Our electric blue beat up Ford Falcon has a deceiving petrol gauge.
No, actually. It just doesn’t bloody work.
Despite it telling me the tank was full, I found myself one morning, in the midst of peak hour traffic, trawling up a hill. Two year old twinlets in the back seat were getting agitated.
Just like dogs, they could smell utter panic.
Calling Mr Surfer to get his butt over and rescue us, I will never forget that last 800 metres to the petrol station.
Our heads abruptly jerking forwards and backwards in time to the car’s sputtering as it chugged slowly on its last fumes.
Just as we got to the intersection, it completely died.
Bondi Road commuters were not happy campers that morning.
Thank goodness for kind strangers who helped Mr Surfer push the heavy metallic beast up the driveway.
Fark. I NEVER want to go through that again.
Ever since, I’m constantly paranoid.
Whatever the tank says – empty, full, half way – if it’s been a couple of days, I won’t believe it.
I’ll fill it up, anyway.
My body and mind can be a bit like that stupid petrol gauge.
I accelerate with the pedal to the floor, getting all cocky with my super hero energy.
Then, I’m suddenly bone deep exhausted, wondering why the extra super crabby bitch Grace suddenly surfaces.
With the blubbering emotional version to follow suit.
Life’s been powering through at a highly turbo charged paced this past month and I’m starting to feel the tank is just above that red line.
While this is probably not a good thing, it’s common.
We all take on much more than we can nibble on.
But it’s an invaluable skill to be able to stop, pause, pull over and fill up before we’re just left with the dregs of our mental and physical energy.
Knowing that my schedule next month isn’t getting any quieter, I’m taking time out this weekend.
I’ve sadly cancelled social engagements (Sorry B and K. You too, Alison!) but I just know me.
My petrol gauge doesn’t work properly.
And I need to fix that.
Does your petrol gauge work? When was the last time you ran out of fuel?
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I’m always outta fuel Grace! Like right now I am linking up crazy-early thanks to the wakeful toddler…
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Hippo Blue Review and Giveaway #SLHFeaturedThursdays
I’m a shocker, Grace. I’m always the petrol low. I’ve only run out once though… 8 months pregnant in the heat in peak hour with a toddler in the car! You’d think I’d have learned my lesson.
Aleney @ BoyEatsWorld recently posted..Raffles reviews… Cuckoo Callay Bacon Festival.
That would stress me so much! We got a new car and it uses petrol quicker than the diesel and the gauge is in a different place (covered my hand on the wheel) so I keep ending up on empty without realising it. I get so stressed we won’t make it to the station (because I’m never sure how long the warning lights been on…)
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..First of the Month Fiction – March
I was up at 4.45 (also thanks to a toddler) so it sometimes feels like I’m always in the red. Good on you for taking time out. I would be so stressed running out of petrol in traffic like that!!
Denise recently posted..6 things you should never say in an interview
Great analogy and good on you for recognising when your own gauge is bordering on empty. I’m glad you have friends who understand when you need to take some time out for yourself. That must have been so scary with the car chugging along. Thank God for Mr Surfer and random strangers. x
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..Conversations with change
What a brilliant post! I can so relate. I once had a car with a faulty petrol gauge too! It died on King St Newtown in the middle of peak hour one day. HORRIFYING.
And I also go go go until I collapse. I am exhausted every single day. I’d love nothing more than to spend a day doing nothing but I think I’d just feel guilty all day knowing there was so much to do. I think I need a holiday from my brain more than anything….
Lauren recently posted..Sydney mum risks possibility of third son – Part 2
This is such a good analogy. Neither people or cars can run on an empty tank! I’m so pleased that you can read your personal gauge and have taken some time to recharge and refuel this weekend. It’s the best thing you could do for yourself! I’m getting better at trying to stop before I have nothing in the tank. It’s not pretty when I’m running on empty. When things get too much, I try to practise the art of saying no, work on my sleep hygeine and make feeble attempts to block off dates in the diary to recharge. We spend so much time doing things and taking care of others, it’s important to return the favour to ourselves, don’t you think? Thinking of you x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Lisa Humphries
Take care of yourself Grace! I know you’ve returned to work and it’s such a huge transition when you’ve got little ones. Been there, done that and I tell you what – my weekends were all about recharging. I couldn’t cope with excessive social outings on weekends when I worked full-time. I had all the washing and cleaning to catch up on on my weekends but most of all – with me being an introvert and all – the weekends were much needed time out to recharge for the week ahead. xo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..All about that bag
Grace, good on you for recognising what you need and having the bravery to say stop to the world. I hope you get the breather you so desperately need this weekend. I know this empty tank situation well too and I don’t always say stop in time.
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..A Family Holiday
Running out of petrol is something I just don’t want to experience! I have taken on more stuff this year and I had to decline one activity because I just don’t want to add more to a full plate. As for having a faulty petrol gauge that would be my worst nightmare! You poor things having to push that car in traffic. It made a good post though.
Bec @ The Plumbette recently posted..How to save money renovating a bathroom
I actually have to leave a few minutes early today to fill up at the 7-11. For some reason it’s a job I hate. From time to time I’ve been known to revert to the gender stereotypes and insist Mr Robo take my car for the day, jsut so it comes back full. Something about the fuel smell I think. Yes, you need to get that fixed. A barrage of abuse from other drivers is not a good way to start the day! X
Robo recently posted..Just 140 Words Today
My husband and I swap cars depending on who is driving what and who. He always hands me the car back empty. I haven’t run out of petrol yet, but it seems it is just over the horizon.
Carolyn
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Well done Grace for listening to your body and actually taking the time to do something about it. So many are aware of it, yet keep pushing past that red line. Wishing you a deeply relaxing weekend♥
Oh no! I feel exactly the same. We’ve just got back from holidays and going away really does give you perspective that you’re doing too much! I’ve spent this week trying to cut things back!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Easy Chocolate Slice – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #40
Grace I hear you loud and clear. there have been many times where I’m in the red zone for running out of fuel, this feeling starts….. a feeling I don’t like and it overwhelms me a lot! I have slowly learned how to deal with this feeling, cutting back on social commitments is sometimes necessary, you just know, well eventually after the first melt down at least 😉
So nice to know we are not alone and all travelling a similar path.
A very comforting post.
Thank you lovely Grace. x
Dannielle@Zamamabakes recently posted..Easy Chocolate Slice – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #40
Grace, I’m extremely paranoid about running out of petrol. I’ve done it once, and stress that it will happen again. Once it’s at a quarter tank, that’s low enough for me.
As for my own tank, that needs constant supervision also. good decision to have a quiet weekend every now and then, isn’t it?
Take care xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..FOMO, Or Something Like That
Here’s to a restful weekend. I prescribe takeaway tonight (and maybe tomorrow night too).
Tonia Zemek recently posted..Finding her father
I’m one of those daredevils that like to tempt fate and see how far I can go on empty. If my gauge tells me I have 15kms left until empty then you know I’ll be trying to get 16km just so I can feel superior to that smarty pants computer.
I’m sure it will be my undoing…
Free Range Scotto recently posted..Internet Piracy – You’re Doing it Wrong
This has made me think abut the fuel I’m consuming. 4 easter buns in two days probably isn’t good. Great analogy Grace 🙂
Amy recently posted..#Brelfie
Oh goodness! What an ordeal.
I will have to share my story one of these days. It was my birthday, I had been out for a birthday dinner and had a sudden case of gastro… the petrol gauge had never failed before… but there’s always a first time…
… actually that story may be better left untold 🙂
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..WWU – Royal Botanical Gardens Fairy Trail
It’s been at least 10 years since I ran out of petrol (in the car).
It’s been about 10 minutes since I ran out of fuel (in the body). Been up since 2.00am and am slowly sinking …
Leanne @ Deep fried Fruit
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1969 – Exercising for Charity
I hear you! My Commodore’s fuel tank gauge said it still had 60km to go until empty so I listened to it, left work and headed to get my daughter from child care. Half way there my car started coasting and came to a stop! Stressed much?! Never believe the fuel gauge! So now whenever I am nearing a 1/4 tank I just fill up anyway, I never let it get into the red anymore!
As for your own fuel tank, you need to make sure you take some time to fill it back up again too. It’s easier said than done, but I know all too well the feeling of taking on too much. A quiet weekend to reconnect with yourself sounds like a perfect plan!
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum recently posted..Does it really get easier as they get older?
what a perfect analogy! sometimes we feel like we have the energy to do it all, but in reality we’re running low on steam and need to recharge and rest. I hope you get the much needed respite this weekend, ready for your next week! xox
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Don’t worry about us. You take care of you.xxxx
Back in the early 90s my now ex-husband and I had an old corona and the fuel gauge didn’t work at all. One day we ran out of petrol on the approach to the sydney harbour bridge! We had a toddler and a baby in the car, ex had to leave us to go in search of petrol… it was back in the days before they monitored the road and removed breakdowns. I was terrified that someone would run up the back of us, and I’ve never forgotten it.
Lisa Hill recently posted..Old-school research
Oh, lady, what a story. I’m not surprised you’re careful to keep the petrol up. Touch wood, my experiences with breakdowns were many, but BC (before children). good on you for taking time for you. I think we should encourage it in our friends x
Bele @ BlahBlah recently posted..7 ways to cut costs and build a beautiful life
Oh no, I so hear you, so lucky there are nice people in the world, I had a darn gauge like that, took me until something like this happened to me to fix it, “Book it in Danno” Have a great weekend Grace. x
sarah@tomfo recently posted..DIY Paper Fortune Cookie with Free Printable
Can really relate to this post, especially this week. Good on you for taking some much needed time out. I’m going to follow suit and do the same thing. We have a long weekend here in Perth and rather than try and pack as much in, I’m just going to relax.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..Fitness Fashion | Plus Size Workout
A very clever analogy Grace. I know how you feel, my gauge is always apparently full, in the eyes of everyone around me, but it’s always just above empty and like you I need to put aside time to let it fill up! Have a nice lazy, stress free weekend x
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Avoid these people to save your sanity!
Fantastic analogy! I hear you – when the tank is full, I’m manic. DO ALL THE THINGS! But that just means you have to refill sooner, doesn’t it?! (And poor Mr Surfer. And you. Are you topping up the tank every day now?!)
Emily recently posted..Prue Theroux: the cool librarian – Gillian Rubinstein and David Mackintosh (book review)
My first car didn’t have a petrol gauge that worked. Whenever I filled up I would reset the tripometre to 0 and then drive 300km before refilling. This system worked for 2 years until I could afford a better car.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted..5 Things I’ve Learnt Booking Flights to Bali
Love the comparison. I haven’t filled my tank in a while (just look at my toes – disgusting). It is the mental recovery that I struggle with. I can physically cope with so much but it is when I am screaming at kids, or crying in the car for no reason that I know mentally, I am drained.
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted..My bubble has burst – reality check.
What Brenda said!! How much warning do any of us need that we are approaching empty? I know it takes very little once the half full mark has occurred to need to remember to fill the tank or slow down so the tank doesn’t empty too quickly. I remember the time you wrote about that awful morning…and I am aware of how “easy” it is when we are powering full steam ahead in our life choices to forget to fill the tank. Yes, I’ve been there and done that and for me it is needing more than a little light to pop up. I am puzzled why we often can’t heed what we need to do in life choices…Glad you have ‘pulled in for a rest over the weekend’ and heading off an empty tank. Look, I remembered to enter the link today !! Denyse xx
Denyse recently posted..Looking Back As A Blogger.58/365.
I know what you mean Grace. I have had a couple weeks of being unwell, which has meant my tanks are very low making me sluggish and quick tempered. I hope you get to rest up over the weekend, and do something fun just for yourself and you get that reboot you need. xx
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..Being grateful – time to rest and be creative
I think we can all forget to pull over and fill up – more times than we want to admit. Well done for seeing the warning signs early and changing plans for the weekend. I hope to spend all of next weekend filling up – stormy weather ahead and I need to be full of energy, not empty xx
Josefa recently posted..Conversations with Change
Look after yourself Grace – good to know you have recognised the signs and you are trying to slow down where you can. Juggling employment and everything else does take it out of you – take care and look after that faulty fuel gauge of yours!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..NDIS: An Overview
Very clever post. Sounds like your able to monitor your other guages however!
Speaking of which in my previous car the petrol guage didn’t work and I did have to monitor the kms travelled. A right royal pain!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life recently posted..Yay! Blinc Cosmetics Now In Australia!
Driving in Sydney gives me the willies so imagining being stuck with out petrol would be one of my worst nightmares! EEEK! Especially with two young twins in the back.
My husband was my boss at one point before we were married. We worked really long hours. He used to make his staff have half an hour of mental health time somewhere in the day. It was awesome to go away and just recharge. For him it was shooting hoops, for me it was being alone and reading a book.
Peachy Keen Mumma – Jess recently posted..12 Ways to Use Gumtree Without Pissing People Off
I absolutely know what you mean. Good on you for recognising your empty tank and doing something about it!! I hope you have a nice quiet weekend. Jx
Jess – A Little Part of the World recently posted..FEELING FRAGILE
Literally or figuratively, I concur Grace – it’s horrible running out of fuel. The last literal time for me was on a hill (but thankfully no kids in the car, only the dog!) But it’s made me paranoid and now I can’t go too low without re-fuelling… 🙂
Lee-AnneLiter recently posted..When I grow up (and some regulation trivia).
I remember having my five young kids in the back of the car and idling at a railway crossing while the longest train in the universe went past and watching my fuel light flashing. I made it to the petrol station but only just. I know what you mean about running out of fuel. I hope you regenerate this weekend 🙂
Pinky Poinker recently posted..Cloudy with a Chance of Bullshit.
Oh Gracie, I totally get that emotional breakdown. Problem is there is no warning light, just plain exhaustion. What i really need to do is enforce an emotional recharge and get away ON MY OWN!
I too have a ford falcon, I have had my own fuel dramas, like the kids putting foreign objects in my fuel tank!! $300 odd dollars later!!
Alicia O’Brien recently posted..The straws in a cup reward system
I love this analogy Grace! I really need to do it too, I’ve been out the past 7 days straight and I’m so looking forward to a day at home tomorrow 🙂
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..What its like to be a child of suicide…
Oh, I am regularly limping along at the ‘coughing and spluttering’ stage of the tank right now. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for weeks with my current work/life juggle and I know I have to get on top of it. Hoping for a family day out today, with no computers and some quality silly funny kid time. I always find that helps me ‘refuel’.
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Fantastic post Grace! One of the best analogies I’ve ever seen about how your/my body functions. If there were something as clear and accurate as a working gas gage in my life that tells me when I’ about to crash, life would e so much easier! But you’re analogy of the faulty gas gage is SPOT ON! I may think I have the energy to conquer the world, but in reality, I’m about to run out of fuel and don’t even know it!
This analogy may help me explain to my family what fibromyalgia is really like! It’s not that obvious and easy to deal with as people think!
Sorry I’ missed the link up this week!
Mary
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Unfortunately my gauge is on red and I’m running on fumes. But I just don’t have the chance to refuel so will be pushing the limits and probably end up calling road side assist at some point. SIlly, because I can see it coming, I know it but feel like I can’t stop it. Hope you are feeling recharged after the weekend.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Friday Favourite Champagne Cartel
Sending you lots of love Grace, and a huge hug. If you are ever in the Sunshine Coast area let us know – we would love to “Treat” you to a full day of TLC.
Yes I had an empty tank today so I pulled the cover of my bed down, jumped in with my youngest and spent time reading him a book where we got to spend cuddle time, and then I fell asleep for a bit 😉
Its amazing how many “Hats” we can juggle in one day, but its also important to keep the tanks filled so that reaching on reserves doesn’t take too much effort xxxx
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Thank you for the wonderful links and resources.