I love Costco!

Costco really is like paradise to me. Items in bulk bring a smile to my face. For the A Plus Home Care and Hospice (my parents company) work party we went to Costco. Before you wrinkle your nose or decide that doesn't seem cool let me just elaborate on the greatness of a Costco holiday party. We arrived after hours and were treated to some delicious costco bakery dinner choices, cakes, and other goodies. We then recieved gift cards as part of our bonus and were let loose. It felt like in the movies when someone gets locked in the walmart after hours and goes to town. I felt free to explore and enjoy the Costco with nobody judging or rushing me. I usually feel very judged by the fellow shoppers. I'm random and that scares some people. We wandered around, ate our items before purchasing, had cart races, made up some sweet dance moves with the cart, tried on robes and other important clothing items, etc. Normal shopping stuff. :) As we shopped they had various games and activities in which you could win more gift cards. Chris Nelson came with me and his crazy hip swinging hula hoop skills beat all the females and won us $10.00! I did pretty well at the football throw and was able to add $5.00 to that. We participated in the cake walk for some of the bakery goodness however we failed at that. We came up empty handed. We were able to do Karaoke singing to the fellow A Plus employees and let's just say we brought them to tears (of joy, duh). It was a blast and I had a little heart expandage toward Costco. I didn't know I could love it more but I do.

I haven't seen any of my former co-workers in a long time and Chris and I decided it would be a good idea to play a trick on them. All it took was my sister-in-laws wedding ring on the appropriate finger, some fake flirting, and lots of body language. We had them hooked. The gossip mill was faster than I expected and my parents and siblings were dodging questions from all over the place. It was hilarious! The funniest part was that nobody asked Chris or I about it. They just stared at my finger the whole time they talked to me and then went and asked other people. I guess it isn't believable that I could be engaged. Sad day. Anyways, I have some pretty good engagement photos that we took that night. They aren't awkward at all. :) Which one do you think we should put on our announcement?

Gazing into eachothers eyes. I'm not a very good gazer.

Face shot. You might think I have food on my face but no. That is a Christopher Nelson original teardrop design. Don't be jealous.

My hand is strategically placed on his chest to show my bling.

My favorite shot. The word "frolic" keeps coming to mind.

The best event of the night however is what I was able to purchase while there. Two items that have completley changed my outlook on and way of life. The first is a Costco membership. I had never been to a Costco alone because I didn't have a membership. Since I got mine own card just 10 days ago, I have been twice. All by myself!!! I have already spent way too much time and money at that store but each time I left with a grand smile upon my face. The second life-changing purchase made that night was the 80 gb ipod. I have always thought I was above ipod's. That I didn't need one and that they were just a trendy cd player. Well, I decided to break down and try it out. How did I live without one for so long? It is wonderful and my new constant companion! I'm now a proud ipod addict.

In conclusion, the Costco party was a huge success. I got to enjoy my favorite store when it was practically empty, fake an engagement, purchase lifechanging items, and have an enjoyable Saturday evening out. I couldn't ask for more.