Anyone else experiencing gas station camaraderie; a sort of gallows humor that brings people together at the gas pump? In the past, I’ve sort of felt like commenting to others on the high price of gas; but not enough to actually break into conversation. Today, someone noticed me filling up a gas can for my lawn mower and joked, “it’ll cost you $20 to mow your lawn.” I responded, “Yeah, I’m thinking about just dumping the gas *on* the lawn as more of a long term solution.”
Just another gas station pet peeve while I’m at it — some pay-at-the-pump machines ask you if you want a receipt *before* you start pumping. I don’t really want the receipt, but I get a little suspicious if you ask me before we’ve established the price.
I’m sorta on the flip of that receipt thing – just gimme the damned receipt!
I know we’re all supposed to be good green consumers, but I think this query has more to do with the company bottom line than their concern for saving trees. . .
I think the point is that most people just throw them away, so if you really care about the receipt, you’ll say so. If not, why print one just for you to throw it away in the bin next to the pump?
I do my part to be friendly to those pumping gas. I wave as I pass by on my bike! :)
I’m fine with the option of having a receipt or not. I just think the better practice is for the machine to request a choice *after* the transaction has been completed. Some not fully rational part of my brain suspects I’ll get scammed if I request “no receipt” before I start pumping.
Yeah, we all seem to give each other knowing looks each time I pump gas.
Any more I’ve been doing the cash method so that I really understand how much I’m spending on a weekly basis. Makes me think a bit more about my driving habits.
I dunno. I like to toss the occasional, “still enjoy driving that Hummer?” (or Escalade, Suburban, or other gas-hog) in the direction of those making the $100 fill-up.
I don’t have huge sympathy for people who made decisions that were rooted in a falacious expectation that prices wouldn’t or couldn’t go up. We live like drunken fools in good times, making lavish purchases. Maybe the lesson on gasoline is like JFK’s quote- “The time to fix the roof is before the storm”. i.e.: More Americans should have been looking to drive hybrids and other hi-milers when gas wast at $1.79/gallon.
Here in little Tell City, I was one of two Priuses arriving simultaneously at a 4-way stop yesterday. I took it as a sign that we’re on the right track. I think there are about eight of them in town now.
i was waiting in line at the corner “speedy” gas-
and the lady in front of me handed the clerk a $20- pre pay on pump 7.
I asked the clerk, and the lady- arent you going to put it in a “to-go” cup?
both had a high gas price giggle.
even though its not funny(reallY- gas prices)
the one liner sure was. that lady laughed all the way home.
heres what i’m going to be driving, along with my “vespa scooter” (and still drive my chevy van for work truck/winter tank)
http://x-wire.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-new-2009-fiat-50-mpg-bye-bye-gm.html
Funny david, but just remember this is all just a figment of our imaginations. Just ask Mr. Gramm.