What I've Been Up To

So as many of you know, I do not have a job yet.  (Emphasis on yet, I WILL get one.  I don't care if I have to be a bagger at the grocery store I WILL get a job so help me). 

But since I don't have a job YET, I have had a lot of time to really get into my art.  Yes, art.  What started out as a means to keep me awake and paying attention through college and church has turned into something I am pretty proud of. 

I drew a few different templates on computer paper and legal pads of ideas.  But I knew they wouldn't look like that.  I don't go off of other things.  I just do.  But after I had the idea of what I wanted in my brain I went to the Jerry's Artarama in Old Town and purchased 2 feet of pre-primed canvas (which is about 4.5 feet long too).  I did some research and this was the best way I figured for me to work.

I started with a blank canvas taped with electrical tape to my kitchen table (we eat at the coffee table anyway so it didn't matter).  Here is about 4 or 5 hours of work.

Starting to come together

Waiting to be stretched onto the frame (Derek built one for me because he is great like that)

This is the finished product.  If and when we have children I have decided at least one of them must be a girl so I can hang this in her room. 

But I have decided to try to finally actually do something with this self-created talent of mine.  My family has been bugging me to get into design for years.  Now that I have ample time on my hands, why not?

Climbing Outside in January?

Yesterday was awesome.
Derek and I went on a 10 mile trail run on the Blue Sky Trail and Rimrock Trail.  It was great.  Very enjoyable.

But even better than that is this.

We went climbing outside in January.  For real.  That isn't much a possibility in Utah unless you go south.  So it was nice.  A 35 minutes drive from home up Poudre Canyon and we were at The Palace.  It is called that because the geological formations in the mountain look like a palace.  It is really cool.  Another awesome thing is that you have to cross the Poudre to get to it.  So you can only climb there Winter, Spring, and Fall.  Luckily for us, in winter the crossing is frozen, so we didn't even have to get wet.  But it was so warm.  I was in a t shirt and chacos (it was probably 50 degrees), until we got in the shade of course.  Then it was a long sleeve shirt and chacos.

But the climbing there is great.

I will admit it.  I am scared of leading outside.  I get scared leading inside sometimes still.  And those who have climbed with me before will attest to the fact that sometimes I freak out when I am cleaning the top of a climb because I get in my own head.

Not yesterday.

I cleaned two routes Derek lead (I think I could've lead one of them) and then I lead two routes and he cleaned.  So I cleaned and lead outside with out freaking out at all.  It was a big deal.  And so fun.

Really poor,very quickly taken picture of the cool tunnel in Poudre Canyon

The Palace

Poudre Face (where we were climbing)

Ready to climb

My clumsiness.  While crossing the frozen river we were in some snow (because we didn't know where to go and I slipped off a rock and cut myself.  So graceful)

The Brain Bucket.  (Mom this is for you to know we are keeping them safe)

Hahaha...butt...

I love this view.  

Off Belay

One of the climbs I lead was super easy.  I told Derek, "You probably don't even need to put your climbing shoes back on."  And since he was now being top roped, he didn't.

Another area of the Palace

Once more.  Climbing paradise.  Super fun.  Really accessible.  Love it.  

Did I mention this all took place on January 19?  

New Years Resolutions and Horsetooth Mountain

So I guess everyone makes resolutions to bring in the new year.
We make SMART Goals. 
You are probably thinking one of two things.
A: What on earth is a SMART goal?
or
B: Aren't all goals smart?

The answer to your question is this.  No, all goals are not smart.  I could have a goal to smoke as much weed as I can because I live in CO and it's legal.  Is that smart?  No.  But it is a goal nonetheless.  Just not one of mine.

A SMART goal is something that is
Specific
Measureable
Attainable
Relevant
Time bound

SMART.

It is the way I used to make goals for my residents/pts. or the way Derek makes goals with his pts.

So our SMART goals for the year of 2013 include the following:
(And we did not include anything cheap that sounds good but we already doing it.  So exercise 6 days a week, eat healthy, climb 3-4x week.  Not goals.  Habits)

-Do one new adventure in Fort Collins a week (So far we have kept up with this one by going to RMNP, Lory State Park, Horsetooth Mountain Park, Poudre Canyon, etc.)
-Do something with other people (aka MAKE FRIENDS) at least once a week.  (So far we have some how managed (due to the kindness of our ward) to keep up with this one)
-Read scriptures and have morning prayers TOGETHER every day (we are doing pretty well.  I will admit, there have been a few misses.  But we are trying).
-Go to the temple 1x month.  Which is now 1-1.5 hours away.  But it is also the only way we get to go to Costco....so double wammy.  But temple is more important than Costco.  I promise.

Derek
-Rock my internship (aka get good write ups/grades)
-Graduate from PT School
-Pass my Board Exams in November

Katie
-Get a job
-Expand my art work/try selling it
-Cook at least 4 real meals a week (we'll see how this one goes once the job sets in)
-Go to yoga 2-3x week (or do it at home if work requires).
-Shave 1x week (I am not doing well with that one.  Never have.)

All SMART.  You should apply this to your resolutions and/or goals this year.  It makes you much more likely to achieve them.  Also, give yourself a reward if you make it.  Reward for job = money so you don't get thrown out on the street because you can pay your bills and you aren't dying of boredom.  Reward from yoga = I feel great, my body is balanced, and I get more flexible and strong to do the things I love etc.

Now for the meat and the reason you really came here.

Up on the hills west of Fort Collins is "The Horsetooth".  It is this big rock on the "mountain"  (not a mountain) that looks like a horsetooth.  They are so clever.

So yesterday, was beautiful.  Derek was at work 9-7.  So I hiked to it.  Everyone says it is easy and takes 45 minutes.  So I am thinking sweet it's probably 1-1.5 miles each way.  Super quick.  Wrongo mundo buffalo breath.  5 miles round trip.  I hike fairly quick and I got to the top in 1 hour and 3 minutes.  But that also included the 4 point "bouldering" aka climbing up the side of the Horsetooth to get on top, that is not included in the "trip time".  It was beautiful and reminded me a lot of home because it was dry and deserty.  I miss the desert.  So I will probably go there a lot. 

 Trailhead.  Wouldn't expect CO

Almost to the "summit" aka base of the Horsetooth

Some deer friends along the way

The Horsetooth.  Do you see it?  Right in the middle.  Do you see it?

So I climbed up that to be able to see this

Totally worth it. 

It was a bit icy in patches.  I was 100% fine going up.  100% fine coming down "bouldering" part.  But on the trail, I was sliding everywhere.  Stupid chaco shoes (don't buy their shoes.  Sandals = the most awesomest things in the world.  Shoes = no traction).  I slipped a lot.  Once falling pretty hard and bruising my tailbone (yoga was done with a blanket under me this morning).  Pretty tender.  But totally worth it.

One Car Family

Since Derek and I sold our ghetto civic in October, we have been a one car family. And honestly, it isn't bad.
it has been super cold here the last week. As in a high of 10-12 degrees and a windchill to 4-7 mid-day.
today, it was warm. So not only did Derek and I go running outside (it felt so good to be out of the gym) but I left the car with Derek today.
I just took my bike in the back when I dropped him off (I went along because the yoga class I was going to hit up is near his work).
so I biked home. Not bad. Took about 20 minutes because the lights here are horrible. Let me rephrase that, HORRIBLE.
then a canundrum arose. I have to go grocery shopping. Oh no. Then I thought to myself, 'Self, you had only a bike to get anywhere while you were in NZ. You did this allthe time
you can do it.'
so after said "pep talk" I set off. It took just over an hour. I went to 2 stores and fit everything in Derek's school backpack.

(here it all is.  Plus a mamoth bike lock)

Don't ask me how I fit it all in there. It"s a gift really. I am amazing at real life Tetris.

Week 2 in Fo Co

Well we've just wrapped up week to here is Fo Co (that is what I shall call it for short) and we are liking it.

Derek started his internship on Monday at Colorado Physical Therapy Specialists and he loves it.  Let me rephrase that...He LOVES it.  There.  That is better.

He works all day doing what he loves to do.  I am glad he is finally getting to that point.  Because it is fun to finally get to do what you want to be doing and get paid for it.  Plus, he has worked super hard.  He deserves this.  Other than that, he is taking 3 on-line classes so he is a busy guy.

I on the other hand, am doing all in my power to stay busy.  I look for jobs on the web and around town and fill out applications for hours every day.  (All you people who agreed to be a reference are going to start hating me soon.  Oh well.)

I work out every day.  Fo Co has amazing trail systems.  They go everywhere and if you just connect from trail to trail you could easily do a marathon or more in a day.  It is great.  They are really big on open space here.  So not only are there lots of regular parks.  But there are these big open prairie like spaces.  (Google Kathy Fromme Prairie.  It is right by our apartment and you will know what I mean).  Fo Co is also a really bike friendly city so you can bike on those traisl or in the special bike lanes etc.  It is great.

So I run, I bike, I go to the gym.  (My bouldering is getting a lot better because I go by myself).  I look for jobs.  I clean.  I do all the random stuff like get car insurance and make dinner.  My cooking time has gone up which is fun.  But my favorite things have been exploring Old Town (good Fort Collins Old Town) it is super cool and I guess Main St. in Disneyland was modeled after Old Town Fort Collins.  (The architect was from here.  Or so I hear).

Our ward is great.  Lots of young couples with young kids.

We went on a hike today.  I don't know why because it was a whoppin' 9 degrees.  Probably colder up there.  My face is still slightly tingly.

But we went up iinto Lory State Park (it is right close to us) and hiked to Arthur's Rock and came back on the Howard Trail.  It was really pretty and really cold and there is some sweet bouldering up there (which we didn't do today) and easy access to backcountry camping for the summertime.  I love exploring around Fort Collins.  It is super pretty.  I will let the photos do the talking.

trailhead

Scenic Overlook

More Scenic Overlook

Derek taking a panoramic with his phone 

This little tree is at the very top and I thought it was so funny in a sad 'I lost all my branches kind of way'

View from the top

Other view from the top (that tree grows sidewards)

 Hello.  Derek's mouth was frozen so he couldn't smile.  The picture when he tried was really funny.  Maybe I should've posted that instead.  Oh well.  Much love from us to you

Gummy Bears

Derek wanted me to let you all know that he is successfully eating his weight in gummy bears.  Yes, gummy bears.  And yet, he doesn't gain a pound.  I'd be the size of the Goodyear Blimp.

Anyway, his Momma gave him a 6 lb. bag of gummy bears for Christmas (I know).

Since we've moved to Fort Collins he, and he alone, has eaten 2+ lbs. of gummy bears.  He calculated it out and figured he eats more than 1/2 his daily "allotted" calories in gummy bears.

Wow.

Rocky Mountain National Park

This whole me not having a job yet and Derek not starting work until Monday thing has been pretty fun.  It has allowed us to get completely settled, climb, work out, get to know Fort Collins, and visit Rocky Mountain National Park.

It is about an hour drive from our home but the drive is beautiful. You drive through Big Thompson Canyon (which I know there is some sweet climbing) and through Estes Park to get there. It is gorgeous. And luckily, we got there early and beat the rush.

There are quite a few little communities throughout the canyon.  This store was in one of them and we had to take a picture for my dad.

We had to find out why it was the "Best" Dam Store.  I believe this shirt says it all.  (Dad, this one is also for you)

A lot of the roads in RMNP are closed due to snow (who'da thunk?)  But we were able to find a little mountain to summit.  However, the only evidence of deer we saw was the little presents they left all over the trail.  You'd think they'd learn to take their busnasty off the trail.  We do....

The view from the top.  Aint is perty?

 We thought so.

So far, we are loving Colorado.

New Beginnings

Be prepared.  Sit down.  This will be a long one.

If you didn't know, Derek and I got smart phones for Christmas and I am so grateful.

Why am I so grateful for this small brick of technology?

Because Derek and I moved to Fort Collins, CO on Saturday.  And we would so lost in this town without our smart phones.  I don't even know what way is north because I don't have the mnts. to guide me.  Well, there are foothillish mnts. but they aren't too tall (and are far away) so if you are in town, you can't see them.

Yup.  Not only are we out of my parent's basement, but we are out of Utah.

There are most definitely things we miss about Utah.  Namely the grid & number system for streets.  (Thank you Brigham Young).  And the mountains being BIG and to the east (technically E&W.  Since when are they small and to the west?)  We miss Momentum.  (We are already climbing at a new gym though.) We also miss Cafe Rio (they just got one here and it is supremely sub par), and good bread at Costco.  (Their bread selection is also sub par).

Oh, and we miss our family and friends too.

Other than that we are really liking Fort Collins.  It is colder than a witch's backside here.  It is always cold and feels even colder.  We look at the weather on our new, super cool, fancy smart phones and it is like 14 but feels like 4.  It always feels significantly colder than it really is.  Every one here has a dog.  We were running yesterday and only passed 2 people who didn't have at least 1 dog.  If you are a dog lover, or a dog, FC is the place to be.

Running is great here because there are nice trails and nature preserves all over the place.  However, we feel super out of shaper because we are now living at 5,003 feet above sea level and not 4,300.  It may only be 700 feet, but we feel it.  Big time.  But we look at it like this.  We will be in really good shape when we come home.

Our apartment is finally coming together.  Once we got here we realized how much furniture we don't have.  So all those gift cards I've been building up from work came in handy.  (Don't worry, Fort Collins, population 144,000 has 3 Walmarts, 2 Targets, at least 3 Home Depots, and 1000 Non-denominational churches, and these churches are ENORMOUS and they are EVERYWHERE.  But seriously that many Walmarts and Targets the Provo/Orem area has 205,000 people (roughly) and they have 1 Target, 1 Walmart, and probably 1 Home Depot.  I swear people in CO must all be non-denominational and worship Walmart because on our drive to Denver I think we passed like 3 or 4 more (and those were just the ones visible from I-25).

Anyway, now for the grand tour.

(View from the entry to the kitchen)

(view from mid kitchen into laundry room.  You can't see the fridge from this picture but I assure you, we have one)

(Here is Derek in our main area.  We now have pictures on that empty wall)

(we newly assembled the shelf on the left and the coffee table pictured above and those shelves were the bane of Derek's existence for an afternoon)

(view from entrance to the bedroom.  That picture is now hanging and not on my shoes)

(view from the bed.  I built that all by myself)

(closet)

(laundry room.  Derek built the shelf on the back wall without power tools)

(bathroom)

(best seat in the house....)

We have a crazy neighbor, who's name will not be disclosed.  She drops by daily to tell us random things about Fort Collins she thinks we need to know.  Like that Eddie Bauer is going out of business, or to welcome us to Woodlands by giving us a carton of milk.

I had a job interview on Monday and nailed it.  I job shadow there tomorrow.  It is the Eye Center of Northern Colorado.  I will hopefully be an ophthalmology tech.  So you know the person in the scrubs that gives you the preliminary eye exam and then writes down everything the Dr. says in your chart?  Yup, that'll be me.  Super good benefits.  So that is a blessing to find a pretty decent job so quickly.

We joined a gym.  It has a pretty decent climbing wall and out of this world bouldering.  I don't even like bouldering that much and I love bouldering here.  However, their rating system is super hard.  I will not disclose the level to which I have downgraded my climbing.  The gym is small because it is part of an actual fitness center.  So we get access to a full gym and climbing.  So all the yoga/zumba/pilates/other classes/cardio/weights (derek)/free cross fit on saturdays we can handle.

New Years was interesting.  We climbed.  Ran errands.  Worked on our apt.  Went to "First Night" in Old Town Square (a really cool part of FC).  But it was so cold we missed the fire works because we were searching for a place to get hot chocolate and tea.  (My glasses fogged up the second we walked in the door because of the temp change.  It was seriously like 4 degrees).

We went to Denver today and went to the temple.  Which (as you guessed) is beautiful.  And we went to Costco because there isn't one in FC.  Boo.  So I guess we'll go once a month.  But is was weird to see alcohol in bulk (we don't have that in UT).

There are many more things we have to explore.  (I have a list on my new, fancy, list making smart phone.)  But we like it a lot.