This New Year’s break was a pleasant mix of relaxation and productivity—just the way I like it. After an enjoyable 11-day holiday, I’m feeling refreshed and ready to dive back into routine. My two main goals for the break were finishing up the kimono cabinet and making a Costco run. I’m happy to report I checked both off my list—or almost! Let me share how it went.
The Kimono Cabinet Journey
One of the biggest challenges with the cabinet restoration project was dealing with the metal fittings. While power tools made sanding and other tasks much easier, removing rust from the old handles was a whole different story. Hard work doesn’t even begin to cover it!
I know I joked in a previous post about swearing off projects like this—seriously, remind me next time!—but seeing that first coat of wax go on after weeks of sanding nearly brought tears to my eyes. There’s something so satisfying about reviving a piece of history, even if it’s labor-intensive.
In the end, I decided to strike a balance: I removed the fittings that came off easily for proper rust removal and refinishing. For the side and corner fittings that were more delicate or risky to remove, I used sandpaper to clean them up as much as possible and applied a coat of anti-rust paint. It’s not perfect, but it’s practical.
With the handles and doors completed, I faced another decision: what to do with the u-pins. While the original pins are a bit rusty, they’re still functional and could be reused with a little effort. Alternatively, I could try to find replacements. What would you do in my place? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Progress feels tangible now. In my last post, I said I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, I feel like I’m halfway out and finally soaking in the sun. It’s a great feeling—even if the analogy’s a bit strange!
A Nostalgic Costco Adventure
Ah, Costco. Just stepping into the store brought back memories of the location on Coleman Avenue in Santa Clara, near Great America. The massive aisles, endless selection, and competitive prices felt so familiar, yet this trip had its own unique charm.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the urge to stock up with the reality of how much storage space I actually have at home. After much deliberation—and a few snack samples—I managed to keep my haul under 10,000 yen. Not bad, right?
A highlight of the trip was going with my mother-in-law for the first time. It was just the two of us, which made me a bit nervous at first, but we ended up having a great time. We laughed, chatted, and even shared baked goods to make the most of what we bought without overloading our kitchens.
Three hours later, I walked out with some great finds: a deluxe bag of baking soda, a twin pack of crunchy peanut butter, and other essentials. To top it off, we enjoyed a hotdog and a large drink at the food court. At just 180 yen, it’s still the best deal in town. How does Costco do it?
Your Turn
Have you been to Costco in Japan? How does it compare to the stores in your country? And what’s your must-buy item? I’d love to hear your experiences—share them in the comments below!