whipping my butt into shape

... in more ways than one.

Recently my work has been very sporadic and hardly anything. In light of that, this week since I don't have work, I've done some soul searching and decided that I needed to whip my butt into high gear and do a little exploring in several facets of my life. Here's how.

Physically
I have gone hiking every single day! I go with a bunch of ladies (including my wonderful mother in law) in the mornings around 8:00, and then when Travis gets home from work, we go hiking. (For me, it's the second time of the day, and the first for him). We have hiked several waterfalls and other fun hikes. We recently did Stewart Falls and it was so chill and easy that we ran up and back. (Trust me, it's like completely flat, and a really fun run!) When we don't go hiking at night, we go wakeboarding! I'm getting much better and the last time I got some pretty sweet air! I'm not as afraid to fall anymore and in fact, I don't. I can have a seriously long run on the wakeboard, do jumps and stuff without even getting my hair wet. Prissy, I know right?! :) I am getting into shape faster than I thought I would. I hardly get out of breath anymore and I have to push myself extra hard to get to that next level. We are going to hike Timp before school starts, so that's my goal.

Mentally
I have read a ton of books this week, 3 and counting! I'm currently on The Glass Castle, and loving it. I've also read other things as well, which brings me to my next area...

Spiritually
I mentioned before that I was going to read a page of the Book of Mormon for every day Lizzie has been gone. I thought it would be wierd at first, but it surprisingly has made my reading/studying more meaningful. I have lengthy discussions with Travis about the stories and I love to talk about them. I also read an Ensign article a night, as well as getting through the recent conference edition. I've had to rely on my Heavenly Father a lot, every single day, and my relationship with Him is getting stronger. If there's one thing I've learned this week, it's to sync my will with God's, and I will never go wrong.

Educationally
Even though I'm not in school doesn't mean I don't have to stop my learning! I decided this week to take up sewing! I'm almost finished with an awesome dress and skirt. Everyday I hang out with my mother-in-law until around 2pm then I hang out with my mom after that, until Travis comes home from work. Sewing teaches patience, seriously! I've had to rip out and re-do over and over! My sweet mother-in-law always says, "It's okay, Kat, even the best seamstresses have to start over sometimes." She knows how to calm me down when I get super frustrated! That being said, the dress is turning out super cute, I just have to finish hand sewing the hem. I am also making a super cute skirt with my own Mama, who is a Master Seamstress! I have a new found respect for my sister-in-law Christy. She's a super awesome seamstress and really creative, everything she makes is dang cute, and I wish I could be like her. Thanks to Carolene and mama Linda for helping me out this week and for being my buddies when I didn't have anyone to play with! Pictures of my projects coming soon.

Last but not least... my marriage
Confession here... I haven't always utilized Travis as my confidante, even though I should. Since Lizzie is on her mission, I haven't known exactly who I could talk to, and I realized I have the most willing and wonderful husband in the world who actually listens and remembers what I say and wants to talk to me. Our relationship has reached new heights this past week and I'm so grateful for that. He has definitely fulfilled the role of confidante, listening ear, hiking buddy, lover and best friend. I'm so glad I have him and I am the lucky one in this relationship.

Anyway, I've realized that cultivating friendships takes hard work, much like anything else. I took out my aggression on the mountainsides this week, had my own enlightenments about my life, and had a lot of fun with some friends I didn't expect.

I have worked really hard this week, and haven't earned any money. Although the lessons I've learned along the way... completely priceless.