The "Marking a 2013 Calendar" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Going through my date book for 2013 and marking some of the odd observances that the "Centre Daily Times" out of State College, PA has recommended that I mark.  These are dates that are in addition to the usual holidays and family dates such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries and of course vacations.  I'm sure you have heard of most of these, but just in case you haven't, I'll remind you of the exact dates so you too can mark your calendar.

• JANUARY - 3: Fruitcake Toss Day. Time to finally throw away the old fruitcake; 6: Bean Day. Ham and Bean soup, Chili, etc.....love 'em all.  7: Old Rock Day.  Maybe you could start a collection; 8: National Bubble Bath Day. Share one with your partner; 20: Inauguration Day.  Doesn't everyone mark this date?  Happens to be on a Sunday this year so the public celebration will take place on the 21st; 23: Measure your feet day.  I know a few people who have two different sized feet.  They also have a few other screwy things about them.  This is also National Hobby Month
• FEBRUARY - 3: The Day The Music Died Day.  Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died on this day in 1959 in a plane crash. 10: Chinese New Year and the Year of the Snake; 13: Get A Different Name Day.  If you really hate your name you can be called something entirely different today; 14: Ferris Wheel Day.  Just love the thrill; 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.  Hey, that's what it says in the newspaper so you know it is fact; 27: National No-Brainer Day.  Designed for the simple minded. 
• MARCH - 2: National Old Stuff Day.  And, boy do I have plenty of that; 6: Oreo Cookie Day.  Oreos were sold for the first time in 1912; 14: Pi Day.  Not the kind you can eat, but the math Pi (3.14..........);  23: National Chip and Dip Day.  No double-dippin' please, Courtney; 31: Bunsen Burner Day.  Gotta remember remember those science classes in high school!  Had to add that this is National Peanut Month.
• APRIL - 3: Ice Cream Sundae Day.  This is allegedly the day that the first ice cream sundae was made in New York 120 years ago today; 11: National Barbershop Quartet Day.  My dad was one of the best there was.  Could have been a pro had he had the backing;  17: National Cheeseball Day.  My buddy Jerry loves this day.  Eat a few for me;  25: Take Your Son Or Daughter To Work Day. 27: National Babe Ruth Day.  One of the best ever; 30: National Honesty Day.  No kidding!
• MAY - 3: Lumpy Rug Day.  Don't you just hate them; 5: National Oyster Day.  I enjoy them any way but raw; 12: Mother's Day.  I know it is probably on every calendar printed, but I just wanted to remind you.  Don't dare forget your mother.  She made you what you are; 18: International Museum Day.  Visit a museum near you and give a donation; 23: Margaret Wise Brown Day.  The author of one of the most favorite children's book "Goodnight Moon."  I read it many, many times!  And it's National Photograph Month.  Record something for history. 
• JUNE - 1: National Flip A Coin Day.  Good way to settle any argument;  6: National Yo-Yo Day; 16: Father's Day.  See what I typed for May 12; 25 - Leon Day.  Leon is Noel spelled backwards and I wanted to let you know you have  six months to get your shopping done.  29: Camera Day.  My favorite hobby.  I might add that this is National Accordion Awareness Month.  Loved playing my 120 bass beauty.
• JULY - 3: National Stay Out Of The Sun Day.  Ever notice that the beaches are empty this day.  Not!; 8: Liberty Bell Day.  The Liberty bell cracked on this day in 1835 when it was being rung; 14: National Nude Day.  Make sure you do your part and enjoy your outside space au naturale; 15: Tapioca Pudding Day.  I just love the stuff. 19: Stick Out Your Tongue Day. This is a really dumb day and probably one you can forget; 20: Moon Day. Today marks the 44th anniversary of Neil Armstrong becoming the first person to walk on the moon.  Don't you wish it was you who did it first; 22: National Hammock Day.  Someday I'll have one on my deck; 30: National Father-In-Law Day.  Hear that Barb and Dave.  I have to tell you that this is one of my favorite months, since it National Ice Cream Month.
• AUGUST - 1: Respect for Parents Day.  This day is to emphasize respect for parents, something that should be done every day.  That is for all ages, kids to adults; 4: National Sister's Day.  Many times I wish I would have had a sister; 9: National Book Lover's Day.  Doesn't matter if it's paper or electronic; 11: Play In The Sand Day.  May have to plan a vacation to the beach for this day; 13: National Left-Hander's Day.  This one's for you, Derek; 20: World Mosquito Day. Not sure if you should ignore or swat one though.
• SEPTEMBER - 5: National Cheese Pizza Day; 9: Somebody's Birthday Day. Guess who; 14: National Cream-Filled Donut Day.  I knew they had to declare this day just for me; 19: Talk Like A Pirate Day.  Ahoy, matey!  Now where does this stuff come from; 17: National Apple Dumplin' Day.  I do like peach dumplings almost as much; 23: Nintendo Day.  Nintendo was founded on this date in 1889.  The first product wasn't the Wii.  It was playing cards.  Remember?  And, this month is National Little League Month.  Williamsport, PA loves it.
• OCTOBER - l: Homemade Cookies Day & World Vegetarian Day.  A double whammy day.  So, why not make oatmeal raisin cookies in honor of both; 7: World Smile Day. You know you can do it; 14: Be Bald and Free Day. Love it!!!; 15: National Grouch Day. I'll bypass this one and here's hoping you do too; 28: The Statue of Liberty Day.  On this date in 1886 the "Masterpiece of the Human Spirit" was dedicated.
• NOVEMBER - 5: National Gunpowder Day.  Too bad this had to be; 15: Pack Your Mom Lunch Day. Be sure to add some chocolate; 17: Homemade Bread Day & Take A Hike Day. Pack some grub and hit the trail; Marc Brown Day.  The American author of numerous children's books was born on this date in 1946.  Hey Jerry, it's National Model Railroad Month.
• DECEMBER - 1: Eat A Red Apple Day.  Maybe one for the teacher would be nice; 5: National Bathtub Party Day.  Count me in; 12: National Ding-A-Ling Day.  And, boy we have plenty of them to go around; 13: National Cocoa Day.  One of my favorites!  I'll have to make a cup of hot chocolate and have a few of my wife's Snickerdoodles for dunking; 23: Festivus.  It's for the rest of us, you know; 31: New Year's Eve.  We celebrate another year with a toast to the New Year.

Well, I have come to the end of the year with dates that I found just about every place and from everyone.  Find your favorite to celebrate?  I know I have.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.