Back To Blogging: Women Who Inspire

At first, I was a little stumped by this topic (It's Day 4 of the Back to Blogging event over at SITS). I guess I don't really think about who inspires me in my life. I was going to do a google search for "inspiring women." Lame, I know.

Then, I stumbled upon Holly's blog at 504 Main who wrote:

I am more inspired and impressed by ordinary people

who have regular lives and jobs, and families,

and obligations but still find time to contribute to the world,

their community, their friends on a daily basis.

While I'd never visited her blog before, I was inspired by Holly, and my thoughts were immediately turned to my friend, Laura. Laura is totally awesome in nearly every way.

She is funny, down-to-earth, caring.

I haven't known Laura very long (I think I just met her back in April or May of this year), but she is definitely one fabulous lady.

An engineer by trade, she is now a SAHM with two beautiful girls--a 7th grader and a 3rd grader. The 7th grader is autistic and definitely keeps Laura busy. This is inspiring to me because while I do not have any children of my own, I know that I am very impatient and not very compassionate. Having a special needs child actually frightens me quite a bit. Anyone who can handle that must be absolutely full of love and compassion. I stand slightly in awe of such women.

On top of a busy, hectic home life, Laura also volunteers to work with the youth in our church. I do this same calling (YW President, for the Mormons who might read this blog), but Laura does it with much more enthusiasm and spunk. (Well, maybe that's also because she consistently has around 10 YW while I have consistently 1-2. I think it makes a difference.) Anyone who frequently deals with teenage girls knows it's not without a whole lot of drama. I'm inspired by Laura's honesty. When we talk callings, she doesn't sugar-coat it. She gets frustrated...(we all do)...but that doesn't stop her from smiling and doing THE best job.

I really got to know Laura when our two wards combined for YW Camp in August (and a few mutual nights in June and July). Camp was FUN. Relaxing. Full of laughter. Well, except those pesky raccoons...or perhaps despite them.

Laura is also very active (or trying to be). She bikes; she kayaks; she cross-country skiis. Soon, she'll be taking swim lessons, too. I think that's pretty awesome! It inspires me whenever I see her FB status with her biking results.

I almost forgot about how stunningly organized Laura is. You should see her closets and garage. Everything has it's place - even properly labeled. I have a hard enough time keeping my dishes washed, let alone putting things away!

Also, today I just discovered that she has a blog. Women who blog ROCK!

Thanks for all your kindness and inspiration, Laura! You are definitely worthy of some celebration, and I hope you realize just how inspiring you can be with your honest approach to life, your logically organized mind, your kindness. And so on. And so on.