A Rocky Start

Before I write about my presentation I thought I'd give everyone a good laugh. My arrival at the speaking location didn't go so great.

Ben left me a warning note this morning that I had to get gas. I was going to take the car for my drive to Bloomington and he would take the truck today. I of course didn't leave time for this. I was happy to leave the house by 9:40 when I wanted to leave by 9:25. Since I said I would arrive between 10:15-10:30, this would still get me there by 10:25. I decided not to get gas because I knew I could make it there, but ended up looking for a gas station shortly before arriving at the building because I badly needed a bathroom break. I decided I might as well fill up since I was parked at the pump, and there started the adventure. I did not know how to get the gas compartment door open. I hardly ever drive this car. I knew that I had figured it out once before and there was no one around to ask. I couldn't get a hold of Ben at work and I just kept looking for some switch inside the car that I knew existed. Finally I found it and by this time I regretted my decision to stay and get gas since I was now late. I decided not to fill up the tank all the way. I put in 8 gallons and then pulled out the nozzle, a little earlier than I had finished releasing the handle evidently. I spilled gas all over me. My first thought was "I'm going to explode!" A friend of mine had her SUV start on fire with her children inside at the pump just a month ago (static sparked the gas). By the time I released the handle, my coat and suit and shoes reeked of gas. Fortunately I could see no visible stains. But the smell went with me into the car, and into the presentation hall. I was embarrassed and a little stressed getting my computer hooked up with very little time to spare, but it gave me a great icebreaker story to share with the group. My day got better from here!