somewhat amusing anecdote that relates to the above:

some friends of ours were camping at a conservation area about 35km from our place, and had invited us to come out and visit them on saturday afternoon. it being a gorgeous day, tanker decided he wanted to ride his motorcycle, and i figured i'd use it as a training ride. we both rode out, had some fun around the campfire with our friends, and then went to head home. tanker passed me about 5mins away from the conservation area as i was panting my way up a hill, blew me a kiss, and said he'd see me at home.

a few minutes later 4 young lads (maybe seniors in highschool or 1st/2nd year university age) in a little red hatchback pulled up beside me and matched speed. the boy in the rear passenger seat hollered something i could barely hear over the wind and my (volume very low) mp3 player as i looked over to see who was pacing me. sounded kind of like "you're a horse ass"! not figuring this was worth a response, i looked away and just kept pedaling.

got to a stoplight a few minutes later, and look who's stopped at the red light! i pulled up beside the car, pulled one earbud out, and asked him in a pissed-off tone if he'd care to repeat what he said while i could hear him. his reply:

"you're gorgeous!"

i managed to stammer out a "thanks" whilst turning red, as the light went green and they took off. i'd just automatically assumed that these young fellows would be making fun of me riding along with my rump in the air, and was astounded to find out one of them was trying to pay me a compliment! perfect example of perception vs. reality.

cheers!

-mistress k