Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Holy Cow!!!!

I'm FIVE today!!! I knew my blogiversary was coming up soon so I went back and checked and my very first post appeared on February 17, 2005!! Half the time I forget them but five is a big year.

And this was my inaugural post.

I look back now at how different my life was five years ago and how much has changed and I can honestly say in many ways I'm not the same person, but in other ways I'm the very same.

I've been through a couple of job changes since back then and for those who worry sometime, despite the current rumbles, I am happier where I am now than I have been at any previous places of employment. So for those out there - don't despair. It took me a while to find my home away from home aka work, but find it I did.

I have made friends - such good friends, through blogging. And I've been extremely fortunate to meet many of them in person. And each and every one I've met whether in person or just over the 'net, has enriched my life. To find such a wonderful group of people who can relate so easily to many of the quirks us romance readers have is - well - sounding a bit gooey here - beyond amazing.

I have traveled - by myself! - half way across the continent!! For me to do something like that five years ago would have been inconceivable. But I still remember saying to myself as I got off the plane in Detroit, coming back from San Francisco - "Damn Girl (yes - I did address myself as girl even though that could be disputed) I am proud of you! You made it SF and back all on your own!!" So traveling the next year to Washington DC was a piece of cake. The next challenge will be DRIVING to Columbus - about a 7 hour drive - on my own. Which reminds me. I need to get a GPS and even tougher still - figuring out how it works! Or is that GSP.

Of course what affected me the very most was losing Ron. That shaped and changed me in drastic ways. The other half of me - the grounding part - is gone. While there has been a lot of healing, the scar is still there and always will be. In some ways I've failed - like in housework. Ron and I were the Felix and Oscar and without my Felix, my Oscar has kind of taken over. But in other ways I've accomplished quite a bit! I had my kitchen remodled (even though Destructo Cat has done a number of some of the walls), I had the yard landscaped and from the outside the house looks entirely different. I haven't had any utilities cut off - though I'm sure the cable, phone, hydro companies scratch their heads when they get payment from me and it very rarely matches what the bill says. And biggest of all - I'm traveling - by myself. Ron wasn't much for traveling - he refused to fly and I've done more flying now in the past few years than I had in the entire 31 years we were married!

So - thanks to each and every one of you that has dropped in and spent some time here over the past five years. Who'da thunk I'd still be doing this - and still loving it - way back when I first started.

So to celebrate becoming FIVE I'm going to give away some books. I don't know which ones yet, but I have a number of doubles and I'll go through them and list titles. I would have done this before, but I didn't realize the blogiversary was so close until a couple of hours ago - and well - the men's short program is on. Leave a comment on anything:

  • Favourite books
  • Favourite genres
  • North and South
  • Your troubles with electronics (so I won't feel alone)
  • The troubles you have with pets
  • Your fridge magnet collection (I have a real fine one going thanks to the conferences!)
  • Your pen collection (I have a real fine one going thanks to the conferences!)
  • Hot actors (though non can top Richard Armitage)
  • How you like embarrassing your kids
  • Your fear of mail
  • Your addiction to Free Cell/Boggle
  • The number of books in the TBR pile
  • Your favourite 80's music
  • The Winter Olympics - I'm hooked
  • Who you think is the hottest athlete at the Olympics
  • What makes a book a keeper
  • What do you like in a hero
  • What do you like in a heroine
  • Or anything else that strikes your fancy

and I'll announce the books and the winner next Tuesday.

59 comments:

Anna said...

Hi Kristi,
Congrats on your blogiversary!

Back in 2007, Your blog was the first one I read on a regular basis and I still love it.

Oooh I have nice size fridge magnet collection going on. Most of them are from authors.


((hugs))

Blodeuedd said...

Happy Blogiversary!!!!!!! :D

Can I just say that no one is more handsome or sexy than Richard Armitage ;) It is the voice, his eyes, need to finish my 100th watch of NS soon

Marianne McA said...

Don't want to be entered into the draw, but did want to say congratulations on your 5th birthday.
I don't always comment a great deal, but I always enjoy reading your thoughts. It's the internet equivalent of going for coffee with a friend.

(And no issue with mail, but definite unease about Christmas Cards...)

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary! Congrats on reaching five years, that's amazing. :D

LOL, my kitty is becoming scarily independent. I miss her kitten stage when she needed me like crazy.

And that reminds me, I must re-watch North and South... I can't remember the last time I watched it. D: Yum Richard Armitage~

Nicole McLaughlin said...

I really enjoyed reading that! I agree with Anna, I need to rewatch North and South...and have my annual viewing of The North and the South (american miniseries) which I LOVE also!! :) Happy Blogiversary!

Katie Reus said...

Happy Blogiversary!! :) My refrigerator magnet collection is out of control. I've got magnets of most of the cities and countries I've visited, not to mention magnets from all the book signings I've attended over the past couple years.

Katharina said...

Hi Kristie, I never comment also I always read your blog pots. I just wanted to say congrats to your anniversary and thanks for those many many great recommendations you have given over the years. I've only been reading this blog for about a year, but I did browse around your archieve :-) Keep on going!

Mandi said...

Wow - five years..that is awesome! Congrats!!

You know I was a N&S virgin until recently...I often noticed you talked about it here and on your sidebar. And then Katiebabs tweeted something about it so I went out and rented it. LE SIGH!!!! I owe you and KB a thank you for getting me to watch it :)

The Romance Girl said...

I only saw N&S a little less than a year ago, but I absolutely loved it. It's one of the most romantic series I've ever seen (and that's including any of Jane Austen's vast collection).

What makes a book a keeper for me? Here's the problem, I'm a complete pack rat, so basically all my books become keepers. All my life I've needed something to collect and hoard. First it was sea shells, then dolls, then soap, then sock before I happily settled on romance novels. I haven't felt the need to switch addictions since :) I do however organize then all by how much I did (or didn't) like them. The worst of the worst are in a box at the bottom of my closet.

Lynn Spencer said...

Happy blogiversary, KristieJ! I didn't start commenting on blogs much until recently, but I've been reading and enjoying for a while.

Re:electronic issues - I may have a few. On the very first day of my first job out of law school, I somehow managed to jam a fax in judges' chambers to the point that sparks were shooting out of it. Truly a banner moment.

Margay Leah Justice said...

Congratulations on the blogoversary! With the way things change so rapidly these days, that's no small feat. Five, wow!
Margay

Heather D said...

Wow!! Congrats on the 5!!!

You have definitely experienced some very life changing things in the last five years. not to dwell on such a sad subject, but I don't know what I would do without my Ron. As often as he makes me mad, I just can't imagine life without him. I have grown so much in the 8 years we have been together. I think my love of the movie "Fools Rush In" has to do with our relationship and how we got together. I traveled before I met him, but it was always just a drive to visit a relative never anything new. Since I met him I have we have gone to Maui, the Grand Cayman, Spain, Paris, and all over the US. He definitely has me addicted to travel and getting into new things!

When I started blogging it was for the purpose of the ROR reading challenges. I didn't really venture to any other blogs. Yours was one of the firsts. And of course I had to know what The Crusaders and The Questors were all about. I have you to thank for the love of North and South ... and for putting Richard Armitage on my radar.

One of these days I will make it to a convention. I know it is something that I will have to do on my own and hopefully meet up with some of the great ladies I have met here in blogland. My husband definitely does not understand my love and addiction in reading. I guess if I read something other than romance he wouldn't mind it so much, but hey we all need our outlets. He has politics I have romance.

Congrats again on the 5 yr mark!!

Carolyn Crane said...

Hey! Happy Blogaversary!

Wow, five years. That is very exciting. Good for you. And you have given blogland so much...all the great book insights, plus a true appreciation for Richard Armitage!!

Have a great one!

Kristie (J) said...

Margay: Yep - five years!! I never thought I'd be at it this long. I've loved being on the ride and beyond thrilled at all the bloggers - and readers - I've 'met' along the way. That's a big reason why I can't see me not doing it for a while.

Lynn: I can see why that would have been so memorable - LOL! Oh those wonderful printers/fax machines/photo copiers. I sit nearest the group of them at work and I think everyone thinks because of that I can fix 'em when they aren't working. I have taken to genderizing the fax machine and people look at me very oddly when I bend over and 'coax' the faxes to come out as if the fax machine is giving birth when there are issues with faxes coming out. Yet - after they are amazed that it seems to work each time. So far no one else has tried it though - they just come and get me to speak nicely to it. I've dubbed the other two machines male though and I'm not so gentle with them.

DL: And did you blog about it????? Do you want to????? Will you???? We still NEED MORE North and South Crusaders!! So did you, will you, can you???????

Mandi: See my reply to DL *laughing* Doesn't it just make you shiver in awe? And isn't RA just THE sexiest thing?

Katharina: Thank you! Whenever I see someone has read and enjoyed a book that I really loved and read it because of that, I feel all warm and fuzzy. There's nothing better than sharing the love of a good book and having them love it too.

Katie: My collection of fridge magnets is from the conventions and it does so colour up my fridge. My favourite ones are the covers of Laura Adrian's first five Midnight Breed series. And it's amazing how well they can work as promotional items too!! Most of the fridge magnets, I also have the book of (awkward wording there)

Nicole: When Sula, Katiebabs and I first started the Great North and South Crusade, one of the big aims was getting the word out that it was NOT to be confused with the American series based on the Civil War - though it was pretty good too! And then to get people to watch it - as many as we could (and still can going forward). It's thrilling that we did get the word out to so many!

Anna: Aren't cats just the coolest? DC's (I changed her name from Callie the Calico Cat to Destructo Cat to DC for short as it turns out she's a Tortoise shell, not a Calico and she's very destructive) latest thing is to bite me - very gently - she wouldn't even hurt a baby - when she's in a purring, affectionate mood. Thus the love part of the love/hate relationship I have with her. I'm constantly asking Zina why DC DOES that (whatever destructive thing she's attempting), but Zina just shrugs her cat shoulders and thinks to me "You're the one who wanted her - live with it"

Marianne: That's what I strive for *g*. And I JUST got off the phone with a credit company!! Seems I kind of forgot to pay a bill after all. When he asked if I hadn't received the notices in the mail, I think I kind of stunned him when I confessed I don't often *um* open my mail. So what I said in the original post - seems like I missed something there and now have to pay by Friday! *sigh*

Blodeuedd: You and I are on the same page as far as Richard Armitage goes. As far as I can see, no one even comes close as far as acting, good looking, sexiness compares. And *sly wink* I'm still waiting to add you to the list of Crusaders - heh heh heh heh

Anna: Aren't fridge magnets fun??? And they stay on too!! Unless one has a destructo cat that likes to jump up and try and knock them off. But you have to love those little book covers that STAY on a fridge without any tape involved.

Kristie (J) said...

Carolyn: I'm still hoping to hear some day from Ricky. I don't know if anyone else ever has these morbid/fascinating type thoughts - but confession time here - if I were to ever find out my time here was limited, my one wish would be to meet him in person and to have him kiss me - like he kissed Margaret in North and South. I would travel to England for such an opportunity - why yes I would!!

Heather: Ron never understood my addiction to romance reading either - in fact he was LESS than pleased with it for some quite some time, we did have some battles over it, but in the final few years, every birthday and anniversary he got me gift certificates for Chapters. The thought behind him getting them was even better than the certificates themselves. It was his way of saying 'I don't get it, it might still bother me, but I get that it's important to you'. We would have been married 32 years three weeks after he died and while the pain has lessened a lot since then, I still miss him every single day. And I hope you do make it to a conference/convention. The hardest part is the actual travel because one you get there and meet fellow romance readers and bloggers, there is an instant connection as we all share something very special to us - even if we all have different tastes - the basic love of a good romance is SUCH a connection.

Hilcia said...

Congratulations, KristieJ! Happy 5th Blogiversary!

I began visiting your blog end of 2007...(even though I didn't comment regularly & maybe not even sporadically), lots of changes KristieJ. Good ones!

What makes a keeper? It's not necessarily a perfect book or a Grade A book. It's usually a book where I feel a connection, a book that makes me want to re-read it over and over again. I have quite a few B books on my keeper shelf. Comfort reads, flaws and all. :)

Jill D. said...

Wow, 5 years! That's awesome! You crack me up with your list of things to talk about. "Fear of the mail" I had to chuckle at that one because there was a period of time that I hated, absolutely hated bringing in the mail. It got to the point where I would only check the mail box like once a week. I just hated to bring all that junk into the house and it would sit on my kitchen counter and make a great huge pile. I am better about it now, though.

Karen Scott said...

Happy Blogiversary my dear:)

Wendy said...

I'm so glad we found each other Kristie. I was getting lonely being the only historical western romance obsessed blogger on in Romanclandia :-)

Happy 5 years m'dear - and here's to 5 more!

The Scarf Princess said...

Congrats on your 5th Blogiversary! I'm so happy for you and proud of all your personal and professional accomplishments!

As to me and my random comments, I'm a paranormal romance and UF junkie. I'm absolutely giddy the release date for Mockingjay was announced this week since Collins' series is a masterpiece imho!

I adore N&S and pimp it out whenever I can to anyone who will listen. RA is wonderful eye candy who visits me in my dreams from time to time.

And I too enjoy figure skating, but why oh why must the men wear such tacky (again, only my opinion) costumes.?. The fur, the sequins, the gloves, the shoulder pads....oy vey! It sometimes looks like they're wearing recycled pageant gowns. And some of them are kinda cute, but you can hardly tell when they're buried under all that bling.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Bev(QB) said...

Happy Blogiversary Kristie! I started following your blog when I realized that, like me, you were also one of the older... er... more well seasoned denizens of Romancelandia.

I told you before that my hubby of 26+ years had a curable form of lymphoma, but I can empathize with much of what you went through with Ron. And I've cheered you on in all of your triumphs of learning to step out on your own.
Ron and I were the Felix and Oscar and without my Felix, my Oscar has kind of taken over. Now see, there's another reason I like you. I'm like a kid who cleans up before their parent gets home from work. For my hubby, vacuuming is his Zen time. Me? I've got more of an "I'll get to it eventually" mentality.

Once you said that you were going to RT this year, I was seriously tempted to go too but, unfortunately, it takes place during my work crunch time. However, if your route takes you through northeastern Ohio and you will be needing a lunch or dinner break, give me a holler because I would love to meet up with you.

C2 said...

Happy Blogiversary to you! Yours was one of the first blogs I found to lurk around. And here I am - still lurking. :-D

Leslie said...

Happy Blogiversary Kristie!!!!

My tbr pile has expanded because of you! LOL But it's a good thing because you've recommended some wonderful books. And I did watch N & S last summer(loved it!) but never blogged about it. I guess that means I'll need to watch it again so I can blog about it. The things I do for your obsessions. :D

We loves ya Kristie!!!

Anonymous said...

You are one of my blogging heroines! May you have many more anniversaries!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I have cut down a lot on my blogs lately, so I want you to know you made the cut. ;-)

This made me remember that I had planned to borrow the book North and South from the library and it apparently never happened. Will have to get on that. -- willaful

Lea said...

Congratulations Kristie!

Please don't put my name in the hat for the giveaway because I'm going down for the third time in a tsunami of books now but I wanted to wish you all the best!

Wishing you many more years of blogging success.

Best
L

Sotheara said...

Kristie J, I've been a long time lurker of your blog. It's one of my favorite, and I always make sure I check it everyday. I want to say a big "thank you" for sharing your thoughts, reviews, and part of your life with me. Congratulations on being five years strong, and I look foward to "visiting" your blog for many years to come.

limecello said...

Yay Kristi! Congratulations and happy blog birthday! :D
Isn't it fun to look back and see what has/has not changed?

As for driving to cbus... Oooo you're going to RT?!

azteclady said...

First things first: CONGRATULATIONS ON FIVE AMAZING YEARS, Kristie! *hug* Thank you for being the person you are, sweetie!

* Favourite books -- JDRobb's In Death and the Lord Peter Wimsey novels... and Morning Glory gets read at least once a year... There are more, but my brain is doing the "blank wall" impersonation thing.
* Your troubles with electronics (so I won't feel alone)--- Oh this one, this one!!! The wonderful Shiloh Walker gave away a Sony Reader late last year, and yours truly got it... and I'm still trying to figure out how to format most of the files *sigh* Hopeless techno-moron over here.
* The troubles you have with pets---not so much now but once upon a time, my yellow lab puppy ATE all my kitchen. Windowsills, chair legs, table legs, cabinet doors, vinyl flooring, area rugs, dish towels... if she could reach it, she would EAT it.
* The number of books in the TBR pile --- I am not counting and you cannot make me, so THERE!

Liz said...

Congratulations, Kristi! I've enjoyed lurking here too.

Someone mentioned getting the NOVEL North and South from the library, and I think it might be a bit of a disappointment for those who loved the series. That train scene? Not Gaskell's. Romance is a bit part of the novel, which is in some ways a re-writing of Pride and Prejudice, but I think Gaskell emphasizes the social issues more than the series did, and the love story less.

I love the novel, which I wrote part of my dissertation on, so I found the series something of a disappointment (I know that's heresy to say here).

Lea Hensley said...

Kristie - Congrats on five years. For the past couple of years, I have visited your blog several times a week - at least - and have always totally enjoyed myself. Thanks for taking the time to entertain us so!

Lea AAR

Lori said...

Congrats and Happy Blogiversary!

Mary G said...

Hi Kristie
I just want to say congrats. I'm so glad I met you, a fellow leo who loves books LOL. Look forward to the next time we meet.

Kaetrin said...

Congratulations on 5 years Kristie!

Pamela Clare said...

Congratulations on your blogiversary, Kristie! You are one of the reasons why the the romance blogosphere is a wonderful place to be.

You've touched many hearts and lives and you've made a difference to a lot of people. I'm one of them.

Much love,
Pamela

Tori [Book Faery] said...

Oooh congratulations!!!! Glad you've stuck around so I could meet you! =)

And I've got like.... 13 books in my TBR pile....SHHH

Janet Webb said...

FIVE years? NO way! I think you must have started blogging when I discovered the wonders of Beverley, Balogh and Brockmann. Oh, so many years ago! So I blame you for so many things but mostly my addiction to your drives! I have not fallen for all of them but those Western books, those Kleypas they-don't-know-it-yet but they'll be fans ladies: Thank YOU!!

There is a TV in the house I can't use because the electronics are just too tricksie. Your blogs about Ron are imprinted in my memory ... thank you So-Ont-Can blogger (I being a Nor-Cal reader). Long may you blog!!

CindyS said...

Five years!! Congrats Kristie!!

Let's see I'm addicted to 5 online games so I beat your 2 ;) I was addicted to watching Jack and Jennifer from Days of our Lives on Youtube for about a week - scared me it did but I loved those two and their antics.

I'm also hooked on the winter games but I'm also able to walk away every once in a while so phew!

And I only use my iPod as a music box when I guess it can do so much more. *shrug*

CindyS

maered said...

Happy Blogiversary!

I'm mostly a lurker on your blog but I love it. I watched North and South on your recommendation and thought it was really good. *sigh* The last scene is so romantic!

My favourite books have to the In Death series and Nalini Singh's two series. They are great.

Congrats on your five years!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Talk about other actors than Richard Armitage - are there any???

;-) Marcella

PS Don't put me in for the draw - I live on another continent

Kristie (J) said...

Hilcia: I’m like you! To me a keeper is a book that struck a chord in me. It’s not necessarily an A or 5 out of 5 book – some I’ve given much lower grades too, but something about it makes me think at some point I’ll want to reread it.

Jill: *g* When I started way back when, I wanted to make the blog something non-romance readers might enjoy too, when I wasn’t doing a post about romance. So I’ve done posts on just about everything I have listed – and a lot more besides. And I’ve discovered that I’m not alone in some of the most off beat things that I thought I was the only one on – such as a phobia about opening mail!

Karen: Thanks! We have two of the most opposite type blogs, but there’s no question that KKB is one of my favourites!! *g* You dare to say many of the things I think – heh heh

Wendy: Oh me too!! As fellow longer shelf-life blogger, it’s been so grand getting to know you on line as well as in person!! Even though we’ve only met in person a few times, I consider you one of my best buds. Nothing like discussing soul mates late at night for bonding ;-)

Joder: Thanks! And the thing I’m still discovering – even at my advanced age – is I’ll never stop growing as a person – even though sometimes it hurts!
And Yes!! A fellow Crusader! And isn’t Johnny Weir a hoot!! I was watching the other night and drat it all I can’t remember what country he was from, but he was dressed as a farmer!! And I was thinking – odd, very, very odd! And *laughing* some of them are kind of hawt aren’t they?

Bev: There is so much I miss about Ron – but one of the practical things – he was so much better at doing housework than me and got home much earlier from work. So every day I’d walk into a clean house. Now I walk into a mess most days. It’s not too bad on Mondays and Tuesday’s but by Thursday/Friday - *sigh*. And we were much like you and your husband – Ron wanted it done then whereas I always figured I’d get to it after I finished that good part in the book – only another good part would come right up!! And I will check my route on the way there. I’m planning on taking my time driving for a stop for a coffee/lunch/dinner and meeting you would be Most Excellent!

C2: Thanks *g* And I'm glad you're popping in!!

Kristie (J) said...

Leslie: One of the things I wanted to do when I first started was sharing books I really enjoyed. When I first started reading romance, there were no review sites so I read a lot of clunkers. And I also read a lot of great books too. So I love sharing– and this is going to sound almost narcissistic but – my vast experience in the romance genre.
And YES to the blogging about North and South!! It needs to be seen by EVERYONE who loves a great romance – and best of all – spoiler – HEA!!

Jessica: Back at you!! I ADORE your blog and I’m crossing my fingers we get a chance to meet in person some time.

Willaful: *blushing* Thanks!! While I do love finding new blogs, I do find myself unable to linger as much as I used to with so many of them. And I’d love to leave more comments, but alas – time, work, other blogs, reading – don’t allow to leave as many as I used to.

Lea: We’ll have to start discussing a spring/summer meet up won’t we? Once we get past unpredictable weather – and now that I don’t work weekends anymore – I’ll have to practise my driving for my long trip – trips to your neck of the woods.

Sotheara: Glad you de-lurked and I’m so glad you enjoy the blog. Sometimes I can’t believe how much of my life I put out there. But after I get past the shock of thinking ‘I can’t believe I just blogged about toilet paper’ it is kind of funny and I do have a lot of fun.

Limecello: Yep!! I am going to RT. It’s one of the things keeping me sane at the moment – such a great trip to look foreward to. Will you be there?

AL: One of the best benefits of starting the blog, lo these many years ago, was that it led to a chance to get to meet you!! And I hear you on the In Death books. I’m loving this challenge that Christine threw down and reliving them through all the participants.

And now ACK – I have to go to work – but I’ll be back later

Lori said...

Happy blogiversary!!

I'm almost at 5. And which question would I answer... it has to be:

How you like embarrassing your kids?

Duh *g* Let me count the ways...

Two standouts for me are to stand with my hubby and smooch right in front of youngest. He actually has opened the window and yelled out, "Oh no! My parents are kissing... AGAIN!" LOL!

As for oldest... well, when I got tired of his pants hanging past his buttcheeks, I decided to show him what it feels like. He had somw friends over, and I put on a pair of really low-waisted jeans with a thong hanging out of the top. Went right in and asked them if they wanted any popcorn. Needless to say, he wears a belt more often now. Heh.

And last, but not least. How do you clear the room of your children? Quoting Airplane. My kids are constantly wanting to talk as hub & I get ready for bed. Our new line to clear the room comes courtesy of Peter Graves: "Son, have you ever seen a grown man (woman) naked?"

You know I live to embarrass my kids.

Renee said...

Happy Blogiversary, Kristie!

The pet thing is easy to write about, because "the big guy", our 100lb+ black lab has been really bad lately eating things he shouldn't. On Tuesday, he ate the loaf of bread my husband had just made. I've also recently discovered he's been snaking the antacids I leave on my nightstand. This morning, he at my son's multi-vitamin gummy bear.

Believe it or not, his 100lb+ weight isn't because he's obese. He's really big, and his head is table height. *sigh*

limecello said...

Kristie - I'm considering going to RT... well :P not for the whole conference or anything, but I could hang around Thursday-on. Am seriously considering going to the signing Saturday, but I keep waffling. :X

JessW said...

Congratulations on 5 years, Kristie J!
I enjoy reading your posts, both commentary and reviews.
I have managed to avoid the temptaton of FreeCell for almost two years. Boy, am I tempted to revisit that game now! Must go back to reading Not Quite a Husband to distract myself.
Wishing you another 5 great years.

Brandy said...

Delurking to say CONGRATULATIONS TO FIVE YEARS!

Tabitha said...

Hi Kristie,

Please don't enter me in the giveaway. Just want to congratulate you on 5 years of blogging. May you have many more to come!

Kristie (J) said...

Elizabeth: *chuckle* It’s not heresy at all – while I have the book, I haven’t read it yet but I’m often somewhat disappointed when I read a book and then watch the movie. And if you wrote a dissertation on the book, then you must be very familiar with the socioeconomic issues. I think that I would probably still prefer the movie – since I think Richard Armitage is just the most swoon worthy actor going, but when I do get around to reading the book, it will be interesting to compare them.

Lea: Thanks so much for dropping by!! AAR was the place that first gave me the courage to put my thoughts out on the internet and the first place I found where I realized I was not alone!!

Lori: Thanks!! I think five is a big one! And I never thought when I started I’d be at it for so long.

Kaetrin: It’s been such a blast – and the time has gone by so quickly! I’ve noticed that the older I get, the faster time goes.

Pamela: One of the best things about blogging is seeing other readers reading some of the books I’ve loved and it’s increased ten-fold when the author is as special as you are!!

Tori: LOL!! Is the SHH because that’s a lot of books for you or because it’s a small pile compared to so many of us. ‘Cause if you need more…….

Janet: *nodding* Yep – five years!! And even if you joined in one – that makes me happy if it was worth it for you. And if between Wendy, Sybil and I we’ve managed to get you to try Westerns – well that’s a SCORE for the Western!!
And it was so good for me – blogging about Ron and what we went through before and what I did after. Not to long ago I read some of them and I realized I have healed quite a bit – and that’s good

Karen W. said...

Congratulations, Kristie! 5 years is great, and you've accomplished a lot in your personal life as well!

You should see my fridge magnet collection. My mom gave me all hers when she moved, so my entire refrigerator is covered from top to bottom. It's funny to see people's reactions. :)

You don't want to know how many books are in my TBR mountains. Let's just say if I live to be 100 and read a book a day, I couldn't read them all!

Liz said...

Hey, I didn't click on the link to your first post before. I loved Freddy the Pig!

And I think North and South is well worth reading--the ending in the book is different, but still romantic. You just won't get that swoony RA experience. I think I would have loved the series had I not read the book. But as it was, I kept going, "But wait . . ." Have you seen Wives and Daughters?

Janine said...

Congrats on your five years of blogging, Kristie! This post brought me out of lurking. I can't believe it's been five years either!

I'm totally hooked on the Winter Olympics myself. Figure skating is my favorite sport, but I feel so bad for the skaters when they fall or make other mistakes. After the short program I felt terrible for Patrick Chan and Jeremy Abbott.

Kristie (J) said...

Janine: I'm glad you dropped by! I stayed up way too late watching them last night considering I'm on the early shift today!! I have a feeling by the time I get home tonight I'm just going to crash!!

Elizabeth!!!!!!! A fellow Freddy fan. You're the first one I've come across! I loved those books - even the bad rats although they were boo, hiss villlians! I think the one I remember the most is Freddy goes to Mars. Though I was disappointed it was all a hoax.
And *g* I know that 'But Wait!!' feeling. And I haven't seen seen Wives and Daughters - yet

Karen - I've always had fridge magnets but now most of mine are romance covers. Though I do have one with the sick line we call in on - which I'm so tempted to do today seeing as I stayed up too late last night - but alas - I still have way too much to learn


Tabitha & Brandy: Thank you! It's been such a labour of love that I can't imagine not keeping on.

And I'm running late again so I'll be back later!!

Anonymous said...

*sniffle* awwww what a wonderful restrospective post, many many good wishes to you on your blogiversary! *raising glass* and here is to many more!

im addicted to the Text Twist game, now i have visions of letters swimming in front my eyes and am chanting things like model, ode, led, mode, etc to myself all the time! i currently have a crush on Evan Lysachek, especially when he is all preppy in his USA olympics ralph lauren togs with the collar popped up.

your questions could make me go on and on, but reading others' comments here is too fun already!

Anonymous said...

Wow I cannot believe it has been 5yrs, yes I check the site daily to see what you have been up to and lausgh at some of them. I sympathize with the cat issues, Taz(our dog)just cost us another $600.00 or so for the second knee surgery,meds and now we are up walking him in the middle of the night as he cannot be out by himself and is off schedule. Lori B

nath said...

Happy belated blogiversary Kristie!!

I'm sorry I'm a bit late!! but work and Olympics and reading are really taking up all my time!! :D

I can't wait to see you in Columbus, Kristie!! I'm so happy that my first convention, I'll be able to share with you! Wooohooo!!

and I think you're really a pioneer in the romance blogland! Like others, your blog was the one I first visited!!

I'm hooked onto the Olympics as well!! What did you enjoy most so far? I'm watching pretty much everything, except for hockey :)

Hmmm, hottest athlete. It's hard to say. They look so different with their gears! Hey, did you know that John Morris - 3rd player on Canada's curling team was chosen as most eligible bachelor on ET Canada? :)

Lorraine said...

Happy blogiversary, KristieJ!. Congratulations on creating a great blog. Your warmth and humor always shine through your posts.

I used to be addicted to Free Cell, but now I'm a huge Spider fan. I play it at work whenever I pick up the phone. I actually like it when I'm put on hold a long time...it gives me a good excuse to take a break and zone out.

Please don't enter me in the giveaway, as I already have 192 books in my TBR and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by them.

Anonymous said...

congrats on the anny whoo
love play with me by leslie kelly
i love blaze books

lve the A;s and giants go zito!!
kim h

Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...

Congrats on your blogiversary!

My favorite genres are romantic suspense and paranormal.

The books on my keeper list have to have a great storyline and well written characters.

Thanks for the awesome giveaway!