Another year of blogging has zoomed by and with it - a lot of changes in my life. Those changes (not just work) have dramatically affected my reading and blogging life. But one must adjust to the needs of the family first, so that's what I did.
Now that school is out for the summer (Hooray!), I am swamped with all the other duties/chores/projects that I have neglected all year (Boo!). I have made room for more reading, though - a must for my sanity. As for all those other duties - they are being addressed, slowly but surely (well, maybe not surely). Even though I have boosted my effort to increase my visits to fellow bloggers, I'm still not making much headway. I begin to catch up on a couple, then ten times that have already been added on by the time I'm finished. Frankly, I just can't keep up.
Plans for Year #5? Well, there are no definitive plans, just hopes and dreams. I'm not sure as to my working status come September, so specific plans are out the window. However, for the remaining part of the summer and until change deems it necessary, I will continue to read, blog and visit others as best I can. I miss the connection with other bloggers, but understand the unwritten law of posting and receiving comments in the blogosphere. To those that have not followed that law to a T - my deepest gratitude. It has been an odd year for me in many ways and little things like that have been welcomed, bright spots in my days.
Thank you!
Other than that, my reading choices will be like this past year - whatever strikes my fancy. They will come from many different sources: TBR Shelves, the mail (ARCs and newly purchased), friends and family, bookstores, and the library ("new shelf", old shelves and book sales). I will continue to soak up recommendations from a variety of people and places, and choose what fits the mood. I'm excited and look forward to reading some fantastic books.
Speaking of "fantastic books," my average rating thus far in 2010 is 3.5/5 (good). And, I have only added two to my Best Reads category. That's just wrong. I don't think the books I've read got a fair shake in ratings this year, especially in comparison to past years. I suppose all the changes and working has caused me to be stingy with the numbers. I don't know. Hopefully that will change soon. The authors and publishers will appreciate it, I'm sure. :) In the long run, though, a "good" rating for 61 books isn't that bad. Is it?
Happy Reading to everyone!
*Side Note: The not-so-pretty "4" above represents my life this year. Messed up, but still keeping it together. :)
Wow! 4 years of blogging is a lifetime of anything else. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 4 years!
ReplyDeleteI wish you happiness, good books, peace, and even better books.
I'm bad about commenting as well, but we all have to do what we can to not be overwhelmed. Reading our books is the first priority.
Big Brother started. Are you watching? I still miss Dan and Memphis - they were the best.
Congratulations on 4 years of blogging, Joy!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Joy, first of all, Happy Blogversary! I think I first dicovered your blog about 3 years ago. I was totally amazed at the amount of books you could get through. I've always loved your concise reviews. You manage to say in a few words what takes me paragraphs and paragraphs to tell. That is a gift!!
ReplyDeleteI've missed your sweet comments this year, but if anyone understands life happening, it's me. You gotta know that we will be here whenever you have a moment and will think about you even if you don't have a chance to "officially" leave a comment. Take care of yourself. Big hugs!
I loved reading your post and it helped me put my reading into perspective. I was hoping to get through my ARCS this summer but I'm about 4 books behind...maybe I'm too hard on myself! I'm hoping that the last half of your year is filled with 4 and 5 rating books!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget...we're all a bit messed up :)
Congratulations on 4 years, Joy. My three year past without a blink of the eye from me. I relate to a lot of what you've written in this post and I do hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteAnd 61 books. :) Sure beats my 11!!
Best wishes to you.
Happy Blogiversary!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 4 years!! I've read your blog from the very beginning and it's still one of my favorites. You have truly perfected the concise 'tell it like it is' review. I love that about your blog. You continue to be a regular contributor to my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteI've missed your presence in the blogosphere while you've been so busy, but totally understand that there are just so many hours in a day. I can't possibly read and comment on all the blogs I'd like to so it just has to be a hit and miss kind of thing when I have time.
Love your goals for the coming year - I'm a strong proponent of reading whatever strikes your fancy!!
Looking forward to many more years of book chat with you.
Congratualtions on 4 years!! Keeping up with other blogs is hard. I've just about figured it out, but know that when baby arrives it will all go out the window!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping for another great 4 years :)
Bermudaonion ~ Thank you!
ReplyDeleteRaidergirl3 ~ Thanks for the wishes. I hope they come true.
Yes! I'm watching!!! They have an interesting group of characters this season, don't they? They truly are very unique.
Cassie ~ Thank you, Mother-of-the-Year! :) I'm watching your boys grow - just haven't been able to comment. Hang in there, Cassie. You're doing a great job! Your boys are so blessed to have a mom like you. (I mean that from my heart.)
Kay ~ Thank YOU for your kind words. I do know that you understand the trials and tribulations that life can bring. Thanks for the support.
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ Tee Hee! Thanks for the giggle with the messed up comment!
I agree that sometimes our own goals can be what causes us to be overwhelmed. I hope you have been able to relax and enjoy your summer reading.
As for those 4s and 5s - I'm so hoping for the same thing! Currently I'm liking all my books! I'm actually a little giddy about them. It feels so good when they are calling me, then to get so immersed is the best!
Trish ~ Hey there, you! Did you get a haircut? Looks cute! :) I'm astonished as to how long it's been. However, on the other hand, it feels like I've been doing this forever. It's just as natural as picking up a book. For me, reading is is synonymous with blogging.
Have you been quilting more? Or just busy with other callings? Eleven books doesn't seem like you.
Vickie ~ Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSuzi ~ Thanks, Suzi (aka: book-blogging leader)! I really don't know how you've kept up (reading, blogging, etc.) over the years with working full-time and still living life. I know certain jobs require more "out-of-the-office" work (mine in particular) and family lives are different, but still!!! You are super-woman! :) I do have to accept that my online time is limited now and not beat myself up over it. I miss it, though, and that makes it more difficult to swallow. I appreciate your support. Thank you.
Many more years of book chat for sure!!!
Stacybuckeye ~ Thank you. Yes, your blogging life - life in general, is going to change forever! BUT, all for the better. There's nothing like having a baby! :) :) :) You are going to be blessed more than you could ever imagine.
Happy Belated Blogiversary, Joy!! I'm almost 2 weeks late to this blog entry, but I know you understand. Life really has a way of taking over sometimes. I don't know how I used to be able to visit all my favorite blogs AND post 3 to 4 entries on my own blog AND go to work AND take care of my house & home. Really, how did we do it back then? I don't think I've added more blogs to my "favorites" but it sure seems like I'm stretched to the limit when it comes to visiting my buddies. But yours is one of my Top Ten to visit at least a couple of times a week. I would've seen this earlier, but I've been in San Diego and Virginia Beach for the past couple of weeks. Summer fun!
ReplyDeleteHere's to many more years of blogging and friendship, dear friend!
Les ~ Thank you! Even with more time available during these summer months, I was still struggling to keep up or even just getting caught up. I've had to purposefully decide to let that anxiety go and just enjoy what I can/want to do. It was either decrease my GoogleReader to a reasonable amount so I could comment regularly or continue to read/peruse all the blogs I love and comment when I can. I chose the latter. If only we could control life, huh? Actually, I don't think I'd want that job. :) I think I'll stick with going with the flow and making the best of what I have. And, having you as a dear friend is a "best" all on its own - even when we don't like one another's favorite books. :)
ReplyDeleteI've had to purposefully decide to let that anxiety go and just enjoy what I can/want to do.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I'm doing these days. Visit when I can. Comment when I can. Post and respond to comments on my blog when I can.
You're a dear friend, too! :)