Just because he doesn't hit you doesn't mean it's not abuse.

I've shared a very important story at iVillage today.

If you're struggling with this - I want to be the stranger that tells you you're worth better.

Weddings - stop stressing and just enjoy the party!

Today is my fifth wedding anniversary. 

I like being married. I like it a lot. It is probably (besides my kids, of course) the Best Thing I've Ever Done.

I was very much focused on having a "marriage", not a "wedding" and I was lucky enough to never get hung up on the day, but instead thought about what came after.

That may have been because I worked two jobs and did uni full time (including an assignment due the day before, and two exams two days after) and I had no time to think, but really - I came from a pretty poor childhood and could not justify dropping a lot of cash for one day. What a spoilsport!

I hand-made all my invitations, scored my dress for a bargain $150, borrowed my veil and used clip-on vintage earrings to decorate my shoes. I did my wedding my way and it was the best thing I ever did.

I walked down the aisle to Jimmy Eat World, played punk music for my mingling guests and boogied on the dance floor to the Wu-Tang Clan.

I made my own bouquet.

I reserved the right to do things I wouldn't remember doing later, nor why I would do them.

I made my sister my Maid of Honour, even though she's hotter than me.

I listened to the whims of my incredibly talented photographer and was glad I did.

My dad walked me down the aisle, and then I filmed a Macleans ad. 

Ok that was a lie.

I had a cathedral-length veil for a backyard wedding. Oh yes I did.

I annoyed the celebrant by only having one chair at the signing table. I also annoyed him by changing my vows to "I do", not "I will". 

I also did not tell my husband to do this... he just did.

I had two dresses, just because.

I loved my wedding day. I married an incredible man and we've made an incredible life. I had the best ladies' night before, and a day that was without fault.

Except my 18-year-old brother didn't get drunk and dance to The Thong Song like he did at my sister's wedding. I'm not sure I'll ever get over the disappointment.

It topped off a beautiful romance, a quirky, thoughtful and totally amazing proposal, and started a lifetime of love.

I'm going to attempt a fun run. Running optional.

So this year I am a Variety Australia Santa Fun Run Blog Ambassador.

I am going to wear a Santa suit and a baby and take my family to dawdle walk the 5k fun run track around Brisbane on November 25. Thank goodness there's a Walkers category, or they'd still be waiting for me to finish the run the following week.

Variety is expecting 20,000 fun runners this year, across Australia, to help raise money and awareness in support of sick, disadvantaged and children who have special needs.

Abby getting her gear sorted.

If you'd like to take part, go here and register. You even get your own Santa suit! It's especially designed to deal with Australia's summer Christmas conditions, THANK GOODNESS. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you in the Brisbane run.

If you would like to sponsor me and let me do the running walking for you, please go here. 

Where will your money go, you ask?

Why, to buy things like mobility equipment for those who need it. Medical assistance. Supporting children in educational, sporting or artistic endeavours. Those cool yellow swings designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Variety delivers around $1m in individual and organisational equipment grants every month, filling the gaps often left by government and other organisations. It's often their last resort.

Last year, they made these differences in children's lives:

 Over $2.1M used to purchase 38 Sunshine Coaches for schools and support organisations, bringing sunshine into the lives of many children who through either disadvantaged circumstances or health issues would have previously not been able to get “out and about” in their community.

 34 Walkers and Standers given to help children get out of their wheelchairs, to interact with siblings and friends, take part in fun activities and learn to move about.

$2M spent to purchase equipment for the Caring 4 Kids program – life saving equipment for Australia’s children’s hospitals

11 Human Hair Suction Wigs were given to young girls suffering from Alopecia – the disease that affects mostly teenage girls and causes complete hair loss

$519,671 spent on Liberty Swings now installed in 20 more locations across Australia, giving children in wheelchairs the chance to swing and laugh.

Me walking 5k and making a twat of myself in a Santa suit is worth every minute.

Come join me xx

Inside my fridge

What's in yours?