The Sunday Roast

Too Many Broths Spoil The Cook

This week's interview is with Debbie,
who writes the blog I Overcooked My Family.

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

"Why" I blog is an answer which has changed. In the beginning I blogged because my blog "came with" my new website "package", and everyone told me I needed to do it. Honestly I had no idea what "it", was. I could barely operate my cell phone. Therefore, when I began blogging, I was a bit clumsy at it. But quickly, I became hooked. Addicted to discovering more amazing people from all over the world.

Meeting these people who do incredible, self-less things every day, motivated me to become even more dedicated to my mission. Besides, their witty comments have become my morning breakfast pal. I laugh out loud and sometimes even spill coffee on my jammies.

What's the story behind your blog name?

Well ... let's just say, one day I had spent about six hours trying to come up with a fun name for my blog. Then, my teenage son walked into the room, wanting ice-cream. I said okay, but first can I ask you a question? I asked him if he had any ideas for a title for my blog. I said, "Son, what title would let readers know what kind of person I am -- not just as a cook, or food show host, but as a mother." And in two seconds he blurted, "Oh that's easy! I overcooked my family. Can you take me for ice-cream now?"

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Deadlines. I love the pressure of knowing I haven't written anything yet and I need to post something before morning. That plus growing and laughing. Meeting new friends, too! Friends I now visit -- recently I traveled to Indiana to stay with Kelly Butler. I spoke at her father's university on the topic of new media. Kelly's young daughter has Rett Syndrome so I also met the President of Girl Power 2 Cure to see how I might help raise awareness for this rare form of autism.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

I would tell a newbie blogger to share your stories. It is fun to receive comments from people across the continents -- especially when they share how perhaps you might have impacted their life -- and theirs, yours.

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

I recently read a post that touched my heart. My friend Kelly's daughter, whom I mentioned above, has Rett Syndrome. Kelly's father is a professor at a University. One of his students waits tables. The tips she made from one of her shifts she donated to Brooklyn. And then the restaurant matched the amount.

She has followed Brooklyn's journey and even created a video in honor of Brooklyn. The student's name is Megan. She is such a blessing to the Butler family. You can see this post at Thanks, Megan.

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

Hmmm ....... This is a tough one. I would have to say my first blog post is the most significant blog post I've written. It was the start to this wonderful journey of family and food and it sums up why I do what I do. It is easy to forget why we do what we do -- at least once menopause kicks in.

Then again, I wouldn't know. I've just heard you can become forgetful. I mean, you've heard that too, right? Huh? Where was I going with this? What was the question again?


Today's Sunday Roast with Debbie is the 71st in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.