The reasons I rock!

My friend posted this link to 'Operation Nice' on her blog. It's the coolest site. It's dedicated to encouraging all of us to be a little nicer. One of the challenges was to make a list of all of the things you love about yourself. I thought it was a cool challenge. I must admit, I didn't think it would be as hard as it was.



1.I am a great mommy. 2. I am beautiful. 3. I am pretty dang funny. 4.I have a pretty good singing voice 5. I am a true friend (once someone is my friend, they're my friend forever) 6. I'll do anything for my friends and family 7. I love my smile. It's big and cheesy, but it's mine! 8. I love my eyes. 9. I have a big heart. I have always worried about being nice/hurting feelings. 10. I truly believe that my writing ability is a gift. I love being able to share it for a living. 11. I take cool pictures, and I love doing it. 12. I love to speak in front of people. I don't suck at it either. 13.I have a mind of my own and I know myself. 14. I'm not afraid to say what I think or stand up for what is right. 15. I'm a democrat. 16. I don't judge others 16. I have empathy for how others feel and think 17. I believe in myself and my abilities 18. I trust others, sometimes too much. 19. I believe there is good in all people if you look hard enough. 20. I try to learn from all people and groups that I come in contact with.

Something to Offer

I have a pretty good relationship with the people at the Buddhist temple in Layton. I have written quite a few stories involving this temple for our local newspaper. I have learned at least one thing from them. There is something about a Buddhist. Something genuinely kind. They are the most loving, kind most humble, Christ-like people that I have ever met. Honestly. I have never felt so accepted and loved by a total stranger in my life. I know what many of you are saying (at least those who share my religious background) "Well, you mean except Mormons, right?"
No, definately not. I mean including. I can't speak for all Buddhists, but I can speak about the ones that I have met at the Wat Dhammagunaram Buddhist temple. When I spoke to the director for the first time, I thought that it was just her. Then, as I began to cover more and more assignments, I realized that it is these people as a whole. What have I learned from this? There is something to learn from all religions. I may have my core beliefs and my testimony in what I believe, but it's important for me not to fear what other people believe in. I think that there is something that we can learn from all religions. I know the time I have spent with them has taught me to be a little kinder, a little more humble, a little better.

Just thinkin'

"I have to believe no matter how good or bad things are, I can change it."
That's what the sign on the old riverdale theaters said as I drove past today.

I've had a lot on my mind today. With my cousin Jennifer dealing with brain cancer, and my grandpa recovering from a stroke, I have been thinking a lot about the things that we don't say that we often should.

There are so many times I think about how I need to tell my family members that I love them...but sometimes it is awkward. How do you tell your brothers that you love them. Often our dialogue is as follows:

Lauralee: "Hey, What's up?"
Brother: "Eh."
(still brother)"What you doin'?"
Lauralee:"Nothin'"
Lauralee: Pushing brother
Brother: "Fag!"

There is this unspoken sibling code. Translated, it is as follows:
Lauralee: "I'm glad you're here, I haven't seen you in awhile."
Brother: "Yeah, it's nice to spend time together, we always have fun."
Lauralee: "I love you."
Brother: "I love you too."

The problem really is that because I am so comfortable with my family, I expect them to speak my hidden codes. So often I assume that my family knows how much I love them. Why is it so hard to say "I love you," to some of my family members.
I really don't have an answer for that.

I love my Dad, Mom, my Grandma G. and Grandma and Grandpa S. I love my brothers and sisters (Scott & Becky, Lisa & Brandon, and David)and all of my wonderful extended family. I commit now, to be a little better. I am going to post 1 section a week dedicated to those who I love most. I also promise to say it a little more.

I challenge everyone reading this to stop and tell those you care about most how much you love them. You never know when the words you speak to someone will be your last. I certainly hope the last words I say to my loved ones aren't "Fag" or the like.