MNF not so Thrilling these Days

I have been a Pittsburgh Steeler fan my entire life. I own a lot of Steeler's merchandise. There was a time when I would never, ever miss a game.  It would be especially unheard of for me to miss a Monday Night Football game against an Division Rival. Apparently things change.

As I am writing this, the Steeler's are facing off against the hated Cincinnati Bengals. This is one of those games that Steeler fans look forward to every year. Not this Steeler fan, at least not this year. I watched the first four games of the season and loved every minute of it. To see Charlie Batch start and win three out of the first four games was awesome. Then Ben Rothelisberger's suspension ended, and so to did my desire to watch Steeler football.

I have no inclination to watch that person play. It upsets me that he is still wearing a Pittsburgh Steeler uniform. How many chances are they going to give this guy? What kind of message are we sending our children when someone like him is allowed to represent one of the greatest franchises in all of sports?

I have daughters, and I am not going to support a man who he allegedly treats women the way that he does. Never-mind the fact how he treats people in the city who's citizens help to pay his salary. Maybe I should not let one person ruin something that I love so much; but, he is there every time the offense has the ball, and I just get agitated. I toyed around with the idea of just watching the Defense play. It just is not the same.

In closing, I would just like to say that even if they win tonight they will be 3-1. That is the exact same record they had under Charlie Batch. That there is one them things that makes you hmmm. I guess winning is the only thing that matters anymore, or at least the prospect of wining. Having good role models in sports is secondary. So tonight, I am in the minority of Pittsburgh residents. I will not turn be turning on the game. Instead, I guess I will catch up on some reading.

Leaves on the Ground

We are approaching one of my favorite times of the year – Fall. We still have 13 days before the autumnal equinox, but here in Pittsburgh we are experiencing Fall-like temperatures and I love it. I don't know what it is about this time of year that I love so much. As soon as the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start to change colors and fall to the ground, I begin to wax nostalgic. I remember all of the wonderful times I had growing up, and I long for my children to have the same fond memories. This evening, I hope that I helped to create that environment for them.

After dinner, the girls wanted to go out and play. They put on their shoes and were out the back door as soon as they were done with their dinner. In fact, Molly only had on one shoe and was holding the other in her hand when she hit the back porch. I was finishing up the dishes in the kitchen; so I was able to watch them from a distance without them really noticing me or modifying their play because I was around.

Their toy of choice this Autumn-like day was a bat and ball. Not my first choice for this type of weather, but they were playing nicely together, and I was not about to interrupt and suggest that they play football. I have learned that when two little girls are playing nicely together, you are best to leave well enough alone. Especially since one of the girls from next door came up to join them. Three girls getting along is like a miracle to me. It was awesome. They were running around playing baseball and giggling. It was pure unadulterated fun. I remember having times like this when I was growing up.

As soon as school started, you had a limited amount of time to play with your friends before it started to get dark. You had to use your time wisely. There was no time to bicker and argue. You had to have your game plan set before you headed out to play. As I remember it, we played a lot of football in the form of actual games or just lining up and running plays.

“Head to the tree and hook left.”

“Run a post route.”

“Go Long!”

It didn't matter how many of us there were, as long as we had two guys – one to throw the ball and one to catch it. On good days, we had a third or even fourth guy to play defense – one to cover the quarterback and one to cover the receiver. Inevitably, someone got dirt stains or grass stains on their pants. Those were the best of times.

Tonight, I saw a glimpse of what I loved so much as a child in the way my children were playing, and I was happy for them. I do not even care if they got grass stains on their clothes. As my wife says, “That's what they make Oxyclean for.” I hope for their sake and, maybe a bit selfishly, mine that they have many more days like this. These are the things children are supposed to do when there are leaves on the ground.

Author's Note: I am happy to report that the girls did get out the football, unprovoked mind you, before they came in for the night.

Author's Comment: Happy Birthday to the Love of My Life!