Birthday Grams 2013!

@Hayley - I had to stop shipping intercontinentally around June this year because the fees went up 35% and couldn't afford them anymore. Then around the beginning of September they raised the domestic and EU fees by another 10%. I know for a fact that prices went up in the US recently as well, many Vets have been complaining about it.

In my case that's been the main reason I've been signing up for less and less swaps. I remember when I first joined the site I used to sign up for every single swap! Now it's becoming more and more difficult. I thought they were increasing the fees to guarantee a better service, but looks like that's not the case - far from it!

@Arty Kitkat - if you don't receive my birthdaygram within the week let me know and I'll resend. And if you do receive it within the week, please let me know which day it has been stamped - Hayley's was stamped five days after I'd brought it to the post office! If it happens again I'm going to file a complaint.

@Hayley I'm not 100% sure I'll be hosting birthdaygrams next year, but if it does continue I agree that it would probably have to be in a reduced format that takes these problems into account, e.g. a uk & europe swap only. A US only one could run separately. This is not ideal unfortunately.

On a separate note, I've been doing a lot less swaps this year as I just haven't had time or have wanted to spend my free time doing over things. I think this may be similar for other vets and there hasn't been much influx of new vets wanting to host to take their place.

@Joss - any sign of your birthdaygram and goth swap from me? I'm getting a bit worried as it was posted a month ago. I took pics and made sure it was parcelled well with my return address on so I really hope it gets to you soon if it hasn't already arrived.

I've heard from Joss and she received mine today with her Goth Swap

That reminded me, I had forgotten to post a pic of what Lauren sent me. Apologies for the quality of the pic - I was having trouble getting enough light to take a decent pic.

I just checked the post and received Pams Birthdaygram I love the crocheted Christmas stocking with lip balm and I'm looking forward to eating the sweeties. Thank you Pam. I will take pics later.

Here's what Pam sent me

Ahhhh where's mineeee!!! This is getting frustrating.

@Arty, seeing you weren't getting anything I resent another birthdaygram on Monday this past week. I hope you get either one soon enough. This is getting *so* ridiculous! Mail used to take five working days tops to reach the UK!

I'm glad that 2nd Gram got to you! @ Arty
Also Hayley got my 2nd one also, inside our candy swap ^_^

@Mary I don't understand what's going on - I've swapped with you a couple of times in the past so I know it's not you. Someone in the postal services is clearly having a great time with all our missing swaps :/

Pamela, I got your birthdaygram! I'm guessing it's the second one.

From Pamela I got a lovely card and an even more lovely HeroBear comic! I LOVE HeroBear! Thank you so much Pam. Can't post pcitures right now, hope to do it soon.

Now, if only Arty Kitkat received one of my birthdaygrams, that would be nice.

no sign of it yet I'm afraid - hopefully it will appear soon

>_< I will have to resend Kitkat's package as it has come back to me.. Literally it showed up in my mailbox a few days ago. I don't understand why. I double checked everything (address and such) and it looks fine but it said return to sender??? I am sorry Kitkat

Thats okay - I can send you my work address if that would be easier. The only reason I didn't give it out when we were all signing up is because they were making cuts at my work in October but those have been put back till January so I still have a job. You may already have it as its were you sent my geeky swap. I don't always get packages that don't fit through the letter box as the postman won't deliver them. They just leave a card saying they tried to deliver it and its at the depot for me to collect. I usually get the card and collect the package but a few years back we had a few that got returned to sender as the postman didn't leave a card so I didn't know there was a package to collect. I haven't had any issues for years though so I'm hoping that wasn't the problem :/

Yo everyone! I've sent round the next alert. This is the last one before xmas, so after this its christmas crafting all the way!

Birthdaygram for Pam is on its way today