Vince's XM...213k and slowing....

[CitroJim]

Sounds like the sort of thing to put a grin on your face for an hour or two!

You've got an XM Kev so you must have seen the reaction it causes from a good few people. Mine certainly does

In a sea of drab, grey clone-like Euroboxes the XM somewhat stands out. Try loosing one in a car park

[red_dwarfers]

This is it, the last few months I've not really taken much notice of other people taking notice. You could say I've taken it for granted! It's only when I've jumped back in the Xantia that I've realised what I'm missing.

A colleague came into the IT office all excited the other day because he saw a Xantia Activa in the car park he was telling me a bit more just as we we're going to go and have a look and I soon realised he was talking about my TD! The things that made him think it was an Activa? The colour and spoiler! To be fair, it was the first time he had seen my new Xantia.

[vince]

What a good day today!

The NEC was as usual fantastic....I love everything from seeing the variety of classic cars on the roads on the way down, to the ever staggering level of cars that are on display. Tim aptly pointed out that the majority of these cars have had full on restorations which made me feel better about my own car...it looked in poor condition back in the carpark after hours of looking at pristine motors

It was good meeting up with some of the guys on here...like a club meet but minus the obligatory field

I cruised down and back up at around 65-70mph and from what i can tell used about £10 to £15 of diesel

Good job because i had no more money for fuel on the way back

I bought a new pair of retro leather driving gloves down there for £6...ive been looking at these on ebay for a while now...they all come in at £20 and upwards so i was chuffed at £6 The XM steering wheel isnt leather and is worn smooth so it helps to wear gloves....at least thats what im telling myself

[DickieG]

I bought a new pair of retro leather driving gloves down there for £6...ive been looking at these on ebay for a while now...they all come in at £20 and upwards so i was chuffed at £6 The XM steering wheel isnt leather and is worn smooth so it helps to wear gloves....at least thats what im telling myself

Are they the string back version and did you get a free pipe and trilby to match?

[vince]

Lol....this will make you laugh...they are the string back version!! I know they are retro tacky, but i love old style stuff....

The thing is Rich, you "actually" get to drive the flash cars through the alps down to monaco, and people like me watch old movies,,,,buy string back gloves and dare to dream

Dont worry ill let you try them on next time we meet

I do also have some normal black leather gloves for less flamboyant moments

[CitroJim]

It certainly was a good show Vince and good to see you there

You told me you weren't going to buy anything!!!!

I got some good goodies though

[Citroenmad]

It was good to catch up with you on Sunday Vince. Your car is in great condition really, you only have to look around at others to find that out. As you say, its a very usable car as it is now and I think it looks great!

I did see a stall waving some driving gloves about at reduced prices. I managed to resist

[vince]

Lol they arent for everyone i must say....

I found a stall in the bike show bit selling loads of gloves at cheap prices. At £6 for leather gloves i was having some

They blew my spends budget Jim, which you can tell was almost nothing...i came back with 20p

[vince]

Well, yet again its been ages since ive updated on here.....its been a very mentally busy month since i last posted

In summary ive decided to take back control of my brain and life and ive left my position as GSF branch manager at Trafford Park Manchester. It is a great company to work for and a great bunch of guys at my old branch, but i wasnt enjoying it anymore, and mentally if i was honest with myself (which eventually i was), it was taking more out of me than it was giving back. Overall i have been running on empty for quite a while now, so its time i took control and got myself back on track.

i used to be more "mentally available"...meaning i actually listened when people spoke to me, i put more time into my own wellbeing etc. The thing with being overly stressed or run down is that you live in a perpetual state of "brain hurry" so although your in the room, your only really half there at best. Looking back i had a different approach to everything and i was very "in the moment" This is what im going to try and get back. For my health's sake

At the start of 2013. I have a new role to take on at Andrew Page (motor factors) as branch/distribution centre manager in Oldham Gt Manchester, where i live. It is a lot closer to home and signals a fresh start for the new year. It promises to be more suited to my operational management background, and is handily only a few minutes from home .....so fingers crossed it works out fine....which im sure it will. Outside of work i am going to get back to the gym with our son James, and spend time each night winding down before going to bed...if i dont take this step now i fear i will end up in a box by the time im 50 The xm will also form a great project to pour creative time into without it being "work"

Im looking forward to 2013 being the year of reclamation.......plenty of car shows, and a few Pallas jobs

Hope you all have a great christmas and have a great 2013.....no doubt i will meet up with some of you along the way

Keep Citroening folks.....

P.s. I get a company car with my new position, at first i think ive got a Megane to use, but hopefully there will be a Citroen available....? A C6 would be nice

[Citroenmad]

Well done on the new Job Vince, I hope it all works out and you achieve what your wanting

Have a great Christmas!

[vince]

Thanks Chris..you too : )

[Trainman]

but hopefully there will be a Citroen available....? A C6 would be nice

In your dreams

I hope everything works as you planned buddy. I was actually thinking about heading over to see you at GSF in the new Year, Only need some LDS so I'll nip over and see you at your new place, it'll be good to catch up

[vince]

Cool, no problem Steve, Andrew Page branch Oldham ; )

[KP]

Congrats Vince

Must say you looked a bit tired last time I caught up with you so at the least the reduction in travelling will make your life better(speaking from experience ) and the extra time to spend with family and your interests really helps

Sounds like next month will be super busy as I know you have a few things to sort at the start of the month

[CitroJim]

Good stuff Vince and may I say from hard-won experience that you've done a very wise and sensible thing before it might have been too late...

All the very best in your new venture and a very successful New Year