The secret internal terrier of consumerism is let off the leash.

So about a week ago, Paul approached me about shopping in bulk, since we now have the space to stock pile. I hemmed and hawed a bit and basically landed on: as long as we don't have more stuff than we can get rid of in a year we can do it. We are hoping to be leave the country next year to finally get started on our work in Singapore. (God willing) But I do understand that it is cheaper to buy in bulk and so I agreed we should get a membership somewhere. Paul tried to go this weekend, but failed to find the store. If you knew the mall it is located in, you'd understand how easy that is to do. So today I made a second attempt and eventually found Costco.

Now we considered Sam's Club, but I've been a member before and I didn't really feel it was anything special. And everyone I know out here does Costco. [Expect for the folks doing amazon direct mail order shopping, another good option if you like to have more than one kind of cereal.] So I went in and got the card; got the AMEX card since they apparently don't except any other credit card and the service representative was dubious about my credit union debt card; got my picture taken; got the membership. I'm not overjoyed about taking out another line of credit, but we are pretty good about keeping on top of that sort of thing so I went forward.

Then I got into the store. I can tell you now, my secret internal terrier of consumerism was ready to shop. I could have easily gotten out of there with 2 cartloads. And I tried to just buy the non-perishables like TP or Kleenex but how did that Toblerone candy bar six pack get in my cart? What am I going to do with 5 lbs of dried apricots? I totally overestimated what I could get into our little freezer, so we'll be serving a few things to friends in the next few days. I'm not even sure if I saved money. But I've got 48 cans of V8 which should keep at least into the summer to prove...well I've forgot what but I will never wish I had had a V8 for the rest of the winter.

But - Costco was missing items that we use. This is a bummer since it means I will still need to make a run to the regular store at some point. What I gain in savings, I loose the convenience of one stop shopping. Also, who knows what Paul is going to bring back with him, once he gets his card. We may have to make furniture out of cans.

Nov 27: I survived black friday

So today I went and did something I never do... I shopped. I had heard that Black Friday was a good time to find a deal. In fact, many people I know reveled in it. Since last christmas was really a bust for me (and everyone I should have given gifts to) I've made it my business this year to a) think about and b) get presents for folks this year. But why do that in the most expensive way possible?

So, I did manage to get about 40% off 50% of the things I got today. The rest were discounted in some way except for a construction hard hat for Tobo. (It was $3) I spent about twice as much on other folks as I did myself. I exempted my hubby from having to get me gifts this year since apparently I already did that. :D 75% of what I got were christmas gifts. I have one person who am still shopping for but I will find something.

And I had a few more ideas but will push them off to birthdays or other holidays as they are appropriate. I have a real hard time staying within age appropriate toys with Tobo. I keep getting ahead of myself. This is why I read parenting books so I don't buy him a bottle rocket when he's 2. Cool toy but not age appropriate. I had a good time scooping up a few deals at the local learn and grow toy store. But we have St. nicholas' day coming up in a week so I needed something for Tobo's wooden shoes.

Overall it was not the mad house I expected it to be. I've always avoided it because I have about a 2 hour worth of shopping patience before I'm done done done. So I researched the stores I was going to go to the night before. Found out when stores were opening and left at about 8:45a this morning to go see what I would find. Some deals were better than others. I know I saved money but I have no urge to go to another store for a while.

In other news, I finally watched all of Dr. horrible's sing a long blog. I immediately downloaded the album because it is quite wonderfully crafted. Though I am not sad that when it came out I was raising a 4 month old baby but I am glad to finally watch it. Better late then never.

[I bet you thought I forgot to post? I made it by 4 minutes to spare. Who said I procrastinate?]