Several years ago we decided to do all our Christmas shopping online. I did one-stop shopping at Amazon.com. Shipping was supposed to have everything there by Dec. 23.
On Dec. 30 the recipients were still waiting.
This Monday evening I went online again at Amazon for the first time since then. Took advantage of their Amazon Prime free two-day shipping to get my textbooks for the Master’s course I start next week.
Trying to find the best deals on textbooks — new, used, rentals. All promised for delivery on Thursday.
Wednesday night I get notice how one of my books is shipping separate to get to me early. Early?
When it is due in the next day anyway.
Thursday morning I get an apology e-mail about my stuff being late, and a notice that the books are being shipped that day. The day they should be arriving at my house.
That night I receive the one book — the one book that is a technical manual, that reading in advance will do me the least benefit.
I talked to other people Thursday who said it has always worked well
and delivered 
perfectly for them,
but not for me…
They’re writing songs of love, but not for me,
A lucky star’s above, but not for me,
With love to lead the way,
I found more clouds of grey,
Than any Russian play could guarantee.
At The Rainbow 