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Saturday 16 October 2010

The Sunday Roast

Now Look Betsy, Five Men In Your Life Is A Trifle Greedy!

"Five men", did she say? Must look at the situation in black and white and perhaps all will be explained in due course LOL


And listen folks! This gal posts daily.

I have to tell you that Blogger has been misbehaving deplorably and this poor lass was almost roasted alive and served as a burnt offering! Blogger caused me to have tremendous culinary problems, with ingredients and cooking utensils flying all over the kitchen.  Shame you could not have seen Eddie running round in circles trying to fix the roast and steam coming out of his ears and nostrils LOL. I am so pleased I did not incinerate you, Betsy!

This week's interview is with Betsy,who writes the blog, My Five Men .

Thank you for the interview, Betsy

A very warm welcome to you and your followers





Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?


I had a best friend who blogged and encouraged me to join in. She had moved out of state and wasn't a big email or phone person, so it was a way to stay in contact with her. I wasn't interested in Facebook at all and blogging was very intriguing to me. After enjoying her blog for over a year I decided to give it a try. I immediately fell in love with the whole thing from putting my thoughts down in a concrete way to connecting with people from all over the world.

What's the story behind your blog name?

I have five men in my life ~ my husband and four sons. It's also a running joke in our household that I'm surrounded by men! We even have a rabbit and a parakeet that are males, as were all of our previous pets. What a switch after growing up with only sisters!


(Glad you explained that, Betsy, I was beginning to get a little worried LOL)


What is the best thing about being a blogger?
 

I'm sure most people say that it's the community and would certainly agree with that! I enjoy several groups of bloggers from (1.) the general group that I find captivating and interesting and even different from me (opposites attract, you know!) to (2.) a group of parents with autistic children (I have autistic triplet boys) and that bond and support we give each other, to (3.) a few bloggers that seem to have taken a deeper interest in me. They phone, email, encourage and love me. I would have never met them outside of blogging!


(I agree - blogging is a way of life actually. It's a great vehicle for making friends and communicating and in my case, hopefully, making people laugh which I love doing. I have some really great bloggy pals out there and today I was delighted to see that David McMahon of Authorblog has returned to BlogLand)

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

That blogging doesn't have any rules! Don't get sucked into the idea that you must post something new every day or even every week. It's supposed to be fun! I'd also encourage them to seek out new friends. The easiest way to do that is by clicking on your own interests on your profile page and letting blogger show you others with that same interest.


(Great idea! I have not done that yet - thanks, Betsy)


What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

That without a doubt it would be this post Nella Cordelia: A Birth Story by Kelle Hampton from Enjoying the Small Things. It's the birth story of her second daughter who was born unexpectedly with Downs Syndrome. It's a beautiful story with gorgeous photography and I've been following her blog ever since. She's a gorgeous, "glass half full" kind of girl and awesome photographer.
Her journey encourages me since I'm a 'special needs' mom myself. Go take a read...you won't be disappointed...but don't forget the Kleenex! :) Her story is also featured in the October 2010 issue of Parent's Magazine!

(This is a must read and crumbs this gal has 7,685 followers!)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

Well, that is rather difficult after posting daily for almost three years! But there are a few that mean something more to me than others. Currently a significant one is Theme Thursday = Mystery where I talk about how I view myself living through difficult circumstances, hurt and disappointment. In fact, it was through discussing this post with a writer friend that I've been encouraged to write a book about how I've tried to make lemonade when life hands me lemons. If I could inspire other people to take a positive approach to life through my story, then I think that would be really great! And on a completely different topic and
something that is usually a surprise to others is this post Repro Girl or A Brush With Danger for Theme Thursday where I talk about my job working as a 'repo girl' almost 20 years ago. Interesting and fun to say the least!

Which two blogs would you recommend for roasting?

I would like to see you roast Alan from News From Nowhere . He's a smart, funny, British chap with a wonderful, wide variety of interests. He has a great talent for putting his thoughts into words. And secondly, I also enjoy Tracey from Unos, Dos, Tracey . She's a smart, talented mother with a wonderful knack for writing amusing, insightful posts.


(They both look fantastic blogs, Betsy. Thank you - I will invite them onto the SR and include Kelle as well)


That concludes the formal aspect of the interview but it would be nice to get to know you a little better while you are slowly turning on the roasting spit. So while you are screaming in agony above the open fire here are a few more questions for you.

Pick three things you can't live without.


Coffee, Sunglasses, and a Sense of Humor.

(I'll drink to these choices. A sense of humour (spelt properly because I am English LOL) is vital in this life and helps us all get through the day. My grandmother used to say, "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone" - true!)

If you were an ice cream cone, which flavour would you prefer and who would you most want to lick you?

Mmm. Well, first of all I must say that I love ice cream! It almost made the cut on my 'three things you can't live without' list above! And secondly, I must say that the best ice cream I've ever had was from a little Haagen-Dazs Stand up on Lake Michigan. The flavor was Turtle and it was super dark chocolate ice cream packed with big chocolate chunks, caramel and praline pecans. I ate a double waffle cone every night for a week while we were there! But to answer your question, even with all the fantastic flavors of ice cream in the world, did you know that Vanilla is still the most popular flavor? So, if I had to be a flavor, I think I would pick Vanilla! After all, who wouldn't want the most licks, right? LOL!

(Isn't this question naughty? I deserve to have my knuckles rapped LOL. But I agree Vanilla is superb! Here in England we have Cornish vanilla ice cream - yummy!)

Describe in one sentence your perfect day.

That would have to be a day being completely pampered in a spa...full body massage, sauna, facial, and pedicure while sipping a glass of wine.... yummy, healthy meals served to me....and definitely no cell phone to jolt me back into reality! :)


(Definitely no phone!! agreed!)

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Well, I've had a lot of them, Eddie! But I'll give you just one. While in college, my husband-to-be and I took a road trip from Columbus, Ohio to Kansas City, MO to visit my sister and her family. On the way, he "popped the question" and gave me a beautiful ring! Further on the way, we stopped for a break and I came out of the restroom with my zipper down on my jeans! Embarrassing for me and a little awkward for him to point it out to me! And to make it worse...a few hours later at the next rest stop...I did it again! LOL! Obviously, I was distracted by that sparkly diamond on my hand! haha.



(LOL . . . but I bet you didn't do it a third time! . . . . or did you?)


. . . . and if you are really brave, if you awoke to find you had changed gender what would be the first and second things you would do?

Ha ha...well, this question cracked me up! And the first thing that popped into my mind was Tom Hanks in the movie Big. Well, he didn't change gender, but he "grew up" overnight. He ran and looked the in the mirror and then looked in his underwear. I'd do the same thing! Who wouldn't do that, right? :) Then, I would probably scream or faint! Or maybe that would be my husband that would scream or faint? Ha ha!


(I expect you would have a 'duet scream' LOL . . . or should I say 'sextet scream' with you, an additional fella, screaming in harmony with your five guys! Might just catch on and be a hit!)


Your turn to ask me a question if you wish.

OK. Eddie, what was the most interesting job you ever had?


Without doubt, Betsy, my ambulance days as a driver and attendant. I did this for five years before I had to retire through injury to my hip caused by an awkward carry chair lift. I developed arthritis and had a total hip replacement in February. I loved caring for people and helping them and I did learn to comfort them sometimes and to amuse them sometimes. Occasionally I had them in hysterics, or should I say 'in stitches' LOL. I also became good friends with my regular patients, most of whom had kidney problems and I took them into hospital for dialysis three times a week. When a friend died, as they did often, we all were sad and I attended many funerals.  I 'lost' so many patients one month I was knick-named 'The Terminator'.  I had to see the funny side. Although I am officially 'retired' currently I am driving a minibus, nicknamed The Red Baron, (call me Eddie von Richthofen LOL) and have the same rapport with my regular passengers, all elderly. Love the job to bits. Right up my street after the ambulance job. . . . and I am pleased to say I can keep up with the youngsters even with an artificial hip.

Let's take a look at your blog screen - very attractive. I love the blue tit and the wording to the right.  Also I notice you after a nice cuppa to your visitors - mine is a coffee with just milk and no sugar - thanks.

"Thank you so much Eddie! - I really enjoyed doing this interview with you."


And thank you Betsy for your interview and your recommendations. Glad blogger finally 'allowed' me to post it - phew it was hot in the kitchen today!





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Today's Sunday Roast with "My Five Men" is the 137th in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.
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This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour for all published Roasts. To view please press HERE
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28 comments:

  1. yay! betsy is awesome...i love to read about her life with her boys...and we both served in the repo field at one point...lol. nice roast!

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  2. Eddie ~ thank you so very much! So sorry you had such fits with blogger and getting my roast to cook properly! LOL! Seriously, I'm not a high maintenance girl in real life!

    Thanks for answering my question about your most interesting job. I can see you being very good at that job...helping others and even distracting them with a bit of humor while in a difficult circumstance!

    And thanks for the plug to David's blog! I hadn't realized he reopened!

    We both see the need to laugh and not take life too seriously...love that.

    Thanks again!
    xxoo

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  3. Betsy is a jewel!!! I love visiting her blog...she is so versatile...and does everything with such class!!! And that's what this roast was...ONE CLASS ACT!!!

    And no, good sir, I cannot imagine you running frantically around in the kitchen...I'm sure you handled it all with your usual suave panache! You are an equally classy roast host...and this was fine dining at its best! Bravo to the both of you!

    Hugs, Janine

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  4. I have to admit that although I knew some of these things about you Betsy, I did learn quite a bit more. Your light sense of humor and positive outlook on life are just a few of your most attractive qualities.

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  5. Eddie, I agree ith Janine...you are a classy roast host! :)

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  6. This was just wonderful to read...great roast. I learned more great things about this sweet lady!!

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  7. Betsy's Roast was a treat to read. I had to chuckle at some of her answers.
    I will be popping over to her blog soon. Triplet boys with autism...... that is amazing and another two boys and a husband thrown in AND all those male animals! The mind boggles.
    Thanks for a good roast Eddie and Betsy!
    Maggie X

    Nuts in May

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  8. From the first day I stumbled on Betsy's blog I have been a fan! I love her positive attitude, her look at life, her funny funny sense of humor and how she makes me laugh at life.

    She is a fantastic wife, mom and cook, and is willing to share her wonderful recipes which I make almost immediately.

    I could go on and on.. but the last thing I will mention, her comments on my blog, have just brighten my day, and encouraged my heart.

    Thanks for "Roasting" her, as even more neat things were learned.

    Love and Hugs
    Wanda

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  9. Thanks to Betsy & Eddie. I enjoyed this so much. Glad to know betsy also reads Kelle Hampton's blog, love it. I've been reading Betsy's blog for at least 2 yrs. & can't seem to comment there.

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  10. Bette ~ I think I figured out why you can't comment on my blog. I've opened up the additional links there, so please try again! and thanks for reading for 2 years...how wonderful! xo

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  11. I certainly remember Betsy well - and yes, of course the name of her blog is brilliant!

    Thanks, Sir Edward, for giving us another Roast ... and thank you for the very kind mention of my return.

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  12. I daresay I've gotten to know Betsy quite well, via the blogs and several emails, and have found her to be a captivating, multi-faceted woman who's beautiful inside and out. And "multi-faceted" is a remarkably appropriate word for someone who is a "gem" in so many senses of that word.

    Congratulations to both the interviewer and the "interviewee" on a very well-done, delicious "roast!"

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  13. Betsy, Betsy, Betsy! She's just beautiful, real and adorable and this was fun to read! Thanks for sharing!

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  14. As I have not met her, this was a real treat! I must visit her blog and get to know her better. And anyone from Columbus, Ohio is worth the knowing...as I grew up there! Wonder if we went to the same high school? Must go and find out!
    Thanks Eddie!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  15. What a nice woman and her personality shines in her blog as well as in the Sunday Roast. I so agree with Betsy that blogging has no rules and that it is the fun of blogging that is important not how many posts we write. Wonderful roast, Eddie!

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  16. Thank you for all your comments.
    Sorry the colours are not consistent.
    I am having a lot of trouble with blogger. I am trying to alter the colours slightly so I can prepare for a change in the design of my blog because at the moment the coloured lettering is too pale. Blogger is not letting me do it! I'll try to correct it later ~ Eddie

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  17. Thanks Eddie, great interview. Of course Betsy made it look effortless as well. I think I'll have to check back for the next one.

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  18. Kudos to you both- Eddie and Betsy- great roaster and roastee!

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  19. Even though I've been reading Betsy's blog for quite some time, I learned a few new things today. Thanks for roasting her.

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  20. Eddie,

    What a great interview. fun to learn about your job as an ambulance attendant too. I can see how meaningful that would be and if you can have them "laughing all the way to the hospital"--well even better! :)

    Betsy's blog has to be in my top 3-5 favourite blogs out there. I'm so glad you featured her as she is truly an amazing woman and has become such a good freind too. I admire her stick-to-it-iveness so much.

    A delicious roast indeed.

    Also, only scanned for now but started to get tears reading that post she recommended by Kelle on Nella Cordelia: A Birth Story, from Enjoying the Small Things blog. Wow. So moving.

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  21. BTW, Eddie, Alan will be an EXCELLENT addition here. he is so witty and smart too and hey, from Yorkshire so what more do you need there? :) Can't wait to read his interview too.

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  22. Sorry I'm late to the party! Really enjoyed reading this interview and getting to know Betsy a bit better. Good stuff!
    :-)

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  23. This little lady seems to be highly thought of Eddie, so I'm hopping over now to this new discvovery.

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  24. OH wow Eddie I love your ROASTS! This is great fun! Betsy is an awesome lady and I feel pleased to call her a friend! I enjoy MY FIVE MEN oh so very much! She truly IS a classy gal!

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  25. Thank you Eddie, that was a gem of a roast.

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  26. Great roast, Eddie! Really enjoyed Betsy's interview and sense of humor. I loved her answers and she passed with flying colors, on the ice cream question! lol Her blog sounds delightful and I will be visiting her soon! Thanks so much to both of you for this wonderful read!

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  27. Betsy has such a sweet spirit. It is evident in her walk in the journey called life,
    I’ve never met Betsy in person, only through blogging, but as I said before, her sweet, sweet spirit shines through.

    cindy

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