Missing person report, I've been busy, but occasionally lurking Options

[Part Pricer]

It has been a while since I’ve regularly participated in the Garage. I do try to check in at least once a day to check out the hot topics. However, things in my life outside the 914Club have been consuming a lot of my time over the past few months. Not that everyone cares, I’ve had a few people IM me asking what I’ve been up to. I thought that I would post it here to share with all. Here are the highlights:

I got a new job
Yep, that’s right. After a few years of being self-employed, I decided to let someone else worry about meeting payroll and sold my soul to the man. I actually had the luxury of choosing between multiple offers and wound up taking a position with IBM. The money is OK, the work is stressful, but I get to work from home. So, the commute is great. Also, IBM was the only company that didn’t insist that I give up my private consulting practice if I came on board.

My daughter graduated from college
My daughter finished up her 5-year undergraduate program in just 4.5 years and graduated from Drexel University this past weekend. For those of you not familiar with Drexel, the undergraduate plan is 5-years since the students alternate between going to class for six months then working at co-op jobs for six months. It takes a little longer, but my daughter graduated with 2.5 years of real-life work experience. Because of this, she had three solid job offers waiting for her upon graduation. It was nice for her to be able to pick-and-choose. She did great in school and I am sure she will do great in her career. She makes her dad proud.

My son turned 21
I never felt old until I had the opportunity to sit at a bar and have a drink with both of my children. However, I’m sure that I will feel really old when he graduates college next year. But, for now, it was a ritual of passing. It was enjoyable but kinda weird.

My dad has been in and out of the hospital
My dad is 89-years-old and has been fighting with many of the problems associated with his advanced age. It has been tough, but he has maintained his good spirit through most of it. For me, I've been spending a lot of time driving up and down the NJ Turnpike to go to visit him when I can. Right now, my dad is at home with my mother. Hopefully, his stamina wil hold up through the holidays.

We sold our house
This is longest we have ever lived in one place, nine years. I’ve enjoyed this place and will be somewhat sad when we turn over the keys to the new owner. However, with both of the kids gone, it was just too big for my wife and me. And, I believe that we are near the top of the market, so the timing is good. We are building a new house the next town over from where we are living now. But, all indications are that it will not be ready until June. So, we will be moving into a short-term rental until it is completed. I’m not looking forward to moving twice, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Which brings me to my next point

My 914 is for sale
Although I would love to keep it, it looks like I’m not going to have time for a recreational vehicle for at least a year. And, I don’t want to move it to a temp house then the new house. Since you’ve made it this far through my lengthy post, I’ll give you some of the details. 1974 914 2.0L, Ravenna Green, Koni’s all around, Momo & original steering wheel, two sets of wheels & tires, needs a new clutch. It is in Connecticut. Contact me and I'll give you a kickin' deal on a good 914.