What does it all mean, my closet-no-more-though-perpetually-shameful obsession with reality television? How did this all happen? Is it possible to blame my former roommates Nat and Cyndi for making me watch that first season of Survivor (“Richard, you’re a sssnake.”)? Does having a graduate degree exempt me from the self-imposed judgment that causes me shame? Why do I watch these shows, and is there any kind of criteria for what constitutes my tuning in?

I don’t know, Peeps, but I do think it has to do with story–and a heavy dose of voyeurism. While I’m very cognizant of my own need and desire to live out a better life story (Do. It. Already.), I get sucked into these newest incarnations of Roman theatre. Trust me: that’s not a compliment. Well, that and why Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and Kelsey Grammer’s soon-to-be-ex-wife, Camille Grammer, has four nannies for two children. (Bravo, I rue the day…!)

I’ve decide to “go with it,” if you will. I’m going to give myself over to reality TV just a skoach, if only to do a weekly post. Hopefully, I can glean something positive from it all. Do you think it possible, folks?

What has come to my attention is that watching the occasional reality show can have a (gasp!) mind-numbing effect, luring viewers into the temptation of believing they’re better than the subjects on screen. To be frank, we like to judge other people ’cause it makes us all feel real high-and-mighty about ourselves. (I can’t believe she didn’t want to carry her own children, so she hired a surrogate to maintain her dancer’s figure!) Mind you, these people don’t make it easy to avoid a tongue wag or a pointed finger.

Reality shows are the new black, and I have to admit, a vacuous waste of time. But they’re not going anywhere. In the height of the whole, “Oh, no she didn’t” squeals of laughter, there is an undercurrent of deep dread for humanity’s new low. I am determined to find some meaning from it all.

So yes, if you continue to read this blog, you can look forward to posts on reality television, gluten-free cooking/baking, double dog dares (D.I.A. Campaign)/and …

If that sounds like your thing(s), then do read on.