The 2008 Family Christmas Letter

Hi Folks,

Well, it's 2008 which means we've been married ten years. That in itself is an accomplishment, I suppose. We're still happily married in case you were wondering.

We still live on our property in Cheektowaga. The house is in ill-repair, but it's still full of love! Every time the wind blows another shingle gets ripped off our roof and hits the lawn. We have weeds or grass growing on the roof of our porch. John is hesitant to go up there and remove the shrubbery due to his anxiety and fear of falling to his death.

Speaking of anxiety, John is doing very well and hasn't had a panic attack in a year and a half. He is down to 150mg dosage of meds, and is able to eat solid food again. He works as a computer technician for a public school district and is dealing with the enormous stress and aggravation quite well so far. He is still a bit surly, but is trying hard not to be such a jerk.

Melanie is still working as a Math Teacher as Lancaster Middle School. She is an AIS (Academic Intervention Services) teacher which means she has to deal with students who have trouble with math or simply don't give a s*$# about it. She has a pretty sweet deal there, so she can endure the trauma. She calls in sick whenever she wants and has all the vacations, so she has no real reason to complain. Melanie still enjoys Sudoku, cross-stitching, and sleeping in her spare time.

Our babies Silas and Chloe are doing great. Their love affair with poultry continues. They love sleeping in their spare time too! Their favorite spot to lay is in front of the heating vents.

Our biggest accomplishment of the year was our purchase of the SX-5000 Recliner. It's a real beauty, equipped with heat, massage, cup holders on each armrest, and a compartment for the remote control! During Sabres' games, John likes to have a beer ready for consumption on each side! We bought an extended warranty that covers stains from all bodily fluids for 5 years. We all fight over who gets to sit in the chair every day, but the kitties usually win.

We know it's difficult to be as awesome as us, but we hope you all are doing fine too. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakah (or is it Chanakah?), Happy Kwanza, Happy Festivus, and Happy New Year! Did we cover all the various beliefs? Please don't sue us, because we don't have time for that.

Very truly yours,

John & Melanie

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: The Return of The Blue Bus

The Blue Bus has been "fixed" for the fourth time. This time, its return has been captured by the Technologist Cam. Be sure your speakers are turned up. I have to discipline myself to NOT laugh during these videos because it drowns out the sounds of the bus and I sound like a goof.

Movies: Making a list, checking it thrice.

I'm compiling a list of Christmas (or Christmas related) films to watch during the next 10 days or so. I like to have a good mix of comedy and horror.

• A Christmas Story


• Silent Night, Deadly Night


• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation


• Wind Chill


• Scrooged


• Black Christmas (1974 original; believe it or not, same director as A Christmas Story!)


• Dead End


• P2


• Die Hard 2


• Silent Night, Deadly Night 3


• Black Xmas (2007 remake)

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: The Blue Bus Gets a Lift

The Technology Technicians' bus breaks down hopefully for the last time. Watch exclusive video of the bus being towed away by our crappy tow-truck. We spare no expense!

This is the vehicle given to the Technology Department to move equipment (Tools, TVs, cabling, etc) from building to building. It is essentially a retired school bus. By regulation, it had to be painted something other than yellow because it's no longer a school bus. Thus, the lovely blue color makes it look like a prison bus.

A month ago we had to have it checked out for emissions because we were all getting sick and light-headed and smelled diesel. Yesterday, it broke down twice on the trip back from Clarence H.S. where we took it to have the front-end aligned. Today, it wouldn't start at all. So, this bus may be the only vehicle in the junkyard with new tires and a perfectly aligned front end.

The Technologist Says: Back Up Your Data. Just Do It!

It can be maddening to work as a computer support technician. Especially when I have a client coming to me with laptop in hand and a helpless and pitiful look on her face.

"My computer crashed" or "My computer died" "HELP!"

As technicians, it is our job to get your computer up and running again as soon as possible. We always repair the machine or provide a replacement. Almost always, the client asks "What about all my files! I'm not gonna lose everything, right?

Reality check: When your computer takes a dump, there is no magic wand at our disposal to resurrect data that is lost. Despite what you see on TV, there really is no "Easy Button" that we can press to fix every problem. Ultimately, it is YOUR responsibility to back up your email, internet favorites, pictures, music, or anything you can't afford to lose. If it is important to you, BACK IT UP.

It's almost 2009. There are lots of inexpensive ways to back up data. Take your pick!

1. Jumpdrive. My favorite because they're cheap, portable, and can hold tons of data.

2. DVD. Most everyone can burn CDs and DVDs now. Guess what: you can burn things other than songs and movies. You can burn data such as pictures, email, Word and Excel files, etc.

DVDs can hold up to 4.3 GB of data.

3. Network folder. If you have a home network, share a folder and make it a "network drive". You can save stuff to it just like any other drive.

4. External hard drive. They cost less than $100 now and conveniently connect via USB and Firewire. Easy to install.

5. Cell Phone/iPhone. You can purchase a SIMM card that sticks into your phone and it acts like a hard drive. Connect your phone to your computer via USB, and you can transfer your stuff.

Listen to your Technologist. When a technological disaster strikes, you'll be prepared.

You're welcome.