A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon The Great Interview Experiment over at Citizen of the Month. What’s that? Basically, anyone who wants to play leaves a comment. They then interview the person who commented before them, and are interviewed by the person who comments after them.
It’s all very random, and a lot of fun. Today, it is my pleasure to bring you Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas, The Great Interview Experiment edition.
It’s very cold and wintry here today, so I kinda want to hear about somewhere warm. Where’s your favorite place to go in Las Vegas?
Hmmm. Cold and Las Vegas. Not two things I would normally put in the same sentence…
Just out of curiosity, do people who live there actually visit the casinos?
We’ll just have to take your word on that. 
I started blogging because I love to write and my regular job didn’t afford me as much opportunity to write creatively as I would have liked. I also wanted to tell the story of being a parent in Vegas because I didn’t see that perspective out there. That said, most of the accounts I write could happen anywhere and a good chunk of people who read and comment aren’t parents.
It’s funny how blogs just take on a life of their own, isn’t it? What’s your favorite part about blogging?
The people I’ve met. Like her, her, him, her and, oh yeah, this guy.
Who are some of your blogging heroes?
Eek. I hate that term. I try not to put people on pedestals, as they tend to fall off and squish me in the process. I will tell you that reading these folks inspired me to get started and these people keep me motivated to keep it up.
Still writing even though I can’t write about what I really want to write about because the blog is not the appropriate venue to hack through some issues.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve written something, only to think, “no, I can’t possibly print that” before hitting the publish button.
Speaking as someone struggling with figuring out how much sharing is over-sharing in the blogosphere, do you ever worry about writing about your kids?
Yes and no. I’ve kept their pseudonyms because they’re not of an age where they’re able to understand enough about what I’m doing to opt out. Also, I want them to get a job and move out some day and the last thing a prospective employer needs to do is Google my son’s name and read about our potty training and sleep challenges. The things I write about (at least when it comes to them) come from a pretty common place and I don’t think they would be harmed by what I’ve put out there so far.
Fair enough. Let’s talk about life for a minute. Your dream vacation. Name it.
Your dream job?
You say you have a thing for drummers. If you could have a fling with the drummer of your choice, who would it be?
That’s cool. I have a somewhat regrettable tat of Winnie the Pooh…which I paid for. So I’d have something to write about for a journalism class assignment. But that’s a story for another post.
Are there any careers you absolutely hope your kids don’t aspire to?
Honestly, no. As long as it’s legal and they’re happy and they’re able to support themselves, I’m fine. Doctor, lawyer, astronaut, garbage person, nun, tattoo artist, whatever. If they are blessed to hear a calling to a profession, have the drive to get through the education and training they need and love what they do, great. My job as a parent is to help them explore opportunities and their potential. I put the resources and encouragement behind them, but, in the end, it’s got to be what they want, not what I want for them.
What’s the one toy you hope your kids never bring into your home?
I can respect that. I hate those things.
If this isn’t too sensitive of a topic…what’s been your biggest challenge adjusting to life as a single mom?
I’m a new(ish) mom, and many of my readers are too. Any advice for us rookies?
They won’t remember? Are you sure? Can you guarantee that? ‘Cause I’m making more than my share…but I haven’t dropped her on her head (yet) so I’m calling that a victory.
Blogging is as much about relationships as it is about writing. Be yourself, tell your story honestly and with your own voice. Go out and read other sites, comment, check out the sites of people who are commenting on your favorite blogs. You’ll find shared interests and get involved in each other’s trials and tribulations. Comment, but don’t stalk. Chat on Twitter. Go to BlogHer or another blogging conference and have fun being yourself. The best relationships are the ones that happen organically.
More importantly, are there any faux pas you can keep us from making? What ticks you off more than anything?
Big faux pas? I guess the biggest ones I’ve seen are when people try too hard to be “big.” They want what Dooce has and are willing to sacrifice their voice and point of view for giveaways they think will drive readership. The folks with huge followings have earned them because they are compelling storytellers.
Amen, sister. I just don’t get the whole popularity contest side of things…
