I love Soft Serve Ice Cream

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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...

...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

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

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!