A ROSE IS A ROSE (November 11)

 

Atlas' wife held up 50% of the world but his sheer noisy bulk (ego) covered up her contributions. 

 ONE LAST TIME Ok, let's get it out of the way. Picking a known felon, sex offender and all-around lousy businessman was apparently better than an experienced, educated female. Do I wish we had had a chance to go through primaries and choose our candidate rather than pulling someone in 3 months out? Of course, but....

Kind of how I feel after taking in the 5th. My birthday being around election time is always a mixed bag of good/bad news, but life goes on. Not this time...again.  Not to dwell on it, but I just feel so tired of always having to be better because of being female and I am also tired of apologizing for having an education. Blame Mom-she never differentiated between the boy and the girls. With that background in my first safety position, imagine my shock after educating myself and bringing the safety program to high levels and working alone for a year, I did not get the job. Not only did it go to a male with no experience, but I was also expected to maintain the high levels of the program because he did not know how to do it. He did apologize but still took the job. 

Reason given: "You're too passionate". Man speak for you don't back down and act all fluttery and feminine. Well in safety you sure as hell better not back down if you're right and someone's life is at stake. Oddly enough I was often accused of being cold by not talking about personal stuff (mine) but I could always get the story from those with whom I interacted. (I know my family will say-"you never shut up"). Dispassionately negotiating with and succeeding with the rank and file, upper management, politicians, doctors, lawyers and with judges in Court apparently did not prove I was good under pressure or get too stressed. Of course, my nephew has pointed out I don't bet in poker unless I have a good hand so not as poker-faced as I thought LOL. 

Fun fact-I moved on to a better and more responsible position somewhere else where I was the manager of the activity - though again working alone to create a credible safety and health program. That move got me accused of being disloyal by the previous employer, shocker. I am gratified they had to hire an entire department to replace me, however. The person who got hired after me quit after a couple of months because she told me later "they expected me to do all this extra stuff!" So, I guess I am an over-achiever. Being the facilitator and founding "Grandmother" of the MIOSHA Training Institute that has credibility throughout the entire State for Safety and Health, is a gratifying legacy, however. Apparently, that was finally enough as predictably they offered me a chance at a big promotion just before I retired (after bypassing me twice). Hopefully it will help the women who follow. 

MEDICAL UPDATE Well, the OH's pursuit of a cure continues with another appointment with a new specialist Monday. Although he said he was willing to live with the pain level he's at, that's not how I roll so we will continue our search for relief. Everyone needs a fearless (passionate) cheerleader. Besides I would not want to have to learn how to cook after all these years! I am mastering the microwave which means I have discovered there is a power level button-makes all the difference.

Saw the kids and grandson for a birthday dinner. Another fun fact my son-in-law loathes when they sing to you at a restaurant. Something to do with a traumatic experience when he had an early job waiting tables eons ago. So, he charmed the wait person, he's good at that. In fact, we were all friends by the end of dinner, and she quietly gave me my little birthday sundae on the down low. I always mention birthdays when we are celebrating at a restaurant in case there's any free stuff to be had. I can stand a little public humiliation for a freebie. Call me crazy/greedy.

FINAL THOUGHT When we notice that little glimmer of light under the door shining into our dark room, the hope is that it cannot, will not, be totally extinguished. I pray that I am right.                    Peace out ... 💚  💙💛