Getting hurt at the pump
By Staff
Melissa Cason
I don't usually write about things that bother me, but I have to make an exception this week because I really got my feelings hurt this week, and I feel that our readers will be able to identify with me on this.
My hurt feelings started Friday morning when I went to fill up the tank on my Nissan Sentra. I love my little car, and even went out of my way to get it back this week after having minor repairs.
My car gets good gas mileage. I can go about 250 miles on one tank of fuel. So I usually fill up twice a week.
When I first got the car it cost less than $30 to fill up, but when I went to pay the cashier Friday, the bill was $45 just for fuel. I was upset. Not at the cashier, or even at my car. I was angry at the situation.
I remember thinking that I just spent nearly $50 and it would be gone in a few days. I remember thinking all the other things I could have done with the additional $15 I had just spent.
I could have gotten my hair done, or my toenails painted twice. I could have purchased a new shirt, shorts or even a new pair of sandals or flip-flops. I guess my point is that I could have spent that extra money somewhere else other than the gas tank. And that upset and hurt my feelings.
I wish that I could wave a magic wand and transport us instantly back to when gas was less than a dollar a gallon. Actually, if it would drop below $2, I'd have a party I am sure.
After talking to several people for the story on gas prices in this issue, I did realize that I am fortunate that my husband and I have good jobs in order to pay for the rising cost of everything. I thank God for that. I also realized that no matter how bad I think it is at my house, someone else has it tougher.
We are all hurting, and we are all in this struggle together. Complaining will not change it nor will trying to boycott the pumps.
We need fuel. We rely on fuel, and it doesn't seem like we are prepared to give up any conveniences that the fuel provides. So we pay the high price.
As a society, I feel that no matter the hardships it causes or the struggles we face, we will always pay whatever the pumps demand because of our dependence on fuel.
So when I need to get gas again, which will be Tuesday or Wednesday, I am going to try not to be surprised at the cost, and try my best to not get my feelings hurt when I write out my check.
