You know me...LOL Yes, I'm totally addicted. It seems like it's getting worse for me sadly, but maybe not. I'm not sure I entirely buy into the idea that when I'm depressed I stay offline or that I become more depressed when I'm online too much. I actually have the opposite thing happen, but partly because I simply don't have a ton of "real-life" friends nearby. I'm awkward in real-life and it's apparent to nearly everyone who meets me in person first before meeting me online (I don't know how it is, but that's how it works).

Staying at home with my kiddos has been a blessing and a curse in a way. I have a few friends nearby, less than a handful, and I see them as often as I can with or without the kiddos in tow. Generally speaking I'm not a very outgoing person and what social media has done for me has enabled me to step out of my shell finally and be who I really am, for better or worse.

Should I be balancing more? Absolutely. After we got together at ALA I noticed how huge of a problem I have with the constant phone/Twitter checking and decided then and there to cut back. It's been good. It's still a huge part of my life and I don't think that will go away because like you said, I don't want to lose the connections I've made. And, I honestly enjoy the interactions I have there. That being said, I'm spending more time focusing on my kiddos and reading more. It's a work in progress, but it's a good thing. So thank you for prompting my evaluation a couple of weeks ago! ;)

You are all too familiar with how I feel about this topic, but I just wanted to say thank you. You are such an incredible person and do so much for book bloggers. I'm grateful to count you as a friend and an inspiration.

For the record, I just want to say how disappointed I am that one person could do so much damage. There are so many of us out here blogging day in and day out about the books we love, purely because we love books and not at all for the "free" stuff. It really stinks when we get lumped into this odd mindset because of the mistakes of a few that may not have even been aware they were doing wrong.

Fortunately, I think that the people that matter most, our fellow bloggers, the publicists we work with personally, the authors & illustrators and our readers know us well enough to know why we do this. It's nice though to know that we're appreciated and to hear it from time to time. So thank you! Your post means a lot, as does your leadership and friendship. :) xo

I'm so with you on the downer with the Selection. We talked about this a little bit earlier, but I agree that it's a huge mistake on the CW's part. The dystopian elements would be HUGE right now and with TVD waffling they really need something to pull in their audience. So sad. Hopefully they'll change their minds mid-season. *fingers crossed*

So, TVD...I've watched it twice now actually. I have to say my favorite part of the finale were all the flashbacks. I loved seeing how things used to be and it got me thinking that I might want to go back and watch it from the beginning again. I think it's gotten too convoluted with all the Damon vs. Stefan stuff.

I'm actually okay with the originals storyline, but not with how they've done it. Again, we've talked about this but I love the "old" vampire stories and I was really looking forward to that romantic feel they could have provided, but it's so not happening now with Klaus where he is. I was pretty ticked about that whole situation. The whole staking of him was so quick it just seemed too easy. But yeah...I'm really not sure where there going with it all. I do think they'll spend some time with the Elena/Stefan line after reading an interview with Julie gave about wanting them to "have their moment", but how long that "moment" is I have no idea. Who knows, maybe Elena will end up with Klaus the way things are going?!!!! ugh. LOL

Anywho, I'll stop rambling now. ;)

You know me, I'm in a funk right now too. There's just not much really happening that's making things compelling. In my favor are the numerous picture books I keep finding and falling in love with, but that's probably not going to help you much. On the other hand I have to say that the lack I keep discovering in my YA reading & TV watching has been made up by some really good MG reading. Do you read many MG novels? I've really enjoy a few as of late and they usually are pretty quick, so that may get you through for a while.

A Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy was really good and also if you haven't read Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu you might try that.

Have you read the Birthmarked series by Caragh M. O'Brien? It's a YA dystopian that you might enjoy.

Good luck! I keep hoping things get better with TV & books, but I guess we get to wait until the Fall for a lot of that unfortunately. Oh, but So You Think You Can Dance is on next week! Although, I know that's not exactly your thing either. Sorry! Maybe pick up a few picture books...there good for some laughs right? :oP

I love this. I don't think I could say it better Amy. I thank my lucky stars each day that I have the opportunity to interact with Beth in some way and that all happened because you asked me to read one of her books. She's amazing and so is this book. I can't wait to share it with everyone! :) Wonderful wonderful review/post. xo

Okay, LOVE that "Ode to Bloggiesta"! What a list for someone who wasn't planning to be involved! Wow! You'll rock it I'm sure. Good luck and thanks for joining in Bloggiesta!

Stumped or need more to-do for Bloggiesta? Check out the New Mini-Challenges and the Past Mini-Challenges to find more!
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