an addiction.

 I think I have a problem.  I’m addicted to fun experiences… No, seriously, I read it in a book.

The Seven’s [the personality type which I’ve diagnosed myself] characteristic vise is gluttony, literally the desire to stuff oneself with food... Gluttony is the emotional response of wanting to stuff the self with external gratifications in response to the experience of feeling frustrated, empty, and needy.  Rather than experience emptiness and neediness directly, Sevens attempt to escape from anxiety by distracting themselves both with pleasures of the flesh and with mental stimulation (Riso and Hudson, Wisdom of the Enneagram, 272).

See?  Addicted to fun. 

This explains why just two weeks after a month-long tour of Europe, and a week after a wedding and mini-reunion with college friends in Dallas, I’m already planning my next diversion—a cruise to the Mexican Riviera… or Bahamas or Caribbean… or South Pole.  Anywhere, really, that will satisfy my craving for Fun.

There’s more to my obsession.  What with turning 30… and Wayne turning 30… there has been much Baby Talk in the To household.  And while I accept and welcome this next stage in life, I’m also watching my life (as I know it) flash before my eyes.  I must have all the fun I can before I become pregnant and give birth to a million babies… and I’ll never have fun again.  I realize this is untrue on so many, if not all, levels, but this is the desperation that courses through my heart. 

So… What’s on my List of Fun this summer?  Besides a cruise (which realistically won’t happen this summer… darn), I’d like to work on my scrapbook, which I’ve neglected for the last, oh, four years.  Scrapbooking is a far cry from sailing on a cruise, but it’ll have to do.  Oh, and I would very much like to learn how to French braid my own hair.

Yes, I live on the wild side.  Watch out, Elk Grove!  Ceci is on summer break!

P.S. Riso and Hudson's The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types isn't as new-agey and froo-froo as it sounds.  It's actually a very insightful look at what fears and desires compel your thoughts and actions.  I found that understanding my motivations helps me to keep a clearer perspective; i.e. I do NOT need to sail on a cruise, then backpack in Peru, and swim with tiger sharks before kids, because my life is NOT over, right? ............. right?  (Those with kids, please just humor me, and say, "right".)