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Happy February! Since it's a new year, here are some handy tips to keep your computers running smoothly and avoid problems during crunch time.
Keep your operating system updated to the latest version for optimal performance.
It's good practice to shut down your computer at least once a week, or every 2-3 days, to clear out the system—Macs with 4GB of RAM should be restarted every 4-6 days. For more details, refer to the helpful notes provided here.
Clear your cache regularly.
As always, feel free to check with Eric and Ben regarding any specific advice, especially if you're working with certain apps that sometimes encounter issues with automatic OS updates.
– Danielle Alavian
Coming Up
February Town Hall will be on February 7th
February paydays will be the 15th and 29th
We will be closed on Monday, February 19th, for Presidents' Day
Employee Profile/GP Success Stories:
Mason Blake's first day is February 1, 2024
Dustin Marucci's first day is February 5, 2024
Tyler Duffy's 6-year work anniversary is February 7th
Caitlyn Shaw's 8-year work anniversary is February 11th
Let's give them a big round of applause - thank you!
Birthdays
Leila Barber's birthday is February 5th
Tyler Duffy's birthday is February 9th
Hayley Helm's birthday is February 12th
Richard Law's birthday is February 19th
Mike Bailey's birthday is February 28th
Happy Birthday, Leila, Tyler, Hayley, Richard, and Mike!!
Fast Five with Ryan Brower
Where do you live now and where are you originally from?
Within the Edward B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in the marsh on the edge of the Barnegat Bay right across from Long Beach Island in South Jersey. I’ve lived all over (college in North Carolina + Florida, San Diego, Brooklyn) but eventually ended up back home where my roots and family are in New Jersey. I grew up a couple towns over from where my wife and I bought a house in 2021 and all of my family is still here. It’s peaceful like you wouldn’t believe and we live amongst all kinds of wildlife (which our dog Max loves). We also have the fortune of dealing with the adventures of tidal flooding and high winds...
What's your favorite thing to do on Saturday morning?
Usually I’ll do a little reading catchup, whether that’s a book, magazine or some longer-form articles I’ve had tabbed. Then I like to make a nice breakfast (tofu scramble, pancakes, vegan breakfast sandwiches). There’s usually yard work or chores around the house that I try to get a jump on pretty quickly — I’m out of bed on the weekends by 6. That’s all if there aren't waves or an early tee time...
Is there something you've been obsessed with lately?
I never thought I’d be a homeowner, and two years ago my wife and I were fortunate enough to purchase a house in a location I’ve dreamed about living my whole life. We’ve done a lot of house projects in the 2+ years we’ve been here (sliding doors, insulation upgrades, electric panel upgrade, car charger installation, new electric water heater, landscaping, new washer/dryer, water softener replacement and more) but the best decision we made was to replace our not-up-to-code woodburning stove and chimney. It was too large for the hearth and the chimney was a fire hazard (all things we wish we had discovered during the home inspection), but we finally replaced it this past summer and I’ve been obsessed with our wood stock (and all the splitting I’ve done and racks I’ve built), efficiency (shoutout to Mitch for his fan rec) and completely weaning ourselves off propane heating. Our house is warmer than ever and it’s just a constantly fulfilling set of tasks that keeps me invigorated and happy.
How do you stay motivated or energized for work?
I surf as much as I can — have been since my dad taught me when I was 8. But there’s not waves everyday, or heck even every week, in New Jersey. So my wife gifted me a 12-foot prone paddleboard this past summer for our anniversary. We have creek access in our backyard and I launch out of there and within a mile’s paddle I’m in open water in the Barnegat Bay. It was crucial for staying in paddling shape this summer for fall surf, and I’m trying to lean on that for staying in shape in between swells throughout the year. Being in the water grounds me and washes away everything from land. When I’m out of the water for more than a week I start to shrivel up and everything feels off. Do you have any secret skills or talents we should know about?
I’m a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I trained from the ages of 8 to 20 and it taught me extreme discipline, respect for myself and others, the value of adversity and determination. I have not trained in many years, but the lessons of 200 situps a night 3 nights a week and mental fortitude continue to pay dividends for me in every facet of life.
Where are you currently working from?
Inspiration: YearCompassI'm deeply inspired by the tradition of filling out a YearCompass booklet each year. I love pausing, reflecting, and basking in the tapestry of memories woven throughout the year. It helps me learn from mistakes, celebrate wins, and craft a roadmap for the year ahead. If you want to embrace growth and possibility, download the editable PDF here and fill it with your aspirations and intentions. It is never too late to start!Any Inspiration requests? P&C is on it. Ping Danielle.