Friday, April 4, 2014

Natflix&Books Just Turned One!

Friday, April 4, 2014 6:46 AM with 26 comments

Natflix&Books just turned One! 

 

So, ahem, I kind of completely dropped the ball on my own blogaversary. For some reason I thought I started this blog a little bit later in April, but, nope, my first post was on April 2nd. I had planned on doing a giveaway--and I do still plan on doing something--but life has just been getting in the way. Working 3 part-time jobs is pulling me in too many different directions. I'm also almost at 250 BL followers, so sometime this Spring I do plan on doing a joint blogiversary/follower giveaway. I almost didn't post anything, but I don't want to just let this milestone pass without any acknowledgement. 

I started this blog on a bit of a whim. I'd been posting reviews to Goodreads for about a year when I started and had seen that several of my GR buddies had blogs. I was already getting a few ARCs from NetGalley, and decided that to go ahead and leap in to the blogging world. I chose a couple of memes and posted some reviews and before I knew it, I started getting followers and making connections and friends.

Besides the awesome people I've met--and you are all awesome--the best thing for me about this blog is that I am actually writing. Writing used to be such a huge part of my life all throughout childhood into my early 20s. I was constantly writing in my journal or writing short stories or poetry, but once I graduated college and settled down with my now husband, I just stopped. This blog has made me excited to write again--something for which I am incredibly thankful.

This year has been absolutely crazy for me. As most of you know, from August to December of 2013 I was in my final semester of graduate school to get my master's in education. During those 4 months I was student teaching seniors in high school (which consisted of creating lessons, grading major essays, and teaching--not to mention the myriad other things teachers have to do like create tests and rubrics and sit in on parent conferences, etc, etc), taking two graduate classes, and working part-time at both the library and at the office. Needless to say, this was the busiest, most stressful time of my life, but I was still trying to post at least once a week just to keep blogging in my life. I cannot even begin to explain how awesome it was to hear from my blogger friends who continued to drop by my blog even though I was barely posting to comment on what I did post and to give me words of encouragement. The blogging community isn't perfect (what is?), but I have met some really awesome people and feel like I can honestly call some of you my friends. I'm not going to name names because I'm terrified of forgetting somebody, but you know who you are and please know that I adore you. 

So I just want to take a moment to say: Thank You! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and reading my posts and commenting on my discussions and reviews. Book bloggers are some of the most wonderful people on this planet and I feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing community. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 


26 comments:

  1. Congratulations! This is quite an accomplishment especially when you have been busy student teaching, which I know is a huge commitment. Happy Blogoversary!

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    1. Thanks, Christina! I'm done with my student teaching now, thankfully, so am not quite as crazy as I was this winter. Thanks, again!

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  2. Oh, yay! Congratulations on the milestone...that's quite the feat, especially considering you maintained the blog during such a tumultuous year in your personal life! I love seeing your thoughtful -- and thought-provoking -- posts, and I hope that no matter what's around the bend, you'll stick around, even if it's just to post something like this once a week. =) Happy blogoversary!

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    1. Thanks, Jen! I've always appreciated how much support you've shown to me and my blog. I absolutely love reading your thoughtful and thought-provoking posts, as well. You're the best! *HUGS*

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  3. All hail, Queen B! Lol Congratulations, Natalie. I love visiting your blogs. You are one of the most insightful bloggers out there. :)

    Here's to a lot more!

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    1. Aw! Thanks so much, Joy! I really appreciate how supportive you've been. I love your blog, too!

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  4. Congrats, Natalie! You've done a great job with this blog in just a year---it's become a favorite of mine! :) Cheers to many more years of books and blogging!!

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    1. Thanks, Becky! I love your blog, too. It always makes me want to eat a cupcake. Lol. Cheers!

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  5. Congratulations dearie! I hope to see you around for much, much longer. I can't believe I only discovered your blog and met you a few months ago. Happy Blogoversary! <3

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    1. Thanks, Amber! I'm so happy that we did meet. I love coming to your blog, too!

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  6. Happy blogoversary! It's amazing how busy you are yet you still find time to write this blog (and read so much, of course). Love your blog!! ~Pam

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    1. Thanks, Pam. I love your blog, too! Thanks for being so supportive!

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  7. HAPPY BLOGGY BIRTHDAY!!! Thank YOU for writing such an awesome blog!! XD

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    1. Aw, thanks, Cait! I'm so glad we've connected. I love your blog!

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  8. Congratulations and Happy Blogiversary :)

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  9. Happy Blogversary, Natalie! I've enjoyed reading your posts and getting to know you!

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    1. Thanks, Amy! I've enjoyed getting to know you and your blog, too!

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  10. Hooray! Happy one year blogiversary! I can still remember when you first started and I have always adored your blog, your reviews, your posts, and hearing how your week has been! Also, your love of the 90s makes me SO happy!

    Here's to many more awesome years :) xox

    Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist

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    1. Thanks, Mands! I've always appreciated how supportive you've been of me and my blog! The 90s ruled. What can I say? :)

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  11. Congrats! Balancing blogging and real life like grad school must be crazy I finished grad school right before we started The Quiet Concert. Awesome job though :)

    Ashley @ The Quiet Concert

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  12. Happy blogiversary!! I completely forgot about my own and never did do a post. So don't worry about that! I'm so glad you kept blogging, even during your insanely busy semester. You are one of my favorite bloggers and I would be so incredibly sad if you had left. I hope you're not stressing yourself out with 3 jobs! I can hardly manage one ;) Looking forward to another year of your blog!!!

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Hello, there! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I read each and every one and will do my best to respond--usually on your blog instead of on mine. I will, however, always answer direct questions. Due to serious time restraints, this blog is now an award free zone, but I appreciate the thought!