This morning was cuuuu-ray-Zee! I woke up panicked because I was supposed to bring treats to the music class my kids go to and I didn't have anything that would work. So I was in a rush trying to get to the store.
But not until I had gotten my three older kids clothed, shoed, lunched, angered, prayed and out the door. Not an easy task considering... Considering nothing. It isn't easy no matter what the circumstances.
So, after shoo-ing them off and clothing the younger two, we load into the van only to see that annoying, orange light blaring at me. You know the one. The "Sorry honey. I forgot to tell you that the van is out of gas, but I didn't have time to fill it up" light. Do you have one of those lights? Yeah, well, I do and it was on.
So I hustle to the gas station, paying careful attention that the pump and gas tank opening on my van matched up. I put the car in park and look back at my two dirty faced hooligans and turn on the music. I get out, cell phone in hand, and begin to fill 'er up.
I love that the pump has those notches that allow you to fill up and text at the same time. So convenient. It's almost like they knew that my husband was deaf.
Soon I hear "Click." All done. Wonderful. Back in the hatch. No, I don't want a carwash. Yes, I want a reciept. Keys. Ummm...where are my keys. Wait a second.
Is that my car running?
Oh. My. Heck!!!!
I left the car running, with my children in the car and proceeded to fill it with gas. Was I trying to kill my children?
At first I felt a little panicked. Then a little perplexed. Wasn't my car supposed to blow up or something? Don't get me wrong. I was thrilled that it hadn't... for several reasons. But isn't that one of the warnings on the pump? "Turn off engine before filling up, you idiot! Your car could explode!!" or something like that.
But it didn't.
Huh.
Perhaps it just isn't advisable. Kind of like using a cell phone while pumping. Or smoking a cigarette, although that one is just plain idiosy.
So I guess you could say, I'm a survivor...
...because nothing happened.
Double links today with Mama Kat and Jen Matlock...Check them out!
24 comments:
Oh my goodness that is scary. I find myself sometimes in the scatteredness (it should be a word)of kids doing things that make me shake my head. So glad nothing happened!
I have left the car running a time or two while I've pumped too. Not smart. Glad everything turned out okay.
Stopping by from Mama Kat's
Tonya
Letters For Lucas http://lettersforlucas.blogspot.com/
I used to leave my car running all the time while filling my tank in the dead of winter in Michigan. And there were signs everywhere that told you not to!
Glad you made it out alive! haha
Probably you are ! I never made this experience so far, lol !
I am participating for the first time in Alphabet Thursday.
That was very entertaining . I am so glad that you did not blow up the garage. Did you get treets ?
Wow! That's scary! So happy that nothing happened. I am actually surprised that I have never done that myself.
I hate when they ask if I want a car wash. What if I accidentally press "yes"? There's no going back then.
And eek! @ leaving your car running. I have no idea what the consequences are, but I'm glad you're okay.
When I was in Philippines we also leave the engine running while pumping petrol.. I guess it depends on the regulations for each country. Stopping by from Mama Kat's
That is so scary!!! My bother in law left the cur running while he pumped last night.
Thank God nothing happened.
Thanks for sharing!!
http://dwivedi2326.blogspot.com/2010/09/im-glad-its-fall.html
The real problem happens when you re-enter the car while pumping. If a teeny tiny spark is created when you open the door, or reach across the seat to get your wallet, then KABOOM!
So glad it worked out for you!
And in cold climes, leaving the car running while pumping can be a good thing.
So glad nothing happened! That is a little panicky. Good thing the kids are young enough not to realize or they might of used that against you later....."Mom you owe me, remember when..." :)
Oh my, we've all had those crazy moments where we feel like the angels especially look after frazzled moms!
Kinda scary, but I'm sure it's just a precaution.
Glad you and yours survived!
;)
My husband did the exact same thing the other day - and I was in the car and didn't even notice it was running till he came back in!! :S We didn't blow up either (obviously) but still I was pretty scared when I realized it. Definitely not going to risk that again.
Stopped in from Mama Kat's.
I've never done that but I swear I think I recall my dad doing that a lot when I was younger and never thought anything of it. Glad nothing happened!
I've often wondered about that. Thanks for taking the bullet for us. Loved the got them angered! So true first thing in the morning, when you need to get them out the door.
Have a great day,
Dana
Great and funny post!! At least you remembered to put the car in park!! I remember so many "scrambling" days like that when my kids were young.
When they were younger, I used to think that leaving the house with just TWO children was as complicated as mobilising an army. I'm not at all surprised that you get distracted when you have FIVE to get moving!! So pleased nothing happened :0
So glad you are all safe and no Kaboom!
Geez, woman! You are LUCKY! Or maybe you just shed some light on the lie they've told us for all these years about the dangers of gas fill ups. A friend of mine actually did start his car on fire with his cell phone, so I know it's possible. But YAY for you. :)
Girl. You had to do this to me, didn't you.
You have gotten me here...hook, line and sinker and I think I might be starting to get slightly addicted to your writing. Not a laughing matter.
If I start following another blog religiously I may have to forego something moderately important in my life...like tinkling or something.
So, into my sidebar you shall go until such time as I can no longer control my bladder.
What a wonderful link to Alphabe-Thursday. I love this style of verging on, but not quite there, sarcastic writing.
You totally killed me with this post!
Thanks for linking.
A+
I have never heard of anyone doing this before. I am glad everyone is okay.
Well, it really is your husband's fault, right? If he hadn't left a woman with so many kids with an empty tank...well...you get my drift...hahaha. That was awesome! I laughed out loud. Children will suck the brain right out of your head, won't they? I have four....oldest was 5 when the last was born. I am not sure how they survived to adulthood. Sometimes I was so scattered. ONe time I was on my way to pick up my son from soccer and passed a grocery store. I went there instead forgetting about my son. I was an hour late in the dark. Yea....I got the "Great Mom Award" that night.
Ooo, scary! I probably would've panicked too and berated myself for being so reckless...and then realize that nothing HAD happened. I'm never too sure how true a lot of those warnings are but you know what they say, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Glad there wasn't any big explosions or anything!
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