Server Crash

The last week has been crazy. One of our server's had a hardware failure last Saturday. I worked from 8am until midnight to get a loaner running so we would be operational on Monday. This week I have been fixing setup bugs and working on a quote for a new server. I have learned a lot through this exerience -- redundency is key to keeping your business flowing. I have been thinking about what our acceptable level of downtime is this week. I have also been thinking how thankful I am that this situation did not happen during the work week. I would have had 20 some employees without computers. I also was thankful today to find a backup tape with my work email. Note: files that are open do not get backed up. I have had a habbit of leaving my email open. That will not happen any more because of the time I have spent trying to find a copy. And, I could have totally lost it which would have crippled me for a while. God has been watching after me through this situation. I have had some good people helping me out (thanks Travis!!) and an awesome God looking after me. I am looking forward to a quieter weekend to come.

Favorite Christmas Present

I am looking back through my pictures from Christmas. This is a picture of me with one of my favorite Christmas presents. My mom and dad found this used leather sofa for our den. We needed this and I was amazed that they found it and had it for Christmas. Jason and I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I have loved finally have matching furniture. It's amazing how good of shape it's in for being 12 years old.

Couponing

I have really gotten into using Internet coupons the last month. It's amazing how much money you can save by matching up grocery store ads and manufacturer coupons. In my area, I have found that Kroger provides the most savings. Kroger doubles coupons up to 50 cents. For example, if you have a $0.30 coupon, it doubles to $0.60 and if you have a $0.50 coupon, it doubles to $1.00 Using coupons with products already on sale even allows for FREE products! Wow! I have been getting 4-pack cottonelle toilet paper free for the past few weeks. I found this link in January and it was reset in February. You should be able to print two $0.50 coupons. Kroger sells cottonelle for $0.99; so if you use the coupon, it will double and make the toilet paper free. Here is the link: http://www.cottonelle.com/coupons.aspx Since I work full-time and almost always over 40 hours a week, I do most of my matching of coupons during my lunch. It is actually quite fun, at least for me. And, when my husband goes to the grocery store with me, he gets a huge kick out of my deals. I have got free dog food at Wal-mart last week. And you would wonder, why in the world would I want free dog food because I don't have a dog!!?! Well, we gave it to Jason's mom and dad's dog. If I see something free, I get it. I plan on donating anything above and beyond what we don't use. I know the food banks could use extra food, etc. since so many people are out of work right now.