a visit to the post office

canon digital rebel xsi

Today I felt like a suburban housewife. I went to the post office, the dry cleaner, picked up some take out, and stopped at Starbucks. The post office was the most interesting, so that will be my focus.

I haven't been to the post office in weeks, which really isn't like me. I am always sending stuff out. Today didn't make me want to go back anytime soon.

The line was nearly to the door when I arrived in the late afternoon. There was a woman at the automated machine, with a package that in no way shape or form, was going to fit into that box next to it. I would have gone the automated route, but one of my packages was leaving the country, so it wasn't an option. So in the line I waited.

There were three people working, but one was soon done for the day. This brought out the guy from the back who was willing to help anyone that didn't have a transaction that required money. The woman behind me, only needed a change of address form. The woman in front of me was also able to be helped. That still left at least 10 transactions ahead of me. And guessing from the look of things, most very going to be complicated.

The guy who was no ahead of me had two shirt size boxes wrapped in brown paper. He said he had paid for the postage already, but had to stay in line because he was shipping international. When he got to the counter, it was clear something was wrong. The other postal employee managed to help the guy ahead of him who was sending several packages to France, as well as me, and was still there. I am not sure what happened, but the postal worker couldn't scan the paperwork he had printed. And also it would seem that however he had weighed his packages was off by at least three pounds. No idea how it ended. I left.

I really think post offices should use a number system when there is a crowd. It gives people the chance to get the forms they need and fill them out before getting to the counter. I felt bad that I had to fill out the customs form at the counter, but the forms were on the other side of the room. I didn't want to end up behind two more people while i got the form.

I also watched the guy who came out and emptied the box next to the automatic machine. I could clearly see boxes inside that were well over the size limit. There is a large sign on the door to the box that explains to people that because of heightened security, you cannot put anything into the box over a certain size. I still have no idea what that woman did with her humungous box. I didn't see it when I left.

Also, I am a bit disappointed by the holiday stamps this year. I got a book of each, but am not inspired.


on the night stand :: Baking: from My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan

mixed messages

Maybe it is just me, but it seems everywhere I turn, there are mixed messages. The other day I mailed a package at the post office. The line was to the door. This location has a machine that will let you weigh a package, and buy the postage. You can even add insurance or delivery confirmation. You can pay by credit card or cash, and it spits out a label. The idea is that you put the label on the package, and drop it in the box next to the machine. There is just one catch - because of heightened security, you cannot place anything over 13 ounces in said mailbox. Major fail.

I decided to go ahead and use the machine, even though my package was almost six pounds. I then walked it over to the counter and dropped it off, after applying the label. Of course it doesn't tell you this on the sign warning you not to put packages in the mailbox. In fact, as you go through the process of preparing your package for shipping it specifically asks you if your package will fit into the mailbox. Also it doesn't tell you not to deposit your package, despite knowing that it is larger than the guidelines stated. My package has safely arrived, so I guess we can move on.

When I took advantage of a Cyber Monday sale offering 25% off my order, I received an additional email with my order confirmation inviting me to a special sale. What? Didn't I just buy something from your sale?

I clicked out of curiosity. I ended up on a page with about a dozen items. These were basically the clearance rack. The really weird part is that this 'special sale' only gave me 20% off. Again - fail.

The mixed messages happened again last night when I published my post. The landing page said, "Your Post Published with Errors." And right below it said, "Your Post Published Successfully." So which was it? Did it have errors, or was it okay. Clearly it wasn't clear. Thankfully after waiting a few moments, it refreshed automatically and said that my post was okay. Still it was a bit disconcerting.

Maybe I am just more aware of these mixed messages because I know that I am going to be bombarded with them once B's family arrives. Personally, it drives me a bit batty.

I am down to 17 days. Crossed a few more items off the list. And also came upon a road block, which I could use to motivate me. We shall see.

on the night stand :: The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson