When one has lived in a metropolitan sprawl for many years, one gets used to certain conveniences. A Starbucks close to one’s house. 24-hour grocery stores (or at least a Wal-Mart with a grocery section). And a choice of restaurants for any civilized hour. In the last year, like many in the world, I've come to rely on fast deliveries of both essentials and random Amazon purchases that I've only bought because of late-night shopping.
What a difference moving to a small town makes. At 5pm, Main Street is deserted! We don't have a Starbucks - the closest one being in a city to the South, about half an hour away. Our small, local grocery store - no pharmacy section but a great selection of local products - is open late until 9pm. But even the local restaurants close early. Sushi by 7pm, anyone?
The one thing that still surprises me is home delivery. I used to be able things for the same or the next day. Now, the service that is ambitiously called next day delivery is at least three days. I missed an unexpected package from Purolator the other day. Ironically, they can text me to tell me that they missed me but can't text me to say they are coming. One delivery, and they don't try again. The package is stored in the next city down the road. An hour plus round trip away. Oh, and the depot is only from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. If you don't pick it up in 5 days, they send it back. At least I can pick up a Starbucks when I take the time out of my day to get the package.
Surprisingly, Canada Post - generally the last choice for fast shipping, is amazingly fast here. Despite being relegated to a communal postal box on the next street over, rather than at-home delivery, the local posties do a fantastic job. Early shipments, excellent service, and they are even amazing when dealing with packages.
Everything changes when you move. Perhaps it may be a slower living. A little less Prime delivery isn't a bad thing, is it? I just have to get into the habit of giving just a little more lead-time for packages. Is a slower pace of life such a bad thing? Probably not, but I've been spoiled with city living.