A Sassy Engineer

Guest Post

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:23:00 +0000

First, let me update you all on Sophie since you have been praying so hard for her. Her family has set up a website to keep us all updated, but since she isn't my baby, I don't want to give out that info without their permission. However, I'm sure it has been nice for them to have a way to update everyone without answering a million emails and phone calls. Sophie is still hanging in there, and we continue to pray for her all the time. They needed to administer a drug to help close the PDA in her heart (a hole that usually closes after the birth of a full-term baby), and they are going to perform a sonogram soon to check for bleeding in her brain. SO, I ask that you pray this strong drug works perfectly the first (a second go-round is risky, and surgery would be the other option that is also scary) and for no bleeding! Her parents are such strong people of faith, and I know they have totally given Sophie to God to take care of. Thank you again for the prayers!

Okay, now onto normal blogging news. My friend Ashleigh (who write Thankfully Thrifty) asked if I would blog about some homemade dog treats I recently made for Christmas pet gifts. I love my dog and my dog family, but I also don't want to spend a ton on them. So, I made some yummy little treats at home. It was cheap, easy, and I think tasty to the dogs. Check out the guest post here.

Still here..

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:56:00 +0000

First off - thanks for all the prayers! Sophie is doing just fine right now, and we pray that she continues to stay stable.

Tomorrow I will be guest blogging for a friend so tune in to find out about that.

I finally got my Christmas tree up!

Be back with more soon :)

Still Praying

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:42:00 +0000

I'm sorry that I haven't been upbeat the last couple of days. Even though Sophie isn't my child, her and her parents have a very special place in my heart and so I am just constantly thinking about them.

There really isn't too much to update today. It is all just a waiting game and letting Sophie rest so she can grow stronger every day. I got to go up to the hospital last night and see my friends, and I even got see Sophie for a few minutes before I left. She is a teeny girl, but the doctors says she is feisty, and I know that means she is a fighter.

I just ask that you continue to pray for Sophie and her parents, R & H. I also ask that you pray for their families and friends (including me) that God help us know how to support them best. I have never experienced anything like this before, and I just want to be the best friend I can for them in whatever capacity that is. Last night I was able to take them dinner at the hospital, and I was just happy that I felt like I could do something for them. Other than that, I will just continue to be there, listen, and PRAY. Thank you for all of your sweet words yesterday and the prayers. I know they are much appreciated!!!

A Special Prayer Request for a Special Family

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:27:00 +0000

I have read many stories in blogland concerning the most precious humans in the world: babies. Some stories have been so heart wrenching, and I my heart always hurt for those families experiencing extremely tough times. I don't think I ever thought I would be very close to a story like that, but life is unpredictable.

I come to you with a heavy heart this morning, and I ask for prayers for a little baby girl named Sophie. I wanted to tell you her name so you could pray for her by it. She was born yesterday morning to some very close friends of my husband and I, and she was only at 25 weeks. Sophie is doing okay right now, but as you can imagine, that is very early and means that the journey ahead is full of unknowns. I know there are many prayer warriors out there, and I ask - if you don't mind, to lift Sophie up. I ask that you pray that God make her a fighter and to help her grow stronger every day and fight off infections because I think that is the biggest fear at this point. I also pray that you ask God to put his arms around her parents right now and give them comfort in him and calm their fears. They are amazing people, and we love them so much, and I just don't know what else I can do for them at this point but pray and ask others to do it too. If you wouldn't mind taking a few seconds to say a quick prayer, I know they would be forever grateful.

BIRG & CORF

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:01:00 +0000

If you are a psychologist or the like or studying Beth Moore's Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman, you know what those words mean. If not, let me explain.

BIRG stands for Basking In Reflected Glory and CORF stands for Cutting Off Reflected Failure. I was introduced to these terms on Monday night at Bible study, and I found them so interesting. Beth Moore was talking about them in relation to our society's obsession with celebrity and fame. People tend to birg celebrities that are the "it" people of the time and have fairly positive reputations. She said that we even tend to keep birging during times of controversy with said celebrities because we have so closely aligned and identified ourself with them that we have to "save face" when they hit a scandalous patch. However, if the keep going down the wrong road, we jump ship and start corfing because we no longer want to be associated with failure.

I'm sure I have done this before with celebrities, especially during middle school and high school, but I find myself these days being more frustrated with celebrities than completely loving them. I think I tend to like the characters they play more than their true self. I have to say that I think Hollywood is an interesting business, and I wonder why actors make so much money. I have to say I think they are overpaid, but we accept it because they are "celebrities." I think it is almost like we want to have someone to marvel at. To look at their life in awe, and build them up so that at some point we can tear them down. Honestly, isn't the scandal what makes us keep watching sometimes, at least until it gets so bad it is uncomfortable to watch (i.e. J & K plus 8)?

Beth Moore also touched on the fact that some would say we are to BIRG Christ, but that isn't true. She explains it by saying that we don't bask in God's glory, we are to be so obsessed with God and living so wholly in Him that He is reflected in our life because all glory is God's glory. Does that make sense? She explained it so much more eloquently. Basically, it seems to me that we don't bask in the reflected glory but that God's glory and goodness is reflected through us by how He has changed our lives. I think that is a pretty awesome thought, and I want to try harder to live in Him and not worry about those on Earth seeking fame.

I used to think when I was younger that I wanted to be famous (not movie star), but by finding the cure for cancer, or discovering some new engineering technique, but then one day that just didn't seem important anymore. I thought my "give a darn" was busted, but instead I think I just grew up and realized that my family and my relationships with others was what I gave a darn about. I want my legacy to be my children and grandchildren and so on. I don't need to be the CEO, City Manager, or the like. Instead, I want to be like Esther, who even though she was Queen, was willing to give it all up (including her life) to save her family, her people, and to bring glory to God, not bask in it. I'm so not there, but hopefully God will continue to keep working on me, and keep my "give a darn" on the right path.

Technology & Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:22:00 +0000

It's been awhile, and I'm okay with that. I'm back to wondering if I want to keep blogging. Some days I love it, others days it feels like a chore, and yet others I feel like I just want to cut myself off entirely from technology.

I think cell phones are great, and they have done wonders in allowing people to communicate more easily, but I just can't stomach giving my child one (I don't have a child yet, but I don't want to give my future child one). I just don't think there is a need for a child to have a cell phone. If I left my key at home after school, I went to the neighbor's house. Then we had an outdoor garage key pad installed at our house and I used that. People got by without cell phones and all the technology. I just sometimes feel too plugged in, and trust me, by society's standards I'm not.

I don't want a work cell phone. I like that they can't email me or call me all the time. I can get away. I don't subscribe to Twitter and I don't plan to. I don't want to know what everyone is doing all the time, and I don't want everyone to know what I'm doing all the time. I have been over Facebook for years. I only keep my account because I was a class officer senior year of high school, and I'm pretty sure it will come in handy when it comes time to plan a class reunion. I only started blogging as an outlet for myself, and I did meet some amazing people, but I think some of those relationships have come and gone, too. Now I'm back to struggling about keeping my blog or not. Sometimes I just want to get away from all of the technology and just live life. I think technology has made some wonderful advancements for our society, but I just don't want to be run by it. I don't ever want to say that my life would stop if I lost my iPhone. Anyway, for now I will keep sharing my thoughts on here and trying to maintain some of my blogging friendships, but I need to keep a balance. I'm probably alone in this because I think a lot of people that blog probably love technology, but I have always been a-typical it seems.

I find it funny because a lot of generations above me assume that because I'm young I know technology. Compared to them I probably do, but I'm so far behind the curve of my peers. In fact, in college I took a survey that showed where you landed in the technology spectrum. My result: a laggard. People, that was the lowest category. Maybe now you get where I come from. Again, I think I still enjoy blogging, and I LOVE online shopping which is probably the biggest joy I get from technology. I also love email and being able to call my fam anytime on my cell. So I'm not down on technology, but I think I like to keep it at arm's length as well. I also know if it weren't for my hubby, I would still mail in checks to pay the bills!

Okay, enough about that. I'll try to write more about the holidays later, but it could be boring so maybe I'll just give the high points. Our kitchen tried to catch on fire a few days before the holiday (due to old wiring in an outlet), but my handy hubby fixed it up! I loved seeing my whole family, and I soaked up as much nephew time as I could (he is so cute you could eat him up!) We cut down a Christmas tree from a Christmas tree farm while singing Christmas carols even though it was 60 degrees outside. We then celebrated Christmas early with my family, and my parents surprised us with a Wii this year! My parents decided to do family Christmas gifts, and I'm so excited to break it out of the box (maybe tonight!) I could also fill you in about the awful drive up with pooch, but trust me, it would just gross you out. I also feel like I should apologize to any Oklahomans (is that the right name?) because my hubby blamed our stinky pooch on the whole state of OK for about two hours. I knew the whole state didn't smell like poo, and we finally realized the pooch had a problem. Oh well! It was still a great time, and now back to the grindstone. I'll try to post pictures later when I put them online for my fam. Until then, I have to try and catch up on blog reading, and I'll try to get back to some regular commenting too.

The Story of Irena

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:09:00 +0000

I received an email this morning from a fellow Tea Party Patriot, and I just wanted to pass along the story. I checked on Snopes to see if it was true, and it is. Click here to read it. You can also read about on Truth or Fiction here.

Here is the email and her story:

Irena Sendler

There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena.

During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an 'ulterior motive' ... She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German.) Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids..)

She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.

After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize .... She was not selected.

Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.

This cartoon also accompanied the email:

(Click on it to see it bigger)

The rest of the email:

It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated with the German and Russian Peoples looking the other way!

Now, more than ever, with Iraq , Iran , and others, claiming the Holocaust to be 'a myth,' it's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.

I have been reading a book for a few months now, but I'm not sure if I'm quite ready to share all about it until I have finished it. Anyway, I just thought this email was touching and a good reminder to not forget events of that past, especially if they help us prevent similar situations in the future.

UPDATE: I don't know how to make pictures bigger on Blogger so y'all can read the cartoon. It isn't a funny cartoon, it is thoughtful. If you know how to make them bigger - please let me know!

Also, please please please feel free to pass this on to others! Vanessa had asked in the comments, and I think it is a great way to honor Ms. Sendler as well as help us all remember the Holocaust and those being persecuted around the world. Vanessa - I would also love to read your blog, but I couldn't find it! Let me know your address :)

Vintage/Thrift Stores

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:42:00 +0000

To all of my DFW readers, do any of y'all know of any good thrift stores or vintage stores in the area? I'm sure they exist, but I'm not really sure where to start looking. Please help me!

Dark & Twisty

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:13:00 +0000

If you are a Grey's fan, you'll get the title (Meredith's self-imposed description). I never used to think of myself as dark and twisty, but over the last year I have really started looking at myself and evaluating how I deal with things. I think I learned that I can be pretty pessimistic or dark and twisty.

I have gotten better over the last year, and I think sometimes I may be (dare I say it) overly optimistic. However, I still have those moments of feeling dark and twisty. I think that is why I like Meredith so much on Grey's because I can relate to her in some ways (not why she is dark & twisty because my parents were great, but just that she is). Then on top of that, my hubby is super sweet and positive like Derek (and he tells me his hair would look like that if he grew it out - not sure if I believe that one!)

I also always loved Peyton on OTH, and I think it is that because she is also kind of dark and twisty too (at least at times). However, both characters have moved to better places, and I think I am too. I feel like I'm in a growing period, and I'm looking forward to where God is taking me.

Also, on a shallow note, I think I also like both of those characters because they have curly/wavy blond hair, and I love when actors embrace curls!

Rue La La Final Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:16:00 +0000

(Image from: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mYj0VpjDLOs/ShSpKv-CpEI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/sqdsBA8b6i4/s400/rue+la+la.png)

I know a lot of y'all have checked out Rue La La lately! Well, today is part 1 of the Final Sale, and there are 35 different brands being offered during the sale. Make sure and check it out, and if you still need an invite click here.

The Christmas shopping season is getting into full gear here pretty quick. I'm almost done, but I'm a freak so it's cool. Anyway, go check it out now!

Oh Friday the 13th, you got me!

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:06:00 +0000

So I thought Friday was going well, and I have always decided that Friday the 13th would be a lucky day for me; after all, I married Hunky Law Student on Friday the 13th!

The day started out well on Friday. My boss was gone, I had minimal phone calls, and I was going to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday after work. However, that is when everything went to the pooper (sorry, that is how it felt). For those of you living in the DFW area, you know how bad traffic can get. I mean, I became a Traffic Engineer to help out the area, but I quickly learned there is only so much we can do. I digress, I decided to leave around 6:30 hoping traffic would be better, but not so much.

I ran into a massive accident and it took me 45 minutes to go 1.5 miles. In the Mini. It is a manual. My legs were jelly. I thought they were going to quit on me. I could barely get into gear. If you don't drive a manual, you probably can't fully appreciate how tiring it is, but manuals and traffic jams do not mix!

Anyway, I ran into another traffic jam, but I was almost there so I didn't mind too much. I finally made it to their area and then KABLAMMY! Warning lights start flashing in the car, chimes are going off, and I'm trying to figure out what the heck just happened. I realize I hit the mother of all pot-holes and now have a flat tire. Well, lucky for me the Mini has run-flats and I was only a mile or so from my in-laws (my destination) so I made there safely. However, I did start bawling the whole way.

I called my hubby and couldn't get a hold of him so I called my mom in KS (almost 500 miles away because she can really help from there) but it made me feel better. Basically we were just going to deal with it in the morning. Oh, but it gets better!

So Hunky Law Student (HLS) comes out to try and fix it. Minis don't have spares because there is no room for it, hence the run-flat tires. HLS was going to remove the wheel, got get a new tire put on, come back and re-install the wheel and off we go. Not so fast. We couldn't get the wheel off so we decided to use that roadside assistance we pay for and have it towed to a local tire place we like.

We have been wanting to get rid of the run-flats because they are great in theory but really not always best in reality. They are expensive (over $300 a tire) and wear out faster than regular tires. We wanted to have a cheap tire put on the old wheel and be on our way. Well, we find out our Mini wheels are so unique that only run-flats fit. And our wheel is bent. And the shop closes at 1 PM today for a banquet and it is 12:45 PM. What to do?!

We had always thought about getting new black wheels to match the Mini with non-run-flat tires, but that was going to be about $1000. Well, we could either spend $1000 now, or $320 now for one new tire and $960 in 6 months when the other tires needed to be replaced anyway, making that total well over $1000 so we opted for new wheels and tires now. A $1000 hurts whether you are prepared or not, but thankfully we were. We save for just these type of emergencies. So, G-Dub (the Mini) is getting shiny new wheels as we speak.

You see, they were going to replace them on Saturday for us real quick since we were about 55 miles from our house, but they didn't have the right lug nuts because our Mini is too new (it is over a year old now though!) Anyway, I got the call from HLS a few minutes ago that is all done and better than new (or that is what I'm hoping for). We are making the trek out there over a long lunch break. I'm just glad this ordeal is over. It could have been worse, and luckily I was close to family when it happened. Now we are just hoping that the suspension wasn't damaged in the blow-out. Moral of the story, watch out for pot-holes, but the bigger moral is that a certain un-named city needs to fix MONSTER pot-holes and put out street lights so you can at least see them!

Oh, and I have a dentist appointment on Thursday with a new dentist, and hopefully we find out that I don't $7000 worth of dental work in the near future. We are hoping to just start chipping it slowly!

That was long, but it makes up for not posting the last few days :)

A new line from Land's End

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Y'all know how much I LOVE Land's End. I have blogged about it a few times before, and I keep stalking the website to see if any of my favorites go on sale. Anyway, I got an email yesterday about the the Land's End Canvas. I wasn't sure what it was, but when I clicked through I got super excited!

I love this new line so much. I think I'll take one of everything! I think it is very chic, fresh, fashionable, and young. I really think LE has been doing a lot to change and modernize their brand, and I'm so happy about that. I think they're clothes are great quality, and the customer service reps are so helpful and nice.

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few new pieces with you in my blog. If you want to go peruse it for yourself, check out the whole collection here.

I love this sweater vest, and I think it is super cute paired with the cropped pant. This would be a great outfit for me down south right now during our mild Fall:

Who doesn't love a classic trench? Need I say more:
I love using shoes as a way to add my "pop of color" for the day. Aren't these ballet flats gorgeous?

I also love the classic simplicity of this combo: a crisp white shirt with a feminine skirt.

I'm loving all of the new jeans they have in this line too. I think this picture sums up what I try to achieve in my everyday style. Relaxed, approachable, chill, but still chic! If only I accomplished that everyday :)

Just another cute combo. I am in so in love with my riding boots that I have had for a few years now, but I never thought to pair them with a cute khaki short. Maybe add some tights for those cooler days?

I seriously thought about not sharing this with y'all because I feel like LE is my little secret, but I just love them so much I couldn't keep it to myself. (okay, I wouldn't really keep it from you) Let me know if you find any pieces that you just love!

(P.S. I do not work for Land's End nor am I associated with them in anyway. I just found this new line today through my email and fell in love. I wanted to share it with y'all because I have always been a happy customer. In fact, so is my pooch now too! I just got her a new dog collar with a coupon last week, and it is adorable on her.)

The 'do is tamed!

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:32:00 +0000

So here are the pictures you've been waiting for (okay, I know you really haven't!) Anyway, this first picture is right after I got home from the salon. My hairdresser wanted to blow it out for fun, and I really like this look. I wore it like this yesterday too:

I ended up going for a classic bob that is slightly a-symetrical. Basically it is a little shorter in the back than in the front, but hardly noticeable. I don't like a drastic slant, but I think this cut gives it a good shape. In fact, this might be the first time my hubby has ever said he loved a haircut on me, and I love it too!

Here is the hair curly with bangs. I am trying to grow out my bangs, but they are still pretty short because she had to clean them up a bit from my own trimming!

Here is me today:

I feel like I look awful after sitting at my desk all day. I pulled my bangs back today because I didn't want to fight them. I love it because it is an easy cut, and I think it looks cute straight or curly. I don't think it looks so drastic because I didn't get a ton cut off the front (maybe two inches), but the back is shorter and it feels much better! Here are the pictures from Friday so you can see more of a difference:

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:50:00 +0000

(http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/VeteransDay.jpg)

I just wanted to take a few minutes to say a big huge THANK YOU to our veterans! Thank you to those of you who have fought to protect our freedoms and thank you to those who are still fighting for us. To the blogs I read of military families - thank you! If you read my blog and you or your spouse are in the military - THANK YOU!

I truly think you are the bravest and best of America, and I'm relatively certain I wouldn't be able to do the job you do. I pray for you all often, and I pray that God continue to protect you and give you His strength. I really just can't say "Thank You" enough! Y'all are the best!

It's never too early to think about gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Some of you already know about Rue La La, but for those of you who don't, I would love to pass on this invite to you. It is an online boutique that sells different brands each day at discounted prices. You have to be a member and invited to shop there, but it is seriously the best place to find some great deals on higher end items.

Anyway, if you join right now, you will get $10 credited through your account. Just click on this link here. FYI - it can take up to 48 hours for your $10 credit to post. I hope you enjoy it, and it is the season of gift giving :)

I'll try to post my new hairdo soon. It isn't drastic, but I love it!

Also, I'm having "blogger" problems again and unable to post comments on certain blogs. Please know I'm still reading (if you have your comments embedded in your page, I can't comment right now - sorry!)

Time to tame the mane!

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:36:00 +0000

I love getting my haircut, but for reasons unknown to me I don't do it very often. It has been 6 months so tomorrow I'm cutting it off! I'm not quite sure yet how I want to cut it, but is it weird to bring in old pictures of yourself with a haircut you like? Here is what we are working with right now:

Shoulder length and curly

Just for fun, here is what it looks like straight right now (this was a couple of weeks ago):

Now I don't own a scanner, so these next couple pics aren't very clear (they are pictures of pictures taken on my phone - sorry). I'm trying to decide between a more more layered short look like my senior picture:

Or maybe more of a "bob" because I love them, but I'm still going to grow out my bangs with either cut:

What do y'all think???

Random Musings...

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:53:00 +0000

First, I just have to get this off my chest. How does anyone in this country think it is okay for the government to mandate that you have to buy health insurance, and if you don't you deserve to be fined to pay for everyone else to have it??? Sorry, but I don't get that logic at all!!!

Okay, enough with the political. Now, I have to say that I'm loving the weather down south here. This is the reason I love living in Texas. It is getting a bit warm in the afternoon, but it is so nice and cool in the evenings and there is still a nice crisp breeze in the afternoon. I'm loving Fall and loving everyday that we get closer to the holidays!

Lastly, I finally ended my search for the perfect black flat (in my price range). I found these Cole Haan beauties on ebay for $25! They are in perfect condition, real leather, and even have the Nike Air cushion in them. I'm in love, and I so glad I was finally able to replace my poor sad old shoes with holes in them. They served me well, but not so nice looking for work anymore!

Those are my musings for today! Have a blessed Thursday!

Fireflies

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Have y'all heard the new song by Owl City, Fireflies? If not, you should check it out. If so, do you love it? I do!!!! I had never heard of Owl City, but the first time I heard that song I actually thought it was one of my favorite bands, Relient K. It sounded just like their lead singer, and when I googled it, I found out it is the lead singer of Relient K collaborating with Owl City.

Anyway, if you like Fireflies, you should check out Relient K - they are awesome! They are Christian rock group, not worship music just so you know what to expect, but I love them. They also released a super fun Christmas CD last year, and what better time to start listening to them than now?! Yes, I am already starting to sprinkle Christmas music into my days. I just can't wait :)

That's all. Have a blessed day!

It is tough being a woman, and I don't think I make it any easier on myself!

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:24:00 +0000

(Photo from: http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/images/products_L/9781415865965_L.jpg)

I started going to a women's Bible study a few weeks ago with one of my close friends (she writes Thankfully Thrifty - check it out!) We are studying Beth Moore's Esther:It's Tough Being a Woman, and I'm loving it! I have only ever done one other Beth Moore study, and I didn't get to see her speak through the DVD's so I feel like this is really a special treat.

The last couple of weeks have really struck a chord with me, and I decided I would use my blog to get some thoughts out. Last week Beth Moore talked about "meanness" and "mean girls," and why we sometimes let that mean streak out. She talked about that a lot of times that meanness comes out because of a threat, and I found that interesting. I never really thought about it that way, but it got me thinking , and I think I had a bit of a revelation this last week.

I have talked before about how I don't feel like I have a ton of girlfriends where I live now, and that has been hard for me. On the other hand though, making friends isn't super easy for me. I know most people who know me would think this weird, but I'm only outgoing and talkative (maybe too much) after I get to know somebody. Even then, I think it does take me a while to warm up to people. It is funny because I never really thought about it that way, but I have had many people say that, and I think I see how that is true now. Okay, I don't know why I do it, and I don't even want to begin to try and figure that out - it might takes years to get into that - but I do have to say that once you are a friend, you're in for life. I take my friendships seriously and loyalty is important to me.

All of that being said, I have mentioned before that over that last few months I have learned that I am a very critical person (I think my eyes were opened to this fact through a daily devotional I had been doing). I think women in general tend to be critical - we are the best at picking each other apart. I am always critical of people in my mind; I'm not one that just shares my thoughts out loud with everyone like some people. I'm silently critical, and I don't think that is better. If I spouted it out, at least people would know where they stood I guess. I think though I figured out why I get so critical and where the meanness comes from, and guess what? It does come from a threat!!

When I'm around friends and they have other friends over I don't know very well, I tend to feel like my friendship is threatened. Instead of embracing meeting someone new, I feel defensive and start picking them apart in my head. I think it is only a matter of time before that internal criticism starts to affect how I treat them outwardly. I don't think I am ever intentionally mean to anyone, but I think I tend to become more distant and cold versus open and friendly with someone new.

I don't honestly know why I do this. I think it may be that I feel I have lost closeness with many friends in the past, but honestly that was probably just going to happen with growing up. I still do keep in touch with some good friends from high school, but we aren't as close as we used to be. They all moved on, and I guess I felt like I didn't because I don't have a new group of girlfriends. My husband and I have a great group of couple friends, and I love them dearly. I consider them all to be very close friends, but it is almost always as a couple, not just the girls. I met all of them through my husband and his friends, and none of those bonds started because we connected as girlfriends. Does that make sense? I think it might be that they all have a group of girlfriends separate from our couple group, and I don't, and I don't think they are looking to fill that void because it is already full. I'm not really sure.

I know it is probably ridiculous, and I know it affects my thoughts negatively and that can then negatively affect my friendships. It is just such a complex and frustrating cycle, and I just pray that I can be a woman who is content, happy with where she is, present in my life, and enjoy being with friends whole-heartedly when I'm with them and not worry about all of this other stuff. I know relationships can't be forced. Worrying about it doesn't help either. Maybe if I put myself out there more and invite the ladies to do stuff just us girls, than I might even finding deeper relationships that I didn't know were there.

If you are still reading, gold star for you! This was probably not a very exciting post, but I just needed to empty my brain onto the page. I feel like I'm in a growing period and learning a lot about myself, and sometimes it helps to write it out.

Hope y'all are having blessed days!

Quick Update

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Howdy y'all! I am still alive, but I was out of commission last week. I started getting a bad cold on Tuesday and ended up being home from work on Wednesday afternoon through Friday. I'm feeling better, but still not 100%. I spent the weekend recuperating as well, and sadly had to miss a friend's birthday party! (Sorry Ash!) Anyway, I hope to be back to my regularly sporadic blogging this week, and I'll try to get back to commenting, too. Hope you all had great Halloweens! My favorite part about Halloween is that it means the Holiday season is officially here, and I can't wait :)

Happy Halloween!!!

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I hope y'all have a fun, safe, and sweet Halloween.

(Photo from: MiniUSA email)

A Frugal Find

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:43:00 +0000

I think it's time for a little lighter post. I'm still feeling overwhelmed by my teeth, but I'm doing what I can for now to prevent any more problems while we figure out what to do long term. However, if any of my readers live in the Dallas area have a dentist that they love, please let me know!

Okay, on to my frugal find. This last Saturday I headed up to my workplace around noon, but to shop not work! They were holding a consignment sale in the grand hall, and I had to check it out. I also learned that it is very easy to consign with this organization so I can't wait to consign some of my items in their next sale. I was just there to shop on Saturday, and I enjoyed looking around.

I think that a lot of my items would do well because I keep them in good shape and get bored of them so they aren't too out of style. I did see some awesome (and by awesome I mean really?) outfits from the '80s or earlier. Some vintage pieces are unique finds, some are better left in the past. Besides clothes, there was also an assortment of shoes, handbags, books, and home decor. One of my best friends and I had fun looking through the items, but unfortunately all of the things I like didn't quite fit in the bust area. Boo :( I was about to give up and then I saw it:

I realize you are all probably going what?! Let me explain, this purse came out from the Gap a couple of years ago, and I loved it. However, it is real leather so they always had it priced up in the $100+ range. I have looked at on ebay several times in pink or purple, and it was still always out of my budget. Well, I saw this one and it was only $14 and it looks brand new! The lining inside doesn't even look worn or like it has been used at all. The outside is also in pristine condition and I was beyond excited.

So I'm still trying to not shop, but I did buy this one thing on Saturday and a shirt on sale from J. Crew for $10. I haven't been doing absolutely zero shopping, but I have cut down a lot this month! Now I can't wait for spring so I can pull out my cute new pink purse. Although, I want to savor fall and winter for now.

All I want for Christmas are my four back teeth?

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:46:00 +0000

(Photo from: www.ehow.com/how_5090500_keep-teeth-clean.html)

I went to my favorite place this morning: the dentist (can you detect the sarcasm?) I have always had an unhealthy fear of the dentist, and today was no better. You see, my dentist, whom I loved, decided to sell her practice and I saw the new guy this morning. He was very nice and competent, but I hate how you have to start over and build up a relationship with the new doc. That was the first thing that put me on edge.

Things pretty much went downhill after that. Basically, the new people are amazing and I really like them, but my mouth is falling apart. I had this bad habit while growing up of sucking on vitamin pills (for at least 13 years straight, everyday I did this). Well, it entirely wore of the enamel on the sides of two of my molars on top (one on each side). To top this off, I am 99% sure I clench my teeth when I sleep and I have worn off the enamel on the top of two molars on the bottom (one on each side). I am an equal opportunist when it comes to ruining my teeth - I like to hit all quadrants. I'm so mad at myself for doing this to my teeth, and now it basically means I need over $6000 worth of dental work!

All of my previous dentist had said this day was coming, and unfortunately for the new guy he got to deliver the bad news that the day had finally come. The good news: my teeth are very clean and plaque free - no cavities! Instead, I like to go for the big dollar dental work like needing crowns put on. Luckily it isn't super urgent so I can spread it out over a some years, but each time will still exceed my cap on my insurance for the year so this might help me quit shopping for a while. Oh well, hopefully after I get my super new teeth I will continue to keep the other ones in good repair so that I don't have to do this ever again.

I realize this isn't a huge deal - I'm not dying or anything. I just wasn't expecting it and the amount, and like I said, I have an unhealthy fear of the dentist (or most doctors really). Anyway, I guess I'm now wishing for new teeth for Christmas!

A painting worth a 1000 words

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:15:00 +0000

I strongly urge you take a few minutes to click on the link below that will lead you to a very thought provoking painting of our nation:

http://www.mcnaughtonart.com/artwork/view_zoom/?artpiece_id=353

Take a few minutes to roll over each face and read the explanation. Also, take time to read the thoughts from the author listed under the painting. I think it is very thought provoking, and helps all Americans to remember the great people of our nation that have helped shape America into what I believe to be a great nation. Does that mean we haven't made mistakes along the way? Of course not! Some of those mistakes are also acknowledged in the painting, too. Anyway, take a few minutes and let me know what you think.

Have a great day!

A Simple Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (SassyEngineer) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:53:00 +0000

So I haven't blogged a ton lately. Some of that is due to lack of inspiration, but a lot is also due to a busy life and projects I'm working on (and a slower computer which makes uploading photos a beating). I always told myself that blogging would never get in the way of "real" life, and so right now I am participating in my busy "real" life, but I still love all of you!

Anyway, I want to share a giveway with you that one of my IRL friends is hosting. Her name is Ashleigh and you can find her at the blog Thankfully Thrifty here. If you click on the link, it will take you to her giveaway for a new issue of Real Simple magazine.

She LOVES Real Simple and has 15 issues to giveaway. Go over now and enter, and check out her blog for tons of thrifty ideas. If you liked Frugal Fridays (sorry I'm too lazy or busy to keep that up), then you can now check out her blog daily for frugal ideas!

Alright, back to the real world now, but I will be filling you in on this last weekend's fun. I got to hang out with a President (or more like take pictures of him from 50 feet away, but it was cool)!