This will show you what kind of mood I've been in this week. This is not really like me and is almost comical. Well, the particular part is me but the standing up for my particularness is not. Usually, I just convince myself that it is no big deal and get on with it.
Yesterday, I went to the post office to send a little gift to my parents. My dad, BTW, has finished with his transplant and is doing well. The transplant went well and he is on his way to recovery. We couldn't be more happy about this. Well, I had planned to put my gift in a priority envelope and send it on it's merry way but it didn't fit. So, I bought one of those cute decorated envelopes. I chose a bright red one with a big picture of Mickey and Pluto on the side. They had these big huge smiles and my parents have always loved Disneyland and Disney World so I was excited to send them such a bright cheerful package with this fun picture on it. I was careful to write the address on the side as to not cover up the two cartoon characters with their cheerful greeting.
So, I hand it to the postal worker who carelessly slaps a priority sticker right, smack dab on Mickey and Pluto's smiles. Being the nerd that I am, I gasped! Really loud and looked at her like "What the heck did you just do?"
Here's the conversation that followed: (I'm seriously a nerd and, of course was not the only customer in the room. I didn't really care though, obviously. It wasn't that I was loud an obnoxious. I just wasn't going to rush this like I usually would so the next person could have her turn.)
Postal worker: What?
Me: I can't believe you just slapped that sticker over Mickey and Pluto's smile!
PW: Oh, uh sorry.
Me: Well, why did I buy such a cute envelope if you're just going to ruin it?
PW: (Incredulous look but continues with transaction.)
Me: (So, I reach over and take the envelope and say,) - I'm sorry but I have to fix this. - (and I proceed to try and remove the sticker.)
PW: (give me a look like, are you serious?) Your going to rip it. It won't come off.
Me: Well, I'll be careful, but I've got to try. - (Only to give up a second later afraid it will rip.)
Me: (handing her the envelope) I'm sorry to make such a big deal. You are right, it is going to rip and it's just a silly envelope. I was just excited because they had such great smiles and I'm sending a congratulations package to my Dad who just finished chemotherapy for cancer and just got through a bone marrow transplant. (how's that for a guilt trip, but I was pretty bummed and telling myself to stop being so ridiculous.)
PW: Well, maybe I can get it off for you. I'll be really careful. (proceeds to carefully remove the sticker and places the new sticker on the other side of the package where there are no graphics whatsoever!)
Me: Thank you for doing that. I'm sorry to make such a big deal about this. It's just that ....
oh, never mind, Thanks
Did I mention that I think I'm losing my mind? In some ways I'm proud of myself for sticking up for myself but in other ways, I'm thinking... seriously, well, happy travels Mickey and Pluto. I love your big beautiful smiles.
Comments (4)
Casey,
I would have done the same thing-- except my loud gasp would certainly have continued into me having them buy a new envelope etc. And tears... did I mention buckets of tears at asserting myself?
You have every right to have all of the feelings [including yesterday's post] that are descending upon you. You have been through a ton, and it's okay.
Yeah for Mickey and Pluto arriving without being gagged by postage tape!
hahaha! I would have loved to be there at the post office and see all this play out. I'm glad that it finally got resolved but even more happy that your dad is doing well.
I can't remember when you leave but have a fantastic, relaxing time at the beach! We'll chat when we all get back. xoxo
Way to stick up for that cute envelope! Why not, I say?
Ok.,, I am so glad that you said/did something. How thoughtless to put the sticker right on their face! (There is not a drop of sarcasm here) I am so glad that you explained how and why you were sending the package.
Sloppy job = unhappy!