BrianandLibby.com

Smell of fear-Check. Lousy magazines-check. Whirring sound of a drill-check. Waiting room full of strangers-check.

Sound like I was at my annual visit to the dentist?

Nope, I was getting my car inspected. I did however realize during this arduous and time sucking errand that it was eerily similar to going to the dentist. I didn’t want to be there, in fact I was surrounded by a waiting room full of people who didn’t want to be there…we all sat there on our plastic waiting room chairs whiffing in the distinct aroma of stale coffee and watching through a large glass window as our cars were on put on display. They were out there in front of everyone - to be judged…my insecurity of my Volkswagen not making the cut makes me laugh now. I somehow had convinced myself that they were judging me…that somehow if there was something terribly wrong with the car that my secret of knowing absolutely nothing about cars would be revealed.

And of course, the results of both an inspection and a visit to the dentist can be extremely painful (whether that pain is physical or financial). You’re just waiting for them to call you into that room where they tell you how bad it is, and how bad it will hurt (or in this case, how much it will cost). My car had been doing some strange things lately, so between the oil change and the inspection, I was sure my invitation to “the little room” where I would get “the news” would not be pleasant.

Much to my surprise (and very much unlike some of my visits to the dentist) I was never called into the little room - my car passed with flying colors! I am glad I only have to do this once a year…but I think I am overdue for my 6 month cleaning…