Shopping! Hobby or Obsession?

Before I begin I just wanted to give you all a heads up. Aaron is no longer Aaron. He asked me the other night, "Why did you change everyones name but mine?" I think he is feeling a little left out, so we will now refer to my loving husband as "Leonard". You ask and you shall receive.

Ok, now on to the fun stuff. I know everyone should have a hobby. Since I have had children and they consume most of my time people have told me, "you should find something you love doing and that you're good at. You need a hobby." Everyone needs to get away from reality every now and then and have an escape. Shopping is my escape, shopping is my hobby.

I know some would beg to differ. Some, I am not mentioning any names, Leonard , think it is more of an obsession. Good try on the whole Hobby bit, right? When I am not working, not caught up in planning any upcoming events, not at Church, or not playing with the kids, I am shopping. I shop online, in magazines, in stores, and sometimes while I'm sleeping in my dreams. That mostly consists of car shopping, but none the less, it is shopping. Problem? I think not!

I am a woman. Every woman likes to shop, right? The only thing on this earth I hate shopping for is bathing suits. I try not to get myself in positions that would call for that shopping trip. I kind of keep one bathing suit that I can wear no matter what size I am during those dreaded summer months. I am sure it is very appealing to others. Hopefully this year I will be so excited to shop for a new bathing suit for the first time in years. HOPEFULLY!

So, back to the lingering question, hobby or obsession? Leonard, Ellen and Hazel can attest to the fact that when I am shopping, it is rarely for myself. My hobby is to buy things for my children and others. It is like I can't stop. My 5-month old son has a closet full of shoes. Shoes, really? He is 5-months old. Where is he walking to? Ok, I think I am beginning to answer my own question asked above. I don't like where this is going. I am not even going to mention the drawers, closet and bow hanger of "pinks."

Ok, so now that I realize I might have an obsession, what is the first step? Admitting there is a problem? Not quite sure I am ready to do that. I still think I have a pretty good case on my hands. I do it all for others, so that makes it ok. That's it, I am the most selfless person I know and I use shopping to keep myself in check. Ah, that is the sound of sweet relief. For a moment there I was worried.

What is better than a selfless hobby? How can I stop being selfless? I mean, I would stop if I absolutely had to. I know there are people in this economy that can barely afford to keep food on the tables for their families. If I knew them, I would be the first one there with a shopping cart ready to fill to maximum capacity. I don't want to come off as materialistic or spoiled because I definitely am not. My kids, that is another question that I may or may not refuse to answer at this time. Have you met my daughter?

Have a great night and weekend. We are off the Austin tomorrow for the night. Be back on Sunday.

Toodles!