Mostly, during my life when I’ve exclaimed, “What have I done!?”, I’ve meant it as a rhetorical question, but not so as an Outlander fan For me, as an Outlander fan, it’s interpreted quite literally.
My house is a freakin’ mess. I live in a constant state of guilt. What kind of world do we live in where someone would choose Season 1 episode 16 over laundry? (EPISODE 16 people!) And yes, I once tried multi-tasking, during Episode 7 no less, but folded a grand total of two shirts in the process.
I had three hours today to clean and instead I read two chapters of Voyager, again, and watched one episode of Outlander. I ended up with one hour left. So one-third of the results achieved (and that’s a good day). I’ve learned to adjust and live on lowered self-expectations. I am an Outlander fan after all.
I am determined, organized, and do have a general priority ranking system:
Outlander > dishes
Outlander > house painting
Outlander > paying the bills (except electricity and cable, which makes perfect sense)
Outlander > walking the dog (oh wait, I listen to podcasts while I walk him, so thankfully he and I are still within the acceptable BMI)
I now live in Outlandia, which is like Portlandia only weirder. Because it’s the 1700s AND verra Scottish!
I’m linked in through the social networks too. I now receive “lip biting” photos, or know when any fan takes a pic with Sam on-set. I knew the actual millisecond they cast Roger AND Brianna. I even get a Scottish scenery photo everyday #potd thanks to Matthew B. Roberts.
Good god, how did it come to this? I was going places. Now I have guilt mixed with self-deprecation?
So I looked it up. And according to Dr. Google, I am certifiable.
Not only do I exhibit avoidance behavior*, but avoidance conditioning** and escape behavior***.
CERTIFIABLE BEHAVIOUR:
*any behavioral act that enables an individual to avoid anticipated unpleasant or painful situations, stimuli, or events, including conditioned aversive stimuli. (watching Outlander instead of cleaning toilets; the Skye Boat song is my ring tone for work, so I just let it ring so I can listen over and over)
** refers to the establishment of a pattern of behavior that prevents, postpones, or reduces the frequency of aversive stimulation (Outlander>laundry, making dinner, school lunches and/or vacuuming, generally everything else)
*** a response that is designed to move away from aversive stimulus by withdrawal or entering a fantasy world. (Outlander better than the real world, like duh?)
Of course, I’m not alone. I am part of a tribe. And within this obsessed tribe there are far more useful people than me – like Martha (although, she does talk about herself in the third person…hmm….)
This is Martha… This is Martha’s 2nd read-through of Outlander… Martha replaced all her paper bookmarks with Post-It bookmarks… Martha is obsessed with Outlander… Martha has an addiction… Don’t be like Martha……. LOL!
Wait, what? She’s gone through and painstakingly added tabs. Color-coded even.
COLOR CODES:
Red = Sex or Implied Sex
Purple = Kisses & Compliments
Green = Things that made me LOL or Smile
Blue = Clues & Further Research
Yellow = AWESOMENESS
That’s crazy passionate! What a scatterbrain well organized person!
But to be honest, my very first thought was, I should so be more like Martha.
Even HERSELF thinks we should all be like Martha!
(Insert sigh here)
So this could be the end of my very sad story but alas, like the book series, it does have a faery tale ending (right Diana, it will end well !?).
THE GOOD
Not only do I know a lot about Outlander, the book and television series, I know way more about certain historical issues than I probably would have. And history can be verra interesting.
I know more about social and health issues than I ever have before, like the critical importance of bees. (thanks Caitriona!) Also: refugee shelters and Syria, the dreaded Monsanto; cancer; I’ve already written about THIS guy and the myriad of charitable issues about which he’s made us aware; herbal remedies, the British, and why Scotland would seek independence (thanks Diana); diversity, artistic careers and women’s issues (thanks Terry, the human library).
I am less of a helicopter parent. Otherwise preoccupied with my 117th viewing of the wedding was a good time to test my child’s ability to dress, clean and bandage their own wound. And they can make their own snacks, the lazy bums!
I am more of a minimalist. Being preoccupied means I have less time to shop for stuff I don’t need. Of course this doesn’t include shopping for whisky, which any fan will affirm is medically necessary, or for my new cowl which as it keeps me warm is also a health benefit. Besides, I really like the idea of replacing “stuff” with “experiences”. Like a wedding anniversary trip in June. To where else but Scotland!
I get really creative when I think about Outlander, especially the drama and human relationships, which fuels my writing pursuits. For every hour of Outlander, I think I get about 3 hours of creative productivity (but of course that’s when I’m not watching Outlander… see my never-ending circle problem here?).
I have a whole new set of Outlander friends, who turns out, are lovely human beings who have similar interests and values. And now I’m in the My Peak Challenge Prep Program, a whole new (and amazing) level of peer support (did I say the support was AMAZING?!) to get my lazy butt off the couch (and which seems to be working).
So there it is, laid out for all to see.
The greatest thing though, is that I know I’m not alone.
I am an Outlander fan, and I wouldn’t change a thing*.
*(spoiler) except maybe those parts dealing with Roger, poor lad
____________________________________________________
What are some of the more quirky things you do as a fan?
I don't see the problem. Also, I now feel guilty that my books aren't arranged as neatly as yours and I'm thinking tartan page flags must be 'a thing I must buy.'
Oh Holly what a great post,have laughed so much,but do understand you,I'm a big fan of OL,maybe not as big as you or some others,but this made my day!ThankYou!Anyhoo no truer words were written as this post!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Great fun to read, thank you! I recognized myself in this post. I haven't had a hero crush since I was 15. My outlander obsession is amazing and hilarious. I can't believe I'm so crazed but it's reassuring to know I am not the only one 🙂 PS have read Outlander so many times my book fell apart/
My family thinks I'm NUT|s, and I live alone – so that tells you a LOT about how obsessed I am. Heck, everyone I meet or speak to, wonders if I know anything about any other subject that is Not Outlander. You have no idea what a relief it is to find other people who also live in Outlandia, as I've been living there since 1994.
Wait a minute! You described me! Are we long lost twins? I have to have my daily dose of Outlander and if I'm upset, it's diving into whatever book I'm reading to escape. Plus, I've developed this nightly taste for Scotch….
Okay…I'm right there with you. I was going to try to find an Outlander anonymous 12 step program, but maybe I'll just hang here with all of you…you'll keep me balanced,right??
Okay…I'm right there with you. I was going to try to find an Outlander anonymous 12 step program, but maybe I'll just hang here with all of you…you'll keep me balanced,right??
***SPOILERS***Does the Outlander Cast Blog have a page devoted to clues yet from books 1-8: Why some people can time travel? Who Frank "neutralizes" & sees watching Brianna? How/why Frank accepts Claire back & stays married while cheating on her? Is it do with his previous work at MI6 during WWII?
Where do fanatics go to discuss these questions while waiting for book 9?
Okay, when you enter a room with people, does anyone else have the urge to cut to the chase and want to blurt out, "Are there any Outlander fans here?" ???????????? or is it just me?
Love this…so funny…so true. Might I suggest rereading the book series as audible books with Davina Porter narrating. A wonderful experience and it takes the Outlander addiction to a whole new level.
I have watched both series twice,just finished reading book one and have ordered the last six books. I have the dvds and sat up on Saturday morning eating my breakfast and watching Sam and Cait in Seattle. I have it bad!
You are not alone! When I casually slip it in and they know about OL or want to know about OL (or I assume they do), I go on and on until I see their eyes glaze over or convert them. So fun!
Thank you for making me feel normal(ish) and giving me some great ideas about color coding my kindle notes ???? Great read!
Love this post! I enjoy this blog too! You make me laugh, your creativity is beautiful.
I had a 2 hour conversation with my sister recently (about OL, of course) and our dad popped his head in the room and said "it's only a book, girls" to which my sister replied "Um, it's books, plural and we are having a literary discussion". That was putting it SO mildly.
Like you I am certifiable and I think we should be loud and proud about. Thanks for sitting down amidst us other certifiable fans and getting dirty (because we read too much!) right along with us!!
I love this post. I thought it was just me.
Anything that generates this amount of devotion has to be a good thing! Look at all the stuff we are all learning! Some of us (not me personally) are even getting physically active because of Sam, as a result of his fame, as a result of the show, which is a result of the books. Money is being raised for charities! People are taking up intellectual pursuits! It's all good! As for fanatic behaviour, I have an Outlander shelf. If has the books of course and the DVD's, the POP vinyl Jamie and Claire, a mini rock wall I made myself with Scots pine trees at the top, a celtic cross made of centuries-old petrified peat, mini bagpipes that play "Scotland the Brave" when you squeeze 'em, a mini pewter quaiche, a Dragonfly in Amber votive holder (made it myself) and a mini purple heather arrangement (made it myself). Oh, and of course the magnetic bookmarks and mini mortar & pestle. Did I mention the full moon over the Scots pine trees? Yup, I'm a fan!
LOVED this article. I'm newer OBSESSED fan of Outlander(about 2 months now). My family already say I need to be committed somewhere(mental place I think they mean). I have watched S1 & S2 many, may times. I watch The Wedding everyday(now 60 x). Reading the books, up to Snow & Ashes. Re-reading Voyager for Sept 10 season 3 premier. On twitter everyday, chatting about Outlander. Yep posting pictures of Outlander cast. I have NEVER in my life(almost 60 yrs old) have I had a reaction like this from a book or show. And I have read TONS of books. I'm so "involved" in Jamie & Claire's story. I dream about them. I wake up thinking about them. So at least I'm not alone in this maddness called Outlander..lol
I’m still laughing. You’re all so funny. 2 months ago my husband and I began watching the series. OMG. ITs certainly heated up our intimate life. Neither of us have been so affected by entertainment. I’m wondering what it is that we’re so hungry for in our lives??? Why do Claire and Jamie affect us so. They are the most magnificent couple on the screen even in real life interviews. Unfortunately, they’re killing my fantasy with caits marriage and the possibility that Sam is gay and or not in love with Cait. Sad. I’m having a difficult time watching roger and Bree trying to replace Jamie and Claire. I don’t know what the Starz management are thinking with the new changes? Jamie and Cait are irreplaceable. They are an iconic couple and God has played a cruel joke in us. He/she made us fall in love with them and than poured cold water on our fantasy. I don’t know if I want to continue watching outlander anymore. Just finished series 5 and wasn’t pleased. Neither Claire nor Jamie are the same people I fell in love with. Bree and roger are a very poor replacement. What’s worse is that Sam and Cait are barely seen together and seem so uncomfortable when in interviews in fear of being asked about the sex scenes. Sad.
I’m new too. Still trying to get my husband to watch it. Will start reading the books soon. I agree with you in that the earlier interviews they seemed to have more fun with each other. But the post on this blog about the recent 92Y panel was reassuring and after watching it, they did appear to be having fun and just seemed really comfortable with each other. Plus reading most everything on this blog helps.
Hilarious article!!! And replies!!! Thank you for making me feel less alone, although not less crazy! Good tip on the color coded post it notes for when I start reading the books. I love this website and blog and writers and fans!
I just found Outlander in the last month — am very late to the show but so glad that I found it. The obsession has no age limits which includes me in the upper stratus. I now know what addiction
can feel like for have to have my fix of Jamie Fraser every day – and look at his framed pictures
everywhere – it’s really bad. So far my obsession has been closeted but I am sure with all the fans that I will find another to share this with. My next move is to get the books. Comments so far have been great to read!
In my self imposed isolation due to a car accident I was introduced to Outlander. Like so many of the fans I was thrilled to watch all five episodes and read all 8 books of Outlander. Some episodes multiple times. I feel the series has improved my disposition and my bones are healing as if Claire had anything to do with it. The love expressed by Jamie and Claire is riveting. They are so tender, dear and so caring to one another, their love and devotion comes across to us viewers. The expression of their love is breath taking. I am “up in years” but enjoy the relationship and I don’t want the story to end. Keep writing Diana, love your writing.