Trouble in Paradise

My relationship is on the rocks. I'm afraid we've come to an impasse. I never thought I'd see the day when our romance would come to an end, and my little heart is breaking. It's a sad, sad day here at Abby Gabs. 


True, it's our first real argument. Yes, we could probably seek counseling, to try and heal this rift that has grown between us. If we're honest with one another, though, it seems an impossible feat. For even though our love is pure, there are some things that, as a woman, you just cannot overcome.


I've been able to overlook his busy schedule, his penchant for flirting with other girls, and his long commute on weekends. But, the truth is, ladies...sometimes we have to set standards for ourselves that, if unmet, become reason enough to end the relationship. No matter how painful, no matter how difficult, no matter how incredibly sad...


It's true. I have to say it out loud or I may never believe it myself.


I think I have to break up with my boyfriend.

Sigh.


It's not about the infidelity, or the traveling, or even the loss of his oh-so-cute 'stache. Nay, ladies. The deal breaker, for me, is about football.


You see, I've been a Carolina Panthers fan for, well, ever. 

Now, for any NFL fans out there, you'd probably say that being a Panthers fan is sort of a moot point. Yes, it's true, we've had our ups and downs over the past few years...but with a brand new coaching staff coupled with a spanking good quarterback, we've got a real chance in the next couple of seasons to make our splash in the big leagues.


As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm nothing if not passionate about my team of choice. I will bear their colors with pride, take up for their missteps with my last breath, and scream bloody murder when a good play is achieved. Competitiveness is my middle name. I'm glad for you if you have a team you support the way I support the Panthers. (Unless your team beats mine.)


Here's the thing with Donnie. You see, he's a Patriots fan.


And if you're a Patriots fan, that means you like Tom Brady.

Tom Brady. Ew.

Brady and I...well...we have history. There are a hundred reasons why I don't like him, but that's a different blog for a different day. Let me just say this: Tom Brady was quarterback for the Patriots when they beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 38.


So when I see Tom Brady tossing his beautiful locks over his shoulder, posing for the camera, acting like he's the World's Best At Everything, all I can remember is that feeling of utter defeat.


Ugh. I just threw up in my mouth a little .


That Donnie supports the Patriots isn't a huge leap. I mean, I guess he IS from Boston. (And at least he doesn't pull for the Eagles. Because then we really WOULD have to break up.)


But what are we supposed to do, come Super Bowl Sunday, when he is on one side of the gridiron, and I am clearly on the other?

GO GIANTS!!!

I mean, is this a rift that can be repaired? Is my relationship doomed, all because of a game?

No, Donnie. Your adorableness will not get you out of this argument. I just don't know what to...OH! Wait! WAIT!! I can TOTALLY FIX THIS!!!

*SWOON.*


That's SO much better. 


Ok. Crises averted. Relationship back on. 

Thoughts for Thursday

Today is one of those days where I have more than one thing to say, but none of them are quite so complex that they require an entire blog. So...here are a few random thoughts for Thursday.
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Thought Number One:
Lo and behold, readers--my silly (whiny) video blog yesterday got us some linky love today! Thanks to our friend, Stephanie, at the Love Life Project, who included our blog in a list of "must reads" in her "Reader Grab Bag" post. Make sure you stop by and visit so you can check out the other awesome posts she listed!! But I was so touched by what she had to say I just had to quote her here:

"Abby's blog is filled with funny, lighthearted stories about her life, her husband (who's kind of a superhero and I think much of blogland is secretly in love with him) and her family. Yesterday's vlog was both funny and touching...weight loss is HARD. I empathize with her and send her all of my support."

How incredibly sweet is that?!? And I love that the hubs got shown some love, too. This will only inflate his ever growing ego some more because...


Thought Number Two:
...it is already getting to be the size of Texas! Why, you ask? Well, Brian got an email yesterday informing him that one of his professors recommended him for a coveted Student Coach position! If the interview goes well (and I'm sure it will because, let's face it, my husband is a Rock Star) he'll be spending some free time in the student center this semester, helping new nursing students make use of the many different resources the college has to offer!




My hubby---a TUTOR! I'm so proud I could scream! Speaking of screaming...


Thought Number Three:
...I'm thinking of getting a tattoo.


(Pause for reactions.)


Now, I've had some serious reactions to this particular thought, ranging from "That's so awesome, go for it!" to "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"


The funniest of the "don't do it" comments was left by a friend of the family on my Facebook page:

"Don't put a bumper sticker on a Bentley!"

*snort*


For those nay-sayers, let me assure you that I do not have plans to come home rockin' a face tattoo.

When taking the photo, I had originally intended to create a "Mike Tyson-esque" look. However, once faced with Photoshop, I realized I could have a more "Jem-like" face tattoo. So I went with Rock Star over Thug. I think it suits me. What?

Here's the thing. I've always secretly wanted a tattoo. Well, since college anyway. But I could never think of anything that would have significant meaning, and so I always talked myself out of it. I didn't want to just get a tattoo for the sake of getting a tattoo, I wanted whatever artwork I chose to have a deeper meaning.


A few months after Brian came home from life-saving surgery, the desire to get a tattoo came back full force. I never said anything to anyone, just kept it to myself. I knew Brian would have a daily reminder for the rest of his life to never take life for granted in the form of his 10 inch long surgical scar. I wanted something like that for myself--something permanent. Corporeal. Sentimental.


And so the idea of getting a tattoo resurfaced. And the design began to take shape in my mind. Something referencing our favorite "Love Expression." 

"I Love You To The Moon & Back."

This tattoo would be very small. Like, the size of a nickel. It would be something sweet and sentimental, like a crescent moon with a heart hanging from it. And it would be on the inside of my wrist. See?

It would be easily covered with a sleeve, watch or bracelet. It will most likely be solid black, no neon green or bright pink. Most importantly, it would be for ME. My own little reminder to stay present, grateful, thankful.


I'm hoping you'll have some comments and opinions of your own to share today, Abby Gabbers. And in doing so you may notice....


Thought Number Four:
...that I've disabled Disqus for future comments on my blog.


*GASP!* "We thought you LOVED Disqus, Abby!"


You're right. I did. But my husband made a very astute observation a few days ago.


B: It seems like ever since you added Disqus, your comments have dried up.
A: Grumble grumble something about wanting to be able to reply to individual comments gripe grumble.
B: Yea, I know you wanted to be able to reply, and that Blogger doesn't have that feature... 

(pause for moment to shoot daggers at Blogger via 

vicious, evil, she-devil looks)

B: (continued) ...but it's really complicated to comment via Disqus. I mean, you have to put in your name and your email and other personal info. Some people may not want to do that, you know? And so they just leave without saying anything about your posts.
A: *wheels turning...*
B: I mean, when it comes down to it, you added Disqus for YOU. Not for your READERS. Right?
A: *LIGHT BULB MOMENT!*


He's totally right. I did install Disqus to fulfill my needs. I never considered it might be less user-friendly than the original Blogger commenting system.


And so, with my husband's wisdom, paired with several emails over the past month from readers who either couldn't figure out Disqus in order to leave a comment, or had an issue with Disqus not working correctly, I'm back to the original comment form. I've still got Captcha diabled (Cuz that's a pain for everyone, too.) So I'm hoping that comments will pick up, since it's now less of a hassle for you to do so.


But don't worry. I will never delete my Disqus account entirely, because it stores all the wonderful comments you have made on past blogs. I can go back and revisit them anytime I want. And if I figure out how to upload them here, I will!


Doesn't that make you want to cheer? I'll tell you what else makes me want to cheer...


Fifth & Final Thought (At least for the purposes of this blog)
FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finally!!! Football is right around the corner. My Carolina Panthers are back as of Saturday's pre-season game against the Giants! THAT makes me happy.

♥GO PANTHERS!!!!♥

Happy Thursday everyone!