Guilty Pleasures

Feral Geographer challenged me in December to divulge all those shocking guilty pleasures of mine to the Blogoverse at large and I am (finally) posting them for all present.

(If you're curious to compare notes, I would recommend checking out her original post right over --> HERE)

It took me some effort to brainstorm a list worthy enough for the topic. I figure if I like something, then why feel guilty over it? That, and I'm also a relative prude, so I don't have quite the same gossip that the other kids have got.

Regardless, I managed to create a list for you to peruse:

• Sprawling afternoons filled with strong tea, chocolate, and hours of animated television (either anime or shows from my childhood). Now, I will openly admit to this behaviour, so I don't quite know that it's a guilty pleasure. Though, it combines sloth and gluttony which are two of the Deadly Sins, if I do recall correctly.
• Music-wise: Beyonce and Lady Gaga. I know, it's the Diva component here. I come from a family of music snobs, so it is difficult for me to voice this adoration. I can't resist them, though. Beyonce was the voice of second-year binge drinking nights and Lady Gaga seems to stalk me when I'm driving late at night. And yes, I will crank the stereo if either of them come on. Ack, the shame...
• Speaking of driving -- I don't just sing at full volume in the car. No. I harmonize at full volume. And not very well, either. I do this despite the fact that I know full well other drivers can see me.
• I do photo shoots of myself after I get my hair cut. EVERY TIME. See, my hair is naturally wavy/curly and I tend to get it flat ironed when I get it cut. I feel I'm lookin' my sharpest then, so I take some modelesque photos. I'm quite good with a camera, too -- you can't even tell I'm holding the camera most of the time. Mmm, vanity much?
• I love waking up to a cold room.
• PUNS. Oh my God, I love them so much. I know a number of people who can't suffer puns, but I cannot adequately express the happiness puns induce for me.

Now, I'm sure most readers will find this list to be rather tame. Not much to feel shame over, am I right?

I left the absolute worst for last:

I READ HARELQUINS. Ugh, I know -- I read bodice rippers that reinforce gender stereotypes. I read cheap paperbacks that promulgate the idea that strong-willed women will always yield to a brawny, brooding man. I flip through books that reduce a woman's role to the baby maker of an often rich or over-privileged dude.

HOW?!

In my defense, I only read them maybe twice a year. I don't make them regular fare. It's mostly to boost my ego as a writer (e.g. "Pfft, I could write something better than THAT"). I think the whole genre appeals to that same part in me that draws other people to watch reality television shows or read celebrity gossip blogs or watch those mindless action flicks.

Still, it's a tough thing for a gal to admit.

So there, dear readers -- what's your fancy? What guilty pleasure do you hide from the light of day?