What’s in a Name?

August 26, 2016August 25, 2016 / roughwighting / 143 Comments

As I walked down the expansive beach to join my family sitting by the sea, a noisy small plane flew over us, swinging a banner that proclaimed loudly and happily: Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith.

I seethed and simmered and sank into a bit of a funk.

However, as I approached the females in the family – my daughter, niece, sister-in-law, and 20-something-babysitter – they all rejoiced out loud, exclaiming, “Did you see the banner? Isn’t that sweet?”

My thunderous expression shocked them. Continue reading →

Don’t Sell Yourself Short

February 12, 2016February 12, 2016 / roughwighting / 84 Comments

My first reaction when the new marketing director suggested that I sell myself surprised me.

“Why didn’t I think of that?” I asked.

I was being facetious. I hope.

“Because you’re not in charge of marketing and promotion,” M answered with a self-satisfied smile. She was as serious as a successful sale.

We had bonded immediately upon M’s employment as the second woman hired in a non-secretarial positon at the company.

Six months earlier, I had become the first female in the northeast office to sell outdoor advertising space.

Now, each morning when M and I arrived at 8:30, the doors of the bleak old building flew open to our new ideas, fresh enthusiasm, and bold determination to “make it” in a men’s only enclave. Continue reading →