they're more like guidelines really

I came to the conclusion this morning that I'm a natural rule-breaker, but not the "Mommy-told-me-not-to" type that you're probably picturing when I say that. I think it's more complex. Let's see if I can even figure it out.

So what sparked this revelation? This morning, I knowingly broke grocery shopping rule #1: Don't go grocery shopping when you're hungry. I actually love breaking this rule...LOVE IT. Going to the grocery store hungry is like going to a restaurant where you can literally order almost ANYthing you might be craving. I want pizza - I get pizza. I want seafood - I get seafood. I want yogurt & pickles...you get the point. Granted, you have to put a little more effort into preparation, but it's cheaper in the long run, or if you count the cost of time, I guess it's a wash.

Sidebar: While I was at Kroger this morning, at 8am mind you, I decided I might as well grab lunch while I replenished the cereal/milk stash (not to be confused w/ a "milk stache"), so I bought some red leaf lettuce & salad dressing. All of a sudden, I found myself desperately craving a salad for breakfast. If I weren't trying to be kind to my stomach with some sort of regular eating, I would totally have gone for it. Another day, perhaps. When I worked at the record company, I remember getting cravings for hot dogs at like 9 in the morning at least once a week...weird.

Anyway, back to the rules. I guess we'll think of it as "the rules don't apply to me" rather than "rule-breaking." Rule-breakers are merely reacting to the rules, and are therefore bound by them. Those to whom the rules don't apply are marching to their own drum/conscience so to speak - a more out-of-the-box approach.

For example, I consistenly drive 5 mph over the speed limit. I used to drive a lot faster not because I wanted to break the rules (ok, maybe a few times), but because I knew I was in control of my vehicle. Famous last words, right? Seriously though, one of the reasons I've slowed down is that I've realized that my reaction time is not what it was when I was in high school. Call me crazy, but I think I may have been a better driver then.

Other examples: I don't mind using clichés if I really mean them. I don't mind a low-voltage electric shock every once in a while. There are some Britney Spears songs I really do like. Why not go to the store in pajama pants?

Now I'm asking myself: What gives me the right? I guess nothing really. I think it's very important, however, to proceed w/ wisdom, discernment, and moderation. We know what's right and wrong deep in our hearts. I know full well I shouldn't speed if it endangers somebody's life. I know I shouldn't try and see how many Rock Star drinks I can put down in an hour. On the other hand, it seems silly to deprive myself of a song that I enjoy just because I know that musically it sucks. I mean, what would we do without B movies?

Well, I could go into the safeguards that go into healthy rule-breaking, but I think I'll just stop here for the night. 8)