Today, something about my little family. Aaron and I met in college at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Oregon. After he graduated in June of 2008, he accepted a job offer working for a private engineering firm in Eagle River, Alaska. At the time, I was in my senior year externship in Corvallis, Oregon. And so we entered the world of a long distance relationship. Those are definitely not something to be desired! It seems like no matter how often you talk on the phone, email, Skype, or text, you never seem to be able to actually communicate enough. We were fortunate enough to see each other four times over the year we were apart. But that didn't help the fighting and frustration we had. (And boy can you fight over stupid stuff from 3,000 miles away!!!). Thankfully, we're both stubborn and not only did our relationship survive, but it matured and grew to the point that we got engaged and made the decision that I would move to Alaska as well. I graduated in June of 2009, moved to Alaska in August, and then (finally!) got hired for Providence Imaging Center in November. We got married the following June...after planning a long distance wedding. Also something I'd think long and hard about! In November 2010, we had the perfect opportunity to purchase a house and here we've been since. It has been quite the busy two and a half years, but I wouldn't want anything different.
Prior to moving to Alaska, I had a cat affectionately called Furball. (He's actually called several things including Cat, Senor Kitty, Crazy, Mr. Meow, etc. Legally, his name is Ike.) He is one crazy cat, full of mischief and personality. He acts more like a dog most days than a cat, although when he's ready for a nap, watch out- your lap might be in jeopardy. He gets into everything he's not supposed to. He loves circular objects like hair ties and rubber bands. It got so bad, I have to hide all my hair ties in a drawer or else he'll steal them! He likes to lurk around corners and attack when you aren't expecting him. And now, he's decided he loves the shower. Not just the water, but actually IN the shower. Most mornings, when my alarm clock goes off, he races me into the bathroom. When I start the water, I have to hold him back or else he jumps right in and proceeds to get soaking wet. While I'm showering (or Aaron- the cat does the same thing) he'll walk around the edge of the shower and then get down into the water. The cat will literally get completely wet and he doesn't seem to mind! After the water is turned off, he sits in the shower playing with the drips. Kind of odd if you ask me!
Mattie is our newest addition. We adopted her in June. We don't know much of her history, but she has fit into our family very well. Supposedly she is a whippet/black lab mix, although she definitely has something else too due to her gray colorings. She loves to chew....and chew...and chew (including our hammock). We've finally found some heavy duty toys and bones that are lasting her more than a few days. She is very affectionate and loves to be near us, no matter what we're doing. She loves to go for walks, no matter what the weather. She is a true Alaskan girl- she loves the snow and enjoys running around the backyard in it. Although, she does draw the line once we hit single digits. Then she would rather just do her business and get back inside as quickly as possible. We are still working on her manners. She has come a long way since we adopted her six months ago, but she still has some work to do. Thankfully, she is eager to please, so we try to use that to our advantage. Someday, she'll actually sit and stay!! She loves making new friends, both human and canine, and seems to do quite well with them both.
It has definitely become more entertaining around our house, having both a cat and dog. Typically, every day we'll see the cat come running by followed by the dog. And then shortly, you'll see the dog being chased by the cat. The endless games of chase and attack are a definitely a source of laughter in our house. Here are some random pictures of our crew...
So sad there were no more trick-or-treaters.
Neither one appreciated their Halloween costumes!!
Give him something to hide in and he's one happy cat!
Always a good idea to stretch!
