The Drive-Through Car Wash

For the record, I was medicated.

I HATE car washes where you have to get your tire on their tiny, little track. For a long time I refused to use them. But one day I thought, "Oh, Rachael. You can't live your life in fear of the track forever. Just do it!" Like I said, I was medicated.

I finished pumping my gas, got in the car, and with fear and trembling approached "The Track."

I surprised myself by actually getting the tire on the track and I sat back and waited for it to send me through the car wash.

Nothing happened.

I waited.

Nothing happened.

So I figured that I did not successfully put my tire on "The Track," and attempted it once again.

Fortunately, I was driving a 4x4 Ford Expedition because had I been driving my Honda, the car would have been a wreck. The kids were in the back telling me to turn around, but I had to forge ahead.

I got the tire on the track, sat back, and...nothing happened.

At this point there were people in line behind me and there was no way I was going to get out of my car and ask them to back up so I could get out of the car wash. Oh, no. I HAD to make it through one way or another.

I tried AGAIN to get my tire on track and when I couldn't, I decided that I didn't need the track afterall and I would just drive myself through. Hey, it sounded like a good idea at the time.

And so I drove, being careful to go slowly just like I would on the track. The water sprayed, the bubbles appeared, and the shredded rubber thingies came down. All was well. Well, except for my children in the back who were screaming for me to get out of there. They were afraid of the car wash. I think it might have been an omen.

And then...it happened. The side rollers approached. I never knew this before, but they are moved about by these huge- AMAZINGLY HUGE!- pieces of thick, thick metal. And they were heading straight for my car!

What I also didn't know at the time is that these AMAZINGLY HUGE pieces of thick, thick metal actually move inward and with eyes wide and hands shaking, I watched these AMAZINGLY HUGE pieces of thick, thick metal embrace and squeeze my car.

Oh, the sound of your car being crushed is something one never forgets!

I tried to steer, but everytime I did I just ran into the AMAZINGLY HUGE pieces of thick, thick metal. I was truly fearful of my children's lives, as I wasn't sure just how tight these AMAZINGLY HUGE pieces of thick, thick metal would squeeze my car. So, I stepped on the gas, knowing I had to get out of there quick!

I made it through, got out of the car, and realized that I had some explaining to do to my poor husband. Unfortunately, it was going to happen sooner than I wanted because after washing my car, I was due to meet him at his work. His co-workers got a good laugh and Travis...well, let's just say he wasn't laughing.

Like I said-I was medicated!