How weak and dumb do you have to be to not be able to open your gas tank? I ran to the gas station on my lunch break hoping to just put a few drops in so that I could get home tonight safely. I had several errands I was going to run and wanted to make this as quick and painless as possible. I threw some money at the cashier inside and ran back to my car thinking that I'd be out of ther in no time. 15 minutes later I was able to open my gas tank.
Now opening the tank is a fairly simple procedure, right? You push the little lever by the driver's seat and the tiny, hinged door pops open, you unscrew the tank and voila- gasoline can be pumped right into your car. That's not what happened today. I pushed the lever and nothing happened. Pushed it some more, then wedged my key into the tiny slot opening and tried to ply the stupid little door open. Wouldn't budge. I then tried to pump the the little lever then spring back to the door. I tried this 4 or 5 times, but my reflexes must be slowing so I thought I'd just go for the big stretch. I squeezed my toes between the seat and the door jam trying desperately to push the lever with my foot while I balanced on the other leg and reached with one arm toward the gas tank. Scraping my fingernails against the peeling paint I hopped up and down hoping to get enough pressure on the infernal lever. This went on for about 7 minutes. I seriously looked like one of those ballerina hippos out of Fantasia. It was awesome.
Another motorist finally showed up and laughing I asked him if he could help me out. I've never seen a grown man so nervous in my life. He didn't answer, he didn't even smile, he just stared at me looking worried and uncomfortable. I started laughing and explained that I couldn't get my gas tank open and just needed another pair of hands. He nodded silently and walked towards my car. I smiled again, apologized and explained how it just gets a little sticky in the cold. He looked at me pitifully and said, "Well, ok, ok then."
It worked like a charm. I pushed the lever down hard, he simultaneously pushed on the stubborn little hinges and it popped open without any problem. I laughed again thanking him and he backed away from me saying all the while, "well ok then, ok." I wonder if he thought I was crazy or a little dangerous, hmm oh well. I thought it was hilarious.
3 comments:
Maybe he had unmedicated severe OCD and helping you was throwing off the pattern of his day.
Perhaps, perhaps. Or maybe the bouncing around on one foot thing made him worry about my stability and he was worried I'd pull a knife on him if he lost eye contact or something. Who knows.
The mental picture I get of you pregnant trying to simultaneously flip the lever and open the gas tank is hilarious. Thank you.
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