What do carpools talk about

One of the side effects of carpooling is getting to know each other. Me and my buddies are in the car for at least an hour-and-a-half a day together, with no other agenda except to get home.

Without really trying, gradually, we have come to know way too much about each other.

The silver lining to this is that we arrive at work with a smile on our faces, and the knowledge that our home relationships are as good as the next person's. Or, everyone's problems are the same, except in a different flavor or color.

When there are three of us carpooling, the discussions are particularly lively. When the 3 engineers go at it, I might sleep or read or steer the conversation back to a regular topic. To their credit, the engineers have a sense of humor. I think the thing I value most about my carpool is starting the day with a smile because Don or John or Rick made me laugh.

Today, Don brought along a card he received from an insurance salesman. I was impressed with how many of the suggestions for a long and happy life had to do with your physical body. Eat right and exercise. The card didn't offer Dear Abby's #1 suggestion: be careful who you pick as a mate. The only thing they recommended in that department was to get more sex. Easier said than done. And there were no other hints about the importance of a good relationship to your health. At least our carpool has a good relationship.

Here's Don's advice for the day, which got us off on an interesting discussion during our carpool journey to work, and made me laugh. Don was shocked that "Have more sex" was on the list. He told me to take that one off, but I refused.

10 Ways to live a
longer and healthier life My response
Be optimistic Why bother?
Eat a balanced diet Pass the chips and cookies
Eat and drink with moderation Gimme more!
Maintain a healthy weight HOW? I already failed 2 and 3
Exercise regularly I don't have time for the gym
Have more sex With who, and when do I have time?
Get a pet Gonzo sheds too much. Is she really good for my health?
Make money at the job you love Okay, 1 out of 10 ain't bad. This is really important
Have fun at work and at home At least in your carpool.
Talk to your mother once a week I totally agree -- as a mother and a daughter.

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