Kari Meyer: “Ryan Bruns, you must have had the hiccups a lot as a kid.”

What superstition or old wives’ tale were you told as a kid that stuck? For Choice One Graphic Designer Kari Meyer, it was “When you hiccup, it means you are growing.” Indeed, if that notion is true, it’s clear that Project Manager Ryan Bruns has done a lot more hiccupping than Kari!

Kari’s not alone in the superstitions she was told as a kid. Casey Reichert’s parents told her that “If you turn on the dome light in your car while driving, you’ll get arrested.” Both Brittany Clinehens and Kaye Borchers were told “Don’t pout, or a bird is going to poop on your lip.” A suspiciously specific threat—one that suggests someone, somewhere, learned this lesson the hard way. Many of us were told to eat carrots to improve our eyesight and/or an apple a day will keep the doctor away. But let’s be honest—that one didn’t stick, since many of us enjoy coffee, doughnuts, pizza, and cheese on a more regular basis than carrots and apples.

Superstitions and old wives’ tales may not always hold up to scientific scrutiny, but they sure make for some entertaining childhood logic. Whether it’s the fear of rogue birds or being put in jail for mild car lighting violations, these little myths shaped us into the totally rational adults we are today. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to pick the seeds out of our watermelon so one doesn’t grow in our bellies…