Day Six Hundred and Four

The Day I Really Learned My Lesson

Joe's Detailing and Car Salon.

I had no idea this place would soon cause me so much fear, anxiety, and discomfort unlike I've ever experienced. What I thought was an innocent trip to the car wash turned quickly on me...as I later learned that not only was I in the "hood," but that this place is actually a business front...for people dealing in drugs, sex, and whatever else. I was the only customer, the only person under 225 lbs, and also the only woman. They dealt strictly in cash, had "no drugs" and "no alcohol" painted on their windows, and every employee was scarred in some disturbing way. As I waited for the truck to be finished - knife in hand - a man approached me and began rattling off all sorts of uncomfortable remarks and telling me explicit information about his personal life. It was the most afraid I can ever remember feeling, and it was also the first time I ever really considered the dark side of man's sexuality...as I feared the possibility of never seeing my husband again. It was awful, painful, and something I pray I never again have to experience.

Not knowing - when I showed up to the "car wash" - that they only dealt in cash, I faced another problem: I had no cash. It wasn't until I saw the wad of bills in the owner's hands that I knew I needed some. So, I asked if there was a bank in the area. "Yeah, just two blocks up." With my blade straight out in front of me, I sprinted up the street to a Wells Fargo. On my way back, I saw this sign. I don't quite know what it is or what it means, but when I saw it, I felt a calm come over me. And I was reminded that because of the life I have in Jesus, I have nothing to fear in this life.

Following my long day at the car wash, we endured another long night at the field. The boys went into extras again yesterday - 13 innings - meaning we didn't leave the park until 11:30 PM. It's been the story of the season this year. Tie the game in the 7th, 8th, or 9th, and then take it to extras...just to annoy the wives. And when they lost last night, we were really unhappy ;) Hehehehe. At least I have some pretties to spend all the innings with.