Lessons we teach ourselves...

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

Was reading about the person who keeps postponing her job interview on another thread. Reminded me of my own mistake years ago.

I was on my way to an interview. Dressed professionally, left on time, and while on my way I suddenly realized I was going to run out of gas! Knew I had to stop even though I didn't know my way around this city. Found a gas station, pulled in and realized it was a self-serve and I had no idea how to pump my own gas, not to mention that I didn't want to get any gas on my clothes!!! Panic mode!!!!

Jumped out of my car, explained predicament to a woman who was busy filling her own car. Right away she stopped what she was doing to help me. I thanked her and zoomed away. Wasn't late, thank goodness.

Lesson learned: Fill car the night before heading out to a job interview.

missy1 · ‎03-10-2010

Here,they don't pump gas for you.

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

missy1, yes we pump our own gas here, too. Story is from many years ago.

I sometimes wonder if that woman who helped me left shaking her head at how someone could be so stupid as not to learn how to pump their own gas. hahaha!

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

NJ gas stations still pump gas for us. I have never had to learn to pump my own gas.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

LucyGoose · ‎04-20-2012

Yes, but I understand. It's the lessons we teach ourselves as we learn from our mistakes. Its not just about pumping gas, but every obstacle you're going to run into in life. There's a first time for everything, and it usually happens when we're young.

I remember getting my first job, learning how to work the computer, interacting with customers, coworkers.... getting my driver's license and driving by myself for the first time, finding an apartment, paying my own bills.....

Now, twenty years later my son is about to face these obstacles. I remember back when I first started letting him drive, I had him pull up to the gas pump, get out and pump gas. He didn't like it and gave me an attitude because he didn't know what to do, but that's why I was there, to teach him! I won't be there to teach him everything. It will just have to be lessons he teaches himself while going through life. Smile

Puzzle Piece · ‎06-29-2010

Mistakes or fears? We do our best to have our autos filled with gasoline should an natural disaster strike. Have cash hidden away at home, emergency supplies, some water. There are other things as well. Mistakes often bring learning or a blessing or both. Can't always avoid them. Life.

Never Forget the Native American Indian Holocaust

brewhaha · ‎07-25-2010

Never eat a burrito before an interview or you'll be pumping your own gas.

LucyGoose · ‎04-20-2012

On 4/3/2015 brewhaha said:
Never eat a burrito before an interview or you'll be pumping your own gas.

.....

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

Seems like the point is being missed a lot here. hehe I don't really think it was about gas station attendants, but I could be wrong.

Anyhoo, you really got a lot out of that day. A stranger who was happy to help you out. How great is that? I always take a LOT away from something like that. It is meaningful to the extent that I never forget such things.

You also were so concerned about the commitment you had made and did everything in your power, without hurting anybody of course, to be there on time - and you were! That's great.

I'm really big on meeting my commitments to others, actually to the extent that I will put that above my needs. I do this because I would beat myself up if I were selfish and didn't make the commitment a priority.

I learned a lesson today, but from somebody else. I need to concentrate more on positivity and that is firmly planted in my brain now. I just hope it doesn't fall out through one of the many holes. hehe - brain no worky so great anymore.

Lessons I've taught myself would include being courteous to others - not just when I want something, but always. It makes your life and that of everybody else around you so much better. I say this all the time - I really like nice people! Oh, I can get not-nice if I have to. Few people will win a war of words with this chickie! But I don't drag that out without good reason.

Lucibee · ‎03-19-2010

I was once turned down for a job because I was observed in the waiting area as frowning and sad looking. Too serious. The job was for a receptionist. Lesson learned - relax and keep smiling!