No good deed goes unpunished?

I know, I know. I say I'll be around more and then I'm MIA for three days. Good lord, I can't wait for this year to be over.

I ran to the APC (Automated Postal Center) earlier to mail a gift to Preppy in the City. I took my time taping up the box, gingerly placing the present inside, stamping my return address and pristinely printing hers. The line was several people long ('tis the season)...

The woman in front of me was fairly frazzled. She asked at least ten questions about the process and how to use the machine. I was more than happy to help; clearly I'm snail mail's biggest fan and have utilized this system more times than I can count. When the line had shortened some, she began checking her watch and clicking her heels. She was on her way to pick up her son from school and didn't want to be late. I let her go in front of me. She had another bystander assist her to expedite the enterprise, offered many thanks and scurried off. I bought my stamp and headed over to the mailbox.

It was jammed.

She jammed the mailbox.

So here I am, saddled with this large, oddly shaped box that I can hardly handle, thinking DAMN! I should have just gone first. The stamp is dated for today and if I can't get this out it's going to screw everything up.

Luckily, APCs are open until 9PM, so I can just drop this bad boy off on my way downtown.

And in case you're wondering, no, I don't actually believe that no good deed goes unpunished. In all seriousness, one of my greatest joys in life has always been and will always be doing kind things for others. I think I've seen Wicked two too many times.

Because even on my saddest, most somber days, I can never buy into that school of thought. I may not always be my overly-optimistic self, but I am endlessly hopeful in the marvel of mankind.

I probably should have gone first, though. Or, I could have remembered to bring the gift to brunch on Sunday. Whatever.

P.S. PITC, I sure hope it gets there in one piece. Open carefully.