Ketchikan, Day 2

Again, I feel like I'm home. This is very strange in a good way. I like it. When I first go to visit people, it usually takes me awhile to find my niche and sort of fit in. Even when I know people before I visit, it still usually takes time to warm up. But here, with this family, I feel at home. (Should I be worried? :) )

Today, Kat had the day off, so we both slept in and stayed in our pjs half the day. I slept very well last night, a first in forever b/c it's actually a comfortable temperature up here. Anyhow, since we're both Angie fans, we watched Beyond Borders during the middle of the day. It was a very moving film. I teared up several times and was moved again to reaching people's practical needs and not only spiritual needs. When I think of reaching people, I think of it holistically. Jesus met not only spiritual needs, but physical and mental needs as well. Missionary doctors++ Aid relief workers++ Teachers++ Well diggers++

Later in the day, after Tyler got off work, he, Kat and I headed down to Creek Street in Ketchikan—which was the den of iniquity from the town’s origins. Creek Street is mostly on pilings. Seriously, this place is totally cool. J Anyhow, we went to a store on Creek Street called Soho Coho. It’s run by local artists. I now have a purse that’s very Ketchikan-ese. One of the features of the store—besides the purses—is the tee shirts with art and slogans that are very Alaskan. One of the phrases that best describes the area within which the store is found: Salmon and Men Go to Creek Street to Spawn. (Just think about it.)

Then we headed to Les’ office to drop by and talk. While there, one of his colleagues dropped in. He and Les and Tyler have gone hunting a lot, and they all have hunting names. Ty’s is the Rock—came from bluffing at poker. Anyhow, so we’re talking, and Les jokingly said, “Talking about buying rocks, this is Tyler’s girlfriend.” Made me laugh and blush like a fool. A happy fool. :) And he approved. All the approval! Couldn’t come on a more fitting day, I think.

Today marks six months that Tyler and I have been dating. It was a very good six months. It wasn’t without its rough spots—as we discussed at dinner—but it was very good. Just as this summer has had its challenging areas and has stretched me a lot, so has this relationship—in very good ways. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

To “celebrate,” Tyler and I went to a restaurant that he worked at during high school. There was a bit of a wait because of the restaurant’s popularity, but the food was amazing. I think my mouth is actually watering as I’m remembering it. Yay for leftovers for tomorrow! J After dinner, we drove north of town to “the end of the road.” Literally. Since Ketchikan is on an island, one can only drive so far north. So we did. Then we drove back to a view point, got out, and viewed. :)

Now, Kat and I are the only ones still up, and we’re watching XXX. Such a great film. Sometimes, you’re just in the mood for something that doesn’t require a lot of mental involvement.

A final note: heated seats++ Aunt Flo decided to visit RIGHT before Tyler and I went on our date, so on the drive afterwards, it was nice to settle back into the heat. :)