Is there a right and wrong way to get from point A to point B?
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red prefers hard-copy maps and printed directions, mostly because she’s not exactly a fan of technology, but while Black’s more tech-savvy, she knows technology is great … when it works.
For Red, it’s partly because old habits die hard, and she’ll usually find ways to rationalize them. But it might also be the straight-A student in her, as when it comes to driving somewhere new (whether an hour down the road or a 12+ hour journey), she insists on not only printing out maps and directions but studying them to have a good idea of exactly where she’s going. She’s just not willing to wait for some electronic “voice” or map on the dashboard to tell her where to go.
In fact, before Red drove her daughter from Houston to Nashville to start college, she first visited her local AAA to get printed TripTiks. And although she didn’t download the app, she wondered if the electronic versions were as specific and detail-oriented as the paper versions – which were almost more than she needed. But she admitted,
I like being old school. I like knowing I have something tangible to help me if all else fails. Especially since I don’t trust technology because your phone can die or you can lose connectivity.
Black knew exactly what Red was talking about because that’s what happened when we were traveling to Silsbee, Texas (don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of it, it’s about 100 miles from Houston, and we had never heard of it) to give what ended up being one of our most memorable presentations at the high school. Red was driving while Black was playing navigator, when suddenly Black announced,
You know how your precious paper maps were too vague? Well, we have now fallen off the iPad!
That’s when critical thinking came into play … as we spotted a big yellow school bus and decided to follow it!
We were able to enjoy the rural scenery (ok, Red enjoyed it, Black just wanted to “get there”), but it made us realize that technology usually focuses on the most efficient or direct route, not necessarily the most scenic or interesting way. And, it turns out, more and more people are turning to physical maps, with some even discovering old-fashioned maps for the first time.
And while Red enjoys this feeling of vindication for sticking to her old-fashioned way of “doing” directions, Black prefers to look at the bigger picture,
Sometimes the journey is as important as reaching the destination.
If you’ve never thought about May Day, don’t worry, most of us haven’t.
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red appreciates that some holidays have historical significance, some have ancient traditions, and some are opportunities for one of Black’s unexpected, but often amusing and clever, comments, but May Day checks all those boxes.
As soon as Black mentioned pole dancing, Red, a lover of movies, immediately thought of “Hustlers.” No, not “ The Hustler,” the 1961 classic with Paul Newman as a small-time pool hustler. Instead, “Hustlers,” the 2019 release with Jennifer Lopez about pole dancing hustlers that showed it took more than a desire to make money, but skill and athleticism.
But Red had no idea the significance of May Day Maypole dancing. When she lived in England, May Day was a bank holiday, and she knew it had a long history that went back to the Celts, but that’s all she knew. Until recently, when she learned it’s an ancient and festive holiday filled with history and folklore, started by the Celts who thought May 1st was the most important day of the year as it separated the year into light and dark.
Which explains the beginning of a celebration of spring with singing, dancing, and bonfires that still continues. However, it doesn’t explain how in the late 19th century, May Day became known as International Workers’ Day to celebrate workers and promote labor rights.
And what about the Maypoles? Well, as Red discovered,
It was during the Middle Ages when the now famous Maypoles were believed to become popular, not only to welcome in spring but as a symbol of fertility, as the pole symbolized male fertility, with baskets and wreaths symbolizing female fertility.
When Red felt the need to share all this history with Black, her sister couldn’t help but respond with,
Although this has nothing to do with May Day, all I can say is “ Mayday. Mayday.” Which, if you do not speak French, is based on m’aider and means “Help me.”
When the news is challenging or life’s stressful, there’s something comforting about Girl Scout cookies. Always has been, which is why we’re rerunning this post from several years ago.
Girl Scouts, though, are about so much more than cookies, as year-round girls learn important life skills, gain confidence, and discover leadership skills. But buying cookies is such a sweet way (sorry, we couldn’t resist) to support the organization. Red’s favorite is the classic shortbread (now known as Trefoils), and Black buys a large assortment and gives them all away.
But hurry! Cookie season ends on March 23.
P.S. - If S’mores and Toast-Yay! are your favorites … make sure you stock up as this is the last year they’ll be available.
Let's play word association. If we say, "Girl Scouts," what's the first word that comes to mind? Ok, what's the second word?
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: When Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout meeting – hoping to create an organization that redefined what was possible for girls everywhere – there was no way for her to know the difference it would make in the lives of millions of girls and their communities.
Many people's first (and sometimes only) image of Girl Scouts is as cookie salespeople – either selling door-to-door or at a make-shift table at a grocery or other store (or having their parents hand you an order form). But if you've been a Girl Scout (both of us have) or know someone who has, you know that Girl Scouts are about so much more.
So, as we celebrate the Girls Scouts being around for over 100 years, we should celebrate the years of fun and friendships, and for helping girls learn important qualities such as responsibility, courage, strength, and independence. Qualities that are as important in 2021 as they were in 1912.
And what better way to celebrate than to buy some Girl Scout cookies? Guilt-free as you're helping a good cause.
Today’s turbulent times for Jews may overshadow the celebration of the Jewish New Year, one of the holiest of the Jewish holidays. Yet, ironically, we feel it should strengthen its significance, as the holiday is a time for reflection on the past and hope for the future.
Maybe Skin Cancer Advice, But Don’t Expect A Compliment From A Sarcastic Sister