When her request to join the blogroll recently landed in my Inbox, I thought it was the first time I’d ever heard of her blog. But then I noticed that the email from Kat was in reply to an email I’d sent to her nearly a year before. What kind of a woman responds to an email a year later? Is she the queen of procrastinators or is she really a crazy-busy, incredibly-organized wife, momma, blogger who also happens to be a techie web development and music marketing nerd?

I decided to find out, ’cause I’m all inquisitive like that.

Me: So Kat, tell us about your blog name.

Kat: The Secret Life of Kat? When I first started my blog I didn’t tell anyone about it except my husband. It was my “Secret Life.” I wanted to be free to say anything and ask any questions. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I told any “real life” friends about it. I like my blog name, but the only drawback is that I always end up at the bottom of alphabetical blogrolls.

Me: So how long have you been blogging?
Kat: I’ve been blogging since 2005 and I had no idea when I started, how much I’d enjoy it. It’s been an amazing outlet for me.

Me: Any advice to beginners?
Kat: My advice to beginners would be to:

- Be yourself and blog about things you love.
- Build your blog by focusing first on writing consistent posts, then creating quality posts, and finally by developing a strong community atmosphere on your blog.
- Interact with and get to know other bloggers.
- Dream big. Make your blog about something other than just you. Use your blog and your community to help others.

Me: Are there good things blogging has brought to your life?
Kat: I’ve made some amazing friends and I’ve deepened the friendships I already have because we can keep up with each other via our blogs.

Friends. I’ve made some really wonderful new friends through blogging, but what has really surprised me is how much blogging has deepened the relationships I already have. Most of my life I’ve had little relational compartments. My family, my friends and my co-workers all knew slightly different sides of me, but blogging puts us all on the same page.

The best thing, though, is the opportunities to make a difference. I love the way our little blog community has really taken action. Whether it’s social justice issues, training our kids, Bible study or just trying to eat healthier, we’re challenging each other to move forward and grow. Last summer we did a 40 Day Fast - where 40 different bloggers each fasted for one day and wrote on their blog about a need in the world that they are passionate about (i.e. child hunger, darfur, the modern slave trade). It was an amazing time. A few of us have banded together at a site called InspiredtoAction.com where we’re trying to walk out what we learned during those 40 days. We’re trying to find ways to bridge the gap between our comfy suburban lives and the lives of those in need.

Aren’t you just falling in love with her already? OK, act cool now though, there’s more. Keep reading and you’ll love her even more.

Me: You seem like such a passionate person. What is the one subject that makes your heartbeat race when you discuss it?
Kat: Lately, I’ve become very passionate about helping people. This summer I saw a picture of a small girl in the Sudan. She was perhaps 3 or 4 and she was starving, crawling to an aid station about a kilometer away. About 20 yards behind her was a vulture. Waiting. That picture completely broke my heart. I have two girls about her age. That little girl was someone’s daughter. There’s a song lyric that says, “Because I have seen, I am responsible.” I feel deeply responsible to find a way to help the hopeless. That picture compels me to pray and to find a way, in the midst of my day to day life, to make a difference. I like to think that we can change diapers and the world at the same time.

Me: That’s a profound thought, Kat. I feel like we should stop here to give it its due but I have more questions. Like, can you tell us about one of your best childhood memories.
Kat: I have wonderful memories of reading with my Grandma. We’d cuddle up on her chaise lounge with some snacks and drinks and she’d spend hours reading to me.

Me: Describe your perfect day.
Kat: On my perfect day I’d sleep in… maybe all the way to 8:00am! I’d go to the bathroom all by myself - whenever I want to. I’d go to the gym, take a long shower, go on a day trip somewhere fun with my family, and have a nice dinner with my husband.

Me: It’s been wonderful getting to know you, Kat. Just out of curiosity can you humor me with a few details about yourself?
Kat: Sure.

Me: How old are you?
Kat: 32
Me: Married?
Kat: Yes! To my hero for almost 10 years.
Me: Children?
Kat: Three adorable kids - a 5 year old girl, a 3 year old girl and a 10 month old boy If so, homeschool, private, or public? Only one of our kids is of school age and she goes to a private school.
Me: Favorite season?
Kat: Summer
Me: Favorite Sport?
Kat: I love sports, so it’s hard to pick just one. I’ll watch just about any sport. I used to play soccer, but since our third child arrived, it’s been hard to fit that into our lives, so I’m into running right now.
Me: What kind of car do you drive?
Kat: A Hyundai Entourage
Me: Mac or Pc?
Kat: I love my Mac.
Me: Dog or cat?
Kat: Currently, we’re just trying to keep our three kids watered, warm and fed. I don’t think we have any plans for a pet right now. However, if you asked our kids, they want a dog.
Me: Vanilla or Chocolate?
Kat: Chocolate Mint. Yum
Me: Diet Coke, Sweet Tea or Evian?
Kat: Evian
Me: Steak, Chicken or Shrimp?
Kat: Chicken

What’d I tell you? Adorable isn’t she? Strange though, I really thought she’d drive a Saab.

Categories: Interviews
Tags: interview, mom