Merry Freaking Christmas

So I did something horrible today. I feel completely awful. So let me preface this story by first saying that I hate rude customers. At work, we always joke about how funny it is that around this time of year people get more and more rude. Holiday cheer? Nah. So anyways, I had to be to work at 6:30 this morning, and as my dear husband puts it so kindly, if I am sleepy, or don't have food in my belly... watch out. I hate waking up early. I would rather stay up until 6 in the morning than wake up at 6 in the morning. Okay anyways, let's just say I was in a grumpy mood when I got off work, but I had a few errands to run before I could go home and relax. I ran to Wal Mart and used the "instant" picture developing kiosk and had my pictures within minutes. I was excited because I wouldn't have to come back in an hour. So I go to pay for them, and this sweet lady asks me if I had paid to get these done. Now, before I go on, you must know that this same sweet lady that is helping me at this moment is the same sweet lady who 2 years ago, helped me with my car when it wouldn't start. My car was parked at Wal Mart and it wouldn't start. I asked her if she had jumper cables and she said she didn't, but that her boyfriend was in the area so she called him and he came over and helped me with my car. A complete stranger. So every time I see her at the photo center, I am reminded of her kindness. Okay back to the story. So that same lady asks me if I paid to have my pictures done. Yes, I did, my aunt Jeanne did them for me. She then asks me if I have a copyright to the pictures... No. She then tells me that she can't give me my pictures until I get written permission from her to use them. What? At first, I don't even comprehend the situation. I just stare. Wait, so you're telling me I can't have my pictures? She then tells me the whole policy and blah blah blah. I don't know what happened but I snapped! I got all snotty and started ranting and raving about how ridiculous that was and I don't have time for this, and just give me my pictures and so on. I was rude. She stayed calm and sweet the whole time while I threw a temper tantrum. Finally, another lady said, just have her sign saying she does have the copyright and give her the pictures. The lady that was originally helping me says, "Okay, I'm done. I'm going home." The other lady was really nice and helped me with the rest of my stuff. She explained that she was just doing her job. I didn't feel too bad until I was on my way to my next stop. All of a sudden it hit me. I'm a (*insert bad word here*). I called my mom and she told me the only way I would feel better was if I went to apologize. I went home and wrote her a sorry note. I wrapped up one of our "neighbor gifts" and took it over to Wal Mart. I asked for the lady but she had gone home. I started telling the other lady that was there how sorry I was and how bad I felt. I started getting choked up and looked like a complete moron. I gave her the gift and card and left on my way. I still feel horrible, but I wanted to post this because I never want to forget this. I just have to say that one bad customer can ruin my entire day. I can't imagine what I did to her day. I also want to remember that this is the Christmas season, and I need to remember what it is really about. It would not have been the end of the world to get the written consent and get my pictures on Monday. I hope this guilty feeling goes away but I also hope that I learn from this. It's Christmas, the happiest time of the year. So let's all be happy :)