Petroleum queen or killer?

There are two reactions I get from people when I tell them what I do for a living:

the "oh-so-you-caused the gulf of Mexico disaster, bitch!"

OR

the "dammnn-girl-you-an-engineer?"

So, I am usually prepared to respond to each reaction depending on my god forsaken-ever-changing-moods. The first response can be categorized two ways: pity and/or hate. Either way I am quick to respond with a snarky comment to the mostly ignorant person. I start by explaining that I actually prevent pipelines from breaking and causing oil spills by installing them correctly. I finish with a few big engineering words like "finite element analysis on orcaflex" and throw a flashy smile into the mix.

As for the second look; I tend to respond with a little more humility: "Ha Ha, sucker, I made it through engineering school and you didn't" OK sorry I had to get it out of my system. When someone is genuinely interested in what I do, I turn a little red and become shy when I start to explain.

The oil and gas industry is HUGE and complicated. It took me one whole year, three asshole French engineers, two shitty bosses and partridge in a pear treeeeee (I couldn't resist a little Christmas joke) to finally reach the finish line of a long swim, across what felt like  an endless pool! Lucky for me I didn't drown but that is not to say that I didn't sink, or continue to struggle on a daily basis to stay afloat. But is it worth it? The office work, staring at a computer for hours on end, hiding my blog obsession, and banging my head on my desk every once in a while. The answer is yes, because at the moment I arrive at the end of the pool and stand on my two feet I will be a better person for swimming my way to the answer. That's what engineers do, we find answers and that can be way more rewarding then purchasing those Hermes booties Ive been saving up for all season. (Although I did have a  minor anxiety attack when they came in the mail).

Lesson for the day. Strive to be your best, do what you love, live with passion.

“May I Be I is the only prayer-
Not may I be great or good or beautiful or strong.” e.e Cummings


Bisous fois dix.