Feeling Fake

I like my job as an automotive blogger. There are days, though, that I feel like a fake.

Today was one of those days. One of my colleagues from Motor Trend brought one of the all-new Dodge Challengers to our office. While admiring its lines, both inside and out, I couldn't help but notice it was a stick shift.

I can't drive stick. Neither of my parents drove stick and it wasn't part of the driver's ed. Most folks in the U.S., in fact, can't drive stick.

But the auto industry is different. Just like how doctors can brag about being able to stay up three days/nights in a row without sleep, auto journalists and enthusiasts puff up their chests (and breasts) when they proudly declare they can drive a stick, prefer stick shift, and the only "real" driver is a stick driver. One journalist/exec, whom I admired, really brought that point home when he asked a tableful of journalists if they'd consider anyone in the industry who drove an automatic to be a true auto journalists. You can guess their answer.

Don't pity me. They have a point. I've already taken a few lessons from some of my colleagues and have researched driving schools. I will one day master the stick. Er, the one in a car, that is.

Seven Months

As you can see below, my last post was back in February. I'd like to say there have been big changes in my life since then (e.g., winning the lotto, six figure advance for my first book, etc.) but life's been more sedate than that (thank the gawds).

Instead, I'm still employed, still partnered, and still healthy. For those catching up, I started working for the present company back in February 2006. The full-time temp position turned permanent around September that year. Having benefits again...are good!

The Spouse and I will be celebrating our 15th year together this December. 15 years. Damn. That's five times longer than my first major relationship. But don't look for posts about any future weddings. Though same-sex marriages are legal here in the Golden state, we've decided against it -- and even domestic partnership -- for the foreseeable future. That can all change, though, if we win the lotto.

I'm still healthy, abeit with a few more wrinkles. The spare tire, though, is definitely growing. I'm schedule to get a physical this month but am already planning to drop below 200 pounds in the near future. I can see the holidays, though, putting a major crimp in my goal. Oh, well.


More to come!
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Carpe Diem (seize the day)

Note to Self: Blog Topics To Consider

What the title says.

1. Update on Self (job, health, yaddayaddayadda, etc.)
2. Update on Family
3. Update on Friends (provide links if possible)
4. Current Interests (e.g., rpgs, writing, etc.)
5. Miscellaneous