I am a sad blogger today. First of all, after some excitement last week about me researching BEA and the Book Blogger Con, I realized that to go on that trip would be selfish of me. My son turns ten on the day of the BBC. I cannot miss his birthday. It isn’t every day my baby enters into the age of double digits. As much as I really want to meet everyone, it just is not in the cards for me this year.
I would be able to make my peace with the idea of no BBC and no BEA because I still consider myself a newbie at this blogging thing. I am just now getting unsolicited pitches for books from other sources. I still have not had a chance to truly immerse myself into this thing as much as I would like because of the certification exams. So, I really am okay with it. After all, there are other online blogging events in which I can participate, right?
It turns out I was wrong. No read-a-thon for me this spring. Even though I would be done with my last exam (ever!) and would have a free weekend, it turns out my parents are planning to visit that weekend. As much as I would love twenty-four hours of nothing but reading and blogging, family comes first. I have not seen my parents since Thanksgiving, so they deserve my attention. I can always have my own mini read-a-thon at some other date, even though I am going to miss all the mini-challenges and cheerleading and everything that made the fall event so much fun for me.
I’ll get over my disappointment. I always do. This is just and will remain a hobby and should in no way interfere with my family. That does not mean I cannot mourn the possibilities for a day or two. In addition, I vow I will do everything possible to participate in the fall read-a-thon though. I promise!
var linkwithin_site_id = 125794;
I would love to do a mini-readathon with you in June! We are hoping to ship the kids to the grandparents for several weeks this summer. I envision every evening being a readathon!!
I can't get to BEA this year either; my middle son is graduating from high school that week. Wanna put together a mini-read-athon with me in June? I can do the April one but I think we totally deserve to have a weekend to ourselves periodically. After I get through that graduation, I'm going to need one!
My recent post Friday Finds March 26
Oh, we should plan to go together! After five years (almost six – can you believe it?), we definitely need to meet!
I'm not able to attend it either Michelle. Maybe some other year.
My recent post Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper, Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Michelle – Exactly! I may not be able to participate in the read-a-thon but Bloggiesta and BBAW are right around the corner!
I really need to get better about checking out events around the area. I tend to bury my head in the sand and horde my time at my house, since we typically spend a large majority of the week running from event to event.
Matt – It is on April 10th. Are you going to participate?
The great thing about this book blogging world though is that there is always something else around the corner to look forward to. 🙂
I totally understand! I was really disappointed when I realized that these events were all in NYC mid-week and I'm out here on the West Coast. There was just no way I could afford it financially and to take the time off of work would be irresponsible. I was down in the dumps about it for a while but then I googled book events in my area and decided to start attending local author readings and that really helps! And you are right, family is way more important!
My recent post Mailbox Monday – Mar. 1 – 6, 2010
When is the read-a-thon? I must have been sleeping!
Thanks, Ceri! We should have our own book blogger event. Well, okay so maybe it would have to be virtual, but that's okay!
The read-a-thon is April 10th this spring. I'm not certain if they have the fall date scheduled yet.
Thanks, Kim! I was a cheerleader for the last event and loved it. I had an absolute blast. There is so much more to look forward to this year that missing one read-a-thon will not kill me.
Those kitties are so pathetic, aren't they? LOL! I would love to hang out with you online that week! (And you are absolutely correct. If I went, I would do nothing but think of my family the entire time.)
Thanks, Jess! Yes, BEA will be there next year. And if not, the year after that. I'll get there eventually, and even if I don't, it is not the end of the world.
Thanks, Jenny! Birthdays come before bloggers! LOL! My goal is to get to some sort of book signing this year. I'll have to do some research to see what is out there!
Thanks, Diane! Yes. Considering how fast these first ten years have gone, I need to make sure I am around for the rest of it. Otherwise, they will be over.
Thanks, Jen! You'll have to pick up a few extra freebies for me at BEA!! 😉
Molly – Thanks! They are temporary and so minor in the grand scheme of things. It would have been so nice to meet everyone, but I'll have to wait until some other time.
I am definitely planning to do my own mini-readathon. I just don't know when yet!
Thanks, Kris. I was really looking forward to the read-a-thon. But there is another one in fall, so I'll make due until then! Life always comes first.
Aw, your kitties make me sad. 🙁 But you are right. Family is more important and you probably wouldn't have a good time if you went. That said I'm not going to BEA either so you can hang out online later with me.
My recent post The Friday Bookish Buzz: Curiouser and Curiouser
I have to agree with Diane. Sounds like you've got your head in the right place. 🙂
BEA will be there next year 🙂
My recent post Teaser Tuesday for March 9 2010
Michelle, sounds like you have your priorities straight. There will be plenty of time when your son is grown —been there.
That really is a huge bummer, but all very understandable. You're right, you definitely can't miss your son's 10th birthday or your parents' visit.
I know these are only temporary disappointments. You are making the right choices — family should come first. There will always be other read-athons and BEA conferences.
If you decided to do a mini-readathon let us know — some of us may be able to join you 🙂
Sometimes life totally gets in the way. We all understand. Right now, I've got something taking up most of my time, so I really don't have enough time to spend blogging, reading and reviewing the way I want to. Life always comes first.
Hugs, Kris