So this concept is going around the travel blogging sphere (I’ve been waiting ages to work that phrase into my writing!) called the “7 Links” project. It’s apparently put on by Tripbase, and the idea is that you are nominated by someone to post up seven of your favourite links from your own blog, then pass it on by nominating other bloggers to do the same.
Given the fact that I am not a travel blogger and this is not a travel blog, you can see that people have already scraped the bottom of the travel blogging barrel and are grasping at straws, which is how I managed to score a nomination. My blog is also only 7 and a half months old, and let’s face it, seven links is nearly the majority of what I’ve written.
Exciting update: While reading other people’s 7 links, I ended up on the site explaining the “rules” of this project and it isn’t restricted to travel bloggers! To quote, “to unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor…“ So I’m not intruding on the party at all!!
But hey, who am I to turn down a nomination (it means someone out there likes me)?! A way to shamelessly promote my blog and the stuff that I’ve written? I’m down with that. A way to weasel out of thinking of something of my own to write for a post this week? I’m even more down with that.
So here goes my non-travel blog version of the 7 links:
First of all, I want to thank the Academy…It’s an honour just to be nominated…I have to mention Melanie from Odysseus Drifts for helping me get this far (nominating me)…*instrumental music plays over the rest of my acceptance speech*
1. My Most Beautiful Post
See? Pretty beautiful!
Some people might equate beautiful with their writing, but I’m going to take another approach here and choose The Post Where I Make Excuses for Not Posting for this one. I didn’t write a lot when I was in the midst of the craziness that was our weddings, but to make up for it, I posted some of our wedding portraits and linked to the albums of the rest. Since I love the pictures, I deem it my most beautiful.
2. My Most Popular Post
My haircut audience
As far as visitor numbers, my most popular post is Double Takes. This one featured me waxing on about standing out as a redheaded near-albino in small-town China and freaking out delivery men with my foreign-ness. I think it has been popular partly because of the humour (at least I hope so!) and partly because it has resonated with other foreigners and travelers who have experienced similar situations.
3. My Most Controversial Post
Driving in one lane is for sissies!
I believe this one would have to be An Open Letter to China’s Drivers. This post really seemed to rile a few people up, and they proceeded to try to explain the logic behind swerving between lanes on a highway at high speeds and slamming on the brake pedals. For the record, I still think there is no acceptable explanation for it and that Chinese people’s highway driving needs serious improvement!
4. My Most Helpful Post
I’m going to go out on a limb here and state for the record that I really don’t think any of my posts are that helpful, nor are they intended to be! But if I have to choose one that falls somewhat into this category, it would be The REAL Reason Chinese People Open Windows in Winter. It provides first-hand insight into Chinese behaviour and logic, as well as an introduction to the most repeated phrase in this country (“China has a very long history…”).
5. A Post Whose Success Surprised Me
Hands down, this is The Key to a Good Marriage. This post was simply intended to share a funny, yet true, comment my husband made, and yet I’ve noticed that it is the second-highest viewed post I’ve written and my blog is now attracting search traffic for marriage help. Uh oh.
6. A Post That Didn’t Get the Attention it Deserved
If this is a project for the travel blogging sphere (I got to use that phrase again! I’m on a roll!!), then I’m sure there are lots of stories about nearly dying. But just because there are a lot of those kind of stories doesn’t mean that they aren’t all totally awesome – mostly because they didn’t happen to you. But for some reason, My “I Nearly Died in a Taxi Overseas” Story has not garnered a lot of attention. Check it out people – it has fiery explosions…well, almost.
7. The Post That I Am Most Proud Of
Two peas in a pod!
Technically, the story itself is on another blog, but I am most proud of the story of How I Met My Husband. If not for meeting and falling in love with him, I wouldn’t have nearly as many funny stories as I do, and I likely wouldn’t have started this blog in the first place. Thanks for making me laugh and being such a good sport, babe!
And now I get to nominate others to continue. Is there anyone out there who hasn’t already done this?! Let’s see…
Tanya at http://www.idreamofdurian.com
Sasha at http://www.onurwaytravel.com/
Pam at http://spunkygirlmonologues.com
Andi at http://mybeautifuladventures.com
Lauren at http://thehoghiehub.wordpress.com/
I got to China at the end of winter this year so I didn’t notice the open-window thing (although I did notice the no-indoor-heating thing). I’m glad I know why this happens so I don’t have to bother asking why when winter rolls around again this year. In Japan, they didn’t do the open-window thing but they also didn’t have any central heating & the buildings were very drafty. I never understood this seeing as in Japan you can buy toilet seats that are more high-tech than most computers (including one that can screen for cancer — I kid you not), why can’t they put a little insulation in the houses. When I asked people would just say, “It’s Japanese tradition.” What? Freezing to death? That’s a tradition? Arrggh!
We do have central heating (hot water radiators) here in the north, but it’s only on from Nov. 15 to March 15 and it’s not overly effective. Especially when the windows are open! I have been told it’s Chinese tradition too, and I don’t understand why anyone would want to continue the tradition of giving one another hypothermia. Perhaps it’s a form of population control? Interesting that the Japanese have a similar tradition – won’t that knowledge just rile up so many Chinese (something in common with Japanese people? The HORROR!).
Great list, I had fun reading the ones I hadn’t already!!!
And thanks for nominating me finally I can be cool!!! 
You’re very welcome!
Can’t wait to check these posts out!!!
Hi! Thanks for your message the other day!! I love reading your stories…I find myself nodding in agreement or recognition with you often, haha.
Your wedding pictures really turned out cool, too. Sure you can contact me via email – shannon.ingleby@gmail.com – Talk to you soon!
I’m glad I’m not the only one experiencing this stuff!! And thanks, we love our wedding pictures. Will send you an email soon!
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