Keeping the Wheels On

In high school, I had a friend, Nick, who used to drive around in a pale yellow circa-1982 Mercedes. We loved the novelty of having a "luxury" car to cruise in during the times my parent's minivan was otherwise occupied at the grocery store or a soccer game. One night as a group of my friends and I made our way to the movies, the Benz lost its wheel. Literally. The front passenger side wheel slid off its axis for no apparent reason as Nick made a lazy turn into the parking lot. No one was hurt, but that car would never be the same. I was never so religious as when I sat in that passenger side seat, I prayed at every right turn the wheel would not make another run from its three brethren.

"Keeping the wheels on" is a fundamental principle that applies to everyone - especially a circa-1984 white Irish-German. So here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you don't break down on a dark road near the movie theatre.

1. Exercise.
2. Keep your perspective on life.
3. Keep your feet moving.
4. Treat yourself well - when the world is beating you up, be nice to yourself.

Happy living, and driving!