Today’s topic: the drugstore. Whether it be Rite-Aid, Long’s or Walgreen’s, I love the drugstore, and I always have. My long term affection began around 6th grade, when things like lotion, cosmetics, hair dye, and all things that go in the bathroom started to really appeal to me. I stood agape in front of the bountiful shelves stocked with lipstick, gloss, liner, mascara, pressed and loose powder, and nail polish. As a chubby and socially awkward kid, I looked, I tested on the back of my hand, and I wondered how to use these products. Most importantly, I imagined all the ways in which these products could change my life (and would once I learned how to use them and use them properly). I stocked up on lotions, bath salts, exfoliants so that I could give those familiar things a chance to work their magic. They never did. My affection for the drugstore was not so limited though. Not only did I marvel at all the things that could make my life just a little bit better, a trip to the drugstore gave me a glimpse at independence. During those 30 or so minutes, I had my own basket, I strolled around unsupervised, and I chose my purchases carefully. I was my own prepubescent boss. I imaged the day when I wouldn’t need my mom to drive me to the drugstore, and what bliss that thought gave me. I would move onto the vitamin and medication aisles, since it seemed most adults visited those aisles during their drugstore experience. I was always in such a hurry to grow up, that I imagined when I’d get to buy vitamins, medications, and other products I thought were adult-like.
My affection for the drugstore remains. I love going, and I also love buying things I don’t really need. For instance, I have 3 unopened boxes of toothpaste, one of which was recently purchased. I like having options should I grow tired of a certain kind. More importantly, needing options gives me reason to frequently visit the drugstore. Same with anti-perspirants. I still stroll through the cosmetic aisles looking at things I know I won’t buy. I like to keep up to date on the market and learn just how long, plump and dark mascara can really make my lashes. I've recently spent more money than usual at drugstores, namely one - Walgreens on Market. I walk by it on my way home from the gym. I go to the very same gym as I did before, but when I lived in Upper Haight I had to turn right to go home. Now I have to turn left and pass by the oh-so-inviting entrance of Walgreens. Just when I thought I didn't need any more cotton balls, q-tips, nail polish, I was wrong!
