Life in the Slow Lane

Is it just me, or do you too always pick the slowest line at Target? It is a phenomenon that, when contemplated calmly and logically, does not seem possible, and yet while I have no idea how it happens, it does - every single time. It's as if I walk through the automatic doors and enter some strange wrinkle in the space/time continuum. Even when I try to be thoughtful about which check out line I select, I inevitably end up behind some poor soul who would like to pay in Canadian pennies, or has actually been 'saving a spot' for their extended family of 12. I've experienced this so many times that I've decided to now base my exit strategy on selecting the most competent looking Target employee and hopping into that person's lane. I'll let you know how it goes.

PHD Rears Its Glorious Head

I am pleased to announce that I have stayed true to my pledge to repress my Christmas compulsion and my family's 15 massive boxes of Christmas decor remain safely tucked away in my attic. Similarly, I have exhibited immense willpower with regard to shopping for Christmas decor and/or gifts, and purchased nothing. Although I will confess, I did have a weak moment a week and a half ago and began the design work and initial construction on a mitten and tree garland for my children's playroom, BUT used materials I already had on hand. And then, today, I walked through the doors of my local Target.
I realized this afternoon that Halloween is tomorrow...Friday...and 1 big bag of candy from Costco is not going to be nearly enough. After unsuccessfully navigating the parking lot version of Frogger at Costco, I decided to pop into my favorite one-stop-shop, Target, for a couple bags of candy. As I walked to the back corner of the store, I sensed something different. Was that....Could it be...YES! The faint strains of Christmas music playing in the background. I started walking faster until I rounded the corner and there it was: Five halfway completed aisles of Target Christmasy delights. My mood was instantly lifted and I wandered in a happy haze through those five aisles for a solid 15 minutes. What's new? What's different? What are their design themes going to be this year? Did I purchase anything? No! Did I want to? Absolutely YES!
I couldn't help smiling as I slowly wandered away from the Christmas aisles, on to my more urgent candy buying task...I even found myself merrily humming a Christmas tune. Three hours later I still feel cheerful and a little giddy inside, with visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. And I ask you, is that so bad?