Okay...I have a new job.
And I'm thrilled by this.
Explains how much fun my life has been so far.

Really, jesting aside, I have a new job and it's fantastic. I'm working at a pub in my area, just opened up with a new managment, who are relaxed and groovy young people with a down-to-earth and slightly surreal set of attitudes. So things are working out well there. I was hired to do kitchen-assistanty type things. Things in the potato peeling and washing up type department. And I do this in the kitchen with Head-Chef Marcus. Who is the most remarkable man and has introduced me to the March of the Sinister Ducks. You must see it. [link] You can and should spare the 2.5 minutes it will take (that's all I swear!) And somehow, I'm not entirely sure how, I've started making a stack of desserts and confections. Not a literal...stack....though that could be an interesting idea. No. Carrot cakes and Victoria sponges and  Lemon Cream Dessrts and  Roman Apple Cakes....and stuff.
/TANGENT/:
Many thanks to Head Honcho Chris for the Roman Apple Cake idea. We were recipe-less, but he gave me the theory and we made stuff work. It's a bit like your run-of-the-mill upside down cake, but it's spiced wih cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, with a gently spiced sweet sauce that comes out of the apples and seeps through the light white sponge when it's flipped before serving. I am now, very much, a believer.
/endTANGENT/:
So Yes. These people are excellent. So as not to forget anyone:
Helen! Excellent woman can hang a picture and multi-tasks like nobodies business, and does all of it to a better standard than I could if I was doing it one thing at a time.
Andy - great guy. Got a look at my sketch pad before I found out he spent time at art school. Shoot. But he was all about constructive criticisms, which were very helpful, so thank you there. Very polite and seems to enjoy what comes out of the kitchen immensly.
Shane. Ye Gods I hope I haven't misspelled your name. He's Duty Manager and cheeky to boot, but he's funny, he's great with people and my word that man likes banana and sultana teabread!
Matthew - about as new as me and trying to get to grips with his work behind the bar, but seems an excellent chap. Haven't seen much of him though, so I may have to take time out so I can get to know him better. (If even one of you is making that odd cooing noice and wiggling eyebrows then I will track you down and beat you with a loaf-tin)

So yes...I think that's everybody. AHH!
You need to see the stuff we have on our walls. When they were refurbishing about a month ago, they had some more relaxed and groovy people in (how was there this vast number of groovy people around without me knowing?) and they painted impressive stuff on the walls.

So they have a blog, yes, where you can see more about the relaxed and groovy people and their relaxed and groovy pub. Fantastico. [link]