Many laundromats have window chalk drawings or large window stickers depicting bubbles. I am almost certain that it’s for this reason that my daughter has always called laundromats, “The Bubble Shoppe.” She, of course, doesn’t spell it out, but the way she says it always makes me imagine it’s spelled that way.

The bubble shoppe is a lesson in patience and being okay with an unknown outcome. That’s very, very uncomfortable for me. In my perfect world, there would be machines you can just walk in and use, BUT, there would also be machines, and carts, you can reserve online and punch in a code to unlock when you arrive.

The entire time I wait for my loads, there is a constant annoying static playing in my head, that also makes me a little nauseous: What if the machine you like isn’t available today? What if there are no machines available? What if everyone is hoarding all the carts and tables? You need a cart for all those sheets. What are you going to do with too many wet sheets for your arms? What if there is no dryer available?

It’s exhausting. But also probably good for me.

The Bubble Shoppe, a place for my anxiety to flourish.