Here are my excuses for being such a crappy blogger

I am failing at this blog thing.

When I first arrived in Montreal, I went out for drinks with a few tech-y guys, Angus and Elliot. We ordered poutine at Mâche, and one of the guys mentioned to the server that I was a travel blogger. The server backed up, wide-eyed and intimidated. My drunk friends joked that if our meals weren’t free, I’d give them a bad review. We all laughed, the poor waiter fled like a cat on fire.

Then he came back a few minutes later with a business card and a menu for me to take home.

The poutine was delicious, btw. And $6.

Blogger friends, we’ve got some power. It’s time to harness this energy like it’s the freaking SUN. SOLAR POWERED BLOGGING.

After examining my blog credentials, Angus and Elliot urged me to take the blogging thing more seriously.

I concur. This blog, my dear friends, is a total piece of shit.

It is disorganized. Chaotic. Sporadic. My “Portfolio” hasn’t been updated in months and I haven’t even started putting together my Media Kit.

I’ve been too busy. I created this blog as a stepping stone to better writing gigs and high-paying opportunities. I’ve always identified myself as a “travel writer” before a “travel blogger.” It worked rather well, and now I’m a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. I have a fancy press card.

You probably don’t care, but my Mom does.

In the past couple of months, I’ve scored:

  • Some solid copywriting gigs
  • A major role as Lead Writing Faculty at MatadorU (I award students with peanuts and hugs for good behaviour)
  • Several pieces in Halifax’s airport magazine, SOAR
  • Several social media jobs
  • Partnerships with big brands I believe in, like Contiki
  • Article publications on Vacay.ca
  • Blog posts for Viator

    • FAMOUS FOR REALZ!

    AAANDDD some other big ass shit I can’t even talk about yet.

    I’ve been too busy to blog. I am a blogging disaster.

    I’m changing all that, however. I’m doing a complete overhaul of my website, modernizing it and optimizing it and all this sexy other “ization” stuff I can’t even pronounce. I’m gonna add some pretty little social media buttons, redesign my entire look, and smarten the hell up.

    Because every word I put down on this blog matters. Yes, even that delicately placed “shit.”

    I’ve even been accused of “not being a real traveller” lately because my domain is mostly North America. That’s because I’ve been working my ass off to pay off my debt, you jackasses. (Which actually should be taken care of by December 2012. THANKS AND NO YOU CAN’T BORROW MONEY FROM ME.)

    I will make more time for blogging. I’ve been travelling non-stop since mid March and I’ve been living in Montreal since May 10th, and yet I’ve only had time to write ONE blog post about this wild city that tugs at my heart and sends me through bouts of withdrawal whenever I’m away. How can I leave here? I love this city, so much. It hurts.

    I've been doing a lot of this, too. At 2 PM in the afternoon with new friends.

    (Actually, I’m in Ottawa until Friday. See how all over the place I am?)

    I’ve been doing this blog thang for years and although I have great traffic and amazing followers, I’ve totally neglected my passion for blogging. So I’ll be writing openly and freely and consistently and if you don’t like what I have to say you can just STFU.

    Oh yes, there’ll be a newsletter too. Something I’ve been vehemently against since everyone else started jumping on the bandwagon, mostly due to my insane RAAAGE every time one shows up in my inbox. And then after a few business-minded people talked to me about it and convinced me that, ya know, just cause I’M not into it doesn’t mean that nobody else is either, well…I figured I’d give it a shot. I’ll send you some nudes, or something.

    Pumped for you to see CandiceDoestheWorld 2.0! I’m even gonna start doing video maybe!!!! When I get a decent camera!!!!! Exclamation marks!!!!!

    , ,

    • Nancy

      Bring me back some of that poutine, minus the weiners!

    • http://www.goheredestinations.wordpress.com Gail

      Oh boy…I’m in trouble if you’re not a “real traveller” lately because your domain is mostly North America, what does that make me? My domain is SW Saskatchewan! But have you seen how BIG this place is? And how far apart everything is? Sure I could do Amsterdam to Paris in a 5 hr drive (and in fact have done), but I can also do Big Muddy to Cypress Hills in that same time – trust me, it’s some REAL travelling!

      Good luck and good fun with the “new” blogging you!

    • http://trustmaggie.wordpress.com maggie

      where do i sign up for the nudes?

    • http://gigigriffis.com Gigi

      Congrats on everything going so well! Looking forward to the new design and such.

    • http://www.blonde-gypsy.com Larissa

      Hi Candice,

      I haven’t read your blog much *yet* but I love the writing you’ve done for Matador. Wishing you the best of luck with the transition to 2.0 – I know it can get frustrating. I am a blogging AND writing disaster (traveling, I’m still doing OK there) but trying to get better in both departments. If all goes well hopefully I’ll be partying with you at some press junket or rooftop pool in Montreal “for business purposes” in the not too distant future :)

    • http://travelerahoy.com Alouise

      I agree with Gail, if you’re not a real traveller, well I don’t even want to think what that makes me. You’ve done a fantastic job, blogging, writing, whatever you want to call it. I look forward to seeing the new version of your site.

    • http://www.uflyextreme.co.nz vincent

      but if you are stuck in Montreal.. we won’t get to have a drink with you in St Johns in July!!! maybe you should do more travelling :) visit NZ in our summer, we’d get you some interesting blogmatter!!! :)

    • http://www.toandfrommag.com Diana

      If you happen to put your video skills into a “7 best poutine places” post, I’m all over it. :) Congrats on the press cred!

    • http://teachergirlblogs.wordpress.com Teacher Girl

      Yay!! I am excited for all the major stuff you have going on and for the blog revamp. Sounds awesome!
      P.S. Can you use your magical Contiki powers to send me somewhere?? I’m dying =(

    • http://www.hikebiketravel.com Leigh

      People are giving you hell because you’re not leaving North America – c’est what?? There’s a lot of fine territory to cover and I personally wouldn’t give a rat’s ass. It seems to be you’re doing quite nicely with all your other gigs. It takes a lot of energy to be updating your blog regularly. But I’m just happy to read it when it shows up in my feed. I love your honesty Candice.

    • http://www.manonthelam.com Raymond @ Man On The Lam

      Can’t wait to see the new and improved CDTW!! :)

    • http://www.baconismagic.ca Ayngelina

      Who said you aren’t a traveler? Total bullshit. After spending two years outside North America I am really excited to see what we have in it. In fact the most amazing thing I did was in Canada!

      You’re a writer, step above blogger, don’t worry about the blog as long as the writing is coming along.

    • http://sparkpunk.com Zak

      You have always been so good at punctuation!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

      Seriously, though, I’m really happy for you…redesigning is a huge thing, and it’s a sure indicator that you’re committed for the long haul. Way to set the tone :)

    • http://www.senyorita.net Micamyx|Senyorita

      Bring it on! :D

    • http://www.monttremblantnow.ca/ Abbey

      I only recently started reading your blog so I don’t mind the sporadicity of it all – I already have so much to catch up on! I do love your writing and your take on what I’ve read so far and while I would love to see more I think it’s just as important that you are living and enjoying the moments as they happen. You should never feel obligated to blog. I look forward to CDTW 2.0 and the continuance of traveling vicariously through you!

    • Efrutik

      First of good job and congrats on all the stuff you are doing! Second of all thanks for taking action to blog more :) And third, I LOVE MONTREAL please blog more about it while you are there. I would love to go visit in the summer time (only been there in winter time) and perhaps you will just make me feel so jealous that I will FLY over there in a jiffy :) !

    • http://ericakjordan.com Erica

      Congrats on all of your writing gigs! I’m always very inspired by your dedication to your work and really, you can totally classify cocktails at 2pm as essential “me” time.

      Also, you can tell whoever says you’re not traveling that it’s not a simply an action, but a frame of mind, so suck it.

    • http://refrigeratormagnate.wordpress.com/ spilledinkguy

      That sounds AWESOME, Candice!
      Man, I admire your ambition! And your tech-i-ness.
      I’m still trying to figure out how to keep my shoes tied.
      The bunny goes around, no wait, OVER, no, no… that’s not right either…
      :)

    • http://www.ordinarytraveler.com Christy

      I love this post, Candice. Congrats on all the recent partnerships and writing gigs. Sometimes certain things have to take the back burner in order to move forward with other passions, but you can always come back to your blog.

      Would you say a press card has been helpful at all so far?

    • http://www.beatravelbee.com Joya

      I can’t wait for what’s to come on your blog!

    • http://www.TheConstantComplainer.com The Constant Complainer

      To be honest; I like your blog. Don’t get me wrong…I’d love to see you do more. So yeah, I look forward to Candice 2.0, but don’t get down on yourself in the meantime. We’re all busy. And you blog when you can. I look forward to your posts and think it’s funny as heck that you scared the waiter into giving you a menu. But one thing for sure, I’d love to see some video blogs. I need to start doing those myself. Have a great weekend!

    • http://idrinkmyteasweet.com Abhi

      I did not know MatadorU students got hugs. Am joining the course back again now! ;) :P

      On a more serious note, I am looking forward to ver 2.0! :) You are already being quite brave (in my opinion), just keep at it.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      You sure you don’t even want one wiener?

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Hahaha, this is true! I haven’t been to SW Saskatchewan. New place for me to explore?

      Thanks Gail!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      There’ll be a big sign, don’t worry

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thanks, Gigi! Hope all is well in Scotland!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thank you kindly, Larissa! I really appreciate your kind words. Tis a constant balance, right? We’ll figure it out.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thanks, Alouise! Appreciate that.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      I’ll be home in July! Can’t stay away from a good Newfoundland summer

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Thanks Diana!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Hahaha, will try my best! We should totally do a trip together sometime, that’d be awesome.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thank you Leigh, I’m grateful for that! Funny thing is, I’m nowhere even near done exploring my OWN terrain, in Newfoundland. Pfft.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thanks Mr. Walsh! It’s gonna be sexy!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thanks Ayngelina, love hearing that coming from someone with such a strong readership as yourself! Gonna flash my press card all over the place. Ha.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Totally love your redesign as well, Zak. Checked it out the other day. Yay for new things!!!!!!!!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      BRING IT!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thank you kindly, Abbey! I may have to make your Quebec domain my temporary home for awhile, however…I LOVE it here!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Definitely come back for the summer, omg! Unreal here. Montrealers grumble about the winter a lot, and although I’ve never been, it seems like the summer makes this place a whole different city. Lots of Montreal posts coming up!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      LOL, suck it indeed! Thanks, Erica. I need more cocktails and “me time” in my life.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      TRY HARDER!
      ;)

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thanks, Christy!

      I actually only used that card once, for admission to a museum. It was a nice perk! But def gives some legitimacy to the whole “travel writer” thing.

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      ME NEITHER! Thanks Joya!

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Thanks, CC! Stoked to try some video. Need to upgrade my camera first, unfortunately. :(

    • http://www.candicedoestheworld.com Candice

      Hahaha, come on back! We have new course material!