Son can you play me a memory?

The Billy Joel concert was AWESOME! Though the "Energy Solutions" Center is not so good on sound, the crowd was very in to the music and we even sang a line or two of Piano Man with the Piano Man himself.

We closed the month of November at the shop and it was very successful. I think we're off to a great start.

Today is the last day of the month which means every day turns in to whenever we feel like it, and that my friends is how good posts are made...

The piano man

Justin and I are going to a concert tonight. He's REALLY excited. I'm expecting it to be a good show. Do you know why I'm expecting it? Because of the price of the tickets. Expensive things are supposed to be good, right? I'll let you know.

I finally caught up...

It's my birthday which made me think about how interesting birthdays are. They only happen once a year, and even though sometimes it seems as though we dread them because it means we are aging, we still like our special day. After all, it is our day. Even more interesting is how we feel such camaraderie with those who share it with us.

It's my brother Dustin's birthday today. He is a year older than me which means he is turning 28 on the 28th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTIN!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Justin. I love you!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I don't believe you should decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving. No tree, lights, stockings, OR Christmas music.

But... the evening after Thanksgiving dinner is fair game.

I have a small apartment, so it didn't take me long (but it DID take me a couple of days because I was too impatient to wait until I had a couple of straight hours to do it)

Real Age

I'm a sucker for surveys. My cousin posted this the other day and I finally finished it. (It's kind of long).

I am 27.7 years old and my 'real age' is 22.7. So, 5 years difference. Not bad. The weird thing was my exercise routine actually adds to my age (it said I go to much). Apparently I need to floss more, quit driving too fast while on a cell phone, and lose weight. (Uh... then why should I not go to the gym everyday???) Take the survey to see how old you REALLY are.

Last post about a cake

Well... cake #4. And, I'd have to say, my best one so far. (I'm going to give it a rest for a while) I made 2 cake mixes, so I think it was as big as it's going to get (I had enough batter left over for a dozen cupcakes too).
We celebrated Justin's birthday with my family tonight (which was the original purpose for buying the pan - I just got a lot of practice in before hand).

Justin and I were still dating last year on his birthday, and I wanted to surprise him. I bought symphony tickets for the weekend before (he was out of town on his actual birthday) and had planned to go to Mikado for dinner. (Mmmm... sushi)

About a week before the night, Justin and I were with my mom at the Boy Scouts Auction and she said something about the upcoming symphony... in front of Justin. I remember hearing it come out of her mouth in slow motion, and realized my secret was out. Oh well... we had a nice time anyways, even if it wasn't a surprise.

It's official

Okay... it's official. I'm a good luck charm.

I have been to TWO (2) major league sporting events, and the home team has won both times. Yep. I'm 2 for 2, 100%. I should be paid to attend games (are you listening, Boston?)

I attended my first Red Sox game in 2005 (June 9th, against Texas) and they won 4-3. And, last night I went to my first Jazz game last night with Justin, and they beat the Hornets.

I'm a failure... but here are some pictures

I woke up this morning and realized I didn't post yesterday. I guess technically because I missed November 1st, it wasn't going to be a perfect month, but I was still mad that I forgot to post.
I'll go backwards... We had Thanksgiving dinner (#3 if you're keeping track) at my dad's brother and sister-in-law's house. Here's some pics:

View Album

Get your own

Second... here's pictures of the Giant Cupcake. I know that things never (for me, anyways) turn out how you expect, or what it looks like in the picture... but these are pretty bad.

Here's cake #1

Let me explain. I tried to make a buttercream frosting, which didn't work out, so I used just a regular frosting recipe. And, I thought, maybe if I make it a little thinner, it will go into the cracks and rivets better (since the cake was much smaller than it looked online). Uh... as you can see, that was a bad assumption, because the frosting pretty much just drooped off the cake.

Cake #2... was the next day.

The frosting was better... but I think it looks like a smurf house.
So... with cake #3 I tried the 'less is more' strategy. I think I went a little too 'less'... but it was my best topper, by far. I think on Sunday (cake #4 for Justin's birthday, I might just frost the top. There was a picture of a cake with just the top frosted on the pan packaging, and I really liked it.

Disclaimer

I warned my mom when I talked to her about the wish list on my profile... but given the comments and the phone calls, I thought I'd make a post to say...
NOTHING.
Sorry for the misleading gifts (baby stuff) -I'm not pregnant. I read all of those blogs to your left and 80% of them are mom's... and they talk about baby stuff, and I look, and I saved some of them.
So... once again, NOT PREGNANT. But thanks for asking.

PS... I'm pretty sure this is not my only post of the day. I made the cupcake... and I need ALOT more practice with the icing, so stay tuned.

Black Friday

I think we may be confusing some people with Justin's 'Happy Wednesday' post and now black Friday -no, you haven't slept in 4 days (Andrea) it's Tuesday... but I just learned what Black Friday is... and I'm going to gloat.

I heard them talking about it on the radio and it was mentioned that it was the day that most retailers are in the 'black', so they start making money for the year. I didn't want to lead any of my readers astray, so I double checked their answer from Wikipedia:

"Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. Black Friday was originally so named because of the heavy traffic on that day, although most contemporary uses of the term refer instead to it as the beginning of the period in which retailers are in the black (i.e., turning a profit)."

Look, you learned something today.

Now for the gloating... guess who is half-way through her Christmas shopping? Me! Don't send any hate mail please. I have 28 (plus 15 coworker/neighbor gifts AND 3 birthday gifts) so... technically I have 46 gifts to get and I have... 29 done. Yeah! My goal is by the end of the month to have everyone crossed off my list.

Here's a tip for all of you bloggers and those that would like to buy you gifts... WISH LIST! There's an awesome tool that google has and you can stick it on your profile. Click on your (or mine, if you're shopping for me) profile and add a wish list. It'll make everyone else's Christmas shopping a little easier.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Yes, that's right, it is Wednesday for all you working folk! Which means we are on the downhill already.

Exactly 144 years ago a speech was given to explain a bitter struggle that occurred in our country. Given by a man who I believe had a humility for leadership, or at least a keen understanding of how to govern in moderation. This man was Abraham Lincoln. Despite what some historians say about his personal life (which could be true or mere speculation). It is apparent to me that we often judge leaders on things we ought not, and allow them to pass on some characteristics that we often recognize - only retrospectively - as being destructive.

The speech:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth," Abraham Lincoln 1863.

Thanksgiving number two

Well... two down and one to go (plus one day of left-overs). Tonight's dinner was with Justin's mom and Dave. Good food and good company. I took my camera with every intention of taking pictures (I even took it out of the car, unlike yesterday). But... I didn't. Sorry. Shondel did... so click on over to her blog and maybe you'll catch a few.

Here's another quick story. I went to church early today to practice with a group of women who were singing. One of them asked me if I got the message last night. No... no I didn't, what message was that? Oh, one of the ladies was sick and now I'm singing. Just for any of you who don't know me (at all), but I don't sing. I play the piano. I've been in many choirs over the years, and 99% of the time, I'm playing the piano. There's a reason for that. Although I can read notes and often hit the right ones at the right time, I don't really like singing and don't have a very strong voice. I tried to explain this to the sisters... but it didn't work. I had to sing. Luckily, another lady (who sings very well, and pretty loud) was singing my part as well... so I just sang very quietly.

Thanksgiving Number One

Anyone up for some turkey??

Justin and I went to our first of three (plus one day of left-over's, if I'm lucky) Thanksgivings this year. Today was with Justin's dad and Denise at their house. Mmm Mmm.... We're stuffed.

Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving #2 (can anyone guess what my title for tomorrow's post will be???) This one is at Justin's mom's house.

And Thanksgiving #3 will be at my aunt Sally's house (my dad's side of the family). This one will actually be held on Thursday, if you can believe it.

And... fingers crossed, I'll find my way over to my friend Kathy's house to find myself some delicious cajun deep-fried turkey. I don't mind going there a day late, it actually get's hotter a couple of days after it's cooked. Mmm Mmm Good!

I stayed at the gym for 30 minutes longer than usual this morning... but I better bump that up a notch. I'm thinking I need to get there twice a day unless I plan on buying new pants to wear to Christmas.

What do you DO?

Someone asked me this yesterday and it got me thinking about it. One of my coworkers will sometimes say that she's a 'butcher' at parties. Seriously, she says, "I'm a butcher." It pretty much ends right there. Otherwise... you wouldn't BELIEVE some of the conversations that follow after you tell someone what we really do.

Depending on the situation, I try to skirt around the issue and say that 'I work for the State.' When that's enough, "I work with kids with special needs". Both statements are true, and people usually say nice things and that's the end of it.

What do I really do? Well, I'm a caseworker for the State (of Utah) for the Division of Child and Family Services. I work with kids in foster care. (those are special needs, right?) Actually, I'm on a specialty team that has kids with developmental delays, mental or medical issues, or are just plain tough (think kids that have been in and out of a few 'failed' adoptive homes, or learned very early on to steal, lie, and run away).

That's when the stories start. They usually start with "My sisters, neighbors nephew has a kid..." Or, "My mom's friend's daughter...", or my personal favorite, "Can you do something about..." Aside from all of that... what do I actually DO?

Well, I have 16 kids on my caseload. All 16 have to be visited in the home at least once a month. I attend most school meetings, (and for my kids, most doctor appointments), and court hearings. Every case is in front of a judge as little as twice a year or as often as once a week (yeah for juvenile delinquents), most of them go once every 3 months. I complete quarterly court reports, twice yearly service plans, Child and Family Assessments, updated every three months, and I have to log EVERYTHING! Emails, phone calls, incident reports, medical paperwork. "If you didn't log it, it didn't happen" That's the stuff that I can plan for. The rest of my hours and days are full of things that I didn't plan for. -Like when kids don't have a placement, they run and I have to do a pick-up order (yes, that's a warrant for arrest), or search through binder after binder of their case file looking for a medical report from 6 years ago.

Every once in a while, when I don't owe anyone a phone call, all of my kids have a home at night, and I'm not overdue on 5 or more service plans... I think that I'm a pretty good caseworker. It wasn't anything that I dreamed about as a kid (I want to grow up and be the legal guardian for a dozen or more kids who don't have a family to live with) but there are some perks. I work on an AWESOME team! We don't get a lot of support from anyone else in the division, department, or state offices on up, but we have a GREAT supportive supervisor and team members. I know its the ONLY reason that I'm still here.
And also, every once in a while, you get to hear some much appreciated praise from foster parents, attorneys, teachers and medical professionals. Not TOO much, we shouldn't think we deserve a raise or anything, but yesterday was a good day, so I think I'll come back into work on Monday.

An update

So... I thought today's post could be an update to yesterdays... with extra bits! (I do love extra bits -especially on DVD's)

I've had more than a few of you guys ask about my cool pan (which is still in Iowa at the moment, but I'm tracking it daily) and where I bought it. It's at this website.

And while I'm at it... check this out. I was trying to explain the pan to my mom, and I don't think I got my point across. Also... they're coming out with a lasagna pan too. I'm not exactly sure why you couldn't use the 'brownie pan' to make lasagna... between you and me I use my brownie pan to make lasagna (it's called a 9x13 casserole dish). Come on people, I have a small kitchen, I need multi-purpose dishes.

How cool is this?

Guess what I ordered yesterday? This...
"What is it", you ask? It's the coolest pan I've ever seen. And with a little bit of luck and practice, I'm hoping it looks similar to this

or this...

Justin's birthday is later this month, and we're having a dinner at my parents for him on the 25th... so I'm going to give it a try. Wish me luck. I think I'll be practicing as soon as I get the pan, so if you're a great cake decorator, feel free to give me some tips. I'll take pics of the final product.

13 down... 17 to go

Once I put my mind to something, I don't often quit. There are exceptions (working at Target last year, reading all of Stephen King's books -"Misery" was TOO much for me), but I really try to keep my commitments.
This blogging EVERYDAY is tough... and I even make Justin blog every couple of days, so technically I'M not posting every day (but pretty close).

I did a Google search for 'ideas for blogging'... and I found an interesting link entitled, "Reasons to Blog" I wonder if I even have a reason to blog...

1. You have something to say.
Hmmm... I think most days I have something to say. Whether or not other people find it interesting is another thing

2. You're an expert in something. Are you a champion water-skier? Can you wield a crochet needle like nobody's business? Do you know everything there is to know about Andean wild flowers?
No, no, and no. I attempted water-skiing once, I have crocheted the edges of a couple of baby blankets, and know NOTHING about wild flowers. I can't really think of anything I'm an expert in. I like trying new recipes, playing the piano, and watching movies, that's about it.

3. You have a business to promote.
Well... I do Mary Kay, and there is a link on the sidebar, but I think I've mentioned it twice in the last two and a half months. Justin has Business Elements and now Henstrom, but I don't think I'd like use our blog to promote any of them.

4. It's easy. There's never been a better time to blog than now! Most blog templates are user friendly and available at no cost to you.
I agree with that. We tried the html code template for a while... but I think Justin got tired of having to help me do things (and fixing the things I did without him)

5. You can earn money through your blog. Hmmm... I'll have to look into that.

6. Stay in touch. I'm pretty sure this is why we started the blog, and I KNOW that's why my mom started, just in case any of her children (and more importantly, future grandchildren) moved away.

7. You can make a difference.
I'm not so sure about this one. I am surprised when I get comments from people that I don't know personally, but I don't think this is a very high-traffic blog (and that's okay!)



8. Boost your website's page ranking.
Wikipedia's definition is here
Huh? See #7

9. It's a wonderful way to express your creativity.I've never considered myself creative. I have momentary bursts of creativity, but they're really not that impressive or noteworthy. I do have to say a few of my posts, like this one, and this one here, and maybe this one, I still find mildly amusing.

Looks like I don't have too many reasons to be blogging. No wonder I'm having such a hard time being so creative, sharing my knowledge, earning money, and increasing my websites page ranking and making a difference in all of your lives!

Yeah for Veterens Day!

Not only am I grateful for all of the men and women who have given their lives, as well as moments in their lives, for our country (politics aside) but I had a great, relaxing day!
I slept in (til 7:30), spent longer than usual at the gym, and cleaned my apartment. I even cleaned the stuff that I usually DON'T clean, when I clean-up (I swept and mopped all of the floors AND vacuumed). Justin had a busy day (as usual) at Oracle and then at the shop, but hopefully he'll be home soon.

Hmmm... I think I need a kid. It's GOT to be easier to blog if I can post pictures of a baby.

It's all about CASHFLOW

I've been asked to blog today - however, some of the requirements are that I mention that I am not quitting my job, and I am not having any type of life crisis.

Melanie cut my hair last night. Second time on her own. It looks good, but there was a moment that she ran over a mole with the peanut razor making my neck bleed profusely. She cut it and ran out of the room saying OH HONEY I'M SORRY I WASN'T WATCHING. The wound was quickly cleaned and dressed, and my hair looks good as Supercuts.

Tonight we played our fourth installment of Cashflow, the board game by that Rich Dad Poor Dad guy. My kind of game. Who would have thought Matt would be the richest of the the bunch, but sadly he still is without wife and kids (in the game and in reality). Which afterall is what it is all about for me...in other words my wife is my life, and what a great one I have.

A FULL plate...

This week has been an interesting ride.

Great things have been happening at work. I've been successful for the most part on all of my goals, and even some of the stretch goals I set for myself at the beginning of the quarter (Sept 1). I can honestly say that I enjoy it and I try to be a positive influence on those around me and work as a valuable team member to motivate and push forward. Sadly, for some it seems negativity is their lot in life and what a downer another human being can be on another. I choose the high road, be happy!

Wednesday brought a board meeting for the Draper Historic Theatre. Unfortunately our Chairperson resigned for personal reasons. It was sad to see her go so abruptly. She has done a great deal for the theatre. We held an election and I was voted in as Interim Chairman for the next four months. There is a lot of work to do, and a little money to find...

Thursday marked the first day of a new venture...

Henstrom Enterprises, Inc.
327 East 3300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84115

November 5, 2007

To All Our Valued Customers,

Opportunity knocks the saying goes and it knocked on our door this past year. First for Robbie. He has always had quality and performance in mind fo the charging systems on automobiles as well as industrial equipment. So many times an inadequate alternator for what the vehicle needs, high output concerns and importantly the "fitting" thing. A questions was posed to him and an idea was born. He has developed and had manufactured new frames for alternators for both Ford and GM products, with a newly developed regulator. What a ride. The research and development has been extensive and time consuming. Many times calls have come for him and as the saying goes, "He is in California," was the reply. So many people have helped with these new products...

...Robbie's new business needed either duel Robbie's or Robbie had to relocate. Robbie is relocating to California after the middle of November. We have been a family business located in South Salt Lake for 38 years. The decision was made to find new business and property owners to continue with the tradition of quality service that we have ben known for and strived for these many years.

Henstrom Generator has found new owners to continue. Phil, Jeff, Scott, and Justin Lafeen, also in pursuit of owning their own business after years of working in automotive businesses and rebuilding, heard of our decision to sell the business and the property. An offer was made and then accepted. The cahnge over for the business and property is set for November...

...We thank each and every one of you for your support and friendship."

And so it is, Lafeen Group LLC is now the owner of Henstrom Generator. Our website is www.henstrom.com and currently under construction, but any of you are welcome to come to our place of business at 327 East 3300 South (North side of the street).

Hopefully my wife comes by soon and finds me here, I sure love her. :)

Has anyone seen my husband??

He's been missing lately. He comes home late with dirty clothes and the smell of motor oil and grease. It's a mystery. I may have figured out where he's been...

ARRRGGGG!!!!!!!!

I was sitting here, feeling very uninspired to write about anything. And then it happened. My cell phone rang. This is not unusual, or normally a cause for me to get upset. But... for the last 3 days, it's been ringing off the hook with telemarketers! I guess all of those forwards you've been sending me about releasing mobile numbers to the highest bidder are true. (Speaking of... if any of you still HAVE those forwards, please send it to me again, I'm sure I've deleted it)

No offense to the person on the other end of the line, I was a telemarketer for various in-bound and out-bound call centers during high school and college, but on cell phones? I'm PAYING for your call, and I want it to stop!

I'm going through my 'missed calls' on my phone, and (I'm NOT exaggerating) I've had 7 calls from one number, and 3 from another number since Tuesday evening. The one that I've had call my phone 7 times I just picked up and said "Hello. Please put me on your Do Not Call List", waited for a response and hung up.

How much are YOU worth?

It seems that a few of my conversations in the last couple of days have had something in common... What our jobs and time are worth.

I was driving with a friend to our Mary Kay unit meeting last night and we were discussing our jobs (we work together at the state as well as doing Mary Kay) and the recent school voucher issue. One of the insightful and truthful ads on the radio for vouchers made the comment that 'with more money per student in the public school system, the districts could use the extra money to give teachers a raise'. They COULD, not would, or will, or even should, but could. Hmmm... I believe there are many things that large corporations (which is exactly what a school district is) COULD do with their money... and it usually does not include giving their hard-working, front-end staff a raise. That's saved for the people with reserved parking places.

Now... I could jump on my own soap-box and include lowly paid and little respected caseworkers who did NOT get a raise from the last legistative session, but I won't. But, I wonder what I feel like my time is worth on a daily basis.

I'll tell you what it's NOT worth... $7.50 an hour working from 7pm until 1 or 2am a couple of nights a week. Today with some clients we were talking about second jobs, especially during the holidays. One woman had worked at a certain superstore 2 years ago to earn money for her kids Christmas. )I won't mention the name, but maybe you'll catch on.) I tried working there before I got married, to try and help more with the expenses. Justin and I refer to that time as 'the target experience'. I don't think I'll ever do that again. Maybe it was trying to work a full-time job, plan a wedding, spend time with Justin and attend family holiday parties, working on my feet until 1 or 2 in the morning and still getting up at 6 to go to the gym every morning that did me in. But I was a wreck, and too close for comfort to a nervous breakdown. And, all for $7.50 an hour. NOT WORTH MY TIME!

I Voted!

And you can too!

If you can't find your polling place (like me) check out this link (for those of you in Utah) and look up your polling place! Happy Voting.

Five hundred forty-sven

That's the amount of miles I drove today. From Salt Lake (at 6am) to St. George and back (6pm). I have a kid on my caseload in a program in St George, along with a coworker of mine, so we make the trip every 3rd month. That makes a LONG day. So, this is all I'm posting.

Spring Ahead! Fall BACK!

I've been given the solemn duty to blog today by my sweet wife Melanie who gave me some strange explanation of why we have to blog every day. Last week was seemingly slow on individual days, but collectively it passed by in a jiffy (whatever a jiffy is). Many things are afoot, and I am happy to report on one of them.

My dad and his brothers and I are all going to be business partners. While the products and services do not lie in my expertise, the overall business training I have had will give me the upper hand in experience. The company (which will remain nameless until deals are closed and ownership is legal) has a great location in Salt Lake and has established a good name in its industry. Hopefully we can be successful and do everything it takes to continue and improve this organization. Details to follow (hopefully this week).

Yesterday we went to Peyton's birthday party and Dan and Laura's new pad. I liked the place. Peyton just happens to be the most polite birthday boy I've ever seen (even attempting to throw a present in the garbage on command of his father). Each time he opened a present he was instructed to thank the giver, he quickly turned to them and said "Thank you _____" the blank was either the person's name (if it was short enough to remember) or a garbled attempt at multiple names (example, Justin and Melanie turned in to "Melanie and...jusss ". Very cute!

Finally, today was the time change. While normally I think I would feel the impact and be a little more fulfilled in an extra hour of sleep, the last couple days have been so busy that it was a much needed extra hour...in fact an hour right now sounds delightful...

Pink Panther Ball

For those of you in Salt Lake, did any of you notice the pink lights coming from the Rice Eccles Stadium last night? We did... because Justin and I actually set those pink lights up last night.

The Young Single Adults in the Holladay Region (it's a church thing) put on an AWESOME party last night. I believe you would call last nights party 'a success'. For most of the evening there was a line of people waiting to get in, and the 2 rooms we had in the Tower were PACKED!

We showed up around 5:30 (some of us have to work, you know) dressed up as waiters and with a large sheet cake of brownies. All of the advisors (the married 'adults' of the crowd) were there as support staff. I spend part of my time walking around with a tray of brownies, and Justin drove the limo in the parking lot for the 1st half of the night. Because we're the 'old married adults' I opted to sit down at the front doors for a while to take money to avoid the loud music and overall chaos of the 4th and 5th floors. I think most everyone had a lot of fun, and they had a TON of things to do while you were there. Live band, magician show, balloon animals, refreshments, 2 big TV projections with Snowboard movies and sports highlights. NOT TO MENTION the van-limo which leaked gasoline fumes into the driver, that went around the parking lot to pick you up and drop you off for the pink carpet leading up to the doors.

All in all, it was pretty fun, and we're EXHAUSTED this morning.

Nobody's perfect.

I usually read blogs in the morning... so I didn't see everyone's post about the NaBloPoMo until today. A day late. I'll give it a try. Justin may need to pitch in a little more than usual, unless you want all Red Sox Posts (get it... pitch in... hahaha).

Here's a quote of the day heard at a boring training I attended this morning.
"Screw you and the horse you rode in on!" It was an interesting training.