Places I go when I'm Bored...

Sometimes I get so bored and need inspiration! Well, of course, theres always church. But what do I do? Where do I go on a typical weeknight? If I'm not playing any shows anywhere, I just sometimes have to get out somewhere. Either that, or stay at home and watch reruns of Mama's Family on my VCR. So anyways, here's some places you might find me out on the town

-Walgreen's
There's just something very ethereal about Walgreen's. I'm not sure if its their scented soaps aisle or what. I go to the one on Ellwood Ave. Its the "5,000th location". Usually I just browse around the aisles. Some times I get some gummy worms or somethin' if I need energy. Its close enough to ride my bike to

-Ukrop's on Three Chopt Rd
This place has it all! A frozen yogurt stand, a ready to order grill, and lots of cute gals from U of R! I like to sit in the Cafe because its nice and cheerful there. I have been to a lot of other Ukrop's Cafes, but none have that frozen yogurt stand! You can probably catch me there on a Tuesday night with my Mac Lap Top. They also have a place you can sit outside.

Joe's Market
This is a rather "Yuppy Place" on "Libbie and Grove" -yes often used as an adjective, but I love it. They have ready to order sandwiches, and the service is so VERY Richmond- as it is in most Ukrop's owned stores. I usually get a tunafish sandwich here on french bread and use the free Wi Fi. Its nice to sit outside also. They have Sweet Tea there as well- and you get a choice ! I think its a great place to relax. I go there in the afternoon or at night. Usually on Thursdays.

Barnes And Noble
Im not a fan of commercial bookstores. I feel they are a patriarchal establishment meant to keep the masses in line. But I do go there when I'm really really bored. They have a lot of nice books. Usually the one at Libbie Place is where you can find me. But I also go to Books-A-Million, Borders, and the Christian Bookstore out on W. Broad St. The cafe part is usually very pricey though. If I'm desperate I may order a cookie, but usually I just grab a magazine and pretend.

Kroger's
When I'm really bored and Ukrop's is closed or too empty, I go to Kroger's. Its a place where I can find serenity and peace (except near that EVIL Beer Cave!) Anyways, I like to go to Kroger's and walk up and down the aisles and pretend to buy food when I'm really hungry. If its 10 at night and I need a piece of chocolate cake, Kroger's is always there to satisfy my food fantasies. I like to walk near the bakery and pretend I am scarfing down and entire line of eclairs. The people at Kroger's seem more hedonistic and less Richmond than Ukrop's. Which is why I don't go there as often.

GoodWill
I just LOVE The Goodwill. Salvation Army, Big Lots, and Diversity Thrift can all stuff it. They don't take American Express! GoodWill has a great selection of stuff- I can find all kinds of junk people don't want and its so cheap too. I love the selection of VHS tapes they have, records, and even stereo consoles. I found my very first stereo console at Goodwill for just 75$! The people there are also very helpful and friendly. There is a more upscale version of GoodWill in Carytown. This is where I get most of my threads for singing purposes. I found some cool vintage jackets and Bill Cosby sweaters there. It a great place to pass the time. You just never know what you might find.


Ellwood Thompson's
This is a great place to pretend to be health conscious. But seriously, it is nice. Even though the staff looks as if they could use a shower or two, they are always helpful in finding what I need ! (I myself prefer that "natural" look). I usually get some Vitamins there or Gabba (it helps you grow). I thought their "gluten free" brownies would taste like yesterday's grits. But to my surprise- they were so very yummy. They have a nice little place where you can sit down and eat too. They also have a "coffeeshop" version of the store, but I hardly go in there. It always seems
too crowded.

Target
I could spend my whole life at this store! Its always very clean and well organized. You can pick up clothes from Target without feeling trendy as you do at Walmart, or frumpy like you can if you shop at Kmart. They have a nice selection of men's underwear. I do wish they'd avoid putting the half naked man on the cover, though. It really spoils my appetite ! But usually, there are a lot of women at Target. Soccer moms love this place. I see them with little Jr. or little Suzy, picking out curtains or supper for their families. One lady told her son that he would get a big surprise from daddy when they got home if he didn't "shut the hell up". I wonder what that could be.... Anyways, I think Target is a great place to pass away the time. They have gotten so high cotton now with what their Starbucks coffee and hot pizza inside!




So, thats basically where I go If i'm bored. Then of course there's coffeeshops , museums, live music shows, the library, Plan 9, and a lot of other places to soothe the tedium.