Who Knew?

Who knew that 10+ years ago when I bought an emergency gas can for my car I would actually need it!

So, yesterday was one crazy, busy day. It started at 4:00am and went strong ALL day with school and getting ready for our joint activity, Are You Smarter Than a Deacon or Beehive? (lots of fun BTW) During my nonstop day and while turning around for the second time because of bridge repair my gas light came on. I had not a spare moment and was not headed in the right direction to stop at my favorite Chevron. (Seriously, it is crazy to get to if you are not going in the right direction especially during rush hour(s), but they have the best prices.) It crossed my mind to go over after the activity, but I opted for the morning.

I am taking a sick day today in order to get over my cold before parent teacher conferences start next week. Because I borrowed desks from my classroom for the activity I had to bring them back in this morning. My morning started at 4am because I wanted to make sure I got my plans done without having to rush. I headed out to school in time to get gas and make it to school just as the doors opened at 6:00. I went the route needed to pass by the gas station only to find out that it is not open in the 5 o'clock hour. I decided I would just have to stop by on the way home. I went to school and had all the desks waiting outside the door when it opened at 6:00. I got everything ready for the sub and headed home.

I decided to take the non-interstate route even though it would mean I was headed in the wrong direction for the gas station, but I figured it was early enough that I would be OK. About half way there I knew I was in trouble. My car felt like it was coughing as bad as I was last night and slowed ready to stop several times. I sent up a plea to heaven because I was not sure I would make it around the corner to the next major road. I did not want to be the cause of a major traffic problem especially in the rain. Of course the traffic light was red and my plea got stronger as I could not find a turn off to get out of traffic. With help I made it into a parking lot wondering where the nearest gas station was. I usually take the interstate and don't pay attention to gas stations on the back roads because I have always filled up in time. My GPS told me there was a Shell 0.1 miles away :) Who knows if I could have made it, but I had no problems walking there. I got the gas can that had been silently waiting all those years and headed out.

I was glad for the sidewalk and thankful that the rain seemed to have slowed to a sprinkle. Luckily I had opted to put on my jeans instead of heading out in my pjs. I had opted for my flip flops, but we are having some spring like weather.

I got my gas and the rain didn't even pick back up until I was back at my car. I filled up and made a stop at Chick-fil-A to calm my nerves. There is nothing like a chicken mini or four to make me feel better :)

My stomach is full and so is my gas tank. I was back snug in my bed all before school started or the sun even came up!

Only problem: now my emergency gas can stinks and has ruined the clean linen smell of my car. Do I throw it out and get a new one or can I clean it somehow?