Settling In...

Well, we've been here for 2 weeks to the day, and I think we're finally settled in. I have unpacked everything I brought with me (which wasn't much), furnished the place, and added a dash of comfort to make it our little home. If I never have to build another piece of furniture again, it would be too soon! I still have blisters on my hands from using a screw driver and hammer...Does that make me a wuss? Anyways, here are a few pictures of our new home.


Bedroom. The girls love to bury themselves under the pillows (after I've already made the bed, of course).



My sad dining room. It's a work in progress!

Kitchen

Living Room

It's not much, but I enjoy having my own space again and the girls are very comfortable. We're happy here :) My car made it to Anchorage on Friday (yay!), and was filled with boxes of clothes, movies, books, my guitar, and some personal memorabilia. I was unpacking my clothing on the couch in the living room. My sweaters must still smell like home, because regardless of how hard I tried, I could NOT keep the girls off of them. I pushed them off each time they jumped up, but my efforts were useless.

 I finally quit trying to get them down, and just piled the clothes on top of them, thinking they would eventually move. Well...I was wrong!

 It's a damn good thing they're cute, because they are little monsters! They're doing better when I leave them home alone, but I'm a little nervous about my 8 hour work days away from them. Keep your fingers crossed!

So, I decided to go out last Friday night. I was a little hesitant about going out by myself, but realized that being a home body probably isn't the best way to meet people (who woulda thunk?). I Googled a couple of places for reviews, and eventually ended up at Chilkoot Charlie's to watch a live band.

 This place was GIGANTIC. I'm pretty sure all of Poky could comfortably fit into this bar at the same time. Within these walls, there are 15 different bars. Each bar has a different theme. I only ventured around to a few of them, so I didn't get the full Koot's experience. At first, I stayed in The South Long Bar, which is home to $2.00 beers and sawdust covered floors. I did make sure to venture to the Bird House Bar. The walls and ceiling of the Bird House are lined with panties, boxers, and bras (OH MY!). I, thankfully, left the bar with my chonies still in place, but have heard that you are not a "true Alaskan" until you give a piece of yourself to this room. I think I'll stay an Idahoan for a bit!

The beginning of the night started off rough. I was enjoying the live entertainment and cheap beer, when Mr. Spain decided to approach me. After I turned down his offer of Coach bags, Manolo Blahnik stilettos, and marriage proposal (seriously, all true), he followed me to the dance floor. I think this video pretty much explains it all...

Nice, eh? Thank God there was an understanding group of people near by, who quickly let me join them and assisted in sending Mr. Spain away. After a little more dancing, great conversation, and probably 5 too many beers, I ended the night with a few phone numbers and people that I consider friends. All in all, it was a great night!

Now that my car is here, I will begin to work out of my office instead of from home. I look forward to getting into a normal routine, and getting this program up and running. Thanks for joining me in my rambles...Until next time!

Cheers :)

Puppy Love

A few months before I moved, I somehow ended up with two puppies. Their original owners kept the entire litter a small box and fed them Bisquick biscuits. A friend's parents (bless their hearts) took the puppies once they found out about their living conditions. My friend took one dog (Rafiki), who I instantly fell in love with. I took her everywhere with me, and was so happy when my friend worked graveyards so that I could keep her over night.

How cute is she???

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a complete sap when it comes to dogs. I'm the ridiculous soul you've probably seen running down the side of the road, chasing the stray dog that's getting too close to traffic.  So, naturally, Rafiki melted my heart. After finding it incredibly difficult to part with her, I decided that I needed a puppy too. A week later, Rafiki was reunited with her sister, and we welcomed Cordelia into the family.

Wish they were still this tiny

After a couple of weeks, I decided that I could not separate the two of them, nor could I separate myself from Rafiki. She became very co-dependant, and really struggled whenI wasn't around. She quickly became "Freaky Fiki." It was never even discussed or declared "official"--Rafiki just became mine. I certainly did not plan to make this move with a puppy, let alone two puppies! After receiving all of their vaccinations, a couple snips of the girly parts, and a clean bill of health, they made the big trip to Alaska with me.

I only purchased their kennel a few days before we left, so I was very nervous about how they would take to it. I supplied it with their toys, a towel that they've used since I first got them, and one of my stuffed animals that I have slept with for years (yes, I am eternally 4 years old). They did AMAZING on our drive! Not once did they whine or whimper. I still can't believe how well they did, especially at only 5 months old.

We went from living in a big house with a huge back yard to play in, to a small apartment with only on-leash grounds to walk through. Although I am surrounded by thick trees and brush, I was afraid that they would not get the exercise or adventure that every dog needs. So, after a few Google searches and trips around Anchorage, I was ECSTATIC to find an Off-Leash-Dog-Park near by. Even calling this place a Dog Park seems silly. It's really just a patch of forest with trails running throughout it. I think these pictures explain it better than my words...


They're white...Of course they love to play in the mud!





The trees are amazing



They are in puppy heaven here





It's an absolutely beautiful park. The puppies love meeting new furry friends, and make their presence known with every newcomer. I had to return my rental car yesterday, so it will be a little while until we go back, but I'm excited to have found this little treasure in our neighborhood!

Things continue to go very well here. I had to return my rental car to the airport, and walked through it to get to the taxi waiting area. After being here for a week, I felt that I should have been boarding a plane to head home. It will take a long time to get used to this. My oldest niece starts high school tomorrow, and my youngest niece starts kindergarten. It's hard not being there for those big moments, as I have always been present for them (now begins the water works). I miss my family beyond words, but know that I was meant for this move. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me. I have been busy with work, which feels great! I have been in touch with a lot of work contacts who are just as excited about this company's future as I am. I count my blessings every day! Until next time...Cheers!

I'm Finally Here!

I've decided to start a blog to better stay connected with all of my family and friends. I don't have kids to gush about, or cute "first day of school" photos to share, so I'll just have to bore you all with my life and current happenings. Oh, and possibly a few too many pictures of my monster pups.

 

Nearly a year and a half after accepting this position in Anchorage, I have finally made the BIG move to the Final Frontier! I will be the administrator over a program that provides services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. I have worked with this population (on and off) for 8 years, and absolutely love my job. I feel so blessed to have found my career, my calling, at such a young age. I just hope I'm cut out for the challenge ahead!

This is my first time living out of Idaho, and this far away from my family. I feel that I have adjusted well so far, and other than the occasional pains of homesickness, am doing fine. Saying goodbye....well, that is a whole other story! I have the most amazing family and friends, and received such an overwhelming week-long goodbye. I was able to spend time with my hilarious friends (including a couple of much needed nights on the town), and thoroughly enjoyed the last days of summer with my family (at the beach, picking fresh vegetables from the garden, and long talks over cold beer on my parent's deck). I was an emotional wreck.  Everything, and I mean everything made me cry! I can blame that partially on my genes--Thank you Mom! I have always known that the people in my life are incredible, but I don't think I fully realized exactly HOW incredible they are until this move. I feel blessed every second of every day, and pray that I can find some equally incredible people here in Alaska.

 

I have finally furnished my apartment, and made it semi habitable. I'm pretty sure this move has aged me at least 10 years, and caused severe hair loss and wrinkle formation. I don't think I would wish a move this big on my worst enemy. When I found out that I would be leaving Idaho, I sold most of my belongings, put the rest in storage, and moved back in with my parents to save some money. I only moved with my clothes, a few personal items and memorabilia, my pups (who did AMAZING on this journey), and my vehicle (which should be here next week), but it was still the most stressful experience I have endured thus far.

My original plan was to drive from Idaho to Alaska. Once the final word was given, I only had 3 weeks to prepare for my move. I do not have a passport, and did not have enough time to apply and receive one. Because the Canookians separate Alaska and the Lower 48, I had to squash Plan A and go for Plan B--Drive to Seattle, drop car off at barge, and fly to AK from there.  I planned on doing this trip alone (Ms. Independent that I am), but my parents insisted that my dad join me. After grumbling for a day or two, we decided that he would make the trip with me. I am SO glad that he did! My dad and I don't often spend time alone, so it was such a treat to spend the entire weekend with him. We spent hours at Pike's Market, got lost in not-so-safe parts of Seattle, and engaged in great conversation overlooking Lake Washington. It was a wonderful weekend with excellent company!

So, after saying our goodbyes at Gate C-18, I was off for the final leg of my journey up North. I have officially rambled for too long on this post, so I will save the furniture building and multiple apartment lock outs for the next one! I hope I haven't bored too many of you in Blogger Land ;)

Cheers!