Have you seen that little live traffic feed I have in the bottom right hand side of the blog? G hates it. He thinks its ugly and needs to go. When I swapped over from Blogger to WordPress the gorgeous Kelly Exeter suggested the same thing. I couldn’t do it.
“But I think it matches in with what the blog is all about. People from all over the world…”
G didn’t get it. If it made money he’d get it.
I love looking at where people have come from. I’ve admitted before that when people like the 4 kids, 20 suitcases page I often find myself sneaking over to have a look at their Facebook page. Don’t panic, I can’t see anything, just your cover photos, but oh lordy some of you have the most gorgeous photos. Mountains, lakes, rivers and oceans – have I ever showed you what I see from my desk when I write?
Now do you understand now why I get so excited when you show me pictures of what you can see where you are?
There’s a lot of chatter that goes on on the 4 kids, 20 suitcases Facebook page. I often wonder what it would be like if we all got together. The other day when we were talking about the whitening creams in Asia, and the vaginal tighteners offered in the Middle East (aka tighty whiteys), I sat giggling out loud thinking of the stories we could share. I swear one day when I win the lottery I’m going to have a big party and invite you all to come along.
In the meantime, I wondered if maybe you guys might want to know a little bit about each other?
This is where you click in from, according to Google Analytics, from 1 to 10, most to least.
1. Australia
2. US
3. Qatar
4. UK
5. Canada
6. United Arab Emirates
7. Singapore
8. Netherlands
9. Indonesia
10. New Zealand
My only question at this point is, ahem, Malaysia? Where are you? My second child was born in Malaysia? I thought we shared history together? And Hong Kong? My sister in law lives in Hong Kong, I obviously need to get her to start handing out cards!
When it comes to most popular posts the obvious ones pop up, The Expat Woman, followed by Just Me and Steve, and then Louise, Sassy and Ooshka. Perhaps one of the most read posts (because I just can’t bear to call it popular) was on the day of the fire, I think we were all united in grief on that day. We will never forget.
I don’t really have any personal favourites. The ones about the children probably touch my heart the most. And G, I love the ones where I love G. I’ve been tempted to write a post on the days when I haven’t loved him, posts that begin with “Has anyone else contemplated driving to the airport in the middle of the day…” because I know we all have.
Anyway, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for sharing me with your friends. I remember when I first began writing people would send me a note “Would it be okay if I shared this on my Facebook page?” The answer is yes, please do, share me anytime you like. I love this little community we have going here, the way we can have a joke, help each other out with tips and stories. The wider it becomes, the more interesting it is.
I’ll keep putting the Lotto tickets in and planning that party in my head but until then, thanks for the likes, the shares, the comments and the laughs. Thanks for the support, that’s what we do best.
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I always look at your little location ticker…… but it never has me. It is a couple of hours out on location because I ain’t in Melbourne Australia anymore! Right at this moment I am writing this Kenya, Indonesia, Australia, Qatar and the Netherlands are hanging out here. Oh, and New Zealand.
Granville popped up 40 seconds ago, anywhere near you?
I’m in Malaysia…I show up as U.S. due to our VPN router…
My girlfriend Lisa will be happy to hear that, she had a theory on the VPN usage and how many people would pop up in that way! 🙂 I’m so happy to hear I have a friend in Malaysia 🙂
There are many of us here who read your blog!!!
Yay! I think I really need to head back to KL, you know, just to say hi, check everything is okay there 😉
I say keep it! Although, it’s inaccurate for me. Whenever you see Armed Forces Europe, it’s probably me over here in Okinawa, Japan. 😉 It has something to do with our ISP.
Japan popped up for me, maybe there’s a delay between when you come on and when it registers? Armed Forces Europe sounds so exotic though?!
I always show up as APO, Armed Forces Europe, even on other blogs with the same Live Traffic Feed. I did see Tokyo…we’re pretty far from there…but good to know I’m not alone over here! 🙂
Clearly more people from South Africa need to read! I’ll work at getting us on your list 😉
I know!!! Too funny, thanks Tania xx
G and Kelly both have good points. Mind you I must admit Kirsty that I look at the live traffic feed to see where other readers are at the same moment when I am reading your blog. If you want to keep it do so. As a fellow Australian, although I am reading from the UK, I’m pleased that the number 1 country is our fellow Australian readers back at home 🙂
It makes me feel warm and fuzzy as well. Kx
Hi Kirsty,
Just referred a friend to your blog,she is moving to Doha from Singapore. I may have given her the blog details by saying’ i know somebody who lives in Doha……’ Because I feel i do Know you!
I’d love to meet your friend. And yes, I know exactly what you mean. xx
Hi Kristy, I’m here in Qatar 🙂 I’m an avid follower/reader of your blogs. You’re such a star! I learned a lot from you. Thanks and more power…
Cheers, Jennie
Hey Jennie, you’ve completely made my day. Kx
Good morning – I’m reading in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Love your blog – read it everyday. Share with my Shanghai Tai Tais. Lived there for 3 years. LOVED IT. Now that I have a gorgeous granddaughter, don’t know if I could leave her. Have a great day. Keep writing.
Thanks Ann, will do. Kx
Hello from a relatively new reader in Santiago, Chile!
Hi Kirsty,
Also in KL, I am the one who told you your big girl pants were in the laundry basket….hmm sounds kind of weird now but you had to be there I guess. I am one of many here in KL.
Ha! I remember! Thanks Jane xxx
I don’t talk much, but I read most days, I love being a little wall flower here. I’ve always enjoyed looking at the live traffic feed. Its a keeper 🙂
Thanks Sarah, okay, definitely keeping it.
yay! maybe one day, I’ll see my big sister reading the same article as me from half a world away 🙂
The first post I read was united in grief and I’ve followed you since but never commented. Love the live traffic feed and I’ve just noticed another Calgarian read this article just before me. Who are you?
Kirsty, I love checking the live feed and get a (nerdy) little thrill seeing my location pop up. Right now I’m in Atlantic City, New Jersey reading & posting while on my lunch hour. You are one of my favorite bloggers – love your writing style.
For the record…I love your view. It reminds me of the views I had living in Bursiti, Al ain an. Dubai. Just like I miss the call of the azzan, I also miss the dusty white!
Glad to see Canada is #5 on your list. Not bad. Except today Canada is #1. (In women’s Olympic hockey and curling at least) Sorry about the bragging.
BTW I can’t wait for the party at your place.
Oh and I love your live traffic feed.
Another one from Malaysia, KL, though I am actually from the Netherlands. No idea why it doesn’t show up in your traffic feed, though I see now that I show up on your feed as from KL. When did you live here? Did you like it?
Personally, I love it and I think it fits in with your site well.
Oh, and also, love from Mongolia 🙂
Love the blog! Being an expat wife for several years can definitely relate to you! My kids are grown now and back in the UK , so it’s just me and my man! Win the lottery and I’ll definitely come to the party!
Never commented but love your blog. I am from the cold cold Mid west in the US and stop by every day. Cant remember when I first came by the blog but feels like I ve been reading you for ever. You have made me laugh through some crazy times. Thank you!
Here the one reader from Munich 🙂
I love reading your blog and just wondered if you only have the email subscription or also a wordpress follow button (maybe I’m just to blind to see it).
And besides – your view is great!
Richmond California here. I agree with keeping the widget; I love to see where your readers live.
I love the feed widget thingy. When I saw it on your blog, I put it on mine too. Yes it’s ugly, but it’s so cool!