Friday, April 30, 2010

We interrupt our Birthday Celebrations for this Sad News.

Today I was at the post office.

I was in there 45 minutes...longer than anticipated, but hey, it happens, right?

The first 30 minutes my kids were super.

The last 15, are 15 minutes I'd like to never ever relive.

Olivia was crying. She was tired & there wasn't a darn thing I could do about it, but try to hurry & finish my packaging & be on my way.

I had determined before entering the post office that I was going to be a 'happy mom.' I get so tried of the old tired cliches of mean moms, tired moms, moms who look beat up & like they hate life. I am not that mom and I determined I was not going to fall into that trap...because lets be honest, it's easy to do that.

I had a few customers share kind words with my children. One big, tall & young black guy took pity on me in a kind way, saying, 'I feel for ya...really I do.' I laughed & told him 'yeah its a bummer this is taking longer than I expected, but no big deal...there are worse things in life than having to refold 450 things so they fit in the box while at the post office with 2 kids.' He laughed & I laughed & then thought he must be a pretty cool guy.

But then. Then it turn a big fat turn for the worse.

There is a postal worker at this particular post office that must not like children. In fact, every time I am there with my children {which is every time} he has a snide remark, an eye roll or a big sigh. Well today, he had more, much more for me.

While he was helping a customer he announced in front of the entire line of 15 or so people that I need to control the noise. The noise?

That would be my crying 1-year-old.

I about died. Then re-grouped & promptly stood up for myself & asked him precisely what he'd like me to do.

He said to put something in her mouth so she'd be quiet.

Like a muzzle? I replied.

He said he didn't care what I did, but that if I couldn't control the noise then I needed to go outside.

Instead of bawling, like I really wanted to. I shrugged my shoulders & said, 'well actually, no I don't. Last time I checked you can't kick me out of the post office for having a crying baby.' I continued to tell him that I was sorry she was crying & that I hadn't intended to be there that long, but sometimes that happens...you know babies, they cry.

So, in case you didn't know it's against the rules to have a crying baby in public. And they can kick you out of the post office now if your kids don't act like adults?

I finished my packaging & lucky me...he got to help me!! yeah!

As we walked to the counter miss livs settled a bit & he made some asinine comment that I can't even remember through my rage.

After I finished paying for my goods I asked him to never address my children again. Because frankly, I hate his guts right now.

Then I topped it off with a 'I'll be sure she cries the entire time next time I'm here'

His reply about sent me to the roof...'i wouldn't be surprised.'

as if my kids are the most rowdy on the earth.

mind you zack, sat quietly on the floor the entire time. AND these conversations took place in front of a line of 15 people. I was super bummed that no one else stood up for me. One guy did give me the 'you go girl look' which was appreciated, but seriously? No one?

My greatest accomplishment was walking away without a 4-letter tirade through the post office...I'm trying to nix that bad habit.

Instead, I've called to file a complaint at that post office, with their consumer affairs department & on ABC investigates.

sucker.

And i've decided I have a heck of a lot more things to mail. Anyone want to come mail stuff with all your kids? {preferably after they've had about 10 juice boxes}

and i'm kind of serious....okay...actually I am really serious...want to come?

12 comments:

Tiffany said...

You are brave. I do NOT even attempt to tackle the post office with A CHILD, let alone TWO. I give you props for that one in itself. And sorry about the bad experience, you know if a neighbor was in their, we forsurely would have been on your side.
Thanks for the invite to the blog. I will have to get caught up on your life now.

heather ann said...

GOOD FOR YOU AMY!! Telling you to shove something in her mouth? Are you kidding me? What a jerk! My kids are a real treat at the post office...Ill go with ya anytime. Maybe the boys could wrestle for him. Did you let him know that he lives in suburbia USA where everyone has kids and he's a government worker who should be used to people being there for ridiculous amounts of time? I think maybe we should go everyday next week...just for kicks. We could get the kids some happy meals and make it a lunch outing. OR we could egg his car? (just kidding ABC NEWS). He deserved the 4 letter words....even if you're trying to kick the habit:)

Brooke and Brett Martin said...

Amy- SO GLAD YOU SHARED THIS. I'm speechless. I, just like you, take my kids EVERYWHERE with me and I always have. Here they are little older now, and pretty well trained now in public places because of the expectations they are used to. Do they still have their moments, like they just all did at Costco? YOU BETCHA!!!! I will have you know that my response to every negative look I have ever received NEVER has come along with a positive response from me. I always will stick up for myself so I'M SO GLAD YOU DID!!! And HURRAY to all those moms out there who are tackling the most difficult job on the planet (being a mom) and still enjoy almost every minute of it! EVERYONE ELSE CAN MIND THEIR BIZ!!
Glad you reported that incident!

Stephens Family said...

Dude, I am there! I bet Dylan and Zack could really cause some "noise." What a total jerk. Good for you for saying something...I am usally the one that just sits there in shock and then thinks of all the great things I should have said later that day. Really, I will go with you! Just tell me when!

Chante said...

Next time you go to the post office I will go with you and this guy will hate my guts!!! The last time I went to the post office I just used the automatic machine that will print out a label for you, and my kids were even crazy doing that. People were completely bugged by me...I don't think I have been back since....sooo if you want to create some major ruckus......I am all there for you!!!

OUR WILD ZOO! said...

I'll bring all four.
right before dinner.
he'll wish he never messed with you.

Ashlee said...

Rude! *(Him, not you!)

April-Benjamin said...

Which post office is it? I'm glad you stuck up for yourself. ONe time the casier in the grocery store gave me a really disgusted look and said, "better you than me." Once I was breast feeding Jacob on the boardwalk- turned away from all people and completely covered with a blanket and this young couple was laughing at me and said something along the lines of "gross." I know how irate those moments can make mamas.

Kara said...

I got your email last night while we were at the bucks game. I just about died. Who does he think he is? I can't believe the nerve of some people. What I'm most proud about is the lack of four letter words coming out of your mouth! Especially with that amount of rage. Oh and you better believe you'll be getting a guest post on my blog!!

Chet and Kristin said...

Thanks for reporting... I will rally with you and come with 6! :)

Linda said...

Oh my Amy...for some reason i fill somewhat responsible for this postal experience. the 450 items gave it away!! sounds like you have an army of kids coming to your rescue~he has no idea what he is in for~we have not recieved this package yet but i am anxiously awaiting its arrival. thank you thank you.

bryn said...

I am there. You tell me when and where and me and my three will be there, sans naps, extra juice boxes with a side of extra grumpy.