This...is my world. Cold, hard concrete.
Steel that holds things up.
Steel that tears things up.
Many, many hours alone, though working in a crowd.Yesterday the ol' plumber foreman approached me to talk. I was surprised because he has never said so much as 'good morning' to me before. He asked if I was married and if so, what did my husband do for a living. I laughed, I knew kinda what he was getting at, and told him I was divorced, a long time so.
"Well, I saw you welding all morning and now this afternoon I seen you doing carpenter work. Hell, I'd hate to be your husband. You being able to do all this stuff and me just standing around."
He wasn't being mean and I didn't take offense but I knew what he meant. I've heard it before many times.
"Yeah, apparently a lot of other men have the same opinion 'cause I have a heckuva time finding anybody to date!"
He laughed. "I can see why! Damn intimidating!"
I look down at my bright pink tee shirt and matching gloves. Ya, right.
13 comments:
Ya know that was a damn fine little essay.
PRETTY(capable)IN PINK.
:)
I've had the "I" word applied to me too. Fortunately, my husband values competence and iniative. Of course, that means there is quite a variety of things that suddenly turn into "my job".
I am no expert, but we built our house from the ground up with two little girls underfoot. My daughters are good at homeowner tasks, one is an expert at wiring and tile setting. The other is the painter and upholsterer.
You are such a good model for girls to see there are no limits to what kind of jobs women can do and do extremely well.
Hey FC! thanks bud!!
Hey Caroline! well, i don't know how good a role model i am but I appreciate your thoughts. thank you.
sounds like you and your daughters are great role models too!
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
Robert A. Heinlein
YeOldFurt
Good post Annie. I believe you were getting some 'backhanded' compliments from this foreman; for sure. And yes, You are a great rolemodel if only those young enough to learn are listening and reading you. Truly, gender should not interfere with learning and one's abilities. That often is a cause of much dissension with and for both sexes. Pshaw!
That would'nt intimidate me one little bit. I think it would be kinda handy actually, I would learn from it, but I guess others might be bothered by it. I really think that the ladies should be able to freely do what ever kind of work they enjoy doing. The guys too.
I liked this post. Sweet n sassy. :)
I'm not so sure the 'compliment' was backhanded, just the best way he knew to give you one. Rejoice, it means the man who desires to be with you is very secure .... you could even place a hammer in your belt and he'd wouldn't feel intimidated at all. You go girl! [and I mean that respectfully]
sleepyhead
I did some contract work on a project that involved the bucket teeth you have shown in your picture. I've always thought it would be kind of neat to have a row of those welded to the bumper of my car. Of course, that would be the side of me that doesn't mind the moral implications of tearing up other people's vehicles.
Hey Furt! yep! I like that.
Hey Sissy! true, gender should not interfere but it often does.
Hey Mark! Well, i have really been surprised by the number of guys that are put off by it. I guess a lot of men are not as secure as i thought they were.
Hey Erin! thanks!!
Hey Sleepy! well, I think he was trying to compliment me, in a way! unfortunately I often get the ones that are WAY over secure; you know, big egos. I guess i just need to get use to it.
Hey Ed! i have thought the very same thing many times.
You deserve a man who will celebrate your accomplishments and your independent spirit. I don't understand men who are so insecure as to have to have a partner they can feel superior too. I made that mistake once and it was a hard lesson for it cost me the love of my life. I grew up after that.
Hey Philip! thank you very much. I don't understand it either (for men or women to act that way) but apparently a lot of people do. You should want your partner to excel, I think.
great post and great heinlein quote
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