Unpredictable. Unfocused. Just like life.

It's no wonder email and electronic bill payment are so popular when the cost to mail an actual letter is rising so quickly.

We currently live in Canada and like clockwork every January the postage rates increase. While the cost for domestic mail typically increases only by one cent (now 52 cents per letter), the cost of postage to the United States rose 9% (from $0.85 to $0.93) and the international rate rose 16% (from $1.25 to $1.55).

In fact, since we moved here from Boston four years ago the rate to the US, where most of our mail goes, has risen 55% (from $0.60 to $0.93). Though the mail doesn't seem to get there any faster.

I'd hazard a guess that the real reason people don't sit down to write a letter anymore is the huge increase in postal rates, and the general inconvenience of the postal system. With email I can compose my thoughts and have them to you in seconds. And you can reply just as quickly and conveniently.

I wonder if there will ever be a time when Miss Emily Post considers it proper etiquette to send a thank you email?