Fuel

My low fuel light came on yesterday as I pulled into driveway. My driveway slopes downhill, so it often happens. I forgot to get fuel last night (of course), so when I left this morning, I was already running late. Plus the county is working on the road by our house which requires me to go around the block. In this part of Oklahoma, blocks are square miles, so around the block adds some time. Now, I had to get fuel too, so I had to swing into town. The nice part was gas was only $3.09/gallon. When did $3.09/gallon make for good news? I don't really understand why, but fuel prices have been dropping the last few weeks. Not for M though because he uses diesel.


I almost decided to go to work without getting fuel. Technically, I have an 18 gallon tank and I am supposed to have three gallons left then the light comes on. I think this is true because if I put in gas right away, I usually put in 15 gallons. I could have made it to work, but decided not to risk it. I went by Shell and still made it to work on time. Plus I knew I wouldn't feel like getting fuel after work either.

This got me thinking about this fuel light. I never get fuel until it comes on. I have had a few close calls, but I have never run out of gas. By close calls, I mean that I have had to exit quickly off the highway and almost coast to a gas station. This only happened twice (in this vehicle), and both times I was distracted. I didn't intentionally wait. It just didn't register. I decided that being married is what has made me so laid-back about fueling. I know M will always come get me. I have never had to call him, but I know I could. I also have brothers- and sisters-in-law I could call, but I think it is being married that makes me so comfortable with pushing the limit.

I have gotten gas early when M is out of town. It's like I slip into a more conservative mode when M is away. I even get up earlier in the morning so I have plenty of time. Very odd behavior really. I wonder if this would be a permanent mindset if I was single. I have never really been single. I lived at home until I got married, and I was only 19, so no time being "on my own." I don't regret it at all, but I don't have a very good understanding of what it feels like to be totally dependent on myself only.

I love being married. M is my best friend.