Perception, value and hot ham sandwiches

Perception is reality.


Value is relative.


Hot ham with melted cheese is good... on toast... with Dijon.


This is all...

Double Standards

I have seen some very intriguing acts by some individuals close to me lately and I want to address the concept of double standards and why some think the world revolves around their needs. Is this a sign of home training - nature vs nurture, or a developed concept in line with self-imposed needs and pure selfishness?

On a day to day basis I notice in traffic, at the grocery, speaking on the phone, even in interviews - people consistently behave in a manner which reminds me to teach my kids the importance of treating people the way you would want to be treated. On one hand, I am glad that I get these opportunities to remember what my role is as a parent, on the other hand, it's so frustrating to have people whine about what they aren't getting and simultaneously deny a common courtesy of others.

I have been on a ridiculous number if interviews lately. Interviews where the business owner states, "I will call you, one way or the other", and they don't. Yet, they complain that the integrity of the applicants or former employees is in question.

I listened to my son complain that he never has his own money to purchase things for himself (like candy), while his sister gets her own money and always has candy and games and her own "stuff", yet she never shares with him. Then he proceeded to tell me in the next breath how he wanted a spcific game for Christmas, not just because it was fun, but because he would be able to prevent his sister from playing "his" game. His stuff would have greater value to her than it would to himself.

I have a friend in SoCal/Newport Beach who maintains relationships with female friends all over the country. He is somewhat of a flirt (salesman), calling, texting and flirting via social networking sites. He even visits with them when he travels, yet he consistently asks his live in girlfriend who she is texting and calling. He has issue with her dancing and flirting with other men publicly as well.

"Do as I say not as I do."
My mom said this phrase to me once when I was a teenager and I didn't quite understand it at the time. Now, (as a parent) I get it, but wonder how it relates to adults in day to day relationships. If I have friends who never come to my house to visit, but only want me to drive to their house, It grows old quickly. And I have done that. I'm lazy when it comes to driving.
I also prefer to cook rather than go out to eat. I'm cheap and I think I'm a good cook. That doesn't mean that my friends want to come to my house all the time because I want them to. There is compromise.

I used to believe that double standards were acted out by a small portion of the earth, but recently realize that everyone has them.
"Don't talk shit about me, but I'll talk shit about you."
"It's ok for me to go out and chat up members of the opposite sex, but not ok for you."
"Don't eat my donut, but I finished off your ice cream."
Every where I look. It's amazing.
When did we become so self-absorbed?
Maybe as I explain to my son that if he wants his sister to share her toys and her candy, perhaps he should stop stealing her lemonheads and share his toys, maybe she will follow suit and share with him...I hope. Or maybe she will continue to keep her shit and eat his too, because she can and that's the world we live in now.

Homage to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Dear Steelers Fans,

How I love thee in your Black and Gold; waving your yellow towels and your yellow flags - taking over the parking lots of Invesco Field in preparation for the Monday Night Football game of the season. Bronco's vs. Steelers in Denver, Monday, November 9, 2009.

I have to admit, I did not know anything about the rivalry between the Steelers and our Bronco's. I know nothing about the history of the Pittsburgh team. I only know our Bronco's have rocked this season and I had big expectations for our Monday night football game at home.

Tailgating has become part of our fan-appreciation- preparation for these home games.

Standing in parking lots, grilling steaks, munching guacamole and chips, drinking beers and showing our team spirit by playing cornhole, and the such, while screaming about our favorite teams.

I had been told how loyal the Steelers fans are, but I got to see it myself, as I stood amongst a handful of Bronco supporters as the Steeler Nation took over the west parking lots of Invesco field.

It didn't deter my support of the Bronco's as I waited patiently for the game to start. I thought "what a bunch of loud mouths", it's going to suck when their team loses and they have to go home wearing those ridiculous costumes - waving their paltry little yellow towels. Then I noticed a fan in the true Orange and Blue whose bright orange shirt read, "Only bitches carry little yellow towels". And I laughed.

Then the game began, and I watched Denver open it up with a 3 point field goal, and we were off to the races. I was pleased and certain that all the hype about this Pittsburgh mania would be unwarranted and we could go back to praising our Bronco's in peace after all the hoopla.

The Steeler fans were en mass, every where I looked, black and gold, yellow towels....ergh the silly yellow towels, waving waving waving.

The more the Steelers carried the ball, caught the ball, ran the ball...scoring and winning... the insipid yellow towels waved their support. The Steelers were strong. The Steelers brought an amazing game of football to Denver's stadium. The Bronco's were defeated and embarrassed by a humbling Monday Night football loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As a result of this loss I am writing this piece on how great the Steelers are and what a talented team Pittsburgh has...

Much respect,