Don't feel pathetic or berate yourself. I'm a middle-aged mom and started this game while recovering from ACL surgery. Since I was laid up at the time, I've clocked about that many hours into my game too--and if I lost it, I would cry like a baby! It's perfectly natural. If anyone asks you how you can care about pixels, ask them why they care about sports teams hundreds of miles away losing, or celebrities' lives. We like what we like! I think Animal Crossing is a great, peaceful way to spend time and I'm glad my kids taught me how to play it. 
I am not a great collector in the game, but I have a knack for gardening! So I can bring you hybrids to get you started. Also, I'll start keeping my daily fossils for you!
I am not a great collector in the game, but I have a knack for gardening! So I can bring you hybrids to get you started. Also, I'll start keeping my daily fossils for you!