Okay, so I’ve always considered myself sort of a hippie.  I’m always on the lookout for environmentally friendly products, organic produce and local shops.  Hell, I was a vegetarian for a while and my favorite place to shop is in Northampton for God sakes.  Don’t get me wrong, I also shop at Old Navy and Wal-Mart but I usually find myself feeling supremely guilty about labor regulations, the effect on local businesses and little kids sewing together my $19 jeans for $19 a week.  But since moving to

Alabama, I can’t tell you the comfort I find in a Target or an Old Navy (except for Wal-Mart but that’s a whole other story).  In a world of unknown names and unknown places it’s nice to think - “Hey, I need some shampoo” or “I need a pair of shoes” and seeing that glowing sign of familiarity in the distance.  It makes my heart flutter - OH THANK GOD, A TARGET!  Mostly because I usually go shopping knowing what I’m looking for and I swear they don’t know how to name stores here for anything.  I’ve seen stores labeled “Home Accents” that sell food and stores labeled “City Trends” that carry clothes that are neither city-esque or Trendy.  However I see the bright blue glow of an Old Navy and I know exactly what to expect.   While at home this homogeneity feels all wrong, when you’re in an unfamiliar place it’s a supreme comfort. 

So my point?  Cut these chain guys some slack okay, they’re the only bit of home I’ve got here when I leave my apartment k?

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