Saturday, April 30, 2011

A to Z Challenge - We're Finally at Z!!!

As in Z end!

Congratulations, everyone - we made it!!! We blogged for a whole month straight and from A to Z. Awesome!

Did you survive? Have fun? Meet some new bloggers? Learn some things about yourself?

If you’re still making your way through the list, never fear - it will remain posted her through May, and Lee might have his up even longer. With almost 1300 participants, this Ninja did NOT make it through the list, but I’m not giving up!

Did you achieve your goals? My main goal was my theme of featuring other bloggers. Last year I was just picking random stuff, trying to follow the letters. I blogged about Q*Bert for goodness sakes! (Half of you are asking “What the hell is Q*Bert?”)

I also wanted to make some new friends, but I wasn’t after hundreds of new followers. (Where would I put all of them? My house is not that big!) I value the friends I’ve made through this blog, and I want to be able to interact with those who visit me.

Now for the big question - what’s your take on this year’s Challenge?

This coming Monday is your chance to express your thoughts! May 2 will be an A to Z Challenge Reflections post for anyone who’d like to participate. The linky sign up will be available here on Monday - once your post goes live, just add the link. And don’t hold back! What were your thoughts? What were the high notes? Low notes? What would you like to see different next year - bigger, smaller, more hosts, more Ninjas…?

Thanks again to Lee at Tossing It Out for starting this awesome event. I pestered him all last year about doing it again, and this year exceeded all expectations!


Now, I need to go see a movie...

Fast Five!!

Who’s with me?

71 comments:

mooderino said...

Fast Five! - you're on your own.

Congrats on a great challenge, glad it's not monthly though. I'm exhausted. I think I visted over half the list.

Well done.
mood
Moody Writing

Katie O'Sullivan said...

I think I'd rather go see Water for Elephants this weekend ;-)

Thanks for co-hosting this challenge! It's been fun! ...but I'm with Moody - it's also been exhausting. The best thing (for me) is that it did force me to get out here, visit other blogs and stop being such a lurker ;-)

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Congrats on this fun challenge. Thanks for co-hosting it.

Getting to meet new people has been wonderful!

Doris

Cathy said...

Great Challenge! Thanks for all your hard work and great posts. I'm still cruising through the blogs ... 901 and counting!

Lisa said...

Well done Alex and thank you. It has been a challenge to me that I so enjoyed and now what would I be thinking about if I am not thinking of my letter of the day! :)

Arlee Bird said...

You did a great co-hosting job as well as promoting fellow bloggers in your Challenge posts.

Now I'm looking forward to Monday's Reflections post to see what people really think.


Hope you'll join us for The A to Z Challenge Reflections Post on Monday May 2nd.

Lee

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

"A to Z" was huge, no doubt about that. Alex, I wanted to thank you once again for the mention ;) It brought many new readers to my blog, and I made new friends, which is the best thing about this challenge. Not just for me, but for everybody who participated. ;)

Unknown said...

Thank you so much, Alex, for all the work you put into organizing this. You did a brilliant job. And I think your idea of recommending different blogs was a success - I found lots of interesting ones.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Congratulations on co hosting the challenge......o0nce again made it through.
Have a quiet week-end.
Yvonne.

Sue said...

Forget the movies, I'm guzzling champagne! I've barely scratched the surface of the participants, and doubt I will even by the end of May. I keep bumping into the most interesting people and getting sidetracked into their past posts. I figure that's good too. See you Monday, then a well earned break! Sue@JumpingAground (Alliteration & drabbles)
Sue@traverselife(Workplace bullying)

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations on the A-Z Challenge. It was amazing.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Huntress said...

What a month it has been.

Alex, you have received the Blog On Fire award. Pick it up at my blog.

Thanks for the great month of discovery. Now I must sit in a corner and suck my thumb until I recover.

Liz P said...

The challenge was a huge success!

Thanks for co-hosting!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

What a great job all have done. Congratulations for making it!

Liza said...

Congratulations Alex, for being part of something so huge and for inspiring so many other bloggers to go for it! I am in awe of all 1300!

Mary Aalgaard said...

In answer to your above questions, yes, yes, yes, and yes. I am so glad I signed on. I also liked getting to know you and your blog better. Will now take some time to read Casastar.

Old Kitty said...

Yay!! You all did it!! Well done you A-Zedders!!! Woo-hoooo!!!!!!!

My take on this year's challenge?!?! More nudity! LOL!

Ok, off I go now for my perennial cold shower! Take care
x

Maggie said...

I wouldn't change a thing - the challenge was great!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Katie, glad it made you stretch.

Lee, thanks again for asking me to co-host.

Nebular, you're welcome and glad so many found your awesome site!

Yvonne, I think I'll do that.

Huntress, Thanks!

Mary, thank you! I'd be honored.

Thanks and glad everyone enjoyed it!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Woot! We did it. And I must say I loved having the surprise me button option. It made it so much easier to find random participant blogs to follow.

You guys rock!

Li said...

Never heard of Fast Five, but eager to read your review of it. As for the challenge, it really was a challenge, but I took so much away from it I don't know where to start. I will, however, def be there next year! (We should make 2000 easily) Thanks for hosting and devoting so much time to reading, commenting, and inspiring! You rock, of course.

Bossy Betty said...

Congrats to all!

doreen said...

My blurry eyes can hardly believe it is over! What a challenge. I did keep track of the blogs I visited. I feel like I have learned so very much.
Have a wonderful weekend; and thank you for co-hosting:)

Southpaw said...

I already visited some new blogs today and plan to visit some more.

The best part was finding new bloggy friends.

Julie Flanders said...

Thanks for co-hosting Alex! The Challenge has been a blast!

Talei said...

Fast Five? Yes! I'm with you.

Congrats on finishing and co-hosting, it's been an incredible journey, a few sleepless nights but overall a great experience. I, for one am very happy that I did it. I've met a ton of new friends and they're ALL lovely.

Enjoy your weekend. ;-)

Unknown said...

Fast Five...Oh Yeah! This has been a great time for me though I'm still slogging through letters. I'll hit Z later this week. I've met so many new people and exceeded my own expectations. Thanks for the support Alex and being such a champion of bloggers. Looking forward to your new blogfest and to A to Z next year.

Anonymous said...

I've heard this is a really good movie. I'm on board and will see it probably Monday or Tuesday. This Challenge has just what the doctor ordered. A lot of crazy stuff included family family emergencies arose but I got through it. Thanks for stopping by and visiting every day!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Alex, we did it! Congratulations! I have an award for you!!

Holly Vance said...

When it comes to movies, I'm a 16 year-old boy. So ya, I wanna see Fast Five.

Patricia JL said...

Congrats and thanks on making it. I think I did pretty good, got every letter and managed to meet a few new friends and blogs.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Talei, let's hit it then!

Elizabeth, thank you.

Holly, I like your attitude!

Thank you everyone. Taking some down time with my family this weekend, so the Ninja will be a little scarce.

Laura Eno said...

I survived!!! This has been great fun. I'll save the rest for Monday's reflections.

Dee said...

Hi Alex,
I found your site today over at A to Z challenge headquarters, Looking forward to reading more of your interesting posts...really enjoyed reading through your tips for blogging back in September.

TS Hendrik said...

There were parts that were fun and parts that were... tiring. haha
I overall enjoyed the experience but I'm definitely glad it's done.

John Teal said...

Loved it, survived the posting made several new friends and visited every blog on the list !!!!!

RJRdaydreamer

The Words Crafter said...

Congratulations on finishing!!! Love the Games Blogfest, I'm in!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Dee, thank you!

RJR, you did better than I...

Words, glad you can join the fun.

Jeff Beesler said...

Thanks for getting me to do this, Alex. I think I've gotten out of my shell a bit more, and my efforts really seem to have paid off!

RaShelle Workman said...

Fast Five. I've heard it's great, if you like that sort of thing, which I do.

Have fun!

And the A to Z challenge was a lot of fun. =D

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congrats and Thank you for hosting this awesome challenge! I enjoyed your posts (ok, I didn't read all of them, but I liked the ones I read), and I am really thankful you'll have the list up through May. I've only stopped by 500 so far.

Chuck said...

I am right with you for Fast Five...I need some "non-stop action just for the hell of it" for one night.

Enjoyed the challenge, it was a blast. I too still have tons of blogs to get to. The Monday posts should be very interesting.

Take care Alex and looking forward to your sequel...when it is out??

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Alex,

I can't believe I made it through the challenge. TWENTY-SIX Flash FIction pieces with a twist. Not an easy challenge for sure.

But as I told Lee, if it wasn't for this amazing challenge I never would have accomplished it.

Have a great weekend. You deserve it!

LTM said...

you guys are awesome. Great work! It's been a fun month... and although I did see the first F&F in theaters and although I am impressed by the Dodge Challengers parked outside our local theater, I'm probably skipping the latest installment.

These days my frivolous movie dollars are all spent on stuff for the little ladies~ :o)

Ella said...

Congrats Captain; you were a gracious host! I want to go see that movie...

My take was it was harder this year, for me. I had issues with my computer, family surprises, there were just more glitches. I had days when my sinuses were tap dancing and I didn't think I would make it. I am happy to have crossed the finish line. I made new friends, met some fascinating, funny people! It was a great experience, over all~

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm glad I didn't know how much of a challenge it would be, else I wouldn't have done it. That is, I'm glad I did it and I'm glad it's over. ;0)
Thank you, Alex.
xoRobyn

N4M3L3SS said...

fast five yes, congrats on grabbing followers

Denise Covey said...

Phew, I for one am glad it's over. Now back to the main game. Thanks Alex for calling by occasionally. I'm sure we've all learned a lot.

Denise<3

Ramona Pyper said...

(formerly known as Genevieve)

Haha! I laughed pretty hard when you said your house wasn't big enough for all your followers (or, wouldn't be if you added more.) :) Um, I'm still laughing.

I enjoyed your blog all month - though I was too overwhelmed to keep commenting. Sorry! -

And, I kind of already did a reflections post. Hm, I wonder if I'm supposed to write another or link that one in on Monday...

Congrats and have a great Sunday!

Karen M. Peterson said...

I can't see Fast Five because I have an allergic reaction to Paul Walker.

I didn't make it through everyone yet. Only about 800. There were SO many participants!

I think it was a great challenge and I'm glad to have participated. I can't yet commit to next year because who knows where I'll be, but I will definitely recommend it if you all do it again!

The Old Silly said...

Congratulations to you and all the other A to Z'ers on a great well done job!

Lindsay said...

Congrats to everyone who completed the challenge. It's been a great experience. Now to sleep! lol.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeffrey, I knew you'd be perfect for the job!

Tyrean, glad you enjoyed the Challenge and my posts.

Chuck, working on it!

Michael, what you did for the Challenge was amazing.

Ella, think I was challenged by the sheer amount of participants.

RG, why thank you! And you just link that post on Monday if you like.

Karen, that's funny!

SharleneT said...

I loved the challenge but really felt the pressure of a... of a... of a JOB! Helped flex my mental muscle... but I was exhausted and eager for it to end. But, I got in so late that I didn't get included in the linky-thing and had to post my blogs within the comment. (Bad, bad. I know. 8-( ) Next year, I'll be better prepared. Thank you and your friends for hosting it. I'm going out to a fancy dinner and NOT FF!

Golden Eagle said...

Thank you for co-hosting the challenge!

I'm glad it's over--although I know in a couple of weeks I'm going to wish it had continued. I loved writing posts and meeting new people!

Tina said...

Yeah! We did it! Technically, I failed...because one of my posts was 6 hours after midnight...but I did two yesterday, so in one way I did complete it: 26 in 30 days. Hoping I still get the badge ;-) I'm completely, addictively competitive. Alex, I want to thank you for all your visits at my place - I feel honored when someone with so many followers comes to see little ole' me.
Tina @ Life is Good

Donna Shields said...

Congratulations and thank you for a great challenge!

Nigel G Mitchell said...

Yeah, "Fast Five." Looks awesome. Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and the Rock, all in one movie. But if they had only somehow resurrected Heath Ledger to be in it, it would have all my wife's celebrity crushes. As it is, she's practically drooling on the trailer alone. So I have mixed feelings.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Great challenge! I discovered lots of bloggers that I had never met before. Some that I will put on my blog roll and continue to visit. :)

Have a happy May, Alex!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

My main goal was to complete the challenge and not give up. I did that so I'm thrilled. I didn't manage to get through the list but I'm still working on it.... slowly. lol.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sharlene, next year you'll be ready!

Golden, it is addictive!!

Tina, I'd say you more than qualify for that badge.

Monkey, take her! Damn was it a fun movie.

Sharon, that's the purpose of the Challenge - find new friends.

Lynda, that's a great goal!

Cheeseboy said...

I think it was so cool of you to feature other bloggers. No wonder you are so beloved amongst the blogging community. You are like the Blogfather.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for co-hosting the challenge, Alex, and introducing me to so many wonderful bloggers. I 'm not sure how many blogs I visited in all, but I'm guessing about 300. I became repeat visitor at quite a few blogs, which took away time from new blogs!

I finished my reflections post today, will do a Thank you to fellow A-Zers post tomorrow!

Ella said...

Thanks for being a great Co-host; I find this challenge more exhausting than the last, but fun! I am so glad we crossed the finish line. I met some amazing people and had a great time over all~ Congrats!
Captain, your idea of giving back was admirable!

Reid Kemper said...

Congratulations for going through the A to Z challenge! I knew I wouldn't have time for it.

I saw Fast Five and thought it was good -- very action-packed.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cheesboy, thanks! And what I need - another blogging title!

Damy, glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks, Ella. I knew that's what I wanted to do right from the beginning.

Reid, Fast Five was great! Best of the series.

FilmMattic said...

Excellent job on the Challenge. It was a thrilling and exhausting experience. I am grateful to be a participant.

And I have to see Fast Five myself. From what I hear, it's very entertaining and there are some really impressive action sequences.

Dani said...

Thanks, Alex!

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

wow, amazing.

I cheated a little bit at my last post.
but I had fun doing it.
A blessing to be able to make 2 dozen profound friends.

beautiful experience.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Matthew, it was great - best of the series!

Jingle, that's great!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Fast Five will be awesome! So glad Vin Diesel is back.