I think I'm the only one severly affected by gas prices!

[napi21]

I'm listening to KO show, and he has a fill in host. They just had a spot where they said although many Americans are affected by the high gas prices, most are willing to pay for it! They're talking about people going on vacation as far as I can tell.

I have to tell you. I've stopped doing ANY unnecessary driving! I make sure I get everything at the grocery store on one day, and if I forget something....TS! I do without it till next week!

My little dogs LOVSE to take a ride, but no more! We take a walk, and if they don't want to so that, too bad. (And yes, I have one little 16 year old fussy butt who ONLY likes to ride!)

How is it that everyone is dealing with this additional expense????

[MadMaddie]

1. I think more people are adversly effected by the gas prices

then they are reporting....

[napi21]

2. So is this just a media thing they're trying to hide?

I know a lot of people who simply can't afford to spend an extra $20+ each week and not cut out other things. I know I can't!

[MadMaddie]

6. Yea...I think it is more manipulation from the media...boosting

this administration and trying to make the economy look good..when the economy does tank it won't matter how much lying the do...it won't be hidden...

[TomInTib]

10. Although I have a car, I do not drive further than the grocery store.

Living in my little town means never having to go anywhere.

Well, we were going to a benefit on Mt Tam last weekend and I filled up for the first time since gasoline started going up.

I rarely take note of the price of anything, but the dial on that pump definitely got my attention.

Got my attention - as in freaking out.

[Greylyn58]

11. I think so too

this is just another one of the MSM lies.

And if Keith were on his show he would probably have expanded on the story.

I'm lucky in that I live 5 mins away from my job which is great considering I don't get paid worth a damn. However, I don't go out hardly at all anymore and have stopped any unnecessary driving and try to buy what I need while I am out.

[Kajsa]

3. I'm taking fewer trips,

and only when necessary.

It changed where I went for a few days off last month.
Instead of Northern Baja California, I went to the
Coachella Valley before it got too hot out there.

That's a big difference.

[Cha]

12. Coachella Valley, eh? I've

lived there before for about a year back in 1980. It gets nice and hot there. What did you do for fun?

[Kajsa]

15. We stayed in Desert Hot Springs.

Went to the hotel spa and relaxed the first day.
Next two days we went hiking through the Indian Canyons
near Palm Springs. We went to Palm Canyon and Tahquitz ( spelling)
Canyon. It was so beautiful there.
The air was crystal clear and warm, with little wind.

And we explored the area- must have seem 3,000. wind driven turbines.

[Cha]

22. It's really is beautiful..

I love the desert especially in the Spring.. did you see the waterfall at Palm Canyon? I remember a waterfall that felt like a $100.00 massage :)

[Kajsa]

24. Yep, we made it to the waterfall.

It was gorgeous. We saw so many different bird species
and a couple of round tail squirrels, something I've never seen before.

You're right, a good waterfall rivals a massage, any day.
It was great. :D

[otohara]

4. I Rarely Drive & Was Shocked

at the traffic I had to fight last weekend when I picked up my "mentee" to take her to lunch. By the looks of it - people are not slowing down, except a few of us.

[napi21]

5. OK, so I'm dumb today. What is a mentee? n/t

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

9. Mentors have mentees

I think this is a person the poster is mentoring, or helping in some way.

[napi21]

13. Thanks. I never heard that word before. n/t

[otohara]

30. You Are Correct

I am a mentor - just started with the local public schools in my area. They have a 91% success rate for "at risk" kids who are in danger of dropping out of school. Many go on to collge. Not a whole lot of time involved and for a very important cause.

[petgoat]

49. I drove 50 on a long trip to save gas, except in urban areas

where that would have been obstructive I drove 55. That was the posted limit
for trucks, and yet not one trucker was willing to follow behind me at 55.

I used to think nothing of driving 50 miles for a political meeting; now I do
most of my politicking locally or on the net.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. I moved

away from my beloved homestead to a flat nearer my work so that I don't have to drive as far (before it was 100 mile round trip). Very hard only getting back on weekends.

[Journeyman]

8. Well, I got a $300 check from George Bush back in 2001. . .

and though I had to pay it back in 2002, I've felt flush with money ever since.

[donsu]

44. lol

ah, the good old days of head lettuce costing under a $1 (and not containing jet fuel)

[MadMaddie]

14. I have a 91 Infiniti Q45.....bought used and dings...but

I never thought about the type of fuel it used....I needed a car...it was cheap I bought it....well right on the gas cap it says to use Premium gas....so I was until the prices went through the roof...I put in the middle grade (still expensive) well now my engine knocks...

Can't win for losing.....I am going to have to get rid of it by the end of the year...for something more efficient...

[napi21]

16. Think about that before you get rid of it.

I have a 99 Mercury Marquis. It gets about 22 MPG. It's paid for, has 45,000 miles on it, and is too old to get what it's worth to me if I sell it.

We don't drive much, and right now, spend about $30/wk on gas...at the most.

The car is like new because we take very good care of it, and it would be way to much more expensive to get something else!

[MadMaddie]

Thanks for the advice...I think my last payment is next month..

I catch a ShareVan to go to work in the Seattle area too...so that saves me money...

[ThomWV]

17. Shit, are you kidding? We have practically quit driving.

I used to go to town (about 15 miles one way) once every couple of days. Now we make up lists and when we finally hit something that can't wait one of us goes. I haven't driven a mile in the last week and a half, the old lady's only been to town once. That was just because she couldn't stand being around me anymore. Can't blame her.

[napi21]

20. Soooo, maybe we should all send an email to the MEDIA telling

them they have it ALL WRONG? The reason I did the post was because everything I hear on radio and TV says people are just adjusting to these prices and it's no big deal!

[spag68]

18. gas

My car is 13 years old and still gets 25 miles to the gallon, but i'm using my motorcycle more for around town, as it gets 45.

[Mika]

19. I gave up my car. I ride my bikes (to the grocery store too).

I ride to work also (about 11 miles). Fortunately, I really enjoy cycling, plus I own my business so I can arrive early and shower.

I read somewhere that there has been a 17% increase in commuter bike sales in the last year.

[BlooInBloo]

21. I spend the same $10/week I've spent for a long time....

That is, I drive a LOT LESS than I used to.

It's all about what you want to hold constant.

[RB TexLa]

23. The difference between 1.88 and 3.00 for a 18 gallon fill up

is only $20.16, everyone sees the $3.00 price per gallon and freaks out for some reason.

[napi21]

27. And when was gas $1.88?

You're missing the point here. I was pissed when gas was $1.59! We sepnt $10.00 each week for gas, and really never did drive a lot. Mostly back and forth to work.

Now it's $30.00 a week! Just where do you think I'm supposed to find the spare $60.00 a month?

I'm very careful to make sure I can pay all my bills off every month, including the credit card. I don't have an extra $60!

[DemReadingDU]

39. Same here!

I abhor having to fill up my tank for $30!

But have you noticed who the media always interviews when it comes to high gas prices - it seems like they interview the people who drive those huge SUV's! Of course they don't mind filling up for $80, they're going to pay the high price of gas because they need to drive those vehicles because all their kids are in sports and they need the room of an SUV to haul all their gear!

Why can't kids rides bikes nowadays?

[Beelzebud]

25. I don't even have insurance. The gas is KILLING me.......................

But hey, I'm just in fly-over country. I'm just a hick right?
**not directed at OP.

[dysfunctional press]

36. what type of insurance are you referring to?

if you don't have auto liability insurance, do the rest of us a favour, and please stay off the road until you do.

[Beelzebud]

50. health insurance.

No money for doctor, and the gas is sucking what other money i have.

[AuntPatsy]

26. We get reinibursed for all gas usage, I hate to say it but it's not a

problem for me personaly.

[sandnsea]

29. The 40% Invisible Americans

We aren't on the streets, aren't at the best restaurants, aren't at the movie theatres, aren't at the resorts, therefore we don't exist.

Well, we are at all those places, but the people who haven't a care in the world only recognize us when we can't afford to pay our emergency room bill, and then it's only to bitch about what a burden WE are on society. :eyes:

Yes people are still traveling, this weekend anyway. I think they're mostly taking one grand vacation before gas prices go up even higher. That's what it looks like in my business anyway.

On edit:

Aunt Patsy, this wasn't directed at you, it was supposed to be a individual reply to the OP.

[AuntPatsy]

34. I know, and I don't feel good about it you understand.....

I can sympathize with the anger and frustration and attempt to push this to those that need to hear it and actually feel the same way, it's just not right, but to be honest, so many these days simply cannot or choose not to comprehend that something is not right when all America cannot enjoy the same freedoms and pastimes...

I am a strong advocate for higher wage earnings and health care for everyone, The minimum wage earnings is nothing more than a cruel joke to middle America as well as those below that level...I just don't understand how other's can just be so uncaring about their neighbors and fellow citizens.

[sandnsea]

37. Yes I know

What I meant was, I didn't even mean to post it there, to you in any way at all. It was supposed to be its own post way down below.

I think to some extent people also think that they pay their taxes for food stamps, power assistance, housing. So they just brush the rest of it off. I don't expect anybody to spend their whole life agonizing over the conditions of someone worse off than them, we'd almost all be miserable souls if that's all we did. I just wish some at the very top, like Bill Gates, would figure out there has to be a better economic system than this.

[lawladyprof]

28. Napi21, you might want to think about a stroller for that 16 yo

I just lost a 17 year old Sheltie and he walked a little way and then I lifted him into his stroller so he could go the rest of the way on a good long walk with the younger dogs. He really enjoyed it. Send me a PM if you want more information.

[lildreamer316]

31. Skating by on a

savings acct. and a 37mph car (family of 3; car is a 2 seater. We borrow a bigger car when we have to take baby somewhere. It sucks).
COUPONS!!! COUPONS!! COUPONS!! PM me for info.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

32. Hmmm.. I think I'm the only one affected by gas

Should probably try Beeno...

[earth mom]

33. I'm consolidating trips, shopping at stores that are closer,

instead of driving cross town and burning gas to shop at the bargain grocery store. I am not driving all over the place garage sale-ing and instead limiting myself to smaller geographical areas for a short duration of time. It's just common sense because the deal I get won't be worth it if I burn $20 or $30 in gas to get it. :shrug: Also, hubby and I nixed a family trip to the zoo this weekend because it will take a tank of gas to get there and we'd rather spend that cash on something we really need.

I agree with those who posted upthread that the propaganda has kicked in big time. You know, the one that says that: gas prices aren't changing peoples lifestyles at all and that everyone is still driving here and there without a care in the world and of course continuing to spend spend spend!

Gawd forbid if people get panicky about the gas prices and stop spending money! :sarcasm:

[sandnsea]

35. Go to Expedia

Try and find a hotel room for popular vacation places, most of it's booked up. As tight as I've ever seen it for a 3 day weekend. People are travelling. I think people can't take the Friday afternoons off work, don't have the gas for the overnighters several times a year, and are going to be taking fewer trips and staying a couple nights at a time. But they are travelling, there are people who make enough money that this little gas blip doesn't affect them hardly at all. Lots of them, as a matter of fact.

[rman]

38. Well, you still make some trips, so you buy gas,

so you are "willing to pay for it".

Just pointing out the RW logic...

[Nobody]

40. Spending less on other things

Or trying to.

Even though I only drive when I absolutely have to, when things are not in walking or biking distance, the trucking industry is taking a huge hit. I may get impressive gas mileage (70+ mpg), that isn't going to stop the price of everything going up due to the increased cost of bringing it to the store so I can walk and get it.

Having a fuel consumption gauge in my car showed me EXACTLY how wasteful it was to drive a mile to the grocery store, pick up something, and drive home.

I drive a high fuel economy car. Everything about it is optimized for high gas mileage. Even so, from my driveway to the store and back is at least 10 mpg less than EPA rating for city. Or more, depending on whether or not it's winter.

I am very glad to be living in the inner city so everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, is in walking distance. I lived in the suburbs when I was a kid pre-driver's license and NOTHING was in walking distance, I rode my bike everywhere. And to me, biking distance is anywhere within 5 miles or so.

[LincolnMcGrath]

41. Put fussyButt in a radio flyer.

Or mount one of these to your bike.

[Maine-ah]

42. "willing to pay for it"

um, no. Have no choice in the matter is what it is. I have to go to work, grocery shopping ect.... I have no public transportation. Live too far away to walk/ride bike.

Dealing with the expense? Well, certain priorities get paid first...mortage,electric,phone - the necessities and then that pretty much leaves me with just enough money to get groceries and gas. everyone else who wants money from me at the moment isn't getting it.

[Toots]

43. get fussy butt a paper route so she/he can help pay the gas bill.

without some humor we will have a very sad life indeed. I totally understand where you are coming from. Republicans make life miserable for almost all people. It is their policies that create this stuff, also their behavior in their daily lives is usually rude and offensive, their driving habits. America could do so much better. Life without driving is probably a healthier life anyway. Wish I could assure it will get better. Until we get an Administration and Government that is for America and not themselves and their rich benefactors and get us off dependence of foreign energy it will just continue to decline, IMO.

[OnionPatch]

45. We live in a rural area

but have to commute for work. Aside from the commute, we have been doing NO driving and have been scanning the info on cars with good mileage with an eye to purchase ASAP.

My husband says he's driving 55 now all the time. He says it saves gas. And he's looking to buy a motorcycle for his daily commute.

We'll probably still take a vacation this summer. After waiting all year for it, it would take a lot to make us cancel that. We may stay closer to home, though.

[TheFarseer]

46. I only drive to work

and to do girlfriend related things. If I don't get there on the way home from work, I won't go. If it's within a mile of my apt, I walk there. My Accord is surprisingly bad on gas (21-22 mpg) so I'm very conscience of where I drive, my speed, trying to coast up to stop lights or "beat" them. Wish I could afford a new car, something better on gas. I'm starting a new job on Tuesday (about 10 minutes from home), and it might be on a good bus route, although they automatically take $10 out of your check for parking so that would be annoying to pay that and not use the spot and besides, only 10 minute drive.

oh and my observations on other people - I've seen more and more SUVs on the road this year. Everybody and their dog is still driving all over the city to get to Taco Bell at lunch. I haven't driven anywhere for lunch in a couple years! I couldn't tell you if people are still all over the interstate on weekends cause I'm never there, but I can't imagine traffic has slowed down. Gas has got to be much more expensive to alter the driving habits of most people, I'd say like over $5.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

47. You just described the way things are for me.

It sucks.

[TexasLady]

48. i do see more hitch hikers & walkers obviously trying to

get to work, wearing their uniforms.

i never thought our gas bills every week would meet or exceed our grocery bill, and there are seven of us~!!