support of epilepsy awareness. Epilepsy affects about one percent of people.

National Nougat Day is as good a time as any to splurge on your favorite candy bar - with nougat, of course.

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Tolkein Reading Day, Lobster Newberg Day, Waffle Day, more

March 25th, 2011, is Tolkein Reading Day, International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Old New Year's Day, Lobster Newberg Day, Pecan Day, and International Waffle Day.

The theme for this year's Tolkein Reading Day is "Tolkein's Trees." Read to explore the forests in "The Hobbit" or "Lord of the Rings."

Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - a long title for an important commemoration. The theme for 2011 is "The Transatlantic slave trade: the living legacy of 30 million untold stories."

Old New Year's Day is celebrated primarily in Russia. Most countries abandoned the Julian calendar in favor of the Gregorian calendar in the 1500s, but Russia didn't adopt it until 1918. The Russian Orthodox Church, however, still uses the Julian calendar, so many Russians celebrate New Year's twice.

Lobster Newberg Day honors a dish made famous at Delmonico's in New York.

Pecan pie, anyone? Today is Pecan Day.

International Waffle Day began in Sweden - celebrated exactly nine months before Christmas. Yikes!

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National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day, World Tuberculosis Day

March 24th, 2011, is National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day and World Tuberculosis Day.

How can you go wrong with raisins and chocolate? Today is National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day.


World Tuberculosis Day is a time to raise awareness. Tuberculosis is still the cause of death of millions of people every year.

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National Puppy Day, Cuddly Kitten Day, Kick Butts Day, more

March 23rd, 2011, is National Puppy Day, Cuddly Kitten Day, Kick Butts Day, National Chip and Dip Day, Melba Toast Day, Near Miss Day, World Meteorological Day, and OK Day. 

National Puppy Day is a day to, well, love puppies. Adopt one if you're ready, willing, and able. 

Cuddly Kitten Day is also today, in case puppies aren't your thing.

Kick Butts Day isn't what you might think. It's about teaching kids not to smoke.

Enjoy some chips and dip for National Chip and Dip Day. (If you like French onion dip, try it with a few drops of Tobasco. Delish!)

Celebrate Melba Toast Day, honoring a crispy treat named for Dame Nellie Melba. 

Near Miss Day sommemorates this date in 1989 when an asteroid narrowly mssed the earth.

The theme for World Meteorological Day 2011 is "Climate for You." 

OK Day honors the abbreviation for "All Correct." Maybe it's just me, but shouldn't the abbreviation be "AC?"

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National Goof Off Day, World Water Day, more

March 22nd, 2011, is National Goof Off Day, World Water Day, As Young As You Feel Day, and American Diabetes Association Alert Day.

It's National Goof Off Day. You know what to do, right? It's your duty.

This year's theme for World Water Day is "Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge."

To celebrate As Young As You Feel Day, do something that makes you feel young. Hop and skip, play a video game, sing oldies, or watch retro TV. Have fun!

On American Diabetes Association Alert Day everyone is encouraged to take the Diabetes Risk Test, to determine their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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Aries, March 21 to April 19

Aries. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone born between March 21st and April 19th is an Aries, the sign of the Ram.

For more information about Aries:

• Aries Daily Horoscope
• Whats-Your-Sign for Aries
• Astrology.com: Aries Sun Sign
• Farmers' Almanac: Zodiac Signs, Astrology and Astronomy Explained

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Celebrations for the week of March 21-27, 2011

This week - March 21st through March 27th, 2011 - we honor Act Happy Week, World Salt Awareness Week, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week, World Folk Tales and Fables Week,  and National Spring Cleaning Week.

Celebrate Act Happy Week to feel better and find greater success.

Please don't pass the salt. This week is World Salt Awareness Week, a time to learn about the negative effects of too much salt in the diet.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week honors those who care for our littlest patients.

To celebrate World Folk Tales and Fables Week, share some folk tales and fables with a child, or reminisce about the joys such tales brought to you when you were younger.

National Spring Cleaning Week is a pain for those of us who dislike cleaning; redundant for those of us who are naturally neat.

Additional celebrations for the week beginning on Sunday, March 20th were covered in a separate blog post.

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First day of spring, Nowruz, Fragrance Day, more

March 21st, 2011, is the first day of spring, Nowruz, National Common Courtesy Day, Fragrance Day, World Down Syndrome Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and National French Bread Day.

The first day of spring is a time for new beginnings.

Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration, begins on the first day of spring and lasts for thirteen days.

Thank you so much for spending a few moments with me and my blog today. Would you care to sit? May I take your coat? Today is National Common Courtesy Day.

Did I mention you smell nice? Today is Fragrance Day.

World Down Syndrome Day is always celebrated on March 21st. 3/21 represents the 3 copies of chromosome 21, unique to people with Down Syndrome.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates this date in 1960, when 69 people were gunned down during an anti-apartheid demonstration in South Africa.

Enjoy some delicious, crusty bread with butter or olive oil. Today is National French Bread Day.

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Celebrations for the week of March 20-26, 2011

This week - March 20th through March 26th, 2011 - we honor National Bubble Week, American Chocolate Week, National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week, and National Poison Prevention Week.

Blow some bubbles this week for National Bubble Week. 

American Chocolate Week is always observed in the third week of March. 

National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week is a time to learn more about this dangerous trend. Brain damage can result from inhaling substances to get high. 

National Poison Prevention Week focuses on the prevention of accidental poisoning.

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March Equinox, Meatout, Snowman Burning Day, more

March 20th, 2011, is the March Equinox, Meatout, Proposal Day, Kiss Your Fiancé Day, Snowman Burning Day, National Jump Out! Day, Extraterrestrial Abductions Day, Buzzards Day, National Ravioli Day, International Earth Day, Won't You Be My Neighbor Day, and International Astrology Day,.

The March Equinox occurs when the sun shines directly on the equator, creating nearly equal periods of night and day.

Participate in Meatout, the world's largest grassroots diet education campaign.

Singles, get ready. Today is Proposal Day. Prince Harry and Leonardo DiCaprio are considered to be the most eligible bachelors of 2011;  Taylor Swift and Emma Roberts the most eligible bachelorettes. Good luck?

Along with Proposal Day, today is Kiss Your Fiancé Day. Nice.

To usher in spring, celebrate Snowman Burning Day.

While you're outside, do something for National Jump Out! Day. Exclamation point included!

Don't know how (or if) to celebrate, but today is Extraterrestrial Abductions Day.

The Sunday after March 15th is always Buzzards Day, when the turkey buzzards return to Hinckley, Ohio.

National Ravioli Day is important in  St. Louis, Missouri, home of toasted ravioli.

On International Earth Day, promote peace, justice, and earth care.

Be neighborly in honor of the late Mr. Rogers today - it's Won't You Be My Neighbor Day.

Look to the skies for International Astrology Day.

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SuperMoon tonight, March 19, 2011

Full moon. Image: morgueFile

Are you ready for the largest full moon in nearly 20 years? Grab your binoculars and head outside this evening.

The moon will appear largest when it's near the horizon.

Tonight's full moon will be a SuperMoon - up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon. Last time this happened was in March of 1993.

Tonight's moon will be at its closest point to earth, at perigee, in its oval orbit. Along with this phenomenon come the perigean tides, when water is pulled about an inch higher than usual. Nothing to worry about, though, according to the experts.

The full moon in March is called the Full Worm Moon. Earthworm activity brings the return of robins. Other names for the full moon in March include the Full Crow Moon, Full Crust Moon, Full Sap Moon, and Lenten Moon.

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Purim, Holi, Swallows Return to Capistrano, more

March 19th, 2011, is the first day of Purim, Holi, Swallows Return to San Juan Capistrano Day, Let's Laugh Day, National Quilting Day, and National Chocolate Caramel Day.

Today is the first day of Purim, the most festive of Jewish traditions. Celebrants exchange gifts, drink wine, and wear masks and costumes.

Today is also Holi, the festival of colors. During this ancient Indian festival, people spray colored water on each other.

Look to the skies if you live in California. It's Swallows Return to San Juan Capistrano Day!

Who cares about the origin of Let's Laugh Day? Just let loose and laugh!

Relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of National Quilting Day.

It doesn't get much better than National Chocolate Caramel Day. Yummy.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Toss colored water on your friends, then laugh with them. Design a quilt square featuring swallows. Have a glass of wine and some chocolate caramel.

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Awkward Moments Day, Goddess of Fertility Day, Supreme Sacrifice Day, more

March 18th, 2011, is Awkward Moments Day, Goddess of Fertility Day, National Forgive Mom and Dad Day, Supreme Sacrifice Day, National Biodiesel Day, and National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day.

Awkward Moments Day is a time to...oops...um...excuse me!

Goddess of Fertility Day honors Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility.

Today is National Forgive Mom and Dad Day. This may be as much for your benefit as theirs.

Supreme Sacrifice Day is a time to pause, reflect, and honor those who gave their lives for the greater good.

National Biodiesel Day honors the birth date of Rudolph Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine.

For your sweet tooth, remember to celebrate National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day.

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St. Patrick's Day, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, more

March 17th, 2011, is  St. Patrick's Day, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, Companies That Care Day, Submarine Day, and the Fast of Esther.

You'd have to be colorblind to the color green not to notice that today is St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to pagans. Eat or drink something green, if you please.

Every year on the third Thursday in March, Camp Fire USA asks us to honor Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. I've got one of those kids!

Attention employers - it's Companies That Care Day. Show appreciation for your employees and your community.

Today is the Fast of Esther, a Jewish holiday, although not one of the four public fasts ordained by the Prophets.

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Curlew Day, Lips Appreciation Day, more

March 16th, 2011, is Curlew Day, Lips Appreciation Day, St. Urho's Day, Everything You Do Is Right Day, Freedom of Information Day, National Goddard Day, Wellderly Day, and National Artichoke Hearts Day.

Celebrate Curlew Day! What's a curlew? A curlew is a water bird, found in coastal areas all over the world. What's a henway? About 3 pounds.

For Lips Appreciation Day, kiss someone you love, use some lip balm, or send this wacky ecard.

St. Urho's Day honors a mythical saint who drove the grasshoppers out of Finland, saving the grape crop. Wear Royal Purple and Nile Green (maybe using some leftover Mardi Gras regalia).

As a counterbalance to yesterday's Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, today is Everything You Do Is Right Day.

Today is the 13th annual Freedom of Information Day, celebrating the public's right to know.

National Goddard Day commemorates the date on which Robert Goddard achieved the first liquid-propelled rocket flight.

I can't find much solid information about Wellderly Day, presumably celebrated every March 16th, but will include it here because our elderly deserve to be well, to be respected, and to be honored.

Artichokes have antioxidants! Celebrate Artichoke Hearts Day.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Wrap your lips around a tasty and healthy artichoke heart. Because everything you do today is right, enjoy some wine while wearing purple and green garb. Visit an elderly person, do something to promote their well-being, and share information about Robert Goddard and curlews.

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The Ides of March, Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, more

March 15th, 2011, is the Ides of March, Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, Dumbstruck Day, World Consumer Rights Day, and National Pears Helene Day.

Beware the Ides of March, the date when Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.

In honor of Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, feel free to think this blog is terrible. (But please reconsider tomorrow.)

When you realize that everything you think is wrong, you'll be dumbstruck. Just in time for Dumbstruck Day.

Today is World Consumer Rights Day. Take a stand.

Ooh la la! It's National Pears Helene Day. You can't go wrong with pears, cinnamon, and chocolate.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Research ways in which we consumers are perpetually ripped off, then be dumbstruck. Since everything you think is wrong, verify the reason why March 15th was called the Ides of March even before the assassination of Caesar. Overcome the stress of being dumbstruck and wrong by enjoying some decadent Pears Helene.

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Celebrations for the week of March 14-20, 2011

This week - March 14th to 20th, 2011 - we honor National Wildlife Week and Brain Awareness Week.

During National Wildlife Week, download a new poster and trading cards each day:

• Monday – Wildlife that Fly 
• Tuesday – Wildlife that Climb and Dig
• Wednesday – Wildlife that Swim 
• Thursday – Wildlife that Hop and Leap 
• Friday – Wildlife that Run and Crawl 

Brain Awareness Week is a time to "increase public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research."

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Learn About Butterflies Day, Potato Chip Day, Pi Day, more

March 14, 2011, is Learn About Butterflies Day, National Potato Chip Day, Pi Day, International Ask a Question Day,and National Napping Day.

Learn About Butterflies Day is a time to look forward to spring. It's almost here!

Crunch! National Potato Chip Day is today.

Know why today is Pi Day? 3.14. It's all about the circles.

Today is International Ask a Question Day - not to be confused with Ask a Stupid Question Day, which is September 28th. Any questions?

The Monday after Daylight Savings Time is National Napping Day. Indulge yourself - the politicians have given you an excuse!

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Enjoy some potato chips, guilt free! Measure the diameter of your potato chip bowl, then calculate the circumference using Pi. Try to find and/or catch a butterfly. Think of a question about butterflies, then find the answer online. Now enjoy a nap, guilt free!

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Daylight Saving Time, Good Samaritan Involvement Day, more

March 13, 2011, is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time for many. It's also Check Your Batteries Day, Good Samaritan Involvement Day, K9 Veterans Day, Earmuffs Day, National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day, and National Coconut Torte Day.

In much of the U.S., today at 2:00 am was the time to "spring forward," or move all clocks ahead one hour. Countries observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) to make better use of daylight, improve road safety, and increase tourism. Not everyone is sold on these benefits. Timeanddate.com offers explanations and details by country.

Along with Daylight Savings Time comes Check Your Batteries Day. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and potentially save lives. Send ecards to remind your friends.

Good Samaritan Involvement Day honors the memory of Catherine "Kitty" Genovese, who was murdered in 1964 while bystanders did nothing to help.

K9 Veterans Day honors the origin of the United States K9 Corps, founded in 1942.

If March winds are blowing, celebrate Earmuffs Day today.

Today is National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day, but celebrate at your own risk. Many consider opening an umbrella indoors to be right up there with letting a black cat cross your path, walking under a ladder, or breaking a mirror. Yikes!

If you're hungry, indulge your sweet tooth with National Coconut Torte Day.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Change your clocks and your smoke detector batteries. Be a Good Samaritan by reminding your friends to change their smoke detector batteries as well. Donate to a cause that supports veterans, dogs, or K9 Veterans. Set up an umbrella over your indoor dining table, don some earmuffs, and eat Coconut Torte.

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Plant a Flower Day, Genealogy Day, Baked Scallops Day

March 12, 2011, is Plant a Flower Day, Genealogy Day, and Baked Scallops Day.

Plant a Flower Day is a great time to add some beauty to the world, either in your kitchen or in your flower beds.

Celebrate Your Name Week concludes on Saturday with Genealogy Day. Do some research online or, better yet, ask older loved ones for some interesting family stories.

If you're not allergic to shellfish, celebrate Baked Scallops Day.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Purchase and plant some exotic flower seeds, then research the origins of that particular flower. Try fertilizing the soil with a small amount of leftover baked scallop.

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Worship of Tools Day, World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, more

March 11th, 2011, is Worship of Tools Day, the first day of the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, Johnny Appleseed Day, Middle Name Pride Day, Dream Day, and Oatmeal Nut Waffle Day.

Attention, handy people - today is Worship of Tools Day. Feel free to use our house as your place of worship. Let's see....you could start in the kitchen or in the basement....

The World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, which begins today, happens on the second weekend in March each year in Sweetwater, TX. Buyers bid for skins, meat, and venom, while snake hunters do their best to meet the demand. The event also includes family-oriented activities.

Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated twice a year: March 11th, the presumed date of his death; and September 26th, the date of his birth.

Friday of Celebrate Your Name Week is Middle Name Pride Day. Some people hide their middle names; some use their middle names in lieu of less-desirable first names. I took my maiden name as a new middle name on my wedding day.

Dream Day is elusive, like a dream, regarding info about its origin. However, it's such a sweet idea for a celebration I can't leave it out.

Oatmeal Nut Waffle Day is today - some of these food holidays are so specific! The author of this recipe is less than encouraging, but indulge if you so choose.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Whip up some oatmeal nut waffles; add apples for extra flavor and nutrition; scatter the apple seeds in your yard. Dream about adopting a rattlesnake, falling in love with it, building it a homey display case, and naming it based on your middle name.

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Mario Day, Int'l Day of Awesomeness, Blueberry Popover Day, more

March 10th, 2011, is Mario Day, International Day of Awesomeness, Also Known As Day, National Blueberry Popover Day, World Kidney Day, and National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Gamers always celebrate Mario Day on March 10th. Get it? Me neither, at first, so I'll spell it out: Mar.10. Mar/10.

The International Day of Awesomeness is on March 10th, in honor of Chuck Norris' birthday. And yet, the day doesn't honor Chuck Norris, the man. The day honors "the awesomeness of the myth of Chuck Norris." Hard to explain. Essentially, we're all expected to embrace our awesomeness today.

Also Known As Day is celebrated on the Thursday of Celebrate Your Name Week. Choose a new name for yourself, kick the tires, see how it runs.

Today is National Blueberry Popover Day. If you make some, pop on over. Ha.

The 2011 theme for World Kidney Day is "Protect Your Kidneys and Save Your Heart."

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a time to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on public health.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Tell people you're also known as "Mario the Awesome." Give blueberry popovers to everyone who plays along. Volunteer or make a donation to further medical research in kidney disease and/or HIV/AIDS.

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Ash Wednesday, Lent, Panic Day, Get Over It Day, more

March 9th, 2011, marks Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, Panic Day, Get Over It Day, Joe Franklin Day, National Crabmeat Day, Registered Dietitian Day, and Learn What Your Name Means Day.

Most Christians in the western world observe Lent from Ash Wednesday (following Fat Tuesday) until Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). Specific dates vary from year to year. Lent is a time of fasting, penance, and reflection.

The origin of Panic Day is hard to determine, but standards relax when a holiday intrigues The Holiday Whiz. Send a Panic Day card to someone who needs to chill.

After you panic, get over it on Get Over It Day. Whatever it is, write it down and toss it in the fire, then see what others are getting over. So cathartic.

Joe Franklin Day honors the man who hosted the longest-running TV show ever - The Joe Franklin Show. The first-ever talk show ran from 1950 to 1993.

If you haven't given up seafood for Lent, enjoy National Crabmeat Day.

If you need help balancing your nutritional needs during Lent, celebrate Registered Dietitian Day by making an appointment.

Continuing with Celebrate Your Name Week, this year March 9th marks Learn What Your Name Means Day. (Here's what The Baby Name Wizard has to say about my name, Carolyn: "A feminine form of the Latin Carolus, which is a cognate of Charles (full-grown, a man, a freeman). Var: Carey, Cari, Carri, Carrie, Kari, Karrie." Interesting!)

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Fat Tuesday, Paczki Day, Organize Your Home Office Day, more

March 8th, 2011, is Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras Day), Paczki Day, International Pancake Day, Peanut Cluster Day, International Women's Day, Be Nasty Day, Organize Your Home Office Day, and Unique Names Day.

Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras Day) is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday. Lent - a period of restraint and repentance - begins on Ash Wednesday, so Fat Tuesday is a last hurrah of sorts. Have fun but stay safe.

Related to Fat Tuesday is Paczki Day, celebrated in America on Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. In Poland the day is traditionally celebrated on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday - five days earlier. Baking Paczki is a way to use up fat, sugar, and fruit prior to Lent.

If paczki isn't your thing, how about International Pancake Day? Please pass the maple syrup.

If you aren't in the mood for either paczki or pancakes, you still have the option of Peanut Cluster Day. Enjoy.

International Women's Day is a time to nurture those of us who usually care for others.

Be Nasty Day isn't necessarily an official holiday, but if you choose to celebrate be gentle.

Organize Your Home Office Day is always observed on the second Tuesday in March. The best home offices feature ample storage, convenient layout, ergonomic furniture, and of course, online access to The Holiday Whiz.

Today is also Unique Names Day. If you can never find monogrammed items with your name on them, then you qualify to celebrate.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: In the morning organize your home office, then reward yourself with a few hours of fun. Celebrate Mardi Gras with a group of women friends, sharing paczki, pancakes, and peanut clusters. Laugh about any unique names in your group, but reserve being nasty for someone who is nasty to you first.

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Fun Facts about Names Day, Shrove Monday, more

March 7th, 2011, is Crown Roast of Pork Day, National Cereal Day, Fun Facts about Names Day, and Shrove Monday.

Crown Roast of Pork Day is probably too elegant for me, but you might be interested.

National Cereal Day commemorates the invention of corn flakes by the Kellogg brothers. Send an ecard!

Fun Facts about Names Day is the latest celebration during Celebrate Your Name Week. Search online to learn the meaning of your name and your friends' names.

Shrove Monday - a day for repentance - is always observed on the Monday before Ash Wednesday.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Invite your friends over to laugh about the meaning behind each others' names, whether accurate or totally off the mark. Enjoy a crown roast of pork with a side dish featuring cereal, then repent overeating.

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Celebrations for the week of March 7-13, 2011

This week - March 7th to 13th, 2011 - we honor National Procrastination Week, National Sleep Awareness Week, National School Breakfast Week, and Newspapers in Education Week.

I almost delayed writing about National Procrastination Week, because I'm pretty busy and kinda lazy. Nobody else seems to be getting around to this topic yet, either. So, um, here's an article about National Procrastination Week from last year.

Interestingly enough, National Sleep Awareness Week ends with Daylight Saving Time, when many of us will lose an hour of sleep.

National School Breakfast Week is honored from March 7th to11th, 2011, during school days. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as Mom says.

Newspapers in Education Week, March 7th to 11th, 2011, is always celebrated during the first full school week of March. This year the Newspaper Association of America Foundation has added lesson plans for whiteboards, computers, and other digital technology.

A separate post featured the week which runs from March 6th to 12th, 2011.

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Namesake Day, Dentists' Day, Frozen Food Day, more

March 6th, 2011, is Namesake Day, Dentists' Day, White Chocolate Cheesecake Day, and National Frozen Food Day.

According to NamesUniverse, today is Namesake Day. Share your name origin with family and friends; learn about theirs as well. Come back to The Holiday Whiz every day this week as Celebrate Your Name Week continues.

Believe it or not, you can send ecards on Dentists' Day. Don't forget to schedule your next appointment during office hours.

Your dentist might not approve, but today is White Chocolate Cheesecake Day. Enjoy!

National Frozen Food Day honors technology that allows us to buy in bulk and avoid spoilage. Some people even cook in bulk, making the freeezer their best friend.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Enjoy some white chocolate cheesecake - not too much, or your dentist will be upset. Freeze the leftovers! Email or call several friends, sharing stories about name origins.

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Celebrations for the week of March 6-12, 2011

This week - March 6th to 12th, 2011 - we honor Celebrate Your Name Week, Read an E-Book Week, Return the Borrowed Books Week, Teen Tech Week, National Consumer Protection Week, Save Your Vision Week, Words Matter Week, National School Social Work Week, Women in Construction Week, Professional Pet Sitters Week, World Glaucoma Week, and Patient Safety Awareness Week.

Celebrate Your Name Week features a different celebration each day. Subscribe to The Holiday Whiz for daily updates. NamesUniverse says, "Celebrate Your Name Week is about not neglecting your name. CYNW is about making sure your name is a celebrated part of your personhood."

The Read an E-Book Week website states that this is the 40th anniversary of the e-book. Amazing. The first e-book was a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Now that you're reading e-books, you can deal with Return the Borrowed Books Week. Physical books are so last century.

But you may want to go back to the library, even though books are passé, to celebrate Teen Tech Week. This day is sponsored by YALSA,  the Young Adult Library Services Association.

National Consumer Protection Week is an example of government actually working for us: protecting us from fraud and scams; helping us manage privacy, money, credit, and debt; and shedding light on deceptive advertising.

By Presidential Proclamation, March 6-12, 2011 is Save Your Vision Week. President Obama "invite[s] eye care professionals, teachers, members of the media, and all organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will raise awareness of eye and vision health."

Words Matter Week is sponsored by the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors. If you blog, enter their Blog Challenge this week.

National School Social Work Week is a great time to thank a professional who helped you or your child deal with a problem at school.

Women in Construction Week is a time to appreciate hard-working, strong women who are willing to pursue their passion.

Professional Pet Sitters Week honors those who care for our furry friends while we are away. In many cases, better than a kennel or a friend's house.

World Glaucoma Week has been expanded from the former World Glaucoma Day. Regular eye exams can protect you and your loved ones from the "sneak thief of sight."

National Patient Safety Awareness Week, celebrated since 2002, advocates for us, our friends, and our families, at a vulnerable time.

A separate post will feature the week which runs from March 7th to 13th, 2011.

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Potty Dance Day, Cheese Doodle Day, Multi Personality Day

March 5th, 2011, is Potty Dance Day, National Cheese Doodle Day, and Multiple Personality Day.

The Holiday Whiz usually doesn't feature holidays sponsored by a particular brand, but Potty Dance Day deserves special consideration. Cool concept, catchy song. Matter of fact, I'd sign this guy to my record label.

Look away if you're into health food - today is National Cheese Doodle Day. Just grab a bag and pig out.

For some people, Multiple Personality Day is a time to bring awareness to a serious mental disorder. Others seize the day as a joke-making opportunity. Take your pick, but pause a moment to appreciate your own emotional well-being (if applicable).

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: After your healthy self enjoys an apple, let your evil muncher devour a bag of cheese doodles. Using cheesy fingers, write a short apology to your healthy self on the bathroom mirror.

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National Grammar Day, Hug a G.I. Day, Employee Appreciation Day, more

Are you ready? March 4th, 2011, features nine unique holidays: National Grammar Day, Hug a G.I. Day, Employee Appreciation Day, Old Inauguration Day, Pound Cake Day, Benjamin Harrison Day, Holy Experiment Day, Toy Soldier Day, and World Day of Prayer.

Today bees National Grammar Day. You learnded good in school, you know?

For Hug a G.I. Day, do something special for someone in the U.S. Army, currently or in the past. If they're far away, send an ecard.

Employee Appreciation Day is always celebrated on the first Friday in March. Job satisfaction leads to productivity, right?

March 4th, Old Inauguration Day, used to be the date when U.S. Presidents took office. Since the date was changed in 1937, U.S. Presidents have taken office on January 20th.

Pound Cake Day offers a great excuse to eat cake. Pound cake is so named because many recipes call for a pound of flour, a pound of sugar, and a pound of butter.

Benjamin Harrison Day honors America's twenty-third president. He held the office from 1889 to 1893.


Holy Experiment Day is a time to try something new in the spirit of your religious beliefs, whatever they may be.

Get those toy soldiers out of the attic and play, in honor of Toy Soldier Day.

World Day of Prayer always takes place on the first Friday in March. Christian women are encouraged to "become aware of the whole world and no longer live in isolation...be enriched by the faith experience of Christians of other countries and cultures...take up the burdens of other people and pray with and for them...[and] become aware of their talents and use them in the service of society."

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Based on the information above, determine the date on which Benjamin Harrison was inaugurated. Bake a pound cake, decorate it with toy soldiers, and present it to a G.I. Create a thank-you card for an employee, using impeccable grammar. Compose a unique, heartfelt prayer in honor of Holy Experiment Day and World Day of Prayer.

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What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day, Peach Blossom Day, more

March 3rd, 2011, is What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day, Peach Blossom Day, National Anthem Day, I Want You To Be Happy Day, National Cold Cuts Day, and Bonza Bottler Day.

Shimmer, Official Dog of the Trend Police.

What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day is a time to ask, "why doesn't Fifi help out more around the house?" (My own dog, Shimmer, is busy being the Official Dog of The Trend Police!)

Peach Blossom Day honors peach blossoms along with all things delicate and girly. The day originated in Japan, where peach blossoms are in bloom on March 3rd.

National Anthem Day honors the date in 1931 when "The Star-Spangled Banner" was designated as the National Anthem of the United States.

Who cares about the origin of I Want You To Be Happy Day? Only Scrooge could argue about its merit. Just send an ecard already.

National Cold Cuts Day is a time to stack your sandwich high, just like Dagwood Bumstead. Remember him?

Bonza Bottler Day is celebrated twelve times a year, on 1/1, 2/2, 3/3, and so on. Sadly the founder of Bonza Bottler Day, Elaine Fremont, died at age 43, but her sister carries on the tradition in her honor. Visit her website to help name the Bonza Bottler mascot.

The Holiday Whiz advice mashup: Give your pets some cold cuts, just 'cause you want them to be happy and 'cause they can't open the fridge door. Sing the National Anthem while arranging blossoms in a vase. Make note of all upcoming Bonza Bottler Days on your calendar.

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Old Stuff Day, Dr. Seuss Day, Read Across America Day

March 2nd, 2011, is Old Stuff Day, Dr. Seuss Day, and Read Across America Day.

Honest celebrants differ as to whether we should honor old stuff or shun old stuff on Old Stuff Day. You decide.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss Day in honor of his birthday. You can read his books online. You can read them while you dine. You can read them with a kid. You can read them to a squid.

In association with Dr. Seuss Day (above), Random House and the National Education Association encourage everyone to participate in Read Across America Day: "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child."

The Holiday Whiz Mashup for March 2, 2011: Invent a rhyme, in the style of Dr. Seuss, about some of your favorite old stuff. Share your poetry with a child.

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Week-long celebrations for March 1-7, 2011

This week - March 1st to March 7th, 2011 - we honor National Cheerleading Week and Universal Human Beings Week.

The goal of National Cheerleading Week is to build a more postiive image of cheerleading by way of fundraising and community service projects. For 2011, the Pituitary Network Association is the primary recipient.

Universal Human Beings Week, celebrated around the world, honors human and spiritual values over material goods.

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March honors many activities and causes

March has a celebration for everyone to love. Peruse the list and pick your passion!

Month of March. Image: SystemaxOnline.com

Amusing and Eccentric

• National Humorists Are Artists Month
• National On-Hold Month
• National Umbrella Month
• Optimism Month

Artistic and Educational

• Music in Our Schools Month
• National Color Therapy Month
• National Craft Month
• Play-the-Recorder Month
• Sing with Your Child Month 
• Small Press Month
• Youth Art Month

Edible

• Caffeine Awareness Month
• CDC Fruit of the Month: Exotic Winter Fruit
• CDC Vegetable of the Month: Leeks and Green Onions 
• National Frozen Food Month 
• National Nutrition Month
• National Peanut Month

Feminine

• National Women's History Month

Furry-Feathered-Finned

• Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month

Humanitarian

• Red Cross Month
• Social Work Month

Medical

• Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month 
• National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month
• National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
• National Deaf History Month - observed March 13th-April 15th
• National Eye Donor Month
• National Kidney Month
• National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month
• Poison Prevention Awareness Month
• Save Your Vision Month

Patriotic and Ethnic

• Irish-American Heritage Month

Productivity

• Supply Management Month
• Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Religious

• Spiritual Wellness Month

Sporting and Recreational

• Cheerleading Safety Month
• National Athletic Training Month 

Enjoy your March celebrations!

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Pig Day, ReFired Not Retired Day, Self-Injury Awareness Day

March 1st, 2011, is Pig Day, Peanut Butter Lovers Day, ReFired Not Retired Day, Self-Injury Awareness Day, and National Horse Protection Day.

Pig Day honors the domesticated pig. Celebrate the day with a special pig craft.

Peanut Butter Lovers Day is self-explanatory, but feel free to explore some new ways to enjoy this sticky, creamy spread.

ReFired Not Retired Day is for those close to retirement age. Will you simply retire and fade away, or will you refire with a new passion?

On a serious note, March 1st is Self-Injury Awareness Day. Learn how you can help.

National Horse Protection Day reminds us to rescue unwanted and neglected horses.

The Holiday Whiz best advice: Enjoy a peanut butter and bacon sandwich. Breathe deeply, honor yourself, shield yourself from neglect or harm. Consider becoming a horse groomer after retirement.

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