Yesterday morning started as it usually does.
I went to yoga at the ungodly hour of 5:30 (yes, am). On the way back I noticed that my gas light was on.
Yes, the very same gas tank that I resolutionized to keep full.
I decided to go get gas BEFORE going home so that I wouldn’t risk running out of gas with all 3 children in the minivan. (yes, I am kidding. I totally know the EXACT amount of road I can cover after the gas light comes on but I maturing. I am a mother. I have responsibilities.)
I stopped for gas. Filled up. It was 6:55 am and I had a full tank of gas…YEAH.
I got in the car. Turned on the ignition.
click.
Crap.
click.
Crap.
click.
Are you kidding me?
Crap.
I knew blog-Stedman was already miles away on his way to work. I also knew if I called him I would receive the much deserved and often recited “This is why you should keep your gas tank full” lecture in all its glory. With footnotes.
click.
Crap.
click.
Crap.
I stepped out of the car in all my post-yoga glory to check the outside of the car. I don’t know why. What was I expecting?
A big yellow button on the side of my minivan. A flashing sign in the shape of an arrow pointing to the big yellow button. The flashing sign would say, “just press this button to get your car working”.
No button.
Crap.
“Sounds like your battery.”
Crap. (audible)
“I have some jumper cables in the back here, do you want me to try?”
I looked across the pump to an angel of mercy dressed in khaki shorts and a sweatshirt. He almost glowed.
Thanks. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.
Thanks again.
Thanks. I really mean it.
A few minutes later I was on my way home.
An hour later I was waiting for a new battery to be installed.
A few hours later I checked my gas gauge.
Whew, still full.
I now have a new resolution…
No more playing chicken with karma.
Hey, how come we didn't get the memo about 10/1/08 being National Car Crap Day?
I didn't run out of gas, but when I went to restart my jeep after grabbing a few groceries, the key wouldn't budge. I knew I had juice b/c the seatbell alarm was ringing. I had gas (other than from the Chinese food) because I know I can get exactly 275 miles per tank, even with the wonky/broken gas-ometer thingy. Couldn't get it to turn over, so then was afraid I was going to bend the key if I kept forcing it. Maybe the wheels were locked?? Yes, I was a perty perty sight strapped in my hot vehicle herky jerkying & jiving my big fat jiggly body *hey, that might be a song* backward and forward as I turned the key. Voila! Somehow, it worked.
Dare ya to find that solution in an owner's manual trouble shooting guide. Didn't even tell the old DH (Deer Hunter) because I knew he'd laugh.
Marking on 2009 calendar: Do NOT drive on 10/1! Advise same for you.
Yeah but how was your downward dog?
Love when life re-enforces the need for yoga.
I once ran out of gas as I pulled up to a gas pump. Unfortunately, there was someone at the pump in front of me, and once they pulled away there would be no way the pump would reach my tank. I had to ask the guy in front of me if he would push my car up to the gas tank once he moved his car out of the way. True story.
How does the Chicken feel about you not playing with him? Don’t punish sweet Rhett just because you couldn’t find the reboot button.
I’m so calling CPS.
Em
All I could think of during this was the click, crap, click , crap it reminded me of an Under Armour commercial where the cleats are going click, clack, click, clack. Ok sorry I know that was random. 🙂
I’ve always dreamed of a glowing angel with khaki shorts and a sweatshirt…you’re one lucky girl, texasholly!
I have spent many, many days looking for that big yellow button. Why do I keep looking? I. don’t. know.
That exact same thing(minus the yoga stuff) happened to me when I went into labor with my youngest. I was out of gas, then the battery was dead. You said much nicer stuff.
I am so glad you didn’t run out of gas right before your battery died. Imagine?!
And are you crazy, going to yoga at 5:30AM. When I say I can’t find the time, I mean that I sleep until I am forced out of bed…It is entirely possible that I would just collapse during the first down dog at that hour. Good for you – I envy your determination, dedication, and all the rest!
At least your angel of mercy was dressed in khaki’s and not some greaser. Otherwise, it might have been: Crap. Crap.