A Sad Decision: Costco has been kicked to the curb...

 buh bye.

This is a decision which has been coming for many, many months, and one I was very reluctant to instigate.

Having worked for Costco way back, when it was one of the very best places to work, seeing what it has become is painful and sad.

I ran into an old work mate of mine who has been with the company for about 25 years.  His comment to me? "It's not the same place anymore. It's all corporate run." He's just biding his time until he can retire in a few years.

What did Costco do to tick me off so badly?

From the Costco site: (the bolding is theirs)

Updated Face Mask Policy:

Members and guests must wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times. Individuals who are unable to wear a face mask due to a medical condition must wear a face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt. Entry to Costco will be granted only to those wearing a face mask or face shield.

The use of a face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises. For members who are unable to wear a mask or face covering, Costco has delivery options available on Costco.com. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Rather than march in and relinquish my membership, which also means losing my Costco rewards Visa card, a American Express Blue Cash Preferred rewards card is winging its way to me; as soon as it arrives, the Costco card will be put in my desk drawer.

Yes, I'm fully aware by using a credit card, I'm being tracked. At my age I really don't give a rat's ass (and I always pay cash for my porn - only kiiiiiding)

When Costco automatically renews my membership, I will cancel and my membership fee will be returned, and the Visa card will be history.

The American Express card is actually a better deal, and other than maybe tuna, there is nothing at Costco I can't get somewhere else. 

For decades, a trip to Costco was a fun and happy event for me. Over the past 6 months, it's spiraled down into a nervous-making foray into zombie land. Rather than every week or two, I've only been there 3, or maybe 4 times, in 8 months. 

So - it's the end of an era, folks.

All sorts of things are changing for all of us. It's up to us to find replacements that are better and more fulfilling. It's not just shopping, but also trips to the library, our favorite coffee shop or restaurants, and our favorite small shops which have gone bankrupt due to lock downs. 

Let's put our heads together and figure out what things should replace what we have lost. Please give me your ideas. 

I'll start:

• Dinner parties
• Tea parties for the ladies
• Bible study
• Artistic endeavors i.e. sewing, painting, woodworking, jewelry making
• Board games
• BBQ's with the neighbors
• Card games (I love gin rummy. Bridge - not so much)
• Going for walks and hikes
• Camping
• Picnics
• Write a real letter 
• Learn to play an instrument
• Learn a new language (Chinese might come in handy - heh)
• Learn to cook a new dish
• Work in the garden
• Journal and pray every morning!

Notice how many of them are social. Humans are social animals and what the government is doing is dehumanizing and an effort to break your spirit.  Don't let them win.