Who ever thought Costco was a good idea?

I recently joined all the other SUV and minivan families (despite the fact my vehicle is technically neither) and bought a Costco membership. What in God's name was I thinking?

Last weekend was our first experience doing a full-out shopping trip at the mega-size box store. Smartly, we'd left the kids with my parents, and wandered up and down every single aisle, leisurly checking out all the offerings. On a Sunday. Five weeks before Christmas.

I know. We're crazy.

And apparently we're stupid, too, and we don't learn from our mistakes. Because today, a mere month before Christmas - and on a Sunday to boot - we went to Costco again. With kids in tow. The latter part may be a first and last.

You know what really gets me? Both times, I came out with a cartful of stuff (which would probably be two cartfuls anywhere else). Paid well over $150 (ok, this time it was actually closer to $200). And I still had to do groceries when I got out!!! Mind you, I was better this time. Got more things that were actually on my list... But I had to check the bill three times to check that what I left actually added up to that much!

So there we are. Another miserable failure regarding my "make a list, check it twice, and stick too it like glue" challenge.

On the bright side, this latest failure means I'm the proud owner of a couple of new rugs, some new PJ pants, a good bottle of red wine and the largest Christmas wreath I've ever owned. It's never felt so good to fail, really.