Dear FedEx,

I hate you.  Once again you have managed to screw over my schedule.  When someone pays for overnight shipping, which is a service you provide and charge for, they mean they want the package there the next day.  Not two days or three days, the NEXT day.  If you can't get a package from California to Florida in a night, then don't charge people for that service.  I get that things are tricky with weather and holidays and all, but California and Florida are pretty sunny right now and I don't think that you have to go through problematic snow in order to get to Port St Lucie.  And there is no holiday.

You failed.  Again.  And it's only a $10,000 sample.  Again.  

I'm sure you will get the package here, I have no doubt about that.  I'm not sure it will be worth anything once I start processing it in the lab.  And the person who gave up their time and went through a not-so-pleasant procedure in the name of science also appreciates that you sat on their sample for two days, thus rendering it with the possibility of being useless for our project. 

Oh, and because of your inability to get the package here when you agreed to, I have to cancel being a judge in the school science fair.  Something that I was looking forward to for months.  Something that was incredibly important to me.  This country already has no appreciation for science and technology.  I think it's important to nurture the next generation if they show an interest in those things.  So thanks for that too.  Ripple effects are a bitch, huh?

You suck.

That's all. 

Mandi



(In case it wasn't clear, I am very upset over how my day is going.  The sample, while important, is not what has me almost in tears.  It is missing out on the science fair that has broken my heart.  I hate not being able to follow through with a promise.  FedEx has turned me into a liar and I have put the school district in a bind.  Plus, I will not be able to show the kids how cool science can be.  Encouraging the next generation of American scientists has been a goal of mine for years, and now I have missed a direct opportunity to do that.  I will not be using FedEx for any of my shipping needs in the future and will encourage others to do the same.)