THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508290111
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
Tara Drake's big mistake was thinking she could use a mall as a place to walk for exercise.
According to the city civil engineer, ``At first we walked and looked as we walked. One thing led to another, and then I wasn't looking anymore.''
She was shopping.
The Kempsville resident is a confirmed shopaholic.
Malling is way up on her list of favorite things to do. If she's not shopping locally, she might be in Williamsburg at the outlets or even pacing the pavement at Tyson's Corner or Pentagon City in Northern Virginia.
People are surprised to learn she's a civil engineer. ``They say, `You're too friendly to be an engineer.' ''
They're thinking civil engineers are ``stuffed shirts,'' she says. ``I'll have to change that image.''
Full name: Tara Nicole Drake.
Hometown: Richmond.
What brought you to the Beach? After completing my engineering degree at Old Dominion University, I accepted a civil engineer position with the city of Virginia Beach.
Birthdate: Oct. 25, 1964.
Occupation: Civil engineer.
Nickname: Nikki.
Marital status: Single, available, looking. Knock on my door, please.
Children: None.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? It starts with it being payday, then a stop at the bank and hitting the mall. ALL DAY! SHOP UNTIL I DROP!
Last smart thing you did: Changed my major from mathematics to civil engineering.
Last dumb thing you did: Volunteered to take my niece, Talia, to a birthday party at Discovery Zone with millions of screaming kids.
Favorite meal: Shrimp and scallop fettucine in a rosemary sauce.
Favorite movies: ``Crimson Tide,'' ``Bad Boys'' and ``Speed.''
Favorite song: ``Quiet Time'' by Regina Bell.
Last book read: ``Sister and Lovers'' by Connie Briscoe.
Hobbies: Collecting art, shopping and traveling.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To become more assertive.
Secret vice: Singing in the mirror using the hair brush as a microphone.
Favorite restaurant: Henry's Seafood Restaurant.
Your favorite night on the town: A cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk, a room at the Marriott, a chilled bottle of Moet, jumbo spiced shrimp, some smooth jazz (105.3) on the radio and a very special and romantic Denzel Washington look alike.
Favorite TV shows: ``Living Single.''
Favorite sport: Track and field.
Last vacation: New Orleans in July for the Essence Jazz Festival.
Pets: Two cocker spaniels, Hershey and Cocoa.
Worst job: Dunkin Donuts (gotta make the doughnuts) 1983.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Completing my engineering degree, buying a house and keeping close ties with my family.
What would you like as your epitaph? I wanted to be with . . . oops. I mean, I wanna be like Mike. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
by CNB