Tuesday 14th October 2003

Week 34, Day 204

WARNING: Vanessa is in a ranting mood and an emotional one at that. You have been warned...

It doesn't help I guess that I'm listening to Sigur Ros (the second album for those who are interested) but it's just one of those days that everything finally comes together and hits you like a tonne of bricks. Only instead of knocking me out, I do the female thing and cry.

I'm not writing this to seek pity from anyone. I'm reaching out to ears (eyes) that will listen. It has dawned on me over the past few weeks just how much I miss everyone. It's not homesickness, it's not a pain that won't go away. It's this longing for someone to talk to who understands what you're on about, who knows how you're going to react, who knows what to say or what not to say. There's only one person I can turn to here, and it's not fair to lay everything on him.

Don't get me wrong, I'm loving living here in Leeds. I have no regrets about moving over here and finally doing what I've always wanted to. I love my place, I love my job, I love this country, I love the people I've met and I still love my boyfriend. But I definitely need to catch up with you guys out there who know me. And you all know me for different reasons, and in that way, you make up a big part of my life. Each one of your friendships indulges a different part of my personality, and when that's removed, it makes me a different person. I'm lucky to have things to keep me occupied at least. And needless to say, work has been a big part of that recently.

Since my last rant I ran a few shifts on my own at Leeds, coming into all sorts of difficulties but being proud that I got through them. I attended yet another training workshop (the last for a few months) where I was able to cement a few friendships made with Nando's staff (will post photos of that night up soon me hopes!). The following week I was lucky enough to get to go to the Assistant Managers' Conference in Bournemouth. Sorry, 'Conference' I should have said as all we did was drink, eat, drink, party and drink. It was truly one of the best times I've had and I met so many great people. I felt honoured to be a part of it. Even got to go paintballing!! But will write that up when I can scan the photos in.

Then Castleford opening was put into action. The past three weeks has seen Andy, Les, Abbas and I rescuing the restaurant from dust and helping it take shape. Two weeks ago we began training our new team which was really quite thrilling. When they took their Nando's test at the end of the training, I was so proud of all of them and the hard effort they put into that week. It was stressful on our behalf, and still is, but extremely rewarding and a lot of fun all at the same time. The dry runs happened last Monday & Tuesday. That's where we invited members of the public for a free feed and it was chaotic but again, fun. The second night I was on coordination and showing Adam (one of the grillers) how to do it (that's where you put all the side orders together with the plates before they get sent out to customers - one of the most stressful jobs in the place). I love doing it because I thrive on the stress of a busy night but that night was just unbelievable. We opened at 5pm and instantly had a full house! So, stressful it was but I loved every waking moment of it.

We've had a few teething problems since and those are still continuing as new ones arise all the time. However, overall, we have a damn good team and with time and expreience, they'll only get better. Same with us in management - we're still learning and I've made a lot of cock ups lately but I'm also learning a lot.

The centre where we are, Xscape, has an indoor ski slope (yay!), a climbing wall, a sky ride (you hang from a harness from the top of the centre and swing through these hanging obstacles - it scares the crap out of you and gets the adreneline pumping!), bowling alley, a few other restaurants - hey there's even a Starbucks! haha! So it's pretty cool to be a part of it and there's more things opening over the next few months. Have to put up photos as soon as I can.

Working as hard as we have been has left me a little worse for wear. I'm definitely not looking after myself right now. The weight has come on a little which is a tad depressing but at the same time, it could have been worse and it's not the end of the world. Life should start getting back to normal now.

There's only four weeks until I see most of you back in Oz and I really am looking forward to it. Especially catching up with the girls - I'm around too many males at the moment and I need to get in touch with my femininity again. I feel like I'm missing out on things back home, too - Nicole & Bianca are about to start their HSC exams on Monday & they go to uni next year; Christie & Cameron have their first child, Taseda - my great neice!! - born last week, making my brother Vic a grandad which just does my head in thinking about it; I fear for my father's health and for my mother's patience in dealing with it. As the saying goes though, I can't have my cake and eat it too. It's only been 8 months and yet it feels like years since I saw anyone.

I can't wait to come home and be the real Vanessa again. Not long now...

Top 10 for this week...

1. Castleford Restaurant - Being a part of forming a team and seeing them grow together is unreal.
2. Nando's Perinaise - Have to lay off the stuff or my gut is gonna get bigger.
3. Friends who remember you - Thank you to Jules for the lovely card & gift she sent me. It puts a smile on my face knowing that I'm still in your thoughts. Also a big hug to Mrs. Evans whose e-mail was a lovely surprise - I hope to see you soon!
4. My new freezer - Part of my 'Let's get back to the real Vanessa' plan. It arrived today so it's time to get cooking in bulk!
5. Eric Ecto Thunderbolt - That's the car's name. He's been doing well (touch wood) lately with taking me to and from work.
6. Central Heating - Thank god for it!! Hardly been feeling the cold, though - it's not really that cold yet, but I still like to complain about it.
7. Music - Always was the love of my life and it's funny how it helps me get back to reality when I feel horrible.
8. Families - You appreciate them more when they're not there. And it's exciting to hear about the new additions. Aside from Taseda, there's going to be another girl in the family. My Portuguese cousin Zulmira & her husband Rui are expecting a daughter end of November - they have already named her Ema Philipa.
9. Sangria - Newest addition to my list of favourite drinks.
10. Dave - For always being there.

x
Vanessa