Some little things I'd love!

I will kill the spiders. [This is obviously the number one, most important thing].


I will share my fries with you when you’ve finished all yours and are still hungry.  [Umm I will probably end up sharing my fries...].  


I won’t ever pop my collar. 


I will kiss the papercuts...and the door-slammed finger...and the counter-bumped hip [all a weekly daily occurrence...at least].  


I’ll try my hardest not to get annoyed when you whisper questions and comments during movies [or in my case, football]. 


I will be the big spoon. 


I will let you win at wrestling. Sometimes. Other times i will not.


I will send you random texts and leave you silly gifts or notes. Not always. Not on schedule. Just whenever I want to. Whenever I think you need one....or seven. 


I will check your tire pressure and remind you to take your car in.  [I definitely need this, haha].  


I will hold your hand. 


I will love you. 


I will love you. 


I will love you.




Saw this on Pintrest today and loved it.  

For your viewing purposes only; please don't buy any of these. :D

Some of the most...interesting...nativity sets ever.

http://whyismarko.com/2011/27-worst-nativity-sets-the-annual-growing-list/

One Week

Well, it's been one week since probably the hardest, worst day of my life.  I still don't really know how to respond and it's almost like I'm living a really bad dream; all I can do is pray for the Lord's will to be done and honestly, that's very hard for me.  I really need to learn how to fully rely on Him because he knows what's best, but I'm human and I think I know what's best for me.  Ughhhhh...going through a really hard time and I could just use some prayers.

Proverbs 31 woman

Although I'm not a wife yet and I know I won't be for a good loooooong while, a Proverbs 31 woman is something we as women (married or not) should all strive to be.  I don't know about the making and designing of all those clothes...don't think I really have to worry too much about that...it is the 21st century, after all!  On a more serious note, I do, however, know that the woman that this passage describes is something I want to work towards.  I'm still a work in progress and I know that I've got a long road ahead of me, but I know that with effort, God's help, learning to really be comfortable with myself, becoming independent, and putting ALL my faith and trust in Him (easier said than done), I will eventually be a good woman.  *Side-note* I read a few different versions of this passage and I really liked The Message; easy to understand, but it still retains all of the important, "good stuff."

Proverbs 31:10-31

The Message (MSG)

Hymn to a Good Wife
 ^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

A work in progress, 

Abigail

Fall Break!

Haven't posted since July, but I guess that's because I'm so busy!  Life is going really great!  There are some small things that could be better, but God has blessed me so much that I can't possibly complain.  I'm in the middle of my last semester of classes and next semester I student teach! So nervous!
I've decided to make the last real semester of my senior year a fun one.  Yes, I still work hard, but I'm trying to spend as much time as I can with my friends!  Since I haven't been on since July, I have lots of fun summer adventures to share as well as some school fun.  Unfortunately, my camera is currently broken, so I don't have as many pictures as I would like, but here are some!

Harry Potter movie and our hand-painted tee shirts!

Just one of the interesting pictures from summer edventure camp...

Visited Howard's Knob on my trip to Boone

Frequent trips to the lake!

Bachelorette Party fun!!!

First home game of the season! We actually won!!! 

Another football game...in the jowls of the inflatable Catamount! 

HIPSTERS!

More hipsterness

So, as you can see I've been having a blast and life is great!  I love my friends, boyfriend and family sooo much and I honestly don't know what I'd do without them!

Blessed!

I've Learned:

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things:
a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're
gone from your life.

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both
hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

~Maya Angelou

I am procrastinating writing a paper...

Never expected this semester to fly by like it did!  I'm in the top 5% of the School of Music and I'm being inducted into Pi Lambda Kappa, an honors society for musicians.  I'm pretty happy about that and definitely didn't expect it! 

It's almost time for Guys and Dolls rehearsals which is really exciting.  I think it is a great cast and we will all get along really well!  Guys and Dolls is one of my favorites for sure. 

I'll be switching jobs in a couple weeks; I'll just be moving next door to the Boiler Room...we'll see how that goes. Honestly, I'm a little nervous, but I guess it'll be fine.  I can do anything for a year.  I'm really excited about my real summer job! I'll be working with a group of 10-12 year olds at summer ed-venture camp and teaching them about theatre and music.  I may be calling some people *cough cough Scotty cough cough* for some tips. :D  I think that it is going to be a blast though, and we even get to do a little play at the end of the five weeks for the whole camp!  Gotta start looking for some scripts soon. 

Speaking of plays, I went to go see Shrek the Musical last night.  What a fun, colorful, silly show!  I don't think it lost my attention for a minute. 

On another note, I'm turning 21 in exactly three weeks.  That is scary and depressing; I SO don't feel 21 but I guess it is enevitable so I will enjoy my birthday!  I think Timothy has something planned for the weekend of my birthday but he refuses to tell me and the suspense is killllling me.

Also, I am hooked on consignment shopping...not sure why.  I guess it's just fun to find something cute, in good shape, good brand for half the cost or less than what you would pay for it in the mall. 

Anyway, I guess I should stop procrastinating now...  :)

One question...WHY?

Why on EARTH would anyone buy something like this.  I could understand maybe a little camo on your garter or camo ribbon on your shoes, but not an entire dress of camo and hunter orange.  To each their own...but this...this is just too awful for words.

To see more awfulness just visit CamoFormal.com

The past 6 months

There's been ups and downs (and in life what isn't an up or down), but overall, the past six months have been some of the best I've ever experienced.  I've grown as an individual and also in relationship building. 

I've learned:
It's not always about me, but I really appreciate when it is. 
Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. 
How to let go and let God, which is often times harder than it seems.  We want what we want, but he may have something entirely different planned, that is SO much more amazing than what we wanted. 
Also, God sure does know how to surprise us.  :D 
How to keep my head up even when times get crappy (in the past week I've grown in that skill)
To value the time that you do have with people. 
Not to ask for patience.  God will give you something to be patient about (and it's not always fun). 
To be more patient.  Something I've lacked in the past. 
How to be a better friend. 

This list is only part of what I've learned and experienced  lately.  I feel so thankful...so blessed to have WONDERFUL people in my life that love me and care about me. 

Especially this one special person... 

Six months ago, I would have never even guessed that you'd be a part of my life.. other than making you mocha frappes and you telling me a few times that I should wipe the tables before I sweep...but I'm so glad God wanted you in my life.  You've shown me a lot about myself and a lot about how to love.  I love spending time with you and being your girlfriend.  I think you're amazing and I hope that God sees fit to allow you to stay in my life for a good long time. 

I love you so much, Timothy!  (Even if you don't read this) :D 

-Abigail

all you need is love.

Disco Duck

Partyin in up like it's 1970! Had a BLAST at Nikki and Scotty's birthday party. 

I LOVE the fact that I can be my silly self around my crazy, awesome, super fun boyfriend and all my other crazy, awesome super fun  friends!

Life is SOOOOO good.  even though I have a literal TON to do between now and the middle of February!  :P

Had the concerto competition today.  I feel like it went really well.  Don't know the results yet, but when I do you'll know it,  because I'll either be bouncing off the walls or looking like my (non-existant) puppy has been stolen with no chance of a ransom letter. 

Anyway that's all for now.  Gotta finish some nasty Psychology homework.  stupid information processing...

First day of classes

Monday was supposed to be the beginning of the new semester but because of all the fabulous snow it was postponed to today! Thank goodness!  It was really nice to have a couple extra days. 
Last night I went snowboarding again and it was really super fun except it resulted in sore muscles and about four or five hours of sleep for the first day of classes! I survived though.  I only had classes 9-3:30 with a two hour lunch/practicing break. 
My first class was German 101.  I've always wanted to learn German because one day I want to study there or around there.  Well, I was sitting in the front of class super, ridiculously excited and grinning from ear to ear because I'm finally doing something I REALLY want to do and Dr. Lehman comes in and just starts speaking German for over half the class.  Funny thing is it's actually pretty easy to understand but it's going to be pretty hard to learn probably!  I can do it though! So excited! 
Also, there's a Germany trip planned this summer...hmm maybe?  Not sure yet.  :)

My next class was Introduction to Conducting.  This class...it's going to be fun...but I really don't think I'm meant to conduct.  It scares me...but I'll give it a chance.  And the upside is that I have to get a baton, which makes me feel professional.  :D 

Choir was next and it is HUGE this semester.  SO many people and some really good pieces!  Going to be a good semester and we're going to make beautiful music (that was motivational choir president jabber, ps). 

Piano Principles was next...probably my favorite class.  I love my fellow pianists so much and Dr. Adams is AWESOME!  Got an exciting semester ahead for the Piano studio. 

So overall, a very good but tiring day.  I came home and took an accidental two hour nap which was only supposed to be thirty minutes.  Even with the two hour nap I still had time to do some "get ahead" homework and still have free time! Going to bed early tonight! I only have class til 12:05 on Thursdays! Exciting!!!  :-)

My Snowboarding Experience

So Wednesday night, Timothy texts me and says, "Hey! Wanna go snowboarding tomorrow night?"  I'm like...okay..my first thought is, "WHAT on earth do I wear?"  Yes, a ridiculous thought, but that's what I thought.  Anyway, I agreed to go and I was nervous and couldn't sleep ALL night.  That next morning, Rachel and I went to Asheville, me with a red bull in hand...had to start the morning out right.  Our trip consisted of singing "Don't You Wanna Stay" at the top of our lungs, eating at Franks Roman Pizza because stupid Carrabba's was closed, going to Dick's Sporting Goods looking for ski gear, Target looking for...cat clothes...and Rachel getting her mug shot.  We also looked for ski goggles EVERYWHERE...none to be found.  Well there were some at Three Eagles for like $150 and that's ridiculous. 
Anyway...waited on Timothy for like 30 minutes because he's ALWAYS late...I mean ALWAYS.  We finally got on the road to Cataloochee and I was feeling like puking til we got to Dillsboro...by then I was almost talked into being excited.  Rented our boots and drove up the mountain in the BUZZ BUS! 
Now's where the adventure starts. 
So I started out on the bunny bunny slope.  There were 4 and 5 year olds skiing better than me.  Timothy walked me down the slope a couple times til I figured out my edges and busted it a few several times.  He had to go get a screwdriver to adjust his board so Nicole and I decided to go down the next highest slope which is like a beginners slope but it's still really tall.  I busted it a few more times, and wanted to cry a couple times, but by the third time going down it I really felt like I was gettin the hang of it.  Finally, Timothy, Me, and Nicole decided to go down the next biggest slope because they said I was doing "Awesome."  So, we did and it was actually easier except we all busted it getting off the ski lift...yeah we got mad skills.  I did pretty good the first time.  Second time I only fell once.  But my third and last run on that slope I decided to be a daredevil and go faster...BAD idea.  Chris flew by me and yelled "Good job, Abigail!"  and I didn't know who it was cause he had a face guard and goggles on.  I was distracted trying to figure out who it was which caused me to fall the first time.  I was still a little confused "WHO on earth knows my name on this slope? I KNOW it wasn't Timothy."  Anyway, I busted it REALLY hard cause I was FLYINNNNG down the mountain.  Knocked the breath out of me and hurt like...anyway. 
Kinda sad that was my last run cause I wanted to make it gooooood.  I'm still sore but it was SO worth it. 
I had the most AMAZING time ever and I can't wait to do it again! Hopefully sometime next week! 

Fresh

As I'm sitting here in the kitchen listening to my dad teach my mom how to do sudoku I'm reflecting on the past year and planning for the new one.  2010 had it's ups and it's downs and I'm sure 2011 will too, but I'm hoping for a wonderful year.  I try not to make new years resolutions because I usually end up breaking them, but I would like to set some goals for this year. Some of them are practical/useful and then some are just for fun. 

1.  Become more independent, organized, and responsible.  I will achieve this by opening my own piano studio.  I will become my own employer, be responsible for children's learning, responsible for my finances, and overall a more organized person. 

2.  I want to go outside my comfort zone:

• This may come as a shock, but I get nervous around people I don't know, so at least once a week (if not more often) I want to talk to a complete stranger.
• I get stuck in what I like to call a "school rut."  I become a robot during the week.  Wake up, eat poptart, go to school, eat lunch in the same spot almost everyday, come home, do homework/practice, go to bed.  I'm going to try and change up my routine everyday by doing something different whether it be trying a new breakfast food or coffee, or sitting in a new spot for lunch or opting to take a walk around campus. 

3.  Be more dedicated to my music. 

4.  Be more decisive. 

5.  Even though I want to be more organized, I'd like to become less of a planner.  Life gets boring when you plan everything. 

6.  I want to become a better ultimate frisbee player. 

7.  I want to love with confidence and passion and put my whole heart into everything I love. 

8.  I want to go running regularly. 

9.  I want to have less irons in the fire and give more time to those I love.

10.  Most importantly, I want to keep God first. 

5 Love Languages

I just read a book by Dr. Gary Chapman called the 5 Love Languages.  It was written for married couples but honestly, these 5 love languages can be applied to any relationship in life.  It is quite eye opening and causes you to reflect on how you express and respond to love and how you like love to be shown.   I definitely recommend that you give it a read.

I also recently finished a book by Dr. Chapman called Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married.  It's a great book for anyone who is single, casually dating, seriously dating, or engaged.  There is lots of advice on things to look for, things to expect, problems you might encounter, etc.  It's quite informative...but not nearly as helpful as The 5 Love Languages, which I highly recommend to anyone!

Here's a link to Dr. Chapman's website:  http://www.5lovelanguages.com/  where you will find a list of books he's written, a "quiz" to find out which love languages apply to you, and lots of other helpful information. 

Check it out! 

Love!