April Blogger Spotlight

Welcome to my series in which I spotlight one of my followers. I’ve always had a deep fascination with people: how they became who they are, the struggles they won, and the hard lessons they learned over time. All of these scars and stories make up a person’s life. While I think it’s important to reflect on your own journey, it is also equally important to hear other voices and see diverse perspectives. In this series, the spotlighted blogger will be able to tell their story through curated questions I’ve asked of them.

I am delighted to announce that the blogger I chose to spotlight for the month of April is a mom and a published author. Her weekly posts (usually about her adventures in Jiu Jitsu training) are hilarious and thoroughly entertaining. She started her blog years ago telling stories about her motherhood journey, focusing on “the comedic aspect of child-raising.” She says, “No parent in their right mind would say bringing up children comes without its difficulties. But often the tragic moments become humorous over time and with new perspective.”

Without further ado, I introduce you to Betsy Kerekes of the ParentingIsFunny blog.

A Bit About Betsy…

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I started college when I was 16. I don’t tell people that because they’d probably assume I’m a genius, and then, after talking to me more, quickly become confused when they realize otherwise.

What do you always have with you no matter where you go?
Chapstick. At least I try to. It’s always when I don’t have it and need it that I think, “Why don’t I have Chapstick with me?” Fortunately, I’m usually with Hubby, and Hubby is better prepared than I.

What is one thing you do now that you didn’t do 5 years ago?
Martial arts like a tough mother. 😉

What is a guilty pleasure you have?
Grabbing a book and hiding from my family in my room or outside in a lawn chair.

What were you scared of when you were younger but have since gotten over?
My recurring nightmare of monsters coming out of toilets.

Do you get embarrassed easily?
Nah, I enjoy laughing at myself. And then sharing the story on my blog.

On Writing…

Why do you write?
For the sheer thrill of it.

Did you always want to be a writer?
When I graduated college, I knew I would write a book someday. I had no idea when or what it would be about, but I was sure it would happen. For a long time, I wanted to be a book editor. That pretty much comes along with the writing gig, so I’ll call that a win, too.

What phrase, in your opinion, gets overused a lot?
Throwing someone under the bus. Could we please stop using that expression?

I see you’re a published author. Can you tell us a bit about your books and what inspired you to write them?
101 Tips for a Happier Marriage was written in small bits over time and used in a newsletter I put out for my boss. She wrote a tip; I added commentary. We planned to print these as a book ourselves. Then I met a woman at a wedding who told me she worked for a publisher that specialized in marriage books. Kismet. Our second book, 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, literally came to me in a dream. Be a Happier Parent or Laugh Trying is my solo compilation of all (or most) of the great parenting advice I’ve learned or figured out on my own. It’s also filled with a bunch of my silliness.

What has been the craziest part about being an author?
Lots of things. Webcasts, radio interviews, having someone recognize my voice from hearing me on the radio, being flown across the country for a TV interview, flown to DC to speak at a conference at the country club where senators golf, receiving sheepish emails from people humbly requesting I write an article for them or for my permission to have one of my articles translated into Croatian… But probably the trippiest thing was seeing the Polish version of my first book featured on a talk show in Warsaw, or wherever. That was pretty wild.

On Blogging…

When did you begin your blogging journey and why did you start?
I started my blog 10.5 years ago to share funny stories about my kids. It was especially fun when others shared their stories with me.

What was your first post about? 
My sneaky daughter using a container of parmesan cheese as a step stool to reach the candy drawer.

Who was the first blogger that you followed that still posts today? 
Possibly Jacqui Murray at Word Dreams.

Who was the first blogger that followed you that still posts/follows you today?
It may have been Colleen Brown at The Chatter Blog. I’m only guessing here, but both these ladies have been with me for a long time, for which I’m grateful. Seeing blog buddies leave the blogging world has been sad.

How would you describe your blog to someone who’s never read your content?
Funny parenting stories, obviously, but of late it’s been more about my martial arts journey. And chickens. 😊

Which of your posts are you most proud of? 
I was rather fond of the one titled, “The First Rule of Fight Club.”

What’s your favourite topic to write about? 
Jiu Jitsu

What was your most recent post about?
Letting my readers vote on what Jiu Jitsu T-shirt I should buy.

Who was the first blogger that commented on your most recent post? Please tell us a bit about them/their blog.
Sheri Kennedy at Reality with a Twist was the first to comment. She’s an author of several books and lately has been doing an A-Z challenge of alliterative posts. Her latest was Tubby’s Turbulent Talent Trek!

How have your thoughts on blogging changed over the months/years you’ve been blogging (if it has)?
Originally, I just wanted an on-line diary of sorts, and I still blog for that reason, but mostly I enjoy the interaction and friendships that I’ve developed with other bloggers around the world.

Thank you so much for sharing, Betsy!

Liked this post? Check out other popular posts on my blog:

• Taking Flight: The Turning Point Series
• My Year of Writing (Part 1): The Hurdle & Why
• ER Adventures
• The Making Of
• When In Doubt, Please Don’t Call Me

Read previous Blogger Spotlights below:

• January 2022
• February 2022
• March 2022

*This post contains affiliate links. These affiliate links are associated with the spotlighted blogger, Betsy Kerekes. If you choose to purchase a product after clicking her link on this page, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.