[StephenC]

Al (Mike):

I know what you're saying and happen to agree. But, different people have different philosophies in life. For some, material possessions don't matter much. Others, they have great pride in their achievements, whether materialistic, scholastic, professional, religious, or family. Who am I to judge their values?

I am at a point in my life where I need an incentive to keep working (I am retired, but too young to sit back and do nothing). The house is basically paid for, the kids' education is not an issue, and as my tagline indicates, I'm not one who takes great joy from a big bank account. But, I really do need the daily challenge of doing a job well (a hold over from my state trooper days).

So, I find material items that my wife and I can enjoy and work to pay for them. They're simply an incentive. I also support various charities that I feel are worthwhile. At some point, I'm sure this will change, but for now, I'm happier than ever before.

Bottom line: If I'm not going to tell others what their car should be, I'm not about to tell them what should be important in their personal lives.

Sometimes, searching these posts for a deeper meaning is like looking for a pig in a mosque. Ya' just ain't gonna find it.

It's all just for fun!

I think we can be fairly accused of hijacking this thread, I'm outta' here.

Best wishes to all,