It's strange how I ended up in this business. This morning I was being driven around on a forklift inspecting containers at the depot. Being a male-dominated environment, the yard workers get rather amused and sometimes worried when they see me climbing up the equipment or skipping over muddy puddles.
It's part and parcel of my job but really, I don't do this very often unless requested by our customers. This time, I was selecting some units which will be sent to an offshore oil rig. That means the containers must be rust-free to withstand the harsh marine environment.
Typically I will check the interior, exterior and bottom rails and document them in photos for the customer's perusal later. The inspection is the easiest part. I have alot of respect for the equipment operator who has to shift through stacks of containers to get to the one I want. It takes years of experience and good judgement skills for them to manoeuvre these giant boxes through tight spaces without knocking into one another. I always worry for my safety and theirs when I'm out there.
It's part and parcel of my job but really, I don't do this very often unless requested by our customers. This time, I was selecting some units which will be sent to an offshore oil rig. That means the containers must be rust-free to withstand the harsh marine environment.
Typically I will check the interior, exterior and bottom rails and document them in photos for the customer's perusal later. The inspection is the easiest part. I have alot of respect for the equipment operator who has to shift through stacks of containers to get to the one I want. It takes years of experience and good judgement skills for them to manoeuvre these giant boxes through tight spaces without knocking into one another. I always worry for my safety and theirs when I'm out there.
After inspecting half a dozen boxes under the scorching sun, I was more than happy to leave the yard. I drove straight to my parent's farm which isn't too far away.
I couldn't wait to sow the cabbage seeds I bought yesterday. Cabbage requires alot of space, so the only place I can grow them is at the farm. It was a short stopover, so I didn't bother to change into my gardening gear. By the time I finished sowing and watering all my plants, I was sweating like a labourer.
Yesterday, I changed the ceiling lights in YK's bedroom without any help. I didn't want to wait until the kids return or it would be too dark for me to see clearly. While I'm afraid of heights, I managed to keep my cool, balance myself on the highest rung of the ladder and change the tubes without any incident. Rusty stood below looking at me while I worked. If only he could be more useful around the house!
Isn't it strange that the jobs I do are not very ladylike? No wonder when I met Huier recently, the first thing she said was "But you're so gentle and soft spoken! I was expecting someone loud."
I've been blogging about my outdoor and gardening activities, my blog personality is probably louder, bolder and more interesting than the real Ting.
8 comments:
U ARE a league of your own. =)
Women today are good at multitasking. My lady friends here fix their own car, change the oil, even do plumbing, then again you see them gardening and cooking and baking. I admire them.
Life, how it brings you! =))))
Huier = heh, I guess everyone is unique in his/her own way.
MH- Yes, I realise the women there are even more capable and independent. I can't fix my car or do plumbing (though I have tried and failed). Sometimes when you're in the situation, you either do it or pay someone else to do it. But if we can do it ourselves, I would rather handle it on my own.
Fry - Yup. If you have no one else to change the bulbs, then it is either live in darkness or change it yourself. It's very easy to do it actually.
Blur, just a word of caution. Never climb a ladder or stand on a high stool when u r all alone at home -- unless it's an emergency such as needing to get out of a house on fire. One small slip and u cld cause yrself eternal tragedy, as well as cause that to yr loved ones. Yes, I know, I sound like the eternal pessimist but better safe than sorry...
Thanks AuntieLucia. I made sure I had something close by (the wardrobe and cabinets) to cling on to for support and the bed is just beside me. So if I should dall, I'll land on the bed.
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