Saturday 6th September 2003

Week 28, Day 165

So my rants are rare these days. I really can't help it. I've spent HOURS uploading pictures to the web site as I've been hogging Dave's digital camera and just going awol with taking photos. Lucky for you all, I've sifted through them and put up only those I think are vaguely interesting.

And I have to admit, a lot is going on in my life. Castleford opening got put back two weeks, which doesn't bother me as it gives me time to brush up on my management skills (and they do need it). During the week that Dave was away on holidays I hardly spent time at home. You've already read about my visit to Liverpool and Nayra's party.

On the Tuesday after I went down to Birmingham again with Les and Phil. We had two days of courses - the first was the Buddy Workshop, where we were trained to be trainers (we call them Buddies in the store). It was only us three along with Ash, who we've done courses with before. Marcello from the head office was training us and it was quite an enjoyable course. We partied that evening with some other course goers and Nandocas but I won't repeat myself as there is a synopsis of the evening on my pictures page. The second day was an Introduction to Management course and that was loads of fun. A bigger group and heated discussions - it was productive.

On Thursday night I went out briefly for drinks. Again, see my pictures for details. Worked hard over the weekend and Dave got back on Sunday. Of course it was nice to see him again, though really, I haven't seen him all that much lately due to my shifts. We did manage dinner at the Thai place up the road - yum!! I've been dying for Thai and I'm glad to say it's a damn nice place. And they do take out!

Wednesday I went with the Leeds Nando's crew to Blackpool - see my pictures for more on that. I've been exhausted since that day. I think the rides take it out of you. Thursday night we had Si, Caroline and Antony over for dinner. I was really stoked with myself for cooking my Tia Helena's special Pork and having it taste like the one she makes. I also made my mother's Pudim (Portuguese Creme Caramel) and though it could have been cooked a little longer, it tasted just like hers too. So it's fair to say the dinner was a success. It was also the first proper dinner Dave and I have hosted in the new house and it really was lovely to be able to entertain friends again.

Now I'm just sitting here typing, after a hard day's work, waiting for Dave to return from caving and listening to my stomach rumble. Must get my mind of it so...

My top 10 for this week...

1. Castleford Restaurant - The anticipation is building. Had our meeting for the trainers we've got for our staff. More jobs delegated, including some for me. Also visited the store (see my pics) so that was a bit of a thrill too.
2. Nando's Chicken Wings - back on my fave staff meal list.
3. Friends who remember you - again on the list. I got a parcel from the Mallets (hello guys!) - inside was an Aussie pack to keep my homesickness at bay. It included a packet of Minties and a Driza-bone hat! It rocked and really made my day!
4. Sleep - not getting enough of it so really do make the most of it while I can.
5. Pump class - how I've missed it. And how I'm enjoying it.
6. Stability balls - never have my abs got such a good work out.
7. Pianos - I miss it and could possibly be getting one. Watch this space.
8. Cooking - haven't been doing all that much of it in the past two weeks, but the dinner party threw me back into it.
9. Tips - It pays to be good to your customers. I've been getting loads of tips the past week, but being the nice person that I am, I've put them all into the communal staff tips box.
10. Dave - Having him back!

x
Vanessa

PS: I would like requests from Aussies as to what things (I'm talking food & drink mainly) I should bring home on my quick visit. I've got a bit of a list down but am sure I've missed something. Alternatively, what's really Australian that I can bring back?