Do you like car racing? Or do the bumper cars make you ill? Do you find this helps with road rage? Is there something in your life that no one else seems to be as enthusiastic about until you force them to enjoy it with you?

-- Anonymous, April 28, 1999

Answers

I feel like a complete freak when cars are mentioned (I feel like a complete freak when all sorts of things are mentioned, but specifically cars) because I've reached the age of 24 without every trying to drive one. Too many weirdos on the road = too scary (Tristan, my husband, would like to point out that never getting round to learning = too lazy, but what does he know?)

So I've never been into cars, find car racing inexplicably dull. However, I do indulge in road rage (and train rage and bus rage - I'm a psycho on the inside). Tristan speaks italian and has taught me several choice phrases, with accompanying gestures, to use when travelling by car.

I can't think of anything I've forced anyone to do, thus prompting them to develop enthusiasm for it. But it sounds like a fun thing to do, so I may try and convince Tristan how much he'd love to accompany me on little shopping trips and share the fun by paying for half.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 1999

I at the age of 21 have never driven as well right on sister!!! I continually get yelled at for my lack of desire when it comes to driving. what people don't realize is part of my reason for moving to NYC was MASS TRANSIT so I would not have to be bothered with the whole driving thing. It has gotten really bad though my girlfriend is constantly pesterng me about it my dad is offering me a car I just want no part of it.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 1999

As long as he is offering you a car make sure he throws a few choice items into the deal: insurance, gas money(especially now),regular maintenence fees,and repairs for your first fender bender. One of my most exciting moments was driving a friends uncles new mercedes on the autobahn. It was swweeeet! Don't let anybody tell you that being pulled over on the bahn is impossible though. Apparently they don't like reckless drivers--heck, I didn't even wing anybody. Just a warning though--whhewww.

-- Anonymous, April 29, 1999

Okay, I love driving. So I think I might like to try that Malibu racing thing, but I know I'd be scared when I got there. But it sounded like you had fun, pamie, even though you were nervous too. Is there anything I need to know before trying it? You said they had to put a special short-person thingy in there for you, and I think you're taller than me. I'm only five feet. They don't have a "you must be THIS tall to go on this ride" type of sign there, do they? My friends would never let me live that one down, if they do....

Anyway, I do love regular driving, though. I live in an area with supposedly _supreme_ mass transit, but I can't stand taking the bus. I have too much of a need for personal space and the buses here get way too crowded. And then I get all tense, having to secretly loathe each of my fellow passengers. So even though San Francisco is notorious for having no parking, I drive everywhere I go. I just love to be in control. I love searching for the closest, most perfect parking space and then parallel-parking beautifully.

I think much of my love for driving has to do with my ability to multi-task. I get bored if I'm not doing at least two things at once. In a car, I'm constantly having to decide the best route to take to get somewhere, keep an eye on what the other drivers on the road are doing, AND change my music tapes. It's fun!

-- Anonymous, May 03, 1999

I have horrid childhood memories of being taken to demolition derbys (derbies? whatever.). ack, that smell... made my sinuses ache.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 1999