In article >, Andy <q> wrote:

> jake > wrote in news:442e7a07$0$728$5fc3050
> @dreader2.news.tiscali.nl:
>
> > elaine wrote:
> >
> >> When I'm depressed, I buy plates.
> >>
> >> What cheers you up?
>
>
> I will test drive new cars. Just say I intend to pay cash, not lease.
> It's amazing how fast you'll be in the driver's seat.
>
> Car row kinda/sorta knows me now but I've driven some of the bitchinest
> cars in the world. I have a route I always drive and pull into my
> driveway then back to the dealer. Usually leaves the salesman visually
> shaken.
>
> It's strange how often they don't want you to make left turns (crossing
> traffic). I need to know the car can turn left!!!
>
> Then "Let me sleep on it. Call me in the morning and make me an offer."
>
> That cheers me up. At least once a month.

Hah! You should meet my dad sometime! He's a big fan of test driving
cars as a form of recreation. One night every month for many years, my
dad and some of his buddies would go out for a guy's night out. My mom
never cared. The boys would go test drive at least one car, then out to
dinner and to a bar for a beer and to discuss politics, family, cars,
etc. In all those years, I always remember my dad arriving home sober
and happy! This is a fact for which I am forever grateful!

My dad's interest in cars never filtered down to his two children. Both
me and my sister view our cars as purely tools to get a job done. For my
dad, every car he owned was like a child to him. He used to buy a new
car on the average of once every other year or two and he paid cash for
every one, and the dealers in the area all knew him!

My avocation is photography, which I also thank my dad for. I have been
an amateur photographer since I was a kid, maybe 30 years. In fact, the
real reason why I am sitting at my computer now is to print a photo that
I want to frame and hang in my office that I shot several months ago in
the park adjacent to where I live.

Lately I also take great joy in hearing complementary comments from
friends and colleagues about how good I look. I spent the last 20 years
of my life as an overweight blob. I finally got serious about two months
ago and I have lost 20 pounds and I feel great. I have another 15 - 20
pounds to lose. To achieve this, I have been doing a lot of exercise and
following the Weight Watchers' flex plan. In addition to other exercise,
I go to a yoga class about once a month. The yoga instructor, who is an
astoundingly good looking woman told me last month that she thinks I am
looking great! Too bad she's married, but it sure was a boost for my ego!