Sacred Sunday-March 7, 2010

Due to a very rare weekend off, the 5th Sister will be spending her Sunday with her family. Sacred Sunday will return to it's regular time slot next week. 


Have a blessed day!

Gas Pump Wars

The above image obtained from Google Images

Has anyone else noticed how long it takes to pump gas these days?

It's not the gas itself but rather the hoops you have to jump through in order to just get your gas.

For example, this past evening I was running on fumes and headed into my nearest Gas Mart. I pull up and hop out, credit card in hand. The following ensued:

The seemingly polite Gas Pump welcomed me nicely and asked how I would like to handle this evening's transaction. I dutifully selected the "Pay at the Pump" option.

Next, it wanted to know "Debit or Credit". Oh that's easy. I select Credit.

What? You now want my Zip Code? Since when has that been a requirement? Oh well, okay. I guess you, Mr. Gas Pump, are just protecting my credit, making sure I am who I say I am. I'll accept that.

So I attempt to punch in (that's what they do to buttons in the South...punch or mash, never press) my Zip Code but my gloved hands (it was COLD out) couldn't stay on the tiny push buttons so the wrong Zip Code was accidentally punched in.

Oh no...Mr. GP says I'm a no good credit card pilferer! I mash CANCEL trying to get out of this mess. Well let me tell you, it took a good 5 minutes to get back to the opening greeting and I go through all of the above all over again, only this time, removing my gloves to mash in my Zip Code. Accepted. Score!

Now the ads begin....I am being told of the fresh pizza and hot dogs they have to offer and the sodas that are on sale. I impatiently wait for the gas screen to come back up.

After what seems like eons, a new screen eventually pops up, only this time asking me if I would like a car wash...very... slowly... by... using... a... new... screen... for... each... of... the... following... words: YES?... OR...........NO? I mashed the "NO" a little harder than I probably should have because the screen then taunts me: "Are you sure?" Then it tries to bribe me telling me about the amazing discounted car wash I could have if I just fill up my tank. I only need to succumb to it's wily ways and say "YES".  I'm now yelling at the pump "NO" like it could hear me or something. Other patrons of Gas Mart are beginning to stare. Deep cleansing breath...okay, better. I politely told the Pump,"No, thank you, not tonight, I have a headache."

Now I feel as if I hit pay dirt because Mr. Gas Pump tells me that I have finally earned the right to lift the nozzle and select the grade of gas I would like pump into my RAV4. This part was fun because I always choose the "CHEAPEST" of the bunch. I felt just a wee tinge of sorrow for PREMIUM, which is most certainly not receiving as much attention in these crazy economic times.

Did I mention that it was cold outside? It was. My gloveless fingers were numb and my Raynaud's was beginning to flare. I wait out the pumping within the toasty confines of the car. Yes, I am one of those. I refused to turn off the ignition. I'm sure I angered the "Green Police" out there but when the cold affects me such as it does I will not apologize. But I digress.

The familiar "thunk" of the nozzle shutting off brought me out my comfortable cocoon. I proceeded to place the nozzle back on the pump only to be bombarded with another question: Receipt....Yes?.....Or.....No?

Aaargghh!  A living nightmare I tell you!

What should have been a 5 minute quick stop felt like an eternity!

So tell me, am I overreacting?

Flash Friday 55: The Quilt-A Real Life Tragedy

It all began with best of intentions,
Many poured
heart and soul
opqr into clever 
little squares  opqr

One woman,
        months of
                       blood, S
                                sweat, S
                                         and tears, S

            together              mosaic                     and love.
piecing              beautiful            of friendship

Quilt raffled: winner chosen.
Rumors of impropriety.
Line drawn in sand.
Sides chosen but who knows truth?

A fabric mosaic:  tarnished,
                           tattered,
                           torn.

(this was my square)

I am participating in Flash Friday 55. This weekly meme is brought to you by G-Man over at Mr. Know it All. The object is to write a story or prose in exactly 55 words. Come join us and link your 55 over in Mr. Know it All's comment section.

Alphabe-Thursday: The Letter G

Greasy, Gloppy, Gopher, Guts

heaped upon a plate,

then served to Greedy Gangsters

so this is what they ate.

They Gagged and Gasped then Gagged some more

for the Grub they really did hate.

And what about the Ghastly chef?

"Sleeping with Fishies" was his fate.

Okay, are you thoroughly disgusted? To make it up to you I am sending you to my friend Luis' blog, Muddy Runner, for his "Friday Leftovers" post. He posted a great "G" video on his blog as a nod to those of us participating in this meme. Go on and have a gander...you won't be disappointed.