As I drove to Santa Ana to pick up Skyler from work last week, I realized that my gas light had been on all day. Worried that this cute blonde girl would get stranded in some shady part of Santa Ana, I attempted to make a quick stop at the nearest gas station in downtown Santa Ana. Surprisingly, not many gas stations around. I drive further away from Skyler's work and finally find one! It's an Arco and it is selling unleaded for $4.55 (keep in mind, this was five days ago when gas was cheaper)! Double whammy! Forget that! I drive further down the street and hit the 5 freeway. Nothing, so after making multiple u-turns and getting lost, I find another gas station. It's a Mobil and it is $4.49. Whatever! I was already stressed from being late to pick up Skyler, getting lost, and now paying $20 for a little over four gallons of gas! So when I finally get Skyler in my car, I am on the verge of tears. Not a good afternoon.
What is happening to this world? When I started driving (which was over 10 years ago), gas was right around $1.00. It even got down to $0.79 at one time. Being a teenager who made her money from tips at Juice Stop, that was still a lot of money. I was very selective about where I drove and how far away it was. Over the years, I have obviously (well, maybe not obviously, but let me assure you that it's true) moved my way up on the salary totem pole. I slowly stopped worrying about how much gas cost and driving to far places. But now, I have reverted back to being 16 again and fretting about how much it is costing me to drive to the beach or South Coast Plaza. Gas should not be a luxury, but I fear that I may be riding my bike more often.
I haven't used this website yet (mostly because I run out of gas when I am not near a computer), but I think it may be useful. Gasbuddy.com supposedly helps find the cheapest gas stations in the area.
2 comments:
Elise, I actually have been thinking a lot about oil prices (we all have been) and why on earth they're soaring. While I wanted to solely blame oil companies, I recently learned that they aren't the ones setting the prices, the global market is. Since countries like China and India are becoming more industrialized, they are usin more resorces like crude oil. So, it's simple supply in demand: everyone wants their shot at oil. It's hard to blame other countries for wanting the same luxuries that we've been dependent on for decades.
What really frustrates me is that we're not investing more in alternative fuels. If we did this, it would create more competition in the market place and drive down the cost of crude oil.
Well, that's my soapbox for the moment. I needed to share that. Good post!
Elise, its about 3.89/gal out here and I'm dying! We're going to be broke in Cali I decided! oh well! At least we have the beach! Cute pics of Diego and your bikes look fun! Can't wait to see you guys!
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