Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 113
June 8, 2022
National Best Friends Day
“A real friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”
— Walter Winchell (1897 – 1972)
American newspaper gossip columnist
We are richer than rich when we have best friends.
We need not agree with our best friends, but we’ll always have each other’s back.
They love us when we’re unlovable.
They encourage us if we’re ever in doubt.
They get us through the toughest times.
They remind us that we are indeed worthy.
They respect us for who we are.
If best friends get separated and reunite, it’s as if we were never apart at all.
Thank you, thank you, thank you… to best friends everywhere!
(Photo by Tyler Nix)
June 7, 2022
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
Not that we need an “official” holiday to indulge, but any excuse to visit an old-fashioned ice cream parlor is a good excuse! Or simply load up a bowl at home… enjoy au natural or loaded with your favorite toppings from nuts and hot fudge sauce to berries and whipped cream. Oh, and if Happy Hour is more your style, let’s make a float! For Family Friendly, simply omit the alcohol.
Thin Mint Chocolate Float
2 oz Vandermint Liquer, Bailey’s Irish Crème, Malibu Spiced Rum, or other favorite to mix with chocolate
2-3 crushed Thin Mint cookies
2 scoops favorite chocolate ice cream
Vanilla cream soda
Pour alcohol in glass; sprinkle with 1/3 cookie crumbs. Top with ice cream and 1/3 crumbs. Pour cream soda over to desired fullness & sprinkle with remaining crumbs.
Any other instructions needed? Wait! What??!!? Don’t we all hoard our favorite Girl Scout cookies in the freezer?
June 6, 2022
It’s PAW… Pet Appreciation Week
Starting the first Sunday in June each year is Pet Appreciation Week. The American Veterinary Medical Association created PAW in 1981 to create awareness of the importance of pets in our lives and to appreciate them for everything they do to enrich our lives. They definitely keep us busier, healthier, and happier! So, this week we can show our appreciation for those wagging tails, jingling collars, and gleeful meows but giving them some extra cuddle and playtime, a pet massage, and an extra treat. This is also a good time to choose other activities that focus on them, watching their favorite TV show with them or playing their favorite music, or scheduling their annual health check-up.
(Dog photo by Richard Brutyo; Cat photo by Yerlin Matu)
June 5, 2022
National Cancer Survivors Day (& Month)
Hubby goes in for his 2nd 6-month PT scan next month after enduring the grotesquely challenging esophageal cancer treatment, which included lengthy chemo and the maximum radiation dosing a human body can endure. We remain confident his tests will still show his body to be free of cancer. Why are we confident? Because it’s the best choice.
I had always thought that hitting the 5-year cancer-free goal defined being a cancer survivor. Au contraire! The National Cancer Institute is the authority when it comes to defining cancer terms. Officially, when it comes to cancer, a person is considered to be a survivor “from the time of diagnosis until the end of life.” If you are among the millions who are currently living with cancer, please take a moment to give yourself some credit. Whatever your path, it’s far from easy. None of us gets out of this Life alive, but cancer delivers a distinctly challenging path.
So, bravo to everyone who has received the chilling diagnosis and has survived or is still alive! YOU are a Survivor! Even if you are currently still living with it and fighting it, congratulations! You ARE a Survivor. Today (June 4th), for the entire month of June, and always… we salute you!!!
(Photo courtesy of National Cancer Institute)
June 4, 2022
National Hug Your Cat Day
Feline fans know that the love of a cat is amazingly impressive. They play, they hunt, they follow, they croon, they preen, they purrrrrrr, they nap, they bring us gifts they have worked to collect, and they adore their humans. The loving “head butt” of a cat says it all. A cat will knowingly and ceaselessly woo someone who is not a fan of cats. And when a cat looks you in the eye, we can assure them that we understand by looking straight back and very slowly blinking our eyelids. While we show them daily that we love them, too, June 4th is a special day to give them an extra hug… or 9. That’s purrrfect, too!
“Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges.
Cats have the courage to live by them.”
— Jim Davis (1945 – )
American cartoonist, “Garfield”
(Cat hug photo by Brett Jordan; Cat with butterfly by Karina Vorozheeva)
June 3, 2022
National Audiobook Appreciation Month
A few years ago, I learned to produce my first audiobook and wondered why I had not done this 20 years earlier. They are fun to make, and I have recorded them for several types of books and various authors. They are available on sites like Amazon, Audible, Kobo, Google Play Books, Storytel, and Scribd. Told through a somewhat soulfully introspective view, I have now released my first novel in audiobook format. “Destiny of Dreams… Time Is Dear” tells the true story of my Armenian family’s struggle to survive and escape the genocide that occurred in the waning years of the Ottoman Empire. While poignant and revealing, the telling remains brutally honest. Violence is not salacious, but it is indeed horrific. If you can handle a heart-wrenching story, you may well appreciate mine. Many have said it’s particularly timely as it mirrors the continuing examples of man’s inhumanity to man, occurring still around the world. As with all my titles, “Destiny of Dreams… Time Is Dear” is also available in print and digital formats. But this is Audiobook Appreciation Month, and I most definitely appreciate the opportunity to provide information and entertainment in this ever-expanding format.
June 2, 2022
National I Love My Dentist Day
I love my dentist today and every day. Dentists follow the difficult to maneuver paths to keep our smiles healthy, fix any broken teeth, apply fillings to cavities, and relieve any toothaches. It is at the dentist’s office that we are reminded of the vital importance of dental hygiene, as they work to help us chew normally and smile beautifully.
Say thanks to your dentist today, if you can. Mine is Dr. Larry Puccini. And Doc, thanks for being ever thoughtful and resourceful, kind and caring. The expertise and professionalism of you and your team are remarkable. I know I speak for all who have benefitted from your services when I say that you are deeply appreciated. Thank you!
(Photo by Pfüderi)
June 1, 2022
National Say Something Nice Day
Kind words cost us nothing, but they just could mean the world to someone else. With likable folks, it’s easy to find positive things to say. That becomes a bit more challenging with any miserable person in our midst. Typically, crabby folks do not even realize that they are observed as cranky and miserable with their skepticism, criticism, and constant ire. It can sometimes seem daunting to see something worthy of appreciation in them. But we can do it! There is always something sweet, even when deeply hidden.
Today, June 1, is the annual day focused on saying something nice to everyone. Let’s do it! Let’s put aside tough realities and find something genuine and nice to say to everyone we encounter.
This can end up feeling fun. More importantly, looking for and expressing “the positive” truly makes us happier and healthier people. Woo-hoo! Win-Win!
Thank you for reading my post. You just shared your precious time with lil’ ol’ me. And I appreciate that. I appreciate you.
(Photo by Niek Verlaan)
May 31, 2022
Please Step Out of the Vehicle!
Let’s end the month with a bit of levity, with a nod of apology to all my friends who have served in law enforcement. This story so fondly reminds me of my dear mother-in-law, I simply had to share it.
A lovely, mature woman got pulled over for speeding… and the conversation begins.
Woman: Is there a problem, officer?
Officer: Ma’am, you were speeding.
Woman: Oh, I see.
Officer: Can I see your license, please?
Woman: I’d give it to you, but I don’t have one.
Officer: Don’t have one?
Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for drunk driving.
Officer: I see… Can I see your vehicle registration papers, please?
Woman: I can’t do that.
Officer: Why not?
Woman: I stole this car.
Officer: Stole it?
Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.
Officer: You what?!?
Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to see.
Now the officer looks at the woman as he slowly backs away to his car and calls for back- up. Within minutes 5 police cruisers have encircled her car.
A senior officer slowly approaches the car, clasping his half-drawn gun.
Senior Officer 2: Ma’am, please step out of your vehicle!
The woman steps out of her car.
Woman: Is there some problem sir?
Senior Officer: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner.
Woman, sputtering: Murdered the owner?
Senior Officer: Yes, would you open the trunk of your vehicle, please?
The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk.
Senior Officer: Is this your car, ma’am?
Woman: Oh, yes. Here are the registration papers.
She hands him her documents, and the Senior Officer is quite stunned.
Senior Officer: My officer claims that you do not have a driving license.
The woman digs into her handbag, pulls out her license, and hands it to the Senior Officer. He examines the license and looks quite puzzled.
Senior Officer: Thank you, ma’am. My officer said you didn’t have a license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the owner.
Woman, with wide eyes: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.
(Smile. But, noooooo…. I do not recommend trying this!)
(Image by Mohamen Hassan)
May 30, 2022
Observe Memorial Day
Tears fill my eyes each and every time I hear the song, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
— Lee Greenwood (1943 – )
American singer and songwriter
On Memorial Day, especially, we pause to remember and honor all military personnel who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Each one was first someone’s son or daughter, parent, sibling, neighbor, spouse, or friend. I give thanks that such strength exists.
