The first step, we realize, is admitting it. It all started because of Jer and even though we’re not supposed to make excuses or blame others for our addictions, I fully intend to do so here and now because it is indeed his fault.

At first I would get by with just a little bit, and then I needed more. I found myself searching and searching until I was able to savor the sweet savory joy that drives this new found addiction. After a short time, I began experimenting with other types and now I’ve come to realize that I can’t get enough. As embarrassing as it is to admit; I’m addicted to Law & Order.

You see, this is a show I would never watch because it’s for old people. Old people who'd rather watch Law & Order than Friends. Old people like my parents who refuse to answer the phone when Law & Order is on and only let me visit on Law & Order night if I promise not to talk until a commercial is on. I feel their pain now. I feel it.

Jer turned the TV to Law & Order one night and I was listening, half-way annoyed that we were watching my parents show rather than something hip and cool like Frasier or King of Queens. I pretended to merely tolerate it, but then it got really good. He explained this character and that character and we learned to love Lenny together.

And then when Law & Order wasn’t on one night, I stumbled into to Law & Order: C.I. Oh the joy! And then on New Years day they ran a 24 hour marathon of Law & Order: SVU! With Ice-T! How cool is that?

I’m not sure if I am ready to break this addiction just yet, but I do realize the potential for it to become a problem. Especially since once I start watching, I must, neigh absolutely have to see the end. And that’s one hour of my life that I can’t get back. And then… there’s another episode. And before the credits are even off the screen from the previous show, I’m sucked into a new episode which will require me to watch until the end. There’s another hour gone.

It became evident to me that I was an addict when I stayed up until 1:00 am one night just to see why she killed her boyfriend. Not how, because they tell you that in the beginning. And not who did it, because that’s usually easy to uncover myself, especially with four years of C.S.I. watching under my belt. But it’s the why that drives me to the end. That and whether or not they will get a conviction.

I’m in a sad state here, people, but I’m lovin’ ever hour of it.