FYI: Costco Wholesale will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th, 2011.
Costco Wholesale Corp. said it is raising membership fees for about 22 million customers, as the largest U.S. warehouse club operator seeks to offset rising costs.
The 10% increase in membership fees, going into effect next month, may help offset the disappointing operating margin the company showed in the latest quarter. Operating margin shrank to 2.7% from 2.9% amid double-digit increases in merchandise and overhead costs on a percentage basis.
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John’s Note:
If you are a regular member, your membership will be $55.00/year. Executive members will pay $110.00/year.
I am keeping my membership.
Costco shopping – September 27, 2011.
Chocolates of the World is back. I bought 5 jugs last year. I still have one fresh jug left. So, this time I bought 3 jugs.
I also bought 2 cans of Christmas Cookies (Belgian Cookies). I wanted to buy 1 more can, but I don’t have money.
Other than that, everything else I bought was good (healthy) item.
Costco was packed with Christmas stuff. We are in full swing now.
I went to Costco during my lunchtime. I didn’t have time for a hot dog. Also, I try not to eat meat on weekdays. I try to keep in shape.
As I was getting ready to leave Costco, I saw an old lady at the parking lot, trying to load her trunk with heavy items. So, I stopped & got out of my car. I said, “Let me help you. Pretty young thing like you….” “I am 84”, she said with laughter. I loaded her trunk as we made small talk. Soon after, I took her empty cart and told her to drive carefully.
This is why Costco shopping is exciting. You don’t know what you will see next.
Minute Key is here – you can copy your home/office keys on the spot.
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.
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.
Hurry, there is only one available.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=11672296
Check this out. This is my new Costco bicycle.
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).
