The most important thing I've learned...

The title is presumptuous. I really have no idea what the most important thing I've ever learned really is, but what I'm gonna blog about ranks pretty high. Drum roll...Laughing at myself. Yup, that simple ability has served me well throughout the years. Laughing with folks is way better than getting angry for them laughing at you!

I learned the skill growing up with 2 brothers and a mom that never let me live things down. While some may think that teasing is bad for a kid, I'm a living example that a bit of ribbing can be a benefit. I learned that I make mistakes and say ridiculous things that warrant laughter. Whether it's a pair of rubber gloves on my feet or cookies that certainly didn't warrant that title (called "wanna-be cookies"). In my early years, I used tears to try and warrant some attention and sympathy, but after earning the name "The faucet" I realized that my petty self-centered-ness was laughable.

It hasn't changed. I'm the brunt of so many jokes among my friends, and I LOVE IT! There is nothing better than laughing with my friends, and relieving the stress of a mistake or problem at the same time. The stories are then re-told and I get the lucky advantage of becoming hero of the folly. Sometimes the teasing or laughter goes too far, and my friends know when I'm really angry (or if you don't here's a hint...If I'm quiet...I'm mad).

An example comes from my recent spring break adventure. 10 of us road-tripped (yes I made that a verb) to Arizona, and then on to a beach in California. This fun sunny opportunity was a chance to do a group favorite: take pictures while jumping in the air. My friend Alex has great skills capturing this feat, so I handed him my camera and up we went! We took a few leaps in the air to convey our joy and friendship, and then it happened. An overenthusiastic jumper went up, and instead of landing on her feet, came to rest in the sand on her rear. Alex snapped the picture below and you can see my friends' reactions to the fall.

This story will be told again, and I will bask in the glory of my embarrassment. Instead remembering my shame, I choose to recall the laughter and fun of the moment. In life, look for the fun and laughter, instead of the pain!

P.S. I'm ready to laugh with those of you teasing me for writing this blog...

'till the cows come home,

Ellie