The summer after I graduated from high school I took a job working on a highway construction crew that was engaged on a road-widening project a few miles away from my home town.

Because I am female, and was at that time rather slightly built, I was assigned to the job of flag person — you know, the one that holds the sign that says “Slow” on one side and “Stop” on the other. Not one of your more demanding jobs, but nevertheless essential.

Of course, being a female in the midst of a bunch of sweaty guys meant that I was constantly being hit on, and I guess it was partly my fault, as I enjoyed flirting with the crew and would often pull some crazy stunts that would get their blood pumping. Like the day I wore that yellow and red checkered construction vest that is split about six... Read More