The Week Gone By

When I started the My Friend Alexa campaign with Blogchatter, I had little understanding about Alexa ranking, page views, and SEO listings. I had signed up for the campaign expecting it to be replete with difficult tasks described using technical jargon which would go right over my little head, much like the spaceship that hovers every now and then.

Instead of giving pages and pages of SEO-internet jargon, the campaign was one of those that encouraged you to regularly blog. Easy enough to follow, I know, except that all of the last week (also the first week of the campaign) was hectic, maddening, pulling my barely visible hair out (At the rate which I pull my hair out, it’s some alien-y miracle that I am not already bald.) because I have been juggling a handful of time-consuming activities.  Yes, yes, I see you there rolling your eyes at me, muttering how everyone has a busy life. But the truth is that I don’t have time to even stare into space, something which is more critical to my existence that even breathing. (No, I am not going to quit breathing to save time, thank you very much!) And yet I am unable to do it. Just imagine!

Clearly, you don’t believe I am that busy.  Let me list here how much work I have on these frail shoulders of mine. (Stop with those pointed glances at my thick tree-trunk-like arms!)

We are in the process of shifting houses and there is major renovation work going on in the new flat. So all through the day we (read me; my parents are made to sit comfortably in one clean corner as I oversee all the work) are hopping from room to room. It’s true! Every time we settle down in one room to rest our tired limbs, the construction labourers enter the same room and shunt us out (they’re just jealous of us sitting there idle) only for us to enter another room and be shunted out again just moments later.

Until yesterday we had the kitchen platform which obediently doubled as the only clean shelf- mobile charging station-dining table-chair. Even that black granite multi-utility super-apparatus no longer exists as the labour saw us sitting there one day and objecting to our moments of peaceful respite (I knew they were in cahoots with the enemy alien camp!) promptly brought that down too. So now we have nowhere to sit, eat, or even stand as the whole house is a live example of how much rubble an empty house can produce. There should be a rubble-producing contest so we can be awarded the first prize in a world championship.

I am taking My Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter – a campaign where every day I have to read at least four blogs and spread the word about the posts I like most. Now while this is a great way to discover new blogs and reading each one hardly takes a few minutes, the reality is that when we come back home from the new flat we are so bent from fatigue that our chins are almost touching the floor. You only need look at our drooping heads and long faces to know how exhausted we are. By the time we freshen up and finish dinner, reading a book that’s only waiting to be picked up is an activity that seems like climbing Mount Everest; opening the laptop and reading four blogs is like a mission to Mars. But I get it done. Yay, me! And it’s been showing results already.

My Alexa rank at the end of 7 days is 8.7 Million. Whoopee-Doo!

Next on the list is the editing of my novel. The less said the better.

Fourth is completing some assignments I have for an upcoming course I have signed up for. That takes up a lot of time because you see I have no understanding of the English language and the fact that I turn to the Internet every time I am asked to spell cat is proof that I am no different from the apes I descended from.

Fifth, writing a blog post – about anything, as ridiculous as this one even! Now, this is something that I have been failing to do regularly since the past many months. But now that I have committed to it I might as well honour the commitment.

18.bollywood-cliches.jpg

I can almost imagine you looking at me like that.

Let’s not credit this new commitment towards blogging to the My Friend Alexa campaign, the to-do list of which appears in front of my eyes like a guillotine (yes, the guillotine still exists, if only in my mind).

So even as I was wondering which topics to write about, one came to mind as easily as the spaceship does every other day – new blogs I’ve been discovered from all the reading I’ve been upto.

I shall be sharing the first set of blogs I discovered and loved reading in my next blog post. (Have to follow the instructions of writing two blogs a week too, you see. 😉 )


What have you been upto? Have you discovered any new blogs? Let’s play catch up. Use the comment box below to share your latest updates or give feedback on the nonsense I’ve poured out above.

No Comments
  • oneta hayes
    Posted at 07:06h, 08 September Reply

    Good to see you back and reporting on your activities. I liked your picture (Sheroes) but couldn’t place you. Are you there?

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 08:43h, 08 September Reply

      I’ve missed you too! It’s been a crazy time time this past week. 😂 In that photo, I’m there somewhere in the back row of people but clearly visible. How have you been doing? I’ll try to be more regular now. 😁

  • oneta hayes
    Posted at 08:51h, 08 September Reply

    I’m doing a lot of posting, all short but combination of humorous or serious. Mostly fun. I’m doing a 30 day prompt by Michelle Cook. Lots of variety. Got to write for tomorrow it will be serious. Today’s funny Busy Billy. Anyway I do enjoy the blogging – writing, reading, and commenting. It takes lots of time. I’ll go look at the picture again. Thanks for your response.

  • Hira
    Posted at 10:44h, 08 September Reply

    Hey.. MIA lady. It is good to hear from you. I know house renovation is a draining task but the end is so satisfactory 😀
    I still look out for humorous/funny blogs and I have found few, but it isn’t a very favourite genre in the blogosphere. So I keep looking.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 10:56h, 08 September Reply

      HEY!!!! How have you been? Yes, it’s not easy to write humour but you do it so well. I’ll be sharing some blogs in my next post. Not humour blogs though, mostly travel and food related. Hope you will like those.

  • Vinay Leo R.
    Posted at 19:56h, 08 September Reply

    Oh boy, that’s one hectic week, and one brilliant fall (or rise) in rank. 🙂 way to go! I like the theme for the next few posts. 😀 I’m not having any theme though.

    PS: Hope the editing goes well, and the novel comes published soon! all the best.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 20:53h, 08 September Reply

      It’s been crazy but fun. 😀 😀 Trying to work on it a little bit everyday. *Fingers crossed* 🙂 Thank you for your wishes. I need them. 😀

  • mitadaur
    Posted at 21:46h, 08 September Reply

    Whoa. That’s a lot of work for a week. I wish I could do that much work. And congrats on the better alexa rank.

    I am also interested in joining this alexa campaign. Could you please help me what to do with this?

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 09:38h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you! 🙂 For the My Friend Alexa campaign, the registrations are closed for this year. It is hosted and organised by Blogchatter, every year. I had shared the link in the previous post. Do follow them on Twitter and check their website. 🙂

      • mitadaur
        Posted at 12:21h, 11 September Reply

        Thanks for the info. Sure, I will take a look at them.

  • cherylsterling1955
    Posted at 08:45h, 09 September Reply

    You are very busy! I sympathize with all the construction you face. We built one house, and the stress was tremendous. Here’s hoping life settles down soon!

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 09:45h, 09 September Reply

      Oh gosh! Construction from ground up must have been maddening! Thank you for your wishes. Shall drop in to your blog soon. 🙂

  • Gleefulblogger
    Posted at 09:30h, 09 September Reply

    geee Hats off to you! Even after such maddening work and hectic time at moving homes working around renovation you still managed the Commitment. huh Great Deal – speaks so much like Salman Khan – meine ek baar jo commitment kar di fir mein apne app ki bhi nahi sunta/ti 😉
    lovely fun read..

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 09:46h, 09 September Reply

      I have help from alien forces. 😀 😀 Thank you so much for reading and commenting. 🙂

  • Varsh
    Posted at 09:57h, 09 September Reply

    I don’t know what I enjoyed more, this post or you making your super hectic time sound like mountain-climbing (yet managing to complete engagements!). 😁
    I hope the renovation work gets over soon. Keep the humour intact, always. Good luck for everything else.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 10:13h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you so much! This comment just made my day! 🙂 Thrilled to know you enjoyed the humour and the exaggerated drama! 😀 😀

  • Obsessivemom
    Posted at 10:55h, 09 September Reply

    Wandering soul you’re a funny soul too. Your post had me grinning through it. Oh and I empathise – I absolutely abhor shifting and renovation and I’m very impressed that you’re managing to do anything at all while those men move in and out of the house. Kudos to that spirit – May your Alexa drop like an anchor right to the bottom of the sea. Good luck.

  • Ashima Jain
    Posted at 11:05h, 09 September Reply

    All the best for the life chapters you are busy writing. It is going to be one great book at the end 🙂

  • Mayuri Nidigallu
    Posted at 11:34h, 09 September Reply

    Welcome aboard to Alexa.
    As your senior, I was part of Season 1 of Alexa, let me assure you that it’s going to one fun ride!
    Yes, you do have too much on your hands right now, but look at it this way; everything, the house, Alexa, your writing, will all get done together! Great, na!:)))

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 11:40h, 09 September Reply

      True! Besides, crazy is normal for me. So I say, ‘Bring it on!’ 😀

  • Disha
    Posted at 12:12h, 09 September Reply

    You are busy with loads of stuff, but still managing it well. That’s the spirit!
    I loved your funny take on the humongous task list that you have to complete. 🙂

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 13:21h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you so much! 🙂 Glad you liked it. 🙂

  • Aesha
    Posted at 13:14h, 09 September Reply

    Shifting home is definetely a task. you have the guts to participate in a writing challenge shows your mattle. All the best for your book.

  • anindya0909
    Posted at 13:20h, 09 September Reply

    Its the passion for blogging and why you started blogging will take you ahead. Great writing. All of us go through this phase where we cannot devote enough time needed for the blog . DOnt give up. Will look forward to more posts from you.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 13:24h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you so much for saying that. Means a lot! 🙂

  • Geethica
    Posted at 14:48h, 09 September Reply

    Shifting of a house is a really big task. And kudos to you to perform it so well. Blogging requires all of the energies you have. It is not as easy as it looks.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 18:35h, 09 September Reply

      True. I’ve been a little erratic in blogging recently but trying to come back to it now. Thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂

  • ashiot
    Posted at 15:49h, 09 September Reply

    You seem to have your hands full! My Friend Alexa has been a good experience thus far. I like your style of writing. I am a former UFO buff. It’s nice to have landed on your site.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 18:32h, 09 September Reply

      I am so glad you landed. 🙂 Hi-five on that. I absolutely loved Jadoo of Koi Mil Gaya. How I wish I could have flown away with him. 😀 Thank you for the follow too! 🙂

  • Iram
    Posted at 15:53h, 09 September Reply

    I can well understand the pain of renovation and shifting. It’d really a hectic process. Hope you remain motivated with this #MyfriendAlexa campaign 🙂

  • Vasantha Vivek
    Posted at 15:59h, 09 September Reply

    I have also gone through this tough times of shifting and cleaning. Glad that you could make yourself cool during this difficult time. Your writing is so catchy. Happy to join with you for #MyFriendAlexa !!!

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 18:30h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Vasantha. Writing is the only thing that helps me vent out all the frustrations and insecurities. Am so glad to have met you too. 🙂

  • kreativemommy
    Posted at 18:13h, 09 September Reply

    I can completely understand how tough it is to stay committed to something like this when you have several responsibilities. But You are doing a great job Piyusha. Keep going. Happy Alexa month. 🙂

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 18:26h, 09 September Reply

      Thank you so much! I’m dreading the time when that course will actually start. That’s when i expect it to be absolutely maddening. 😀 Thanks for your encouragement. 🙂

  • Anchal
    Posted at 19:35h, 09 September Reply

    Shifting and settling down is a huge job. Hope you settle down soon and can keep you with the campaign. Happy Blogging 🙂

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 11:57h, 10 September Reply

      We live in eternal hope. 😀 Thank you! Happy Blogging to you too. 🙂

  • momsmethods
    Posted at 20:47h, 09 September Reply

    I can imagine how tough it is to survive while the house renovation is on.. We had a major renovation happening during my last year of engineering and I went nuts… eventually, they had to first do up a small temporary makeshift corner for me before getting back to tearing up the place and putting it back up

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 11:55h, 10 September Reply

      Oh how I wish the labourers would do that for my aging parents. But no scope for that as they have attacked the whole place in one go. 😀 We sit in the balcony. 😀 Looking forward to the finished apartment. 🙂

  • Paresh Godhwani
    Posted at 21:07h, 09 September Reply

    I have gone through this. I have sat and blogged in the dirty corner during the renovation of my house. I use to write as labourers used to leave in the evening sitting on the cupboard and all. Actually it was fun. Now my alexa rank has also improved a lot in one week only. Looking forward to your list of blogs. Cheers!

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 11:53h, 10 September Reply

      It is maddening and fun, yes. 😀 Thank you so much!

  • MusafirHunYaaron
    Posted at 21:30h, 09 September Reply

    l love this we feeling of the campaign.
    Good luck with Alexa
    Love
    P.

  • pythoroshan
    Posted at 22:52h, 09 September Reply

    You’ll find the change in Alexa ranking is huge by the end of the month. The dip will be as much as 70% of the original number at times. All the best

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 02:04h, 10 September Reply

      WOW! That’s quite awesome! Looking forward to that. 🙂 Thank you so much!

  • aseemrastogi2
    Posted at 23:05h, 09 September Reply

    Wow! You seem to be quite a multi-tasker. The My Friend Alexa campaign is pretty awesome and am sure you will see an even greater dip at the end of the month. All the best :).

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 02:04h, 10 September Reply

      Thank you so much for your wishes. Fingers crossed. 🙂

  • mahekg
    Posted at 01:06h, 10 September Reply

    You are seriously having some time…Kudos to your spirit to go on. I am sure at the end of it you will be a satisfied person.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 01:50h, 10 September Reply

      😀 That’s the motivation. 🙂 Thank you for visiting and commenting. 🙂

      • mahekg
        Posted at 22:38h, 10 September Reply

        All the Best

  • Shamik
    Posted at 01:32h, 10 September Reply

    Superb busy bee you are… seriously… phewww… I can understand how tiresome it is for house renovation. I’ve gone through it… But kudos to you that you are still enthusiastic and read the day-wise readings… keep it up and inspire others 🙂

  • alpanadeo
    Posted at 02:56h, 10 September Reply

    This is my first time too for Alexa campaign and inspire of all my work that I have on my plate right now, I think the guidelines of writing two posts per week and reading as much as we can is what keeps us going. So..good luck.Just 2 more weeks to go..(I have a habit of not counting whats going on….it gives me a feeling of happiness..:))

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 10:48h, 10 September Reply

      True! Thanks for visiting and commenting. 🙂
      P.S. – I have removed your blog URL from your comment. 🙂

  • Reema D'souza
    Posted at 10:52h, 10 September Reply

    I totally understand! I’ve been struggling as well to manage blogging these days.
    I really like the way you write. The comment box quote is my favourite. I loved reading the various blogs that came up from The My Friend Alexa campaign. Hope to read more from your blog 🙂

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 10:59h, 10 September Reply

      We may be struggling but we’ll get there eventually. 🙂 Thank you so much! My Friend Alexa has indeed done wonders towards pushing us to blog. My blog is back to life again. 😀 Thanks again, Hope to keep you entertained. 🙂

  • Avinash Gupta
    Posted at 11:07h, 10 September Reply

    Bravo-great to know your alexa has dropped so much- even I am getting good results for my own blog.

  • Kuheli Bhattacharya
    Posted at 12:01h, 10 September Reply

    I know how it is. The year I started my blog I posted 9 posts in a year, the year after that 8 posts. And now blogchatter and myalexa campaign want me posting 8 posts in a month!?!? Crazzzy but between being a surgeon, and mom and a food n travel blogger I am torn . But love writing.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 13:02h, 10 September Reply

      And you write so beautifully too, my fellow MSQ author! I’ve managed to post 21 posts in a month once, and a total of 138 last year. And this year total only 13 posts. 🙁 Blogging is certainly a full-time job in itself. But since writing is our passion, we can’t stop. 😀 All the best for your 8 posts. Cheering for you, and can’t wait to read them. 🙂

  • anupriya
    Posted at 15:43h, 10 September Reply

    I guess the idea of taking up challenges is to stretch yourself beyond your known limits. I am drawing a lot of inspiration from fellow bloggers like you who are committed to the cause of blogging and are coming up with posts that are fun to read and those I can so relate to.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 08:00h, 11 September Reply

      Thank you so much! I am so happy to know you enjoyed reading it.

  • Isheeria's Healing Circles
    Posted at 16:16h, 10 September Reply

    Congrats on the new home 🙂 & good luck with the renovations and settling in – This is just the very exciting beginning! May i recommend, carry your own folding chairs, place them and settle in! 😉
    Kudos to keep going despite the schedule!

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 08:01h, 11 September Reply

      Oh, that’s a great idea. 🙂 Thank you so much!

  • Diya@februaryreve
    Posted at 17:53h, 10 September Reply

    Hey!
    Your house moving description reminded me of the time we got whitewash done at our place. Ugh. Hats off to you. Managing anything with that mammoth of a task should make you eligible for some sort of bravery award(or at least some discount at Baskin Robbins!), More power to you!

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 08:02h, 11 September Reply

      A discount at Baskin Robbins? I am already running out to the door. 😀 😀 Thank you soo much! 🙂

  • apsster
    Posted at 20:08h, 10 September Reply

    Exactly my thoughts. The results are pretty amazing, I’d say!

    Keep writing. 🙂

    apsster

  • Keerthi Vydyula
    Posted at 20:16h, 10 September Reply

    My knowledge about My Friend Alexa campaign was “ZERO” i was reluctant to take part at first but one of my friends encouraged me to. Thank God! I did. It gives me boost to write… Happy to see you write in-spite of a busy schedule…Keep sharing!

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 08:03h, 11 September Reply

      I am glad you decided to participate. It’s fun, isn’t it? 🙂 Thank you for visiting.

  • Shalzzz
    Posted at 15:41h, 11 September Reply

    I learnt about Alexa only when I joined this campaign last year. The information and knowledge were too much to handle and I was overwhelmed in the beginning. But it has helped my blogs a great deal lot. I hope it does for you too 🙂

  • Natasha
    Posted at 18:16h, 11 September Reply

    Hiya Pyeeusha, Good to land on your blog this Monday evening. I can see you are as much a nut case as me, probably a tad nuttier, but that’s what makes us stand out. Pun intended.
    Hope your Alexa rank gathers great momentum, just like your pen. Shine on…

  • Ashwini Dodani (@AshwiniDodani)
    Posted at 17:20h, 13 September Reply

    I love how you articulate your thoughts. They are crisp yet long, and the reader stays glued to read till the end. Even we went through entire house shifting last weekend so I can understand what you might be going through but so far you are doing good and all the best for coming weeks 🙂

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 12:16h, 15 September Reply

      Thanks so much, Ashwini, for your kind words. 🙂 Yeah, I am already dreading the shifting stage. 😀

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