Oh what a morning. I write this while sitting at the gas station and waiting for police to come and write an incident report about the pump nozzle I tore off.
A half second lapse in memory, results in hours of procedure that must be followed, no idea how much money it’s going to cost, but I’m sure it won’t be cheap.
So how did this happen?
I usually put in the pump to start filling up my car and go into the petrol station for coffee or to to use the facilities.
Today was no different, an action I’ve done a hundred times went wrong.
I decided I wanted to wash the car, so my mind was occupied with which washing programme I should buy and whether the increased cost is justified.
I then got my coffee and sat down in the car, savouring the upcoming experience of having my morning coffee while my car is becoming clean and shiny.
I was also thinking about what I should do today for my physical activity — should I go to the gym or for a long walk? I was coming in later than usual, so gym would be an inconvenience and probably the walk is the better option today.
Start the engine, hit Drive and clank goes the pump nozzle.
Turn off the engine, go into the station and time to take my medicine.
I hoped for a split second that the pump assembly was designed for this and had magnetic break-away fixtures, but no, the gas station cleric said it’s a plastic break-away part which must be replaced by a technician.
So now police and insurance must be involved and for now, I really don’t want to think about how much this is going to end up costing me.
However strangely, I kind of welcome the experience. As unnecessary and unpleasant as it definitely is, it’s a really good reality check. It’s a reminder to not live life on autopilot and that I too am prone to make mistakes even in the most routine of circumstances.
I am thankful this happened, I will come out of it more mindful and aware of what’s going on around me, really hope this lesson won’t be too expensive 🙂