[asphaltgambler]

I was never really much into that because I hated to be on the receiving end of it. I was / am light hearted and like a good joke, but there's enough problems in the work day in the automotive business.

I do remember a time where a bunch of us working in an indie shop, very busy btw, in Arlington, Va and it was long hours but great money. Because of the long hours and revolving door for service manager "X", we all decided / agreed what work went to who so there was no pilfering. We were 'self managed'. Of that, we became a 'family'.

A guy who I partnered with, setting up a 'team of two' was over weight and always struggling with that. So he went on one these fad diets and he did initially start to loose a little weight. So all the techs got together and paid off the rental uniform guy to exchange his pants for the next waist size up without his knowledge.

Then we would encourage him in his quest and when the new pants (size) hit his locker and he came out beaming! hey guys! look at this! I need to take up my belt! Secretly, we all had a good laugh and this went on for a short time until he went on vacation. During that time we had the uniform guy take his waist down 2 sizes and they were in his locker, 1st day back.

So when he came in, he said he had blown his diet big time while off, but he was getting back on the wagon that day. When he went to put his pants on, they were so tight he could not get them buttoned. Of course we were all watching as he struggled and then we burst out laughing - then letting him in the the 'joke'.

It was all in fun, he laughed and his pants went back to 'normal' that week.