I somehow find myself in the Target parking lot at least four or five times every month. Before I go, I remind myself to make a list because really, I only need a few things. Pulling out my list before I walk in, I keep in mind that I ONLY need basic necessities, like paper towels and laundry detergent.
*Enter Karleigh into Target*
So I’m making my way towards cosmetic aisle, but then I see this insanely cute kimono hanging in the women’s clothes section. Before I talk myself out of it, I’m already in that section. Checking the price tag makes me cringe, but I realize I don’t have anything like it and it will, without a doubt, go with almost everything I own. Not to mention, it’s “literally the cutest thing ever”. But then I’m remembering I don’t have a camisole or a V-neck to go with it. And you can’t wear a kimono without an undershirt.
I need to get out of the front of the store, but I remember haven’t stopped by the shoe aisle yet. I notice the cutest pair of strappy wedges and they happen to have my size. I hold up the kimono and realize they just happen to match. So in that case, I HAVE to have it.
After I force myself to stray away from that section, I proceed to the back of the store, where I have my sights set on the aisle for paper towels and papered goods. But of course, I am distracted by the “30% off” sign hovering over the sport and athletic section. I’ll just take a quick glance and then I’ll walk away, I tell myself. And just clockwork, I find something that I HAVE to have. There is a super cute sports bra on sale, so I shouldn’t feel bad, right? I mean, I barely work out. But I can start! Plus it’s the last one. I mean when you wear t-shirts every day, they are bound to come in handy.
I’m immediately overwhelmed with the growing mass of items in my basket. Ok Karleigh, focus on the two things you came here for, I tell myself. But of course, I see an entire aisle devoted to candles. Ranging from pumpkin spice to vanilla to Tahitian coconut, I am instantaneously in heaven. I need these. I need 4 of them. I can’t narrow it down, because candles ALWAYS come in handy.
While I am placing the candles strategically in the basket, I notice the craft aisle across the way. I’ll just look really quick, I tell myself. But before I know it, a variety of acrylic paints have ended up in my basket (#sororitygirlproblems). I can craft so many things now! I might as well buy some canvases too, so I can attempt to paint something I’ve pinned on my Pinterest board.
When I notice how heavy my basket has become, I usually backtrack to the front of the store to get a cart. But while I’m walking back, I notice that almost all of my favorite movies have gone on sale. After standing with a few options in my hand, I decide to just choose one. Nicholas Sparks always wins.
I grab my overflowing basket, and dump it all into a cart. I look like a soccer mom. I have at least enough stuff in my cart to support a small family.
As I push my half-filled shopping cart towards the back of the store, I come to a quick halt in front of the cosmetics aisle. I find the familiar brands of mascara and eyeliner, and decide to treat myself to some facial cream and new lotion. I forget that I need new nail polish as well. As indecisive as I am, I can’t choose just one color. So I’ll just get 4 different colors because I’m bound to use them at some point.
I have come to the conclusion that I cannot fit anything else in my cart. I NEED TO LEAVE, I tell myself.
Finally, two hours and $162 dollars later, I walk out of Target, four bags in hand. I get to my car, feeling a sense of relief, satisfaction, but also a sense of regret. I remind myself not to check my bank account when I get home to prevent a mental breakdown. After I get home and unload everything, I realize I forgot paper towels and laundry detergent, the two things I came to Target for. I guess I’ll have to make another trip…
