The Power of Women

It's no secret that I spend a lot of time with men being an IT professional. So it's truly a joy to be in situations where I am in the company of only women. I found myself in precisely this situation today at work. I am a part of the Women's Networking Group and they just kicked off a mentoring program. I signed up to get a mentor and also will be mentoring two women. I have done a lot of mentoring so far, not in a formal program. And I have never had an official mentor. I have been good about seeking out people as I have needed but I think it will be really helpful to have a dedicated mentor I can meet with on a regular basis.

The two women I am mentoring are just great! I get along with them and they get along with each other too. The meeting today ended and we spent about another half hour talking with each other until we all had to head back to our desks. I was actually happy to have been able to offer a bit of advice to one of my proteges already and am so thrilled at the prospect to do more. It was funny as my mentor was leaving she told my two proteges they had a great mentor in me. It was flattering!

This week was a busy one. Anytime I have an all day meeting it just throws me off my game a bit. Having a two day meeting this week just made me that much further behind. So it was very helpful to have the mentor meeting today. It was great meeting new people and also to be in a room full of women sharing their experiences, getting acquainted and having a few laughs. The candy on the tables was a nice touch as well. I feel energized and ready to take on the world again! Of course I have a slew of things to read as part of  this program but homework will wait until this weekend.

Banged up and Bruised

Well it's been quite the week and weekend. I managed to sneak out of work a bit early Friday and spend some time with the ladies of my family prior to my Uncle's birthday party. It was fun, spontaneous and silly. All things I needed after a busy and stressful work week. And spending time with the ladies provided a nice dose of feminine energy after a bit of a testosterone soaked week.

The rest of my weekend was pretty good. Other members of my family have not quite fared as well. My grandmother had to go to the emergency room due to a sore hip. My Dad tripped over the pool robot (it was wintering in the garage). My uncle got hurt by a ladder at a fire (he's a firefighter and he's ok). My brother threw his back out and can only stand. My mother, well, she takes the cake.

While getting out of the car at the grocery store and looking very cute, by her telling, she got her heel caught in her purse and took a dive into the parking lot (fashion can sometimes be painful). She ended up with a chunk missing out of her chin, covered in blood and with two very bruised knees. She did not break her glasses, which was good. She's going to be really sore tomorrow.

Add to that my aunt completely wiping out my Mom's air freshener (the kind with the sticks and oil) and creating a lavender scented oil slick in the front hallway and it was quite the weekend.