A - Z Reflections

I started my blog at the very end of 2011 and had no clue what I was doing.  Somehow I came across the A-Z Blog Challenge site and being as lost as I was I wanted to put the badge on my blog and I didn't even know how.  With help from Lee and Tina, I managed to get that right.  Check!


After talking more with Tina, she offered me a guest post spot on the challenge site.  What?  I have no idea what I am doing, remember???  But, I did it.  See here Teaching Often Makes You the Student   Check!


By the way, have you checked out Tina's Swedish lessons?  I would highly recommend them.  Her A-Z posts were lessons in the language and culture of Sweden and a highlight of the challenge to me.  She is a great teacher.
This all happened before the sign up list went up so of course, I signed up on the first day...Check!


At this point there were a couple months before the challenge began so I had way too much time on my hands to think about it.  I was nervous!  I started making lists of posts I could write about, themed and not themed.  When I finally decided on my theme (Musical instruments), I dove in and started writing posts.  By the time April came around, I had all of my posts written and scheduled.
Check Xs 26!


April 2 I went into work and had a girl quit on me.  Being the supervisor of my agency, that meant double work for me starting immediately.  That weekend, I had company arrive for the next week.
At this point, I was so thankful that my posts were done!  I never would have made it through the challenge without pre-writing and scheduling. 


I have met so many incredible bloggers in the past month.  I have tried to either respond by email or by visiting their blogs but if I have overlooked anyone I am truly sorry.  It was not intentional!

Some of my new blog friends are:
Betty Alark  Her poetry is inspiring
Carole Ann Carr  She gave a great education of many children's books
Positive Letters...Inspirational stories...  Hilary gave us quite an education of the many castles around the world.  Fascinating stuff!


And some of my favorites from before the challenge:
Seaside Simplicity  Martha gave a mix of all things fun
Nicki Elson's Not So Deep Thoughts  A-Z of Disney tips.  Very helpful!
DL Hammons  One of our wonderful co-hosts who always keeps things positive and inspiring
Whatever One of my favorite blogs for a good sense of humor and sarcasm


I enjoyed the challenge but now seem to be suffering from Blogger burnout.  I am glad to have planned and scheduled by posts ahead of time.  I don't think there is any way I could have enjoyed myself with writing the posts each day.  I am going to be slowing down a bit to deal with some new projects at work over the next couple months but I will still try to visit and say hi when I can.


And don't forget...

Alex Cavanaugh's First Love's Blogfest next Monday!  Check out Alex's A-Z posts also, highlighting other bloggers.  Very cool of him!