… is hard to get.

The past couple of weeks have been insane on the blog-front. My blog up and disappeared for a few days and just in case you are wondering, no, it wasn’t because I didn’t pay my bills :P My webhost’s server was hacked and all the files were deleted. I, naturally, panicked – I’d worked on this blog since 2003 and when I lost the site, it felt like I’d lost a limb. I had stupidly forgotten to make regular backups. I felt really depressed thinking of all the posts I’d lost, particularly the personal ones about my children and my late father.

Alhamdulillah my webhost, Web-Epoch worked hard to restore all the data.

The whole misadventure was a blessing in disguise though – it made me realise how lax I’d become, not just about security and backups but also about my original intention. When I started my sites, I had wanted to use them as a means of gaining and sharing knowledge and also sadaqa jariyah for my late father. The dream hasn’t died but let’s just say that the initial fervour seems to have waned. It wasn’t until I’d nearly lost the site that I realised how much it means to me.

I must really thank this gem of a company – WordPress Installation Service. I’d put off upgrading for so long (I was using version 1.5.1.3!) that when I finally did want to do it, it had become an overwhelming task. I didn’t dare touch anything for fear of botching the whole thing and losing what has been a labour of love.

I had written to two other companies which claimed to offer prompt and professional service – neither replied to my emails. When I chanced upon WordPress Installation Service and emailed the company, I saw it as a last ditch effort. I didn’t think they would bother with my measly site when it seemed no one else would! I was pleasantly surprised when Mr Zulfikar Nore replied within the day. He understood how much the site meant to me and patiently explained what needed to be done as well as possible issues involved, given that the site needed SEVEN incremental upgrades. I was given regular updates on the work in progress and what was best was not just the speed at which Zulfikar worked but that after upgrading, he took great pains to ensure that my site’s content was intact, both in terms of content and design. I was very impressed with the quick and friendly service. His rates are affordable and his work, top-notch ma shaa Allah. I would not hesitate to recommend WordPress Installation Service – seriously, folks, if you ever run into any problems, this company you will want to hire.

So! Alhamdulillah… here’s to a fresh beginning… revived intentions … and renewed zeal. In shaa Allah.

… this blog here will soon be no more :)

Edit: Alhamdulillah successfully migrated :)

I’ve threatened to upgrade and redesign before but this time, I think it really is time…

Watch this space while I wrestle with my indecision :P

Edit: Ah forget me. My daughter wants to blog so guess who’s busy designing for whom? :)

… redesigning the site.

I do this every time I get anxious.

I shouldn’t… I have enough on my plate as it is.

OK someone just give me a SLAP upside the head!

Farzana, this is for you!

I’ve got a long way to go, but I’ve updated my stash of links. If you look at my sidebar, homeschooling links have been reorganised.

Must run… my first-born is enamoured with pirates now…

I’m trying to reorganise things a bit on this blog so things might look a bit wonky. But I felt a revamp was in order… In shaa Allah I hope to add a few more categories and more about our home education journey. There are tonnes of blogs out there – so many banal and worthless. I think mine is falling into that, so it is time for a little more direction and purpose.

I had a few posts in mind but put them on the backburner – they were no more than hostile and bitter rants. Like I told a sister yesterday, I have no qualms about sharing my difficulties and trials. I can’t in good conscience give the impression that I am a wonder lady who has perfectly organised days – those who know me and live with me know I am anything but!

I do struggle… I make serious mistakes… I have demons I am always battling. So, I will share my days and difficulties to the extent that it is beneficial and constructive, but I am resolving to make this blog more than just about me. I hope that in shaa Allah it will be a good resource for home education, Islam and living creatively.

I do plan on concentrating on making a log of lessons and adding more – *gasp* dare I say it? – photographs, in shaa Allah. I am not sure how long I plan to homeschool and where we will live in the next few years but documenting the kids’ home education journey may prove necessary.

So with that, I am off to tackle these wonky (this is a big word in the house these days, LOL) codes in my blog.

We are going through some changes and I ask that you keep us in your du`aa…

Just a short note – I’ve updated my page of Homeschooling Links and Blog Hops just in case anyone’s interested!

Tried upgrading my Movable Type but made a mess. I am about ready to throw in the towel.

If anyone can help out, please email me at razzberry AT imaan DOT net.

Update: Got a paid installation. I am SO inept. *S*

I have been toying with the idea of upgrading to the latest version of MT… and now that my present version is running amok on me, I know that I should take the plunge.

But…

I am scared! LOL.

For those of you who are still visiting and reading, I am sorry for my lack of updates. Pakistan went through severe internet troubles for a couple of weeks. My email has gone kaput on me for some odd reason so if you have emailed me and not received a response, please forgive me. I am NOT ignoring you – I am not even getting spam so you know how serious I am!

My faithful (and I know you are few *S*) visitors will notice that this site is sporting a new layout and design. Like I told Umm Junayd, I’ve always been a work in progress! I have installed and played with WP before but resisted using it for my site even though I do love it as much as I love MT. I think I was getting a tad too comfy with MT though so here I am. I am looking through my old entries presently and will repost them soon in shaa Allah.

Things have been a little challenging and I am trying hard to make things work… More on this later in shaa Allah. Please make du`aa for me and the kids.