hOLlY

Live for Today

2011-06-07T12:18:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure what this post is about, or even why I am writing after all of this time. But, after I received the news of a friend's passing yesterday, writing seems to be a better alternative to crying, at this point.

Casey Bridges; such a sweet kid. I dated his Brother, lived with his Sister, and his Parents always kept me well-fed. I can't imagine the hurt and the pain, of losing someone so close, and someone so special. Casey always had a smile on his face, always making people laugh. I hate to draw the comparison to my own little Brother, because honestly, the thought of losing him is too much to bear, but I can't help see the similarities in the two kids and the two Families, and my heart just hurts. I guess an event like this usually does put things, and life, into perspective, doesn't it?

Barry and I were texting eachother yesterday, and I am amazed at his strength, and know that it can only come from our Heavenly Father. I left work early, because after hearing from Barry, the reality of what happened, and the pain of Casey's Family, and everyone he has known, started to set in, and I couldn't keep the tears back. On my silent drive home, the only thing I could think to do, was talk to God. I think I kept repeating the same things over and over, pleading for the same things, "to be with Barry, and comfort him and his Family". It seemed like nothing, just words, in comparison to the pain that they were feeling, but I know it helped.

Barry's words were so beautiful, when talking about missing his Brother, but stated "I take comfort in knowing I'll see him again". I love that there is a Plan; our Heavenly Father has a plan. Families can be together Forever, and it's times like these, that seem to make that knowledge invaluable.

My favorite memory of Casey was seeing him and his Mom dancing with his nephew Julian (when Julian was still just a baby) his Mom was singing (and Casey was beat-boxing along to) the 'Itsy-Bitsy-Spider'. The strange thing is, I have been randomly going back to that memory, and a couple others, over the last couple of months; ever since Casey texted me in February, stating that he only had my number saved in his phone, not a name (I didnt have his number saved, either). Once we figured out who we were talking to, we both laughed, and quickly caught up with eachother. Casey told me that he was "just working, but heading back to Washington in the Fall, for school". I hadn't talked to Casey in a couple of years, and now, the texts seem much more serendipitous than I ever would have thought. Such a young, short life, but Casey is remembered by everyone as always being happy, and makng everyone laugh...I can't think of a better legacy to leave the world...

To the Bridges Family:
I love you, I am so sorry for your loss, and I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation, and the knowledge that you have, that Casey is watching over you, until you see him again.

My-so-called-life...

2010-07-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

It has been literally forever since I have last posted! I guess life catches up with you sometimes, and all of the little time-consumers just seem to get in the way!

I had a great 4th of July weekend with my bestie, Miss Adi Mae, and her amazing family. Then, I got to spend time with my own fabulous fam on Monday, out at our family cabin! So fun, and as usual, so fun to see all of my nieces and nephews (my Sis Heidi has 2 foster kids; twin girls) that are sooo stinkin' cute! I cant believe how much has been done on our family cabin!! I must have dropped off the face of the earth for the past 6 months or so??? :)

The last couple of days I have been thinking about my life (which is probably what prompted this post) and how much I am so blessed. I am so thankful for my amazing family, who loves me no matter what, and for all of the little (and big) ways in which I have been so fortunate to live in such a great state, and country. I am so grateful for friends who make me better, and listen to my complainings (Adi has done a lot of that lately; I love you, friend!) and a family that wants nothing more than for me to be happy. I am thankful for a job that I love, and the opportunity that I get (because of my job) to try and make a difference in kids' lives (even if I never know if I truly helped them, I am thankful for the opportunity to try). Every day I go to work, I see and hear about so many horrific situations that my foster children live in and go through, and I think I forget to remember just how blessed I am, and have been. I'm only human, I make mistakes, but I guess Heavenly Father already knows that, and is always there, helping me along the way. For that, I am the most grateful.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! Freedom is not free; thank you to all the Soldiers and Veterans who have faught for my freedom.

I love Soft Serve Ice Cream

2009-08-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

The name of this particular post has nothing to do with the actual posting. It is merely a representation of what I have craved EVERY single day for the past 2 weeks.

Apparently, I suck at blogging. Or, at least updating. I'm not entirely sure why I haven't blogged recently, it may have something to do with the fact that I haven't really done anything noteworthy lately, or it could just be that Facebook has been taking up a disgusting amount of my time. Both are rather sad to have to admit.

The end of June I ran the Mayors half marathon, which was an experience, to say the least. I am still having a hard time trying to figure out why someone felt it would be a good idea to end that race with a rather large hill. What. A. Jerk. At that exact moment, although I knew I was almost done, I was pretty sure I was going to die, or at least pass out. My friend Blair did it with me, which was so fun. My family was at the finish line to greet me, which was the best feeling ever. I got a medal, which, let's be honest, was really the only reason I ran the race.

But, ever since running the half, I have seriously screwed up my legs, knees, thighs...really, every part of my body associated with running. I suck. And I'm pissed that I could have potentially done something to my legs, which is going to make it impossible for me to comfortably run any more long distances. Since the 1/2, I have only run 3 or 4 miles at a time (and 4 miles is really probably being generous). I was at the gym today, and after only 2.5 miles, I hobbled off the treadmill. Yikes.

So....here's a post. This is brought to you only due to the fact that I was sick of hearing my family complain about my lack of posting lately. :)

12K Mania

2009-05-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

So, I don't have time right now to post a full explanation of the fabulous weekend that I spent with my mom and sisters, but, I just wanted to give a quick update. It was the best race I have ever run! It was so much fun! Although 4 of the 7.5 miles were basically uphill (including the first 2 which were seemingly straight uphill) it was the most fun I have ever had running! The entire run went around Lake Oswego (we ran by all of the gorgeous houses that were right on the lake). I did it in 76 minutes, which was around a 10 minute mile average. I didn't care that it was relatively slow, I ran the entire time, and that was my ONLY goal. Goal accomplished.

Now, I need more than anything to find a sugar daddy so that I can afford to buy one of the 1.5 million dollar houses on Lake Oswego. This (just like my goal of retiring at 25 so that I can sip Pina Coladas on the beach, while ending poverty and world hunger) is probably not going to work out in my favor. One can always dream.

Summer's coming...and I still have to work. I should go to Grad School.

2009-05-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

A laundry list of what has been going on in my life, or random thoughts in my head:

1. After 24 years of existence and 3 months of living completely alone I have discovered that I am absolutely afraid of the dark. Minnie seems to wake up and bark when I am sleeping, but softly snores right through the noises that I am convinced are the foot steps of a 7 foot man walking down my hallway, getting ready to rob and rape me. Thank goodness Adi is moving in with me soon...her bedroom is closer than mine. But, I will be sure to send Minnie into her room when I hear the monster coming. I'm just that good of a friend.

2. Zach Effron (sp?) is so incredibly...lovely (in an I-would-love-to-jump-him sort of way). I feel dirty saying that because I think he is only 17 or something like that. Whatever.

3. Apparently I appear so desperate for some lovin' in my life that everyone I talk to is trying to set me up with "this really nice guy" that they know. Thanks, but no thanks.
I was at a home visit the other day for work and my foster parent proceeded to ask me how old I was, and then began trying to think of the name of the guy that her husband kept saying "would make a really good husband". She said that she would talk to him and let me know when I come back for the next visit. Yikes. I find that every time I get set up with a guy that someone claims would be perfect for me, I leave the date wondering "What about them makes you think we would ever be perfect for each other"? Don't get me wrong, I'm not picky, just selective.

4. My training for the 12K is going good. I have to run 6.5 miles tomorrow. I'm not sure how well that's going to go. My sisters, mom, and I all leave for Portland on Thursday to go run the Lake Oswego 12K! I'm totally stoked.

5. Adi talked me into bringing Minnie over to her parents house tonight so she could play with their dog. What Adi forgot to mention was that she had a baby cow in the front yard. The second Minnie got out of the car she ran full speed towards the cute little cow. I have never seen a cow run so fast in my entire life. Not only that, she was pulling a 50 pound tire behind her with the simplest of ease. It was crazy. Like any rational girl, I started freaking out, screaming and yelling and waving my arms. I am pretty sure I screamed louder than I have ever screamed in my life, but no one in Adi's house even came out to see what was going on. Thank goodness no one was actually dying, or they would still be lying there. I grabbed Minnie while Adi had to grab the cow-poo-rope, and pull her back into the pen. This is what I got to hear as I saw Adi sludging through the poo (by the way, the cow also has ring worm all over it's body) "This is disgusting....cow shit.....ringworm...sick". That was pretty much the gist of it. I was cracking up so hard. I love her...and that cow.

6. I was sick with the swine flu recently. I was pretty much dying, or at least wishing I was dead. I have to thank my sister, Heidi, who brought me over 6 cans of chicken noodle soup, 2 different kinds of flu medicine, and 2 different boxes of popsicles. She is the kind of person you want around when you are sick! She didn't snuggle with me on the couch, but I realize those kinds of things are reserved for moms. Thanks Heidi, you're the best!

7. I have the best Dad ever. He takes care of every "manly" thing that I need done, like changing over my tires from the studded ones to the summer ones, changing my oil, changing out my break lights, and anything else I ask him to do. Love that man.

8. The days are getting longer and I love it. If it is not a warm summer I am going to kill someone. Or move. Both seem like good options right now.

VWRT

2009-04-07T09:39:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday was mine and Laura's first trail run with the Valley Women's Running Team. I was expecting to show up and see a bunch of old, over-weight women. That was definitely not the case. In all honesty, a couple of them were pretty old, but these women were hard core! When Laura and I arrived at the base of the canyon, we didn't even want to get out of the car, and contemplated turning around right then. But, they were all staring at us and we figured we were stuck.

Laura and I felt utterly ridiculous in our yoga pants and zip-up cotton hoodies, while all of the other women were wearing tight, tapered, running pants. I have decided that to be a true Alaskan runner, you need to own a pair of tight, tapered, running pants.

Anyways, Laura and I mustered up enough courage to walk over to the spandex clan, in our yoga pants, and we began the run. This run was crazy! We were running on solid snow, up a mountain! Actually, the trail that we were running on was merely a snow-machine track. The only thing I can equate it to is running on sand, but harder.

Well, the entire run was up-hill and near the end I felt as if I was going to pass out, or defecate in my pants. Luckily, neither happened, and I made it back safely. I felt so good afterwards, and can't wait for the next Trail Run!

Tonight we have our coached track work-outs, which I am super stoked about. I'll let you know if I defecate in my pants.

My brush with the Law

2009-04-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Police-officer-that-pulled-me-over-yesterday-morning,

I am not writing to dispute the fact that you should not have pulled me over. I clearly breezed through that Stop sign with no intentions of ever stopping. But, I do have a few questions for you.

To start off, four or five years ago I was home for the summer, from College. I was living with my parents in Wasilla, commuting everyday to Anchorage, to work at my sister, Laura's, design firm. In 1 months time I was pulled over at least 4 or 5 times. Each friendly Officer let me off with just a "warning", until the final guy nailed me with a $435 ticket. It's ok though, that cop was young, and a redhead. Enough Said.

That is not my point, though. My point is, each time I got pulled over I was never asked for my phone number or where I worked. Is that standard protocol now? If so, by all means. But, I don't believe it is.

With all of that aside, stalk me all you want, because you let me off with just a "warning".

Signed,
stalkable-morning-commuter

One day I'll grow up...I'm sure of it.

2009-03-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, after family dinner, my brother and I started to braid my mom's hair, which was then followed by Cody and I seeking out some "hair dye". After braiding our mom's hair, we moved onto Dad. He was a good sport through the whole thing, although I am not sure if he was aware that we were putting actual colors into his hair, as opposed to just gel. We tried to create a mohawk effect, but my Dad is in his fifties, and well, there wasn't much to work with.

Dad, gettin his hair did.

A few weeks ago my brother said something to the effect of, "Holly and I are so close because we are on the same level". And, while I appreciate the fact that he see's us as close, he's 12. I'm 24. I don't really see myself as having the same mentality as a 12 year old, but I guess I do. I'm grateful that some people never grow up. Apparently, I'm one of them.

True Life: I'm in a Gang

2009-03-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's a Posse, actually. I have been in Alaska for almost two years and I finally have some consistent friends (like, actual friends) aside from my family of course! I also have Laurel, but she's been married for over a year now! I had just succumbed to the fact that there were absolutely NO girls in Wasilla, Anchorage, or Alaska, like me. But, turns out, there are! Adi Mae, Blair, and Maud. Hilarious girls. Girls I can laugh with. Girls that my stomach hurts with (from laughing). I love it.
Also, Adi has been super motivating in getting back to the gym. I am running a 12k in May and had done nothing to train for it! The last 2 weeks have been great, as far as the gym goes. I really love working out, and I really love, love, running. When I stop working out I forget just how much I enjoy it. I am recommitted!!
I am contemplating what our gang colors should be. I look good in Pink, but I look good in red too. But they don't look good together. Quite the conundrum.

The Valley Women's Running Team

2009-02-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

I am joining the Valley Women's Running Team. It looks awesome! They have coached track workouts on Tuesday nights, and trail runs on Thursday nights. The trail runs are all over. I am so excited! Anyone else who wants to join, the informational meeting is on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6pm at the MTA building in Palmer. The first workout is on March 24th, and we'll start doing Trail runs when the snow melts and the trails dry up. Check out their web site: http://www.vwrt.org/home. Hope to see you there (we can motivate each other)!

The Fellowship of the unashamed

2009-02-23T11:16:00.001-08:00

I have this quote hanging in my office at work. It is one of my favorites. I'm not sure who wrote it, or said it, but my favorite Seminary teacher (Sister Gibson, I love you!) gave it to me. I wish I would have been a better seminary student and paid more attention, I would have been better off now! Here it is:

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. the dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, small planning, smooth knees, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on his presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the the face of sacrifice, hesitate om the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner will be clear.

Happy Monday everyone!

Min Pin

2009-02-08T11:54:00.001-08:00

This was the first night that I got Minnie. She is proving to be the best dog ever! I just love her so much!
So stinkin' cute.

Mi Casa!

2009-02-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Every weekend and spare moment has been spent painting my house, which, when you are dealing with touch-ups and trim work, is really quite tedious. These are some of the pics before my new carpet went in (which is in now and absolutely luxurious).

The Lehnhausen girls at work! This is Heidi in my red room/den/computer room.
Laura showing off the Persimmon, which was a pain in the butt to paint. We had to do 3 solid coats, just to make it look ok.

Painting the ceiling in my master bed.

My favorite!

And this was Jack's contribution to my red room, after it was completely done (Taupe on my red). Perfect. This also provided me with some comic relief as I got to hear Laura's reaction from the next room over. I will spare you the obscenities, but it was hilarious.

House Update

2009-02-06T09:49:00.001-08:00

I have been living in my house for exactly 1 week now, and loving every minute of it! And, with Minnie around, I feel that much more like a homeowner! Also, it has been great having Minnie right off the bat because she is already so protective of me, and whenever we hear a creak in the house (and I get scared) she runs out of the room growling and barking...it's great.

There is still quite a bit of painting to be done, but with an awesome family like mine, who is always willing to help out, it is coming along pretty quickly. my sis, Laura, met me in Anchorage yesterday. We got to go to lunch and then went to her Design Firm's (that she works for, or used to work for) warehouse. Her boss gave me a sweet deal on an island for my kitchen and a new cabinet for my bathroom. I am probably one of the only starter houses that has THE top of the line cabinets in my bath and kitchen! I guess it pays off to have a sister as a designer (in multiple ways actually, she has been the vision behind every room in the house)!

But, for some reason, I think that my house has some sort of weird dream-inducing vibe. I have been having the craziest dreams lately....and I don't like it! I told Laura that if my dreams are in any way premonitions, she needs to make sure that Jeremy doesn't go near ANY bodies of water anytime soon, because I dreamed the other night that he drowned! It was horrible! I think I did that thing where you start crying in your sleep, and it wakes you up...I hate that. Anyways, for now, Jeremy is healthy and happy, but I will keep you posted on my psychic abilities (I also dreamed that I got back together with 2 different exes...at the same time, and they both asked me to marry them) Freaking weird. Since that is not going to happen, I am assuming I am no where near psychic.

I will post pics of the progress on my house later!

Book Review

2009-01-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

This is the book that I am reading right now. It is about a survivor of the 1994 Holocaust in Rwanda. This is literally one of the best books I have ever read! It is simply amazing the things that she had to go through, and the Faith that she continually kept in God. I don't know if I could be as strong as her.

This book taught me a lot about forgiveness and the character of God; that no matter what your religious background, race, or ethnicity, God loves every single one of us, and answers ALL of our prayers! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read...you will not want to put it down!

The new cabin

2009-01-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

We all stayed the night at the family cabin on Friday night (still undergoing MAJOR construction). Turns out, insulation really IS needed in cabins in Alaska (if you would like to stay warm at night). But apparently, we don't. My mom, sisters, and I decided that we are not going back to the cabin (to spend the night) until it is either 30 degrees warmer, or the insulation has been put in. I now know what hell feels like. And it's not warm.

Heidi and I sitting as close as we can to the wood-burning stove.

Mom, Laura, Tate, and I sipping on hot chocolate. I think this is as close as I get to roughin' it.

This is the creek that runs right in front of our cabin. You can constantly hear the creek running in the summer time, which is awesome. We can even fish for Salmon in it (although, I don't believe legally).

This was our breakfast. I had never had biscuits and gravy before. Turns out...I don't like it. At all.

Laura and Jeremy talked the whole family into going up to the cabin (that we just had built and it does not yet have heat, electricity, a bathroom, etc). I am not really sure why any of us agreed to go, but alas, we did. And....we froze our a**es off. No joke. The ironic thing is, Laura and Jeremy talked us into going, yet they were the only ones that didn't stay the night, "because of the kids". Sure....it was just so freaking cold, and they were the only ones with kids to blame it on. I should have said that I needed to go tend to Minnie...at her foster home.

Who Needs a Guy...

2009-01-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

...when I have Minnie!?

I went over to see Minnie today at the Foster Home that she is staying at until I can bring her home on the 30th (that's when I am going to be moving out of my apartment into my house).
This girl is the sweetest dog I have ever met, and seriously the love of my life! I don't think I mentioned in my previous post, she is an American Bull Dog (mix), and so perfect!
Can't wait to bring you home, Minnie!

The Big 2-4

2009-01-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

It's official....I'm getting old. I turned 24 on December 31st, 2008. Weird. Actually, the weird thing is that it doesn't feel any different than 23. The other weird thing is that all of my co-workers (when I told them I was turning 24) said "Oh, good, because at 25 everyone has a quarter-life crisis". Ok, first of all, how is that comforting? I am turning 25 next year!! So now, instead of looking forward to this next year, I have to dread it. Great. Thanks people!

I got LOTS of clothes...one of my favorite things!
I asked for snowshoes, which I am totally stoked about using up at the cabin. Except now, with this heat wave we are having, all of the snow is melting!

Bath items from Laura and Jeremy....for my new house!!!

Heidi and Scott got me a gift card to Home Depot (which will be used very quickly, as I am renovating EVERYTHING in my house)! My parents, sisters (and brother-in-laws), all were OVERLY generous with my birthday this year (they said it was a joint B-day and housewarming, which is great for me)! Everyone got me the greatest gifts and my birthday was perfect, because I got to spend it with everyone I love! Thanks everyone for the awesome presents!!! And, hopefully you will be there next year for my quarter-life-crisis.

Meet Minnie

2009-01-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

Look at this adorable little girl...and she's all mine! Since I bought a house, I figured it would only make sense that a single girl like me, have a guard dog. I found her on the Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue (ADPR) Website. They have all sorts of dogs that need homes.

I guess Minnie had just had a litter of puppies and her owner was trying to sell them out of the back of a truck (which wasn't heated, in the middle of winter). Along came someone from the ADPR, and offered him money for all of the pups (including Minnie). As the lady handed the money over he stated, "Well, this will be enough to get me drunk tonight". Also, turns out, one of the puppies had already frozen to death. So horrible....

Minnie had a horrible infection (mastitis, or something like that) and all of her nipples were so large and swollen, it was so bad she almost died from the infection. Now, she is completely healthy and happy! She is micro-chipped, has all of her shots, and has been spayed.

She is the biggest sweetheart ever!!! When I first walked in she barked a bit and the owner had to hold her back (I was fearing for my life at this point). But, once we walked in and shut the door, the owner let go of her and she just walked right up to us! She is such a doll, and loves snuggling, and ate up the fact that I was petting her the whole time we were there. I love her and I'm so excited to bring her to our new home!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2008-12-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Our traditional Christmas Eve socks, slippers, and PJ's. After PJ's my mom reads the family a Christmas book (it's different every year). This year we also started the tradition of eating mom's homemade apple pie while she reads to us. It's a great tradition.
My cute mom. She rarely leaves the kitchen around Christmas time.

Opening stockings Christmas morning.

The 9 foot Christmas tree (which is actually about 13 feet because it sits on a huge box).

Lindi and Chloe (in her new Christmas sweater).

Cody, my cutie-petutie brother.

Jack and Grandpa.

Christmas was awesome, and everyone made a haul! I got a bunch of stuff for my new house!!! Thanks mom, Dad, and Heidi!!!!

An attitude of gratitude

2008-12-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

I am continually amazed at how blessed I am. Really, I don't understand it, and I don't know how or why I could possibly deserve it. Ever since I got my job as a Social Worker, and have been able to see how much Satan has ruined the lives of children, adults, and families as a whole, I have grown a greater appreciation for my parents and the wonderful people that they are. Obviously, like everyone, they are not perfect, but their amazing example of living the Gospel and constantly trying to do what is right and honest has been the biggest influence and blessing in my life. I know that I will never truly know or understand how many sacrifices they have made for me and my siblings, but I want them to know I love them and am thankful for them!

In church on Sunday (it was the Christmas program) a man stood up, and before he sang he talked about family and friends and the Christmas Season. He challenged us to not wait till tomorrow, but to tell our family and loved ones how much we care about them. It was really beautiful. I love my family so much, they are my closest friends, and my biggest supporters. I love you guys!

As I look back on my life I can see how the Lord has literally carried me along my path. He is my everything, and I am so thankful for his perfect plan, which enables me to have true joy, and to forever be with my family.

When the latest Conference addition came I was reading the talks from the Priesthood Session when I found a quote that will now be a favorite forever. Elder Richard G. Scott quoted President Hinckley, who said: "Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth".

I am trying everyday to be that woman, although I may sometimes come short, I know that with the Savior as my guide I will never go astray.

Merry Christmas everyone, I love you!

Homeowner? Part 2

2008-12-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

So, remember how a few posts ago I talked about putting an offer in on a house, and then the next day found out that there had already been an accepted offer put in? Well...I found out last week that the guys financing had fallen through! His misfortune is my gain because I put in an offer on Friday and heard back today that they accepted it!!! I am going to be a homeowner! I am so excited!

The house is 2 minutes away from my family, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, built in 2003, and so cute! I am going to put updates in it like tile in the bathrooms and kitchen, new carpet in the bedrooms, put an island in the kitchen, and cute shutters and scallops on the outside. It is going to be so stinkin' cute...and mine!

My nephews are cuter than yours. Sorry.

2008-12-21T00:07:00.001-08:00

Laura and I with Tater-Tot at one of Cody's football games.
Jack.

Jack, Tate, and I

Jack and Great-Grandma at his "construction" party.

Brothers on Halloween.

Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-20T23:46:00.000-08:00

Laura and I making our Gingerbread House.

Heidi and Cody.

The finished products.

My family started a new tradition this year, the day after Thanksgiving we will all make Gingerbread houses together. It was fun, and I am now displaying the one that Laura and I made together in my apartment. Heidi and Cody's is the more colorful one. Laura and I chose to go with coconut "snow" for most of our landscaping. I'm not sure where Lindi was during all of this...

I need botox...

2008-12-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

For my job I have to do a lot of home visits to see the foster kids on my caseload. Usually I start the visit by talking with the foster parent and the child; the foster parent will update me on anything going on with the kid, doctors appointments, therapy, school, behaviors, etc. After I talk to the foster parent, I then talk to the child alone, to see how things are going. I'm guessing this policy comes from the fact that if your foster parent was beating the crap out of you, the child wouldn't tell me in front of the foster parent. I don't know, that's just a guess.

So, after I was done talking to the foster parent (who are actually his Aunt and Uncle) I started talking with my kid, alone. I usually try and talk to them about what is going on in their life, and if they have anything exciting going on. This particular kiddo is 9. Our conversation went like this:

Me: So, what are you excited about right now?

Kiddo: I am excited to turn 18, because then I will get all of my PFD's from my Aunt and Uncle(for those of you who don't live in Alaska, the "PFD" is the "free" money we get every year, just for being awesome Alaskans).

Me: Wow, I didn't get my PFD's till I turned 22.

Kiddo: How old are you right now?

Me: How old do you think I am?

Kiddo: 32?

Me: No.

Kiddo: 40?

Wow. I am actually going to be 24 on the 31st. I have to go, I am heading to Wal-Mart to buy some anti-wrinkle cream.

Thought for the day

2008-12-18T09:44:00.001-08:00

I just love this. Thats all.

"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of his blessings, He will hear our prayers." -Gordon B. Hinckley.

Healthy life choices

2008-12-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

I am laying on the couch, watching the Biggest Loser Finale, after eating a huge cinnamon-roll-dinner. How could I NOT feel good about myself right now?

Sore muscles and awkward situations

2008-12-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

I had a massage this week. Doctors orders, of course. Let me tell you, it was Amazazing! At first I felt a little weird because the person giving me a massage was a short, middle-aged man. I don't know, there is something about being naked on a bed, in front of a guy, only separated by a sheet, that is just weird. But, after the massage started, I quickly got over my apprehension. I have another scheduled for next week. Maybe, if the guy is lucky, I will actually shave my legs beforehand. I'm just feeling that generous right now. Must be the Christmas season.

My white trash apartment complex

2008-12-08T23:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Lady in #2,

I am writing you this letter after much contemplation. Although I do not want to be an annoying neighbor, I must point out the MANY things that you have done to irritate me. After reading this, do not feel free to write me back.

I first became aware of you when I moved into this apartment (about 4 months ago). It was early in the morning, around 8am, and the cutest little 4 year old boy had just run outside (from the complex, I believe he lives in #4) and was shouting at his parents "Come on! Come on! Come on!" It was at that moment that I heard you yell from your bedroom window, "Shut up!!!". I mean, seriously? Who does that?

My second encounter with you was approximately 2 months ago. You had just gotten home from somewhere (lets say work) and you were talking on the phone and walking towards the building. It was at that exact moment that you dropped your phone (and I am assuming you broke it) and began shouting, "F***!!! F***ing F***!!!". And, as you made your way up the stairs you screamed one final, "F***!!".

The final reason for you completely and utterly pissing me off happened just this last Sunday. I was laying in bed, sleeping, and I am guessing that you were attempting to as well. There was a dog barking every now and then across the street, when all of a sudden I heard you scream, "Shut your F***ing dog up!!!". If I was that dog owner, I would have started kicking my dog, just so he would bark more.

Thank you for listening to the reasons why you have thoroughly annoyed the fecal matter out of me.

Sincerely,
Your loving neighbor :)

P.S. One last question. Why did you feel that your Dodge Neon needed a personalized license plate with your name on it? I'm honestly just wondering. Do you think my Ford Focus could sport a personalized plate?

P.P.S. Please don't slash my tires.

Touched by an Angel

2008-12-08T22:53:00.001-08:00

I literally had the best day of my life today. Why? Because I went to the Chiropractor (I was a chiropractic virgin) and I am pretty sure she changed my life. Dead serious, people. I have had some minor back problems since I was in High School, but never felt like they were bad enough to do anything about. In the last year I have been suffering from bad headaches and an aching neck every single day. It is pretty much the most debilitating thing I have ever experienced. I was sick of being in pain and I remembered my friend's mom had talked about the "best Chiropractor" she had ever been to, and I decided to try it out.

As I sat in the waiting room today I had to fill out some papers describing where my pain was, how much it hurt, etc. As I was filling them out I started looking around at all of the people who were there and started second guessing if I should actually be there. I'm not even kidding, the people in the waiting room could barely even walk. Literally, I almost walked out, except they already took a copy of my license and insurance card, so I was pretty much stuck.

As I met with the Doctor I started telling her how other doctors have never really acknowledged my headaches, and one of them actually had the nerve to nonchalantly ask me if I thought I had a brain tumor?! Hello! You're the doctor, you tell me! So, after telling her everything, she did an exam on me and basically told me that the muscles in my neck and back are ridiculously tight (A.K.A. my body sucks) and most of the headaches are probably tension headaches and due to the fact that I sleep on my stomach. Do you want to know why I sleep on my stomach? It's basically the only comfortable position to sleep in. Everybody knows this.

Also, she "aligned" or "adjusted" or something like that, my body. Oh. My. Goodness. It felt so amazing! Not only that, I seriously love her because I have a prescription for a massage this Wednesday and next Tuesday, before I meet with her again!

My new obsession: Chiropractors.

Cruise!

2008-12-03T22:13:00.001-08:00

About to board the ship! Jami was sad because she couldn't find her passport and had to use her birth cert.
Towel animals are fun.

I consumed an average of 12,000 calories per day (or was it per hour)?

I believe that this is us attempting to be sexy...or creepy.

Ready to go dancing!

The girls on formal night (Katie, Jami, Julia, Me, Heather, and Lauren).

Formal night.

Second Formal night.

With some break dancers that were on the ship.

The faces we use to pick up guys. Works every time.

Just showin off my massive muscles, that's all.

Not even kidding, I found this HUGE underwear underneath my bed on the last day of the trip. I thought it was one of the guys' that we were with. Turns out, it wasn't. I ran out of clean underwear and wore that home.

Grand Cayman

2008-12-03T21:59:00.001-08:00

In Grand Cayman we went snorkeling on a reef and then the boat took us to stingray city, where tons of stingrays were just swimming all around us! One of the guides had me hold a huge one! It was so sweet, but I was scared to death that it was going to do me in like it did the Crocodile Hunter.

This is at a beach that we went to after our snorkeling and stingray excursion. Oh, and this is us being models. Obviously.
Jami and I on the boat taking us to the snorkeling reef.
Craig and I jumping in!
Swimming with a Stingray.

Muah, snorkeling.

Soft Sand.

My artistic photography. This crab was actually dead. But it looks alive, doesn't it?

Shopaholism is genetic...

2008-12-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

So, I try not to watch too much TV, but the other night on MTV there was a show that I couldn't miss. It was called True Life: I'm a Shopaholic. The main reason I watched is because I was seriously fearful that I may have a problem. Turns out, I'm safe. Those girls were crazy! One girl would leave in the middle of a date just to go buy something! Let me tell you, if I was lucky enough to be on a date, I definitely would not leave it early! Also, they had maxed out ridiculous amounts of credit cards, and would buy clothes instead of paying bills. I am not that bad, by any means. I do blame my SMALL shopping problem on one individual though...my Dad. For example, here is the conversation I had with my father on Black Friday (for you ignorant fools, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. A.K.A. The biggest shopping day of the year).

Dad: Holly, did you buy my Christmas present yet?

Me: Um, er, well...no.

Dad: Ok, I went through all of the ads that were in the newspaper yesterday and I have compiled a list of everything that I want (Dad showing me a list of 20-30 items). I have also cut out the ads of the items I want and written on them what store they are at. So, which one do you want to buy me?

Me: What about it being a surprise?

Dad: Well, you have to pick one now because whatever you don't buy me, I am just going to go and buy myself.

Me: (Reaching for an ad) I guess I will take this one.

Dad: And you have to go buy it today because they are all on sale, and if it's not on sale, I don't want it.

My Dad is an amazing shopper, I just keep trying to live up to that! Also, when he opens presents he will ask where we got it, usually we will say something like, "Wal-Mart". He will then respond, "I saw it cheaper at Costco, I'm taking this back". Oh, how I love my father!

shop·a·hol·ic (shŏp'ə-hô'lĭk, -hŏl'ĭk) Pronunciation Key n. A person who shops compulsively or very frequently.

Honduras

2008-11-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

I have been so slow at posting the pics from my vacation, that's why I have only done one post at a time. Honduras was definitely my favorite port. It was so gorgeous. It was by far the most depressed area, but everything was so beautiful there, especially the beach!

The crew on the way to the beach in Roatan, Honduras.

Us

The amazing beach
Heather, Me, Jami

My favorite picture.

Checkin out the goods.

Our "tradition" for each beach (I know, we're mature).

Dancers that welcomed us off the boat.

Jami on the left, Heather in the back, and Me on the right with some adorable kids that were playing in the alley.

Belize

2008-11-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

Belize was the third Port that we went to. Half of the people that we went with were certified to Scuba dive, so while they were scuba diving, we set off to find an excursion of our own.

Belize.

The second you step off the cruise ship you are bombarded by people trying to sell you excursions. Jami had heard about an excursion where you can go cave tubing and zip-lining, so we were on a search for that specific excursion.

Mike, Heather, Craig, Me, and Jami. This is us right before cave-tubing. It was a 20-30 minute hike through the rain forest, then you get in the water with an inner tube and a guide took us through all of these amazing caves. It was awesome!
After the cave tubing, our guide took us to a place where they have 8 (I think) zip-lines. This is Jami and I getting ready.

Right before my first zip-lining experience (notice how the hat makes my head look skinny and attractive).

The view from one of the zip-lines.

The end of the day at Belize. We had to ride small boats back to the ship because the water was not deep enough for the ship to dock at port.

Cozumel

2008-11-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

The last port that we went to was Cozumel (this was also the only Mexican port). We tried going snorkeling here (Cozumel is supposed to be in the top 10 for snorkeling) , but as we were about to walk over to the boat it sailed away.

Since Jami had spent around a month or so in Cozumel (living with a friend) she was able to tell us where the free beaches were and how to get there. We went to Paradise beach, which was just that, Paradise!

This is a boardwalk off of Paradise beach about 20 feet from where we were all laying out.

Roommates on the ship: Craig, Jami, Me, Spencer

We rented two Jeeps when we first got in to port and were able to drive all around the Island after a few hours at Paradise Beach.

We were on the Carnival Valor. This is our ship at Port in Cozumel next to another Carnival ship that had arrived after us.

There were cabin stewards that came and cleaned our room twice a day, which was sweet. At night they would turn down our beds, leave us chocolates, a schedule for the following day, and a different animal made out of towels. This was probably my favorite.

Halloween

2008-11-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

So, for Halloween I had Janell, Blair, and Matt come over so we could get ready together for the Halloween dance. I hadn't been to a church dance in years and so I was questioning my ability to stick it out. We had fun getting ready together, and the Greek Gods were Matt's idea, which actually turned out to be a pretty cute costume. When we walked in the door I had flash-backs of being 15 years old (when my Dad literally forced me to go to the dances and shooting myself seemed like a better option).

Matt and I only lasted about 20 minutes at the dance until we decided to go rent a movie. By the way, the movie 1609, totally sucks.

I guess they gave out awards at the dance and Matt and I won "Best Couple". To bad we were busy watching a crappy movie.Blair was an adorable snowflake (I still have glitter in my carpet from her costume).

Friends. Janell was a lion in a cute little tutu.

My body hates me....

2008-10-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

I am going on a cruise with my friend Jami (and some other people from college) on November 7th-17th. Because I am going to have to embarrass myself by getting into a bathing suite, I figured I should probably try to lose a few pounds before the cruise.

So, I started Weight Watchers with my mom and my goal was to lose 10 pounds before my cruise. Well, the first week I lost 5 pounds and thought that losing weight couldn't get any easier! Then, the second week came. I did not even cheat, and when it was weigh-in time, I had gained 2 pounds! I didn't realize that it was possible to starve yourself, and in the process gain weight. But, it is. Ten pounds is going to be harder than I thought and I only have 2 weeks until the embarrassment begins.....

Sad day...

2008-10-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

So, the realtor called today and said that someone had already put in an offer on the house, and it was accepted. So, back to the drawing board. It's rather unfortunate too because that was in a prime commuting location for me! Also, the house was such a good deal, probably why there was already another offer.

The realtor said that she would keep an eye out for other houses for me. I guess this is probably a good thing because I was a little worried about how I was going to get out of the lease that I currently am obligated to until January. My landlord likes me, but I am not sure if he likes me enough to let me out of a lease. Probably not.

Who knows, maybe a better deal will come along. Or, I could pray that the other family loses funding, or their job. Yes, lets go with the second option.

Homeowner?

2008-10-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

So, today I was awfully "sick" and came out and spent the day with my mom and sister, Laura. I have been keeping an eye on the housing market (not seriously looking, I just like to look at houses). Well, I have known that real estate is a great investment, but have always been too scared to really try to get any of my own.

Well....I put an offer in on a house today! It's an adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bath home just down the road from my mom and sisters! It was just built in 2003 by a well-known builder here in Wasilla. I went and got approved by a lender around noon, went and looked at the house at 2pm, and had an offer in by 4pm! I guess when I know what I want, I go for it! Plus, my Dad literally told me I would be "stupid to pass that house up". Well, I do consider myself a fairly intelligent person, so I didn't want to let him down!

This is me with the 50 million pages I had to sign for the offer!

WISH ME LUCK!

RED DOTS!

2008-10-18T20:20:00.001-07:00

Alaska is becoming more and more like a "normal" state, we finally got Target! I was able to go on opening day (but only looked around for 20 minutes and then left because it was during work and I felt guilty for even being there).

So, I was able to go back yesterday with my mom and spent a good 1 1/2 hours there! Pretty much the only good thing about being single is: I make money, and get to spend it ALL on myself. And, I do.

Lately, I have been a sucker for animal print and was able to find the cutest shoes ever! I frequently engage in retail therapy, and yesterday was no exception. I got 2 pairs of shoes, a zebra print belt (again with the animal print), a sweater, a pair of leather gloves for winter, a broach for my pea-coat, a cute shirt, a short-sleeve (long) purple shirt (to wear leggings underneath), a long-sleeve black shirt for layering, a cute little jacket, a trendy brown hat, and...I think thats it. I love Target!

Conference Rocks!

2008-10-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while and figured it was about time. My life has been pretty uneventful lately, thus the blogging boredom. A couple of weeks ago it was Conference Weekend, which I always love. I miss being able to go to the Conference Center with my friends and roommates, but watching in your jammies with family is great too.

This is how excited we get on Conference morning.

My family has a tradition of always eating Coffee Cake, which my little brother eventually coined the term "Conference Cake". So, my mom always makes the most amazing Conference Cake and we eat that and watch Conference on Sunday morning.

What I miss about Utah....

2008-07-20T00:32:00.001-07:00

My roommates. And how classy we were.

Randomness.

The fabulous cooking (this particular item actually caught on fire).

The sporting events. Wait. That's a lie, I think I went to 3 games the entire 4 years I was at college (I'm anti-social, and love every minute of it).

The Sorority Days!

My girls during Rush.

Most beautiful statue...ever.

I can't figure out how to flip this picture...

Temple Square! Laurel and I loved going and learning about church history and seeing the sights on Temple Square. It is amazing, the spirit that is there.

This is what living in the Valley does to your teeth.

2008-07-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

My mom's a dental hygienist, duh.

A family who decays together, stays together!

I usually drive out to the Valley on the weekends to hang out with the fam. My sister and bro-in-law, Laura and Jeremy, just gave my little brother their dog, Buddy. So, I took Cody to Wal-Mart on Saturday, and while we were looking for dog toys we found these little treasures.

Cody and I had them in our mouths as we were walking up the steps to our house. I told him that he had to keep his lips covering the teeth until someone said something to us, then we could smile. We were laughing so hard on the way up to the door we weren't even able to shock anyone. I don't think anyone truly appreciated how funny it was except for me and Cody. Alas, I made my mom take pictures with us and she told me that I couldn't put the one of her on my blog (this is our little secret).

What about ME screams desperate?

2008-07-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

So, when I got to work this morning there was an email waiting in my inbox from one of my co-workers. The title of the e-mail was "Guys". In this e-mail my co-worker told me about how I could go onto this web site and sign up for a singles site, I could also specify what religion, age bracket, and even how much I wanted the guy to make. At this moment I looked to see who all she sent this email to. She only sent it to me.
She then proceeded to tell me that I could also go to the Snow Goose, in downtown Anchorage, where they have speed dating every week.

Wait.

What?

Then, later today, I was talking to my best friend and she began to tell me how she had the missionaries over for dinner last night and one of them began talking about me saying, "what's up with Holly, why isn't she married yet"? hmmm....ok.

I just have one question for these people....What is it about me that screams Desperate??

My Idol...

2008-07-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

I have decided (after reading my friend Christy's blog numerous times) that I idolize Christy Lyons. I think that I am going to start doing everything she does, like run a million miles everyday, just for the fun of it, and after that, read a zillion books as well (and give reviews on this thing of each and every book I have read).

In all seriousness though, I'm serious. I DO want to start running everyday, and I DO want to start reading more! I have a bunch of other goals, but I dont particularly want to speak of them, because then when I dont do them, people will continually ask me if I have done it, and I will therefore have to say no.

So, to start my goals that I WILL speak of, like running, I have decided to order a Treadmill. Not one of those crappy one's you can get at Sam's Club, but an actual durable one, that you can run on and it feels like you are running, not pushing the Vinyl underneath you, just to make it move. My sister and her husband, Laura and Jeremy, always research everything before they buy it, and she found the #1 pick on consumer reports, or something like that. She has already bought it, and so I know that it is a nice run. So, I will be buying that. After I cancel my gym membership that should have been used this whole last year. I did go....a few times.

Now, my other goal, reading (Christy made an actual goal of reading 50 books in one year). Right now I am going to admit defeat on that particular goal. But, I do think...hmmmmm...15 books? Yes, I will read 15 books in 2008. Which, is actually a lot harder than it sounds, considering 2008 is half over. So, really, thats like 30 books in 1 year...I guess. My other goal that I am going to tack onto this whole reading thing is, I want to read the Book of Mormon at least once every year, for the rest of my life. Can you imagine how valuable that will be when I am 60 and can say that I have read the Book of Mormon at least once every year since I was 23?

I do need some sort of motivation for all of this...I am not sure what it is yet, I will keep thinking....

Once again....here I am...

2008-07-04T02:33:00.000-07:00

I had started a blog last summer when I was engaged. I figured it was something a girl has to do in order to be able to brag about her wedding plans, engagement, honey-moon, etc. Since the wedding was called off a couple of weeks later, I only posted once. To bad too because I'm pretty sure it was a funny post. I hate it when humor is wasted...or when people don't appreciate it. If I go on a date with someone and they A). Don't laugh at my jokes (or even give me a pity laugh) OR B). Don't think Seinfeld, The Office, or hilarious people in general are funny, the date is immediately ended, or I at least start thinking about how my time could be better spent watching Law & Order, alone.

Life is going good in general. I live in Eagle River in a little 2 bedroom apartment. It wouldn't be so bad, except my bathtub, sink, and kitchen counters are all Robin's egg blue. I am not really sure who was ever delusional enough to think that that was a good color for a kitchen and a bath?? No idea. It must have been when all of the hippies were around and it was socially acceptable to smoke weed...and then decorate bathrooms.
I have a roommate who is rarely ever home, which I am coming to realize is the best kind of roommate. She just got married on June 25th and the even sweeter part is...THEY get to live with ME for 2 months. Wow....just when I was thinking my life couldn't get ANY sweeter, it does. Newlyweds. Living with me. With their room right next door. Just one paper-thin wall away from me. Sweet. I have not yet experienced suicidal ideations....that's probably the next step though.

I am doing Social Work for the State. I'm finding that Child Protection is not the greatest job, but it pays pretty well for my field, especially for someone with just a Bachelor's degree. Side-note (this is not me insinuating that I get paid well. I don't, just good for my field. There is a definite difference). I was working in the Permanency Planning unit, working with families on a "long-term" basis. Now I am doing "out of town inquiries". Basically, dealing with the kiddo's and parents who have open cases in different parts of Alaska, but now live in Anchorage. I just started doing OTI's this week, and transferred my permanency caseload last week. It was glorious. Hopefully it will make life a little more bearable.