I fell off the wagon.

My name is Courtney, and I am a shopaholic.

I can go for months at a time without going crazy. I spend a bit on food, but buy pretty much nothing otherwise. I pay off my Mastercard, and I put money into my savings account. I am responsible.

And then I will buy something. A nice purse... a gorgeous pair of shoes... a book, even. It doesn't really matter what it is, as long as it is a luxury. Once I get a taste of it, I'm done. It's fun, it makes me feel good (like eating chocolate!), and I love having nice things!

And I can rationalize it to myself: What's the point of working, if you're never going to reward yourself? There is still money left in the savings account, it's not like I spent it all. I got a good deal, if I had waited until I could afford it or until it was really necessary, I would have had to pay more for it (I obviously overlook any interest charges or any opportunity costs associated with using the money right away).

So, it's been a while since I've bought anything. But then I kneeled on my glasses, and broke them. I had to go buy a new pair... and I ended up getting two pairs (two for one, except not really). I "purchased" a new camera using my employee reward points that we can accumulate for meeting our goals. And then I bought myself 2 1/2 new outfits. And then I found myself walking around the Nine West store, drooling over beautiful shoes and calculating how much room is left on my credit card.

I came to my senses, and got the hell out of there. I get paid tomorrow, and most of that will go on my credit card and to my parents. Hopefully my new outfits will satisfy my shopping craving for a while longer, before I am again struck by the craving.