We’re starting a new and fun feature right here, right now. 20 questions with… And to kick things off we’ve asked the very wonderful @SwaziRodgers twenty questions about herself. It’s supposed to be fun, not Newsnight. I’m no Paxman.
If you don’t follow Swazi on Twitter, sort yourself out as you should as she’s very lovely. Swazi describes herself as ‘radio presenter, writer, adopter, mum’ however, after twenty questions with ZmG HQ, you’ll know a lot more about her.
Right. Here goes.
Let’s play twenty questions.
Twenty questions with @SwaziRodgers
Give us three words others would use to describe you.
Passionate, tenacious and small (that’s what my husband says anyway)
What’s your favourite spot in your home and why?
I love the room at the back of the house – it’s a playroom for the boys and it’s where I teach yoga. The natural light floods in and I have a lovely view of the garden.
What, if anything, makes you cry?
Everything. An ad featuring animals, kids or old people. I also cry a lot because I’m incredibly clumsy and often bump into things – I have a lot of bruises !
Dogs or cats?
I love dogs, but I have a cat. I adore my cat and he’d be furious if I cheated on him !
What’s your favourite smell?
Freshly baked bread. Isn’t that everyone’s ?
Romeo and Juliet: worlds greatest love story between two kindred, star-crossed souls, or an inappropriate 3 day relationship between a 13, and 18 year old?
Hmm, well I’m inclined to say first love with added drama – you know family feuds, insane misunderstandings. We’ve all been there. Well apart from the poison of course.
Who’d play you in the film of your life?
In my wildest dreams I’d hope it would be Salma Hayek. A girl can dream can’t she ?
Which phrase do you most overuse?
“Stop doing that (insert name of child)”
If you had an hour to sit on a park bench with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would sit with Maya Angelou and just listen to her talking and singing and reciting poetry. That would make me so happy.
Five star hotel with champagne, or VW camper and a beer?
I don’t drink beer – can I have champers in a 5 star camper ?
You’re on Death Row. We don’t know why but it’s a miscarriage of justice and Bruce Willis will come in and break you free, but what’s your meal choice?
I’d go all out. No diet foods and I’d even have a dessert !! Glass of prosecco and scallops to start. Viognier and Parmigano Melanzane to follow. Vin Santo with Ben & Jerry’s peanut butter cup ice cream (the whole tub !!) a big cup of tea to finish up. Try and move me after that lot !!
Who’s been the most inspiring person in your life, past or present?
I’d have to say my grandmother – she was feisty, intelligent, hilarious, compassionate and loved with all her heart. She passed away at the same time as my son was born so I feel her spirit lives on in him.
If money was no object and you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I have wanted to go to Hawaii since I watched Elvis in Blue Hawaii when I was a kid – now it’s mostly because I love Hawaii 5-0 and the new Steve McGarrett is really sexy. I’ve even had a surfing lesson, so I think I’d fit right in.
Do you believe in ghosts or an afterlife?
Hmm, not really, although I was brought up to believe in reincarnation. I’ll let you know in my next life.
Children aside, what’s your greatest personal achievement so far, and why?
Making it out of Sierra Leone alive despite being stranded in the jungle surrounded by rebels and being stopped at the airport under suspicion of being a diamond smuggler.
Name a guilty pleasure, musically speaking, if you please.
I was a big fan of Bros. when I was old enough to know better. I even lied in HMV and said it was for my sister who gave me a death stare as I paid at the counter.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, in a desert island type scenario perhaps, which would it be?
Hmm, I have two copies of A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, a hardback and a paperback in two volumes. I’ve never read it so maybe if I had no choice I would get round to it.
Your favourite childhood memory?
Brighton, always Brighton. Going to the West Pier with my folks as a kid – probably before my brother was born.
Would you rather have a head the size of a tennis ball or a head the size of a watermelon?
I don’t have hats that would fit a watermelon so I’d have to go with tennis ball.
Daddy or chips?
Are you crazy ? Chips of course. Salt and vinegar with plenty of HP thanks.
Thanks SO much to Swazi for agreeing to be our debut interviewee, and check out her show, Are We Nearly There Yet on Croydon Radio, her blog, Chocolate Is Not The Only Fruit and follow her on Twitter.
Next week we have the very fabulous @ourrachblogs followed by @jaimeoliveruk who’s a true sweetheart, so say hi and get to know them before they bare their souls playing 20 questions with us. Oh, and if you want to play, let us know in the comments section, or by sending a DM to Anna or Spencer.
Thanks for reading.