The Chronic Consumer

It pains me to admit it, but my OCD is getting worse. Not only do I buy hand sanitizer in bulk, I’m also starting to buy latex gloves to wear when I venture outdoors. I know that’s going a little too far, but unfortunately I cannot seem to restrain myself.

I also think my OCD is leading directly to hypochondria as well. I am constantly worried about having a heart attack — to the point that I want to see my doctor or even buy my own ecg machine so I can test myself daily. If I’m not envisioning heart attacks, then it’s aneurysms, cancer, or something equally awful.

I have no idea what’s going on, but I really need to nip this in the bud. Maybe I need to go see a psychiatrist!

Wow, have you seen Drew Carey recently? I don’t watch The Price is Right, so I didn’t realize how slim he is now until I saw photos of him on the CBS News website. According to the article I read, he has lost almost 80 pounds since he first started hosting the game show. 80 pounds!!! He says it was just from avoiding simple carbs and adding cardio exercises to his routine, but I don’t know about that. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing for two years and I can’t lose a measly five pounds. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn he was on conjugated linoleic acid or some other type of supplement to help get those results.

Anyway, congrats to him for taking control of his health like that. I’m sure Drew feels a lot better about himself now!

It might not be Christmas or my birthday or Mother’s Day, but I don’t care. I’m treating myself to a spa day! I haven’t had one in ages, so I’m due. I’m going to make an appointment as soon as they open at 9am. Hopefully I can get in today or tomorrow! I plan on getting a massage, a mani and pedi, and maybe a salicylic acid peel for my hopeless face, which is breaking out again after being sort of OK during the summer (maybe it has to do with those Angus Wraps I ate yesterday!).

I know I’ll feel guilty about spending $100 or $150 on this, but I seriously need to pamper myself. It’s been a long time and I’ve been working so hard lately!

I know it’s barely the middle of August, but I’m already shopping around for blankets and stuff for winter. That’s because during spring cleaning this year I tossed out a bunch of old bedding that we’d had for way too long, which means I’m basically starting from scratch in terms of gearing up for cold weather.

Anyway, my list includes a new down comforter, an electric blanket, several regular blankets, and flannel sheets. Hopefully I’ll be able to catch a White Sale between now and November so I can be ready when the weather takes a turn for the worst!

The Tour de France is now underway, and though I’m not much of a cycling fan, I’ve been watching the early stages here because my son wanted to see Lance Armstrong ride. I can’t believe Armstrong is still competing at a top level like this. Cycling is a young man’s sport, and Armstrong certainly isn’t “young” anymore. Plus, you have to remember all he’s been through with testicular cancer and whatnot. It’s simply amazing all the things he has accomplished in his career!

That being said, I have to wonder how long it will be before the doping accusations start. No doubt Lance will get tested for hgh and whatever else cyclists might use to gain an edge on the competition. Although Lance has never tested positive, rumors and lies have swirled around him for years. I guess people just refuse to believe that someone could possibly be such a superior athlete. Whatever. Go Lance!!!

(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Since I’m currently dieting, I’ve been trying to keep my junk food purchases to a minimum. But when I saw this new limited edition Bananas Foster ice cream from Häagen-Dazs, I just had to get it. I love banana-flavored treats, so this was a no-brainer for me.

And the purchase definitely did not disappoint! Wow, this was terrific in every aspect, and tasted simply amazing. To be sure, I can’t actually compare it to real bananas foster because I’ve never had that dessert before, but this ice cream is to die for!

I think I need another job or something! As you can probably tell from the lack of product reviews on this blog, I haven’t been able to shop much recently. It’s not because I can’t find stuff that I want to buy. Just take a look at my Wish List, and you’ll see that I add items to it almost daily. The fact of the matter is I don’t have much money to spend on extras, so I’ve been depriving myself!

Sometimes I think about getting a second job, but what with grad school and all, I’m not sure how feasible that would be. Plus, I would have to go through the whole interview and employment screening process, which is draining and time-consuming. Oh, well. I guess I’ll just have to ride out this downtime at work and hope for things to pick up in the future!

My mom has been sick recently, so I’ve been helping her out with shopping and stuff. Even thought she got the flu shot, she still came down with some sort of bug. Whether it was influenza or not is a matter of debate, I guess, since she didn’t actually go to the doctor, but the symptoms were there. Regardless of what it is, she’s pretty much confined to bed. The freezing temperatures and piles of snow don’t help matters, which is why I have to pick up some meds for her. On the list are Theraflu for the bug, Aleve to reduce fever, glucosamine hcl for joint pain, and some soup, juice, magazines, and assorted other items you’d like to have when you’re sick in bed.

Aren’t I nice?!