I have been a gear head since I could hold a wrench - and don't think much of spending 18 hour days in the shop when I'm deep in the process of some automotive pursuit.
When I met my wife - many of our "dates" revolved around her coming over and watching me wrench on the car until midnight - only to take a short ride around the block. Of course, that was after I promised....Just 15 more minutes....(and that was at 8 p.m.).
I think you can compare those of us that are obsessed with our hobby and project like a junkie looking for another fix. We are in deep - so deep we don't even like to admit it or see it.
The ladies in our lives see it - and as supportive as they are, there are times they let it be known they are tied of taking a back seat to our time and talent.
These "wake" up moments - after sleeping on the couch that night...or other such issues - should cause us to take pause and consider out situation.
We all face it.
Having a wife that is supportive and encouraging is HUGE - but it can also be like an enabler of a junkie. We are junkies...God help our wifes!
Hello - my name is Chris McDonald...and I'm a car-0-holic.
When Gwen (did that on purpose) found out my old '67 Vette was going to be auctioned at Barrett Jackson she asked if I was going to buy it back... when I said no... she asked "why not"? And she was genuinely puzzled why I had no interest in it.
That is a good car girl right there.
We've been together for 37 years - married for 30... It takes time to train them.
I'm very lucky to have a wife that put up with my car build. She even helped me in the garage occasionally. We were just dating when I started it and she supported me throughout the build and now we're married and just enjoy driving it around and having fun with it. She has always been extremely supportive, and I've always done my best to work on it when she's busy with other things. I just tried to make sure that she came first and that she clearly understood that. Of course, there were a few days here and there when the car came first, but overall, I tried to be a good boy.
Now, if I start another project, that might test her limits! Especially since we're trying to start a family! I'd like to start building a track car, but I just don't think I'll have the time or money for it.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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