Monday, March 28, 2011

Addictions



A few weeks ago at church we were talking about The Word of Wisdom.  It caused quite a stir, even amongst us Mormons (the debate of whether Coke- a caffeinated drink is okay or not), and I decided not to voice my opinion (gasp) because at the time there were enough opinions going around. But basically, I don't smoke, drink alcohol, coffee or non-herbal tea. I simply don't partake of anything that I can be addicted to because it is controlling and does not allow me to be my best self. (Although...I think an occasional Coke IS necessary to my eternal salvation.)

The discussion got me thinking about things I AM in fact addicted to.  Things that I should only have in moderation.  Things that can easily get out of control if I am not careful.

So! Let my addictions be known in the hopes that if I write them down, maybe I can begin the steps to recovery.  (heehee)

1. Sugar.  Seriously.  I have to take breaks from this stuff often because really, I want some form of it every day.
2. Thrift stores. 'Nuff said.
3. Vintage Pyrex.  So embarrassing...but I actually had a bag of dishes hidden in the trunk of my car for 3 months so that Rowdy would not see it.  When we moved I packed it quickly so again, he would not see it.  It will be like Christmas when we move to a house and I have space in the cupboards and can't you imagine me saying, "But honey--I have had these bowls FOREVER."
4. Flat sheets and linens. I know this sounds odd, but if you know me you are aware that I use sheets for tablecloths.  I have a lot of different colors/patterns that I have picked up at various places just waiting for the perfect event to be used.
5. The Internet.  I'm on here way too much.  It can be used for such good in my life, but if takes away from more important things (like my family), I know that it is too much of a good thing. I'd like to make it a goal to relax a bit in this area and take a smaller amount of time in my day to be online.
6. Sleep.  I can't get enough.
7. Thursday night TV.  I don't actually watch it on Thursday night, but I swear I love every show that comes on NBC.
8. Kettle brand salt and fresh ground pepper potato chips.  NOT the kettle-style.  They aren't the same so don't even try the others.
9. Target. 
10. Making chocolate chip cookies.  You may wonder why this would be considered an addiction.  I'll tell you.  Because I am constantly making them and they suck EVERY TIME which drives me mad and so I make them again and again and again. Oh, I get those good batches here and there which give me hope, but overall every recipe I try fails and I begin to question my baking skills and then I remind myself that no I am awesome and then I try to find a new recipe and then it fails and then I try try again.  I'm a hopeless cookie-baking addict. As seen here and here and here.

Some addictions need immediate elimination.  Others might take some baby steps to be in line with "moderation".  Either way I am on the road to recovery.

Hello.  My name is Carrie.   I like vintage pyrex and thrift stores.  Heaven help me.

14 comments:

Pitterle Postings said...

I don't know if you are "tongue in cheek" here or not, but I am going to assume you are serious and act as if. For me, I think ANYTHING we don't do in moderation can be considered addicting. I don't see orange soda in the Word of Wisdom, but you can't convince me that a few orange soda's every day aren't bad for you! I am sure that if even half of the processed junk that is available today were there in the 1800's, they would have been included. I think we all have things that we need to work on. I also think that anything that pushes you away from your Heavenly Father is not a good thing. Personally, I am also addited to sugar. I can't get enough of that stuff!! I am addicted to blogging (but I do love it!) I love Coke Zero and have a new goal of once a week! I am even addicted to working too hard. All of those are things that do not necessarily help me be better. So, I am trying to do the best I can do. I just keep remembering that the word of wisdom is a guide and if I am doing things that are not healthy for me or my family, that I need to use the principles and change. Loved this post today. It struck a cord!

Carrie said...

I am serious;)

Wendy said...

Pyrex uh? My Mom collects dishes. I think the last count was 32 sets. I don't know if we've eaten on all the sets. Moderation is best on the scale of good, better, best! Best of luck with the changes.

Mary Seals said...

I think if you aren't willing to sell your kids for some pyrex you're probably okay.

Bridget said...

Uh oh, I teach that lesson in a few weeks. Your ward must be one or two lessons ahead of ours. I don't really want to have a caffeinated beverage discussion. Not that I drink cola. I don't. But I think there are so many DOs in the Word of Wisdom that we should be following and don't. A lot of us look at the Don'ts and think we're doing well by them...but we are gluttonous to a fault and suffer health problems as a result. It should be noted that gluttony interferes with the blessings of keeping the law of health.

Darren and Brandi said...

you are hilarious haha I'll have to tell my mom that her pyrex dishes are vintage and desirable :) she has the burnt orange ones

likeschocolate said...

I don't think Coke would ever even make it in the discussion here in Georgia. I don't think I know one member who doesn't drink the stuff. I know it is terriable for me, but there is nothing like it on a hot humid day to make the day more managable. We had a family in our ward when I was a kid who wouldn't let their children each chocolate; however, every opportunity their children got the ate it.

Amy said...

I like your addictions. Sugar's one of mine too.
I tried to quit cold turkey and did great for about a week. Then... yeah, I'm off the wagon.
I'm also addicted to shoes. And internet. But not pyrex dishes.

Susan Anderson said...

I like vintage pyrex, too. I've even paid ridiculous prices for a really cool pattern a couple of times.

As for sugar, I'm on a little LDS lent thing I've made up for myself of not eating any sugar for 40 days. So far so good, but I am finding it incredibly hard!

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Stef said...

That is an interesting debate to have in Relief Society. Ha. Awesome.
So, I have the best chocolate chip recipe if you want it. I can give it to you so you can get moderate there. LMK (stef.burns at Gmail.com)
I'm just saying!

sarah said...

I TOTALLY bust a gut when you mentioned hiding the dishes, just so you could pull them out later and state that you've had them 'forever'! Because I DO THE SAME THING! Hahaha!!! And not just with dishes, but with ANYTHING: I currently have a Down East dress hiding in my laundry pile, so when I finally 'dejunk' my closet, I can say "Oh, look! I forgot I had this!" just in time for Easter. ;)

And I pretty much agree to everything else on your list. As if. we. were. twins.

And yes, Coke is vital to my eternal salvation as well. Or at least to the salvation of my family. ;)

Liz said...

Nice post. I could repeat the last one - weird - my husband as my witness.

I like the approach the church is taking on additions with the primary children - to be habit free in order to be able to feel the Spirit, go to the temple, and return to live with Heavenly Father.

I think it's necessary that we all recognize personally how substances (besides the super strong ones that the church outlines specifically) affect our bodies, and our spirits. I think it's a vital part of our agency - to be able to test things like Coke, chocolate, etc. and make choices according to how they affect us and our ability to communicate with Heavenly Father...

I don't think I'm making sense, so I should just stop!

Those are great addictions you have though! Your husband is so lucky - and I'm sure he knows it!

Jocelyn Christensen said...

Seriously...you need help! LOL

Serene is my name, not my life! said...

I'm thinkin' about half your addictions are mine as well! And while I've never thought about vintage pyrex before, that picture sure makes me interested! :D

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