I renewed mine online a couple of months ago. While it did say it could take up to 20 days to arrive, it arrived about a week and a half later. They also processed the payment right away.

I use an app called Star Walk 2, and it's saying to look more in an easterly direction, although you should end up being able to see them anywhere.

You should be able to see them anywhere in the sky, although they originate near the Gemini constellation, which is towards the East. I was out driving somewhere a little while ago and saw one, but read that the best time to see them is after 10 pm.