Thursday, January 31, 2013

Who's Playing?

There are two different types of people who watch the Super Bowl: diehard fans and those who watch the commercials and eat food. 

Diehard fans:
These devout people have followed their team the entire season and cannot wait to gather with friends and family to watch their team win the Super Bowl. They can name all the players on the team and know the highlights of their season. Yes, the parties thrown for the game are always exciting and something to look forward to, but their main reason for watching the game and going to parties is to see their team win. 

Others:
Others who "watch" the Super Bowl, like me, really have no idea what is happening during the game and have to constantly ask those who do know. They may try to understand the game and pretend that they are learning more, but in the end, they may only come out having learned a few football terms, only to forget them the next time they watch a football game. Many also don't even know the names of the teams until hours before the start of the game. People like me find the commercials more interesting and entertaining than the game and use the Super Bowl as an excuse to throw a party. 

Either if you are a diehard fan, or one of those clueless people, we can all agree that this Sunday will be something to look forward to after a long week of work or school. 















Deal Or No Deal?

They catch you at grocery stores, they come knocking on your door. You can't escape them! It's that time again, Girl Scout cookies! It's hard to resist those crisp, chocolaty Thin Mints or coconut, chocolate drizzled Caramel Delights. Every year people give in and buy boxes upon boxes of cookies even though the prices increase each year. I remember selling Girl Scout cookies for about two dollars a box. Now, boxes are being sold for four dollars. Four dollars seem too high for the number of cookies sold in each package. Why would people continue to buy these overpriced cookies?

Personally, I find it extremely difficult to say no to innocent, cute, little girls who build up the courage to come up to me to ask if I want to buy their cookies. They look up at me with pleading eyes and ask in their small, high-pitched voices, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies?" I can't disappoint these little girls, so I have to buy from them. Despite the fact that the cookies are overpriced, I still buy them. I'm sure this is the same case for many people. These girls know how to get their customers!

Not only is it hard to reject the Girl Scouts, but the cookies are tradition and only come once a year. Girl Scouts have been around for generations and when a Girl Scout approaches a past Girl Scout, there is an immediate camaraderie. When I am approached, I remember when I was on the other side trying to sell cookies and how hard it was to ask strangers. I am also reminded of the fun times I had as a Girl Scout, going to trips and spending time with friends. Buying cookies from the girls is a way all past Scouts can support the organization and give money to the girls that will help open opportunities.

Although Girl Scout Cookies are expensive, this season comes only once a year. They are not the best deal, but we buy them anyway for the smiles and the tradition to be passed on.