things you may or may not know about snails

It's honesty Tuesday here at Musings of a Snail! (yeah, I just made that up)

1. I'm terrible in the kitchen. My food usually comes out tasting ok, but I make such a mess, I rush everything, burn lots of things, start fires, you know, the usual.

2. I eat a lot of macaroni and cheese. A LOT. The organic kind, though!

3. I never exercise. Partially because I haven't gained more than 2 pounds since 9th grade, and partially because I hate it. HATE it. I know, I know...

4. The earthquake in Haiti, my mom's death at age 48, and just contemplating humanity in general makes me question the goodness of a God I was brought up to love and worship.

5. I miss my mom most when I'm happy.

6. I feel scatter-brained almost all the time. It's Josh that pulls me together.

7. Sometimes I read the end of a book, just to make sure it ends happily- it's not worth my time if it doesn't.

8. I'm cold. All the freakin' time. I wear leggings under my pants every day (the thick kind, not stockings), and at least two shirts. It has to be at least 55 degrees out for me to not wear two pairs of pants. The other day my sister was over and she asked, "Why are you wearing two shirts?" To which I replied, "I think you mean, why WOULDN'T I wear two shirts???" Duh.

(A typical Josh and Abby picture- me freezing to death, and Josh not even wearing a coat, hole in the jeans and NO extra layer underneath. Ahh!)

Welp, that's the real me. What don't I know about YOU??!

Best of 2009

Ok, I know most people did "Best of" lists like three days ago... I'm a bit behind. I'm always behind. Does anyone else always feel that way???

Going into the new year has been hard for me for the past few years with my mom being gone. I always get sad thinking that I am another year older, and that's one more year I've lived without her in my life. All the memories from this past year did not include her, nor will any memories for the year to come. I really miss her. I miss her gentle smile and comforting presence.

Anyway, sorry to be such a downer. I did have some great memories in 2009, though, and below I will share them with you, my dear bloggy friends:

Best of 2009, Snails' style

1. Learning to sew, of course!!
I am so amazed at all I've learned in only a matter of a few months.


2. Starting the Snails blog, which will be getting a major face lift in a few days. Can't wait for you to see!

3. Starting my Etsy shop and starting to sell a few of my handmade goods. It feels really good to make a little money off of this hobby I've come to love!

4. Graduating from college. I've never felt more free.


5. Going to Mexico with my hubby for our 1 year anniversary.





6. Watching [some of] my violin students grow into young musicians, and seeing their hard work really pay off.

7. Watching my baby kitties grow into little adult cats and become the most loving, adorable, best kitties in the world.

8. Moving to a newer, more affordable apartment.

9. Making new friends and having a community of people who we know love and support us. This is our house church! 10. Loving this guy more and more every day.
Happy 2010!

Four years ago today...

Today is September 17, 2009. That means it has been four years since my mom died on September 17, 2005. I just can't believe it. I can't believe it's been four whole years since I've seen or talked to the woman who birthed me and raised me.

Four years ago I had just started college.

Four years ago I was 18 years old.

Four years ago I wasn't married, I didn't have my own house, I didn't have my two cats, I didn't own my own business.

Four years ago I had this amazing boyfriend named Josh.

Four years ago my mom told Josh, "Take care of Abby." He promised he would.

This morning I woke up with a pit in my stomach because I knew today was the day. It seems harder this year. Four years, to me, feels like so long. Four years ago I was starting a new chapter in my life- college. And now that's all over. My mom missed a whole chapter of my life. I missed out on having my mom's support throughout all of my college years.

I miss her dearly. I miss her gummy smile, quiet spirit, and wisdom. I know she's in heaven now, dancing and singing with angels, Jesus, and my two brothers. But I really wish she would come back here.

I love you and miss you, Mom.