THE DOME OF DISCOVERY

This is about as good as you can look in this outfit

I have FINALLY started my job!


It was a wonderful week that challenged even my optimistic nature with a near death (bit of dramatic license) experience in the middle of the week that I am still recovering from...but there is no denying the two years of doing two jobs, traveling 180,000 air miles and 3 months standing on the sidelines has all culminated into it finally happening.


Somewhere between Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, in a scintilla of time, the shares were transferred from one entity to another and I become the Deputy MD at the Site.  


My boss from Denver flew in, we had a big dinner at Ackergill Tower on Sunday and then Monday politicians, clients, and stakeholders from all over the UK came to Site for a tour on a bus (I was the guide), in the dome (Jason was the guide) followed by speeches and an evening reception with some dodgy salmon that seems (thankfully) to have only take down me and Jason.


There are some very important men standing next to me in this picture that I have cropped out - only seemed right.  I am standing in the center of the Dounreay Fast Reactor. This structure is impressive and unique - it was the first of a kind.  After 22 years in this industry, I am still filled with wonder, awe and appreciation that I get to taken part in the history of these facilities, even if my part is to take it apart.


In the lead up to the event, they sent out biographies of everyone that was attending so we can study them.  There were 32 people in handout including politicians, management (both the incoming and outgoing team), and the client.  I was the only woman in the pack.  Interestingly, I didn't even notice this fact; Gill had to point it out to me.  

Blog Note: iworepink (I Wore Pink) is not meant literally as some have indicated in comments.  It is a metonym where it is a simple idea used to represent a larger concept: like being 1 (only) in 32 for the last 22 years.

My reception here has been incredible.  The women on-site greet me with a big smile every day.  After Monday, I have had several come in and say, "can you believe it - does it feel like a dream - it feels like a dream to me."


The last time I worked in the UK.  Several individuals on-site learned to say 'American Woman' like it was a curse word and giggled like hens at calling my group the witches coven.  Fortunately, they were completely oblivious that we were giggling along with them.


I am not certain how my path has lead me here.  I know I have worked hard and made sacrifices, but I also know there are many many people in the world that have done much more than I and have not been given the same opportunities.  


I am humbled and extremely grateful.  


I will and do not take any of it for granted.  It does feel like a dream.