Getting Intimate in the Car

Lately we've had occasion to drive our friends' car, and they've driven ours. If you think this sounds like no big deal, then you don't have small children and/or are fastidious about keeping your car interior clean. At any given moment, despite regular clear-outs, our car is filled with empty water and soda bottles, five or six pairs of size 8.5 children's shoes, puzzle pieces, at least 10 or 15 children's books, plastic containers with food in various stages of decay, clothes to go to Goodwill, tools to go to the rental property, trash, trash, and more trash. Add to the clutter, the actual *filth* that comes from passing drinks and food back and forth from the frontseat to the back. Sticky spots, crumbs enough to build small sandcastles, and plain old stains.

When I told our friend the key was in the car, that they could come get it from the driveway to use the next day, I didn't rush out to do even a cursory declutter. I realized that with these friends (not with all, but with them), they'd understand. While their car never seems to reach the same level of grunge ours does, they also have a 5 year old and the clutter that follows. Even if they were some of those rare few young parents who keep immaculate cars, I feel an acceptance with them that helped me get over the shame of the potential stink they'd find in our car.

I have dreams some day of paying for "interior detailing" and then staying ahead of the mess. Every few weeks I get a little manic about it and take everything out of the car isn't actually supposed to live there (supposed to stay? one water bottle, one hairbrush, a handful of books, extra socks and jacket, bag of roasted almonds). It's satisfying, but is sadly covered with a veil of futility. At this moment, Maya can't put her feet on the floor of the car below her car seat, the "way back" looks like we're packed to go on a long trip, and there is at least one water bottle lying on the floor that might not have been empty when it landed. Would I let our dear friends borrow it in this condition? With likely apologies in advance, sure I would. They know there are more important things we can be doing with our time then cleaning the car. In fact, this little girl leaning on my shoulder as I type wants to go play on the swingset. We'll walk past the car wreck and have some fun.



.