singley.org > blog archives > Judged by the United States Postal Service 03.31.2004

The woman at the post office yesterday had to make a judgment call. I asked for a book of stamps, any kind please, so she had to chose from the array of postage options on the shelf of her kiosk. She gives me a once over, then looks at her choices. There was the Paul Robeson Black Heritage commemorative stamp, but apparently my WASPy self wasn't quite black enough for that one. Understandable. There are the standard, yet quite patriotic flags, but I think she sensed my liberal cynicism and passed those over as well. How about the colorful Love stamps? No, not those, either. Too girly for me? Or too artsy? I mean, I was wearing a ribbed turtleneck sweater, but that didn't seem to seal the deal. Then, without further hesitation, she confidently made her selection: The Snowy Egret. I'm not quite sure what do think of this one, but somehow, I think she's dissing my coiffure.

Don't feel so bad. I also have the snowy Egret. It would be nice if they just had a stamp that said "37". That way you wouldn't have to worry about people projecting their assumptions on you based solely upon your choice of obligatory sticker.

I really like the "personal touch" the USPO adds to this website.

Just as on sites like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc, wherein you choose say, "Wiggles Dance Mat", they provide you with a list of items which may also interest you, such as the "Wiggles Big Red Ride on Car" - the USPO has something similar.

So, if you "like" the Love stamp, the USPO leaps at the chance to hawk its wears, and offers that "you may also like" the "Love Travel Mug" for a cool low price of just $9.99.

Or better yet, you can actually PURCHASE CANCELLED STAMPS for more than their face value!!

So, Singley, hows about you send me a letter with one o' thems "snowy egrets" on it, be sure it gets cancelled, and I'll be rolling in the dough!!!