Walker Family Animals

Many of you know that my family is big on pets.  We love them.  We've always had them. They are an integral part of our household.

As much as I tease about my mom being maybe a little overly attached to the pets, we all love them desperately.

I though I'd do a quick post about our family pets!

Domino.

AKA "Doe," "Dosido," "Doe-Kitty" "Do-d-doh"

Family Member Since: December 2001 (2 months old, adopted from PetSmart)

Age: 9 years old (53 in cat years)

Sex: Male

Handsome boy!

Domino is the average Alpha Cat.  While he was always been a prissy, pretty-boy, needy little thing, he acquired the alpha role in the fall of 2009.  He has excelled very well in this new role! He was a long & skinny boy (somewhat stretchy) cat until Abby died (who had been alpha)...since then he's become very fat & proud.  We got Domino while out Christmas shopping in 2001...just after losing 2 cats in the summer.  We were most attracted to his lovey-doviness & his black&white coat. He is most particular about when & how he is fed, when he does & does not want attention...and God forbid you touch his tail when he doesn't want it fluffed.  He sheds a lot, but his dander is not all that bad so my allergies can usually handle him loving on me for a few minutes. He is defiant and looooves to be outside in the backyard.

The flash is too bright!

Pretty Boy!

Shortly after acquiring the "Alpha" role...fatty.

You may remember this from this post.

Marley.

AKA "Marley-Boy," "Marles,"

Family Member Since: July 2004 (3-5 months old)

Age: 7 years old (41 in dog years)

Sex: Male

We like him.

We found Marley the summer before my senior year of high school when he pranced onto our yard & never left.  While we put up signs to get the word out that we had found a dog in the neighborhood, nobody claimed him & he quickly became a very important family member. He is a Portuguese Water Dog, which is what the Obamas have. Marley is a panty-eater. He eats his own poo on occasion. He loves to eat gum.  Despite the fact that many of our belongings are not safe from his jowls & he has a few undesirable traits, he is the most loyal dog ever.  He is so special to my mom because he wasn't yet 2 when both Ryan and I were both gone away to college, so they are very close! Marley is also really smart.  He knows how to dance on his hind legs, play Hide-&-Seek, & is a pro at every standard command.  He's also been my running buddy since being home!

Sweet face!

Sitting like a good boy!

"Why do I have to stay out of the kitchen all the time?"

Cutie Pie

Tucker.

AKA "Tuck," "Tuckeroo," "Tuck the *uck," "Tucker the *ucker"

Date acquired: September 2009 (2 1/2 months old)

Age: 1 year 8 months old

Sex: Male

Cuteness.

Tucker was officially my graduation present from my parents. He couldn't have come at a better time.  The first weekend of September 2009, I was living alone, had 2 family deaths in a short time frame, was struggling financially at a job I really disliked from the beginning & our family cat died (Abby).  Oh yeah...& the break-up. I was a MESS. My work was also going to be closed for a week for renovations & I didn't want to be alone. So, I decided that Saturday to get the puppy I wanted.  I wanted a boy yorkie more than ANYTHING. I found him in the paper, went to pick him up, & the rest was history.

Tucker & I have an interesting relationship now (over a year-and-a-half later). He still pees on carpet.  He still needs more attention than I can give him.  He still yelps in his crate (but is getting better). He still gets sickeningly horrible anxiety if he is left alone.  That was why this last fall, I brought home to my parents house to be with other animals & my mom who is home full-time.  I simply cannot take care of this dog who at almost two years old still needs 24 hours of attention each and every day. Being back home has been great for me, but I can see that Tucker loves my mom & Marley.  He loves my dad, my brother & Domino.  He loves the yard. For now, even when I move out, he will probably stay here.

Now, please don't get me wrong.  I LOVE THIS DOG TO PIECES. But, realistically, if my parents didn't let him and want him to be in their house, I would probably have to get rid of him. He has been a rough puppy. Hopefully he grows out of it soon.  Until then, my choice is to have him here where someone can and wants to take care of him when I'm not available. So maybe he's not just my dog now, but my family's.

Tucker is a happy dog though! He loves his carrot. He loves toys. He loves treats. He looooves Dum-Dums. He has a very special friendship with Miss Trynnity. He loves to pretend like he's a big dog by growling at Marley.  He licks violently in the face, which drives me crazy.  He snuggles sooooo good. He loves the hair dryer, but hates the shower. He has drippy tear eyes. He enjoys going on walks. He likes to bark. And yes...he likes to pee on carpet.

The day I got him! He was so tiny!

The first carrot on the second day I had him.  There have easily been half a dozen carrots now.

Trynnity loves "Tolcker"

She just can't hold him enough!

Dum Dums.  They are my favorite candy, but he gets into them every time.

Patient with Prestton

After bathtime, before grooming.

Tucker not acting crazy.

We've also had a bunch of other very special pets. Here's the short & simple list

Abby: (October 1995-August 2009) "Jaba" was our family's Alpha Cat for a loooong time.  She was a brown Abyssinian Tabby. She was a fatty & had horrible dander, but she was such a good family cat & a very sweet friend.  She had a rough last couple of years, but many memories were had with her!

Sasha: (October 1995-June 2001) Sasha was my sweet sweet girl & I loved her most of any cat we've had.  She was all black and oh-so-soft! We got her at the same time as Abby, & those two cats loved each other so much! I miss her still & I was heartbroken when she ran away. We think she had a heart attack from the fear because she never went more than two steps out the door.

Teddy: (November 1999-June 2001) Teddy was a Persian Tabby & was b-e-a-utiful, but he was one of the most independent cats we've ever had.  Sasha mothered him & protected him.  When he ran away, we weren't too surprised that Sasha left a day or two after. It was a sad month for our family :(.

Chelsea & Chester: (Fall 1992-Spring 1993) We adopted Chelsea & Chester from Operation Kindness.  They were such sweet kittens, but only a few months after we got them we found out they had Feline Leukemia.  Since we couldn't keep them both, we gave them to separate homes who knew about the disease. I was only in kindergarten, so I really didn't understand why we had to give our kittens away. 

Roxy: (Spring 1990-Fall 1994) Roxy was a gorgeous Dalmation who had no obedience. She snapped at me too many times and my parents spent a fortune on training her with no progress. After 3 years, they chose to cut their losses and stick with cats while they had young kids.  We gave her to an unmarried lady with another Dalmatian & no kids.

Mocha: (???) A very bad, mean cat who peed everywhere.

Cleo: (???-1990) My mom's very special cat who was very much loved by everyone.  Including me, the three-year-old who loved to squeeze and cuddle with her.  She ran away...I wonder why?

Time for Change

Since moving back to Dallas, things have been a bit crazy.

I moved on Wednesday (March 3rd), had an interview Thursday, had an interview Friday, spent the entire weekend working on a presentation for an interview, had an interview Monday, a very close family friend passed away Tuesday followed by two interviews that afternoon (I usually shut down when someone close passes away, so this was difficult), interview Wednesday followed by a job offer, funeral Friday.

9 days: 6 interviews, 1 job offer, & a funeral in 9 days.  I've been busy.

Obviously, I accepted the job offer.  The company called me after seeing my resume on a job board, but the funny thing was I sent them my resume in December when I decided to move back to Dallas.  I never heard anything, but they had just hired a new recruitment staffer the week before! Lucky me :)

The company I accepted the offer from is a lot like my previous employer in OKC.  Same job, same product lines, same concept...but I really think this will be a better fit for me as far as how they structure their work. #Winning.

I don't actually start until Monday, but it's been sooooooo nice getting to relax for the last 2 months!

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I've also been enjoying some quality family time....including with the animals.

All aboard!

I finally finished February's Meal-of-the-Month on March 7.  I made Julia Child's Boeuf à la Mode.  Basically, it's a roast braised in wine...AMAZING! That post is coming soon!

My dad got off work on bereavement leave for the funeral, but they pulled him from his entire trip last weekend...tough! I looooved getting to spend 4 whole days with him!

I've also made my room back home feel a lot more like...well...ME! It's made the biggest difference having a space set up that feels like my own with all of my stuff set up semi-permanently the way I like.

The west wall. This is the typical view as I walk in.
Oh, hey Tucker...I've missed you!

Northwest corner. Morning ritual :)

North wall & my Grandad's credenza.  To the left, there is my gettin' ready station.  Filing and sewing machine in the middle, desk stuff to the right.

Northeast corner.

Closet that only holds a 1/4 of my clothes.  I've also taken over the coat closet in the hallway.  The other half is split between storage and my suitcase under the bed.

Some of my shoes with my life-changing shoe boxes.

I could fit a lot more clothes in here without this tower to hold stuff....but it just holds too much stuff. (Bags/purses,  jewelry hanger, more shoes, workout stuff, etc.)

Laundry, which must be kept in the closet with the door closed.  Marley is the family's designated Panty-Snatcher.

East side...

Southeast corner

Better southeast corner

South wall. My nightstand is fully loaded 'cause there's only room for one...plus check out my new rug ($12 @ Hobby Lobby)

Southwest corner. My laptop exactly where it is 90% of the time.

Of course, there are a few things that aren't the way I'd like.   For one, take a look at this pic again.

What's missing?

No curtains, though the curtain posts are already drilled into the wall.  The rod isn't long enough & I need to pick up another one.  So where are the curtains? Domino is keeping them safe.

Alpha cat.

Sick.

Then there's the empty shelf with only one picture on it.  Don't know what to do, if anything, here.

Lonely shelf on the south wall :(

 And of course, there's the pièce de résistance.  My dad was a big pheasant hunter in his twenties & this is his pride & joy.  My mom got it remounted & restored about 5 years ago as a Christmas present.  Dad's worried to put it in storage so it doesn't get hurt, so for now it's above the door.

Birdie.

It's definitely been a big adjustment moving back in a house with 3 1/2 (Ry's girlfriend is here a lot) adults when I've been so used to living alone, but overall it's working out swimmingly! I've also been continuing to run a lot, which is so much more fun with my mom's dog's company everyday.

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I also gave up fast food for Lent.  Three pretty significant reasons why I did this year.

1. I'm trying to save money & eat healthier. Money has obviously been tight given that I haven't had a job. Plus, I'm provided food at home for free (even though I'm the one doing the cooking about half the time.  There's no need to spend the cash on it.  I've also eaten terribly all fall and winter & my jeans could tell. I've really put a lot of effort into cutting out the crud since moving back!
2. I haven't given up anything for Lent since high school.  I grew up in the Methodist church, where giving up something for Lent is encouraged for those who want to do so, but not really pushed for those who decide not to. Originally, I wasn't going to give anything up but I had a change of heart.
3. I have been focusing on my faith a lot lately. I'm usually very private & quiet when it comes to my faith, but it is something I have found is more important to me now than it has been in a long time.  I put so little emphasis on spirituality during college and I have noticed a huge difference in my outlook  & overall happiness since I've been working on my relationship with God. I am happier and my anxiety has been at an all-time low. I am handling adversity & crises better than I have ever been able to. I typically prefer to focus on my faith at home through scripture, prayer & meditation. I've also had a hard time finding a church that I am comfortable in. I felt like giving up something as easy & mindless as grabbing fast food while out running errands would be a great reminder for me to thank God for all of the blessings in my life, especially the people who I love so-so-so much!

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Finally, I decided to make one more big change.

Cut the hairs.

I had been thinking about this one for a few weeks.  Since my hair hasn't been growing despite fish oil supplement, biotin & prenatal vitamins (all promote hair growth!) for 12 weeks (including biotin for the last 9 months), I decided it was time for a big BIG change.  I really want my hair to be at the bottom of my shoulder blades ideally...but more importantly I want it to be one length (instead of accidental choppy layers created by damage) & h.e.a.l.t.h.y!


I've also been trying to phase out my bangs, but I love with them at the length they are now! It seems like they belong with the rest of my hair even though they are really long.  Funny thing is, my new stylist (Ludi) didn't touch 'em.

Overall, I'm really happy with my not-so-bobby new bob.  I wanted a mix between Nicole Richie cir. 2008 & Heidi Klum cir. 2011.

I think it was an absolute success!! I'm also really proud of myself for not backing out of a potentially scary situation.  I did have a minor panic attack when Ludi cut 5 1/2 inches of hair off the back of my head, but I calmed down by the time the shears were put down.

LOVE IT!

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I hope you enjoyed all of the changes that have been going on since moving back to the Big D! I miss everyone in Oklahoma & elsewhere in the world, but it has been really nice being back home! LOVE!

A Great Week!

Last month, I couldn't bear the thought of being snowed in - again - during another Snowpocalypse for the second week in a row. I figured that going to Dallas would be fine and I could help my dad pack up his office (where I will be living in 2 weeks). But, last Monday, I looked at Dallas' forecast and it didn't seem much cheerier than Oklahoma City's.

When my favorite cousin Jaymee bugged recommended that I come see her sometime this month, I realized that the BEST time to be out was none other than the very next day.  The weather was gorgeous & I had the time off to spend with family. Since my dad works for Southwest, I made sure my passes weren't expired and booked a flight from Oklahoma City to Tucson & told Jaymee I would be there in 24 hours.

MONDAY


Freak out about traveling. Get cash to do laundry. Get change from money to do laundry. Laundry.
Watch trashy Netflix live plays. Laundry. Nicole's. Trashy reality television. Laundry. Clean. Nap. Laundry. Pack. Shower. Ab workout. Hair. Makeup. Will Roger's World Airport.

Traveling really stresses me out. I can't leave my place a mess and I spend too much time picking out my outfits. It's hard for me just to pick up and leave, but if I didn't leave early-early on Tuesday, Denver Airport may have been too snowy for me to get through.

TUESDAY

Rush through baggage check. Rush through security. Check-in. Eat a banana. Get on board. Sleep. Wake up. Snowing in Denver. 1F. Denver airport for 3 hours. BRRR! Eat a bagel. Drink some tea. Sleep in uncomfortable chair. Get on another airplane. Thaw. Sleep. Wakeup. Sunny in TUCSON. Call Billy. Schlotzsky's. JAYMEE. Trynnity wakes up. Other kids napping. General Hospital. Nap. Prestton wakes up. Preschool kids go home. Big kids come home. Grocery store. Lemon Feta Chicken. Despicable Me. Pass out.

The flights were fine, but Denver was unbearably long and cold. Their heater could not keep up with the cold windy air flooding into the terminal. When I got to Tucson, I knew it was a great idea to enjoy the sunny weather! Jaymee, Billy & ate typical traveling food (Scholotzsky's....we always have it), while waiting for Jaymee's little ones and preschool kids to wake up from their naps. Trynnity was really excited to see me when she woke up from her nap, but Prestton was skeptical (as he usually is the first day). I felt extremely jet-lagged from not really sleeping the night before. Jay & I watched GH and spent most of the day relaxing on the couch! After dinner, I was introduced to Despicable Me, a favorite in the Fisher household.  It is also know as Annoying.

WEDNESDAY

Screaming toddler. Cartoons. Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. Preschool. Morning Meeting. Run. Nap. Snack time. Apply for jobs. Lunch. Preschoolers nap. General Hospital. Beads & gems. Preschoolers go home. Everyone plays outside. Ham & Bean Soup. Television. Bed.

Morning Meeting in the Desert Blossoms Preschool

Wednesday flew by!! That's about all that I can say about it, but I slept a lot from still being jet-lagged. Below you'll see Prestton and I playing with PhotoBooth :)

Prestton peeling and pressing stickers

Perfect.

"That Me!"

Love him!

THURSDAY

Screaming toddler. Cartoons. Preschool Morning Meeting. Oklahoma Unemployment sucks. Valentine's Day goody bags. Trynn loves Chris. Prestton loves Bih-Bess. Gabe loves everyone. Brunch for Lunch. Nap time. Snack time. Afternoon playtime. Preschoolers go home. Pile in the van. Pick up Baylee from Jonathan's. Pick up Devynn from soccer. BJ's. Disaster of a dining experience. Home. Bathtime. Bed.

Baylee, Prestton & Jaymee

I seriously spent the entire morning on the phone trying to get my Oklahoma Unemployment finished up, find a  job & take care of some bills...what a mess!! I would periodically take breaks to hang out with the preschoolers, but it wasn't the same having so much "stuff" to do. Four o'clock came too early, then we were on our way to pick up Baylee & Devynn from their school (it's a long drive since they live in Sahuarita but go to school in Tucson).  Instead of driving back, going to the store, then cooking dinner, we decided that dinner at BJ's was a perfect idea! A snotty waitress, a wrong order, & two rambunctious toddlers meant it was not the usual fine dining experience, but we got to have some good talks with the "big girls" about moving to Dallas. Bathtime was after dinner, but the little ones still had a lot of energy!

Devynn, Me, Trynnity!

Prestton loving some caesar salad

"Don't take my picture!"

Could he be any cuter?

He won't let go of those cars for anything...

He thought it was hilarious that both of his legs were in one pant leg!

FRIDAY

NO SCREAMING TODDLER! Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. No morning meeting. Run. Apply for jobs. Snack. Bake. Talk. Play. Lunch. Five bowls of Mac.N.Cheese. Naptime. Grey's Anatomy. Private Practice. Button Cookies. Snack. Pile in the van. Pick up Baylee. Grocery Store. Country Steak. Tough Talk. Wine. Marley & Me. Jalapeno Cheetos.

Making Button Cookies

Friday's are nice and relaxed at the preschool...more like daycare than preschool! Jaymee and I relaxed most of the morning, but had a stressful talk about behavior issues in the afternoon.  Since Devy had a sleepover, we picked up Baylee & headed to the grocery store before going home to cook dinner.  Prestton was really lovey on me today (which I thoroughly enjoyed). We cooked Country Steak, a family fave, and it was out of this world. Jaymee and I drank some wine while watching Marley & Me...and I fell in love with Jalapeno Cheetos.

Trynnity helping to mix in the colors

He's so cool in my sunglasses!

Happy girl!

SATURDAY


First one up. Breakfast. Job hunt. Feed the babies. Feed myself. Shower. Out the door. Volleyball. Taco Bell. Modeling. Headache. Soccer. House. NAP. Clean house. Ratatouille.  Cinderella. Tickle Fight. Sausage & Peppers. One Tree Hill. Bed.

That's right, he's two.  Awesome!

Saturday's are crazy! Even though there's no preschool, it's the most hectic day of the week.  Baylee had volleyball (won all three games), Devynn had soccer (I couldn't figure out who won...but Prestton rocked the soccer ball after the game!) &  Jaymee and I both passed out in the afternoon. That evening, we watched a bunch of mouse-themed movies followed by some trashy TV & an easy dinner.  What a life.

I fed the little ones in the morning before their parents woke up...I love smiling faces first thing in the morning!

Brighy-eyed & bushy-tailed

Pooped from a long day in the sun

The most exhausted of them all! With a sunburn to boot...

TICKLE FIGHT!!!

Tickle fight & PILLOW FIGHT!!!

I think Prestton won by smothering me with pillows, but he looks a little pooped!

Weirdo.

There we go!

Devy-Wevy...I love how a young person's energy revives so quickly!

Kisses from Trynn.  Loves her.

SUNDAY


First one up. Feed babies. Run 3.7 miles with Devynn. Clean house. Salsa. Bean dip. Red Velvet Cake. SURPRISE!! Phase 10. Fajitas. Despicable Me. Wine. One Tree Hill.

Hoon Balloon & Me watching movies with the kiddos

No lazy Sundays around here.  Jaymee knew something was up all week, but today was her surprise birthday party at the house!  We cleaned, cooked & baked all morning, then ate all afternoon. It was a wonderful time and was great to see my cousin Jonathan and my Uncle Donald. The evening was followed by even more Photobooth time, which the babies especially loved!

Jaymee hard at work on her own birthday cake! MMMmmmm Red Velvet.

Jaymee's friends Chris & Jill near the end of the party

He thinks this is way too cool!

MONDAY

Valentine's Day. Apply for SW job all morning.  Be on hold. Lunch. Disappointed. Emergency Bathtime. Grocery Store. Romantic dinner for 6. Saffron Rice & Shrimp. Valentine's presents. Hairbows. More wine. The Bachelor. Relax. Don't go to bed.

Trynnity...I love the pink & black skull hairbow!! But I hate that she looks like a big girl in this picture...

I had a great V-Day, but not in the way you would normally expect. It was great to spend the evening with Jaymee and the kids (Billy was working) before packing to leave the next morning. It was mostly just any other ordinary day, except the kids got presents after dinner...& Dev gave me a sucker shaped like a rose! So sweet of her! I didn't go to bed Monday night because I knew I had to be up at 4:00 in the morning, so I was pretty pooped the next day!

Dinner table set for 6!

Candy & Stickers for Prestton

Cupcake hairbows for Trynnity...and of course candy!

Not happy that there is a limit to the amount of chocolate he's allowed to have :(

I told her to freeze!

"D" & TaySwift backpack tags, plus soccer hairbows for Devynn

Monster Energy Drink hairclips for Baylee!

Happy again!

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This was such a wonderful week!!! I always love spending quality time with Jaymee, Billy, Baylee, Devynn, Trynnity & Prestton. They are (hopefully) going to be moving to Dallas soon, which I am overly excited for (but scared that it won't happen).

Most of you know that I am obsessed with how great these kids are.  Baylee is a beautiful 12-going-on-13-year-old that is growing up too fast. She is definitely her own person with a wild spirit. Devynn (almost 11) is becoming more confident everyday & is Miss Independent. I love that she always seems to find a way to overcome obstacles. Trynnity is a rambunctious 4-year-old that would do just fine being an only child...I love her to pieces!! She is funny & wild & weird in all the best ways, but also very caring if she knows that someone is sad or distraught. Prestton is a happy & healthy (thank God) 2-year-old who is pushing the boundaries of independence and stubbornness. Jaymee and Billy are such wonderful parents to these kids and work so hard for them...thank you for raising four of my favorite people on the planet!!

And of course there's Jaymee.  Jaymee lived with us after she graduated high school. We were always close, but I think we overcame the 10-year-20-day gap between us because of this experience (even though I was only 8). I'm biased, but I think she is an amazing wife and mother who has given up alot of her individual time for her kids. I respect her so much for overcoming obstacles of her late-teens & eary-twenties & I think she has made an almost perfect life for her husband and children. I can rely on her to world's end.  She has always supported ME and has never let me down.  I love you Hoonie!! MOVE TO TEXAS!!!