But I’ll get over the fear of consumerism someday. As I always do when entering a shopping center I took a peak at the line ups and they weren’t too bad actually. It was around 11:00 am but parking lot was full which made it obvious that the 3 hour Costco customers were nearing the denouement of their shopping experience. I had to move!

Being that I really was going for only cold beverages I knew it could be a swift visit. But the powers would not let that be. First I couldn’t get through the front entrance, (it’s tough to try to slip past a policy like non-transferable memberships when your mother has a different surname) so I purchased a membership for my body. Knowing that selling a couple of cases of bottled water would pay for the year made it easier to dish out the $53.00. Finally I can get through the door and beat the people who are just there for samples and the bakery, right? Wrong!

Of course when you get through the door the greeters insist on filling your hands with coupon books containing “different” and “exciting” sales on each week. Fine, lets see whats on for this week: 7 piece dining set – no. Glucosamin sulfate – no, thanks. Mens shell pants – DAMNIT! I had to cave. There perfect for the colder months and I’m always aware out of season sales. It was a smart buy, I think.

So I finally make it through the electronics aisles (what? It’s right at the entrance) and through to the back where skids of cold drinks are. I scooped up hundreds of bottles of water, many soft drinks, green tea and juices, found my shell pants and got right behind a women who was almost done with her cashier. The final roller coster loop turned out to be alright. One women rang in while another man-handled the bottles of perrier and cans of mango juice to be scanned, so I didn’t have to. For a place that I imagine looks like the inside a GFS building, they actually do make the experience a little not-so bad. The iPod helps too.

So long Costco. See you in a month.