AbbyGabs in April

Here we are, a brand new shiny month. This year is flying by already, and I've got so much stuff to look forward to in the coming months. April is a big one, and I thought you might like to know what's coming down the pike for me, my family, and my blog. So here's a peek at the first few weeks of my calendar for this month.

April 1, 2013:
Day one of Camp NaNoWriMo--the online support system for budding writers is at it again, and I'm jumping in with both feet.  And as usual, the 50,000 word count goal in 30 days is plenty enough to get my competitive juices flowing. I've managed to do it twice...and I happened to bang out a my very first novel by participating in NaNo 2011 and 2012.

source

The real beauty behind Camp Nano is that, while you can start a brand new project, you're also encouraged to take that thirty days and do pretty much whatever you want to do (involving writing, of course.) Edit a past project, write poetry/blogs/short stories, work on a timeline for your next big idea---the point of Camp NaNo isn't just to write a new work. It's to write. Period. The End. That's All Folks.

I'm really jazzed about Camp, especially since I've not been writing nearly as much lately as I'm used to, and I'm missing it fiercely. So, I'm going to stoke my inner campfire, blow the dust off of my very first novel and edit the crap out of it every single day in April, in hopes that by the time I'm finished, it will be 100% publishable material.

You guys know the drill--I'll still be posting here as regularly as I can manage. I plan to set aside one day a week to write several blogs, and they'll all be scheduled to post while I'm doping up on coffee and popping aspirin to battle my keyboard-hunch back pain. And with you cheering me on, anything is possible! Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to Camp we go!

April 3, 2013:
Appointment with my OB and fertility specialist.

I'm scared and excited and worried and nauseous and thrilled, all at the same time. We've waited years for this opportunity, and I'm *trying* to be hopeful that we will receive some helpful answers to solve our fertility problems. And since I cried all over you guys a couple of weeks ago in a blog about that very subject, it seemed only natural that I tell you about this latest development in our journey to become parents.

Don't worry, I'll keep you in the loop. Especially if there are hormone replacement drugs involved. Because they make me a little crazy, and more prone to film video blogs involving tears, snot, and smeared mascara. So stay tuned, friends. Stay tuned.


April 7, 2013:
The Inaugural Tournament of the Incredibly Excellent Wii Bowling League.

Yes, you read that correctly.

My ingenious husband finally figured out a way to cram our tiny apartment to the brim with practically every person we know within a thirty-mile radius---and all in the name of bowling. He created a Wii Bowling League, and we are having the first tournament at our house this weekend.

source

There will be brackets, bowling-themed food, fierce competition, and trophies. (Yes, he bought trophies. Just like the one pictured above.) It's going to be epic, and we are hoping to turn it into a regular thing. Once we weed out the serious competitors from those more interested in the bowling ball cupcakes (yes, that would be me you're picturing with chocolate crumbs on her chin) we may just invent team names and create bowling shirts (which I will have to beg for, because I'll be the one losing on purpose so I can sit in the kitchen and chat with my friends between turns.) Don't worry, readers...there will be a full blog with pictures after the event. It's going to rock.

Sometime Mid-April:
I'm moving.

Not me, personally, but my blog. 

That's right, I'm making the leap from Blogger to Word Press. 

source--and also not the website I'm using to navigate my move. That's HERE.

It's been a long time coming, and I've been thinking about it, and planning for it, since the beginning of the year. I've finally convinced myself that I can do it without the help of a paid professional (although I'm considering asking my doctor for a prescription in Xanax). With the support of blogger friends who have done it before, a father-in-law who I'm convinced could fix the internet if it was completely broken, and pep talks with some of my favorite Word Press bloggers, I'm ready to make the leap.

If you'd like to send assistance in the form of tequila, email me and I'll send my mailing address.

April 10, 2013:
Abby hosts Dinner Club for the first time.

Back in January, two of our favorite couples contacted us and asked if we'd be interested in joining a dinner club. For those fuzzy on the details, it works like this: the host couple comes up with the theme and provides the entree. Couples two and three are in charge of the appetizer course and the dessert course, respectively. 

Truth: it's a great excuse to get together with our friends not once, but twice, to eat great food, drink great wine, and enjoy each other's company.

Most people, while in the planning stages of this event, would be focused more on coming up with a menu that will be pleasing to the palate, but will allow them to act as hostess and spend more time with their guests.

You read the part above about my "competitive juices" though, right?

I'm feeling very...."Barefoot Contessa" about our first club where I'm in charge of the culinary experience. As in...I have to rock this, and rock it hard.

Abby rockin' the kitchen, circa 2010.

I'm not looking to intimidate our friends and make them worry about the contents of their spice racks before the next dinner...much. I'm just looking for everything to be so awesome that we're still talking about "that first dinner club at Abby's house" five years from now.

And maybe, just maybe, I'm holding out hope for a gold ribbon of cooking genius. 

So that's what's going on with me, friends and neighbors. No huge announcements, just lots of little stuff to look forward to. What's going on in your neck of the woods? (Be forewarned: if it sounds like a good time I might just crash your party.)

Things I'm Loving Lately

After this weekend's somber post, I decided to do something much happier to kick off the week. (I know you're relieved. Truthfully, I used up half a box of tissues just writing Saturday's post. I'm ready to move on to the happy stuff, too.) So, I'm turning to the blogging tool that has been so successful for me in the past. I'm sharing with you a list of the things that are making me smile lately. (If I use it as a tool to turn my frownies upside down, well, that's just an added bonus. Right?)

Things I'm Loving Lately:

1. This house in Kansas:

As it turns out, it was purchased by activist Aaron Jackson, who bought this house just to send a message to their neighbors: the Westboro Baptist Church. A peaceful, and colorful, protest to all the hate speech---I'd say this is a must-visit location to any and all living and vacationing in Kansas. It makes me so happy, I'm not above declaring that if we buy a house with siding, it might just get the same treatment. (Somewhere in a hospital room far, far away, my husband the nurse just collapsed when he read that statement.) Visit CNN to read the entire story.

2. Smash.

I know, I know---I've gushed all about this show here on AbbyGabs before. But the new season started a couple of weeks ago, and I've got to tell you----I'm just as addicted in season 2 as I was in season 1. I know I'm not supposed to like Ivy, but I absolutely adore Megan Hilty, and I'm excited for what's coming up for her character in the episodes to come! For your viewing pleasure, here she is again, as Marilyn Monroe. LOVE.

Sigh. My Broadway tendencies get tickled every time she performs. I really want to be her when I grow up.

3. Lego City: Undercover (for the Wii U)

This game has everything we love: Lego-themed puzzles, fun game play, and silly narration. We simply can't stop playing. The only thing it doesn't have is multi-player...but it's only making us look forward to future Lego games on this new console that much more. My favorite mantra while playing Lego games? BREAK STUFF!!!!

4. Searching the internet for nerdy t-shirts to wear to Comic-Con in July.
Believe me when I say there are a treasure trove of them out there. I've got an entire Pinterest Board dedicated to the subject. Here are a few of my favorites, for your viewing pleasure.

Nyan Cat Meets Doctor Who

Star Trek Awesomeness

The Entire Buffy Gang--The Peanuts Version

5. Remix (I Like The)
Don't throw stuff at me. I know I told you all about how much I love this new video by NKOTB in my last video blog. But someone happened to point out to me that I failed to leave a link to the video on that post, and so I'm sharing it with you here. (Remember--part of this blog is so I have something to look at to make me smile. And this video makes me smile. So there.)


It's not just the hotness of the band in suits, or the fact that the lead in the video is a big girl like me, or the ADORABLENESS that is the dance sequence with Donnie Wahlberg near the end. It's the WHOLE SONG, and the knowledge that I'll get to see them perform it live in T-minus 2 1/2 months, that gets me all giddy and grinny. I can't wait for the album release in April. Yay!!!

Ok that's it. My list of happy things. I've got a few more, but I'm too busy rocking out to Remix and pretending I can sing like Megan Hilty to write any more. 

Happiness Is A List (An AbbyGabs Video Blog)

It's a good day. The kind of day that makes me happy to be alive. In fact, I'm in such a good mood that I made a list of all the things that are making me happy and turned them into a quick video blog, all for your viewing pleasure.  





What are you happy about today, readers? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Happy Weekend!

This video is dedicated to gal pal, Arielle, for lodging a formal protest yesterday about my lack of video blogs lately. She's a fan, and that's one of many reasons why I adore her. So I whipped up this little ditty just to make her laugh.

Bring On The Turkey!

"What are you thankful for this year?" I asked my husband today.

"My loving wife," he said, tongue in cheek. "The fact that nursing school is almost over. Supportive friends and family...I'm thankful for new beginnings."

Isn't he so sweet, y'all?

I have to agree with him (especially about the loving wife part. Except insert "husband" where "wife" is, and we've got a winner.) But there are a few...unique things that I'm thankful for this year, other than the usual. And what's the point of having a blog if you can't write about them (in list form)?

I am thankful for...
...the gift of humor.
I like to laugh. A lot. Most days, I laugh at myself, my husband, my cats, my friends, and my television. Sometimes, I just laugh at life in general. (And usually, I document it all here, for you to see.)

...my godchildren.
It's a brand new shiny thing--one that I've never been able to say until this year. But knowing that there are two adorable little ones, just a relatively short drive away, that I'll get to spoil outrageously as they grow up...well, that just gives me the Warm-and-Fuzzies. I love those little babies to bits.

...social media.
That may seem to be a shallow thing to some, but social media has opened up a whole new world of communication for me. I've honed my stalker skills, made some amazing new friends, and gifted myself with a voice solely my own. Tell me that's not something to be thankful for!

...my fuzzy, four-legged children.
When you're all by your lonesome most of the time, it's nice to have a soft kitty, a warm kitty to come sit on your lap. Those little balls of fur own my heart. My house is full of happy, sleepy kitties, and they all like to purr. (If you don't recognize the lyrics I just ripped off of Sheldon Cooper, then your nerd card is revoked, people.) I am also HUGELY grateful that they are all over the stomach bug they passed around for the better part of a month! Yay for no more cat puke!

...having the time to hone my skills as a writer.
I know that, if my life were any different than it is at this moment, I might not have the time to be working on my very first novel. And so, I will be grateful that I have this opportunity, and hope that it will lead to future opportunities down the road.

...wine, chocolate, and other stimulants that make life fun.
I'm particularly looking forward to the apple cider sangria we will be enjoying with our turkey and our stuffing today.

...and lastly...I am thankful for Photoshop.
Because without it, I couldn't wish you a Happy Thanksgiving in a traditional, Abby Gabs sort of way.

Enjoy the pumpkin pie, y'all!! 

The ABC's of Happiness

I found this graphic while perusing Pinterest this morning:

Source

It's pretty! It's hopeful! It's creative in its use of "xerox" and "zap." And as I read through it, I thought to myself, "I'm pretty happy right now. Maybe I should write my own ABC's of Happiness post."


And thus, you have today's blog topic.

Abby's ABC's of Happiness

A -- Abby Gabs. I know, it's silly, but the fact that I'm back from my writer's block funk, and that the Gabs is back up and running, makes me slightly giddy. Yay for writing!

B -- Buffy. As in, I've been watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer again. And it's just as awesome now as it was 3 years ago, and 5 years ago, and 8 years ago....

C -- Crops. Despite the debilitating heat wave, my tomato plant is absolutely dripping with fruit. And OH BOY, does that ever make me (and my tummy) happy.

D -- Dance TV. My summertime guilty pleasure is Fox's dance show, So You Think You Can Dance. I love the leaps, the locking, and the lines. I grin from ear to ear for each of the 120 minutes it's on each week. Dancers to watch this season? Daniel Baker and Eliana Girard. And since they're choosing America's favorite male AND female dancer this year, they could both win! *Abby flops over in a fit of giddiness*

E -- Exercise. After a month of struggling with my laziness, I finally seem to be back in the groove of things. A new strength training program, combined with my regular Couch to 5K workouts, and I'm on the road back to weight loss. Yay, sweat!

F -- Friends. The kind of friends who make me laugh, make me think, save me from evil sea monsters. I'm so lucky, and grateful, to be surrounded by the best kind of people in the world.

G -- Godchildren. Bub and Baby Girl are growing each and every day. And Mom (best pal, Jenna) posts videos and pictures daily, so I can stay in the loop. I love them so much, I could just about pop.

H -- Headbands. They help to tame the beast, as I'm growing out my hair. Thankfully, there's no limit to the adorable hair accessories in the world. And I'm grabbing them up one by one.

I -- Instagram....as if you couldn't already tell from this post.

J -- Jordan Knight's Old Navy Commercial. Because it's Jordan Knight. And he's a New Kid. Which means he knows Donnie Wahlberg. And all of that makes me very happy.

 
K -- Kitty snuggles. Because I have 4 of them, and the whole purpose of having 4 cats is to pick each of them up and snuggle them daily. It might not make them happy, but it works for me.

L -- Lego Batman 2. Our latest video game craze. We ♥ the Lego franchise, and this may be the best, yet. (Although we're still holding out for The Avengers Lego game. Because Iron Man and Hulk and a million times cooler than Aquaman and Robin.)

M -- My Man. He cooks, he cleans, he mows the grass and waters my plants. He makes me laugh and buys me presents. And best of all, he knows how to do the dance to Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy Wit' It." (Believe me when I say that if I could've gotten video evidence of this incident, you would be presented with it right now.)

N -- Novels. I've been reading my head off this summer, and now that I've created my very own virtual book club (on Facebook, of all places), I'm ready to devour even more of the written word. I ♥ Books.

O -- The Olympics!! I'm so excited!! I love the summer Olympics---the swimming and diving, gymnastics, beach volleyball. But most of all----SOCCER!!!! I may be scarce once the games start. I'll be busy painting my face red, white, and blue, and shouting "USA! USA! USA!" like Homer Simpson.

P -- Panthers Preseason Chatter. Yes, I know it's July. Yes, I know football season is still a couple of months away. But those of us crazy football fans already have our eyes glued to the online buzz all about our favorite teams. And the Panthers buzz is nothing but good this year. SO ready for Panthers Football Season 2012!!

Q -- Quiet Moments. They are few and far between. But when it's just me, a cup of coffee, and absolute silence? It's a beautiful thing, ya'll.

R -- Reruns. Firefly, Doctor Who, The Big Bang Theory, Friends....if it weren't for reruns, and television series on DVD, I don't know what we'd do with our spare time.

S -- Spotify. This glowing little music-sharing gem is creating the soundtrack of my summer. It is also the app that is directly responsible for the Jiggy Incident I spoke about a few letters ago.

T -- Thunderstorms. Nothing makes me happier, after a steamy summer day, than a big ol' thunder-boomer. I love watching the clouds roll in, feeling the temperature drop, and witnessing the lighting as it splinters across the sky.

U -- Undertaking New Hobbies. Like my book club, mentioned above. And learning new stitches for future crochet projects. And cheering my hubby on as he tries his hand at model-painting. (As in, Transformers, not Heidi Klum.)

V -- Vino. Lots and lots of vino. I'm on a crisp, sweet, white kick right now. Pinot Grigio?  Yes, please. Chardonnay? If you insist. Moscato? Absolutely, and thank you very much.

W -- Weekends. They're filled with adventure, laughter, and fun. I just can't get enough of them. I wish it could be Sunday every day of the week.

X -- Xylophones. Because they're happy. And also, I couldn't think of anything else to go with  the letter X. Ooh, wait, Xanax! Ok, no, that's just a bad joke.

Y -- YouTube. Because who doesn't get happy when filtering through gems such as this one?



Z -- Zee End. (*In order for this to work, you have to read that line in your best fake Italian voice. Think Mario (the plumber, not Batali.)

Like I said...it's not all shiny and pinnable (I just created a word...definition: the act of pinning something interesting to Pinterest.) But, this list is a pretty decent representation of all the things in my life that are currently making me happy.

Oh wait. I forgot cheese. And new sheets. Ooh, ooh, and the little doo-dads that close up a the holes on notebook paper when they break. What do you call those things anyway?...

Summertime Fun: An Abby Gabs List Blog

It's summertime. Isn't summertime great? Forget about the 100+ degree heat, the monstrous thunderstorms that leave us without power for hours, and the crazy tourist-caused traffic. With summer comes awesome farm fresh produce, glorious beach days, and lots of frosty alcoholic beverages.

Ice cold beer, anyone?

But as wonderful as all those things are, the best thing about THIS summer is the fact that I have Brian home from school. That means plenty of free time to do the things we've been meaning to do since, oh, let's say January of 2011. (Like purchasing an universal remote, going on vacation, and spending time with friends.) And when Brian packs up and heads off to work on weekends, I have plenty of time to obsess over a few little things of my own. Here's my list of 

Things We Do When We Have 

Lots of Free Time (Especially 

When It's Hot Outside.)

#1: Watch Doctor Who.

After plenty of prodding from fellow Geek Chic friends like Jenna and Tina, we finally broke down and started watching Doctor Who. (Thanks Netflix!) It took us about a month to watch all 6 seasons, and I can officially say we have earned our nerd cards. I can't tell you much about the series, (because, you know, SPOILERS...) but let me just say this. WE LOVED IT. The cheese factor, combined with compelling story lines, terrific one-liners, and the ultimate nerdgasm that is time travel---well, it's just the perfect show.

Those of you who are wise beyond your years and were already Doctor Who fans will probably want to know the answer to one burning question---who's our favorite Doctor? Well, I just can't choose. It's a toss up.

How can one choose between David Tennant and Matt Smith??? (Source)

We shout "alons y" in our house as often as we randomly say "Bowties are cool." But I'm really close to sporting a bowtie. And maybe even a fez.

Fezzes are cool, too.

#2: Play Plants Vs. Zombies.

Brian got me a Kindle Fire for my birthday.

See?

I could write an entire blog dedicated solely to my Kindle Fire, because it is, without a doubt, the coolest thing ever. However, there's one app in particular that is currently holding me spellbound. And that app is Plants vs. Zombies.

It's an OCD dream, this game. Planting pretty rows of plants to defend your home from zombies, mowing them down one by one...like I said...it's video game heaven. The part of my brain that drives my OCD is always happy and well-rested after a rousing round of virtual zombie-maiming gardening.

Source

And as if that's not enough to make a game great, then please let me introduce you to the in-house comedian of Plants vs. Zombies. It's your crazy neighbor, Crazy Dave. And each time he makes an appearance to share his zombie-slaying tips, he makes me laugh out loud. While searching for a video so you could hear him talk, I came across this little gem. Enjoy.

#3: Obsess Over Potential Hairstyles.

Ok, so this is something I do without Brian. Not that he isn't interested, he's just...not interested. 

So, let this serve as a warning to all my friends and family. I've decided to grow my hair out. Which means, for the next 3 to 5 months, you can expect me to look something like this:

Is that a goomba on your head, or are you just growing your hair out?

Thankfully, I have an awesome hairstylist (Hi Leeann!) who will laugh at my Super Mario Brothers' jokes as much as she will help me grow out my locks without adopting the Billy Ray Cyrus 'do. With this decision has come hours and hours of trolling the internet, looking for photos of what I might want my hair to look like next. (The giant walking mushroom with scraggly eyebrows look isn't exactly on my list.)

I'd like to personally thank whoever invented Pinterest, because with it I've found my "how it will look when it starts to get some length back" hairdo:

Source

...and my "cutey cute cute finished product hairdo:"

Source

Note to readers: No, I'm not going blonde. It's totally a coincidence that both hairstyles are sported by blondies. I'll be sticking with my natural dark brown color, which I love. Sorry to those who hoped I'd go pink.

#4: Play Mexican Train Dominoes.

Don't believe what you hear. Dominoes are so much cooler than you might believe. The game that changed my mind? Mexican Train Dominoes.

It may look simple. But when we play, it's cutthroat.

This game turns my normally kindhearted family into vicious, smack-talking competitors. And it all stems from the frustration of Brian's complete mastery of the game. 

You see, he always wins. Always. And this makes my brother, my Dad and I very, very, very angry. And then, when he walks away with another victory, he doesn't something smarmy.

Like posting the score sheets on my parents' fridge, taking a photo, posting it
to Facebook, and tagging the losers. 

Even though I always lose, this game is a must-have for dinner parties, lazy Sundays, and most any other occasion. However, I suggest you put your game face on. We don't mess around when it comes to dominoes. (Or Spitty-Outty-Sucky-Uppy Uno, for that matter.)

#5: Drink Margaritas.

Because tequila is a girl's best friend.

 Thus comes the end of my list. And so, inquiring minds want to know. What's going on at your house this summer? (If there's tequila involved, can I come?)

How Blogging Has Improved My Life (The Woven Moments Great Blogging Anniversary LinkUp)

When I first started blogging in February of last year, my only objective was to create somewhere for me to come when I felt like being silly. It was a way to put a small piece of myself out into the world, and I wanted it to be honest. Real. 


And usually silly. 


It gives me an outlet for my creativity, my bad puns, and my daily attempt at humor. And for the most part, I feel like each time I click the word "Publish," I've given my readers another little piece of the Abby puzzle.


The most delightful (and unexpected) thing that came out of blogging were all the perks associated with living in the blogosphere. And today, in celebration of The Woven Moments 1 year anniversary, I'm sharing 5 of those perks with you.


And believe me when I say, if this post drives you to begin your own blog just so you can come visit the Wondrous World Wide Web through the eyes of a blogger, then I'll support you one million percent. (Also, every time a new blogger joins the party, a fairy gets her wings. Just sayin'.)

5 Ways the Blogosphere Has Improved My Life

I always have pictures of myself for internet avatars, passports, Christmas cards, and all other applications where pictures of yourself are relevant. 

And I have Abby Gabs to thank for it. Never before has self-photography been so crucial in my day-t0-day life. For the first few months of blogging, any time I would hand the camera to my husband to take a shot of me posing, it required a 20 minute explanation behind why I was standing on one foot with a silly grin on my face and an imaginary bow-and-arrow in my hands. 

I guess he just couldn't imagine how this picture....

...could eventually become this year's Valentine.

However, I'm pleased to report that nowadays, he just takes the picture. Because usually, the payoff is worth the wait.

On days when life throws me a curve ball that smacks me in the eye, and I'm feeling particularly unfunny, I always know I can turn to the blogosphere for inspiration, support, and ultimately, a good belly laugh.

And on days like that, when I'm nursing a black eye, I know just the blogs I'm going to turn to for that laugh. You will see the influence of Clay Baboons as soon as you open up Abby Gabs in your browser. (Stephanie and I are one of many Robots and Bloggers Against Captcha. Join our cause today.) The Bearded Iris is one of those blogs that makes you put your coffee mug down before you start reading. Inevitably, you will forget this rule, and then you'll be cleaning coffee off of your monitor. But it's a lesson quickly learned, especially if you start with her recent post about poo. And if you love illustrated blogs as much as I do, then Odd But Nice is the place for you. The post in which she begs the PS3 to release her husband from servitude is one of my favorites of all time.

But if you're short on time and just want a quick chuckle, please-oh-please visit Heavy Browsing. What's funnier than making fun of fashion? Making fun of BAD fashion. This blog has everything a good humor blog needs: funny pictures, hilarious captions, and dry humor. It's perfect in every way.

Blogging is a huge asset to my marriage.

On the rare occasions when I say or do something wrong, all I have to do is this:

...and all is forgiven. 

I always knew my close friends and family would read my blog. But I never expected to find a community so willing to embrace my goofiness.

And want to talk about really amazing? I never expected to make friends. I have Canadian friends and Mid-Western friends and Yankee friends and Southern friends. I have people who comment on every single blog I've ever written---and I'm not just talking about my Mom. People have reached out to me on my blog, on Twitter, on Facebook--just to tell me that they laughed because of Abby Gabs. For a writer, nothing feels as good as validation. (So feel free to leave me a comment or two below!) And to know there's a group of people out there in the world willing to read my thoughts on a regular basis is downright invigorating. Thanks to each and everyone of you who have ever offered encouragement, words of advice, and your unwavering support. (You know who you are!)

More than anything, the blogosphere gives me a place to be creative, witty, and downright silly.

I spend the first 30 minutes of my day brainstorming ideas for the day's post. Sometimes I already have an idea planned, and I mentally Photoshop images to fill out the post. Other days, I have a jumble of ideas in my head, all waiting to congeal into one. Either way, as a blog author, I get to have an epiphany every, single day.

Sometimes, that epiphany comes in the form of a creative way to illustrate that epiphany. It's like push-ups for my brain.


*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
There are a hundred more reasons why blogging has improved my life tenfold. I could keep listing, but for those who read Abby Gabs on a regular basis, you know I have a penchant for odd numbers (particularly the number 5.) So I'll take my OCD, end this list, and wish Ryan (The Woven Moments) and her partners in linky land a very happy anniversary.


Wait...is there cake? Because I like cake.

Making New Friends

If there's one thing I've learned as a blogger, it's that certain phrases from your childhood are really more relevant in the blogosphere than in real life.

"You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

"Turn about is fair play."

"Tag, you're it."

It's true. And in the last few weeks, I've been attempting to play nicely with my fellow bloggers. But here's the thing--some of my FAVORITE bloggers are hanging up their hats to pursue other interests. And that's GREAT...except I miss them. And I don't have as many blogs to read. And that makes me sad.

So, in an attempt to make some NEW friends, I've started linking up with Erica at Yeah Write. It's a great system for bloggers looking for...well, just about anything. From new readers to inspiration and more, Yeah Write has brought some new blood to Abby Gabs, and for that I am already eternally grateful.

Then Erica ran up to me on the interwebs playground, poked me in the shoulder, and challenged me to a contest.

Don't worry. Not like dodgeball, or anything scary. She just challenged me to answer 11 questions about myself. And you people know I can never say no to a list blog. So, here is my response to her challenge.

11 Answers to 11 Questions

What's your favorite sandwich?

My husband makes this killer grilled cheese sandwich. The key is the perfect sourdough bread. Add crispy applewood smoked bacon, smoked gouda cheese, and thick slices of summer tomato, and it's game on. Mmm. So good.

Who is your favorite ethnic actor?

Ewan McGregor. What? He's Scottish. That's not American, therefore, it is ethnic.

Besides searching for porn new blogs, what's your favorite internet activity?

Oh, well, that's easy. Twitter-stalking Donnie Wahlberg isn't just a daily activity for me, it's a sport. It's all about the hunt, you see...

Fill in the blank: When I was 13, I got in big trouble when my parents caught me __________.

...on the phone past 8 o'clock. What? I was a goody two-shoes in my tweens. I got in more trouble when I pulled the fan out of the ceiling, or when I whacked my baby brother over the head with a deadly sweater. Just sayin'.

On a cross-country road trip, who are the three people you'd want with you, living,dead or fictional?

#1: My husband, because his sense of direction is way better than mine.

#2: Guy Fieri, because we'd ALWAYS know where to stop for grub.

#3: A good conversationalist. This could be Brian's aunt Tina, my Dad, or Anderson Cooper. I'm not picky, so long as the conversation is rolling.

What item do you keep buying at the store over and over thinking you're out, and when you get home, it turns out you had plenty?

That's easy. Pasta. I think the current count is 6 boxes of spaghetti, 2 boxes of elbow macaroni, 1 1/2 boxes of lasagna noodles, and at least 3 boxes of penne. And the funny thing: we really don't eat that much pasta.

What's the most expensive item you've ever let your children play with? If you don't have children, insert [irresponsible unemployed ingrate] here.

I don't have kids. And I don't know any unemployed ingrates. But the most expensive thing I play with on a regular basis is my camera.Without it, there wouldn't be blogs about the Monday blues, how I killed a spider with my brown loafers, or the most amazing dream I ever had.

Who wears the pants in your family? And do they make your butt look cute?

I would say that we both share in the pants responsibility equally. It's hard to judge a butt's cuteness when it's crammed into the same pants your husband is wearing simultaneously. But, next time he's home, I'll take a peek and let you know.

If it paid good money, which of your character flaws would make you a millionaire among millionaires?

Flaws? FLAWS? I have no flaws to speak of.

Ok, maybe my lack-of-humbleness. Or sarcasm. Man, if I could get paid for being sarcastic...

Leftover pizza: cold or reheated?

Depends on where it's from. If it's homemade pizza I'll probably reheat it. If it's from a pizza joint, I'll probably eat it cold. However, I always eat cold spaghetti. It's my favorite.

Tell us about your first love, fictional or inanimate, in exactly 140 characters.

Sky blue eyes & floppy blonde hair, he chased me on the playground and shared his last cookie with me on the school bus. We were 9 years old.

I'm hoping I sated Erica's curiosity about my eating habits, travel companions, and pants. And I'm hoping she'll still want to play with me when I break the rules of this game and intentionally skip the part where I'm supposed to challenge 11 bloggers to play along.

I just can't do it. I'm not good at confrontations.

There you go. A bonus fact about me that you probably didn't know, in exchange for breaking all the rules. I'm a rebel.