Mom on Gas - Que Horror!

I have a confession to make. It's nothing scandalous but I really think everyone should know my little secret. Even my husband insisted that I reveal it and REALLY SHOULD BLOG ABOUT THIS...

You see, I have been driving for just about a year now and all these times, I never pump my gas! My husband does- everytime! Rain or Shine! You think I'm lucky to have him on every beck and call ? Yeah right. Nope. The thing is ah-er ...I don't know how to pump gas - so someone's got to do it and that's him. Yup, Guilty to the 3rd degree! I've been spoiled rotten by my husband that it never occurred to me that one day I'll have to pump my own gas. WHICH is what happened this morning... My husband is out of town. I'm awfully low on gas. I forgot to tell him before he left. I need to go to work. And I have my 4 year old daughter with me to deal with.

OMG! can you just imagine my anxiety? "What am I going to do?! Should I go or not go to work? I certainly don't want to miss work!" I was deliberately arguing with myself. No choice. Me pump gas! waaahh!!! "But how in the world am I going to do that?" I don't have a clue! But I gotta do what I need to do! So, with adrenaline rushing and anxiety biting me in my a**, I drove to the gas station about a mile away from where I live, notwithstanding if I'm half an hour late at work. I just have to do this or miss work altogether. So there I was...

Finally, I arrived at the Gas Station. Whew! next step. I was shaking I couldn't even park right. I was so anxious, I parked next to a diesel pump. My goodness! I backed beside the pump next to it. Thank Heavens - regular gas. I'm on the right track. The guy parked right infront of me, you can tell was eyeing me suspiciously puzzled. I guess he can see through me. Who cares? I just want to get my gas and get going. It was a punishment! I'm so obvious, even my daughter asked what I was doing? I just said " bear with me honey, Mama doesn't know what she's doing" .

So I got out and took the pump in one hand. Tried to open my gas tank cap! Holy Guacamole! I don't even know how to open the darn cap! My own car! aarrgghhh! I thought that if I couldn't open it within two minutes, I'll be screaming there like a banshee! Ok got it. I'm in business. Now the pump. Stuck it in. Ok what do I do next? I looked at the pump booth, it's doing nothin' except that the 3 buttons for 3 gas selections were blinking. Ok I guess I have to choose. Picked regular. Now what? click click - NO gas! Screen says: wait a moment. ladiladilalalala...1 minute ...nothing! Waaaahhhh!!!! it wasn't working. What did I do wrong? I don't want security coming and thinking I was stealing gas. Don't want that! Took the pump out and placed it back in its cradle. "Please God, give me wisdom". OK, I'm shaking now. Inhale exhale. "I can do this", I muttered to myself.

Looked at the screen again. There, it says, pay with card. "why does it want me to pay for something I didn't get?" Ok I feel such a moron now. Pressed that anyway. Good. Insert Card. Done! Do I want receipt? Of course I want it. Yes. Pressed that. Here goes nothing. Screen say "Pump is ready!" I stuck the pump in. Click. My oh my...Imagine me falling on the floor that very moment! You can never know how ecstatic I was when I heard that gas finally running and filling my tank...

So this was the day I pumped gas for the 1st time...I survived it with a little angst and woes but I did it...I just wish there was a "how to pump gas for dummies" instructions in that Gas station. I could have used one right there today!

Ok I can hear you laughing now...just don't let out any gas, will ya :)

Maricris lived in Asia and never drove a car (because she didn't need to)- until she moved to the States. Or ever pumped a gas in her life - until today.

Any Thoughts?
xox Maricris xox
Story by Maricris
Labels:

104 ZENSIBLE OPINIONS:

  1. I admit it...I am cracking up! But, at the same time, I am really proud of you for figuring it out. Amazing the things some of us take for granted. :-) Good for you!

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog. You are my first visitor who isn't related to me and/or hasn't known me half my life. LOL!
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  2. Wow, Maricris, sounds like quite an adventure. Congrats on this achievement in your life! This is a very funny story, thanks for sharing. Even though you and I don't know one another, I can picture you at the gas pump for the first time!!!
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  3. been there...I have a same experience. I had to get help when I had to pump my gas for the first time when I came to United States.
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  4. Living in a foreign country there are always things to get used to. I can't think of any off-hand that are amusing but one thing that was different when I lived in South Africa was people's perception of time. If I had plans with someone and they were picking me up they would say "I will be there now" In my mind that meant in 15-20 minutes. But no arrival, I called back and got "I will be there now,now" which I realized meant immediately. So whenever I had plans I would ask "are we going now?" or "Now, now?"
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  5. This is one thing I should learn before I get my driving license. I don't know if the driving school would teach me about this, I didn't think of gas-pumping until now. Hubby always pumps the gas but I never realize that someday I will be doing this.

    Btw, I've visited your Etsy site and I must browse more. You've got plenty of stuffs there.
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  6. When I was about to turn the computer off for the day...I read this. How to end the day. I am so proud of you for figuring it out on your own. Way to go. I do have to say I was laughing out loud. You probably needed the squirt gun today {wink{}
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  7. Now if you lived in New Jersey you would have been all set because all of their gas stations are full service! You aren't even allowed to pump your own gas!

    Good for you on getting it done! :-D
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  8. Hi,

    thanks drop at my blog. About your question. Yes...MBC dropper is to drop EC card :D
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  9. Good Morning to my fellow blogger in Charlotte from beautiful Charleston. Thanks so much for stopping by Life of a Southern Belle. I hope you'll visit often and I surely will stop by Zen Ventures.

    Listen, in a perfect southern belle world, we'd NEVER have to pump gas...husbands would always be right there to take care of it because it's a smelly messy (and this time of year HOT) task. I've said some really nasty things to gas pumps over the years. By the way, love your jewelry also. See you soon in blogland!
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  10. I loved your post! Too fuunny, but like some of your other readers have said, that's awesome you learned how to do it! I wish I was a bit more like that in some regards, able to face my fears head on. Maybe if I stare at my computer long enough, I can force myself to write? That should work, right?
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  11. Hey I would be in the same situation if I drive here in Denmark since we don't have any full service gas station luckily for me I use my bicycle.
    In the Philippines we are so pampered just pay and they do everything even clean your wind shield and pump airin your wheels syiempre just give 10 pesos tip my thank you ma'am ka pa ah.
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  12. Thanks for coming by my blog! But of course I had to run right over and take a look at your "pumping gas" post. I. love. it. I can also remember my first time, centuries ago. (Unfortunately I did NOT live in Asia and was forced to assimilate to this being chained to your car and "women should pump gas on their own" thing long, long ago. sigh.) Regardless, I am much happier standing back, biting my fingernails, and allowing my man to handle all things car for me. But don't tell him I said that. :-)
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  13. LOL I love the pictures you added to this entry! It was visually and verbally entertaining. :)
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  14. Okay...I am laughing so hard! You are too cute! Coming from SITS!
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  15. Too funny - visiting from SITS
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  16. I can really see this happening! Once when I was in middle school, my mom had me mind the gas pump while she paid, but when it got to the amount she wanted to purchase I didn't understand how to shut it off and just pulled the nozzle out. Gas went everywhere!!!
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  17. Back in the good old days, people used to actually pump gas for you - at no extra charge! I loved it. Then they stopped. I hated it. I was clueless and went through pretty much the same thing you did when I was forced to do it myself. I was surprised at how easy it was. But I will NEVER change my own oil!

    Happy SITS Day - love your blog.
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  18. Ok, so I have never pumped gas in my life and I have been driving for 22 years. In South Africa we have gas pump attendants that do the pumping for you. Happy SITS day
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  19. Funny post! Secret...I don't pump gas either;0)
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  20. Dropping by from SITS. I have been driving since age 19 (Im now 35) and I dont know how to change a spare tyre, lol, I dont mind filling up my own gas tank but if my hubby is handy then Id prefer him to do it.
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  21. So are you pumping with no problems these days?
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  22. LOL...
    i hate pumping gas..but i can do it.
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  23. What a great accomplishment! Who knew getting gas could be such a trip!
    Have a great day
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  24. Ha ha ha! GREAT post! Had me LOL! I remember when I first had to pump gas (okay...it was years ago). I was freaked out that I couldn't open the gas tank and I actually had to find someone to help me.

    Happy SITS day!
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  25. That is hilarious! Happy SITS day!
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  26. I love the way you related that experience. I was almost on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. You go girl! Does that mean that you will be pumping your gas more often or continue letting hubby do it.(I say continue being spoiled, being spoiled by our hubbies is a good thing) Either way - kudos!
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  27. Happy SITS day! Loved this post!
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  28. Stopping by from sits...
    I never even gave it a second thought since I've been pumping gas since I was 16! But it would be super weird if you've never done it before.
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  29. I still sometimes have trouble pumping my own gas. Congratulations on getting over this fear!
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  30. I know how, but I hate to pump gas. My husband usually does it for me too.
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  31. Too funny. I have always had a fun time at the gas station. Some pumps are different and I have my moments there also. Happy SITS Day.
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  32. Pretty hilarious but now you know!
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  33. Great story! It's amazing what we take for granted knowing how to do. I used to hate pumping gas. Maybe we need the return of the full service station!
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  34. I don't know why pumping gas is so intimidating for us women! Happy SITS Day!
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  35. I'm laughing over here.. but you poor girl! That had to have been so hard! But hey, at least you know how to do it now!
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  36. Lol! I was the same way the first time I got gas. Always made my brothers or mom or even dad fill up for me untill I moved away to college.
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  37. that is soooo funny! Happy SITS day!
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  38. It is confusing to someone who's never done it before and unfortunately it is the kind of thing where everyone just expects you to know how to do it! I pump my gas but do it WAY too often!
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  39. I think i would've been nervous too! Congrats on the first time...hehe.
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  40. Good job! That's all I have to say. You did it!

    And what a sweet hubby!
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  41. LOL! I remember that feeling well ... the first time I pumped my own gas was when I was getting divorced from my first husband. He had always pumped it for me. But now I had to do it and I tell you ... it's not like pumping my own gas is the be-all-and-end-all of my existence, but for that one moment on that one day, it was the most liberating experience.
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  42. Good morning! Coming over from SITS to visit your blog. My DIL doesn't pump gas either, or at least she prefers not to, so my son does it for her. I've been pumping gas for a long time but I still get nervous when I drive a rental because I always forget to look on which side the gas tank is on and you guessed it... I always pull in on the WRONG side!
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  43. Very funny! Although hard to believe your hubby never showed you during the year that he filled your tank for you! LOL
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  44. Happy SITS Day! See you could do it, Cookie!
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  45. I'm glad it worked out OK!! Came over to say Hi from SITS.
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  46. That IS a pretty funny story, but I know the feeling... I married a man who promised I would never have to scrub a toilet - EVER. And I never have since our marriage 13.5 years ago. I THINK I remember how, but I don't know where the cleaning stuff is...
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  47. Good job! You did it! Hey, we all had to learn how to pump gas at one time. You just didn't have any help, which means you must be a "self-starter". Others might have crumbled under such stress. ;)
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  48. Ah yes, we all have that first time of pumping gas. It is indeed scary. You should be proud of yourself.
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  49. rofl this made me giggle.

    my daddy taught me to pump gas when i was a kid. but now as an adult, i like to let my hubby do it for me so he feels useful :)
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  50. LOL! If I thought I could get away with it I would tell my hubs that cause I HATE pumping gas.

    Happy SITS day!
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  51. LOL too cute! One of the first times I went to get gas on my own I hit one of the big concrete pole things lol.
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  52. Ok, I am giggling, but only because I rememeber the first time I did it too!

    Happy SITS Day!
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  53. Brava, you did it! Thad had to have felt good.

    I remember when I first had to figure it out for myself. I used to go to a full-serve (where they did it for you, believe it or not!) station but then they went completely to self-serve and I was in a very similar situation as yours. I was 18 at the time. LOL

    Congratulations on your SITS feature!
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  54. It's totally understandable you didn't know how to do it because you just never needed to. But that's hysterical!

    Congrats on being featured!!!!
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  55. Stopping in from SITS....Okay that was a bit funny to me but I am so proud of you. You overcame the fear and did what had to be done! Just what us woman are born to do RIGHT?!?
    LOve your blog!
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  56. Thanks for cracking me up! Believe it or not, it was years before I pumped my own gas, and I remember the first time. I felt just like you did-terrified someone would come out and yell at me for doing it wrong!
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  57. Congrats on being able to drive. I haven't had the privilege yet, but certainly working on it!

    Funny! For me, it was actually the first thing my aunt taught me about operating a car back in 1987. I know, I know, long story...

    Anyway, I'm glad you are all set with the gas pumping business. Now try putting air in the tires... :-D

    Love this blog,
    Carolyn
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  58. Hey, don't feel bad. I definitely have gotten gas on my hands a few times, so I would definitely let someone else pump it if I could!
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  59. I think you did well. You're right - there's no instructions. It's up to people to figure it out.
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  60. That was too funny. I hate pumping my own gas.

    Hugs and Mocha,
    Stesha
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  61. Congrats! I promise it will be easier the next time (that or you can move to NJ where all the service stations are full service.)
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  62. Okay, I just have to say that I totally relate. I've pumped gas once in my 18 years of living, and that was WAY more than enough for me. I hate it! Plus, the smell of gas makes me want to throw up...Not pleasant.

    Happy SITS day! =)
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  63. Congrats on your feature day!! My MIL is from New York and she has never pumped her own gas, which was quite a dilemma the day after I got home from having a c-section. Hubby didn't leave gas in the car and I had to go to the DR.... pumping gas with a nice c-section incision was not too fun...
    Have a great SITS day!
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  64. Hilarious and I feel as if I can relate....there's always something out there that you OUGHT to know how to do but you don't :) lol. And I hate pumping gas so I try to have my husband do it for me as often as possible even if I know how.
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  65. Good for you! I'm not laughing-my Nana didn't even get her driver's license until she was 60! We've got time, baby! ;)
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  66. Stopping by fro SITS! Love your blog's layout!
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  67. CONGRATS on your SITS day!! :)
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  68. Over from SITS...congratulations on your first gas pumping success. It'll just get easier each time you have to do it, but I'd still let hubby do it if you can. It's a nice little perk! Enjoy your SITS day.
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  69. Happy SITS day to ya! Way to go figuring out the gas pump. You could solve the problem and move to OR because they do it there for you! Love that! Don't feel too bad about not knowing how to do it though! I knew how to pump gas, but then moved to Germany for a while and didn't have to drive over there (during that time they changed the pumps to the automated stuff w/credit cards, etc.) When I got back I was totally clueless. I've obviously since figured it out - but I feel for ya!
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  70. Happy SITS Day!!! OMG, I just posted about this very thing over on my blog! How funny!
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  71. Oh that is just too funny! I'm kind of surprised you figured it out without any help though! I bet I'd be confused by all the steps involved in pumping gas...I would have stayed home!!! :) Yay for you!
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  72. So funny. So interesting. So SITS material!
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  73. Happy SITS day!

    i remember my first time. It was very frustrating. I actually heard a voice tell me how to use it. It was coming from the speaker. Man, I was so embarrasssed.

    Glad you survived your first time:)
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  75. Oh what a fabulous post! I am very proud of you, there's nothing like learning from trial and error! Happy SITS day, I'm glad I was introduced to your cute blog!
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  77. LOL. You are awesome for admitting that you had never pumped gas, and this was perfect for your blog! Way to go!! :)
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  78. Funny, thanks for the laugh.
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  79. Hello from SITS! That is absolutely hilarious! And how sweet that your husband was always willing to pump it for you. What a guy! I must admit that sometimes when I try a new station I stare at the pump in a little bit of confusion.
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  80. Adorable! My 17 year old has been driving for almost 6 months & she just pumped her own gas last week. I'm sure she would get a kick out of your ordeal. Happy SITS Day!
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  81. Aw, so funny! Glad you made it!
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  82. That is too funny! I hate to laugh at your expense, but...

    Here in Jersey it is against the law to pumpo your own gas, so maybe you should move here and then you wouldn't have to worry about it!
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  83. I felt pretty much the same way when I first pumped gas. Of course, I was still in high school. But really, I thought I was going to throw up! But this really kind gentleman showed me how. I was totally mortified...and thankful! Now I'm a pro!

    - a SITSta
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  84. LOL! But yay for you!

    Stopping by from SITS... hope you've enjoyed your day in the spotlight
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  85. Happy SITS day!

    Don't feel bad.. I'm 29, born in the USA, and I've had my license for almost 2 years now and last month was the first time I ever pumped gas.

    I did the same thing you did. I'd always have my husband do it, or someone else who was in the car with me lol.
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  86. Oh my gosh, LOL!!! I came by from SITS and this certainly made me laugh ;)
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  88. Great job! Definitely blog worthy. It made for a great story. I am also surprised you figured it out. And knew which side your gas cap was on. I always forget.
    Happy SITs Day!
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  89. I admit it. I CAN pump gas, but I avoid it at all costs. I'm not anxious over it, I'm not the least bit concerned about it, I just HATE it.
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  90. Hey! Happy SITS day to you! What a cute story. :)
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  91. Happy SITS day, at least you got through the dreaded first time. Hubby should have prepped you on what to expect, just to ease your nerves a bit. You did good though. ;)
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  92. At least you had a good excuse. I worked with a lady who had driven for 30 years or so and never pumped gas either! Good for you!!
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  93. Time to move to Oregon where you are not allowed to pump gas for yourself. It's actually against the law. We have to sit and wait for the pump attendant to do it for us. I actually miss pumping my own gas!

    Hugs for your great story!
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  94. Happy SITS Day! This is so funny, but it's totally true! The first time you go to the pump you have no idea what you're doing and for some reason it can be bizarely scary.

    I totally remember the first time I had to pump gas, and I was with my stepdad and he wouldn't help me he just told me to do it, and I wanted him to tell me how to do it, and he wouldn't and calling my Mom from a payphone crying all over a stupid gas pump!
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  95. Happy SITS Day! I apologize if this shows up twice, I may have just posted almost the same comment, but my computer freaked out so I'm trying again.

    This is hilarious! It's so true, how scary it can be to try and fill up for the first time! I have a very specific memory of my first time - at the gas station with my stepdad when I had my learners permit, he just told me to do it but wouldn't help me or give me instructions, I ended up calling my Mom crying from the pay phone there and in the end I think I had to figure out the gas on my own anyway!
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  96. My grandmother, who lived in the states all her life, didn't know how to pump gas either. Ever. I think it was because she lived in a smallish town that still had full service gas stations (where they come out and pump it for you...a bit higher on price, though). I remember taking a road trip with her and her sister when I was about 10yrs old, and I had to pump the gas for them. Neither had any idea how to do it and there was no full-service option at that station. They were so amazed by me! And it was MY first time pumping gas! But that was back when you had to go inside to pay, so all you had to do was put the pump in the tank and lift the lever to start it flowing. Things are WAY more complicated now!
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  97. That's too funny! Glad you survived your adventure!
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  98. LOL! This is too funny! Happy SITS day!
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  99. Oh, that is too funny...at the moment maybe not? But glad you got it all figured out girly, hehe. Very proud of you to figure it out on your own...but also very sweet of your husband to do it for you too, hehe.

    Jamie :-)
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  100. i can so relate! the first time i had to pump my own gas i had to go in the store and ask the attendant to help. thankfully she did!
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  101. That is too funny! You made my day with your humor!
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  102. Oh.. I have a confession too.

    I am born and raised in the USA, and I know how to pump my gas... BUT MY HUSBAND DOES IT FOR EVERY.SINGLE.TIME for the past 17 years.

    Yep... we spoiled gals have it good!

    Happy Sits day!
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  103. I can't deny I cracked up at this, but I'm pretty sure I'll go through the exact same thing someday ! I live in Mexico City and here they pump the gas for you.. I don't know what I'll do when I have to move ! Haha great post really, loved it ! I'll follow your blog no doubt haha.
    Happy Saturday Sharefest !!
    Mesha♥
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  104. That is too funny. Why would you need to pay for something you didn't get yet?? Good question!

    ;)
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