The Meme Answers

Well, Subvet's finished THE BOOK, I'm still reading....
But, if there's one thing I've learned as a Mom, it's to PLAN AHEAD. So fortunately (for you) I typed up this answer post before THE BOOK was released. And no, I didn't pay more than $18 for the book.
Here are my meme answers.

1) I've been able to read music longer than I've been able to read English.
True
The story goes like this. My mom taught voice and piano in our home when I was a child. At the age of 3 I (probably feeling jealous) took her by the hand to the piano and would not let her go until she taught me "something." So she started teaching me to play the piano at the age of 3. I can read music as second nature as you can read this silly blog.

2) I sing Tenor
False
Nope, I sing Soprano...high, first soprano.

3) I qualified for the Concealed Handgun License the first time I'd ever been shooting.
True
Yup, I have the green man target to prove it. It was actually my 2nd time on the range, but the first time the trigger of my revolver was so stiff I couldn't fire the stinkin thing. The 2nd time I went to the range was when I met up with an instructor who fixed the trigger. I did not grow up around guns and have had NO experience so Subvet and I thought starting with a trained instructor would be the smartest way to go. I must say it felt good when after putting 3 shots of my first 6 either in the X or the 10 ring (the other 3 all went in the 9) he said, "Well, you don't need me anymore...." (For you who know, it was at 7 yards)
Now I just have to save up the $300 to take the class....
On a related thought, I've been asked by a couple of people upon learning that we now have a gun in the house "Would you really shoot someone?" My answer hasn't wavered. I HAVE THREE BABIES TO PROTECT. As my instructor pointed out (he also teaches self defense) egress from my home if invaded ISN'T good. I will have to stand and fight and I will do ANYTHING wait, EVERYTHING NECESSARY to protect my babies. Also, we bought the exploding bullets that (supposedly) won't go through walls so anyone who enters my home without my permission better be prepared to die. And yes, I do answer the door gun in hand. I'll tell you the reasons for all this home defense in another post.

4) I play 2 instruments
True
Piano, as I've said from age 3; although not as consistently as I'd have liked
Flute, started in the 3rd grade. Why flute?? Because my mother said to, she thought it'd be easier to carry around....well, in the case it's great....but YOU try sticking your arm out like that and marching around a field for hours on end.

5) I met my husband online
True
Back in December of 1997 (long before the world of "blogs") He and I were both in a "Friends of Bill W." chatroom. He wanted female input on how to pick up this girl Donna, I offered input. The rest I guess, is history. He moved to Texas from Connecticut April 1, 1998 because it was cheaper than paying his phone bill.

6) I haven't bought a loaf of bread in 5 years.
True
The only reason we bought that loaf is because we'd just moved into this house and the bread machine (along with everything else) was still packed. We started making our own bread about 7 years ago and have worn out 2 bread machines since.

7) I've never bought baby food.
True
I make my own baby food. I'm not a health nut and couldn't care less about "organic" crap. I breastfeed, make bread and make baby food all for the same reason. IT'S CHEAP.

8) I can nurse a baby and type at the same time.
True
If I couldn't this blog would never get written.

9) I haven't watched anything on television since the 2004 Presidential Debates.
True
After Sonshine was born we decided to cut out TV. Well, all except for Football. Then 2 things happened. We realized that even if all you watch is the game you still have to sit through NASTY commercials and Janet Jackson did the Super Bowl halftime "show." And what a "show" it was. So we stopped watching anything. We did hook it back up to see the Presidential Debates as we deemed that IMPORTANT.
Oh, and since I was asked. I let the kids watch a couple (as in 2) hours of DVDs a day. Either Little Einsteins or Veggie Tales.

10) I was blond until adulthood.
True
There may be some pictures to prove it, but most of my childhood pictures were lost in a fire in 1997. I started life bald. At about age 2 my hair came in bleached white blond. It has steadily darkened as I've gotten older. Finally being totally brunette about age 20. Now it's going grey.

11) I have 7 entire Dr. Seuss books memorized.
True
Hop on Pop, The Sneetches, The Sleep Book, Fox in Socks, Dr. Seuss' ABC, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, & Green Eggs and Ham.
You would too if you were around my kids for awhile. Fun parlor trick: Hand someone a copy of ABC and tell them to randomly call out a letter. I can tell you exactly what's on each page for every letter. Really freaked out one friend of mine who didn't believe me. :-) Of course, it comes in handy when Sonshine wants to read The Sneetches and I need to cook dinner. I just tell him to sit and turn the pages and I'll "recite" the book. He loves it'll.

So there you have it.

Now, in true public school fashion I will name no winners or losers, but will post the recipe for all to enjoy.

Mighty Mom's Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef
1/2 c milk
2 eggs
1/3 c Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp basil (dried)
1 chopped onion
1/2c ketchup (I prefer Heinz as Hunts is too sweet)
salt and pepper to taste (I never do, but sometimes I'll throw in some garlic powder)
about 1 or 2 Tbs (a dash) of oatmeal (not instant)

Mix well and bake uncovered at 350 for about an hour.
I usually drain it well, drizzle ketchup on the top and put back in oven for 5-10min.

Serve with ketchup and fav veggies.

Remember from previous post that I rarely follow a recipe. This is the basic. I've used Lipton onion soup instead of the onion...Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning and/or garlic powder for a little more zip...and other little changes as the mood strikes.

Enjoy!
Back to reading.