Do you pump your own gas?  Well, of course you do if you live in 48 of the 50 states who think people are capable of figuring out how to fill up their tank without blowing themselves up.  The legislatures in New Jersey, Oregon and the town of Huntington on Long Island, New York feel that pumping gas should be left to “the professionals.”

I lived in New Jersey for many years and liked the idea of pulling into a gas station and having someone “fill it up,” and wash my windshield without ever having to get out of my car. Many times I would ask directions from the attendant who always knew his way around the area. Asking directions from the cashier at gas stations today is a useless waste of time.  They barely know their way out of the front door, but don’t get me started on that.  It seems they are more interested in selling drinks and cigarettes.

Moving to Arizona was a big change from what I was used to, as many people experience this since less than ½ the population are native to Arizona.  In addition to learning my way around the Valley and remembering not to leave meltable things in the car from May to October, I had to become familiar with the gas pump.  I don’t change tires or fill radiators (I have a husband for that) so filling my own tank is the only thing I do for my car besides driving it.  I thought it was cool at first. It goes under that list – “Women can do anything men can do.”  Note: Yes, there were choices many years ago – full service or self-service — haven’t seen that lately.

I have definitely changed my mind on this topic.  I hate stopping for gas.  I wish I had my own pump so I wouldn’t have to touch those disgusting, smelly, germ covered pump handles.  Did you ever think about who touched them before you?  Someone should suggest that those wipes provided at the grocery stores be available at every pump. (oh, I think I just did!!)  There’s nothing like getting to work or to a meeting and having hands that smell like gas.  UGH!

Occasionally I have been “lucky” enough to get a pump that didn’t know when to shut off.  The gasoline overflowed out of the tank and, of course, on me.  I then get paranoid about someone lighting a cigarette near me!

Big deal!  So now I have lots of experience pumping gas, but I’m done.  I liked pulling into my favorite gas station and saying, “fill it up, please!”