I’ve been pretty bad about responding to tags recently. It’s not that I’m not humbled to be thought of–trust me I love it thank you–I’ve just been off the meme thing recently.

Pulling into the homestretch of NaBloPoMo during this holiday weekend has me digging deep to put words on a page, so I’m leaning on the support.

First a thanks to my NY friend ~JJ! for the Me and Mine Meme.

Here’s the deets:

Me and Mine Meme 100 Directions:
1.) State the name of your blog, your real name or your online name, and link to your “about me” page.
2.) Say you want to be profiled on BlogHer as a family blogger and link back to this Me and Mine 100 original post, http://www.blogher.org/mommy-and-family-bloggers-promote-yourselves-me-and-mine-meme-100.
3.) Tell how long you’ve been blogging.
4.) Pass this meme on to three other bloggers that you think should be profiled/interviewed, and ask them to do the meme. (Kindly link to the bloggers you select.)

1. You’re here at Mamma Loves… I’m Amie and if you look to left of the page you can read all about me–or just head on back through the archives.

2. I’d love to be profiled on BlogHer as a family blogger.

3. I’ve been blogging for about a year and a half.

4. I’m passing this along to Arkie Mama, Andi from Poot and Cubby and Slackermommy.

Now I haven’t done this in a while, so when Cristie at Krinkle’s Place asked, I thought what the heck.

Seven Things About Me

1. I like to tell myself I’m prematurely grey, though at age 37 I’m not so sure it’s that premature anymore.

2. I love taking photographs. I’m REALLY hoping for a digital SLR camera for Christmas. It’s that or the umpires are going to get pretty annoyed with me next season when I block the base path trying to take close-ups of my ballplayers.

3. My mom’s only sister–my aunt–died of liver cancer seven years ago. I still miss her every day. She was so much a part of my life.

4. I have an innie.

5. When I first get into bed at night I arrange myself with the pillow doubled up under my neck and the blanket pulled up to my chin. I can’t fall asleep this way though. I always turn over on my stomach to actually drift off, yet I never lay down this way first.

6. If I wake up at night from a bad dream or I can’t sleep because I’m worried about something I make sure some part of my body is touching my husband. It calms me down immediately.

7. I have vivid dreams. They are realistic. They are in color. And I almost always remember them. I think I need to cut back on the Diet Coke.

Seven Bloggers tagged using the NaBloPoMo Randomizer and MommyBlogger Group

1. Oh, Nothing
2. Canned Laughter
3. VDog and Little Man
4. Mom’s the Word
5. Chik Austin (I love her shoes!)
6. Mama(e) in Translation
7. Reality Testing

Go forth folks and tell us about yourselves.

There once was a woman named MamaLee, she was so nice and tagged lil ole me.
Following along came Dorky Dad, and he tagged me the same, but I didn’t get mad.
A meme you see really makes me HAWT.
It gives me something to write when I haven’t a thought.
Read on if you wish.
It’s 10 things about me.
Cause I’m so damned interesting as I’m sure you will see.
And when you do, will you please figure out a a way to convince me?

It’s called the Chinese Freeze Tag, though as my man Dorky Dad said “I don’t think it’s Chinese and I’m pretty sure there’s nothing frozen about it”. I am to write 10 things about myself, and then tag 10 people to do the same.

1. I love the sound of driving over gravel. It reminds me of so many good times…driving through the parking lot at the fireman’s carnival, going to a baseball game, to an outdoor concert, catching a fireworks show.

2. Fireworks make me so happy. I get so excited whenever I see firework shows. I greet them with childlike wonder and consider them terribly romantic. I can’t help but clap when they’re over.

3. Despite the fact that he’s short, I’ve had a thing for Matt Damon for a long time…until I saw The Departed. Now? Oh I’m all about Leo.

4. The beach is my favorite place in the world. Doesn’t matter the season, doesn’t really matter which one. I feel so free at the beach.

5. Bookstores make me feel hopeful. When I see all those books I know that if there is nothing else I still have all of them to read.

6. I used to just want a different nose and straighter fingers, then I realized that my neck was too short. I’d love to have perfect feet. I’d also like a bit higher forehead and now…I’d love it if my boobs were fuller and perkier. Since most of this cannot be corrected with surgery I guess I just have to accept what I look like.

7. Some days I feel like I’m in a holding pattern waiting for something to change. I know I need to be the one to make a change, but man I’m tired.

8. For the longest time penises sort of scared me. I didn’t grow up around too many. Now I’m surrounded by them. I sort of think sex would be different for a girl if she grew up with brothers. Penises are a lot less intimidating when the first ones you see are so small.

9. I love the fact that I grew up in a house where we learned to talk about our bodies matter of factly. I was never afraid to go to my mom with questions. That also says a lot about what an incredible woman she is.

10. I want to learn how to surf and to swim with dolphins someday.

There you go. Ten facts about me. Crap I think I even bored myself. Shoot I need to get the blogging bug back. Any suggestions?

So who’s going to get tagged? Let’s go with Crouton Boy, Canape, Mitch McDad, Karrie, the Queen of Mayhem, QueenieB, Southern Fried Mom, Kelly, Lawyer Mama and MommaK.

The Southern Fried Mom over at Grits and Cheese has awarded me Thinking Blogger Award. I have to admit I must have reread her post at least four times to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me.

I’ve watched this award weave its way throughout many of my favorite blogs, and I chalked it up as one that would never apply to this here blog. You see, as much as I had loved the idea that someone would consider me so, I’m afraid I haven’t been provding the kind of content that could be considered “thoughful.” So you could imagine my surprise when I saw I was awarded. Thank you. I am humbled.

But now? The PRESSURE. Now I feel like I need to actually say something worth saying. Oh crap!

First let me get the particulars out of the way. I want to pass this distinguished title (yeah, I don’t know if I can say that with a straight face now that I’ve been included) to the following folks.

A Citizen at Hysterical and Useless for providing such thought-provoking posts in small manageable doses.

Paige at The Avery Lane Experience and not just because she inspired me to go buy some vitamins this weekend.

There’s NOLA Notes not only for making me think of my beloved city, but also for setting an example of perserverance and not giving up on that city.

The Pissed Off Housewife and I don’t always agree politically, but I sure do love her and love being challenged by her.

And finally, Beth at Books Etc. from whom I gain so much regarding her experience raising boys and her ability to make me fall in love with words all over again.

So each of you may now pass this award on to five bloggers who have made you think. And just link back to this post. That’s it.

As for my thinking? I think all the time. It’s actually a problem. My brain is always racing. Most of the time however it’s full of random thoughts and anxieties that I can neither control or channel into multi-million dollar ideas. I often need to turn on the TV at night just so I can stop the racing thoughts long enough to fall asleep. I dream all night–vividly, and I almost always remember them in the morning. So I think I have the thinking down. What I need to master however is ability to transform those thoughts from paste to gems.

Tell me. What you’ve been thinking about lately? If you have nothing in mind, leave me a word association. Start with this word:

LEMON

It’s no secret I love New Orleans. I mean there’s the food and the way of life and the food and the architecture and the food and the people and the food and the architecture and…well you get the point. There’s something else I’ve lately discovered about the city–and well the state. They turn out some kick-ass bloggers.

One is particular is NOLA Notes. She quickly drew me in and I was compelled to add her to my daily reads. Please stop by and tell her hi, hear what it’s like to be committed to that wonderful city.

Now, she was darling enough to ask me to tell you some three things, but I have to admit the request was made some time ago and I fell a little behind so I hope it’s not too late to comply.

Three Things That Scare Me: Michael Bolton, Kenny G & Star Jones

Three People Who Make Me Laugh: Shakey, PFunky & Eddie Izzard

Three Things I Love: hugs and kisses from my boys, dancing until the wee hours & lying on sparsely populated beach with a cabana boy to adjust my chair and bring me frosty beverages

Three Things I Hate: the Head On commercials, that carbs don’t make you skinny & being cold and wet at the same time

Three Things I Don’t Understand: murder, intolerance & Portugese

Three Things On My Desk: a cup of Pop Tops (save ’em, send them to me), random papers I don’t want but don’t think I should throw away & old copies of Roll Call

Three Things I’m Doing Right Now: Watching I Love the 80’s-1987, drying off and drinking a Diet Pepsi

Three Things I Want To Do Before I Die: Visit the Grand Canyon, Go on a photo safari in Africa & vacation in the South Pacific

Three Things I Can Do: make a garden grow, rap all the words to It’s Tricky & supposedly VACUUM

Three Things I Can’t Do: fold fitted sheets neatly, pee (neatly) standing up & grow hair on my chest

Three Things I Think You Should Listen To: Your Mamma, your kidlings & your gut

Three Things You Should Never Listen To: Michael Bolton, Kenny G & Star Jones

Three Things I’d Like To Learn: to SCUBA dive, be a doctor & to be a good photographer

Three Favorite Foods: homemade pasta, crusty bread & bananas foster

Three Shows I Watched As A Kid: Mr. Rogers, The Electric Company & Zoom

So you’ve humored my by hanging with me this far. Thanks.

Now if the following three bloggers would–okay I can’t come up with any witty way to say “do this meme” and frankly I’m now singing to myself, “her name was trio and she dances on the sand…” Do you think I’m stuck in the 80’s?! Anyway, I’d like Steve, Southern Fried Mom and Eva Las Vegas to play along. Sure hope they will.

It’s 11:16 p.m. on Sunday and I FINALLY caught up on all of your posts!

It’s becoming clear to me that I have too many blogs in my reader, but I don’t feel like breaking up with any of you. What even worse is that I see the lists of other blogs people love or who are honored with one award or another and I think I really should get out to see those folks as well. Of course, all of these are blogs theoretically still in the same community. I’d love to also get out and check out some blogs of people who are living completely different lives than my own (not to suggest you all live the suburban bliss I call my life–but you know what I mean).

Problem is I run out of time most nights to post to my own blog, take part in any of my hobbies or read a book.

Guess I’m going to have to stop doing work at work so I can focus on more important things (just kidding boss).

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In the spirit of catching up, I also have just one meme left to complete.

For my pal Dorky Dad, I will complete the following.

List four sentences you’ve never said before:
1. I love the Boston Red Sox!
2. “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” (at least not yet)
3. I hate shoes.
4. Orgasms are just no fun.

List any number of song titles that describe how you felt this week.
“Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away”
“Family Tradition”
“Let Me Clear My Throat”
“Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” (I mean it’s only April)
“Pride and Joy”
“Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves”
“I Want Candy”
“Welcome to the Jungle”
“Sugarhigh”

Imagine you’re having the perfect day. What four things would you be doing.
Ummm, my mom is reading…
1. Laying on a beach in the warm tropical sun.
2. Having a fantastic time splashing in the water with the kiddos.
3. Going out on a date sporting a great tan and a sassy sundress.
4. Dancing!!!

Make up five creative names for a rock band.
Creativity is going to be a stretch here. I can barely focus on the screen.
1. Headless Peeps
2. Final Fringe Feeling
3. Egg Popping Chickens
4. Grey is Good
5. Red Snails (In the Sunset)

Congratulations! You get to go back in time and ensure that three songs were never written, thus sparing humanity from ever having to hear them. What three songs would get the axe?
1. Mony, Mony
2. What I Like About You
3. Broken Wings

Phew! I’m exhausted! Sorry you had to read all that.

I’m tagging Mr. Big Dubya because he’s been gone for a while and I’m thinking maybe he just needed something to get him back into the swing of things, and JJ because, well, it’s been far too quiet over there as well.

I’ve been tagged by Queen of the Mayhem and Janet a.k.a. Wonder Mom to tell you about real moms. Honestly, these two women each hit the mark dead on with their posts. I’m not sure what I can add, but since they were nice enough to think of me I’ll give it whirl.

Real moms? You want to know the ugly truth? Our deepest, darkest secret?

We have NO shame.

Sure real moms look around the table at a work meeting and secretly want to look like the single fashionistas, but they’ll wear an outfit from Target if it means their chilren get the birthday present of their dreams or a memorable vacation.

Real moms gag at the smell of vomit, but they’ll go to the pharmacy with it in their hair when their toddler is running a fever and can’t keep anything down.

Real moms will clean toilets at a bar if it means their family has food on the table.

Real moms will exhaust themselves raising kids by themselves rather than modeling a “normal” relationship as loveless or violent.

Real moms might try to have children naturally, but they’ll love the ones they get with every fiber of their being regardless of any genetic relationship.

You can try every trick you have to put down a real mom, but it ain’t gonna phase her. When it comes to her family there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do.

You want to demean her? You want to degrade her? You want to make her invisible? You want to treat her as less than equal?

Fine. As long as you’re willing to be met with the ferocity of tiger. Because a real mom will battle to the death to protect her family and provide a safe and loving environment in which her children can grow up to be healthy and happy.

Oh, and she’ll have an army of Target clothes-wearing, toilet brush-holding, vomit spewn-haired women standing behind her to take you on. Because that’s what real moms do.

I’ve been smacked with a meme by my friend canape. Five slightly odd facts about myself.

Having just shared Six Weird Things not too long ago I’m wondering how to define “slightly odd.” I mean, if it’s only supposed to be slightly odd does that mean I shouldn’t share my fantasies involving certain Rolling Stones songs? No? Okay.

In that case…here’s five slightly odd things about moi.

1. I have guilt over my toothpaste. I changed to Colgate toothpaste over the past year or so, and I still feel bad about it. You see I’m fairly brand loyal, and I grew up a Crest kid. But Colgate Total just rocks!

2. I am compelled to read. I don’t mean I have to read books all the time. I mean if I am somewhere and there are words to read I will read them and reread them to pass time. I can’t just sit in a waiting room and veg out. I’ll read whatever magazines are there, signs on the wall, labels on the furniture…you get the picture.

3. I married Shakey. Let me give you an example…

Mamma: I need to come up with five slightly odd things about myself.
Shakey: Oh you mean like the fact that you have a six inch clitoris?
Mamma: ??!!

(Like if I did I’d be spending my time blogging.)

4. My index fingers are not straight. I’ve always hated that. I used to try and push them back the other way…it never worked. It’s like they’ll miss my middle fingers too much if they stand out straight.

5. I have extra urine “propelling” powers in that I have an extra ureter running from my right kidney. That’s right, a grand total of three ureters for Mamma. Know anyone who needs one? I have an extra.

Sorry, no picture for this one. The MRI is still with the doc.

Thanks canape for that fun. Can’t imagine the kind of traffic I’m going to get tonight over these nuggets.

Okay, I’ll tag out now. The lucky recipients? Mitch McDad, Kevin, St. Jude, the chicas de JJ and Attila. Play along if you’d like.

Don’t forget, you only have a few more hours left to tell me how much you adore me!! Go ahead, send me a Valentinr…look to your right.

I’ve been tagged by Kat to complete the 6 Weird Things meme. I could definitely come up with way more than six, but my mom is a reader and well I’d love for some of you to come back so…

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I can bend my pinky finger all the way down into a “c” shape without bending any of my other fingers.

2. I like to eat my grilled cheese sandwiches cut into even fractions and then dipped into syrup.

3. I’m still terribly embarrassed about a lie I told my friends in third grade about how I had to wear sunglasses because I had some eye thing. I knew they knew I was lying and I told it anyway.

4. As I’m boarding any plane, I am driven to touch the outside of the plane making an “x” and then tapping the center of the “x” three times. Ironically, this is the same “hex” I used to put on the pocket whenever a friend and I played pool. It didn’t ever work then, so I’m not sure why I’m relying on it to keep my plane aloft now.

5. I derive an inordinate amount of pleasure from popping a good zit. You know the kind that splat on the mirror? Gross, huh?

6. I have a secret crush on a man who is a grandfather.

Let’s see…who can I tag? How about Eric, Jill, QueenieBadd, Janet a.k.a. “Wonder Mom”, Dorky Dad and Lotta.

Day 27
Mood: Feelin’ Good

I feel bad about this, but I’m taking a bit of an easy way out tonight.

There’s a meme going around…Three Things…maybe you’ll learn a little more about Mamma.