On Friday I made a purchase from Amazon.com. What was sure to be a nondescript event is quickly turning into something very interesting. When going through the "Checkout" process on Amazon's web page, I was given the option to have the item sent Standard (Free), Ground, 2 day or Next Day. The few times that I have used the free shipping method the package was inevitably shipped from the east coast and took three weeks. Not wanting to risk it, I initially opted for "Ground" shipping. Seeing that the cost was only a few dollars, I priced "2 day" shipping and found it to be only a few dollars more. I checked "Next Day" and found it was also very inexpensive. I finally decided on Next Day, hoping that the package would be sent out more quickly so that it could begin the trek from Fernley (I hoped).

I lucked out and found that my order was indeed coming from Fernley, which surely meant for speedy delivery. Alas, I was mistaken. Since I chose Next Day (and paid extra, mind you) the package had an alternate route. The package went from Fernley to Sparks to Oakland and then to Louisville, KY! It then went to Commerce City, CO before going back to Oakland, which is wjere it rests as I type this entry. Presumably, the next stop is Sparks. I have created a crude map illustrating the path that my package has taken. NOTE: The top part of the picture is a screenshot of the actual tracking page, lest you call me a liar.

I think the thing that impresses me most is that I would have the package tomorrow (Monday) if I had chosen Ground shipping; however, since I chose Next Day it will actually take two days (Friday to Tuesday). DEVELOPING...