We’ve Hit A New Phase

As kids grow, they hit many milestones along the way. We record all the amazing firsts – crawling, speaking, walking, teething, etc. There are many, many momentous occasions through those first years of life. Just like all kids are different, the milestones they hit and when they hit them are all different. But then you get to a point, where those big milestone moments stop coming for a while. It’s all status quo.  Then one day, those moments start up again with first day of school. First failed test. First fight with a friend. First tastes of success in sports or band of classrooms. First disappointments. You know what I mean. The moments change as the kids grow.

Well, as the mom I have hit a new milestone in my kids life. What ever could it be? I know you are all dying to know. What did those girls do now? Which teacher are you calling out for being dumb? Which coach is making you crazy?

Well, friends, the milestone we’ve hit this time of year is one that hurts the wallet the most. Yes, friends I can no longer survive a week on one tank of gas.

Let that sink in. Remember we live in California, home of the highest gas prices in the country. For as long as I can remember (at least the last 8 years or so since I started driving a Mom-Mobile) I could go a whole week on one tank of gas. We have a routine. On Sundays, we go to church. The Husband drives my car and fills up my gas tank. That’s just the way that is goes. Sunday is “get gas” day.

Well last week on Saturday morning as I got in the car with the Little One to head to synchronized swimming practice (YES! That is a real thing!), I knew we had a problem. My gas gauge was well below a ¼ of a tank.

{Side note: I am THAT person. When the gas gauge hits ¼ I begin to panic. Don’t judge me!}

So, I knew I needed to get gas before we hit the freeway to get to practice. Of course, we live right around the corner from a 7-11 with a gas station, so much to the Husband’s chagrin I filled up. Yes, I paid $3.85/gallon. OUCH! Normally we get gas at Costco or on base as those are the two cheapest options. But on Saturday at 8:05 am, when synchro practice starts at 8:30 am I didn’t have time to go in the complete opposite direction to hit either the base or Costco, so 7-11 was my choice.  And yes, I paid the price… literally of being a taxi driver.

So, I jacked up the system by getting gas on Saturday. I knew it would throw everything off but what choice did I have?

Well, here’s the thing, yes it gets worse. Both girls needed new tennis shoes. As if I am not driving enough each week – getting kids to school, getting to work, band practice, swim practice, synchro practice, volleyball practice….. the list goes on. Now we have to drive to the Border to get tennis shoes. Yes, there are other stores that sell shoes, but we are cheap and we like the outlets at the border. So  after an added bonus of a trip to Mexico (basically it’s true). The kids got new shoes, but guess what? Today is WEDNESDAY….. let that sink in for a moment.

Remember Sunday is get gas day….. today is W.E.D.N.E.S.D.A.Y  and just look at this….

*Sigh* Yes, it’s a new milestone week for us.