Consumerismingliness

There are 29 branches in the San Francisco Public Library system, most of which are easily accessible. I can reserve a book online through their website, or even request to have it transferred to the Mission branch a block away. Why then, did I spend over an hour online browsing and buying books last night?

The answer to that question is three-fold. The first and most consequential answer is that I'm materialistic. I don't necessarily like shopping, but I love to buy and own things. If my financial situation would ever allow it, I'd have a personal shopper who'd tell me what to buy and I would happily pay for it all. Second, the online shopping experience has become much too easy. Click to add to cart, another click to check out. No people, no lines, no hassles. And lastly, I like to showcase my literary prowess by displaying my books on a little shelf. My Dreamweaver MX 2004 For Dummies sits proudly next to a half-read copy of Thomas Pynchon's V.

One of my latest acquisitions: