Amanda aka DudeMom, previously Dumb Mom, is a former middle school teacher, turned stay at home mom, turned tax preparer, turned professional photographer, turned social media director, blogger, and freelance writer extraordinaire! From the Southern part of California, she considers herself a California girl although she has lived in many places, including Europe, but is now in the DC Metro area.
The Network Niche (TNN): What influenced you to start blogging and why?
Dumb Mom (DM): My friend told me I had good kid stories and that I should write about them in something called a b-a-log. I’ve been doing it ever since. I’ve been blogging at parenting BY dummies since 2009 and I continue to do it because I love comments.
TNN: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
DM: Professional, um, er. I don’t know. I’m not a huge fan of working per se. I would like to have Kelly Ripa’s job. Only, I’d need to start my day much later, like say around 10:30. I’m my best then.
TNN: Name someone who has had an impact on your life and how?
DM: My parents are pretty much the most impactful people in my life. I know, most people feel that way, but I can’t even think of another human who I’d like to be like aside from my mom. She’s amazing in so many ways and I hope my kids grow up to worship me the way I do her. I kinda doubt it though, since they know her too!
TNN: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
DM: I would love to say that I have all of these grand dreams about where my life will be in tn years, but in ten years I will be sending my oldest son to college so I sorta think I will just be a depressed, blubbering, mess. I don’t appreciate change. Unless that change means that I get to spend sometimes as an MTV VJ, or the host of my own talk show where I showcase kids who do amazing things and seriously funny YouTube videos.
TNN: What on your resume are you most proud of?
DM: I joined Teach for America, the Americorp teaching branch, straight out of college. Being accepted into that program and then spending the beginning of my teaching career in an 8th grade class in Oakland was one of the most significant experiences of my life. And, I’m proud to say that I can count on one hand the number of times my students made me cry. None of which were actually in front of them.
TNN: Do you have any hidden talents?
DM: Nope. All of my talents are in my bio and Tweeted about excessively. No point in hiding awesome!
TNN: Why did you join The Network Niche community?
DM: I am always looking for new ways to connect with more people in this space. For me, blogging is mostly about having a strong community of like minded individuals to share things with. It enhances life and certainly makes things like parenting easier. Plus, it keeps me sane. Knowing that I’m not the only mom who lock herself in the bathroom so she can eat cupcakes, justifies that activity just enough that I continue to do it. Wait, I’m not the only one, right?! RIGHT?!
TNN: What’s on your bucket list?
DM: I don’t have one. I make it a point to live every day of life to the fullest that way when I kick the bucket I will know that I did every thing I was meant to do. Or, I’m too lazy to create a bucket list.
TNN: What is your favorite restaurant and what do you get?
DM: I am currently on Weight Watchers so this no longer applies, but prior to my “life change”, my favorite restaurant was Baskin Robbins and I got a scoop of mint and chip on top of a scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough. In that order. Don’t play around with my order. And, yes, Baskin Robbins is a restaurant and ice cream can be a meal.
TNN: What is your greatest fear?
DM: Bugs. And that something bad will happen to my children.
TNN: Let’s say money is not a problem for you, where would you visit and why?
DM: Fiji. Because I knew a guy from there in college and he was hotness! And, they have a bunch of island stuff going on too. And I like warm, beachy type locations for my travel destinations. I also want to go to Paris, because I haven’t been in ages, and Canada because I haven’t been ever. I sorta want to travel to some parts of Asia, but I don’t have a particular destination in mind.Greece is my number one dream vacation place. I’ve wanted to go since I read Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants when I was younger.
TNN: What is one gift that you would like to unwrap Christmas morning?
DM: One million dollars. And a Dr. Evil-esgue monocle. Kidding. Keep the monocle. Just give me the money. I also want one of those iPad keybord things. I hate touch screen typing.
TNN: Which came first: the chicken or the egg?
DM: The chicken? No. The egg? I can’t think existentially before I have my coffee. Or after either.
TNN: If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be?
DM: Justin Timberlake (and Jessica Biel is NOT invited), Ryan Gosling, and Brittney Spears. I want to talk to them about reprising the Mickey Mouse Club and letting me be a member. Just for like one number. I will do the Dirty Dancing air swan dive thing with Ryan, and probably kiss Justin and Brittney.
TNN: Coke or Pepsi?
DM: Neither, Diet Cherry.
Connect with Amanda on Twitter at @dudemom, she would love to hear from you!
If you would like to be featured as a Network Niche member spotlight please be sure to email assistant@thenetworkniche.com.
