Watford Exotics: A Life?

[Sparky]

I've postponed loads of work to accommodate cataract surgery yesterday, only to have it cancelled on the day and rescheduled for a month away, so that causes huge tactical issues for me.  I've barely had a chance to relax since retirement from BA over 5 years ago, and looking after Esprits has progressively become a chore rather than the hobby that was (long ago) intended.  I barely get time for a social life, almost never drive my GT3, and I can't remember the last meet I had time to attend.  And my eyesight is bloody awful at the moment!

So, the time has come.  No more new work.  Given current variables in my personal life it will be difficult, but I will do my best over the coming months to clear the backlog - after the eyesight is sorted.  Thereafter I will be highly resistant to anything that gets in the way of my leisure activities.

Next year, at last, I will have time to perform a long-overdue programme of work on my GT3.

Honest, I ain't joking!

[mike_sekinger]

Put yourself first.... for a change.  Good for you.

[eeyoreish]

Good for you, I know how you feel. Since my 'retirement' from the 9-5 I've never been so busy and that's just with my own home and car projects. Now working 7 days a week and each time I sit down for a break I feel guilty that I'm not getting on with something..! Likewise I haven't been to any car/club meets for ages as a result.

Enjoy your 'rest' 👍

[Escape]

Good for you to make the call in time! If it becomes a chore instead of a hobby, it's not really worth it. And after a while you'll probably enjoy the occasional spannering challenge all the more. You will be greatly missed by many no doubt! There was an article last week about how hard it is to find good mechanics these days. And that was in general, even worse for classic or niche cars.

It's similar for me, main difference being I deliberately chose to start Escape's Workshop as a second job. And I still get great satisfaction from helping customers. As frustrating as it can be sometimes, I'd go completely crazy if only had my boring office job and nothing challenging to come home to. Not the mention the Workshop provides the means needed to keep my own fleet running. Well, I say running, but the last couple of years have been too busy meaning I now have 4 cars of my own off the road and desperately needing attention... Trying to do something about that. At least I still manage to attend meetings etc, a good reminder why I keep doing this.

Filip

[MPx]

So just me then.....

Nooooooooo!  I protest in the strongest possible terms.   You can't abandon your post you selfish git !  If you don't look after Lionel then who?? 

Instead I vote you move to sunny Somerset to put your feet up.  And I know somewhere close by with a barn and 4 post lift.

Best of luck with the op matey, and enjoy your freedom.  If you do get bored I can probably think of stuff for you to do.

[Sizona]

I'm gonna miss the lotus mug coffee!! ha, good luck with the surgery mr sparky

 

[LotuStuart]

I don't blame you.

Much better to sit on the beach and dip your toe in the water when/if you feel like it rather than constantly treading water and occasionally touching the seabed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(PS Don't forget we spoke about mine wanting a ground up rebuild before you hang up your spanners.).... 🐂💩

[Bazza 907]

I don't know, some people, it's all about

"ME ME ME..."

 

 

 

 

 

Seriously, good for you. Long time dead etc etc

[exeterjeep]

Good for you, but you will have all those future Emira owners is SW Herts looking for someone to fix their car in 10-20-30 years time.

Best wishes for the op. 

[Bazza 907]

1 minute ago, exeterjeep said:

Best wishes for the op. 

I'll be over in a blink of an eye

[exeterjeep]

Possibly a couple of blinks - depending on 1 eye or 2 eyes

[Sparky]

Look forward to seeing you both.

[Bling]

I am sure the eye op will go well @Sparky. Get some well earned rest in the meantime.

[Chillidoggy]

4 minutes ago, Sparky said:

Look forward to seeing you both.

No change there, you’re used to seeing double.

[Dan E]

Thereafter I will be highly resistant to anything that gets in the way of my drinking activities.

FTFY

This a sad day, I assume the other Margate Exotics will be taking up where you left off, I never really understood how that part of the franchise stood on its own two feet as it only ever seemed to work on one car!!

[Sparky]

Yes, Ian said he will be happy to take up all the slack, what a guy.  And at 60% below my special low rates too!  I'll post his mobile number and full address in due course... 

[robington]

Look after yourself Sparky😊 

Retirement should be enjoyed to the full !!

[pete]

Good luck with the operation and hope to see you at one of our meets again

[Roy Lewington]

I blame the NHS---no longer fit for purpose,  good job you haven't got cancer. This country is in a mess.  Enjoy what you can while you can but please keep  helping the forum with your excellent advice and help.  Good luck Roy.

[Sparky]

I was last on a list of 5 yesterday afternoon.  No. 3 suffered a serious problem during surgery that necessitated prolonged attention from the eye surgeon thereby running out of time for 4 and 5.  They have already rescheduled me to a reasonably convenient date.  It does cause problems in work scheduling, and I think it's just the last straw in a series of issues this year that have led me to question what I'm doing with whatever time I have left.  I do these cars because I enjoy them, but that enjoyment is diminishing with load, and that ain't good.

That said, I will never complain about the NHS itself (agreed other stuff around it is broken).  It's kept me alive through chronic illness for over 50 years.  Yesterday was just unfortunate.

[Trevsked]

Time for a bit of fun you’ve promised yourself for, well, since I’ve known you. 
 

T.

[TAR]

I hope the op gives you back whats been lost to the cataracts. My dad had this done and it made a real difference. 

 

 

[Dave Eds]

I just googled Watford Erotics, some rum old bird offering a service, blinding.......

[Sparky]

Just a little sideline.

[LOTUSMAN33]

You’ll be leaving me with the kerbside motors mantle 🙂, you’ve done your bit for lotus kind so a well earned proper retirement is overdue mate 👍🏻
Time to chill and enjoy a few nice🍺🍷🥃 and terrorise the street of London in that yellow peril of yours!