Sometimes the best 'man' for the job is a 'woman'

Photography courtesy Erik Almas

Health

Last week I visited my Orthodontist for a regular check up and cleaning. I say, if the insurance covers it then better get it done, right? Well, I have to say that the staff at this particular practice is exceptionally pleasant. All three visits of mine in the past year have been a delight, considering I am saying this about a dental visit. So, when I entered in the middle of the afternoon I was greeted and checked-in by a nice lady. She looked at me and said, "Are you a runner? You look like a runner!" Now, I am no expert in receiving compliments (sarcasm!) but that sure sounds like a VERY good compliment from a stranger. I shall most-definitely put her on my "Potential-Friend-List". Then entered my Hygienist who complimented me on my shoes (They are these old 'fashionable' Tennis shoes that I refuse to part with). Then followed my doctor's assistant who complimented me on my handbag (a classic Fendi bag, so I can't blame her; what's not to like?). As one can probably make out, I am gonna stick with this dental-practice, clearly they take care of more than just my teeth! *big.grin*

Life

Mostly in life, I try and refrain from using any phrase which classifies people in a stereotype or cliché. I personally disdain people who use sentences like " All Americans are ....", " All females are ... ", etc. etc. I know various researches are done over the years to form some sort of pattern in behavior, habits and culture. However, how many people are 'quoting' these researches and/or are even aware of such facts in real life? Recently, I was having a conversation with one of my Latin American friends, about stay-at-home mothers versus working mothers. Naturally, we both didn't have any real-time statistics to prove our statements but I cannot get myself to agree with her. She said something on the lines of ... "American women (I presume she meant caucasian race) are more spendthrift and need big houses and expensive cars and hence, they cannot afford to be stay-at-home-mothers." Really?! How can one derive such conclusions? Even if you know 10 American women with similar lifestyle, that still doesn't constitute 'all American women ...'. Nonetheless, if a woman is in a Doctor/Surgeon/Advocate/Judge-kinda profession, society is more lenient and accepting of their 'working-mother-status' in comparison to if she is a Marketing Executive or a Model?!?

I know the world doesn't operate the way I 'believe' it should but that isn't stopping me from behaving the way I believe - 'I should'!