As our daily lives continue to be limited and affected by limitations and restrictions, we should all do our part to support America’s small, locally owned businesses. One such ways our family is trying to help is by ordering out from different “mom and pops” restaurants every Friday. Seemed like a simple enough plan and beneficial all around. We’d get to add some spice (pun intended) to our weekly menus and we’d do our part to help our neighbor. We researched different websites, looked up different local chats and came up with a list of different cuisines we’d love to try. It would be a fun and conscientious way to broaden our horizons, be adventurous, and take a break from the kitchen. Clearly a win-win situation.

First week up, first order in – then it hit us – we have kids… did we forget to ask for chicken nuggets? How much spice do you use? What do you mean by “seasoned”? We didn’t want to let our adventurous meals go cold while we set off to cook for our picky eaters. Yes, yes, we know – teach them while they are young. We did. They both ate everything we put on their plates as babies. Then something changed – no judgment zone. It’s our life, for the time being. PingMe

is my app. I need it to Help Me.

With applications that claim to be catered and self-centered around our needs, likes, dislikes, and

personal preferences, why are we still unable to identify those things that are relevant to us? We have the technology and the data to direct us away from BBQ Pits if we are Vegetarians. There are key terms that will set aside Crab Houses from French Bistros. Then why can’t “my” app wean out places that along with signature authentic dishes do not have plates that are geared towards our children’s eating habits.

PingMe will be the answer to this. PingMe will know me. To know me, is to know our kids… and to

know we need our Friday nights free.

Be well, stay safe, and shop/eat/buy local.

By,

Jan G.