Holidaze

Vancouver Lake and Powerlines. Or is it Power Lines?

Don’t forget to read the 2010 holiday newsletter.

I had a fantastic morning. I had more shopping to do and given the choice between getting on the bus and going downtown or getting in the car and driving back to that soul-crushing mall, I picked downtown.

I went to the office and checked the mail and phone messages. I took care of a couple of things and watered the plants.

Then I accomplished all of my remaining shopping chores in two super easy stops. Then I bought a carton of kickass Thai noodles. I can’t find a link to the cart. I’m going to have to do something about that.

I was home by 2pm. I still have wrapping to do and we have a couple of food excursions to take care of. We’ve got one long car ride and then: let the sitting around and eating begin!

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During my travels I passed the kiosk where they sell the magical flat irons. They ALWAYS try to pull me over for that one.

Ma’am, can I show you my magical flat iron?

Me: Unless it can change the weather, don’t bother.

I already own a very nice flat iron. I love straight-ironed hair. There is no point in ironing my hair unless it is completely dry outside. I’ve gone from flat to frizz in the three minutes it takes to walk from my car to the bus.

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Cover your eyes Kenman, I’m going to complain about the postal service.

Years ago I used to buy stamps by mail. There was a little envelope with a detachable form. I’d order my roll of first class stamps and stick a check in the envelope and send it to someplace just outside Portland. A few days later I’d get my stamps.

Then I guess the Post Office decided to streamline this process. Or maybe try to wring more money out of it?

Now, 3 or 4 times a year I get this giant glossy catalog. There’s a big order sheet in there and near as I can tell there is no box to check that says “send me 100 first class stamps.” I have to order 5 booklets of 20.

Then it takes almost a month to deliver and I get this:

Five individually plastic-wrapped with cardboard insert stamp booklets.

How is this a better system? I understand that people collect this stuff and I wish the Philatelics the best of luck in saving the Post Office but I just want some stamps so I can mail stuff. Make it easier for people like me.