USPS

I generally haven't had any problems with the United States Postal Service.  Despite the fact that they have seemingly, and without any kind of notice, stopped delivering mail to me on Wednesdays.  But a particular item that I had ordered has apparently proved problematic.  It was supposed to be delivered a week ago.  Here is some of the USPS tracking on this item:

May 8, 6:10 am: arrived at Seattle WA Distribution Center

May 12: in transit to next facility

May 13, 4.28 am: arrived at Everett WA Post Office

May 14, 6.10 am: out for delivery

May 14, 11.37 pm: arrived at Seattle WA Distribution Center

May 15, 1.11 am: departed Seattle WA Distribution Center

May 15, 1.40 am: arrived at Seattle WA Distribution Center

What the heck is going on?  It's apparently in the same facility this morning as it was a week ago.  For a third time.  And yesterday it was out for delivery, but I never got it.  What are the chances I will never see this item?  I fear quite high.   

Chips

I think one of the food items I miss the most from the UK, maybe even THE food item I miss the most from the UK, is crisps.  It's really surprising that America doesn't do good chips (crisps).  They lack variety and flavor (flavour).  And as with every other American food, they are full of preservatives, chemicals and other inferior ingredients.  It's why whenever I return from a trip to the UK, I always bring back loads of crisps with me.  And frankly I wish I could bring back more.  It's a bit of a thankless task, but I have tried to find some "chip" varieties I might like here.  And in that spirit, I came across these today:

You won't be surprised to know, but pineapple (and chili?) flavored crisps do not taste particularly good.  Just weird.  Nope, these do not scratch the itch.   

Digestives

Good news on the biscuit front.  On my last visit to a Walmart, I was very surprised to find they stocked some McVitie's Milk Chocolate Digestives.  It's rare to find any sort of British foods at Walmart.  There are a couple of local supermarkets that have an extremely small British food section (I should take a photo and share it - just in case you're curious what kind of essential British foods they sell), which normally includes some digestives.  But I've never seen them before at Walmart.  I don't think they were particularly cheap - especially compared to UK prices - but then again, nothing is cheap nowadays.        

Delivery Fail

An extremely frustrating day.  A delivery was scheduled today for something that I had to sign for.  The delivery was originally scheduled for the morning.  It didn't show up.  Then it was rescheduled for the afternoon.  It didn't show up.  And then it was rescheduled for the evening.  As of now, it hasn't shown up.  All of this on the hottest day of the year so far.  I should be outside enjoying the weather.  But nope, I decided to stay in so that I could sign for the delivery.  A mistake I won't make again.

Lore

I was having a look at the website of the official James Bond store today, and was a little bit surprised to find quite a lot of items for sale related to the upcoming First Light video game.  Can we really consider a video game part of James Bond lore/canon?  I'm not sure I agree with that.  To me, James Bond lore comes solely from the films.  And even then, not all the films.  Never Say Never Again is not part of the official James Bond lore.  Nor is the Woody Allen-starring Casino Royale.  I consider the books to be a totally separate entity.  To me, the video game lies in a similar grey area to these films.  So yes, when I see that Corgi are releasing a new James Bond model car, I approve.  But when I realize that the car comes from the video game and I have to check whether it is actually real (it is), then I lose interest.    

Indecision

In certain situations, I often suffer from crippling indecisiveness.  I am currently experiencing it when it comes to upgrading my living room.  I want to get a new sofa set, a new TV, a new soundbar.  But in what order?  What size TV?  How much do I want to spend on a soundbar?  What kind of sofa?  When do I get all these things?  I find myself constantly and aimlessly searching the internet - scrolling through reviews, looking up recommendations, and making absolutely no decisions on what I actually want.  I find myself weighing up whether to get the same size TV as I currently have, or the next size up.  Whether to get a new soundbar now, or wait until I've got the new TV.  Whether I should prioritize getting a new sofa set before even thinking about getting a new TV.  And then I get sidetracked by everything else that accompanies these upgrades.  I'll need to book a junk removal company to take away my current sofa set.  What do I do with my current TV, for example can I donate it?  If I get a bigger TV, will I need help setting it up?  I really shouldn't be overthinking this.

Happy Mother's Day

My laptop battery is about to run out, so let me take this opportunity to with my mum a Happy Mother's Day!  At least it will be by the time you read this tomorrow.  And you don't need me to tell you how stupid it is that Mother's Day here is on a different day to the UK.  Apparently UK "Mothering Sunday" is a religious holiday, whereas the American date comes from some woman from the very early 20th century who wanted to honor her mother.  Whatever the origins, Mum - I hope you have a good day and I'll video chat with you later!