OK. Don't panic. This discovery will not destroy my life. I can deal with it. After all, my husband doesn't mind...
I recently came to the conclusion that I am a shopaholic. This discovery resulted from an honest look at the amount of money I spent this month. Too much. Way too much. But I love the thrill of finding new items, buying something colorful and new. And I know my husband will appreciate what I buy too. He never complains about the amount I spend, and enjoys everything (well, almost everything) that I purchase.
There exists just one caveat to my shopping addiction. I'm not whipping out the plastic for shoes, handbags, fancy lingerie, any kind of clothing article, or any sort of personal appearance product. No. My addiction is more hidden, hence my ignorance of it this past year. In fact, it can hardly even be seen, since it's not throw pillows, knick-nacks, garden decorations, useless electronics or even books.
My shopping addiction is to food.
Not junk food, fast food or restaurant food, but wholesome, diverse, unusual, savory and delectable ingredients for new and old dishes and desserts that I love to cook and bake. For me, cooking and baking are ways to relax. Most of the time, I love preparing a yummy meal for Bobby and me to enjoy. Baking has always been my delight, with ever new recipes popping up, that I would like to try. From the latest chicken dish in a magazine I pick up, to an easy and delicious stir-fry made with special Soyaki sauce, to a warm loaf of bread, homemade pizza, cakes, cookies, and my newest triumph, homemade brownies. I love making good things to eat, and I want them to be nutritious, organic, diverse and very, very tasty. I enjoy trying new dishes, and try not to make most meals twice in a month.
And so I have this addiction. I'm constantly thinking of foods to make, and buying the ingredients to make them. And I do. I use my ingredients, I try new foods, nothing goes to waste in my kitchen. Sure, sometimes I'm too tired to make something amazing, and I love quick meals as much as the next busy housewife, but I make time to make delicious food. It's rewarding, it makes me happy, it keeps my husband happy. Is this really an addiction? Is my food shopping uncontrolable and out of control? I'm not really sure. Maybe I'm in denial. But after all, we all have to eat. Why not eat good food? It makes me happy. That's a good and necessary thing for me these days, when I can easily get so down. The shopping is fun too, what with finding new options and ingredients, searching for deals, getting something good on sale. Perhaps I am addicted, but I see no cure. Nor do a want one. Bon Appetite!
