The other night, I was on my way to music practice at church when I noticed that I needed gas.  Since there was a gas station on the way, I decided to  stop quick and get gas.

The station was not a place where I would normally buy gas but it was on the way so I stopped.  I noticed that they had “Pay at the pump” so I got out my card and slid it through the reader.

The screen acknowledged my card and displayed “authorizing”.  Great!  I should be on my way in a couple of minutes.  But after a minute or so, the screen still said “authorizing”.

Now I had a dilemma. Time was running out and I needed leave for practice but the pump had my card information.  If I left now, someone else might use the pump and I would get charged for their gas.

I pushed the cancel button but nothing happened.  “Authorizing”.  I pushed the help button but nothing happened.  “Authorizing”.

Finally, I went into the station.  Since there was going to be a lottery drawing, everyone was buying lottery tickets.  But eventually, it was my turn and I told the clerk of my dilemma.  She said that she would be out in a minute.

When she arrived, she kicked the pump a few times, beat on the buttons with her fists and then took the nozzle out of the holder and handed it to me.   The pump had cleared and was now ready to go.

I pumped my gas and left for practice.  If I had beaten on the pump the way that she did, some one would have called the cops.