Gas problem

I just realized the title of this entry may be a bit misleading, but this post has nothing to do with strange sounds and aromas seeping from any bodily orifice. It actually doesn't have much to do with work, except that like almost every other vehicle on the planet, emergency vehicles need fuel to go. Here in the metro Atlanta area, we have a "special" blend of gas that burns cleaner than regular fuel. It is required by the EPA because our air is, well, nasty. I live out in the 'burbs, but if you drive downtown on a hot humid day, you can see the dome of ickiness over the city. Since we have a "special" gas, we have had huge problems getting it since hurricane Ike hit the gulf. The media reports that petrol stations are at 70% capacity, but that is a complete bowl of mashed bananas, because driving from station to station, this is what you find:

"But don't emergency vehicles use diesel?" Yes. They do. And that sign above clearly advertises that they have diesel. They don't, they are just too lazy to take the sign down. Thanks.

Some departments have county run fuel depots. We don't, and rely on public stations for fuel. It has been pretty interesting.

When you actually find fuel, its like a winning lottery ticket. I don't even buy lottery tickets, but I can imagine that winning a grand or so would feel pretty darn good, even if it weren't the big mega jackpot. That feeling lasts about 0.3 seconds, until you realize that you must now turn around and go back a half mile to get in line. You search your vehicle for valium, lithium, roofies- anything to keep you from absolutely losing it as you patiently wait your turn. As you creep towards the gas pumps- the ones that now appear to have pretty little beams shining down from the heavens (this is, after all, the only fuel for a ten mile radius) you try to pass the time. Eyebrows tweezed- check. Nails trimmed- check. Rear view mirror cleaned- check. You flip through the radio sixteen times but nothing good is on. You creep forward, but your gas gauge is going down even faster. Over an hour later, you summon what fumes you have left (in your personal vehicle of course, our emergency vehicle have to be refueled at 3/4 tank) to ease your vehicle up to the pump. It's finally your turn! Yayyy!

But wait..... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! The greasy nimwit working there is bringing out orange cones and signs. They have run out of gas.