Tuesday 3rd February 2004

Week 50, Day 312

Can you believe it's only another 3 weeks until I've officially been abroad for a year? I can't.



Another busy week for me. Wednesday saw a follow up meeting with Gordon and Andy about my current progress at work. It did leave me feeling a little flustered and overwhelmed at all the things I need to focus on in order to do my job better and be the manager I want to be. But I also know that I've been improving a lot lately. I know because of the response I get from the team on my shifts now.

And it was all proved to me over the weekend. The weekend that I thought would be hell turned out to be the best weekend I've had at work ever. Friday night went smoothly, even with a party of 33 who were so liquored up they were messing around with other customers. Got up early for Saturday morning's staff meeting. Things were a lot more positive than the last, and that included feedback I received from staff. A few spoke out saying that they noticed that I was much happier at work and acknowledged that I had tried hard the past month. Of course that made me feel grateful knowing that they had noticed the effort I had been putting in to doing my job better but also making work life better for them too. I even got voted manager of the month (well only beat Les by one vote ;) ).

That night saw us break Nando's Castleford records. We made the most money we've ever made in a day, and it was our biggest Saturday night yet. We made over £4000 and boy were we proud of that! We were packed out from 6pm. People were waiting for tables for 50mins!! I can't believe they had that kind of patience. To top it off we got a Take Away Mystery Shopper which we discovered yesterday that we scored 97% on!! Everyone was stoked about that.

Sunday proved to be challenging again, but managed to take it in my stride without stressing out once. I was exhausted after the evening before and had to be up early for the shift. We were two people down but everyone worked so bloody damn hard and I've never been prouder of the team we have. The were bloody brilliant and I couldn't have done it without any of them. We managed £2200 over lunch and they didn't bat an eyelid. I treated myself to crappy Sunday English TV and ice-cream that night. I deserved it!

It's fair to say that this week I can see things in a more positive light. I've rested up, I've got my goals back in order. Today it dawned on me just how much support I've had from all the people here in my new life in my new home and pretty much slapped myself in the face to get myself back into gear. So, that's what I'm doing once and for all. No more excuses. I am getting back to the old Vanessa, the happy, lively, confident and positive Vanessa that never says never :)

Top 10 this week:

1. Friends - For always being there.

2. Emails - Keep them coming. Still without a home phone so I love to hear from you guys even via text :)

3. SMS - Thank you to Chris for that dodgy, disgusting joke SMS which made me laugh for hours.

4. Customers - We've had some fantastic customers lately. It's probably because we've all been so happy in the restaurant that they walk out delighted. But the feedback has been out of this world, and it keeps us on our toes.

5. Nuts - Macadamia, brazil, peanut, pistachio, walnut, pecan, almond - need I say more! Bought up big on them this week and can't wait to nibble.

6. Nando's Management - I've found so many new friends and people I can trust in my new job that it's hard to believe that I can work for a company full of so many inspiring and encouraging people. Gordon, Andy, Les, Ana and Garry (who will probably never read this but anyway...) - thank you for being there for me and sticking by my through thick and through thin. Your advice and support have kept me going.

7. Birthdays - Many happy returns to Johanna who turned a lovely 24 last week, to Paul who's in his 30's this week (I won't embarass you) and to my nephew Anthony who will turn 23 next week! 8. Laughing - Such a simple thing in life but we take it for granted. I haven't laughed so much in ages like I have this week and I do think that's what's made me feel better.

9. Staff - Despite their own harrowing problems at home, they never cease to amaze me at the effort they put into their work. I'm very proud to be a part of them.

10. Chris - Modesty keeps him from the limelight but he's been the hidden source to all my hope lately. So hidden in fact that I didn't even realise until today how much he's been there for me. Thank you.

x
Vanessa