Hi there David,
Everything in the world is exciting, if we allow it to be!
In case of my resto, I remind myself the significance of the finished product. I restore to honour my Fathers WW2 service initially, then as time went on, I decided to broaden the dedication to ALL the servicemen & servicewomen that I have had the pleasure to have known. I say known because a plaque will be attached to the truck cab, in memoriam of those veterans who have passed away. The count currently stands at 37 names. It will climb yet higher, no doubt, but the figures won't go up as fast as they have in past years. There are precious few of them left. I only have one WW2 gentleman left to my acquaintance. A fellow approaching 95 years old, who is a D Day veteran, coming ashore in a DD tank! Before that, he commanded a Churchill in Africa, under 'The Old Man', Montgomery.
Put into context, every small step I achieve is insignificant by comparison, but exciting for me. When the vehicle is finally finished, it will probably be amongst the saddest days of my life, because the last job will be to afix that brass plaque with all the names on. I have been given tentative permission from the RSL for that final task to occur on ANZAC Day, sometime between the Dawn Service completion and prior to the parade at 1000hrs. Exactly WHICH ANZAC Day that is, who can tell. In the meantime, I enjoy getting as intimate with a piece of history as any man can, and that is hugely rewarding.
Just being a part of such an esteemed group of restorers as the folks here on MLU is another aspect which I find very rewarding. There is still so very much to learn, but the few times that I have been able to assist another member, it's a great feeling to contribute to someone else, even in a small way. Lord knows I have been the recipient of that assistance so many times. When it's my turn to help, I get a real kick out of that.
I don't believe for one minute that any of us find this hobby mundane. A pain in the arse sometimes, physically and mentally stressful perhaps, but boring...nah!
How could we not be excited, right?