January 21st Rocks a Lot of Good Looks
There’s no doubt about it, January 21st, 2024 has got it going on, it’s an absolute mélange of days to celebrate.
Let me run through some of the choices.
- National Hugging Day
- Squirrel Appreciation Day
- Day of Sanctity and Protection of Human Life
- Grandma Day
- International Playdate Day
- International Sweatpants Day
- Mariachi Day
- National Bakers-Crafters-Makers Day
- National Cheesy Socks Day
- National Conscious Uncoupling
- National Granola Bar Day
- National Hug Your Puppy Day
- National Max Day
- One-Liners Day
- Our Lady of Altagracia
- Own Your Own Home Day
- Thank Your Mentor Day
- World Religion Day
- World Snow Day
Wow, that’s a lot of variety for a Monster to choose from, celebrating 19 different days, and several of them have real potential for a hiker or backpacker. For instance, Granola Bar Day and hiking go together about as well as a flea and a doghouse.
What is a Monster to do with this incredible mélange of days? I’m going to choose some not quite random days off the list…
National Hugging Day
Everybody needs hugs. I’m told that hugs have a good number of benefits above and beyond the fact that human contact is good. There is no denying that hugs feels nice.
For instance it’s said that hugs reduce stress, boost your immune system, improve heart health, diminish pain, reduce fears, and increase happiness. Everybody says there’s no magic bullet for your health, but with a list including improving your immune system and your heart health, hugs sure seem like a magic bullet.
But, hugs have been difficult for me for a long time.
When I was being “groomed” as a younger boy by my piano teacher, the man who became my sexual abuser, it all began with hugs. Then longer and longer hugs. It’s hard for me to explain, but after a certain length of time all hugs begin to create a bit of a panic because of my past.
I’ve worked on considering a hug an “energy exchange” rather than just body contact, that has helped…
Squirrel Appreciation Day
I love squirrels, they are great fun to watch. Buddy “the Wonderdog” really truly loves, loves, loves squirrels.
When he spies one across the yard, he immediately goes into full alert mode. His heart starts racing, and is seemingly unable to hear or understand any commands until the squirrel in question has disappeared. Buddy just knows that squirrel would play if only he could catch up to it and give it a little encouragement.
The squirrels never want to play. It’s inevitable, but it’s sad too. Buddy always acts disappointed when none of his little critter friands want to play, no birds, no rabbits, and no squirrels. It’s happy, then it’s sad. The thing that’s inspiring? Buddy never gives up!
Grandma Day
Girl here! I’m a granny! I have a few grandchildren, but only one that I have the joy of being with just about anytime I would like. I call him lil man , and his dad will always be my munchkin no matter how big he gets. When lil man was born I got to choose what I wanted to be called … would it be grandma, granny, grammy, nana, or whatever else you may think of.
Growing up, I had my Grandma and I had my granny. Each had their own personality that seemed to define the name they had chosen to be called in my mind. Grandma was more organized in her life, and her home was spotless, always. She could bake or cook a meal and her kitchen still looked immaculate. She always had a beautiful lawn and a garden that she took care of while grandpa worked.
Granny was a factory worker that caught a ride to work with friends daily as she never learned to drive. Her home was clean and tidy, but there were toys for us kids as we visited often staying the night on weekends. Her home was more what I call lived in and comfortable. She didn’t care if I got dirty or messed up the house.
They were each very loving, and spent time with me playing games, watching tv, and a plethora of other things over the years. I have a lot of wonderful memories from time spent with each of them that I cherish.
Then of course girl grew up, as we all do, and I had kids of my own. My mother became granny to them instantly. She was a constant in their lives that I will forever be thankful for. It only seemed natural for me when the choice came to be granny.
So here on Grandmother’s Day I am granny. I spend time with lil man when I am able and enjoy every smile and giggle with him that I can through facetime when I cannot be with him. My house is a mess, my health isn’t the greatest, but I love being granny to my lil man and I look forward to spending time with him whenever I can. He makes me feel young and old all at once.
International Playdate Day
Monster knows playdates.
I never had children, but I’ve had playdates with other consenting adults. I’ve arranged playdates and had fun-filled afternoons, once again not involving children. Would you be surprised if I told you I have a dungeon bed?
Monster knows surprises too!
International Sweatpants Day
Monster loves sweatpants.
Yes, I wear sweatpants a lot. In terms of everyday attire, sweatpants are my go-to for everyday wear. That’s something about me that has not been universally loved, or understood.
I know it’s said that clothes make the man, and it’s true. When I wore a suit and tie for political events, I would be always be treated with incredible service at convenience stores, etc. I’m sure that feeling would be a great motivation for dressing up with regularity.
Not for me. This Monster was built for comfort not for speed, and he was built for reliability instead of style. BTW – I never wear sweatpants out hiking on the trail. I love 100% cotton fabrics, but they have little or no place out on the trail. A wet cotton t-shirt is probably worse than no shirt at all, it’s the same for wet sweatpants.
National Bakers-Crafters-Makers Day
My Dad was a Master-Baker. He could master-bake all day long.
When he quit working as a master-baker he when to work as a “meat inspector”.
That’s the house I grew up in! It’s no wonder I’m a Monster!!!
National Granola Bar Day
If there is a new fascism, it won’t come from skinheads and punks; it will come from people who eat granola and think they know how the world should be.
Brian Eno
I don’t really eat granola much these days, but I do know how the world should be.
Granola is a popular choice for backpackers who need a nutritious and filling breakfast or snack. Granola is made of toasted oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for your muscles and brain, while protein and fiber help you stay satisfied for longer. Healthy fats also support your immune system and reduce inflammation. Granola is rich in various vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E, that are all essential for your health and performance on the trail.
Another advantage of granola is that it is easy to prepare and store. You don’t need to cook granola, which saves you time and fuel in the morning. You can eat it dry, with water or milk, or mixed with other ingredients like nut butter or yogurt.
Granola is also lightweight and compact, which makes it ideal for packing in your backpack. It has a long shelf life and can withstand different temperatures and conditions. Granola bars are another convenient option that you can grab and go.
Granola is a versatile and delicious food that can boost your energy and health on your backpacking adventure.
World Snow Day
Last, but not least, among the days of celebration that are pertinent to hikers, backpackers, and/or outdoorsmen (and women!) is World Snow Day. I also could have discussed National Hug Your Puppy Day, Thank Your Mentor Day, or even Own Your Own Home Day.
Some folks take their dogs hiking, and puppies are so damned loveable and cute, it’s hard to pass on that particular celebration. Everyone has someone who helped pave the way for them, Mentors toil for you with no expectation other than that you grow. I own my own home, and that gives me some peace of mind when I distance hike – I know where I’m going when it’s time to go home. All of those deserve to be featured here too.
Sadly, there are only so many hours in a day, I can’t get to everything right away. OK… But World Snow Day, that’s tough to beat! I have to write a little on that topic. Am I right?
My girl doesn’t like snow, cold accerbates her asthma, so World Snow Day is something she’d like to see from behind glass. My asthma is not bothered as much by cold, and there’s an added side benefit, cold air soothes and shrinks my sinuses, actually making it easier for me to breathe.
And, I like playing in the snow.
And the winner is…
May I have the envelope please…
The 2nd runner up who gets an all expense paid trip to visit Grand Canyon Village’s Landfill… Squirrel Appreciation Day!!!
The 1st runner up, who receives a $250 Woolworth gift certificate… National Granola Bar Dar!!!
And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for… The envelope please… ::tears off end of envelope and blows into to the open end::
And the winner, of the 1st annual Monster & girl January 21, 2024 Melange of Days Award…
World Snow Day!
Snowball fight? Sure! Build an igloo or a snow cave? I’d like to learn how, yes please! Go snowshoeing? I just got snowshoes, I am excited! Cross-country skiing? I don’t own cross country skis anymore, but that’s pretty easy for me to solve, I’ll go! Winter camping? I’m pretty close to being geared up for this, let’s do inventory and change that to ready!
World Snow Day indeed, and for those of you not outdoor inclined, I hear the fire in the lodge is quite delightful!!!
