Tuesday 21st October 2003

Week 35, Day 211

Let me clarify something. I didn't write my last post to seek pity from people or attention for that matter. The thing about this blog is that it gives me the opportunity to express myself that I would otherwise be doing so with you in person. As my friends and family aren't around me at the moment, this blog is perfect for venting all those feelings. So I apologise now if anyone felt sorry for me - I am enjoying myself. I just have days I feel the absence of friendships a lot more than others.

Of course still working hard. Really proud of our team this week. We increased our sales and had a ripper of a Saturday night. It was my shift on Saturday night but with the help of Abbas and Les, it went a lot smoother than I ever expected. The team just worked their arses off that night, and I was so proud of them all. We had people waiting for tables as we were full, and in the end, we had to reject potential customers because the waiting list was getting a little ridiculous! There were a few outbursts from customers - one guy in the queue waiting to order kicked up a fuss when someone else jumped the queue, and we had a table of 12 where two of them were really rude and abused our staff - but overall, we had a good response. We got faxes of the two mystery shoppers that visited the restaurant and I'm happy to say we passed! The first went on Thursday night during Les's shift and scored 94%. The other was on Sunday night, Abbas's shift, and scored 83% but to be fair, the majority of staff on that night were trainees, so that's not too bad! It's still a pass too :) We can only get better so I'm over the moon with those scores.

Last night I went to the Nandoca's party in Birmingham. That's where the restaurants up north (Leeds, Castleford, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham & Liverpool) take their staff for a night out. It was held at 52 Degrees North Bar and it was an ok event. The place wasn't that happening in terms of music and dance floor but the drinks were ok. It was great getting to see people from the other stores again and catching up with them, as well as having the time to talk to our staff on a more social level rather than around work. I am really tired today though as I only got to bed at 5am!

I've had more of a chance to cook this week and now that I have my freezer, I'm taking advantage and cooking loads so I have spare food for the days I can't be arsed cooking! Today I made some soup (it really is soup weather at the moment) in bulk and am looking to make some bolognese sauce in bulk too. Oh, cooking tip of the day - I went shopping last week and found some sauasage meat on special and thought I'd use it for bolognese sauce. It rocked! From now on, I'm going to use that. It was flavoursome and the consistency was a lot better I thought.

So on to the Top 10 for this week...

1. Castleford Team - It's like watching your own children grow up. I'm proud of them and nervous for them all at the same time!
2. Body Combat Class - Did my first class yesterday and it was unreal! Really quite ra! I was getting right into the punches and the kicks. I feel a little sore today but that's good thing!
3. Friends who remember you - An ongoing item on my list. This week is a big thankyou to Ruth, Jason, Belinda & Cassie who reminded me what friendships are all about.
4. Happy Customers - When you have people say to you 'I love this place. The food is great, the service is brilliant. You'll see me again', it really makes your day. And I'm happy to say that these are words I hear often!
5. Nuts - I am forever rediscovering my love for nuts after going through periods where I don't eat them. This week I have feasted on many a salted macadamia, and they rock.
6. New Friendships - I miss my old friends but it is refreshing to meet new people and start the process of finding out more about someone again. Meeting up with Jackie, Ash, Charlie, Katie, Heidi & Chris at the Nando's party reminded me of the fun I've had with those guys in the last few months.
7. Shopping - Yes, it's that time of year again. Vanessa needs to add to her wardrobe in order to stay warm during winter. Did a bit of shopping yesterday (bought 2 shirts & a jumper) and I intend to do a bit more before I leave.
8. Cocksucking Cowboys - My favourite shot in the world and I finally had one last night - the first since leaving Australia. I was talking to Becy at the bar when I spotted the butterscotch schnapps bottle and screamed with delight. I bought a round for the guys, including Ash, who I owe quite a few shots to after all the rounds of Tequila he's bought us during training workshops!!
9. English Pub Names - Can someone please explain to me how the English name their pubs? I've passed a few beauties while driving to work. They are all named after bizarre items/people and have pictures to go with them. Here are ones that come to mind:
*The Pointer - has a picture of a hunting dog in the pointing position they do when they've sniffed the scent of a rabbit.
*The New Roscoe - No idea, though Dave said it's probably just to do with a family name. I always spot it on the way to work because it reminds me of Merrick & Rosco.
*The Three Hulats - A free drink for anyone that can tell me exactly what a Hulat is!
*The Mustard Pot - erm, right.
*The Singing Chocker - How gay does that sound? It's got the picture of the workman cutting wood, with his helmet on and looks to be whistling. It's just plain bizarre.
I'm seriously contemplating building up a list of English pub names and taking pics of them too.
10. Dave - A big Happy 1st Anniversary! :) Has it really been that long already?

x
Vanessa