AllMilitary.com

We interviewed Melinda of Most Certainly Not to find out about more about her and her blog.

Question: What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

This is a toughie as I usually don’t hide too much about myself on my blog! I suppose one thing that might be surprising, even to people who know me in real life, is that I’m actually shy. I didn’t even like trick-or-treating as a kid because it meant I had to go talk to people. Sometimes, I’ve even excited about going somewhere and doing something, but I’ll be tempted to chicken out at the last minute and not go.

I won the spelling bee in 4th and 8th grades. Therefore, it is odd that, as an adult, I had to try very hard to teach myself how to consistently spell the words: separate, judgment, privilege and cemetery correctly…I hope those are spelled right!

I am right-handed as is my sister. My parents, however, are both left-handed. My mother taught me how to do a cartwheel. I apparently “tumble left” rather than right. I learned this in high school when I was a cheerleader and my gymnastics coach was on the wrong side to successfully spot my first backhandspring. I didn’t break my neck. Thank goodness.

Question: How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

My very first blog post was in September of 2003 and then I didn’t touch my blog again until September of 2004, when my husband was deployed. I have always enjoyed writing and kept journals in my childhood and young adulthood. I liked the idea of having a record on the web of what was happening around me that my family and friends could read too. My blog gradually morphed into a blog with more a milblog feel and I like it that way.

Question: What is your military experience?

I have been married to my Army Nat’l Guard husband for over five years.

During that time I developed an addiction to sending care packages which I stoke by belonging to Soldiers’ Angels and taking on crazy projects that well-meaning, but inexperienced people plan. Case in point: my daughter’s school collected care packages for the troops a couple Christmases ago. And, when the transportation plan for the boxes fell through, I became the go-to-gal. I documented the entire event on my blog and still marvel at how we did it!

No matter what I have going on, I do my very best to NEVER turn down the opportunity to offer a hand in support of our troops.

Question: What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

I have a ton of favorites and have been able to guest blog on a couple. I love working with SpouseBuzz.com and the authors there like Andi, who recently shuttered her blog, Andi’s World, and Army Wife Toddler Mom. I also think that David does an excellent job at The Thunder Run.

Other almost daily read of mine include: Blackfive, Some Soldier’s Mom, Mudville Gazette, Tanker Brothers, Chuck at tcoverride.blogspot.com, and TF Boggs.

I read others on a regular basis, but sometimes link to them through the blogrolls of those in my favorite folder.

Question: What has been the biggest factor in helping you create and publish a successful blog?

I think one trait of successful blogs is the enjoyment of the blog’s author. I don’t think a blog, even mine, would be fun to read if it weren’t fun to write. I try to be consistent in publishing and to be honest and not hold back when I write.

I will admit that going to law school did impact my blog for awhile. Not only was time an issue, but also my unabashed opinion might adversely impact me in my career. After thinking about it, though, I decided that at my age, I’m too old to work somewhere that can’t take honesty and a well-founded argument.

Each day, I look to write about what’s on my mind…whatever it is.

Question: Do you have anything else you would like us to mention about you, your blog, or your readers?

My readers are some of the kindest, most dedicated folks around. My blog began with a small group of family members tuning in and then, with some mentoring and encouraging words from wise ones in the blogosphere, I just kept writing. Soon, other readers were finding me and commenting. It’s been fun learning about them too and great to meet them in places like the Milblogging Conference or SpouseBuzz Live events.

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