On my way home to my parents' for the holidays this weekend I did something completely and utterly stupid. There is really no other word for it. I suppose it was rather humorous, but mostly stupid.
I stopped at the gas station to fill up on gas and check my tire pressure. Typically, I just pay at the pump and then leave. This time, I decided I should get a bottle of water and some cash and so entered the store while my tank was filling. This was the glitch in my routine -- I never do this.
Upon making my purchase and withdrawal I return to my car, get in and start it as it is cold out and then remember that I need to fill my tires with air. So I pull away from the pump and hear this horrific crunching sound from my vehicle. It sounds as if I have run over a very large chunk of frozen road sludge (you know the kind that collects behind your wheels?) except a bit more metallic. There is little mistaking what that sound was once I glance back.
I drive over to the air hose like a normal human being. I get out of my car and go put the pump nozzle back into its holder. Then I realize that one of the nozzles is missing. The guy at the next pump looks rather thrilled at what he's about to do and yells out "You've got a huge cord hanging from your gas tank." I just stare at him. Gosh, thanks Sherlock. It wasn't hard to notice it when I turned around.
Indeed, the nozzle and hose were hanging from my car - right where I left it. Looked rather silly. It came off right at the top of the gas pump, which thankfully is constructed for just such incidents. So, being polite, I tried to reattach the pump, but to no avail.
I mustered up what little dignity I had left and took it inside the station. I admitted my guilt and handed the hose to the attendant. Then I sheepishly drove away, trying to attract as little attention as possible.