Another funny thing happened today. It went like this:
Me: Mr Yoshida, I need kerosene...
Mr Y: Counseling??! You need counseling...?
Me: (chuckling, yet wondering if I do) No, no. I need some kerosene for my heater!
Mr Y: Oh, I see (checking in dictionary to see how close the two words are).

So, I think after this conversation, my supervisor called the gas man to bring me some kerosene tomorrow. Either that or there will be men in white coats outside my door tomorrow-- (might not answer the door, just in case).