Women in Power = Strength, Passion, Confidence

In this day and age it seems that women have to overcome so many barriers in order prove ourselves—at home, school and especially work. But it has been good to see many women breaking that glass ceiling and defying the odds.

A USA Today 2010 study says that women are out-earning their male counterparts in the USA's biggest metropolitan areas and that makes me very happy to read.

I wish I was in that category. Now, I am writing this as a 27 year-old married, jobless woman. Saying it's hard right now is an understatement. I want to be in that category, I want to be earning something—doesn't mean I need to make more than my husband—but yea, I want to be earning an income.

It's hard writing this as I do hear all these great stories of women entrepreneurs and friends getting their dream jobs. What am I doing wrong? What do I need to stand apart from the thousands who are probably applying for the same jobs as I am? Who do I need to network with? What am I missing? What happens if my husband loses his job? What else can I contribute to this marriage? When will I catch my break?

These are just some of the many questions that keep me up at night. I know I am very blessed with the many great opportunities that my husband and I have—most importantly his job. And it's a job he actually likes doing and is pretty good at it :) We have a great family, wonderful friends, a roof over our head, food in our bellies every day and we have each other. I do know the wonderful things that are going on in m life. Sometimes I just wish I did have a job.

All things are possible and I know this. I know this because of the strong female influences in my life: my mother, my former boss, a good family friend and of course my sister.

My mother has a wonderful job and she loves working with the City of Houston's WIC program, while my dad is retired. She is so passionate about what she does along with a strong work ethic. Did I mention her wonderful marriage and success at raising three beautiful children? If only I can find that perfect job and pull it off with the ability and strength she has.

My former boss, Laura Pennino, who gave me my first job out of college. She is a strong and determined female CEO of Pennino and Partners. She set goals and makes them happen. I have the confidence and experience all because of her and hope I can accomplish things with the force and strength she does.

My good family friend Alicia Jimenez. My sister and I were the flower girls at her and her husbands wedding, and her little girl Ashley was the flower girl at me and Chris' wedding. She is a loving wife, devoted mother and strong working professional. She handles her work life with strength and professionalism and her home life with love, smiles and lots of cookies! I hope to handle my work and home life like she does.

My sister—I can't say enough great things about my sister. She has been there for me when I needed her, had the courage and strength to finish college even when she didn't feel like she could and is making her mark at St. Augustine as the best 1st grade teacher and Reading Coordinator they have ever had. I hope to leave my mark at my perfect job one day with the strength and passion as she does.

All these women have, among many, one attribute in common and that is strength. They all are the strong, beautiful women I admire. They also give me hope. Hope that I will find a great job; hope that I will be a great working professional; and hope that I will one day balance it out with having a family and being a great wife at the same time.

Whether it be a woman in power, working mom, a stay-at-home-mom or married mom's to be contemplating of quitting all together—there is one factor that will always be there—their strength to be the best person they can be.

I know there is a job out there waiting for me (crossing my fingers) and God has great things planned.

As I wait, I continue to do some freelance PR for Lucky11Studios and I couldn't be happier to be doing what I love. Keep up with our work and recent clients and wish us the best!

"Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future." ~ Audrey Hepburn

Study: Women are Unhealthier Than Ever

"Overall, the nation is still so far from the Healthy People and related goals that it receives a grade of 'Unsatisfactory'," the report said. "In none do women enjoy overall satisfactory health status."

Yep. that would catch my eye, too. But the question is what are we as women doing to keep being healthy? A lot of women, people, for that matter may think it takes a lot or "I just don't have the time" to be healthy. Which is completely false. All it takes is a little bit a knowledge and a want to continue to live a healthy lifestyle.

Click here to read the article more in depth.

Test: "Making the Grade on Women’s Health: A National and State-by-State Report Card"

Major points:
- More women are obese, diabetic, and suffering from hypertension than they were in 2007. - More women are testing positive for chlamydia (which can lead to infertility) - Fewer are being checked for ovarian cancer, and more are admitting that they've had five or more drinks in one go within the last month. - Part of the problem, the report points out, is that nearly 1 in 5 women between the ages of 18 and 64 are uninsured, and it's difficult to get adequate care without health insurance.
What have you done today to be healthy? When was the last time you went to the OBGYN or general doctor for a yearly exam? When was the last time your mother or sister or best friend went?

Your health comes first. If we're not healthy, then we can't take care of those around us who may need more help then we do. Continue to live your life and be healthy!

My Sister has a Big Kid Job!

It's official, my sister, Marina Dreyer is the new second grade teacher at St. Augustine's Catholic School!!! We all know how hard she's worked to get where she is at and we couldn't be any prouder of her.

For as long as I can remember, Marina has always had a passion and love for teaching. That's why I know she is going to be the BEST, CARING, MOST AMAZING TEACHER that school and those children have ever had. You don't become a teacher for the money. You do it because how much you want to make a difference in a child's life and how much you love to teach and educate. Those little second graders will love her so much and they are lucky to have her.

Not only does she love teaching, but also feels that teaching and introducing kids to Christ at a young age is super important for them. You're never too young to learn about the love of Christ. And who better to teach them then my sister.

I only wish I could've been there tonight for the family celebration dinner they had for her. Texas BBQ, family, and homemade dessert from Mariano our cousin from Argentina. Yep, that's a Dreyer dinner. They did call me so I felt I was apart of it a little :) I can't wait to come home and visit her in her very own, second grade classroom, decorated the way she wants!

CONGRATS MARINA - THIS WORLD IS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AS A TEACHER, EDUCATOR AND CARING, SWEET, AMAZING PERSON. I LOVE YOU!!