I get a lot of packages. So many that the girls who work in the office of my apartment complex know me on sight and by the time I actually get into the office, they usually have my package out and waiting. At first I was embarassed — I probably get an average of 1-2 packages per week, which didn’t seem excessive. Some weeks I get a lot, and some weeks I get none. But the apartment girls must think I’m made of money! Really, it’s just that I do 80% of my shopping online. Why would I suffer the traffic around the mall and the crowds in the stores when I can usually find the item I want online for 10-20% cheaper. Sure, sometimes I have to pay shipping, but often it’s free. And sure, buying online means you have to wait for it to be delivered, but I’m usually patient enough to wait.
Last week I got three packages on one day, which made the apartment girls tease me again, but oh well. They were all things that I couldn’t get at an actual store — an airplane headset off ebay, plus two pairs of shoes. Yes, I order shoes online. I wear a size 11, and I challenge you to find a store that carries a decent amount of stock and selection in that size. Ten years ago I had to buy men’s athletic shoes, so I admit that stores have gotten better about serving bigfeet like myself, but they are still very lacking in selection. Even a huge store like DSW disappoints, and I find that when I’m there instead of looking for a shoe I like, it’s easier to just scan the aisles looking for size 11s (often marked with a bright sticker, I suppose because it is an “unusual” size) and then see if I happen to like the shoe.
One pair of shoes came from Zappos, and the experience was so impressive that I feel compelled to share it. I ordered the shoes on Wednesday afternoon. They offered free standard shipping, so I went with that. Then, Wednesday evening, I got an email saying they’d upgraded my shipping at no charge. On Friday morning, I got another email with the package tracking number — but that email was useless because the shoes had already arrived on Thursday! Ordered Wednesday evening, arrived sometime Thursday, and were waiting at my apartment complex office when I got home. That is less than 24 hours. I am impressed. This is why I shop online. So much easier.
In other news, where did the week go? Suddenly it’s Friday, but of course that’s a good thing. My mom is in town this weekend, so it should be lots of fun. Tonight we’re going to the Astros-Red Sox game and will stick around for Friday night fireworks after that. Tomorrow we’re going to see Wall-E (I am so excited, I have been waiting for Waaaaaaaaallleeeeeee for months!), and Sunday morning Mom is going to come cheer for me at the Y Tri in Pearland. I’m sure we will also eat some good food and go shopping at some point before she leaves on Tuesday.
I went running last night after the afternoon storms blew through, and the temperature was actually bearable! It was humid as all get out, and I sweated buckets, but at least the temperature was a little cooler. It was a pretty decent run. Lately I have been allowing myself to do run/walks because it’s what I’ve mentally needed to get out the door. I don’t know if this is just a hotter summer, or if I just haven’t adjusted but I have been dying in the heat thus far. I start sweating as soon as I walk out the door — whether to exercise or just to go to work! Good thing the biking is going well. Check out this shot of me from last Sunday’s tri. I like it ’cause it makes me look fast!
Becca says
Let m eknow when you go to the movies – I want to see Wall-ee too!
jamoosh says
Damn – you are almost a blur in that picture…
I don’t shop online enough. I actually enjoy the opening the box experience more than I do th instant gratification of shopping at a store.
Anna says
You might also want to try gothamcityonline.com.
They have great shoes at great prices and offer free shipping more often than not.