On Target

So my thought for the day? Target.

As in Target stores.

You are probably wondering whether I plan to rant or rave, but in reality, I don't plan to do either. I really just want to make an observation that has stuck in my mind for a while now--ever since I was in a Target store when my mom was nearing the end of her life.

You see, I can remember Target stores since I was a little kid growing up in Minnesota. I actually worked at T-52 back when I was in college (for those who have ever worked at Target, you might know where that is.)  The very first Target to ever open (T-1) is in Minnesota and if you were a kid growing up in the Twin Cities back in the '70s you probably went to Target.

So here is what I got to thinking about. Target changes all the time but never really changes. You go in, and the women's clothes tend to be on your right, belt and hats on the left, and if you're going to buy jewerly or a watch you go to that same glassed in case as you do in every other Target.

The colors never change either (don't ever accidently wear tan pants and a red shirt to shop at Target. You will regret it.)

To be sure, Target always has the stuff you need. The right clothes that are more or less in style. The latest toys. Again, always new stuff, but in most respects just like the old stuff.

So where am I going with all this? As my mom lay dying and I stepped out to take a break and get some Christmas presents, it dawned on me that Target was the same in 2010 as it had been in 1977. Still clean and sparkly and current. And maybe it's morbid of me to think so, but I just feel like when my time comes in 20 or 30 years, Target will still be the same. 

And for some reason that makes me feel sad.  But also kind of glad about this idea that some things never change--not really.  Maybe it's a bit like how I see myself.  Changing all the time, but in essense never really changing at all. I guess you could say I'm "on target". -M