Birthday Party Ideas, Birthday Tips and Shower Ideas, Planning a birthday party Blackberry Diaries Book Review

51Ti4XxrRyL._SL500_AA280_ You might think a Blackberry Diaries Book Review is out of my niche. I agree its a stretch but I reviewed a blackberry (thanks to Research in Motion) to see if it would make my life as a party planner and Mom easier. (review coming soon) This book was part of the promotion and I got to interview Kathy. I was sooooo excited. I am not all the way finished the Book, but my friend Karen LOVED it and she said she would post a review about it here at the Party Planning Professor.

Below are some questions that I had for the Canadian author. Just a little Q & A of questions that I wondered about. 51cYeyuymuL._SL500_AA240_ I was so jealous that I didn’t get to meet the author but catch Mrs. Mo NJ because she did and wrote about the whole thing. I am very lucky to have got to talk to her via email and I LOVE HER LAST ANSWER. Being a Social Media Advocate I feel that her answer is RIGHT on!!!

1. What’s your high score in brick breaker?

Hmm. If I tell you and mine is higher than yours, than I have way too much time on my hands. If it’s lower, then I lose. Okay let’s say it’s hovering around 10,000.

2. Has your family read the book? What was their reaction?

My husband usually reads the book after publication. This is a defensive strategy by myself. My kids are funny – if I mention them they say “Mom! Why would you tell that story?!”, and if I don’t, they say “Why didn’t you tell them that story?” Now that all four of them can read I have to be more careful. Luckily they don’t share the same last name with me.

3. Could u ever imagine your life without Seamus?

I use my BlackBerry for so many personal and professional purposes that I really can’t imagine life being the same without Seamus. He’s definitely been a welcome addition to my family.

4. Being an “experienced” mom of 4 kids; do u find that newer moms today take parenting way too serious?

Sometimes…but then I remember back to how I was (18 years ago) with my first born and realize that it’s a natural thing to be so overwhelmed with the huge task of doing something that no one can ever train you for. I do think that sometimes books and media reports can scare parents into being more overprotective and neurotic than they need to be, which is why I like to counterbalance all of the very real, serious issues with some laughter and fun about parenting.

5. Did you write the book entirely on your BBSP?

No, I did however enter many story notes and memos to myself on my BlackBerry, which I was easily able to call up when I got home to a blank computer screen.

6. My mother would have killed me if I wrote this book. As I read it, all I do is think how much she would just think this generation of parents are failing their kids. Do you have any suggestions? What would you say to my Mom? (be nice she is still my mom although she doesnt see the value of a smartphone)

When my Dad read this book, he said to me “Kathy where do you get all this from?” and my Mom cut in and said “Life, dear.” So she totally gets it. We do discuss how much parenting has changed within one generation and while there are some downsides, there are some upsides as well as we try to prepare our children for a world which is quite different from the one I grew up in (in the 60′s and 70′s), and the one my kids are growing up in.

7. I wrote on my review of my blackberry how handy it came in on the days we got shots because it distracted them as they watch youtube videos? Have you ever had one of those moments that you just want to be like “I am such a good mom because I have a blackberry?” That is exactly what I wanted to say to the nurse.

Yes absolutely! It keeps me more organized, informed, and connected to a world even when I’m with the kids. I often tell the story of how I was using my BB on a field trip and when one of the parents gave me a hard time I was able to honestly say that I couldn’t even be on the field trip at all without my BB - I’d be at home on my phone or in front of the computer. We Moms live in a new, blended world, which is taking some people (perhaps your Mom included!) time to get used to.

8. Do you get use to the rolling of eyes? What do those moms that rolled their eyes at you think about you and your book being “published”?

They don’t really talk to me, so it’s all good. In fact, I love it when they do talk to me because it gives me more material

9. Do you ever wish you had gotten a Iphone? I loved mine until I handed it over to my husband. The blackberry is so different.

I’ve had a BlackBerry for years, and it does everything I need and want it to do. Why change? It’d be like sending one of my children back to the hospital where they were born!

10. On average how my texts do you send a month?

I’ve never thought about it. I guess as many as it takes to keep my personal and professional life together. On some days, that’s way more than others.

11. Do you feel that people aren’t talking now that life has become to accessible via technology or do you feel they are talking more???

I think texting and emailing has improved communication between people. It’s done on your time, and the messages can be made really clear. I sometimes have better conversations with my teenagers via text than I do with person. It’s a good thing to be able to remove “teen tone” from a conversation. And you’re only as accessible as you want to me. There’s an off button for a reason (not so with kids

I seriously, after talking to Kathy, am thinking about giving this book with the interview and answer to the last question as a Christmas present to my mom. hahaha

Check out the Blackberry Diaries Book. If you own a Blackberry you will understand where she is coming from it may make you laugh, justify your love for your phone, and let you know you are not alone in the technology filled (and judged world).

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