Builder Mama authored by Liz

1) Why did you start blogging? When I started the blog, I had just gone through a period of huge transition in my personal life - I had just lost a significant amount of weight, had just finished a project that will probably be the highlight of my career, and had just gone through a rough patch in my marriage.  I really needed somewhere that I could just get it all out there - the good, the bad, and the ugly.  The other thing is that women that work in construction are such a rarity in these parts that I thought it would be fun to share that part of my life.

2) Your favorite posts (of your own). The chair & Bad day clothes

3) Worst construction job story ever? Well, this story is not for the faint of heart!  This happened about 10 years ago on my first project with my current company. We were working on a two-story gourmet grocery store project and the project was about 40% complete - the building walls were up, windows were going in, the electrical and plumbing rough-in was about halfway done, and the roof was being put on. My boss and I were standing on the first floor discussing some changes with the owner when suddenly a shower of liquid came flying out of a pipe that descended from the roof and went all over my boss. What was it, you ask?  One of the roofers, who was too lazy to get off the roof and use the porta-john, had relieved himself in one of the plumbing chases which just happened to be right over my boss’ head.  My boss almost killed the guy, and I went home and wondered what the hell I had gotten myself into!

4) You grew up in NJ but have acclimated to the south, but what still annoys the daylights out of you? Well, having parents that were born and raised in the South doesn’t make me a true Jerseyite, but I lived there for 17 years and even though I’ve been down here for 20 years that makes me a “Yankee” in a lot of circles!  I think the thing that annoys me the most is how some people just don’t get it that the Civil War is over and has been for years.  People, it’s over!  We lost!  Move on!  On the other hand, a major pet peeve of mine is how people from other parts of the country immediately assume that because you speak with a Southern accent you are an idiot.  This can play to my advantage sometimes, especially when dealing with some of my tougher clients and subcontractors - I play the Southern Belle card to the hilt before I stick it to them.

5) Best parenting advice you’ve ever received. To continue being your own individual person, beyond being a mother and wife and employee.  So many times, women get so caught up in juggling their roles in life that they lose their true selves in a lot of ways.  It’s important for every mom to do things for herself, even if it’s reading a good book for 15 minutes a day, slipping out for a manicure, or whatever makes you feel good.  Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually helps you do a better job at everything you do in life!