2017 has looked so different than I expected. When 2016 turned into 2017, I was just dating Grace, we had a dog named Casper, I lived in a little studio apartment in West Hollywood, I worked for the federal government, and I was not anywhere close to writing a blog about my life.
Now, as I'm reflecting on all the year held, I'm realizing just how much changed. I am engaged to Grace, with only 7 months until our wedding. We held Casper as he passed away in our arms this summer, and we have since adopted two more dogs, Willie and Bean. I moved out of my apartment and Grace and I started living together for the first time--we live in the cutest little two bedroom house (planning to share lots more about our house in 2018), and I moved into private practice with my job. And, I started Have Dog, Will Drive in May! A year ago, I honestly was not thinking about starting a blog AT ALL. The idea kind of popped into my head this Spring and within a week, I'd bought the domain name and was up and running. Grace gave me some really good advice, and I shared it with the world a little while later. It has become my favorite hobby and something I get so much joy out of. I've received messages and comments from people I never would have met otherwise, and I LOVE connecting with people who are interested in the type of stuff I write about. It's just so cool :) By the way, if you've never introduced yourself, feel free to Contact me! I seriously would love it.
Although I firmly believe that there is nothing magical about January 1, at the same time I love commemorating occasions and reflecting on what's good, and what can change. So in that spirit, I wanted to share some stats about Have Dog, Will Drive in its first year and favorite memories. Finally, at the end of this post, you'll find a link to a survey about what you'd like to see more of on Have Dog, Will Drive. I'd be so grateful if you'd fill it out!
2017 was a really sweet first year for Have Dog, Will Drive
It reached over 11,000 page views
People from every state in the US were reading
Readers tuned in from every continent except Antarctica
- Some of the countries with the biggest readership outside of the US were:
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Germany
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Finland
Most Popular Post: The Life of Casper (runners up: Planning the Drive from California to Alaska and Back; Meet Grace)
Longest-Running Series (Category): It's a tie between Getaways and LA to Alaska Road Trip
Most Fun Post for Me to Write and Document: Probably The Making of Red Rover but also, it's hard to beat Engaged in Alaska!
This has been the best journey and I can't wait for all that is to come! It is so encouraging and exciting to think about how much has changed from a year ago--and how much I could be surprised by the time the next year rolls around.
Lastly, I would so appreciate if you would fill out this short six-question survey. I hope to make Have Dog, Will Drive even better in 2018, and your help and input makes that possible!