Putting your post in the comments worked well for me in that I stopped posting on the A to Z site when I got overloaded. Taxes stepped in this year. I spent the 17th and 18th getting taxes done. With that load off, I kicked off being responsible for awhile.
My dad cautioned me that life got more involved as you get older and he was right. And that is why I did A to Z. If I could squeeze it in, I was going to do it. I found some great blogs. People outdo themselves with their themes.
My blog's title speaks a lot of how I feel about the world. There is a limit of what you can do. We all have our ebbs and flows with blogging. I do understand when people stop. I stand in that doorway periodically. I'm at a crossroads where I need to make a plan with my blog so that it is more manageable.
This year's takeaway for me is that I need to make a firm decision of what I want to accomplish with my writing. I don't worry about all the blogs I visit. It's my break in a busy day. The big change for me is that I use a timer and what is not read within an hour is not going to be read.
 |
| Fender Bender in front of the local Huddle House |
So, true Ann! Thoughtfully reading a post takes time, and even if you are enjoying yourself, you can soon find that you've wiled away four hours! In normal circumstances, I may spend up to an hour three or four evenings a week and relax on Saturday morning with coffee for a couple of hours.
ReplyDeleteOne link leads to another. I am bad to start searching a tangent and really start reading. I do tend to watch television in the evenings with my laptop open. I'll open several webpages until I overload the browser.
DeleteI knew with what was going on with our lives this year that I wouldn't be able to devote the time needed for A/Z so that's why I passed on it this year. I even found myself passing on reading blogs that I normally follow while they participate in the challenge this year. I do agree with your dad's advice. The older we get, the harder it is to keep up with it all it seems. I spend about an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening reading blogs. I try to really think out a comment based on what I read and not just a fly by one that may not reflect that I actually read what someone wrote.
ReplyDeletebetty
I have to think about my comments. Lately, I write a comment and not get around to publishing it. My internet is shaky and I lose the connection. Well I think there is some interference with my modem. I do hope things ease up for you and your family. I know how hectic things get at times.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed what I read of your A-Z. But I am a confirmed bookaholic.
ReplyDeleteI like your one hour plan. And agree wholeheartedly about just how much there is to choose from. Some good, some exciting, some scary...
I've enjoyed visiting your blog. I hope to participate in some of your blog hops.
DeleteWriting about writers turned out to be an easier topic. It is hard to pick and choose. Plus some letters had so many and some so few. Thanks for the compliment.
Hi Ann - probably wise using that timer ... I spend far longer. But it was interesting reading your take on authors and books ... I enjoy that and will need to be back for reference purposes ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI find books and things to read by following blogs. My blog posts have led me to want to re-read several books. Thank you for your kind words. I certainly enjoyed reading about rare breeds with your blog. It was nice to know so much still exists.
DeleteHave to do what is best for you in the end indeed. When it goes from fun to a chore or thinking of it is just a time suck, best to step back and reflect indeed.
ReplyDeleteSome I do for pleasure, some I do because of my dream of being a writer. I think I am the furthest I have ever been from that goal. But the blog keeps me in the race.
DeleteMy schedule is never complete, but time is always there so I never worry about it. I never wear a watch although I have a few.Bloggig often helps offer a social time for me
ReplyDeleteI've made a list of phone calls I am making in the morning. I dread them. I have gotten very flexible with what happens during the day. Blogging is social for me too. I feel like so many of you are good friends.
DeleteIt does get more complicated and busy the older we get. You managed to do it though.
ReplyDeleteIt was my break each day. I'm surprised I made it.
DeleteI'm glad the new format of A to Z worked for you. Life is really complicated for me right now though I keep trying to simplify.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that. But it is best to simplify than push yourself too far.
DeleteGreat points, Ann! There's always SO much going on and time runs out. It got away from me during the A to Z and I didn't get the chance to visit you all that much, but congratulations on completing the challenge. Doing it with two blogs must have been difficult.
ReplyDeleteWith so many blogs, I can't see staying with some too hard. There are only so many you can visit in a day and seeing new blogs is what it is about.
DeleteThat is such a neat idea to use a timer! Now why didn't I think of that?? :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your posts much, though I don't think I made it to all of them, my visiting kind of spun out of control this year w/o the list. Congrats on a well executed theme and a great A-Z..
Best always,
Nilanjana.
Thank you Nilanjana. Your blog was incredible this year. I learned so much.
DeleteSetting a timer is a really smart idea.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't, no one would eat around here. lol I can spend way too much time just dawdling through the internet.
DeleteAll things considered, you made quite an accomplishment! In the form of blogging, you wrote something every single day. Something interesting, every single day. Nothing to sneeze at, dear Ann - it's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteA timer is a great idea for time management. I'll have to purchase one to see if it works for me as well ;-)
Congratulations on making it though the month. I only had an hour and half each day to wander around A to Z posts an no set aside time on Saturdays, so yes, having a set time works. There are limits to what we can do everyday. Some days I made it through my whole list of regular visits and others, I only made to top or bottom half of my list because I was trying to also keep on returning visits to new commenters - who also sometimes became part of my list.
ReplyDeleteNow that A to Z is done, it's time to get back to writing and a more relaxed blogging schedule. But it was fun while April lasted. :)
I'm glad you participated and I understand the limitations. I've had to do the same myself. I didn't bother putting up my links on the A to Z Blog since I was getting plenty of traffic as it was and reciprocating comments kept me plenty busy. I haven't resorted to the timer idea yet, but I have cut back drastically from how I used to blog.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Glad the timer is working for you. Cool beans.
ReplyDelete