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news/_posts/2023-12-27-New-Site.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title:  "d@n tech is Live!"
+---
+
+# New Site Deployed: D@N Tech is Now Live!
+
+I am excited to announce that my new Jekyll site, **d@n tech**, is officially live! This is a significant milestone for me, and I'm thrilled to share this journey with you.
+
+## The Journey to Jekyll
+
+Initially, I considered using WordPress for my website. WordPress is a powerful tool with a lot of flexibility, and it's great for many projects. However, for my specific needs, I found it to be somewhat bulky. I needed something streamlined, efficient, and more suited to a tech-centric site like mine.
+
+That's when I turned to Jekyll. Jekyll is a static site generator that's perfect for developers who want to dive into code, customize their site extensively, and have a more hands-on approach to site management. It's lightweight, fast, and allows for greater control over the site's design and functionality.
+
+## Why Jekyll?
+
+There are several reasons why Jekyll stood out to me:
+
+- **Simplicity and Speed**: Jekyll sites are static, which means they load faster and are simpler to host and manage.
+- **Developer-Friendly**: As a developer, I appreciate being able to work directly with the code, and Jekyll is built for this kind of hands-on approach.
+- **Customization**: With Jekyll, I have more freedom to customize my site exactly how I want it.
+- **Community and Support**: The Jekyll community is vibrant and supportive, offering a wealth of plugins and themes.
+
+## What's Next for D@N Tech?
+
+The launch of d@n tech is just the beginning. This blog will serve as a chronicle of my journey in tech, a place where I can share updates, insights, and experiences. 
+
+- **Regular Updates**: Expect regular posts on projects I'm working on, new technologies I'm exploring, and general thoughts on the IT world.
+- **Resource Sharing**: I'll be sharing resources and tips that I find useful in my professional journey.
+- **Community Interaction**: I'm looking forward to engaging with the community, learning from others, and sharing my knowledge.
+
+Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of this exciting journey!

news/_posts/2025-04-09-brewing-success-my-journey-into-freelance-web-development-and-server-upgrades.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "brewing success: my journey into freelance web development and server upgrades"
+---
+
+As a tech enthusiast with a love for life’s little pleasures—like a well-brewed cup of coffee—I often find myself reflecting on the intersection of my passions and pursuits. Recently, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take on a couple of paid web development projects, which not only expanded my skill set but also funded an exciting server upgrade project. Join me as I spill the beans on my experiences in freelancing, my recent tech acquisitions, and how Invoice Ninja became my trusty sidekick in this journey.
+
+## Pouring the Foundations: Freelancing in Web Development
+
+The web development projects I completed were a fantastic exercise in blending creativity with technical skill. My first client was a dear friend launching her **Mental Health Counseling** practice, **Pemu Counseling and Wellness**. This comprehensive mental health service provider focuses on offering personalized counseling and wellness programs. Building her website from scratch was a rewarding endeavor, allowing me to combine my technical skills with a mission close to my heart. Hosting her site on my server not only helped keep costs down but also gave me an opportunity to fine-tune my server management skills.
+
+Next up was a massage therapist transitioning her services to **shamanism and energy healing** with her business, **Powerful Healing Arts**. This sanctuary is dedicated to helping women move beyond physical healing into deeper energetic and spiritual transformation. For her, I built a new website using **Squarespace**, but with a twist—creating a new site allowed the old one to remain live while I developed it, ensuring there was zero downtime. This tactic was crucial for her business, and it showcased my ability to manage multiple projects while prioritizing client needs.
+
+These projects pushed my problem-solving abilities to the forefront. Not only was I able to deliver functional websites, but I also learned to communicate effectively and manage timelines—skills that are crucial in the fast-paced freelance world.
+
+## Upgrading My Server: A Techie’s Dream
+
+With the earnings from my freelance work, I decided it was time to tackle my server upgrade project. Having recently acquired a **Dell C6420** that was lacking RAM, I knew the first step was to equip it with the necessary components. This led me on a treasure hunt, culminating in the purchase of a **NetApp DS4246** off eBay for a mere **$170**—a steal considering it typically retails for around **$500**!
+
+The excitement didn’t stop there. I also acquired 45 sticks of **16GB RAM** for just **$5 each** in Rochester, while similar RAM on eBay was fetching around **$30 each**. I felt like a savvy scavenger with each deal I bagged, transforming my server into a powerhouse without emptying my wallet.
+
+## Tools of the Trade: Harnessing Invoice Ninja
+
+With my freelancing ventures underway and new technology purchases piling up, I realized I needed a robust tool to manage quotes, task tracking, and invoicing. Enter **Invoice Ninja**! This streamlined software has been a game changer, allowing me to easily track my projects while ensuring timely payments from clients.
+
+Not only does it provide a professional touch to the invoicing process, but its user-friendly interface has simplified my workflow, letting me focus more on what I love—coding and creating. With customized quotes and task tracking, I can keep my projects organized and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
+
+## The Perfect Blend: Coffee and Coding
+
+As I embark on these projects, I can’t help but savor a steaming mug of coffee by my side, fueling my productivity and creativity. The scent of freshly brewed coffee often inspires my coding sessions, turning each challenge into an enjoyable endeavor. It reminds me that work can be pleasurable, especially when you find the right balance between passion and profession.
+
+## Conclusion
+
+In retrospective sips of coffee, it’s clear that the intersection of freelancing, server upgrades, and the right tools has ignited a spark in my tech journey. Whether it's honing my web development skills to help clients shine or upgrading my server to expand my capabilities, I’m excited about the path ahead.
+
+If you’re considering freelancing, I encourage you to explore your options and invest your earnings wisely—who knows what kind of tech treasures you might uncover? Until next time, keep coding, keep sipping, and keep crafting your unique blend of technology and life!