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Wacky Wednesday: July 15

We have a fun Wacky Wednesday this week’s with lots of obscure wacky holidays. First, we have our usual wacky words. Our first word is a mouthful, Triskaidekaphobia. It’s pronounced ‘TRIS-kye-DEK-a-FOH-bee-a.’  It’s the fear and avoidance of the number 13. Friday the 13th and the Apollo 13 mission are two examples of the unlucky 13. Our next word is an adjective and I can’t say I’ve heard it used here in the United States. Rawky meaning of weather or atmosphere: cold, damp, chilly, dull, foggy. Though I’ve never heard it, I’m certain there are many places on the East coast with rawky weather.

The holidays for today are straight forward. Today is National Give Something Away Day, National I Love Horses Day, National Tapioca Pudding Day, National Pet Fire Safety Day, and National Gummi Worm Day. If you like horses, gummi worms, or tapioca pudding, I’m sure you know how to celebrate. For Give Something Away Day, you can clean out your closet or garage and donate what you find. You could buy a friend a meal or a drink. It’s pretty simple. Pet Fire Safety Day reminds us to consider our pets when planning fire safety. While I value many things in my home, the first thing I’m grabbing is my cat, Callie, and running out the door. Even if I’m still in my pajamas. 

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Tuesday Poetry: Busy Bodies Buzzing

The same old thought patterns
I can’t break away
Feelings of despair
Sadness – 
Everyone’s too busy
While I’m stuck in this
Lonely world with nothing
Nothing but words
It would be easier if
People heard or read my words
No one’s listening – 
They can’t hear anything except
Their own brain noise
All I hear is noise
Words help make things quiet
Words don’t embrace you
The way others can but
Everyone’s too busy – 
And I wrap myself with words

From the poetry collection Cats, Coffee, Catharsis.

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National Cheer Up the Lonely Day

Today is National Cheer Up the Lonely Day. With social distancing, isolation, and quarantine, this holiday is important now more than ever. I’m certain many people have never heard of this day. The holiday was founded by Francis Pesek. His daughter, L.J. Pesek said he “was a quiet, kind, wonderful man who had a heart of gold. The idea came to him as a way of promoting kindness toward others who were lonely or forgotten as shut-ins or in nursing homes.” July 11 is also Francis Pesek’s birthday. I have yet to find any other information such as when Francis was born or what year the holiday was founded.

Autophobia is the fear of being alone. While many may not have the full-blown phobia, everyone at one time or another is afraid of being alone. For me, I’ve feared people would leave me which added to my insecurities and caused me to drive them away. I created my worst fear. When one feels this way, the smallest gesture can have the biggest impact. Sending a short message, an email, or letter can brighten their day. On social media, tagging a friend or sharing a link or post in a direct message (DM) can bring a smile to their face.

Remember, if you spend most days having conversations with several people, that doesn’t mean everyone else does. You may be the only person one of those people talks to for the entire day. There was one time a couple years ago when I went an entire week with no contact or conversations with anyone outside of work. I felt ignored and unwanted. I know others have felt this way. It takes little effort to remind people that you care about them. It’s also important to not assume someone is lonely because they spend a lot of time alone. Don’t jump to conclusions. Just tell them you care about them.