Fall is in the air...and just in time!!!

So, yesterday was rather interesting...

It was one of those days from the beginning...I could just feel it coming. It was peeking around the corner at me and would duck when I looked back. It was bound to happen because things were just going too good.

Yeah...Things were going pretty good and class was seeming pretty easy [for me...that is a huge blessing]!! Well, the brisk fall afternoon turned rotten when I was flying [just an expression, don't be worried] down the interstate singing along with some Jack Johnson when I pulled off my exit [2 minutes from my house] and a sat for a bit waiting on the red light. There was one person in front of me and as we saw the green I pushed the accelerator...and nothing happened. I pushed it again and I it started rolling backwards. At this point, I get a bit concerned; since I was on an incline, I was accelerating and it wasn't accelerating, and there were about 10 annoyed cars behind me with their blinkers on.

A little history...

My car is not known as the most reliable piece of machinery; however, I love it and it is paid for. It has had some trouble with the fuel pump before and my gas gadge no longer works, so I must keep track of my mileage and gadge my own gas levels--as you would assume--this is a major stretch for me. However, with one exception...*contact me personally for this story* I have managed fairly well. I am better with pictures...>

"And now, here is the rest of the story..."

So, I do the routine testing and I turn off the ignition and put it in park, restart it (hoping to alleviate the problem all together). No such luck. The car would not restart, I continued to roll backwards down the hill, all my little warning lights were on, and no more Jack Johnson lulling me into a good mood.

As you can imagine, the many cars behind me are now less than amused and the light is now, once again, red. A kind man, claiming a dad-like demeanor, knocked on my window and said, "Everything ok, darlin'?" I wanted to yell, "DOES IT LOOK LIKE IT??" but I appreciated his gentlemanly attitude and rolled down my window to explain. After listening to the brief explanation of a crazed young woman, he offered to push the car to the side. I put it in neutral and off we went...well not quite. The poor man was trying ever so diligently, but the incline was slowing him down. ANOTHER man [of the same description] hopped out of the car and assisted him.

With only 15minutes to be at his 6pm appointment, he bid me "good luck" and went on his way, leaving my new dad-like stranger friend to wait with me. Being forced to trust this kind stranger, I allowed him to carefully inspect under the hood and he offered his "body shop" experience willingly. His conclusion: "You're outta gas, hun'."

Side note...

Many seem to have mixed feelings about the whole, strangers using endearing terms. I know people who are rather perturbed when waitresses call them "huuunny" or "baby" or "sweetheart." I suppose it is a northern thing, to be bothered by such comments. I could be wrong, so your comments are welcomed. My personal feelings: It is cute :) Sorry, just thought I would address that.

So, he continues to share his diagnosis by telling me all he smells is fumes and it "sounds like the fuel pump ain't gettin' fuel." After thanking the man and explaining my Dad's vast knowledge of cars, I assured him my Dad would know the problem when he arrived. The "kind stranger" [yes, I forgot to get him name] left shortly after my parents arrived and hooked my car up to theirs to tow it home.

Frustration began to well up as we contemplated transportation for the next view days. I, once again, mentioned how the man thought it was gas and that my Dad should get the gas can out, just in case it wasn't the fuel pump this time. [I am sure you have gathered, at this point, that my dad didn't see the need in heeding the "kind stranger's" advice and was sure he knew more about cars...ahh the male ego.]

Well, after hesitating, my dad filled the gas can and began to feed my thirsty car. It was out of gas. By now, I had grown accustomed to the fact that I was still a stupid 21yr. old girl and that I was not immune to making stupid mistakes...like driving a 128miles on $15 worth of gas. These days, that just can't happen.

Lesson learned: I will get gas BEFORE my tank is drinking fumes.

So here is a shout-out to my kind dad-like stranger friend...Thanks!!!