#iamthankful for These Blogging Stats...

{#iamthankful}

That people visit this blog!

I was just reviewing some of the stats for this blog, something that I try not to do very often because it's either A) depressing or B) addictive, and the truth is that I don't want to write this blog for the wrong reasons. Primarily pride (see B, but A takes care of that), but also because I just want to be me.

I've always said that I want to be real on the blog, so that if you ever meet me in real life, you won't be surprised or disappointed - rather, you'll feel like I'm exactly how I come across on the blog. I don't know if I'm succeeding or failing in that, but it's what I'm aiming for.

At any rate, while the hubs was busy with a house project this weekend, I took some time to scroll through the stats for top referral sites. Some, like Google and Pinterest, don't really get a thanks (though I appreciate those who search for this blog and pin posts!), but I would like to give a shout out to those who were included in the top referral sites, including Jessica, the Nester - whose real name I just learned, Joy, Jules, and Crystal. All but one (Joy) are online-only friends, some of whom know more about me than my real-life friends do! The internet, and specifically the blogging world, is an amazing place.

Which brings me to interesting fact number two... outside of the U.S., I get more blog visitors from the Ukraine than any other country in the world. Why? I have no idea, but I would like to give a warm welcome to anyone who might happen to be reading this in the Ukraine. [Pause] As long as you're not a bot or a spammer... and (after a Google search) I do have my suspicions, but just in case...

Вітаю and Щасливого нового року

(Which, I'm told, means "Hello" and "Happy New Year)

Topping the list of most popular posts over the last year are several from The Payoff series, including Defining Need and Discipline Thyself. Continuing in their popularity are the guest posts a friend wrote about Disney on the Cheap (back in 2012) - both Part 1 and Part 2 continue to be widely searched for and visited - proof that guest posts can be good for driving traffic! Also popular is my Shoebox post (written in 2012, but shared again this past Shoebox season), as well as the recent Best Christmas Tree Stand post. You just never know what will resonate with people... and what won't. 

After 4+ years of blogging, I'm still surprised. And despite considering (each and every year) if I should keep going... I do. It's too much fun to connect with people, too much fun to have a (free) spot to write and share what I'm learning with anyone who happens to stop by. If you've been around from the start, I'm guessing you have noticed the way posts have changed. It just means that I continue to change and grow, and that's always a good thing. I'm looking forward to 2014 and the growth that will continue to come as we move forward, together. 

Thanks for visiting - wherever you live!