Sunday, October 9, 2011

Am I an addict? NO…mmm…Yes…wait…huh?

What is addiction?  And when would it be considered something that is bad for you?

Webster defines addiction as a “need for and use of a habit-forming substance.”  In this instance my addiction is DISNEYLAND!!!  Every summer one destination was selected for the “family vacation” and 9 times out of 10 that was Disneyland!  Needless to say that before I was 5, my dad was sick of going to Disneyland; so we were adventurous that summer and went to Disneyworld.  Ever since then most trip to Disneyland have been just my mom and I. 

I would say that my addiction seriously increased in 2009.  That year Disneyland had a campaign where if you went on your birthday you received free admission into the park.  Well, the year prior, my mom had already decided that she wanted to spend her BIG birthday at the park, so we did!  Six months later we were back for another birthday celebration.  My girls were turning 13 and it landed on a Saturday, so what better way to spend your birthday then going to Disneyland?  Well, 4 months later we were back again.  This time it was my BFFs birthday and it was occasion to celebrate.  I might admit to myself that at this point I had a problem…but I didn’t see it that way.  And do you think I would have gotten an annual pass by this point?  NO!  Three months later I was in the middle of a big work change and needed a much deserved vacation, so we went AGAIN!  Then I decided that I wanted to go to Disneyland during Halloween.  I’d never been and wanted to see all the pumpkins!  So one Friday I went down with some good friends and we came home Sunday and then I turned around on Monday and went back with my mom for a couple of days.  Crazy?  I don’t think so!  So if you are counting, there were 6 trips from 5/09-10/10 and no, I still didn’t buy an annual pass, because honestly I didn’t think I would be going that many times.  That’s the thing with addiction right?  The first step is to admit you have a problem, but I didn’t see this as a problem. 

I went back to the happiest place in June.  And you know what?  I bought my first annual pass!  WHOO HOO!!!  However, things have only gotten worse.  So I don’t know if I just helped feed my addiction more, or what?  But since June I have been to the park once every month.  The ongoing joke is…will I be home this weekend?  If I don’t answer my phone at work…am I in Disneyland?  Can’t find me…look at Disneyland.  One of the perks is that Disney tracks how many times you have been in the park using your annual pass.  Well, since June, my number is 13!  My pass was definitely a great investment and the perks you get at the park are AMAZING!!!  So I would say that it was well worth it.  So am I crazy?  Am I addicted?  I don’t think so.  Others might differ with my, but then that may be part of my problem.  

Lissa’s Lesson - So if an addiction brings you so much happiness, is it wrong?