Finding Nirvana

Men are great and everything. I love them. But they are nothing compared to mountains! Where else can you feel so at home, so close to heaven, and so tiny and insignificant all in the same moment? 

I summited Mt. Timpanogos for the first time on Saturday. It was a glorious experience.

See? That is even my name on the registry. 

My older sister Heidi asked me to say 'Hi' to the mountain goats for her. I did. They said 'Hey' back.

I found Nirvana and didn't want to leave.

Alright.... I might have gone with a man. But it's just Ben, so he hardly counts. He's more of a that-older-brother-I-never-had kind of relationship.

Reminiscing

I would like to take a moment and reflect on two of the best friends I have ever had. 

Meet Landon. This handsome hunk has been in my life for years. I met him in 8th grade and we've had our ups and downs, as every relationship does. He was my first love and now is my best friend. He graciously opened his door to my last boyfriend  when he came home with me to meet my family (can you say awkward?) He let me cry all over his shirt when I lost a friend.  He has skyped me while sitting in the middle of a college course, and he was always there to tell me when I was being stupid. I once even tore my pants in front of him. He is encouraging, happy, helpful, patient, open and honest. He put up with my crazy schemes and was always willing to put one of my plans into action.  He is serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints in Belo Horizante, Brazil, he'll hit his one year mark August 10th. I'm so proud of the man he is turning into and I can't wait to see him again. 

This little stud is Frazier. I met him my first semester of college, we had a few classes together. Frazier tried unsuccessfully to get my number about five times; he was a little shy about it. Eventually he came out and said: "Katherine, can I please get your number? I really need help on my homework." or something to that effect. We soon became good friends. (Mostly because I made sure he finished his homework and fed him lunch almost every day.) We always had a lot of fun together. He made me laugh uncontrollably with his beat boxing skills and crazy dance moves. We loved to have towel fights and do the dishes together. He's also ridiculously good at making jello. He is serving in Albuquerque, New Mexico and hits his one year mark July 29th.

I love these boys with all my heart and miss them dearly. Can't believe it's already been a year!

Self Reflection

This summer has given me lots to think about; mainly about what kind of wife and mother I'm going to be. (I'm not planning on getting married any time in the near future, but it's been on my mind a lot.) I have amazing women in my life who are such great examples to me of what kind of woman I should be, the problem is, I'm not that woman most of the time. 

I decided to start small, after all I have eternity to work on this, right? I changed my eating habits. (Eating cheese and BBQ quesadillas for every meal probably isn't the best idea when trying to raise a healthy little family.) When I started craving apples and bananas I decided I could move on to something else. 

I'm now working on cooking and being creative. (This is what I call 'Heidi Things' My oldest sister is my biggest role model, but that's a post for another time.)

I'm a fair cook, and I enjoy it. Right now I'm actually working on apricot fruit leather (with apple sauce instead of sugar!) It's fun to slowly see myself turn into the person I want to be. 

Have you had a similar self reflection time? What are your tricks for becoming a better person?