Uh, what?

To begin, let me say that I am hesitant to apply labels and reluctant to accept labels, especially those that are popular "au moment". But, when I was thinking about what I wanted to write tonight, I recognized some accuracy in the off-handed comments made by a handful of doctors about me possibly having OCD tendencies. :-) I had previously determined the symptoms of this affliction to be along the lines of counting cracks in sidewalks, waiting a certain number of seconds before touching a doorknob, or wiping a counter-top only with my right hand (hey, wait a second!).

However, as I reflected on the week, I made the connection between the actual name of the disorder and my actions. For example, I have been completely OBSESSED with this Stampin' Up! thing I'm trying to get going for the summer. I have checked my email looking for new Evite R.S.V.P.s approximately four times a day for the last four days. I am so looking forward to sharing packs of paper and ideas, that I'm combing the catalog constantly, circling items I need, ogling things I want, reviewing what I already own. Ugh! I am starting to disgust myself. Is there nothing else on the planet worth obsessing over? Did I really just almost click SUBMIT on a $450 order?

Fortunately, I have perfected (naughty word for Type-A'ers!) a few tricks to keep myself out of trouble. STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! The first one move I made was to navigate away from the demonstrator site which is the one and only place where 20% off entices me. USE ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS! Second, I logged in to this blog since I created it as my accountability backup. Looking at the tag line, which formerly read "my commitment to not spend money on 'extras' for a whole year" before I changed it because I was grouchy, halted the COMPULSIVE part of OCD real quick. Messing with the layout and formats alleviated some of my drive to make a snappy purchase.

Thank the Lord for trick #3! Or, literally, thank the Lord IN step #3. PRAY and LISTEN to the ANSWER! Because I have asked, I have been blessed with friends that are there for me no matter what kind of a mood I'm in.

Stacy - Thank you for allowing me to interrupt your schedule on a daily basis and never making me feel bad about it.

Cati - Thank you for the park trips; they really help release me from the traps I set with my own hands, in my own house.

In conclusion, I have not been diagnosed with any disorder nor do I want to be, but that doesn't mean I can't employ strategies to counteract negative behaviors. In fact, I just saved $450 by doing that. I need to get off the computer now, though, because the Buy One Get One offer on the SU website is calling my name. [Wait, I think that's a different disease!]

See ya' !