...rambling thoughts from a sleep deprived mom...

Thursday, February 7, 2008

"Victory" over gas prices

I'm all about saving money. The knock-off, "bobo", no-name brands are my friends. There aren't many things that I will pay the higher price for, but I must admit one thing has gone too far -- GAS.

It seems that everyone is proud of themselves for finding the cheapest gas. People brag --

"I filled up for $2.98 a gallon this morning."
"Oh yeah? The place down the road dropped to $2.96!"
"No kidding! Wow!"

There are websites dedicated to posting gas prices from all over. There are individuals who actually post on a daily basis to update the prices. Who has this kind of time?? Clearly someone without children.

Say there's one service station at the corner of my street who does full serve for $3.02. Will I drive a few miles and pump myself to get it for $2.97? NO. And here's why:

It has absolutely nothing to do with the full-serve/ self-serve issue. I am a woman who is proud to pump my own gas, be able to check my oil and recognize when my tires need rotating. Getting out of the car so I don't have to listen to another round of the "Months of the Year" song is actually a bonus.. BUT
my tank is about 16 gallons (I have a Honda Accord.) Assuming my tank is running on total fumage, that's 16 gallons times $.05. Hmmmm.... a total difference of 80 cents. If I saw that amount of change lying in a parking lot beside my car I would never stop to pick it up. It's not that I don't appreciate the 80 cents... I do. But I am not going to drive around like a maniac just for bragging rights to finding the lowest priced gas.

I am happy for you that found a great deal.... let's just move on, ok?

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