It's a Puzzle

International Puzzle Day

International Puzzle Day was yesterday, January 29th, 2015.  I had never even heard of a day designated for puzzles, had you?

Apparently there are other “International Days” I was unaware of as well. For example:

• April 14th is International Moment of Laughter Day
• May 18th is International Museum day
• September 20th is International Eat an Apple Day!  

“Plan to Inspire 2014-15 School Year Projects Calendar”

You may wonder how I know all this. I learned it from a wall calendar, which I received free with a purchase at Joann Fabric and Craft stores.  A stack of these calendars were laying on the counter and caught my eye. When I asked the price, the sales clerk told me it was free and gave me one. Technically, I wonder now if they were actually meant just for teachers; but she did not ask my profession, and it does seem a handy thing for a blogger to have!

I have always wondered how people find out about these obscure days to celebrate. Now, I have my own inside source of information!  Imagine the blog post ideas this calendar might inspire! In addition to identifying days of importance such as those mentioned, it also is filled with monthly themes, craft and project ideas and inspirational quotes.

My Family Thinks Puzzle Day is Any Day

International Puzzle Day was created in 1995 by game companies in the United States. “Puzzle Day” caught my attention as I was looking at my new calendar because I grew up in a family of puzzlers. We always complete at least one puzzle during a family reunion, and a couple of my sisters work on puzzles at Christmas and throughout the year. One of my sisters is so good at putting a puzzle together, that she has been know to turn all the pieces upside down, and put it together without looking at the picture side!

My Cat Likes Puzzles Too

My husband and kids do not enjoy puzzles as much as I do. Santa usually leaves a puzzle under our Christmas tree, but it is usually me that puts most of it together.  The cat likes to sprawl in the middle of it - and he will knock the pieces off and carry them around. I usually have to cover it with a towel or tablecloth when we are not working on it, just to keep pieces from being lost!

Family Reunions Are Best When None of the “Pieces” Are Missing

I create a new family logo each year for our family reunions, to use on t-shirts, luggage tags, bookmarks, or even aprons for everyone.  It usually has something to do with what we have all experienced together. (Flags, bats, spiders, etc. have all been featured!)  Last year, I used a puzzle theme.  I quite like the slogan I came up with: When we get together, it's a perfect fit.

My family is not the only family I know of to do puzzles during a reunion. A Puzzle for Gran is a touching account by Lana at Two Teens and Their Mama of how putting together a puzzle was a family tribute to a beloved family member.

How to Know When a Special Day is Coming Up

If you don't have access to the Projects calendar from Joann Fabrics that I mentioned, don't worry.  The website Days of the Year is a good source. In fact, you can even register to be notified of each holiday, so you never miss a special day!

Did you know that today (Friday, January 30th) is “International Fun at Work Day - all about enjoying yourself, dressing up silly, partake in office based mischief, or just crank the music up loud while you work.”  It's not my advice, so don't blame me if you get in trouble with your boss - but that's what Days of the Year suggests!

Apparently, anyone can apply to register a National Day of whatever. 
Don't you wonder how people came up with some of them?

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Note: In the spirit of full disclosure, this post contains an Amazon affiliate link, for which I may receive compensation if any purchases are made. All opinions expressed, however, are entirely my own.