Every Blog Has Its Day

I’ve been blogging for a little over a year now. When I first started my blog, it was at the insistence of my husband, Josh. He just couldn’t take it anymore…all of my excited raves about Hyatt and Chase and Avios just pushed him over the edge. So he set up a blog for me. His thought was that if I used up all of my energy writing about points and miles, I wouldn’t force him to listen anymore. (Ha! Wishful thinking.)

I love to write, so it was actually a perfect hobby. I spent a few months writing in almost total obscurity – I had exactly 3 subscribers (Josh, my mom, and one of my best friends, Star).

Then I went to my first FTU in Los Angeles. I made a points and miles buddy (hi, LauraPDX!) and met a bunch of other miles-crazed fools (and I say that in the most affectionate way). I had my picture taken with Daraius (I was totally starstruck and I think he was a little weirded out, but he was super nice about it – you’re a good sport, D!).

I even told Frequent Miler that I loved him. (I still do, and I can’t wait to see him again so I can remind him). It was quite an exciting weekend.

Soon after that, Million Mile Secrets featured my blog when I wrote about Credit Score Bumpage, and then Daraius interviewed me. I think that is how a lot of y’all found my blog!

I kept blogging, and one day I got an email in my inbox from a great guy at Internet Brands. I thought his email was a joke, because he was asking me if I wanted to write content for the Frugal Travel Guy site! (Um, duh – yes!) Over the past few months I’ve written a story for them every Sunday. Popular stories have included the time I got malaria in Africa, the classiest first class passenger I ever met, and the ever-exciting tale of the glowing worm.

Meanwhile, I somehow found out about a small conference sponsored by Boarding Area, affectionately known as BAcon. It sounded like exactly what I had been looking for – a small group of bloggers learning about how to hone their craft while networking and talking and maybe even drinking. So I sent this poem to Randy Petersen:

Every Blog Has Its Day

At heart, I’m a writer. Always my passion.
Inspirations include travel, beauty, and fashion.
My blog, as you know, is a blend of all three
It fills a nice niche, as my readers agree.

Most travel hack blogs are now written by guys.
Mine has a new perspective – fresh eyes.
I was encouraged by your validation
So I took the leap – planned a “working vacation.”

I crossed my fingers and booked my two nights
I rented a car and I booked my two flights.
Then I waited and hoped, on the edge of my chair
That you’d write back soon, with the news I was “there.”

But I waited to long – Cheyenne Mountain Resort
has a 7-day policy (that’s not so short).
So I’ve missed the window for refunds – oh no!
I must make a choice now, to stay or to go.

I hope that you’ll give me a place at the table.
I know that you’ll find I am worthy and able.
You won’t regret it, I promise I’ll prove
My posts and my stories will only improve.

My enthusiasm is great, my dedication is strong
Please oh please tell me you think I belong.
I’ll listen, take notes, and learn more than most
Then I’ll go home and write super quality posts.

I hope you can see that I’m not at all fakin’
And soon give me news that you’ll let me in BACON!

I wanted to thank all of you for reading my blog. I LOVE writing it, and there is so much more to come.

Travel on.