IloveCostco.com

I am healthy and I still have a job

Water damage trauma

I am terrified about future water damage in the house. I learned that water leak is common. You are likely to have water damage in your house before your house gets robbed.
For immediate peace of mind, I installed water detecting alarm system with 10 sensors. (adding 5-10 more sensors soon)
I plan to re-route water pipes. That means I will install entirely new water pipes running over the ceiling. That will cost $5K or more.
I now turn off main water valve every night, or every time I’m away from home.
I will install a remote switch for the main water valve. So, I can turn on and off water with a smart phone.
I shall replace my water heater that’s getting old.
With that, I hope I don’t go through this traumatizing event ever again.
Coronavirus pandemic is multiplying the level of anxiety and stress.

Recovery and repair

Phase 1 was emergency recovery work – to stop water leak and dry interior of the house.
Phase 2 was repair – replace damaged carpet with new flooring.
It took 4 days to dry my house. That 4 days was miserable with noise and heat. I slept over at my friend’s house for 4 nights.
They found asbestos in the bathroom and the laundry room. My insurance company sent people for quick clean up. But they were slow on communication. We wasted 8 days waiting for them. “We’ll get back to you” they said.
If everything goes as planned, my house will be done around Easter.

Insurance Process

My insurance company sent an adjuster to my house, and gave me the Dollar figure on how much it would take to repair my house. I told them that I would use my own people for repair, so they would write me a check. Now, it is up to me to use that money wisely.
I claimed 7 items for property damage with detailed pictures. The insurance agent was surprised. Most people claim a lot more items, she explained. “I am trying to be fair and honest” I replied. All my solid wood furniture looked good after they were dried.

Rainy Day Fund

I have a rainy day fund. It takes one full day to move money to my checking account. This emergency fund is allowing me to keep calm and take care of everything that’s going on.
First few days, I wrote a few checks in the amount of over $12,000.00. Then the insurance check arrived afterward. I could have used my credit card. I could have asked my guys to hold my checks for a few days. But, it was easier to write checks and say “The check is good”. My mind was at ease.
Things are moving smooth because I was able to pay my people quickly.
We are living in a scary time. A lot of people lost job at my work. If I didn’t have a rainy day fund, I would have a mountain of stress and worries right now. I live alone, so money is my strength. I am so glad I saved during my good time.
From this point, I will save for not just one, but two possible disasters taking place at the same time. For example, I can lose my job and need a new roof at the same time.

Please take care. God bless everyone.

I Stand Corrected – Toilet Paper

Posted by: John | April 6, 2020

Hoarding not the only reason for toilet paper shortage

(I am healthy and I still have a job)

At first, I listened to initial news and media reaction about toilet paper. A few weeks has passed since then. Now I see more in-depth reports.

There are two kinds of toilet papers, ones we use at home and ones we use in public locations such as work. Since people are staying home, there is much more demand for residential toilet paper.

This report (below link) makes sense. I stand corrected about toilet paper.

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Disaster Proper Watch

Posted by: John | March 26, 2020

My life had turned upside down with water damage at my house. My glorious closet room was gutted, so was my nap room. It’s tough dealing with this alone. I felt like crying at times, but there was nobody to cry to… so I just sit quietly in my broken house. This sucks.

It was Wednesday, the day four. I was trying to do whatever I can while I work full time online. I am tired and sleepy all the time. But, I am slowly gaining my mental strength. I am finally getting used to my new reality. This morning, I had to move everything in the garage so the cleaning guys will hose down the mud.

It was around 7AM. The cleaning guys were supposed to arrive at 8AM. It was hectic. I needed a wrist watch so I can tell time quick. But my jewelry chest was in the bedroom, in the pile of mess. So, I maneuvered myself to the middle of the pile, I opened up the jewelry case, and I froze…

I couldn’t decide. Which is the most disaster proper watch? I don’t want to look too flashy. I don’t want to look too delicate. I don’t want to wear an expensive watch. Disaster watch should not be too big nor too heavy. Casio LCD watch is depressing. I can’t wear Nautica watch… for water disaster? Please…

I stood there for awhile, trying different watches. At this point, I must tell you that I am a very indecisive person.

Finally, I picked my disaster watch (picture below). It’s affordable yet has a hint of class, smaller in size, easy to read, and it says “I am ready to work”

I am ready to work.

Jewelry chest in the middle of the picture

Costco Shopping – March 25, 2020

Posted by: John | March 25, 2020

| Costco Blog, Pandemic 2020

16th Costco Shopping in 2020 – $29.37 today / $811.81 this year

I was depressed and physically exhausted from dealing with my disaster. I had to get away and relax my soul. So, I went to Costco. There, I saw the same Costco employees working there – some with masks, some without. God bless them. In our war against invisible enemies, people working at Costco are the heroes. They truly keep us alive. Think about how it would be without these amazing people working at Costco and grocery stores everywhere. Imagine them waking up every morning knowing anything can happen. If that’s not a war mentality, I don’t know what is. And God knows… no.. I don’t want to think about it. I don’t want to say it here. Anyway, these guys working at Costco are true heroes. God bless them.

I went to Costco around 1:10 PM. I stood in line, but the line was short. I only waited about 15 minutes. Toilet paper was out of stock. But, I saw some shoppers walking out with toilet papers. This meant toilet papers were in stock about an hour ago. Also, inside the warehouse looked more stocked (fuller). I saw less empty shelf spaces. I took that as a positive sign.

I had such a big craving for chocolate cake. I wanted a cake so sweet that it will hurts my gum. I have a craving maybe because I feel sad and demoralized. Maybe my body needs Costco chocolate cake for its holistic, medicinal effect. Luckily, I found this flat layer of Chocolate cake. They now make flat chocolate cakes, same size as cheese-cakes. Cakes are smaller because there are no parties. So, big cakes will not sell. I thought that was interesting.

Seeing Costco like this felt like meeting a sick family member. It was sad to see Costco like this, but Costco was still there. It’s still here with us. And it’s guaranteed that it will get better. I will take that.

I am doing good physically and financially. Please take care everyone. I will talk to you soon.

Warehouse looked fuller than 2 weeks ago. Supply is strong.

First Pair of Italian Shoes – 2020

Posted by: John | March 24, 2020

** I was writing this blog when the main water line broke at my house (Saturday March 21, 2020 – around 1:30 PM). I was going to my closet room for another quick picture. Instead, I walked into a pool of water. I am happy to announce that all my shoes are saved from water damage. I couldn’t save my house though. They are still drying my house (March 24. 2020). 🙁

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One of my new year’s resolutions is to buy no more than three pairs of Italian shoes this year (2020). People spend money on model trains, antique guns, art works, and other expensive stuff. Shoes have been my hobby for last three years. I just want ten more pairs of Italian shoes to complete my wall of shoes. And, I will never buy another pair of dress shoes again. I don’t think it’s a complete waste of money, because I enjoy wearing my shoes every single moment. Also, they feel amazing good. They don’t have “break-in” period. Even the boots feel good (enjoyable) from day one.

This is my first pair of Italian shoes in 2020. I love this beautiful tan suede derby. I’ll need a matching belt to rock these shoes. Shoes without matching belt would be an amateur night. My pants should be white or almost white. Socks should give it a nice contrast, etc, etc….

I daydream about going out on a bright Summer day in these derbies. In my daydream, I don’t work, and I never get sick. And I am holding either a cup of soda or an ice cream cone. Hehe… I am finally at this stage of my life, but why do I have to get old? Hm…

Shoes are not a waste of money if they bring you great deal of joy. Now, I have two more pairs to buy this year.

Bad News

Posted by: John | March 22, 2020

| 3 Comments

First of all, I am physically and financially OK. I am thankful for that.

Here’s the bad news. Main water line inside my house broke Saturday evening. I suffered significant water damage in 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, laundry room, and hallway. All bedrooms and hallway were carpeted. Despite the fact that it was Saturday evening, both plumber and water damage people came to my house within an hour. I did call my insurance company (Wawanesa). I hope insurance will come through for me.

I am tired and emotionally drained. I hope the shock will wear out so I can deal with the situation rationally. I thought coronavirus was too much to deal with. This is heavy.

I am sure I will laugh about this 1 year from now. In fact, I will write a blog 1 year from now to talk about the outcome. But, for now, this is difficult.

Anyway, please take care and be extra careful at times like this. I will handle my situation and get better. I will be better than before. I promise you. All I’m asking from you is to think about me. When you go to sleep… just think “Hm.. I wish that Costco guys is doing OK.” That’s all I’m asking.

I must go.. I have a lot of things to do. Insurance adjuster is on his way.

Welcome to life. God bless everyone.

Closet room full of water – some dry spots (but there is water underneath).

Costco Shopping – March 16, 2020

Posted by: John | March 16, 2020

| Costco Blog, Pandemic 2020

15th Costco Shopping in 2020 – $39.31 today / $782.44 this year
Member Only Savings – $5.2 today / $149.7 this year

First of all, there were no eggs, no toilet papers, and no SPAMs. It was depressing and confusing. But today I took my time and tried to enjoy my Costco shopping experience. And it did make me feel better. I felt much relaxed this time. Today was not as crazy as last Friday. But, it was raining pretty hard outside, so I don’t know if craziness will return when it’s dried.

No eggs, no chickens. Costco Panic Buy 2020

Member only savings saved $5.20 today. I found almost everything on my Costco shopping list. I wanted some chicken for chicken soup. But Costco was completely out of chicken. Luckily, they had rotisserie chickens. I shall make chicken soup with rotisserie chicken. RANA Lobster Ravioli was on sale ($4 off). I never had this before, but I have a high hope. They looked pretty good.

Last Friday I had a sad experience picking up a smashed bag of Doritos while I was in the sea of panic shoppers. I was still nurturing that sad feelings. Today, I saw dozens of pretty bags of Doritos on their own shelf. I felt much more relaxed this time. So, I picked up a bag, hoping this bag will make me feel better. I feel bittersweet that the bags of Doritos are reflecting my life at the time of panic. I will sit home alone and eat Doritos… hoping everything will be fine.

Greenridge Farm’s beef snack sticks are… just OK. They don’t have personality. They are 13 Inches long – big, with not much flavor.

Making Chicken stock with Costco Rotisserie Chicken. Boil bones for 90 minutes at simmering boil. Boil but not too hot.

Costco Panic Buy 2020 Update

Posted by: John | March 14, 2020

| Costco Blog, Pandemic 2020

I will update you Monday night, March 16, 2020.

As of Friday, March 13, 2020 – There were no toilet papers, no paper towels, no eggs, and no SPAMs at my Costco. I am not sure if we have reached the peak of panic buy trend. It looks bad for now.

I think Costco ran out of toilet paper early part of March. Paper towels are gone as well. All kinds of canned food, such as SPAMs do not even have their own empty shelf spaces as if they don’t carry SPAM at all. Costco is looking emptier every time I visit.

We have not “ran out” of toilet paper. We have healthy supply of everything. Supply is not the issue. The issue is that people buy more than they need. Since the supply is steady, you can find toilet paper if you look close. For example, go to target website and search for toilet paper available for store pickup. You are likely to find toilet paper available near you. You may need to shop early, though. At the worst case, you can try staples or home depot for non-luxury quality toilet papers.

But I believe I will see toilet papers at Costco soon, along with my SPAM. I will keep you updated.

God bless all of us. We will get through this. No problem.

Costco Shopping – March 13, 2020

Posted by: John | March 13, 2020

15th Costco Shopping in 2020 – $15.91 today / $743.13 this year
Member Only Savings – $4.20 today / $144.5 this year

It’s Friday the 13th. We are at the beginning of Coronavirus pandemic 2020.

I went for Costco shopping Friday after work. Costco seemed even busier today than earlier this week. The warehouse looked even emptier today. Things got tense at times when some clueless shoppers left their carts in the middle of the aisle. They were shopping while talking on the phone and trying to get adjusted to this craziness. Their carts blocked traffic flow, and people got agitated. I’ve seen that happening number of times.

I had SPAM on my shopping list, but SPAMs were gone without trace. I looked everywhere, but I couldn’t even find empty shelf for SPAM.

Another item on my shopping list was Doritos chips, which was also on sale. Again, I couldn’t even find the shelf for Doritos. But, by random luck, I found this crumpled bag of Doritos discarded at some random aisle. I was shocked and excited when I saw this beat up bag. I picked it up quickly. As I put the bag of chips in my shopping cart, I realized that I was like a lone stray dog looking through trash. I didn’t like that moment. I was sad, and felt like crying. I hope things will be back to normal.

Even though the lines were long, people seemed positive. It was a depressing Costco shopping experience. I was little scared and my heart was pumping. Today was not normal. This will pass. We will get through this, no problem. God bless everyone. A lot of love to everyone. Please, please take care.

Costco Shopping – March 10, 2020

Posted by: John | March 10, 2020

15th Costco Shopping in 2020 – $1.64 today / $727.22 this year

I went to Costco on my lunch time to see how Costco is going. It’s Tuesday, a day before the starting of monthly member-only saving period. Ordinarily, today should be a slow day. But I saw a lot of people shopping. This is because of Coronavirus. People are stocking up.

Hot dog was good. There was a long line at the food court. I used the kiosk, so I didn’t have to wait in the line.

Costco Shopping – March 9, 2020

Posted by: John | March 10, 2020

14th Costco Shopping in 2020 – $9.78 today / $725.58 this year

I saw a lot of people at Costco. People are flocking to stock up because of Coronavirus. This is scary. I had a hard time finding parking spot at noon. People look tensed. It feels different.

No picture – I bought a pineapple and a can of Kirkland Signature jumbo peanuts. Peanuts stay at work.

Daylight Savings Time 2020

Posted by: John | March 8, 2020

Spring forward, fall back.

Happy Sunday. Don’t forget to change your clocks & watches 1 hour forward. I can count about 20 clocks/watches I need to change; 3 in the kitchen, 2 in the cars, 1 in the bathroom, 3 in the bedrooms, 1 in my camera, and then these (below)…

Except for one (Tissot), most of my watches are cheap, free, and from a garage sale.

Costco Shopping – March 05, 2020

Posted by: John | March 5, 2020