Today is Father's Day, a day to celebrate our Father's who have meant so much to us. My father passed 8.5 years ago, so all I can do is think of him and remember some of the things he told and taught me. Everything wasn't rosy or kind, but I still have my gems I hold onto. I on the other hand, won't celebrate Father's Day with my daughters. While that relationship, (father/daughter), means something to them, being post-op and not looking at all like 'Dad', it's really counter-intuitive to have that celebration. So, we have all agreed, per my wishes, to celebrate together 'Ra-Ra Day' on October 24th of each year. Why October 24th? Well, it's the anniversary date of my surgery, completing the physical journey I took to be me. 'Ra-Ra' is the name given to me for my granddaughter and any other grandchildren I may have so as not to confuse me with any grandmothers that still may be around. They have their nicknames too, but Ra-Ra is unique enough to cut this heifer from the herd.
My youngest daughter is now engaged, getting so one week after graduating college. I am so proud of her. Then she surprised me. About 2 week ago, she asked me to stand by her side as Maid of Honor! I was humbled, but accepted. My other two daughters will also stand with her with the middle daughter being the Matron of Honor and my oldest as a bridesmaid. It's still all a bit of a shock really. Hasn't fully set in, but if I'm going to be there for here, I have a lot of work body sculpting to do. I know a lot of these dresses are fitted and I don't want to look silly wearing one. Those pictures and this event are going to mean so much to her and I don't want to be the reason they are not what she envisions.
A bit of good news nationally. People such as myself now have legal protection from getting fired just because we are who we are. Living with that fear overshadowed my employment since I decided to transition. Now my employment must be based on my work, not on my status. I know that there are more than a few employers who are livid, but a 6-3 vote favoring protections speaks volumes of what is right and fair versus any bias carried by an individual. I am looking to change jobs, possibly careers. Climbing in and out of vehicles and doing videos in the South Georgia heat and humidity is taking its toll on me.
At 55 years old, it's definitely not as easy as it was 8 years ago. Now with the added work load of videoing every vehicle, I'm spending hours more outside doing my job. I was told by a manager on Friday that my job was only taking pictures and it is easy to do. WOW. He hasn't a clue about what I do. Well Mr. Snot Nosed Manager, pushing buttons to make numbers appears isn't hard my friend, but you make WAY more than I do. The problem is no one see anything more than just the physical aspect of my job while I'm taking pictures. No one sees me getting there 90 minutes before them prepping for videos/pictures by completing research and data entry for each vehicle, compiling their Internet Sales Log, writing a unique description for each used vehicle, and compliance issues related to it all. I only take pictures in their eyes. It's one of the reasons I get no respect there and why, given the right scenario, I would quit and leave them hanging in a moments notice.
Finding another job within the automotive industry locally will be hard for me given that many dealerships here know of me and know my story and don't want to bring a potential issue into their fold. Even with over 20 years of diversified experience and knowledge, the black-balling quells most opportunities for me to advance and improve. I will either have to expand my knowledge base by getting more education or step outside of this industry and pray I find someone willing to hire a 55 year old women and pay me what I need to survive.
Ok, I've ranted enough. It's a beautiful day shaping up and I will do my best to relax outside in and by my pool. I got it all pH balanced yesterday, so just a mild cleaning and it's ready to go! Happy Father's Day!!
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