MOMania

By FCM

September 29, 2008 6:31 AM | Link to this

Condensing all the errands to be done once….WALMART was packed to the gills Saturday, seems to be the way folks out here are doing it. I did put gas in on Friday morning. We also drove to the soccer game, I didn’t think the little legs could do the walk, a game, and get back home….come to think of it I am not sure mine could either.

We skipped church due to the fuel issues. My parent’s had considered going…that changed….and was by far my most painful sacrifice of not using gas, though they supported me in it:

Early Sunday morning (like when only newborns are awake) my Dad suffered a ‘mild’ stroke. My mother did not call me until 9:30—-many hours later. I am not sure if it was anxiety or what, but as I was getting ready to head across town (they are in Marietta) to sit with her, I got violently ill. The milk I drank curdled in my stomach.

They were running tests on Dad all yesterday before admitting him. I still feel nobody should sit through the waiting by themselves—-too much time to think on your hands. I kept in touch with my Mom by cell though. Ignored what she told me and called my brother on the west coast (7AM his time)—he asked should he get on a flight—what a good son!!!! I updated him about 10 AM his time—he asked again. We learned later that he cancelled all his plans for the day (his rare day off)—was checking flights, making arrangements for a short notice departure from work, and manning the phone line. My Mom hadn’t charged her cell so it was a grueling hours of nausea at my house until she called to say she was home. They had him resting, and she decided to get some herself. If Mom could go home things couldn’t be all bad right?

I should probably have used the car. Nausea or no. I only have one Dad. On the other hand, I could see my parents view of saving my gas, because getting to work to provide for the family is important too. It should not come down to these kind of decisions!!!

We are in week 3 of this mess, and our governor is on vacation in Europe….that burns my butt. Having to make decisions like whether to go to church, go to hospital, or save gas because of the shortage burns my butt more.

This issue of gas does seem to be isolated to GA and a small area surrounding……

Its End of Quarter so I will not be ‘chatting’ much today. I will ‘tune back in’ tonight though for sure.

By your jokin, right?

September 29, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

but we don’t want to be foolish or wasteful.

does anybody remember her take on the drought?

**It’s a suburban mother’s rebel cry - We will let our kids run through sprinklers and fill up kiddy pools in the middle of the day despite water restrictions. We all know we’re not supposed to but it’s definitely being done.

We attended a kiddy pool party last week. We’d fill the little plastic pools and then when they got too muddy, we’d dump them out and fill them again. It was a corner house so I kept expecting cops to show up. I figured all the mommies would pitch in to help pay the fine if the owner got busted.

There was a discussion of which neighbor might rat the owner out. She said she witnessed the most likely candidate illegally watering their own yard, so she felt safe.

I was talking to another friend the other day who said they just bought one of those blow up water slides. I said, “Doesn’t your county have a watering ban?” He said “Screw that. You can tell by looking at my grass I don’t water. If I want to run a sprinkler for my kids I will.”

I think moms like using backyard pools and sprinklers in the middle of the day because they are easy, they are relatively safe compared to a deep, big pool, they are cheap and they can be done on the fly.

Are you cheating on the watering ban to let your kids play? Would you attend a sprinkler party when you know there is a ban on? Would you help pay a fine if the host got busted? Should families be able to trade out watering times — if I don’t water my grass today then the kids can use the sprinkler for an hour in the afternoon? **

Hypocrite!

By momtoAlex&Max

September 29, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

We usually drive from East Cobb to Dunwoody on Sunday mornings for church and Sunday dinner with my parents, but we cancelled it yesterday. I really hated doing that, but we had to conserve fuel. Sigh. I hope this eases up soon!

By smh728

September 29, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

The biggest change I made was to quit my job August. I live in north Gwinnett and was commuting one way 25 mi to Chamblee/ Atlanta. I made good money, liked my job but when gas hit four bucks, it just wasn’t worth it. Granted I am married so there is another income in-play. Now that I am home, rarely go out during the week and if I do, it is very local; within 5mi of our home. Errands are done on one day and since I can do them during the week I am rarely idling in weekend traffic. We spend much more time at home enjoying our yard, kids playing outside rather than sitting in the car, going here and there. It is a change but I am liking it.

By DB

September 29, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

Theresa, GO to Hilton Head with your girlfriends. You deserve the weekend, and you will be able to get gas easily. It’s JUST ATLANTA, which is as annoying as hell. My husband got home Thursday after driving 300 miles, and I warned him to fill up before he got to the Atlanta metro area — he didn’t see one closed service station until he got near Douglasville. We ended up using his car all weekend, because he went back Sunday afternoon and would be getting gas on the way back.

FCM, I’m so sorry about your father, and I hope he’s on the mend.

RE: Church. I find that, in stressful times like this, church is MORE important. Some things get cut. Church doesn’t.

By momtoAlex&Max

September 29, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

to DB: you are right about church, I hated not going, but I could not risk spending the gas when it could mean that I could not get to work. I have already cut out everything else I could.

By unbelievable

September 29, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand how this gas shortage can be just a Georgia & South Carolina problem. In my job I talk to people all over the US and no one but us seem to be feeling this pinch. What’s up with that? Smell political to me!

By unbelievable

September 29, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand how this gas shortage can be just a Georgia & South Carolina problem. In my job I talk to people all over the US and no one but us seem to be feeling this pinch. What’s up with that? Smells political to me!

By clyde

September 29, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

No shortage here but high prices have forced us to curtail driving to necessary trips.No more going out for any reason that’s not totaly necessary.

By Theresa

September 29, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

FCM — Please keep us posted on your dad’s condition. I am so sorry and I hope he has a speedy recovery! He will be in my prayers!(and I’m sure many others’ as well.)

By policewife

September 29, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

We had hoped to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go to Stone Mountain this weekend, but it just wasn’t a good time to go because of the gas situation. I hated to not go, especially since the stepdaughter was with us over the weekend, but who knows when or if gas is going to available. I do have to get to work! I did not leave the house all weekend but one time, and that was a trip close to home. I hope this situation improves very soon. Until then, we’ll be staying home and limiting driving as much as possible.

By Wondering

September 29, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Can someone help me understand why ONLY METRO ATLANTA is affected by this gas shortage? I work with people who live 50 miles away and they say they have plenty of gas where they are. No one I talk to in other areas of the southeast are having problems. What is different about Atlanta that we cannot get gas?

By Jeff

September 29, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

Down here in South GA gas issues are sporadic. My coworkers that live in Albany proper report problems with stations not having gas, but of the two stations in my town north of Albany, one or the other ALWAYS has some, and prices have fallen back to within Summer 2008 norms. (In the $3.70 range, after having dropped as low as mid 3.50s before the storms.)

Are we curtailing anything? Not really. We went and saw Fireproof yesterday, which is DEFINTELY something I recommend, and we have done our normal errands. If anything, we have been going to Albany (the only time we really use any measurable quantity of gas) MORE in the past couple of weeks than normal.

Blog and movie recommendation: Fireproof. Would LOVE to see what y’all thought about it! (BTW: When we were getting tickets yesterday, we saw the director of the movie - Alex Kendrick - walking into the theater. He also plays the pastor at the end of the movie, and was the coach in Facing the Giants. When we got out of our screening, several of the people from the movie were there thanking everyone for coming… just thought that was kinda cool…)

By Kathy

September 29, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

I gave up my monthly scrapbook night this past Friday. That was tough since I am a SAHM and NEED that night with my girlfriends. Oh well…..

As far as why ATL is the only place suffering, this is what I have heard: since we have strict regulation on our emissions because we are considered a city with a lot of pollution, our gas has to have less sulfur than that of less polluted cities with no regulations. The refineries that were damaged in Hurricane Ike are unable to produce the kind of gas that we need. I did hear that Gov. Perdue lifted the “sulphur-less gas” restrictions so that we could get gas, but it doesn’t seem to be working. My husband and I had a theory about the gas situation this weekend: all the tankers were sent to Athens so that all the Alabama fans could fill up and get the heck out. My friend went to the game and said that there was plenty of gas in Athens.

By Emmaline

September 29, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Aw, hell, yeah. I was already a conservative car-user - only used it when I had to. I’ve taken to using my motorcycle to commute on every day I can. This weekend, when it was GORGEOUS out, I wanted to take the bike out for a pleasure ride, but didn’t. My husband just got diagnosed with “approaching diabetes” and has taken up riding his bike at the local park. Well, thanks to lousy planning and lousy engineering in the north metro suburban county where we live, there is no where to ride a bike in our neighborhood, and it’s impossible to ride a bike TO the park without getting killed. So his health is actually at risk. I don’t really blame the gas shortages for this; I blame the short-sightedness and crappy engineering that left us without safe alternatives to cars.

By Marie

September 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

I had no problem getting gas in Doraville until this weekend. After spending 30 minutes looking for a station with gas and sitting in a line for 30 minutes, I kept all my errands limited to a five mile radius around my house. I’ve also decided that any errand I run this week will be between my office and my home. I only live six miles from home, so I won’t have many options, but I’m not willing to spend an hour getting gas every week.

By Mr. Nice Guy

September 29, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

I think its silly to be driving anywhere you don’t really need to go to, such as the Farmer’s Market. With our current gas shortage, its to everyone’s advantage to conserve fuel for the benefit of all.

By Jess

September 29, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

I actually felt guilty about driving downtown to visit a friend that was in town. I haven’t seen her in about a year! I really don’t want to feel that way, so I said screw it I’m doing it and we had a great time. I’ll have to look for gas a little earlier than if I didn’t make the extra trip.

By Marcy

September 29, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

We haven’t gone to visit our out of state relatives in quite a while. My in-laws are beginning to complain about not seeing the grandchildren. My mother-in-law claims gas is in abundance in west Alabama.

By Oh Please

September 29, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

On gives up church? One blames engineering for a husbands poor health (and evidently housing) choices. What is all this panic about? Get over it and deal with it. Buy gas when you see it. If you don’t want to sit in a line for 20-30 minutes - make your choice and don’t - but don’t blame others. I’m not a “hop in the car” on the spur of hte moment type to begin with - so this gas shortage hasn’t changed my driving habits much. Go to work. Come home. Go to church. Come home. Do any shopping along the way. Do fun stuff on weekend with grandchild - wherever I decide I want to take her. My tank still lasts me a little over a full week - and it’s a 10-yr-old Nissan Maxima!

By Laura

September 29, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

NC is also having shortages- my brother starts a new job today and barely has enough gas to get there. He’s about an hour from Asheville.

I managed to get gas last night after only a 40 minute wait. All I can say is “Thank God I telework!” Still, I’m not able to get to my appts- doctor/dentist- or do my volunteer tutoring until this lets up, because they’re a ways from me.

If worse comes to worse, I can walk to the grocery store. I’m not too keen on crossing Roswell Rd on foot where I’m at though- no pedestrian crossing around here.

I did manage to get gas last night at 9:00pm, for 4.19/gallon. For some stupid reason people were honking the horn trying to get others moving faster. Seriously, people, what’s the point?

By MA

September 29, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Southside here. Not a problem at all. Sam’s has not had gas only one time. I had a full tank at that time, so, I was okay. A few stations do not have gas, but, because I don’t use them, it did not affect me. I also only live 2.1 miles from my job, so, how ideal is that? My husband car pools so that saves us also. The only long distance I do is to pick up my daughter from High School(8 miles). She is involved with after school things so she can’t ride the bus home. She is not driving yet and that would be more money for another car, more gas, and insurance.

By charlotte, nc

September 29, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

We are also out of gas in Charlotte, NC

By JJ

September 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone!!! I’m back……

FCM How’s your Dad? I’m so sorry. Please keep us posted……

I was lucky enough to find gas Friday afternoon. I had to wait in line for two cars ahead of me. And it was only $3.99 at Exxon. So I am good, we kept our driving to a minimum. I caught a ride into work with a co-worker this a.m. My daughter has a dr. appt down close to my work, and there was no way I was driving all the way to work, back home to get her, then back to the doctor. So she has the car, and will come get me and we will go to the doctor. I have to go to for my shoulder. Good thing we have the same doctor…….

Coming in this a.m. a few stations were opened, and the lines weren’t long at all. The worst one had about 5 cars at each pump at Peachtree Ind. and McGinnis Ferry. In Duluth there were a couple of places open with no lines.

QT had gas at $3.94 and directly across the street, Chevron was at $4.19. Up in Suwanee, just about everyone is at $3.99.

Good luck ya’ll.

By Riding it out

September 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

The reason we’re having this issue is due to people filling up (topping off) before they really need gas. Anyone who is going to the gas station with more than 1/4 tank, shame on you. You’re the problem. I filled up last Monday when my car was basically on fumes. I still have over 1/2 a tank left, and hope to make that last as long as humanly possible so I don’t have to sit in a 45 minute line. Fortunately, I telecommute a couple days a week already, and will probably just do that as much as possible in the next two weeks. Good luck, y’all. It stinks but we’ll be back to normal supply soon. The prices will be high still, so whatever you’re doing to conserve gas now might still benefit the wallet even once supplies are back up!!

By new mom

September 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Morning all,

JJ, glad to have you back! Is your shoulder doing better? I hope so!

FCM, we will definitely keep you and your family in our prayers today. I hope your dad gets better soon. We just found out my husband’s grandmother (who is 91) fell and possibly had a stroke, so we’re waiting on word from them. It’s so scary when your family members are sick…

As far as the gas, I am doing what I can to cut out anything unnecessary. We skipped our library’s storytime this morning, and since I don’t technically ‘have’ to be anywhere, we’re staying in.

I did get gas last week around 3pm on afternoon—I was the only one at the station. The way I look at it: Since I can get gas at the odd hours, and drive very little anyway, I want to make sure I stay out of the lines. Why would I want to contribute to other people having to wait? But I also won’t let my tank go too low, having a one-year old at home. Imagine needing to take little one to the doctor, or heaven forbid the hospital, and running out of gas?? I won’t take a chance like that.

We didn’t skip church—and it didn’t seem like many others did either. Our pastor was reassuring, asking the congregation ‘who remembers the gas crisis in the 70s?’ and then said ‘we all survived it, it will all be OK’. :)

By JJ

September 29, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Riding it out Sorry, but when I get down to 1/2 tank, I’m looking for an open station, and I’m topping my tank off. With things the way they are right now, I’m not risking it. My daughter has my car, and I told her, if you see a station open, get gas. But if there’s a line, don’t bother……

But I’m not letting it get down to 1/4 before I fill up.

By new mom

September 29, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Agreed JJ, the people that are ‘topping off’ are NOT the ones in lines running out of gas.

I can’t imagine how mad I’d be if I was sitting in a line behind someone who refused to buy gas until the last minute, then ran out of gas and made the line even more unbearable.

By nanny3

September 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Just waited one hour and 20 minutes to get gas at Turner’s Corner General Store in Lumpkin County at 4.29. Dry as a bone up here in the foothills of the beautiful Northeast Georgia mountains

By lovin life

September 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

It is getting a little crazy huh? Last night we had 2 family parties one close by and from there an engagement party 1 hr away. We carpooled to the second one. I am sitting this morning going over the weeks errands and trying to line them up by direction in which I need to go. (New Mom I am going to New Baby Products this week to get a second pair of Pedipeds! Little B loves them! Also have you tried t-strap Naturinos?) I had to wait for and hour and a half last friday. I waited way to late to get gas. People were crazy trying to cut in line, fighting. One women said she was going to “ram” my car since I would not let her get in front of me (I had been waiting a little over an hour at that point and had to get to the school to pick up E and her friend). She then proceded to drive towards me quickly and stop a few times. She also tried this trick on a few others and after failing almost hit a girl who had been in a different line and used a racial slur.
People CALM DOWN! Since the kiddo’s weren’t in the car I kinda sat back and watched the crazy show but I know if E and B had been with me I would have felt differently.

By SLK

September 29, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I went to Macon over the weekend. I drove up to the gas pump, no line and paid $3.89 for gas. I was elated until I drove 2 miles up the street and saw it for $3.73. LOL Only saw one station along the way that was out of gas… and I live in Newnan - where we are literally FIGHTING over $4.29 gas. Even the little “mom and pop” stations along the backroads have gas for $3.98 or so.

By AmazonRed

September 29, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

I live and play intown, so the shortage has not affected me much. In fact, it’s helped because the roads are empty, so I can get where I’m going much faster.

For those wondering why Metro Atlanta is suffering. We have a higher population and more motorist coming INTO the city from other places. If you live 30 miles away and come in 5 days a week, you’re gonna need to fill up faster.

If you lived father away, you’d probably not come into the city much. Besides there are less people outside of Metro Atlanta to not put a strain on demand.

By Jesse's Girl

September 29, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

FCM…..praying for you and your family. Working out of office today. I saw very little gas on my way…its not the consumers causing the problem. Its the mismanagement of the industry as a whole. If this doesn’t scream “DRILL ON U.S SOIL!!!”…I don’t know what does.

By new mom

September 29, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

All we hear is how we should not top off, and go as long as possible between fill-ups. So far, this mentality is causing long lines, fights, people stalking tanker trucks, people running out of gas in lines, etc.

I have another proposal: What if we encouraged people to: 1) Get gas at odd hours. Ask your boss to let you use your 15 minute break at 10am or 3pm to get gas, or one spouse go out for gas after the kids go to bed, or set an alarm and go out at 2am and get gas, etc. 2) Get gas when you see it, and top off. And 3) Do whatever you can to NOT wait in line. If you see a line, keep driving. I think that if we follow rule # 1 and #2, then # 3 will work. People will not have the desperate need to get gas, and the lines will shrink. And the panic will also lessen.

I’m sure there will be folks telling me how wrong I am, but it seems like the news reports the lines to be worst during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Doesn’t it make sense to spread out our collective usage over the course of 24 hours? And not let ourselves get to Empty/Panic? It’s just an idea…

By Mike D

September 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

We canceled church yesterday as well even though its only a block away. I actually had a lot more fun by drinking earlier in the day.

Also we top off our tanks everyday just to be sure we have enough gas to run both of our SUVs around the city.

By Kat

September 29, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I applaud the people who can and do walk to their nearest errands. I would do it as well - as I’m sure would many others if we didn’t have a bunch of crappy drivers out there texting or whatever and not paying attention. To “OH PLEASE,” these days, it doesn’t matter where you buy your house - the landscape will look much different in a year - it always does. There is a huge, beautiful park a few miles away from us, but it only opened up earlier this year. Had we known 8 years ago when we moved in that this would be there, maybe we would have been closer, but that was not an option. With foreclosures and short sales all over the place, people buying today have more options as to where to buy and should take all of this under consideration.

By new mom

September 29, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Hey lovinlife! Glad you liked the pedipeds! I really need to get out to buy our fall shoes…I told our baby girl ‘once we buy your shoes, we’re done fall shopping for you.’ She replied ‘well let’s just wait then, mommy’. Well, I bet that’s what she would have said, if she could talk…

I haven’t tried the t-strap naturinos. Do you like them? Maybe we’ll see you at New baby products! :)

By Numbers Guy

September 29, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Sorry, but if you’re topping off at 1/2 a tank, you’re part of the issue. Topping off at 1/2 a tank = double the fillups = double the crowds = double the lines. Unfortunately, the panic is so bad now that unless you follow the herd mentality, you’ll get stampeded over. As a result, I’m now looking for gas opportunities once I get close to 1/4 tank, rather than as I get close to fumes.

I’ve also been attempting to put a little more thought into my routes when doing errands so I can eliminate inefficiencies there. I’m also keeping the cars well maintained, which contributes to fuel efficiency, and have modified my driving style to be a little more sedate - but not so sedate that I become a traffic hazard. Lotta that going around lately, too.

By Kola8273

September 29, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

This Does Not Scream “Drill on US soil” This is a refinery Problem, we have plenty of oil. I am not opposed to drilling on US soil though. But it isn’t an end all solution to our problem. We are already the #3 producer of oil in the world but that only covers 40% of our usage. There is no way supply could ever catch up with demand. Become energy independant on your own My wife and I carpool everyday, in a B100 biodiesel (refined, used fryer oil) 2003 VW Golf, and get 45 miles to the gallon and on days we can’t Carpool I ride my bike 25 miles each way. We have two cars, and we have the money to pay for gas at 4$ a gallon. But it isn’t responsible. You may think we are too liberal in the way we commute, but because how we commute means that one more idiot in atlanta can live 50 miles from their job and drive alone in an SUV.

This is just a minor hiccup in our energy network, and it can only get worse.

Dont wait for your government to solve the energy crisis, solve your own energy crisis. Go Biodeisel, Bike, take public transit, buy a hybrid, Carpool, move closer to work, get a motorcycle or scooter, If everyone in america reduces how much gas they consume by just 10%, the price for a gallon of gas will plummet.

By Sugar

September 29, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

One of my co-workers lives less than a mile from work. He drives to work, then drives home for lunch. Two round trips every single day.

If I lived that close, I’d be walking. The weather is perfect this time of year. Leave the car home, get the exercise.

By Numbers Guy

September 29, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

FCM - I hope your Dad pulls through OK. You’ll be in my thoughts.

By Becky

September 29, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

JJ, welcome back..I wasn’t around much last week, it’s my companys end of year, so been pretty busy, sorry to know that your shoulder was messed up..FCM, am keeping you in my prayers today.. I haven’t had any problem getting gas..I am also one of those people that at a half of tank, I fill up..I’ve always filled up usually about 1/4 tank..I have a sister that had a brain anyersuem (sp) burst about a year ago & she still has some bad side effects from it, so if I get that call that she’s being rushed to the hospital, I want to be able to go..

By Jeff

September 29, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Sugar:

Your coworker sounds like my wife. We live maybe a half mile (via road, much closer as the crow flies) from her job, yet she drives to work.

Of course, I’m EXTREMELY glad I don’t work in Macon anymore and instead only work 13 miles from home!! (There are some of my colleagues that live in Dougherty County and have longer commutes than I do, even though I live in the next county over!)

By Mr. Nice Guy

September 29, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

This should also be a wake-up call for when one Middle Eastern nation gets ticked off at us and turns off the taps; it’s going to happen and the effects will be much worse.

Are you prepared? Do you even think about the future?

America is in trouble and this is a little warning light going off and a prelude for worse things to come.

By My3Kids

September 29, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

The ones who blame those of us who live in the burbs and drive near the ATL for the gas shortage are beginning to bug me.

I am really glad I don’t drive from Woodstock to Norcross anymore. I would be using my vacation time now if I still worked down there. Besides…that drive was really getting to me. Although I had a boss who lived 12 miles from the office verses my 32, my drive time was as long as hers.

I am trying not to drive unless I really have to drive. Like going to work, getting groceries, etc. However, there have been days because of kids I just have to go out for them.

I was able to fill up this weekend. I had almost a half of tank, but I knew what errands I still had to do with the kids and I had a gut feeling that the gas stations I pass would be out of gas on Monday. And I was right…they were all out this morning. Thats fine I rather sit in line when I have the extra time to kill and not on my way to work.

I am glad the girls are used to riding the bus…I would hate to sit in line and drop them off. Unless we are running late, they will ride that bus every day until they buy their own car or graduate. Hehehe!

By A. Nony Mouse

September 29, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

I live near a tank farm and it is essentially shut down. Usually I see trucks in and out every time I go by. Since Ike there has been NO traffic at all. It looks like a ghost town. I had to drive for 30 minutes yesterday to find gas. I only had to wait in line for 15 minutes maybe less.

By Mary Beth

September 29, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

People are freaking out and panicking and that is why we are in this predicament. I work with a little old lady who is constantly gassing up both of her vehicles even though she only drives one when she goes out of town. (which is about 3 times a year)

By Melanie

September 29, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I have a scooter that I use for errands. It doesnt go fast but around the two lane roads 40 mph is good enough. I have to drive to my part time job three days a week because I would probably get killed on my scooter.

By the real lakerat

September 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

I’m one of those annoying people that fills up all my cars when I’m only a quarter of a tank low and I also fill up my two 5-gallon gas cans too.

I deserve to have more gas because I’m so much better than any of you.

By Ann

September 29, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

My son in Athens told me last week that he was having to drive to several stations before finding gas and then it was only premium, $4.28 gall and limited to $30 worth. He said it was a little scary.

In Albany,last wk I saw stations without gas,but others had some available.

We’ve cut down on our driving. I used to drive the 12 miles to Albany 3 times a wk,now I go 1-2 and often hubby and I are running errands together.If I go somewhere he doesn’t want to,I drop him off at a bookstore. I miss not going shopping as much but have found that if I just fight that ‘go to town urge’ it goes away once I find something to do around the house. It requires being more organized with errands. We should carpool more!

By JATL

September 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

I’ve given some trips second thought, but once you get south of the city there isn’t a huge problem. I live intown and there’s nothing around here unless you time it just right, but head down 75 and there are plenty of stations with gas.

NO WAY would I give up a girl’s trip!!! You can find gas. If I were traveling, I would just make sure I stayed ahead of the empty mark and fill up when you see it available and are at least between half and a quarter empty.

By AmazonRed

September 29, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

You are supposed to fill up your tank when you are only down to 1/4. Riding around on “E” not good for your car.

By jct

September 29, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Yes, my family life has been impacted. I now walk a lot more (where safety is not an issues).

I started taking MARTA after Hurricane Katrina and have not looked backed. The trains are absolutely packed so more people are taking this alternative.

Prior to this current gas scare, I was filling up about once every three weeks. I normally fill up when I reach a 1/4 of tank of gas.

Sorry, new mom - the topping off people worked my nerves when I filled up on Friday. I decided that I would not wait in the long lines and used your suggestion of filling up at odd times. I got up at 1 a.m. and went to get gas. I waited in line exactly 10 minutes. I was back in bed within 30 minutes. Guess what though? The 3 of 4 people in front of me got 5 gallons or less gas. That equals about 1/4 of a tank for those three people. That is ridiculous.

FCM-I hope your Dad is doing better.

back to work….

By Sugar

September 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I’ve always been somewhat of a home body. There is just so much to do around the house and the yard, I hardly go anywhere on the weekends, except to a friends. I love my home and yard.

I usually run errands on the way home from work. Most of what I need is on my daily commute.

Once I get home from work, I don’t want to get back out. It’s “Sugar” time…….

So, a tank of gas normally lasts me over a week, sometimes I can stretch it into two weeks. I’m not freaking out, not waiting in line, etc. By the time I need to fill up again, this will have all worked out.

Relax.

By Divadee

September 29, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

It is not just metro Atlanta. We are having trouble in north Georgia as well. We hear folks are coming north to get ‘our’ gas!! Unfortunately, we don’t have public transit, so we MUST fill up our tanks to get anywhere, and lots of places are really 45 minutes away (i.e. not just traffic delays, but true mileage!). Panic helps no one, whether it is gas or milk/bread (think snow panic).

By MomsRule

September 29, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I put 6.86 gallons in my tank shortly before Noon today because the opportunity presented itself.

I waited in line maybe 5mns.

To those complaining about people “topping off.” I am entitled to fill up when I have the opportunity just as you are entitled to let your tank run close to empty.

Blast away.

By Jeff

September 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Ann:

If you’re N of Albany, you’re not very far from me!

Fortunately, the weather even down here is becoming bearable enough to once again do yard work, so T and I did some of that - that had needed to be done since LAST fall - Saturday instead of spending ALL day in Albany!

By patiently waiting

September 29, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Theresa, don’t cancel your girls trip because of gas. But, I am actually wondering if you ware cancelling it for that reason or is it because you don’t want to actually go? I have read your compliants about not having a vacation. Now the opportunity is here and you are trying to get out of it? Do you REALLY think there won’t be ANY gas b/w here and South Carolina?

By UnHappyCommuter

September 29, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

I unfortunately commute 60 miles a day roundtrip to work 5 days a week at a total of 300 miles. I drive as less as possible. I try to go to the grocery store when I am passing by it and hoping that the gas will last at least to the end of the week.I have to go where my job goes, but hopefully I will be fortunate to retire soon without having to get a part time job. America wake up. This is a mess and who is to blame? I can’t take another 4 years of this.

By new mom

September 29, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

It’s ok jct, those folks that worked your nerves weren’t following my system—they broke rule #3! If you don’t need the gas, don’t wait in line with those who do. Get it when there’s no line!

But I know this is all easy to say and not as easy to do. I just returned from getting my husband’s car’s oil changed for him, and none of the stations I passed coming or going had gas. This was at 2pm, and then again at 2:45. I guess the middle of the night is the best time to go!!

By Theresa

September 29, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

hey patiently waiting — my friend and I both got scared when we were passing 6 to 8 gas stations last week and they were all empty —— I think if you zero in on the problem here it makes you feel like there’s non any where else — It did make me feel better to talk to my cousin last night and I need t talk with my other cousins — I think we both got scared but we both need a break. I’m hoping it still comes together.

By My3Kids

September 29, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Theresa, I agree with the others. Don’t cancel your trip. Go!! Don’t let this economy/gas problem keep you down. If I could take a vacation away, I would be gone in a NY minute. However, just a few days off soon is what I have plan.

By Michael

September 29, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

A word from the Pacific NW…you are going to have to rethink how you live your lives. We all are. Live locallybecause you’ll have no choice. Learn to grow a good portion of your food. Buy local produce from farmers markets, find alternatives to driving…it can be done and after a while it’s habit. I have know idea how you all will get your water in the future…so I won’t go there. Good Luck!

By momtoAlex&Max

September 29, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Theresa, please don’t cancel your trip. Why not fly up there? You can take MARTA to the airport and back! I am pretty certain that this problem is localized. My neighboors just came back from nashville and they said they had no problem getting gas up there.

By Biker Chick

September 29, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Waited in line 30 minutes for six gallons of gas in Gwinnett County on Sunday morning before church.

We drove the kids home to their mom’s house in Augusta yesterday. Once we were about 50 miles from Atlanta, there was plenty of gas at all the stations, no lines and average of $3.70 a gallon. It’s just Atlanta! On Saturday, we found gas with no lines on the other side of Loganville, GA.

Here’s what we’re doing to conserve. We are DRIVING SLOWER on the interstate, combining trips whenever possible and only getting gas when we are below a half a tank.

By Michael

September 29, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

A word from the Pacific NW…you are going to have to rethink how you live your lives. We all are. Live locallybecause you’ll have no choice. Learn to grow a good portion of your food. Buy local produce from farmers markets, find alternatives to driving…it can be done and after a while it’s habit. I have know idea how you all will get your water in the future…so I won’t go there. Good Luck!

By kp

September 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

The gas shortage has not changed my day to day life at all. We have two cars that are very efficient, one car gets 49 miles per gallon and the other 35 miles per gallon. We live close to my husband’s work (6 miles), my son’s school is a mile away and all the stores (grocery and other goods) are within 2-3 miles away, I walk to my 16 month old baby’s play dates and also to parks. We have been living this way for a long time and continue to do so.

By paige

September 29, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

NE GA is a little short on gas also. Most of the local stations have been empty for 3-4 days. Had to go to Gainesville to find gas and then filled up the 5 gallon tank just in case.

By Gabomi

September 29, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

I have had to downsize vehicles within the past week. I had suburban that was getting 12 mpg and was filling up weekly at $100…that got to be too much!! I went out and bought a VW Jetta diesel! It gets like 40 mpg; however I am still not making any unnecessary trips. Taking my daughter to and from school is 50 miles a day! I haven’t had to wait in line as of yet…I go fill up where the trucks do!!!! Hope this doesn’t last too much longer.

By motherjanegoose

September 30, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Here in Illinois there is no problem with gas…$3.58 per gallon. No one else seems to have a shortage except the southeast….what is up with that?

By Peteyweed

September 30, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Could someone please explain something to me? They say that people “topping off” their tanks are causing the shortage. If you buy 2 gallons a day for five days or 10 gallons at the end of a five day work week, what’s the difference? Its still 10 gallons out of the supply. initially I can see where it would make a difference but after a week or so shouldn’t everyone have a full tank and only need a small amount? I don’t claim to be the sharpest tool in the shed but I passed math 101. Am I missing something here?

By Numbers Guy

September 30, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Yes, you are. If you have a fixed amount of supply, some is in the underground tanks at stations, and some is in individual car tanks. The more in individual car tanks, the less in the station tanks.

Until the supply line catches up, this is precisely what’s happening.

By Robin

September 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

We had not filled up our cars since before Hurricane Ike hit. We found a mom-n-pop station near us, that has a $20 limit - so we have done that a couple of times. We nearly ran out of gas and were forced to sit in the HORRENDOUS line at Kroger in Dawsonville, yesterday morning. It was the ONLY station in Dahlonega or Dawsonville that had gas. We waiting 2 1/2 hours to get gas. No, I am not exagerrating. There were at least 100 cars in the line.It was terrible. But, our daughter fell asleep, and my husband and I had a chance to talk with each other.

Hey, you got to find the silver lining wherever you can.

By Chris

September 30, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I ride my bike more: to the grocery store, work, and anywhere else I need to go.

If needed I can bike my 4 year old to school. Next year she will take the bus. I am not at all frustrated with the gas shortage. But I am sorry for those that depend on gas to earn money: landscapers, delivery people, etc.