I recently did some volunteer work at a local womens shelter by helping to hang drywall in one of their new family rooms. The soreness the next day reminded me of the physical nature of the work I plan to do.
Whether Divatude comes naturally or not, everyone can benefit from a strong fitness plan.
After a thorough search for the best buff for my buck, I have decided to go with 24Hour Fitness. Besides the obvious perk of being able to 'get my buff on' at all hours of the day, the variety of classes defintely piqued my interest. They have everything a diva could want--strength training, yoga/pilates, dance (can't wait to Zumba!), kickboxing, cycling, water training....you name it and it can probably be found there. PLUS, a basketball gym, lap pool, sauna and whirlpool. AND of course, the obligatory free weights, cardio machines and circuit training.
Construction work is physical work, and being in shape is a requirement for anyone seeking to make their way. For women, this is even more necessary, as many of the men encountered will have preconcieved ideas about your abilities anyway. Be ready to put in your 10 to 12 hour days, and another 2 at the gym. In the long run, your efforts will pay off.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Dealing with sexism is not new to me.
In my previous career, I started out as a lowly clerk. It was the early 90s. The title insurance industry was as male-dominated as the rest of corporate Amerca. Although most of the work was performed by women, the underwriting was spearheaded by men. As I began my rise through the ranks, I consistently found myself face to face with a male superior. It was always a man standing in the way of my ascent into management. And it was ultimately a man who gave me the opportunity to own and operate my own company. Like many women before me, I had learned to navigate the 'boys club'. I could speak their language. I had earned their respect.
The construction trades offer a different challenge. This is still very much a man's world - dirty, sweaty, and foul-mouthed. Men of all ages and sizes engage in ritualistic displays of strength and skill, unfettered by societal rules and manners. Here education takes a back seat to brute strength. Here a man can stratch his balls, spit, and belch with impunity. The epitome of the He Man Woman Haters Club. Women are not welcomed. Any female would have a hard time assimilating into this alien world.
Me? I am a Diva. I dream of the day my toolbelt matches my hardhat. I search the internet for attractive work clothes. I am constantly on the lookout for makeup that can withstand the rigors of dirt and sweat without running or smearing. It would seem I am out of my element. That's where the Roughneck comes in. I curse like a sailor. There is no life without football (GO STEELERS!!!). I may not drink much anymore, but trust me when I say I remember how. I take great pleasure in going against society's ideas of what a woman should be. But at the end of the day, I am still a woman.
Sexism and construction go hand in hand. A thick skin, and a great sense of humor, is definitely going to be needed to navigate through the testosterone zone. I expect to be lied to, conjoled, patronized, pooh poohed, riduculed and sneered at. But as the saying goes, if you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen. In the end, it will be my own determination and fortitude that decides whether or not I can be ran off.
I'd put my money on the Diva. It ain't over til she sings anyway.
In my previous career, I started out as a lowly clerk. It was the early 90s. The title insurance industry was as male-dominated as the rest of corporate Amerca. Although most of the work was performed by women, the underwriting was spearheaded by men. As I began my rise through the ranks, I consistently found myself face to face with a male superior. It was always a man standing in the way of my ascent into management. And it was ultimately a man who gave me the opportunity to own and operate my own company. Like many women before me, I had learned to navigate the 'boys club'. I could speak their language. I had earned their respect.
The construction trades offer a different challenge. This is still very much a man's world - dirty, sweaty, and foul-mouthed. Men of all ages and sizes engage in ritualistic displays of strength and skill, unfettered by societal rules and manners. Here education takes a back seat to brute strength. Here a man can stratch his balls, spit, and belch with impunity. The epitome of the He Man Woman Haters Club. Women are not welcomed. Any female would have a hard time assimilating into this alien world.
Me? I am a Diva. I dream of the day my toolbelt matches my hardhat. I search the internet for attractive work clothes. I am constantly on the lookout for makeup that can withstand the rigors of dirt and sweat without running or smearing. It would seem I am out of my element. That's where the Roughneck comes in. I curse like a sailor. There is no life without football (GO STEELERS!!!). I may not drink much anymore, but trust me when I say I remember how. I take great pleasure in going against society's ideas of what a woman should be. But at the end of the day, I am still a woman.
Sexism and construction go hand in hand. A thick skin, and a great sense of humor, is definitely going to be needed to navigate through the testosterone zone. I expect to be lied to, conjoled, patronized, pooh poohed, riduculed and sneered at. But as the saying goes, if you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen. In the end, it will be my own determination and fortitude that decides whether or not I can be ran off.
I'd put my money on the Diva. It ain't over til she sings anyway.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
What a week! Being a Diva has its drawbacks, one of which is that you have to maintain your Divatude.
With that in mind, and despite having the flu, I went off this week to apply for Green Energy & Construction training at Mi Casa Resource Center in Lakewood, CO. This 10 week, intensive, hand-on program trains Coloradans in Solar Panel Installation, Sustainable Construction and Energy Efficiency. Considering my long term goals, it would have been a travesty not to apply. So me, my flu germs and Bessie (my '95 Ford Escort wagon, complete with stick shift) jumped on I-70 and headed towards our future.
I was pleasantly surprised at the length and the detail of the application. For me, it demonstrated the level of commitment Mi Casa expects from the program participants. I feel this is important. Being a lady roughneck is hard; being a roughneck diva will be even more challenging. I want, and expect, real training, not just lip service to the idea of women in construction. The Center itself has been recognized by then-First Lady, now Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for their work with the un- and under-employed in the Denver area. The woman I interviewed with, Jill, greeted me warmly and treated me with dignity and respect. In turn, she seemed impressed with the thoughtfulness and detail of my 5 year plan. At the end of the interview, I was invited back to an orientation and testing meeting later this month. Both Jill and I feel very confident I will make the cut.
Next class starts April 10th, spring weather!!
With that in mind, and despite having the flu, I went off this week to apply for Green Energy & Construction training at Mi Casa Resource Center in Lakewood, CO. This 10 week, intensive, hand-on program trains Coloradans in Solar Panel Installation, Sustainable Construction and Energy Efficiency. Considering my long term goals, it would have been a travesty not to apply. So me, my flu germs and Bessie (my '95 Ford Escort wagon, complete with stick shift) jumped on I-70 and headed towards our future.
I was pleasantly surprised at the length and the detail of the application. For me, it demonstrated the level of commitment Mi Casa expects from the program participants. I feel this is important. Being a lady roughneck is hard; being a roughneck diva will be even more challenging. I want, and expect, real training, not just lip service to the idea of women in construction. The Center itself has been recognized by then-First Lady, now Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for their work with the un- and under-employed in the Denver area. The woman I interviewed with, Jill, greeted me warmly and treated me with dignity and respect. In turn, she seemed impressed with the thoughtfulness and detail of my 5 year plan. At the end of the interview, I was invited back to an orientation and testing meeting later this month. Both Jill and I feel very confident I will make the cut.
Next class starts April 10th, spring weather!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
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