Blue Collar Blood

Read this in Dec 2006 issue of Redbook

Jackson WY: Single mom Makayal Perrigo can weld with the best of them thanks to CLIMB Wyoming, a new program that trains women in nontraditional jobs in order to close the wage gap.


Wage gap? Nontraditional? I'll have you know that my mother welded for many years. She was the only woman in her section (ie: not in the office and not wearing a skirt) and welded school desks. She didn't make any more or less money than the rest of the welders. She even put up with relentless teasing every time she carried her purse to the restroom--not to put on make-up, if you get my drift.

Mom worked in the hottest, noisiest conditions earning a living through back breaking and tiresome work (sound familiar, eh?).

Her parents were farmers. Her mother worked in the fields right along side her husband.
I guess blue collar just runs in the blood!

My grandmother had big guns, my mom has big guns. And while my biceps are not entirely impressive, I was recently asked if I work out.

For the record, no I don't. Ever. Too lazy and tired after work.