My First Trip to Target

Our new home is smaller than our last, but with a different arrangement of rooms and as such, I didn't bring (or already have) every little thing knowing we could replace and replenish items with a quick Target run after moving in.

So, as I am learning my way around this new city and it's shopping opportunities, I knew I had to familiarize myself with the local Target. The closest one to us is about 5 miles away, and while I entertained the idea of going as a family (i.e., Scott driving), I knew I had to put on my big girl pants and figure out navigating this city on my own.

Sunday seemed like a good day since there would be an absence of working traffic (and we really needed more than one container of handsoap), so I set out late afternoon on the journey. There is no denying that driving is different here. The streets are in grids which feels normal, but then they are bisected by diagonal ones as well which totally throws off my internal compass and really makes me scrutinize which signals and signs apply to me.

I found Target without too many issues thanks to my GPS which I'm pretty sure will be my crutch this entire stay, and realized upon arriving at my destination, is that we are no longer in the land of parking lots anymore. People schlep to and from stores (also, BYOB--bring your own bags!) and if they drive, have to hoof it from wherever they score a parking spot. (Subtheme: California is the land of convenience.) While the traffic wasn't too bad on the streets, people were home enjoying their Sundays and hence the closest parking spot I found was about a half mile away. Normally I don't mind walking but being pregnant and tired from unpacking and knowing what was on my list, I knew I had to be strategic about what I would ultimately be buying. I briefly considered just going home since I really shouldn't be lifting or carrying anything but I'd come all the way and needed to get through the list.

And, oh this list. Things that are really best carried in a shopping cart from the checkout to one's car:

• Hamper
• Kitchen trash can
• Bathroom trash can 
• Cat litter (thank goodness for lightweight varieties...I could still see the wagging finger of certain friends and family though for carting this one!)
• Cat food
• Shower curtain liner
• Shower curtains
• Toilet paper
• Kleenex
• Peanut butter
• Handsoap
• Candle
• A jack-o-lantern trick or treat candy holder for Henry (because by now, I highly doubted I'd be returning before Halloween*)

Target realization number two came upon entering the store, which is part of a mall-like building including a Bed Bath and Beyond, Sports Authority, and other large stores. I realized how lucky I had it in Fullerton (or So Cal, really) to take my pick of the Targets I'd like to visit, because they are not all created equal. 

The store was multi-level and I'm learning that alcohol is separated from everything else and you pay for it separately...haven't figured out why yet. Here, you were suggested to do self-check out if you had no alcohol and the line was crazy long, likely because those self-check out kiosks are THE WORST and never work properly. So, I ignored the worker and stayed in line for a human being to ring me up. Plus, other people were doing it and if Scott has taught me anything it's that I don't have to always follow the rules. 

After successfully arranging my purchases to make the hike back to the car, I wish I had been able to take a picture of myself, as I saw my reflection in store windows and really knew I looked idiotic. I put all of the trash cans in the hamper along with the tp Kleenex, and remembered one shopping bag and made everything else fit inside that, as well as the trick-or-treat pumpkin. All that remained was holding the litter and of course, my purse.

I made it home in one piece, going a different route--the one that required no more than two turns--took a little longer but it took me right next to the Washington Monument and adjacent to the Capitol Building. It's surreal to think that driving by those landmarks is our new normal now, and I really look forward to visiting them and explaining their significance to Henry as we adventure into our new city.  Also, I don't foresee that "quick Target runs" are a thing here unless you live across the street and are really going in for just a pack of gum. With my reduced visits maybe this will actually be a financial win!

*So I realize how elitist I sound that I will only shop at Target for certain items--clearly they are available at other stores, and I will now be either buying them online or of course, patronizing these other drug stores even though it feels so wrong.

Sunday Confessions

It's been a while. But seeing as today is Easter and this blog is about almost full disclosure, here goes.

Well I made it 32 days.

Scott was gone last weekend and my to-do list could not be accomplished anywhere else all together, and I did not have time for multiple stops. Where else can you refill your prescription, get allergy meds, buy cat food, candles, deodorant, paper towels, toilet paper, Brita filter replacements, Febreze, and cleaning wipes? Yes, probably WalMart or the Piggly Wiggly but we have neither of those (in location or a state I want to visit.)

So, I did not make the full 40 days of Lent, but the way I see it, it was longer than I'd ever gone before between Target runs, and of course it was a great homecoming returning. I wish I could have scheduled the employees to do an applause and balloon drop.

The conclusion: I don't want to live in a world without Target.

8 days

It's been 8 days since my last visit to Target-a record in itself.

Last night I actually dreamed that I showed up, almost walked in thle automatic doors and then reminded myself I shouldn't be there. Naturally every shelf was completely alluring, but I turned away proud of my self-discipline.

People have really mocked my sacrifice for Lent. Perhaps it is a little unusual, but what's the difference with chocolate, soda, or wine? I know someone who even gave up Facebook. The point is to sacrifice something important in your life. We are not giving up food and water here, but many select indulgences. Who are we to judge? We aren't, that's the point.

Sacrifice

After much thought, I am doing it-farewell Target, see you in 38 days. I hope Scott is up for his new role in this marriage for a few weeks. At least it will come with VERY specific lists.

Love for Target

I was going to write a post about possibly giving up Target for Lent. I go there FAR too often. Sometimes up to 4 times a week. It's always because I forget one little thing, which in reality, I could probably live without. I don't think I am alone in this-women LOVE Target. My neighbor now sends her husband because she does not have the self-restraint. I don't know how people are able to go less than one time per week. Perhaps they shop at Costco and really stock up. Try as I might, I'm not on a schedule of running out of tp, paper towels, razors and toothpaste all at the same time.

It's not like their merchandise changes THAT often. It's the marketing, placement, the fact that you can accomplish so much there. Shredded cheddar-check. A new side table lamp-check. Cardigan-check. Mascara-check. Dollar bin binges-check. Some people are weirded out by a cart with cereal and a tank top in it. I am happy to have one less trip.

At any rate, if I give up my visits (let's be honest, cut down to bi-weekly) it starts tomorrow because they saved my derriere today. A vital daily medication of mine somehow disappeared between yesterday morning and today, and after searching high and low in my purse and truck (which also recently swallowed Scott's driver's license-coincidence?) they were nowhere to be found. I called the pharmacist, who was great. He told me they'd contact my insurance company about filling the gap and no sooner than 2 minutes later he told me it was ready. I went down there lickety split, and the pharmacist-the friendliest I've experienced-told me it was a courtesy prescription. When does that happen?

I <3 you Target, especially your pharmacy today.