July is here, bringing sunshine, laughter, and plenty of delightfully quirky reasons to celebrate. From jokes and junk food to chili dogs and houseplants, this month's lineup is packed with humor, local favorites, and a healthy dose of personality. Thanks to Carla Besosa for once again sharing a creative collection of days to enjoy. Take a look and find your favorite excuse to laugh, indulge, or embrace a little summertime fun.
"Remember kids, don't play with fireworks; let the adults who have been drinking all day set them off!"
-Unknown
Jul. 1 - INTERNATIONAL JOKE DAY
One of my favorites: A sweater is something you put on when your mother gets cold.
Jul. 3 - COMPLIMENT YOUR MIRROR DAY
"Who loves you, baby?" (From the 1970s, TV show KOJAK)
Jul. 5 - NATIONAL BIKINI DAY
I believe I'll celebrate this one from the sidelines!
Jul. 7 - NATIONAL DIVE BAR DAY
In Alexandria, Reynolds Street Bar and Grill, hands down! High marks also to JV's in Falls Church, where one can get their iconic fried egg sandwich with bologna and cheese!
Jul. 13 - EMBRACE YOUR GEEKNESS DAY
We are all geeks about something. I cop to being a grammar geek! “Geek” definition: A highly intellectual, passionate, enthusiast who is deeply obsessed with a specific subject. So, let's talk about the Oxford comma, dangling modifiers, split infinitives, subjunctive tense, passive voice....
Jul. 14 - PANDEMONIUM DAY
The word can be tracked back to John Milton's Paradise Lost, 1667 (which I actually read). Definition: a celebration of spontaneity, finding humor in everyday mishaps, and embracing the delightful chaos of life.
Jul. 20 - UGLY TRUCK CONTEST DAY
I nominate the Tesla Cybertruck, which to me looks like a cross between an ill-designed spaceship and the old pop-up campers. In decades past, the winner would have been the famously hideous Chevy El Camino.
Jul. 21 - NATIONAL JUNK FOOD DAY
Mr. Google says that for Americans, that would be pizza. Mr. Google and I have agreed to disagree. I encourage you to find a venue with the VPN certification (Verace Pizza Napolitana).
Jul. 22 - SPOONERISM DAY
Named after the tongue-tied Professor Spooner of Oxford, this day celebrates the reversing of sounds in phrases (e.g.: “a frontal lobotomy” becomes “a bottle in front of me.”)
Jul. 24 - NATIONAL COUSINS DAY
Nurture those connections. Pretend you are all still speaking to one another.
Jul. 25 - NATIONAL CHILI DOG DAY
The best: the famous Vienna Inn. The best in Alexandria: Hard Times Cafe, where they offer free chili dogs with any purchase on this day.
Jul. 27 - TAKE YOUR HOUSE PLANT FOR A WALK DAY (Who comes up with these?)
I'll keep an eye out for you, probably from the opposite side of the street.
Carla Besosa has been a Cameron Station resident since 2000, and a Compass contributor for more than 20 years. She earned the title of "Cameron Station Foodie" for the many restaurant reviews she wrote for the newsletter, many of which can be found in The Compass archives on the community website, www.cameronstation.org. Carla is a huge supporter of Cameron Station and very tuned into the fun and delicious ways to enjoy life in and around our community.
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