Costco (Christmas) Shopping – August 21 & 27, 2011

I’ve been busy. I’ve been putting in a lot of hours at work lately. I hope that means I will have a better paycheck next time. I’ve been making very little money. I had to take out $5.000.00 from my savings account so I can survive.

I went to Costco on August 21st and 27th (2011).

Costco stocked yet another kind of coffee grinder for $29.99. This Krups burr coffee grinder easily goes for $60-70 elsewhere. 

Costco’s Krups Coffee Grinder has mixed online reviews. But, I gave it a chance.

Update 2021 – This coffee grinder died in 20201. It lasted 10 years.

Costco LED Santa Claus

And I bought some other stuff.

But what’s important is that it’s Christmas time at Costco. If you like Christmas as I do, this may be the time to make a list.

I bought a toy helicopter for my nephew. And I bought a small LED Santa figurine for my desk at work. The figurines come in 4 designs; Santa, snowman, penguin, & angel.  3 AA batteries power 3 LED lights. Nihm batteries last about 100 hours.

I took the LED Santa home, turn off all the lights at my APT, and turned on the Santa. That moment officially marked my Christmas season. 

Times are tough. I am putting in a lot of overtime with no promise of money. But I am mentally relaxed and feel happy. It’s Christmas time. Nothing else matters.

This year, I would like to bring happy feelings to my neighbors.

Costco Bicycle – Northrock

Check this out. This is my new Costco bicycle.

  • I replaced the seat.
  • I installed a rear-view mirror.
  • I have iPod Touch speakers in front. It also holds my camera & keys.
  • I put my sunglasses under the seat.

I am aware this shape is supposed to be for girls. But I like this model. It’s very practical with access space in front. Who cares what other people say? OK, you are better than me. See ya~!!

I am having a lot of fun with my new bicycle. I ride to a local park and play backboard (tennis). It gives me 45-50 minutes of light aerobic workout. I sling a tennis racquet on my back (like a guitar). This is more entertaining than I imagined. I just need to be very careful.

Also, as I ride around the town, I get to meet people. 

We have a really attractive neighbor. She’s a lean blond, kind of rock band groupie type. She was surprised to see me on a bicycle. She gave me a hug for the first time. That hug paid for my bicycle.

Also, I met another neighbor – she also complimented my bicycle and my outfit. NO, I do not wear tights. I wear my regular running outfit I bought from Costco. She invited me to visit her sometime. She also gave me a hug.

I may be residentially challenged. But, ah~! the beauty of living in an apartment complex. 

Anyway, the bicycle is fun, and it’s good for me. Money well spent.

I need to keep reminding myself to be very careful when I ride. (fingers crossed).

Costco Shopping – August 16, 2011

It’s not fun being poor.

Today I only bought what’s absolutely needed.

I hope the economy will pick up soon. It’s a tough time.

Curbing Cravings for Soda – Iced Tea Glasses

Almost all soda pop is bad for you. If you want to play safe, you should not drink any soda. Diet sodas are just as bad, they say (or even worse). I’m not an authority in this field. So don’t ask me why. 

I don’t drink soda every day. Soda is a luxury item to me (I am poor). I only drink diet cola on weekends or when I eat out. As you know, I never eat out during the weekdays.

To curb my craving for soda, I drink water in these iced tea glasses, usually with a slice of lemon. With these glasses, drinking water is more enjoyable. I don’t miss soda much this way. When I serve water to guests, water becomes a refreshing food item, rather than a utility item for hydration.

Chocolates Of the World & European Cookies – Revisited

Remember this picture from last year?

I bought five jugs of Chocolates of the World and three cans of European cookies 10 months ago

from October 14, 2010 blog

On my blog, I said something about self-control. And I also said these chocolates would last a year.

Today is August 10, 2011. I still have one and a half jugs of Chocolates of the World. I have more than a half can of European cookies. Cookies are in the refrigerator. One jug of Chocolates of the World is in the freezer. It’s been frozen for 10 months.

I have been enjoying these snacks for the last 10 months. I eat one or two Chocolates every week. I enjoy cookies with or without coffee. My friends love it when I serve these cookies with coffee. Stocking up on these Christmas snacks was a good idea. 

I hope Costco will carry them again this season, so I can do the same for next year. But I don’t think I can spend $80.00 on candies. I am so poor this year. I just thank God I still have a job.

These snacks are Costco’s Christmas tradition. If you haven’t tried them, don’t miss out this year.


August 10, 2011 – 10 months later