I’d been doing so great. Oh, not by Mr Average’s standards – to him I’m still a deadbeat junkie. But I know how much better I’d been. It took leaving the country to get there though. I began using drugs when I was fourteen. That will shock some, I know, but the truth is that’s … Continue reading The Elevator (3)
The Elevator (2)
He walked authoritatively through his office building lobby, acknowledging everyone he passed, smiling broadly, his inner smugness apparent for all to see. They’d been in the new office block in the City for a week now. He had helped design the modern space and had spared no expense, he wanted the world to know he … Continue reading The Elevator (2)
The Elevator
Early 1970s I am off to my very first Open University lecture, somewhere on the Leeds Uni campus. I follow the detailed sketch map and, despite my poor sense of direction, eventually find the right building. The room I have to find is on the fourth floor so I go to find a lift. I … Continue reading The Elevator
Just a moment
My dog rolls over on her back, legs wild in the air, entreating a tummy tickle. I decide to ignore her smile, her beseeching eyes: “ I haven’t time “ - but then I think “what’s a minute in a lifetime?” What indeed! I give in. A minute can change your life; a moment can be … Continue reading Just a moment
Moments
He has been dozing. His mind wandering. He likes it when his mind can roam free and unfettered. It’s warm, there is a good breeze from the south-west, both the mainsail and foresail are full and stiff. They must be making 9 or 10 knots. He can feel the helm in his hands, the pressure … Continue reading Moments
The Bike Shed (4)
This bike shed is a dilapidated version of your typical concrete three-sided build, with corrugated roof and a dozen metal hoops cemented into the floor, painted black but scarred from years of use. It still serves its primary function of protecting bikes from inclement weather and thieves, though fewer than previous generations now that most … Continue reading The Bike Shed (4)
The Glass Ceiling (5)
He had everything: a doting family, beautiful house, nice car and a successful scientific career, head of his own department, travelling the world speaking to conferences on his beloved subject. When in the office he invariably worked late, sometimes on the work of heading up a department and sometimes on the experiments needed to finally … Continue reading The Glass Ceiling (5)
The Glass Ceiling (4)
“Is this our usual marmalade Dorothy? It doesn’t seem as sharp.” “I really don’t know. The car will be here in a few minutes. Simon wants me to move to Strategy & Planning; what do you think?” “Mm, yes. I see there’s more trouble in the Middle East.” “Ted? Are you listening? I said… Oh … Continue reading The Glass Ceiling (4)
The Glass Ceiling (3)
Forbes came in to see me yesterday, bleating about our record when it comes to recruiting women. I told him that he needed to take it up with HR. They will have ensured that we are compliant with legislation and that describes the extent of our obligation as far as I’m concerned. Whatever happened to … Continue reading The Glass Ceiling (3)
The Glass Ceiling (2)
(The ambitionss of Sarah – chapter 4) Sarah, yawned and stretched. Hiding under the covers seemed like a good idea but she remembered the promise she had made herself the previous evening and, with a sigh, sprang out of bed. Peeking through the shutters she saw the sky was already bright. The day would be … Continue reading The Glass Ceiling (2)
