My Meme - Thanks Melissa!

I just got tagged by my friend Melissa to do a Meme - six things about me that people may not know. I have to admit that I'm a pretty open book, so this one will be hard for me! Also, I normally write about my kids, so I guess this may be fun for them to read one day as they peruse their milestones...LOL!

Here we go:

1. In my early grade school years, I attended a private school run by the university - Southeast Missouri State. For whatever reason, the school felt I was "gifted" (whatever that means), so I spent a whole two weeks in the 2nd grade before they moved me to 3rd grade. That makes me the youngest person in my class of '87 at Cape Central High School. Up until just this year, that fact always made me uncomfortable - being the last to drive, etc. But THIS year, it makes me the one NOT turning 40! So....all in all...yay me :)

2. I was born and lived in the small town of Cape Girardeau, Missouri until I was 26 years old. I miss it some days and wish my kids could grow up in the slower pace and the safety I did. I love Atlanta, but there is something comforting about knowing the street names of every street in the town you live and never needing a map to go somewhere you've not been.

3. I used to own a Harley (and yes I know how to ride one)

4. I own and know how to use a gun

5. Many of my friends call me "Handi Brandi" b/c I'm really not afraid to try home improvement projects. I've dabbled in just about every area at one time or another. I think this was born out of need when I found myself living alone in a great big house. I remember one particular day when I was outside putting up new lights by the front door. A nice man drove by several times slowly - I began to feel weird about it, so I turned around so he'd know I saw him. He stops and says "do you need some help" in kind of a condescending way. I said "do I look like I need help?" ;) LOL! Yes, I know that you need to turn off the electricity, no I won't shock myself, and yes the lights worked perfectly! Have toolbelt...will travel :)

6. Last, but certainly not least - I haven't seen my natural hair color since I was in the 7th grade. Before I got my parents blessing (and financial backing) I used to lean over the sink and pour straight hydrogen peroxide on my hair! Looking at those pictures makes me laugh...lovely shade of orange gone wrong....or as someone recently described it - excessive school spirit perhaps ;)

That's all I can think of for now!