Wow. Six years.  It seems like so much shorter than that most of the time! I remember the days of HM and SR, and though I don't remember how, Bri was actually the one who convinced me to join HM and I haven't left the string of RPs ever since.  I joined with Akiva on January 16, 2009 and through the whole time have been here (with minor absences over the time).  My little RP family has expanded significantly, some characters having existed for over half of my life and some brand new - but all have found a happy home here! 

Since I've been on the site, I graduated college, have lived in two different cities, had two jobs, travelled a lot and all along AO has been a constant.  I've made sooooo many friends from this site and have even had the opportunity to meet up with several of these wonderful people in person (Sly, Dawn, Tor, and Tasha - almost Melissa, but I was sick when she was in the city).  I'm just so happy that I found this group and it's been so constant.  Yay AO

I joined AO back in March, 2009 with Mairead.  She was due to start as a first year when the school year started.  Apart from a few short life-driven breaks, it's been a pretty consistent factor in my life.  There have been so many writers I've gotten to know and look forward to writing with.  Though I have never met anyone in person, I'm appreciative of the friendships.  Both friends that I see around the site and others who have come and gone. 

There have been so many memories and so many fantastic plots and developments.  Some have been funny and lighthearted but many of my favorites have been intriguing opportunities to delve into deep, philosophical ideas.  Politics and magic, culture and tradition and the challenges of growing up.  One of my favorite things about this site is the ability to have both deep and lighthearted interactions. 

Even though I have not been active at all recently, due to RL commitments and mental blocks, AO is still very close to my heart. I have met so many people on AO that are important to me and have so many memories. Some are good, some are bad but all are special. AO helped me through some tough times in my life.

I like to boast that Analiza Snark is  account number 3 (Account one and two being the admin account and Sarah). I really see AO as my child, even when I am not around to nurture it. It makes me happy to see people returning to it and I hope to come back soon as well.

I remember bringing Analiza over to AO from SR, complete with her hatred of Knox Greyfriar. Somehow she ended up the headmistress, mostly because it worked for the plot, and became the bane of the school for a while. Now she is lost somewhere. I doubt anyone is looking, but that's Karma One day she shall return. I haven't decided whether she will be evil or not though *evil grin*

A super duper happy birthday, AO!

Like many, I was over there at SR with Gabie being the only one who made it over to here on AO. Then again, Gabie's been there actually for /TEN!?!?!?!?!/ years since it's been officially more or less ten years ago when I first found a home and haven in HogwartsMagic. I remember how many who aren't with us anymore and a few who are took me in and in return, gave me a voice to the writing as well as a world of magic that meant a great deal to me. I love you all immensely and FULL STEAM AHEAD!

lobbaCHOO guys!