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Monday, January 19, 2015

Thoughts on my 4 year blogoversary

My 4 year blogoversary actually came and went back in November 2014. But well, I was a bit busy at the time. When I made up my post last week featuring some graphs of my reading stats in 2014, it struck me just how much I've changed as a reader in these four years. I thought I would take some time to reflect on what has changed in the four years since I've been blogging:

1. I've found a way to maximize my reading time. With every year of blogging that passes, I read 25 more books than the year prior (in 2011, I read 50 books; in 2012, I read 75 books; in 2013, I read 100 books; in 2014, I read 125 books). When I first started blogging in 2010, I couldn't IMAGINE reading 125 books in a year. But since then, I've learned to utilize audiobooks, make the most of my spare time, and also not to pressure myself to read when I don't want to or else I get burnt out. I'm reading WAY more than when I started and I'm also enjoying myself more!

2. I've figured out my reading tastes and have become more selective. Used to be, I saw a book that had even the tiniest interest to me or a book with a pretty cover and I just HAD to have it. I'd request books willy-nilly and then become massively overwhelmed. But in these four years, I've really learned what works for me and what doesn't reading-wise and have subsequently become more selective in my reading picks, pretty covers be damned! This has also resulted in me enjoying my reading time more, with a consequent increase in my average book ratings.

3. It's good to diversify my reading genres or else I WILL get burnt out. When I started blogging, I was reading almost exclusively fantasy and dystopian fiction. Nowadays, if I read too many of the same genre one after another, the stories all start to blur together for me. Got to introduce some contemporary and historical fiction into the mix to keep things fresh!

4. Non-fiction does not mean boring reading. This is actually something that I only discovered this past year. Ditto for contemporary fiction and classical fiction. I used to avoid these genres like the plague. Now they are some of my all-time favourites!

5. ARCs and egalleys aren't the be-all and end-all. Don't get me wrong, I still get PUMPED when I get accepted by a publisher and when I'm holding an ARC in my hands. It's an unpublished manuscript and it's exciting! But it's so easy to get caught in the trap of impulse-requesting and only ever reading new releases when there so many excellent old releases to get to. I've learned to keep my requesting down, and thus the pressure of review books, and ended up happier for it as well.

6. I do not have to own every book. Sure, it's awfully tempting when you see people take in these MASSIVE hauls every week and you feel so envious because you want all the pretties too! But when I think of all the books I bought on impulse and then never read years and years later, it makes me sad. Plus, I only have so much space so you got to bet I prioritize owning only the most SPECIAL of books in my heart. I donate the rest when I'm done reading (or even before if it's been sitting on my shelf unread for years). And my wallet DEFINITELY thanks me for keeping my book buying to a minimum!

7. I do not feel compelled to finish series if I'm not enamoured with the first book. I'm hopeless when it comes to DNFing in the MIDDLE of a book, but once I'm done that first book in the series and I wasn't feeling it? Dump it. I didn't used to think that way four years ago; I still felt compelled to follow series through to the end. But now I have WAY too many series on-the-go already, so I've learned to prioritize finishing only my absolute faves.

To sum up, I am a more confident and HAPPY reader than I've ever been! I definitely still experience slumps from time to time (who doesn't?), but I like my policy of reading WHAT I want, WHEN I want and I plan to stick to it as much as I can!

I also want to take the time to say thank you to the people who have made an impact on my blogging life these past four years (in an approximate chronological order in which I met them). Thank you to Small and Gina, who were my first followers and whom I still love to have bookish chats with to this day; thank you to Alison who was my first and really only longstanding follower through Follow Friday and made me feel not so alone in the blogging world; thank you to Sara who I found soon after that and, even though our reading tastes differ so much, is definitely one of my blog bffs; thank you to Zahida who I found as a newbie blogger and to this day is my #1 author signing buddy; thank you to Alex who posts cute things that always cheer me up and who is also the sweetest; thank you to Logan who is so nice and I wish she blogged more; thank you to Jenny who was intimidating at first because she was a big blogger and I was a newbie, but turns out she is the nicest, writes the best reviews, and is a super talented designer; thank you to Missie The Unread Reader who quit blogging a long time ago, but who I still think about from time to time and miss her presence and kindness; thank you to Melissa who hasn't blogged in a long while, but who's presence I always appreciate; thank you to Julie who also hasn't blogged in a while, but who I think is swell; thank you to Juju who is always so lovely, always; thank you to Lea who writes the savviest reviews and is always trustworthy; thank you to Lauren who I want as a real life friend because she throws the best parties and is the nicest; thank you to Elena for being an inspiration with great taste in music and desserts; thank you to Lauren who writes 5 Star reviews that make you want to drop everything to get that book; thank you to Christa and Andrea who left a party to come get me and didn't make me feel bad when I was a fool and got lost in Toronto; thank you to Giselle and Jenni for being spunky and inspiring; thank you to the Edmonton Book Bloggers for being so welcoming to such a shy, awkward girl; thank you to Kristilyn, the mother of the EBBs and the cutest boy; thank you to Ambur for always being so positive that it makes me want to be a better person; thank you to Cassie and Megan for giving me rides and for great conversation; thank you to Leanne for being so great to talk to; thank you to Mel for being the sweetest Disney princess I know; thank you to Jessica for being the kindest and always liking my posts; thank you to Sarika who is one of my Potter Pals and my longest distance blog friend; thank you to Sana who blows me away with her artistic creativity; thank you to Sam who stopped reviewing unexpectedly, which is so sad because damn, she's a fantastic writer and always spot-on; thank you to Meg for all the amazing awesome comments and fangirling; thank you to Amanda and Courtney who I started following only within the past few years, but who know their stuff and are always trustworthy reviewers; thank you to Micheline, my fellow Potter Fan Extraordinaire who I found only two years or so ago but who will be my book twin for life; thank you to Elle who is the smartest person her age that I know and also more mature than a lot of adults I know; thank you to Katie, my non-fiction guru; thank you to Lauren who always makes my day with her comments; thank you to Jen who's blog changes so often, but who I will always follow because she's awesome; thank you to Shelly for being outgoing and making me feel less awkward; thank you to Romi, one of my newest blogging friends who is also one of the sweetest and most thoughtful; thank you to AveryKatie, Christina, KateKaren, Hafsah, Amna, Rummanah, CarinaKristin, Natalie, Sandy, Bonnie, Emily, Brandi, Renu, Amber, Judith, Amara, Lauren, Sarah, Cialina, Nori, LizBecky, Sugar, Maja, Lulu, Janhvi, Stephanie, VarshaChloe, Cassi, KimCaaleros, Preethi, and Lola for all the comment love over the years. I am going to punch myself if I've forgotten to name someone here - please forgive me!

And thank you to anyone and everyone who has ever taken the time to read and/or comment on my blog. BEARHUGS FOR EVERYONE!


And finally, a giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

52 comments :

  1. Awww, Eilidh!!! :D Congratulations on your 4th Blogaversary!!! I would've wished it to you in November, but I've definitely also fallen into the too busy trap. :P But, I'm glad that I can wish it to you now!!! And thank you for your kind words!!! You are one of the best people I know already, so if I can inspire you to want to be even better, that's pretty awesome. :) Just stay as fantastic as you already are, and you will go far, Eilidh! :)

    I love your reflections!!! It's crazy how much things change over the years, and you don't even really realize it until you look back. I'm also super impressed with how your reading has grown over the years! :) Well done! :D I'm hoping to get more into audiobooks, too, but I definitely struggle with staying focused on it. I did finally finish and LOVE Anne of Green Gables though! Thank you again for recommending it!!! :D I have the ebook of Anne of Avonlea from the library, and am excited to start it, too!

    I'm also going to have to take your lead on some of these, too...and also get back into the habit of blogging regularly. Thanks again for your kind words! I am so glad to have found your blog in the first place and been lucky enough to be in the same city as you! Hopefully soon, we'll be close to each other again! :)

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    1. Thank you!! And congrats on your blog too! I seem to have it in my head that you've been blogging for around the same amount of time as me or thereabouts so it's a big deal! :)
      And you're welcome for the kind words, but really, it's the least I can do for all you've done for me. Really. Happy to have you as a friend!
      It's true that you don't really realize how much things have chained until you look back. And I approach things WAY differently now that I'm going into my fourth year doing this.
      And YAYY ANNE!! It makes me so happy to hear you loved it so much, and I hope you love the rest of the series as well. I hear you on audiobooks - that definitely happens to me as well. I would recommend using audiobooks as a means to reread past favourites. That's what I do anyways :) I'm usually okay with them so long as the plot is on the simpler side and easy to follow.

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  2. Happy belated blogoversary. thank you for sharing what your learned witjh your experience and for the giveaway

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  3. Thank you Aylee and congratulations on your fourth blog birthday! It sounds like your reading life has improved in terms of quantity, quality, and diversity. Blogging is so wonderful! It also makes me really happy that you've discovered some nonfiction you enjoy :)

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  4. Happy belated 4th(!!!) blogoversary Aylee ♥♥♥♥ - Congrats one ALL your accomplishments as a blogger and here's to everything you've learned in these past years! I remember when I first found your blog and I was kinda intimidated by you tbh, you seemed like such a superstar. Now that I've gotten to know you, I KNOW you're a superstar, but you're the very best kind! You're a total pro and friendly and sweet as they come! Book twins for life, love you girl XOX

    Thanks for the kind words AND the inspirational thoughts! I also have learned to read what I love, not compulsively request ALL the books and last year I actually stepped out of my comfort zone and read not one but two contemporary reads :O And one was a five star *gasp* I will have to follow your lead and go outside the box more often this year...

    I'm so glad that we found each other and that you're still blogging after all this time! Here's to many more years to come and hopefully we can meet in real life someday :D

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    1. OMG please! A superstar pssh! Although I do definitely remember feeling that way about other bloggers when I was a newbie too O.O I'm so glad to be able to count you as a friend and that I get to chat with you on a regular basis about books <3 You are way too nice to me, btw ^.^
      Hurray for stepping out of the box and finding yourself a 5 star read in the process!! I'm excited to read Every Breath sometime! I definitely hope you continue to go outside your comfort zone more and find success in doing so. It can be pretty rewarding as you know!
      One day, Mich. One day we will meet!

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  5. "But in these four years, I've really learned what works for me and what doesn't reading-wise and have subsequently become more selective in my reading picks, pretty covers be damned!"

    THIS!!!! Yes. I'm the exact same way now Aylee! It's easy in the beginning to get caught up in all the requesting fun, and then when people actually start asking YOU to read their books rather than having to ask to read them? Amazing. But that path leads to craziness and it's so easy to get overwhelmed. With each year that passes I try and get more and more selective, and like you said, I know what things work and don't for me now, so it's easier to pass something over even if it does have a gorgeous cover ;-)

    Also, you are the cutest. {{{{{ this is me hugging you for your kind words }}}}}

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    1. Exactly! Of course you say it in a way that's way better than I could ever have said it. I had many years in which I let myself get caught up in the reviewing game and requesting and accepting requests and it's so crazy fun and exciting and then... it becomes too much. Of course I still feel very grateful to get the opportunities I do, and I still get WAY excited at the prospect of getting to read a hot new book, but I'm also happy where I'm at right now. I'm doing good. Thanks, Jenny!! *hugs*

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  6. Happy Blogoversary!! I loved your reflection post, Aylee. I think we all get caught up on the wrong things like (ARC jealousy, requesting unreasonable amount of books, etc) when we start and totally forget the whole point of blogging- to express your opinions and discuss books with one another. Thank you for making blogging fun and not a chore. ;)

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    1. Thanks, Rummanah! It's pretty easy to get caught up, isn't it? I mean, because it is pretty exciting! But yeah, it can definitely lead to feelings of envy and feeling overwhelmed and I think I'm really just DONE with that now. I want to enjoy reading and I want to enjoy blogging and I think I'm finally able to do both those things now :)

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  7. *wipes away a tear* Awhhhhh gosh, a Disney princess <3 Happy belated blogoversary girl, 4 years is amazing! It's great how much you've learned over the years and it's cool you've been reading more and more every year. I have the same thing. On to 5 years!

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    1. It's true! :D And Thanks, Mel! Here's to many more years of happy blogging!

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  8. I agree with every one of these, Aylee. Although I wish I was better about maximizing my reading time. I think I read less now as a blogger. And thanks so much for the shout out! So kind of you.

    Also, I think of Missie from The Unread Reader too. I miss her and wish I knew how to get in touch. I don't know if her blog email works anymore, although I haven't tried it to find out.

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    1. Aww, well it's really more about quality over quantity isn't it? And I hope you would say that you are made aware of and get to read many great books now as a blogger that you never would have heard of otherwise!
      Missie - I think I saw her update her GR a while back, like maybe a year ago? Or more. But as far as I can tell she's unreachable, sadly. Someone else has even taken over her domain name.

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  9. Happy Blogoversary! I review for a site and I feel pretty similar to how you do now after doing it a few years. Hey, don't they say age brings wisdom? :) I hope you have many more happy years ahead!! :)

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    1. Thank you!! heh, age definitely brings wisdom :)

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  10. True about the diversity. Blogging really does that to you. You see a book in a genre not quite your favorite but the reviewer makes it look so good that YOU CANNOT RESIST. Happy Blogoversary!! Also, ahha...reviewing actually made me less selective. I feel like I want to read every book in the world now while before I was only targeting popular ones, lol.;P

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    1. It's true! I'm glad I've outgrown that aspect of book blogging (mostly anyways, heh). And I see where you're coming from and I guess I am similar in that I have access to knowledge of books that I wouldn't have had otherwise... but I have come to learn what works for me and what doesn't is all :)

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  11. CONGRATS!!!!! 4 years is a lot in the blogging world :) I am at 3 1/2 and I agree with everything you said. Here's to many more book blogging years for you!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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    1. Thank you!! And so is 3 and a half years! (Yay us!)

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  12. YAY! Congrats on reaching four years a while back sweetie. <3 That is all kinds of amazing. I'm so glad you started blogging; and how reading has become much better for you since then :) It has for me too. Blogging made my life so much better. Sigh. Met so many amazing people. <3 And books. ALL THE BOOKS. Yeah. Being a reader is the best life, hih :) ANYWAY. I adore this post. You are all kinds of amazing. Thank you for sharing with us. <3 And omg, you mentioned me there! Dies. You are the sweetest :D Thank you Aylee. <3 Also thank you for that amazing giveaway :) Fingers crossed. <3 Oh, wishing I would be able to stop buying all the books :( I don't have more room left. Just a little bit. And there are so many for me to pre-order :( But I also know that I probably have a whole big book shelf with books I do not want. Sigh. I hope I will be able to sell them, as they cost me TONS of money. And most are probably never read. Hmph. How mean. But so pretty, even so :)

    I'm so glad you are a more happy reader these days. <3 You are awesome :)

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    1. Thanks, Carina!! You are too kind! I'm so happy that reading and blogging has become better for me now - and it's great to hear it's the same for you! Hee, you and your books! But honestly, I'm jealous of all your many editions and signed versions of my favourite books you have! So much pretty! But I do hope you are able to sell the ones you don't think you will read. Thanks, Carina! You're awesome too :)

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  13. CONGRATS! My gosh, time flies. 4 YEARS!! And hopefully many more to come.

    Wonderful thoughts and reflections, Aylee. I'm especially with you on 5, 6, and 7 (I'm constantly having to remind myself of these). That's a good, healthy attitude to have when it comes to blogging, because it is so easy to become overwhelmed by everything. Reading what you want when you want is a fantastic policy to have! Also, you read 125 books last year? That's AWESOME!

    Thank you for your kind words - you're one of my favorite bloggers, with a writing style I adore, and I always look to your posts for ideas of what to read next and for any Potterish news. :)

    I hope you had a super-wonderful-fabulous blogoversary back in November and celebrated with a new book! *throws confetti everywhere*

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    1. Thanks, Lea!! Hopefully many more to come :) And honestly, I'm also having to constantly remind myself of those things too! I'm always having to bring myself around to remembering the important stuff and why I blog about my love for reading. You're one of my top faves too, Lea, so I'm glad to have your support with everything. You're amazing and thank you for this comment!!

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  14. Congrats on four years- that's fantastic, and thank you so much for the lovely "thank you." I want you as a real life best friend too! Maybe one of these days I'll make it up to Canada. A friend of mine is currently in college there, PLUS, my grandma IS French Canadian, so I really need to visit some day. haha

    That's great you've found yourself to be a happier reader after all these years. I don't request as many books either, and I try and read books that I already own or just really want to read. It's much nicer, and I think blogs who review older titles are still fantastic and interesting.

    -lauren

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    1. YES PLEASE COME TO CANADA!! omg Lauren it would be so amazing to meet you in person one of these days! Maybe one day it will happen :) Thanks for the congrats and kind words, Lauren! I'm glad to hear that you are a happier reader that way too

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  15. First of all, congrats on the four years! Your blog is one of my favorites, and I can't imagine what the blogosphere would be like without it. Here's to many more years to come. :)
    I think you've come to some great, important realizations over the years. I think I've mentioned it before, but I may have to ask you for some good nonfic reads. They sound like they might be best commute/chore audiobooks. And being able to continually read 25 more books per year is just darn impressive.
    And aww thanks for the mention! I'm glad I found your blog as well!

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, Amanda! I know I can always look to your blog for good reads, so it makes me super happy that you seem to feel the same way!
      As I mentioned on GR, the one you're reading now - Quiet - is a great go-to pick for nonfiction. I am FAR from knowledgeable about the best nonfics out there so I'm really not the best person to ask. I also really loved the Steve Jobs biography. I want to start getting into more biographies and histories because I love them when they are done well!

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  16. CONGRATULATIONS ON FOUR YEARS OF BLOGGING, AYLEE!!! Even though you're celebrating it kind of late. xD But wow, this is so impressive. I knew you back in 2013, if I'm not mistaken, but I didn't know you had been blogging for so long even before that! Seeing how many books everyone read last year makes me feel so embarrassed because I only managed to read 27 books in 2014. Totally blaming it on my book slump, though, so hopefully this year will be LOADS better. But woot, 125 books is pretty damn amazing. Good luck for your 150 this year!

    #2 -- I think this happens to pretty much everyone who writes reviews. You start forming a more "refined" eye, lol. But as a result, I'm enjoying a lot less books, too, because my tastes have become pickier. *sigh* Like you said, it helps in finding books you know you'll enjoy, too, so there're both pros and cons, haha.

    Totally agree about ARCs, too. I used to be so excited about them that all I cared about was getting approved for everything I requested, but now... not so much. Though it could be because I have way too many ARCs to read right now, and I really wish they would all just magically disappear. *hides* But I'm learning that what you blog and how you do it is a thousand times more important than getting to read a book you requested. :)

    EEEEP, I AM ON THAT LIST??? OH, AYLEE, CAN I GIVE YOU A BEAR HUG? This totally made my day! <3 <3 <3 Haha, I'm glad that I'm remembered for my fangirling. It is impossible not to fangirl when it comes to HP, and so far, I haven't met anyone else in the blogosphere who loves HP as much as you! (And me. ;D)

    Anyway, here's to many more years of happy blogging, hon! *toasts Butterbeer* STAY MAGICAL. <3

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    1. THANKS MEG!! Yup, I suppose I found you a few years into my blogging life. And I've definitely appreciated the kindness and comments you've given me ever since.

      But don't be embarrassed! It really IS about quality over quantity. So I hope those 27 books you read were all great! I, on the other hand, read quite a few that weren't so great...

      Oh no, I see. I guess I do understand that point of view. I'm definitely more critical than I used to be. But I try not to let myself get hung up on the little things because it's useless. Overall, being selective has meant great things for me!

      haha, I think I've only read/requested one arc in the past few months! I would feel way overwhelmed if I had that many ARCs on the go! Hope you can get through them in good time and enjoy them. But yes, how you blog is more important than what books you get :)

      <3<3 Much love Meg! Thanks so much for the well wishes, bear hug, fangirling, and butterbeer!!

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  17. Congratulations!!!

    I totally missed my 5 year blogoversary last year lol If I were to write a similar post though it would look just like this. You have to let go of some things like series and ARC's if you want blogging to stay fun.

    This post made me a little sad too because so many of my favorite bloggers aren't around anymore - like Missie. I'm so glad people like you are hanging in there!

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. Thanks, Karen! And a belated congrats on your 5 year blogoversary! It is sad to think about how many people have quit blogging since I started 4 years ago, but I'm glad you've stuck around after all this time too :)

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  18. Congrats and happy anniversary, Aylee! I'm a new fan. :) I recently discovered your blog after I had my recent Harry Potter movie marathon. I'm so happy that even though the series has already ended, I can still fangirl with other people, like you.

    And I totally love your reflections. I've realized some of those too last year. I never expected blogging to teach me so much but it did. - Joy @ The Bookshelf Intruder

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    1. Thanks, Joy! That is unbelievably nice to hear. It just surprises me that anyone would stumble across my blog and want to read it O.O Very much appreciated though, thanks!

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  19. YAYAYAY HAPPY 4 YEAR BLOGOVERSARY!! Isn't it astoundingly mind-blowing once you realize how LONG you've been blogging?! My four-year blogoversary is coming up on a few months, and it's pretty crazy. I'm glad you've gathered a few tips along the way! I agree with you, I have discovered new ways to maximize my reading as well! I love technology! ;) And of course, ARCs are not the end-all be-all. So true. I find myself enjoying books more when they are books I pick up because I WANT to read them.

    And ohmygosh Aylee, you are the SWEETEST for mentioning me in your post. (MAMA I MADE IT.) Thanks so much for the shoutout, and of course, for supporting and following me even though my blog DOES change so often. Love you, dearest!

    xoxo
    Jen

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    1. It IS pretty astounding, definitely! 4 years is the length of an undergraduate degree, so that I've been doing this and am still keeping on after all these years definitely impresses me, I have to say. Thanks, Jen!! I will follow you until the end of time, no matter how often you change your blog :p I'm glad to see that you're still going strong after all these years and you have been enjoying reading more too!

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  20. Congratulations!! :D It's insane how we grow with our blogs, or is it the other way around? Haha. I love the fact that you've mentioned that you've become more picky with the books you read. I have become that way too. I think life is too short to read books that you don't like, just because others loved them.

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    1. Hmm, not sure... maybe a little bit of both :) Thanks, Jillian!

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  21. Aw, Aylee, thank you for the kind words, and congrats on four years of blogging! I would have never thought I'd last this long and I'm sure you probably thought so too at various points.

    Oh, and I couldn't agree more with 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7.

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    1. It's true! Not that I really seriously thought about it ever, but I'm sure if I had, I wouldn't have thought I would be at this for so long. Thanks, Zahida!

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  22. Aw, you have thanked me! Honestly Aylee, this is such a honour because I've been following Recovering Potter Addict way before Janhvi and I started blogging. In fact. it was Janhvi who told me about you, and since then, I was hooked. I've looked up to you and I can now proudly say that we're great (Potter) buddies.

    I am so thrilled to have been mentioned in your four year blogoversary post, so THANK YOU!

    Keep rocking, and keep blogging! And let's hope we do end up meeting someday. See you in the Great Hall! <3

    Sarika @ The Readdicts

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    1. Yes, of course I have! You definitely deserve a thank you. And I never knew you knew about me before you guys started blogging! omg that is so flattering and COOL. Thanks so much for sharing your kindness with me, Sarika. We must try to meet up in Quebec one day!!

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  23. #6 is a huge one that took me years to learn. Happy bloggyversary darling!

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  24. HAPPY FOUR YEARS!!!!!! I totally agree with number 7. There are just SO MANY YA series out there that it would be immensely time consuming and frankly, not very fun if you forced yourself to continue the ones you don't enjoy! and aww, thank YOU so much. May you Potter on.

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    1. Thank you, Elena! Yeah, I've been drowning in series for awhile now, so it's time to cut down. May you Potter on as well!

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  25. Love your points. Very very true. I’m impressed with how well you’ve fit reading into your life. And thank you so much for all the comments too! You are so much fun to talk to and I always look forward to your posts. Happy 4 years!!

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    1. Thanks, Jessica! That means a lot because I love all your posts too! <3

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  26. AW AYLEE! This is such a fantastic post and I really enjoyed reading how you had changed as a reader- it actually reminded me of ways I have changed, too- we’re alike in requesting fewer books and not reading to the end of a series if we don’t like the first book, though I don’t finish a book halfway through if I feel it necessary. I haven’t celebrated a blogversary in years, but I’m planning to this year (which is what I said last year, if I remember correctly)- possibly a few months early (we both started in November! Wh-hey!) as a combined birthday-blogversary catch up post/giveaway.
    I’m so thrilled for you, having done 4 years and really feeling like a happier reader from it- here is to another four years!

    Also, thank you so much! I felt incredibly touched to see my name up there- you’re so sweet and very nice. I’m so, so glad we started reading each others blogs and got to know one another. xx

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    1. Heh, I usually plan to have blogoversary posts because I like to reflect, but they don't always come to fruition either :)

      Thanks, Romi!! So glad I found your blog (or you found mine first?)! :D:D

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