Thanks, Body. You Rock.

In exactly one week from today, I turn the big 3-0.





I think it's pretty obvious how I feel about it.


I've been trying desperately to live my mantra: "Stay present and live in the moment." And I have been fairly successful, for the most part. I've been focusing on my writing, checking off the last few things on my 30 Before 30 list, and enjoying my friends and family.


But a few days ago, the reminders of my looming birthday began.


Last week, in an attempt to jump start my weight loss, I started feverishly working out again. (Because apparently, I thought I could lose those last 17 pounds in 2 weeks without being stranded on a deserted island with nothing to live off of but large caterpillars and coconut milk.) Day one went smashingly well. Day two was also a success. Shortly after Day three, I realized I'd already pulled a muscle in my lower back, bringing those intense 2-a-day workouts to a screeching halt.


Then, a few days ago, I noticed that the solitary grey hair I mentioned in a previous post has decided to invite his entire family to reside on top of my head, and they appear to be throwing their own special birthday bash for me. Here's hoping they don't invite their friends, too.

At least they brought gifts.

And yesterday, while grocery shopping with my father, I noticed I was having some pain in my right hand. When I moved my first and middle fingers, it was like you could practically hear the tendons creaking. I mentioned it to my dad, and in true fatherly fashion, he said, "You know arthritis runs in the family. I've got some ointment at the house you can try."


Oy vey. Arthritis? Seriously??


I'm hoping it's just carpel tunnel syndrome from all the Twitter stalking of a certain someone that's been going on of late.


After careful consideration, I've decided that my body isn't going to be happy until it thoroughly reminds me that I'm about to turn 30.


Thanks, body. You rock.

The Wahlberg Obsession Continues...

If you're new to the blog, I'd like to welcome you to my Donnie Wahlberg obsession. In case you missed it, here's a quick recap:


It all started way back in 1988, when I became one of a squillion New Kids on the Block fans. Fast forward through 12 tons of New Kids paraphernalia, making out with Jordan Knight posters, and summer evening concerts to the tune of "Step by Step," all the way to the summer of 2008. The New Kids reunited and released the album, The Block. And I was immediately reverted back to a squealing, overly-excited tween.


My childhood crush on Donnie Wahlberg steadily grew into a full-blown obsession. In February of 2011, AbbyGabs was born, and the Donnie Wahlberg obsession became a blog phenomenon. It all started when I wished for a do-over button -- and with that one mention of my secret celebrity boyfriend, we were off to the races. 


Donnie started cropping up in my blog on a regular basis. First it was just in reference to my general adoration for him. Then came Twitter. Hearing from him on a daily basis sent my obsession into orbit, resulting in blogs about Donnie dreams I was having, and maintaining my marriage while quietly stalking him on Twitter. 


Finally, in my most recent brush with fame, the object of my obsession began following me on Twitter. And with that opened can of worms, the Full-Blown Comprehensive Donnie Wahlberg Campaign began. 


In the last few days, my Twitter stalking of Mr. Wahlberg has taken on a feverish pitch. For example, on Tuesday evening, Donnie tweeted the following:

(For those unfamiliar with Twitter, the most recent post is at the top. Which means, for it to make sense, read the last post first.)

Never one to let an opportunity to pass by, I tweeted the following responses:

And for your viewing pleasure, the profile pic in question:

You're Welcome.

At some point yesterday, I realized that my stalking has turned into a full-blown hobby: I stalk him from my phone to the point of draining the battery every day by 3:00. When my phone battery dies, I stalk him on the laptop until THAT battery dies.

And let's not talk about how often I'm sitting at the desktop. On Twitter. Reading Donnie's tweets.

But  the saddest part of it all: despite the fact that my husband knows about my Twitter Stalking, and even though I TRY to keep that stalking to a minimum when he's at home, I still find myself drawn to the computer to see if Donnie's online...even when Brian is here.

Which inspired me to make the following short film. Enjoy.

(Can't see the movie? Go here: http://youtu.be/IFF37qKqN54)

An Official Abby Gabs Birthday Celebration

Don your party hats and dust off your dancing shoes....it's my Father-in-Law's birthday today!!

Because everyone deserves a dancing banana on their birthday...

Here are five things you probably don't know about my FIL, Walt:

#1: He's a blog author, too! He's been writing a blog for as long as I've known him, and The Lucky Puppy was a major inspiration for me to start my own blog. You'll have to drop by and visit him sometime. **Warning** This blog is not for kids! Be prepared for a lot of political discussion, dirty jokes, and a strange sense of humor. But, it's why we love him so.

#2: Walt and I are as different politically as two people can possibly be. He thinks I'm a dirty tree-hugging liberal hippie. I think he's a fanatical right-wing extremist. It makes for heated debates, that's for sure. But when it comes right down to it, I think we're both a little closer to the middle than we let on. (Shhh....don't tell him I said that. He'll think it's a conspiracy and somehow link it to how the Democrats are brainwashing women under the age of 35 into believing that Republicans are the Devil.)

#3: I'm just guessing, here, but I'm assuming he likes it when people sing to him. So, on three, ladies and gents....One, two, THREE:

(My confusion with technology just makes this video funnier. Also, I couldn't figure out how to edit it out....)


#4: Walt once gave me advice that shaped my life, and my marriage. The force is strong with this one.


#5: All kidding aside, Walt has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He's always willing to drop everything when you need him, he gives the best long-distance pep talks in the world, and he loves his kids more than anything else in his life. People always tell you that when you get married, it's a package deal. Well, I can honestly say that Brian's Dad is a true gift, and I'm glad I got to add him to my family when I married his son.


Love ya, Dad!

Because it's not a true Abby Gabs' Birthday without some Photoshop...