Gas Pains
I’m
talking about the pain at the pumps.
At
my local service station, the price of gasoline has currently toppled over the
four-dollar mark. Boy, don’t you wish Beano
could relieve this type of gas pain?
Because
we have gas-powered mowers, weed-eaters, cars, trucks, and boats, we are now
forced to conserve or pay the price. Therefore, the million-dollar question is…
What
lifestyle changes can we make to reduce our gas usage?
1. When I grocery shop, I
purchase enough food to last for three weeks, loading up on the items that are on
sale or exclusive to that store. For the bulky things, I now need extra
storage, so I use the trunk of my car for paper towels, toilet paper etc.
2. The dollar store is my
friend. They have increased store inventory. However, recently I’ve noticed
that when I stop for basic items, milk, sweet tea, or bread the store shelves
are barren.
3. Whenever I drive past a
gas station with low fuel prices, I fill err’ up or top it off. If the local
gas station raises the gas price just before the weekend, I’ll run my vehicle so
low the empty-idiot light comes on.
4. No more Sunday drives down
to the sugar white sandy beaches so I
can stroll in the surf. It is not an option to zip over to the video
store or even catch a current movie at the theater. I solely use Netflix and
microwave my popcorn from the stash in the pantry.
5. Living in a small town
makes it easy to drop off the electric, phone and water bills. I like
delivering the checks personally. I can visit with the clerk as I hand over my
payment. In addition, I have security knowing that my bill is paid on time.
But, now I use a postage stamp, forty-two cents is cheaper than gas.
By turning off the
faucet when we brush our teeth, we conserve water. I try to save gas with that
same type of mind set when I come home from work. I pull up to the front gate
and turn off the car. I wheel in my garbage cans after I’ve secured the dogs,
and open the locked gates. Only then, do
I restart the engine and quickly pull into my driveway.
My
pretty pink and purple speedboat silently sits on its trailer-bed hot and
thirsty for a quick dip in the creek, however, that’s not gonna happen any time
soon.
I
read that Microsoft has incorporated a shuttle bus that is equipped with WiFi
for their employee commuting needs. Once again, Bill Gates is a step ahead of
other companies.
Is
it possible that the little corner grocery store will make a comeback? I have fond memories of warn wooden floors
and the penny candy aisle. People that live in large cities already have
neighborhood stores; daily they tote their groceries home saving gas and
getting exercise at the same time.
Today
gas pains have clearly altered my lifestyle. I for one have become more of a
homebody. Playing cards, visiting with neighbors, riding bikes, and taking long
walks are becoming familiar activities again.
As
a child, I remember that life’s simple pleasures were the best. Maybe
this is a Good Thing!
