Armchair BEA Day 1: Introduction

Ahh, the week of BEA.  So exciting for those who are going and slightly depressing for those who can't.  Thankfully with the help of Armchair BEA, anyone anywhere can participate in some fun activities and discussions of their own!  I hope to go to BEA one year in the future, but this year it looks like I'll just be participating from my couch.

That being said, I think it's time to introduce myself!  Some of you may already know a little bit about me, but I'm willing to bet that a majority of you just know my name (hopefully you do, at least!)

Let's start off with a few questions!

Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 

 Well, my name is Chey and I'm a 20-year-old barista and aspiring author.  I've been blogging for over two years now, and I discovered it by looking for book recommendation videos on youtube.  When I came across The Story Siren's channel, I was thrown into this whole new community of people with a HUGE love of books, so I knew I had to join as soon as possible!  As it turns out, doing something as simple as sharing my opinion has opened me up to so many great opportunities.

Where in the world are you blogging from?

I've spent my entire life in the same house located in Milwaukee, WI.  While most people I know want to get out, I'm not so sure I could.  It's always been my home and I know that I have so much left to discover about it yet.  There are so many places that I feel like I'd never be able to part with, from the museums, the restaurants (such as my favorites, Comet Cafe and Botanas), the summer festivals (mainly Summerfest and the WI State Fair...it's also not too long of a drive to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, which is one of my absolute favorite places to go.  Ever.)

This is a picture I took of the Milwaukee Public Art Museum, which is one of more famous landmarks in Milwaukee.  Fun fact: scenes of Transformers 3 and a Victoria's Secret commercial were shot here.  Johnny Depp also filmed Public Enemies in downtown Milwaukee, not even 15 miles away from me. *dreamy sigh*

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2013?

I am currently in the middle of The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston and The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey.  My favorite book of the year has been Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell.

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you. 

I am in a long, long distance relationship and have been since I was 17.  He lives in Colombia, which is approximately 2,650 miles away.  I occasionally mention his name on the blog, which some of you may have noticed...he's also done a few guest reviews for me in the past!

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? 

I've never had many friends who enjoy reading.  When I was younger, we'd all borrow each other's books and discuss them, but over the years, life just got in the way and most people I know dropped reading altogether..  Book blogging gives me a way to keep that up and constantly reminds me why I love to read.  I also love how accepting and genuine most bloggers are and I'd say that definitely helps encourage those who are looking to join the community.

Well, I guess that's it for now!  I tried to keep it short and sweet, but if anyone has any more questions for me, feel free to leave them in the comments or tweet me (@ohaiitschey)!  If you're participating in Armchair BEA, let me know so I can check out your posts this week!