I’m a book addict. I admit it.

I recently took a few days off to enjoy a mini vacation for my birthday. And during my too-brief excursion, all four of the following behaviors of a book addict applied to me.

1. I had one bag devoted to books.

I was only going to be gone for a few days. Just how much reading did I think I was going to get done?

Honestly, that’s not the issue. The truth is I never know what kind of mood I’ll be in. Will I be interested in reading a mystery novel? Or will I be interested in reading about space? (A little Neil deGrasse Tyson or Stephen Hawking, anyone?) Or will I want to read a bone-chilling thriller?

You see, knowing which books to bring along is often more laborious than knowing what clothes to pack. A meteorologist’s forecast can help with the wardrobe decision. I have yet to find someone who can help me predict my reading mood.

2. Before reserving a hotel room, I verified there was a bookstore nearby.

Just in case I didn’t bring along enough books to cover all possible reading desires. Okay, who am I kidding? I would have gone to the bookstore even if I had every scenario covered. I was on a mini vacation. Going to a bookstore is a given.

3. I came home with more books than I left with.

Another given.

Bookstore in proximity + vacation cash = new books.

4. I never left my hotel room without a book.

I often have nightmares about having a few spare minutes to read and not having a book with me. That’s something no book addict should ever have to endure.

No doubt about it. I’m a book addict, and I’m darn proud of it.

Now point me in the direction of the nearest Barnes & Noble.