Listening to the Voices in My Head

I got an email from Amazon. Because of Australian gov't wanting to get in on Amazon money, have changed the GST laws, and now Amazon had to change how it handles overseas customers.

I will be forced to shop on the Amazon AU site, even though the prices will more than likely (even factoring in the exchange rates) close to double the price of what the Amazon US site charges. (I have so many examples of this being true. A book, local to me $100. Ordered from Amazon, even with shipping and exchange rate, $45 for one). I can understand Australia wanting their 10% but not at the expense of close to doubling the price of the items listed.

Then there is the 'promise' of having access to ALL of Amazon US products on the Amazon AU site. Odd, because when I search for things on the Amazon AU site, I typically strike out. But find it quite easily on the Amazon US site.

The only way I see around this is to shop using a VPN. Transfer money to trusted people in the US and have them get me US gift cards. I already moved my credit card to Australia so I wouldn't be late paying a bill, and I can't reverse it unless I go BACK to the US and into the bank to do so.

On an aside, if the Australian Tax Offices and Aussie Gov't need revenues, how about stopping politicians from taking luxury vacays on the tax payers? Stop giving huge corporations huge tax breaks, instead of scraping a petty S1.50 from a book sale.

I ordered a Breville Coffee and Spice Grinder Model CG2B. I ordered in November last year. Now I don't mind it arriving so late because of holidays.

What I do mind is that I was sent the Breville Coffee and Spice Grinder Model BCG200. I specifically asked for and ordered the CG2B because I have two lids for it; one for coffee and one for spice. Those lids do not fit on the model the merchant sent.

Bait and Switch? Guaranteed to piss me off big time.

I know it's coming. I checked the tracking and it's 'at the Perth Courier', and has been since 8am this morning. But I have things that need to be done, so Alan manned the waiting room (living room) while I got some errands done.

Hopped on my bike, first stop, Kardinya shops. Got new battery for my pendant watch, and repaired the broken chain. Then went into store and picked up a few needed items. Went to the pharmacy to see if I could wrangle up another wrist splint that didn't have the velcro digging into my arm. No joy. So got back on the bike, and headed to the South Street Pharmacy. The only one that was empty in the display was the one I was looking for. I discussed it with the pharmacist and she said that there's a good chance the reason I can't find the one I've been looking for for the past 2 weeks is that it was discontinued. So, I got it's replacement. Supposedly it's 'breathable'. What I want it for is when one splint is all sweaty from bike trip or other reason, I can take it off, put on another and wash it.

Came home to a slightly worried Alan. Because I decided to head to South Street Pharmacy, I was out longer than he expected. You have to remember, he has anxiety issues concerning bike riding. So, I've promised him that the next time I head to one place, and decide to go somewhere else, I will send him text message so there will be no panic involved. :)

Needed some shorts/capris pants, some shirts that didn't look like they could be used to wipe engine oil off a crescent wrench, some waterproof shoes, and a new floppy hat.

Tried going to a store that caters to bigger than swizzle stick, but all they had was winter stuff in stock. So, off to K-mart. I wasn't too enthused about having to get shorts at K-Mart because last time, i couldn't even get my backside into the largest size they had available. So, in I went, and luckily they did have denim capris pants. So, I grabbed the largest size, and the next three sizes down. Off to the embarrassment of the fitting room (yeah, right).

Tried on the largest pair... so baggy I didn't have to unbutton them to remove them. Tried the next size down... still a bit too big. Down another size.. almost but too loose around the waist. Next size down fit but the rise in the back was just a bit too low. I'm a firm believer in "Just say no to crack!". So back up to the previous size. I got the pullover shirts loose floppy, as I will be wearing singlets under them.

Off for shoes! got a nice pair of dress shoes for the formal stuff at Hamilton Island. Got some waterproof sneakers/sandals. Also discovered my left foot is almost a full size larger than my right foot! heh.

Last but not least, a new floppy hat, as my old one has a piece of duct tape closing a split on the top. Got one dressy enough to use for other than traipsing around the beach.

Wing showed me his selections of clothing. He bought himself some board shorts! With a rather festive pattern on them! Well, tweak my nose and call me Pinocchio! Surprised the heck outta me!

So, we are all set for glad rags. Wing still needs to find some waterproof shoes in his size. Better hurry up...we only have 10 sleeps until Hamilton Island!