I Am a Costco Fanatic
What does a perfect day look like? This idea crossed my mind when I walked past a kid holding his grandma’s hand in a long line for food samples. (Of course I joined the line immediately) For me, today was a perfect day! I don’t know since when I love going to Costco so much, but it makes me so excited every time I go. If people asked about my hobbies, I’d probably say sports or music, or something like that. But actually can going to Costco be an option? Because that’s my favorite at least for now! So, what makes a day at Costco a perfect day? What’s so magmatic about Costco for me? Let me trace back just a few hours ago to re-experience that exciting outing. (And btw, want to share some pics yesterday when I was still in CCU.)
Driving back to Kaohsiung from school is still a challenge for me
Amazed by how beautiful our campus is almost everyday
There are three parts to it: pre-Costcoing, Costocoing, and post-Costocoing. Start with pre-Costcoing. I’ve been planning to go to Costco since last week during the typhoon days off, and just thinking about it makes me so happy. Apart from that, I did some research—checking on what I was going to buy, what was on sale, and all kinds of recommendations. And this morning, I was already in full Costco mode. It might sound funny but I even dressed up. I’ve always enjoyed grocery shopping, especially at traditional markets. But something about Costco has felt different since college, maybe it’s because I can’t just go whenever I want, or because I cook almost every day now. Either way, it’s a new level of excitement!
As I set foot into Costco, the Costco vibe completely overjoyed me. I really wanted to scream but of course, I had to act normal. So I did a silent scream in my heart. Then, the exciting window shopping began. Everything caught my eye and sparked my curiosity. I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I made sure I didn’t miss a thing (and food samples) and stopped at the ones that piqued my interest. But usually I don’t buy them—it’s just fun to check the nutrition facts on the snacks, touch the cozy plushy blankets and fluffy dolls, and guess the prices only to be shocked by the actual costs. (and resigned to inflation.) The highlight, though, is the food samples. I absolutely love trying the muffins and puffs, which I feel guilty about buying a whole box. And it’s fun to recognize something I’ve bought before and tell my shopping company: “I’ve tried this before!” This time my company was my mom, so everything I tried she basically had, too. But I love shopping with my mom. I mean, you’ll find out when you see the terrifying total at the checkout counter.
Had to try every sample
I remember sitting in the shopping cart when I was little
Had to touch every of them
For my family, we love the deli section because we usually pick up prepared food for dinner that day we go to Costco. It’s kind of cool in a strange way, and also sad, seeing the size or quantity of food shrink over time. It’s incredulous to see a box of NT$400 sandwiches. Today, I even overheard someone complaining and blaming the prices, (and life) too. That’s another fun thing—listening to people's conversations. I remember I learned how to pick apples by observing a woman at PX mart: she first checked the outside, and knocked on it. Though I can’t remember the exact sound, I could differentiate at that time and chose those that sounded like the ones she picked. Sometimes, I’ll try new things if I hear a “recommending conversation”. Today, I heard someone speaking Taiwanese to another saying a particular cheese was the best she’s ever tried. I was ready to grab one, but there were so many that I couldn’t figure out which one they were talking about. And here’s also a really cool thing: the price tags have special meanings. Regular prices usually end in ~99; for price tags end in ~97, it means the item is on sale, and the price may not return to its original level. If there’s an asterisk (*) on it, it means the item is being discontinued or is a limited-time offer.
These might seem like little things, but they’re what makes a perfect day and makes me love Costco so much. Costco didn’t pay me to advertise—I just enjoy the time there with my family, who usually accompanies me to Costco. Another reason Costco feels special is that it connects to family. I go there with mine, I see a lot of families there, and when I see kids in the shopping carts, it brings back memories from when I was little. Costco marks the seasons in its own way. You may not feel the difference here in Taiwan since we’re summer all-year-round (maybe a few weeks of winter), you can definitely feel it in Costco! Mangoes in summer, Halloween costumes now, and even Christmas cookies arriving early. It reminded me of the wonderful season in a year and made me wanna sing Christmas songs when I saw the big snowman decoration today. I can’t wait to go back and feel the vibe again closer to Christmas!
ahhhhh tooooo cute!! I was melting
After we finished shopping, we entered the third stage: post-Costcoing. We grabbed a food item that we (or just me) couldn’t wait to try with us and got back into the car. There’s nothing like enjoying a beef roll with music on the drive home from Costco. It’s hard to put into words but I cherish the joyful moment very much. Once home, I placed our “treasures” in its spot, and started preparing dinner. The process of organizing and serving my family brings me a sense of peace and relaxation. (not all the time though) And we wrapped up with a family dinner and some Netflix tonight.
Kaohsiung was in disaster after the typhoon
Can't wait to try the beef roll (so good😋)
In the season when we’re busy and have goals that we want to pursue, it’s a blessing that I can still have quality time with people I love. As my perfect day winds down, I want to count by blessings and be grateful for what I have right now. I hope whichever season I’m in, I can find joy and create some perfect days like today. To serve not just others, but also my family. Counting blessings is something I always remind myself to do because I lose confidence and faith sometimes. Today will be one of those unique blessings, thanks in part to Costco! I don’t know how long I’ll be a Costco fanatic, but the memories it has created with my family and my nonsense excitement will surely last for a very long time. Goodnight to my perfect day.
Tiffany
Call me chef👩🍳
Last time costcoing with friends
Jenny, Ethan, and Angela.