I wasn't going to mention this, as such, but it has some relevance...
This is not a "must fix the corsa" exercise, and neither is it a money making exercise (I won't make any!) - it's a self confidence building / motivational thing for me.
Many here will say, I've been here for years, and, have spannered countless cars, into the hundreds, and can find my way around an engine.
That's very true. However.
In addition to my physical injuries, which do still limit me quite a lot (Three hours this morning, and I'm really paying now) - I've been struggling psychologically. The formal diagnosis (From Harley St Consultants, as opposed to GP) is a "Major Depressive Disorder" and "PTSD".
That in itself makes me feel guilty, as in my eyes those things have always been attributed to horrific armed forces incidents, not having a smash up in a car, even at the speeds involved.
There's a lot of stigma behind it, and being in a job that's perceived as "Macho" it's difficult to talk about. In addition I am being investigated for a brain injury, as a result of regular forgetfulness, personality changes, and also damage to the central nervous system, in light of symptoms which are most young Men's worst nightmare.
I'm not asking for any sympathy as such, but just as an explanation - with this little project it's not a case of doing what's most cost effective repair wise etc, it's about taking me out of my comfort zone, getting my mind working, and getting a sense of achievement from it. My consultants (both physical and psychological) have both suggested I attempt smaller amounts of what I used to do - and I can think of nothing better than some light car fettling. It's something I have always found therapeutic, in any event.
It sounds silly, but without something to get my teeth into, that I enjoy, I often struggle to get out of bed and do the most basic of tasks .. whereas today, physical pain aside, I really enjoyed myself. Thanks for listening