Going postal

With a title like that, you're apt to think that this is where I reveal my deep dark raving lunatic side.

But no.

Let's save that for another day.

I figure it's time for me to reveal my affinity for all things postal.

Before I go any further, I should say that I'm generally very good at avoiding impulse purchases. Except for the occasional piece of chocolate at the check-out, I can usually walk by those last-minute displays aimed at luring the green out of the wallet --the magnetic strip off the debit card -- while waiting in line at the cash register. I don't need to buy the last-minute trashy novel, set of knit sheets, circus peanuts, or a new box of 64 crayons. I stand firm and stick with my purchases.

However, this practical, logical tendency goes sailing out the window when I step into The US Post Office. Maybe there are subliminal messages floating out the air-conditioning vents, though I don't think so; I'm the only one I ever see going postal for their merchandise.

First, there are the plush animals.  I've bought them for my niece, nephew, and son. I mean, who can resist?

And of course, there are stamps commemorating every historical event, holiday, and
special event known to man-kind.  I wish I hadn't gone to the web site, where I found these stamps that I now MUST HAVE!

Don't even get me started on the totebags. Not that I need another totebag; I probably have about 20 totes in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Though I'm of the school of thought that one can never have too many totebags. I've never actually bought a postal tote, nor do I need one. But I've admired them many many times. Practical. Durable. Beautiful.

My latest postal purchase is probably my favorite one yet. It was the last one in-stock at my local post office, and I see it's on back-order on the postal store web site. Obviously this is a hot one for postal merchandise fans like myself. I haven't given this truck to my son yet; I think it will be broken in short order, and I need a chance to admire it on my own first. The side doors actually slide open, and the back door lifts up. How cool is that?

Hmm. Do you suppose they'd hire me as a telecommuter? I see a job that I could do. They must give their employees a discount on all the fine merchandise, right? To prevent them from going postal..

Comments

[InterstellarLass]

Awww! That little seal is adorable! I don't mail anything except Christmas cards, so I find stamps all over the place that aren't 'good' anymore because the price has gone up. Yes, I found a 32 cent stamp in my wallet the last go round.

[Sarcasmom]

Should your husband be worried about the mailman? :>)

[Melody]

It's the same with post offices over here. Once apon a time, post shops only sold postage stamps and envelopes. Now when you walk in there are arrangemtns of postcards, gift cards, books, pens, plush toys, art equipment, mobile phones, stickers..the list goes on... I'm a sucker for all of these stationary type products, so now I just walk in and go straight to the service que.
I don't look left.
I don't look right.
I look straight ahead.

[husband]

The mailman is the one who should be worried. Although, I don't think she's Marie's type.

[Marie]

I think I'm not worried, husband! I've seen the mail lady! :0

[kristi]

You know, I don't think I've ever even looked at the merchandise in the post office on the rare occasions I'm there. I think I might need to be more observant. That seal is cute!

[Bluegrass Mama]

I think the only thing I've ever bought in the post office besides stamps is the occasional shipping box.

I did have to buy some of the kiddie lit stamps--they were precious! Now I've got a set of baseball players. Who needs flags?

[Marie]

You know, the stuffed animals must be limited edition critters... the ones I bought aren't even on the PO's web site anymore! So they're cute AND collectible. Sheesh.

[Holly]

I can avoid all the other post office marketing ploys, but that truck I might not be able to. I am a sucker for trucks, since having my baby boys.