Out of Control
I can’t help it, I watch my statistics. I watch them even though they are totally out of my control. The truth, as I see it, is that when I write, mostly I write about things that interest me, and when I think I am writing about something that interests you, I often get it wrong.
Some of the best posts come out of nowhere. As my friend and I were leaving downtown heading home the other day, we passed the ruins, and the light was so good and the ruins so begging to be photographed, I jumped out and – literally, snapped some shots. I had my friend waiting patiently in the car, I didn’t want to be perceived as photographing the British embassy and all the security problems that could involve – so I was snapping and snapping quickly, without a lot of thought or effort, and that post is another one of those which my commenters then helped write, and helped educate us all. The same is true with several posts – ones that I just toss off, or tiny news items I share with you end up getting huge hits months later – totally out of my control.
Every year, the day after Christmas, my statistics take a huge dip. The first year, I was shocked and discouraged, the second year, I was disappointed, but this year – ho hummmm. They are now creeping back up to where they were, and I just have to put this all in God’s hands – I can call this “my” blog, but I have to laugh at how all I really can do is to provide content, and then trust that it will go where it is meant to go.
Today the statistics showed that I have passed 2,000 blog entries. This one is 2002. People have made almost 14,000 comments.
Thank you for being a part of this amazing experience. Some of you I have come to know as you comment regularly, some of you I have conversations with in the background, a very few of you know me in real life and give me material for some of the posts, and some, I am guessing, are Kuwaiti students away at university who hunger for a glimpse of home and check in for the sunrise over the gulf and weather. The vast majority of you glance through, and never stop to say hello. (Aaarrgh!)
My very favorite posts are the ones YOU help write. You share information, you correct my erroneous impression, you give me ideas where to go for further research. You share your photos. You share your recipes. You share your grandparents’ stories. Thank you. Thank you. Please come back often. π
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Great result. Keep it up intlxpatr. I enjoy reading your blog. I do it almost every day.
Je adore votre blog! π
Ok now i feel guilty and bad:(
..
i always check ur blog n LOVE IT but never said a word just as silent reader
So hello intlxpatr π how r u? I promise to comment from now on as much as i can π
and honestly u have a very nice blog, keep up the good work n good luck dear π
yes the pleasure is all ours. we do come in as we would pick up our daily paper, for a glimpse of the world, kuwait, and for the many more interesting, fun filled and thought provoking blogs. thanks for dishing out a sumptuous meal with such a variety, each time. keep em coming! π
I’m here too!!! I’ve been commenting less these days, on most blogs I read. But you’re in my “daily reads” bookmark and I love your blog. So I’ll, hopefully, make that extra effort and comment from here on in.
btw. 2002??? Seven more and you’ll hit our year! After that you’ll be venturing into the future.. crazy! =P
Bu Yousef and Yousef – Two of my favorite bloggers dropping by to say hello!
P Anonymous – LLLOOOOOLLLLLL! I guilted you into making a comment! Welcome! LLLOOOLLLLL~!
Onloker – Good to see you, and why aren’t you blogging more?
Souvenirs and Scars – You are always most welcome, and I enjoy your blog very much, too, with your very original observations and insights!
I am new to living in Qatar and despaired of the lack of response to emails I have sent over the last four months. So I started a blog. And now I have no idea if anyone back home reads it, as there are no comments whatsoever. So, I understand your sentiments … but in turn have been enjoying reading your postings while lurking. So … a bit humbled to see myself reflected in this way. I cannot remember how I stumbled onto your blog, but I am very glad I did. I enjoy your observations, your photographs, and the tips that help a new ex-pat like mnyself try to make sense of this new phase of my life! Shukran!
Sheila – Welcome! As to blog comments, it takes a while. Are you aggregated in the Qatar blogs (I am pretty sure there is a Qatar aggregator.)
Have you lived overseas before? If you have, you know that the first year is always a steep learning curve where you always feel behind. After the first year, much of what was strange, and sometimes threatening (like the driving) becomes more familiar. Also, once you have found your resources (food, shelter, cosmetics, companionship) life gets a lot better, a lot easier.
We loved our time in Qatar, greatly because we found a good church. We had great adventures. I wish you the same.
Hi and thanks for your response,
I am not sure about aggregators … mostly would like to have friends check the blog. But may need to relax emotional ties and expectations and cut others a break:-)
Life here is very different from China and Mexico, where I have lived and worked before, and I am soaking up the new experiences and enjoying the beautiful new museum, the souqs, the corniche, and the old neighbourhoods. However, it has been quite difficult to connect with people from Qatar. Driving … oh my! But the reliance on the automobile really means it is a bit harder to meet people. Mostly I am sure it will come. Your references to the QCPI and a few other references to Qatar have been very helpful. I am just a neophyte here and know that I need to be patient.
Oh, WOW! Sheila, you have had some interesting experiences!
You are right about the difficulties meeting Qatteris – think about it – they are only about 10% of the population.
Haven’t they done a fabulous job on their Souk Waqif (Heritage Souk)?
it feels good and makes me feel guilty too, to realise that my blogs are being missed! ya have been totally ignoring it, for want of time; didnt want to put up something just for the sake of it. still shall try to come up with something. comments from you have always been a great booster! so thanks again for your presence and inspiration! π
Congrats on the (quite deserved) milestones! But uh oh, I’m guilty of repeat hit-and-runs. Hopefully the stats don’t show WHO comes and goes sans comment – ack! Some of us are more comfortable as watchers, Inlxpatr, keeping track of your adventures from afar (stop laughing now). Plus, your fabulous regular commentors carry the torch for the rest of us. Definitely LOVE your blog, sweat sis.
LLLOOOLLLL @ sweat sis! Glad to know you check in from time to time, Sparkle. Looking forward to spending time together soon!
Onlooker – make the effort! π