Monday, November 12, 2007
Buying Gas
I filled my car's tank after work tonight. It wasn't until I was driving away that I realized that I did not know how much the gas cost, let alone how much I just paid the guy (I use a debit card, not cash). And that's normal for me. But the thought crossed my mind because the kids in the car next to me bought $5 worth of gas, which didn't even get them 2 gallons. I was thinking that was weird because I have always just filled up my tank. You're going to need to buy more gas later anyway, why not just fill it?
I never had a car until I was 18. So I guess I skipped that whole phase of scrounging the change holder for gas money and charging all my buddies for a ride. I remember when I was in middle school that my friends and I used to have to pay my brother something like $2 if we wanted a ride anywhere. (He had a baby blue pinto, by the way, probably the coolest car ever. I think it was voted worst hoopty in his senior yearbook.)
Gas prices are going up. I know that much. What I don't understand is the economics behind the daily fluctuation. It doesn't even really matter to me. I'm not going to stop buying gas. I have to drive everyday. The office where I work is in the middle of nowhere. Even if I could ride a bike, it rains too much to ride it. Fortunately I have a fairly fuel efficient car.
One thing I like about living in Oregon is that I don't have to pump my own gas. I just have to roll down the window and tell the attendant to fill it up. No need to brave the cool, rainy weather. I wonder if they like their job. I watched this movie once where Nick Nolte was a gas attendant/philosopher-type. It actually wasn't half bad.
I never had a car until I was 18. So I guess I skipped that whole phase of scrounging the change holder for gas money and charging all my buddies for a ride. I remember when I was in middle school that my friends and I used to have to pay my brother something like $2 if we wanted a ride anywhere. (He had a baby blue pinto, by the way, probably the coolest car ever. I think it was voted worst hoopty in his senior yearbook.)
Gas prices are going up. I know that much. What I don't understand is the economics behind the daily fluctuation. It doesn't even really matter to me. I'm not going to stop buying gas. I have to drive everyday. The office where I work is in the middle of nowhere. Even if I could ride a bike, it rains too much to ride it. Fortunately I have a fairly fuel efficient car.
One thing I like about living in Oregon is that I don't have to pump my own gas. I just have to roll down the window and tell the attendant to fill it up. No need to brave the cool, rainy weather. I wonder if they like their job. I watched this movie once where Nick Nolte was a gas attendant/philosopher-type. It actually wasn't half bad.
