The Clock

There are no time management courses that can prepare a woman for motherhood – time just flies out the window.  A tremendous amount can be accomplished in a few minutes.  Whilst we think we can’t start a new job or task with only 5 minutes to school pick up – we can.  Every 5 minutes can add up to hours.  Next time when you think you don’t have time – you do have some time – start something, be productive and become more efficient and less stressed!!!

Disney Detail

In a recent work trip to Disney World in Florida for a Conference I was amazed to see that even the sewer man hole plates proudly displayed the mickey mouse brand symbol.  The attention to detail at Disney is incredible!  Whilst people were initially staring at me photographing the sewer (?), they soon moved when they could see the logo of Mickey's ears and appreciated the attention to detail that Disney provides.  Disney does detail, branding and logo's like no other business.  It is worth looking beyond the magic and down to the brown to really appreciate great business branding and attention to detail.

Adding Value

 The filing was piling, the desk flooded with work!!! As a resourceful woman it was time I realised (as stubborn as I am) that I needed help! My wonderful Mum completed 4 hours of filing and archiving - just awesome!  My amazing husband took the children to the pool and did washing!  I was able to focus on completing my reports.
Whilst as engineers we aim to "add value" to all our projects, I feel that by accepting help from the team, I feel I have actually added value to my relationships.  By involving my family in my work and allowing them to participate and contribute, I have enhanced our realtionship and I am so grateful for their help.  At the end of the day projects will be forgotten, but relationships will be treasured forever!

The Cuppa

The concept of tea and coffee is essential for business and staff.  When I worked in London we would take turns in making the team their tea or coffee.  You knew the cups, you knew the milk and sugar amounts, it was essential social interaction.  Since working from home and being a mother I have acquired the necessary taste buds for cold tea and luke warm coffee.  On occasssions I have quickly picked up the half empty cup (assuming I'd drunk it all... time flies when your busy) only to have centrifugal force get the better of me and spill over!!!  Whilst I do enjoy a hot cuppa, it's a small sacrifice that is made when becoming a working mother.  As they say... "You can't have the rainbow, without the rain!!!"

Site Visit Adventures

It's always interesting to undertake site inspections, particularly in rural areas. This week my site visit was to a gravel road, with piped culverts and a one lane bridge. It was hot and remote. The long grass was rustling, a wallaby was bounding in the adjacent property, a 2m long, fat, black snake was slithering from the roadside into the bushes and when I went to inspect the one lane bridge, something splashed in the water... something big!!! I was on edge, turning at every sound - when I finally completed all the inspections, the wallaby returned, bounding in front of me, shear millimetres from the car!

That night my children loved hearing the story about my day at work!!

Site Visit Adventures

Woman at Work

Couldn't help but doodle on this road works sticker!