The Essentials

I find sometimes that we do a lot of things in our life out of habit without stepping back and using an subjective view. Shopping for food is one of those. I have figured out what food I eat, how much to buy, and when I have time to cook certain things. In the store I know exactly where to go to buy things and usually pick them up in a certain order. (it's very strange since the rest of my life is rather chaotic and unorganized). But I came to a stark realization just last weekend.
Saturday was a national holiday meaning everything was going to be closed, including the supermarkets. Since I was completely out of food, I thought it best to go shopping so I could have something to eat and drink for the weekend. Well, the rest of the country had decided to do the same. I went to the ATM to get some cash because I don't have a debit card. Unfortunetly, there were about 10 people waiting in line. I was in a rush because I had to leave soon to go to work. I didn't have time to wait, but I had 15€ in my pocket. I could only afford the bare essentials to survive on saturday and to wait for sunday to come around to go shopping. I debated what I needed and what I could do a day without. When I went to the cashier I actually realized what is it that I was buying. I had a case of beer (for obvious reasons), orange juice to help the imminent hangover, milk to go with my cereal for the next morning, and a package of instant Spaghetti Carbonara for dinner (breakfast on a saturday usually takes place around 3 in the afternoon. Lunch doesn't exist).
It was then I began thinking, "Holy Shit. What the hell am I buying? Have I degraded to the level of some dumb beast relying on basic drinking and recovering skills?" A situation like this is nothing to worry about, but the fact that I went into the supermarket with the thought of "what do I absolutely have to have for tomorow and what don't I need" and this was the result.
I've been wondering as to where exactly I've picked up these traits? I'm not sure it was from my Dad. Although alcoholism runs in the family, my father never had an alcohol problem and hardly drinks (1 maybe 2 drinks at a time). I did begin drinking beer on regular basis in Gemany as well as learning to take shots of nasty-ass liquers like Garlic and Herb Liquer. Although Finns do a great amount of drinking and partying on weekends, I believe it was in Iceland I learned to pushed the limit more often than I should. Luckily, I learned what my limit is, and how much I can push it without breaking the damned thing in two like the average Icelander (women included!!!)
I'm not sure there is a real point to this message, except that I would share a realization. Well, enough for now. I must get back to work.
Until then. . .

P.S. There are a few new party photos up here from Kristen's (Canada) going away party with her work colleagues. I hadn't eaten since about 9am that morning so the 4 beers I had hit me much harder than they should have. I actually don't even remember half of the photos ever being taken. And Stefan finally came back so I have my camera and am waiting for good weather and the batteries to recharge.