happy new year!!!!

[David Rowland]

Happy New Year… so was the Scottish thing canceled… I am not going to try and type ‘hog-ma-hay’.. oh i just did.

[Martin Cole]

Happy New Year!!

Stayed in with the kids and watched the fireworks on telly, that was some display on the millenium wheel, about 50 quids worth of firewoks I reckon.

Here’s to a prosperous 2007 😀

[John Childs]

Happy New Year to you all.

Jenny and I have just got in from an excellent night out with our friends and I am pleasantly plastered.

It doesn’t get much better than this. 😀

[Marcella Ross]

Hello folks ………………… ! 😀

[Marcella Ross]

quote John Childs:

Happy New Year to you all.

I am pleasantly plastered.

. 😀

Me too! :lol1:

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Marcella:

quote John Childs:

Happy New Year to you all.

I am pleasantly plastered.

. 😀

Me too! :lol1:

lucky you lot….im still sober :lol1:

nik

[Duncan Wilkie]

A most happy and prosperous new year to us all!!

[Robert Lambie]

quote Duncan Wilkie:

A most happy and prosperous new year to us all!!

ditto! 😛

well i have just had my frst beer after a heavy night of it up here in aviemore. had a great night… lots of drinking, fireworks etc etc best of all its snowing here… so i guess it will be sledging etc tommorrow. :lol1: :lol1:

[adam scott]

Happy new year everyone hope its a good money making one 🙂 😉

[Lorraine Clinch]

And wishing you all a fabulous 2007 from me too!

So what are all your New Year resolutions then? 🙄 😉

[John Childs]

quote Lorraine Clinch:

So what are all your New Year resolutions then?

I never make resolutions so this year is a bit of a first. I’ve made no personal ones (giving up smoking is a bit of a non-starter) so it’s all to do with making my working life a bit easier.

1. A bit more organisation. The systems that have stood us in good stead for many years can’t cope with today’s workload. The trouble is that the cracks only show when we are too busy to do anything about it so nothing has ever been done. That has started to change this morning and the staff are a bit miffed.

2. Some of them are going to get a bit more miffed when they find out that resolution number two is to get rid of the dead wood amongst them. I want more productivity and those that can’t provide it will find themselves replaced. It’s not entirely their fault because I have perhaps been a bit too relaxed and not pushed them enough. They will have time to adjust to the new regime but those that can’t do it will be history.

3. Price review. Some of the stuff we do is quite well rewarded but some isn’t. The reason for most of it is historic, and again my fault, for regarding our customers as more as friends than customers and trying to be kind to them. That ended at 8.30 this morning. From then on we will be charging a price that is worthy of our efforts and those that aren’t willing to pay will need another supplier.

4. Take more time off. I didn’t get a proper holiday in 2006. A few long weekends was all I managed, and that will change. Anyway, holidays apart, I don’t think that at my age I should have to be here every day. Even if I am not going anywhere I think that, unless there is something important on that requires my input, I shouldn’t have to be at work every minute. I’m going to have some mornings getting up late, slobbing about in my dressing gown until lunchtime and then think about looking into the office. A bit like Marcella already does. 😀 It’s going to be difficult breaking the "Northern European Protestant Work Ethic" which is ingrained into me and by which I have lived my life up until now, but I’m going to give it my best shot. Again the success of this will depend largely on the right staff, but see number two above. If the current lot can’t manage without me for a few hours then I’ll find someone that can.

Now, which one of you rotten sods is going to remind me of this post in twelve months time and want to know how successful I was? 😀

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Lorraine Clinch:

So what are all your New Year resolutions then? 🙄 😉

mines is no booze…….im sticking to it so far 😀

nik

[Lorraine Clinch]

John, it sounds like you really are coming in to 2007 with a bang! Good on you, sounds great! (Even down to staff-clearing!) I hope it all works out, especially no.4.

Nik, I’m also cutting down on the vino, I have been having far too much, and it’s time I started being kinder to my body 😥

Edit: Post edited due to sounding like a total wazzock (for want of a better non-swearing word!)

[Marcella Ross]

quote Nicola Rowlands:

mines is no booze…….im sticking to it so far 😀

nik

well done Nik! Let me know if it lasts past friday night 😉

One of mine is to get more fresh air ……….. and I’m about to start that off with a good 2 mile walk with my dogs! And to eat healthier and yes ….. drink less alcohol.
Now if I manage ANY of those for more than a week I’ll be surprised myself! But I’m giving it a go!

[Karl Williams]

Happy New Year to everyone Lets hope 2007 is the year for making loads of Lolly!

[Phill Fenton]

I reckon Johns suffering from an almighty hangover. Give him a couple of days and he’ll be back to his old self – a big pu5sy cat. 😛

Let’s just hope he hasn’t fired most of his staff already 😕

[Karl Williams]

Looks like phil’s gonna start the new year by robbing a bank!

[Jill Marie Welsh]

Nappy Yew Hear!
(hic)
No, I’m 100% sober…heck it is only after 8am here.
I only had 1 beer on New Year’s Eve, too!
I think for a start, one of my resolutions will be to stop using half-n-half in my coffee and switch to 2% milk.
It won’t make me thinner but it can’t hurt!
Also to make more profit.
And get rid of some of the clutter in my house!
Love….Jill

[David Lowery]

All the best in 2007 from Dave, Rob and Christine.

First day back after our closedown. 🙁

Had egg butties on the beach in Tenerife for Christmas lunch 😀

then let in the New Year in France.

Hope you all enjoyed yourselves and all kept sober 🙄

Well, back to work 😕

[John Childs]

quote Phill:

I reckon Johns suffering from an almighty hangover. Give him a couple of days and he’ll be back to his old self – a big pu5sy cat.

As this has been brought to the top, I thought I might give you all a progress report. 🙂

1. Some new procedures have been implemented and others are waiting for new documentation to come from the printers. It’s only simple basic stuff but what we have done so far seems to be helping.

2. Ad placed in JobCentre and I’m currently interviewing for new staff. I hate interviewing.

3. No progress on the price review yet, but I think that is best done on a job by job and customer by customer basis, so it will take some time.

4. Time off. Well, tomorrow’s my birthday so I won’t do much then, Friday I am taking off for a days shooting and last night I booked a five day trip to Boston for the end of February.

It’s looking good so far. Pu55y cat indeed. 🙂

[Phill Fenton]

quote John Childs:

Now, which one of you rotten sods is going to remind me of this post in twelve months time and want to know how successful I was? 😀

I’ll remind you in December John 😉

[Marcella Ross]

Happy Birthday for tomorrow John! 😀
I hope you have a great day 😉

Marcella xxx

[Nicola McIntosh]

happy birthday john 😀 😀

have a great day…..and dont drink too much vino 😉

nik

[John Childs]

Thank you ladies.

I’m pleased that both of you have the good manners not to ask how old! 😀

I’ll give you a clue though.

When I was born, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister and the Spitfire was still in squadron service with the RAF.

That thought makes me think I’d better go and lie down before I over exert myself. 🙁

[Marcella Ross]

I thought you were 39 John? 😉

[John Childs]

quote Marcella:

I thought you were 39 John

I love you Marcella. :love:

[George Elsmore]

Born 1939 John born 1939 thats what Marcella meant!

Happy Birthday whatever your age :lol1: :lol1:

[Marcella Ross]

quote George Elsmore:

Born 1939 John born 1939 thats what Marcella meant!

Happy Birthday whatever your age :lol1: :lol1:

you’re a sh*t stirrer Elsmore !

[George Elsmore]

MOI ! 😎 i don’t know what you mean Marcella

[John Childs]

quote George Elsmore:

Born 1939 John born 1939 thats what Marcella meant!

Bog off George. My name’s not Normington. 😀

[Lynn Normington]

Happy belated John 😀 😀

Lynn

[Peter Normington]

And BEFORE anyone says it,
NO I was not the pilot of the spitfire John was talking about!!

hope you had a good one John

Peter

[David Rowland]

LMAO.. HB John!

Also Marcella, is that recent photo ? you look a little younger?

[Marcella Ross]

thanks Dave ………… that photo is less than 24 hours old!!!!!!! :lol1:

[George Elsmore]

amazing what a nip and tuck does :lol1: :lol1: :lol1:

[John Childs]

The wonders of Photoshop and 72dpi! 😀 😀 😀

[Marcella Ross]

you two are in the doghouse ……………..! 👿 I didn’t even use polyfilla either 😀 I think I look a pasty and pale there too ………. but not just as bloated as the last one :lol1:

[Shane Drew]

quote Marcella:

you two are in the doghouse ……………..! 👿 I didn’t even use polyfilla either 😀 I think I look a pasty and pale there too ………. but not just as bloated as the last one :lol1:

Don’t listen to them Marcella, this photo is definitely better than the last one, but a photo can never show a womans true beauty, it will only ever provide evidence that beauty is there. 😉

[Marcella Ross]

Silver tongued Shane!!!!!!!! 😮 😀 😉

[Shane Drew]

quote Marcella:

Silver tongued Shane!!!!!!!! 😮 😀 😉

😳 how come I could never think of this stuff when I was dating 😕

[Phill Fenton]

:vomit:

[George Elsmore]

:rofl:

[Martin Cole]

quote Dave Rowland:

LMAO.. HB John!

Also Marcella, is that recent photo ? you look a little younger?

Christ Dave, I hope you don’t use lines like that on all the women.

Marcella, you look gorgeous as always 😀

[Marcella Ross]

Martin, I’ll buy you a drink at SignUK …………….. Elsmore you can sing for one! 😉

[John Childs]

quote Marcella:

Martin, I’ll buy you a drink at SignUK …………….. Elsmore you can sing for one! 😉

Don’t suppose there’s much chance for me either then. 🙁

[Martin Cole]

quote Marcella:

Elsmore you can sing for one! 😉

:lol1: :lol1: :lol1:

You’d’ best get some singing lessons in Georgio, I don’t like drinking alone.

John, I reckon you’ll have to dance aswell for a drink, that should be worth a trip up the M1 for alone 😀

[George Elsmore]

:dance4:

[Marcella Ross]

John – what can I say ………… I’m disappointed 🙁 I can usually rely on your charm but you let me down today. But I reckon you were lead astray by Elsmore ……….. so I forgive you. 😉

George ………. your numbers up!

[John Childs]

quote Marcella:

I reckon you were lead astray by Elsmore ……….. so I forgive you.

Yeah, that’s right Marcie. A big boy made me do it.

Phew! That was close. 😀

[George Elsmore]

Oh its pick on Elsmore day is it!!!! 😥 😥

[Martin Cole]

quote John Childs:

A big boy made me do it.

So it wasn’t Georgio then 😀

[George Elsmore]

OY Martinos dony you start we cant all look like chewbakka!!!!!

[Shane Drew]

quote Marcella:

Martin, I’ll buy you a drink at SignUK …………….. Elsmore you can sing for one! 😉

😥 😥 nothing for me then 😉

[Marcella Ross]

Shane ………… since SignUK is too far away for you ………… I’ll buy you a drink and drink it for you …….. how does that sound? 😉

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Marcella:

I’ll buy you a drink and drink it for you …….. how does that sound? 😉

typical…..and bet u never even twisted her arm shane :lol1: :lol1:

nik

[Shane Drew]

quote Nicola Rowlands:

quote Marcella:

I’ll buy you a drink and drink it for you …….. how does that sound? 😉

typical…..and bet u never even twisted her arm shane :lol1: :lol1:

nik

:lol1: :lol1:

I love a woman that makes a sacrifice for a friend 😛 your a real sport …. :lol1: Only one drink tho marcella, I don’t want to be accused of getting you drunk 😉

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote :

Only one drink tho marcella, I don’t want to be accused of getting you drunk 😉

fat chance of that shane…………..she will already be full of it before she gets to sign uk….. 😉

nik

[Marcella Ross]

I’m gonna need to if I’m gonna be stuck in a car with you for 6 hours!!!!! 😮

[Shane Drew]

quote Marcella:

I’m gonna need to if I’m gonna be stuck in a car with you for 6 hours!!!!! 😮

I’m glad you girls are friends…. 😮 heaven help us if you both have a dispute with each other :lol1: 😛 😕

[John Childs]

quote Marcella:

I’m gonna be stuck in a car with you for 6 hours

6 hours? Isn’t that what aeroplanes are for?

[Marcella Ross]

quote John Childs:

quote Marcella:

I’m gonna be stuck in a car with you for 6 hours

6 hours? Isn’t that what aeroplanes are for?

:yes1: ………….. but Nik is a cowardy cat and won’t get on a ‘wee plane’ :lol1: :lol1: She’d rather have the thrill of my driving! 😮

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Marcella:

:yes1: ………….. but Nik is a cowardy cat and won’t get on a ‘wee plane’ :lol1: :lol1: She’d rather have the thrill of my driving! 😮

im not gettin in the car if your drivin…………. :no1:

nik

[Marcella Ross]

:lol1: :lol1: :lol1: ………… oh yes you will!!! :lol1: :lol1: :lol1:

[John Childs]

Catfight. Great! 😀 Who’s taking the bets?

I think I might go on a bike. Nice 40 minute run. 😀

[Lorraine Clinch]

quote John Childs:

Catfight. Great! 😀 Who’s taking the bets?

I think I might go on a bike. Nice 40 minute run. 😀

But how will you carry all the samples you’re going to get given!?
:bike;

[John Childs]

quote Lorraine Clinch:

But how will you carry all the samples you’re going to get given!?

I’m not big on free samples Lorraine.

The thought of humping armfuls of samples of stuff that I’m unlikely ever to need around the NEC doesn’t fill me with joy. I’m even highly selective about picking up leaflets.

And as for the girlies handing out goodie bags – they always look ever so offended when I refuse them. Sometimes, from the looks on their faces, you’d think I’d suggested something improper. If the the bags aren’t full of tenners, I’m not interested. Unless they’re up for something improper!!! 😀

[Karl Williams]

You dutty bugger! Bit I like you!
John Have you ever lived in Nottingham?

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Marcella:

:lol1: :lol1: :lol1: ………… oh yes you will!!! :lol1: :lol1: :lol1:

just cause your bigger than me…..doesnt mean you can tell me what to do (bully) :lol1: :lol1: :lol1:

nik

[David Rowland]

I thinking about booking teh train again for NEC… I wont be getting an early train back thursday again, going to try for a later one as I only saw 3 stands at signuk 2006, I had to run to the trains last time which im sure lost me some weight

[Shane Drew]

quote Dave Rowland:

I thinking about booking teh train again for NEC… I wont be getting an early train back thursday again, going to try for a later one as I only saw 3 stands at signuk 2006, I had to run to the trains last time which im sure lost me some weight

At our biggest sign show here, I usually stay overnight. I figure if I have to fly down to Sydney and spend a fortune on airfares, train fares, and taxi fares, I may as well make the trip worthwhile.

The first day I look at everything, then I go back next day with questions and a more discerning eye.

Then I come home and get depressed cause I can’t afford any of it… 😕

[Phill Fenton]

quote John Childs:

I never make resolutions so this year is a bit of a first. I’ve made no personal ones (giving up smoking is a bit of a non-starter) so it’s all to do with making my working life a bit easier.

1. A bit more organisation. The systems that have stood us in good stead for many years can’t cope with today’s workload. The trouble is that the cracks only show when we are too busy to do anything about it so nothing has ever been done. That has started to change this morning and the staff are a bit miffed.

2. Some of them are going to get a bit more miffed when they find out that resolution number two is to get rid of the dead wood amongst them. I want more productivity and those that can’t provide it will find themselves replaced. It’s not entirely their fault because I have perhaps been a bit too relaxed and not pushed them enough. They will have time to adjust to the new regime but those that can’t do it will be history.

3. Price review. Some of the stuff we do is quite well rewarded but some isn’t. The reason for most of it is historic, and again my fault, for regarding our customers as more as friends than customers and trying to be kind to them. That ended at 8.30 this morning. From then on we will be charging a price that is worthy of our efforts and those that aren’t willing to pay will need another supplier.

4. Take more time off. I didn’t get a proper holiday in 2006. A few long weekends was all I managed, and that will change. Anyway, holidays apart, I don’t think that at my age I should have to be here every day. Even if I am not going anywhere I think that, unless there is something important on that requires my input, I shouldn’t have to be at work every minute. I’m going to have some mornings getting up late, slobbing about in my dressing gown until lunchtime and then think about looking into the office. A bit like Marcella already does. 😀 It’s going to be difficult breaking the “Northern European Protestant Work Ethic” which is ingrained into me and by which I have lived my life up until now, but I’m going to give it my best shot. Again the success of this will depend largely on the right staff, but see number two above. If the current lot can’t manage without me for a few hours then I’ll find someone that can.

Now, which one of you rotten sods is going to remind me of this post in twelve months time and want to know how successful I was? 😀

So how did you get on John? 😉

[Hugh Potter]

quote Phill:

quote John Childs:

Now, which one of you rotten sods is going to remind me of this post in twelve months time and want to know how successful I was? 😀

So how did you get on John? 😉

lol Phil, i bet you set a reminder in yer diary didn’t you!!!

[John Childs]

quote Phill:

So how did you get on John? 😉

Phill,

I was expecting this as sure as night follows day, so I started composing this reply a couple of days ago and was going to post it on New Year’s Eve. Well, you’ve beaten me to it, but here it is. 🙂

1. We’ve got a bit more organisation now. Not as much as I would have liked, but we’ve made a start. The big thing is that we now have a young lady who is perfectly capable of amending our current procedures, or writing new ones if necessary, and then implementing them. All I’ve got to do is to make the best use of her by steering her in the direction I want to go.

2. Staff? Well, there’s only two left from this time last year. Some went of their own accord and some were pushed. Some of the new ones haven’t been here long enough for me to be sure that they are the right people, but I know I am a lot better off in the personnel department than twelve months ago. Certainly I don’t feel that there is currently any action I need to take, other than to take on an extra body, but that’s only because the workload has increased.

3. Price review. I’ve made some quoting mistakes this year, but they are being attended to. For the rest of it, some progress has been made, but there is still a lot of work to do.

4. Time off. That’s been the failure. We didn’t get a proper holiday again in 2007 although we did get some long weekends. Unfortunately we have just cancelled a planned biking trip to the US for 2008, but that’s because we have decided that the money is better spent on the house, so the new windows go in next month and the conservatory goes up sometime about April. However, we are still going to Scotland for a week in January, and the Dordogne in September, so 2008 isn’t a total write-off. There’ll be some weekends also.

I still can’t break the work ethic though and, if I’m not away, then I’m in work. I still do more hours than anybody else by a long way. I’m going to carry on trying, but I don’t hold out much hope for success because it just goes against my natural inclinations. 🙁

So, there you go. Mixed results, but at least I don’t have to compile a new list of resolutions for 2008 because I can carry on with 2007’s. How’s that for recycling?

Marks out of ten??? 😀

[Lynn Normington]

you are still there John and doing well so I guess 10 out of 10 😀 😀 happy new year by the way may it be peaceful, healthy and most of all happy 😎
Lynn

[Phill Fenton]

I already had the impression that you had kept with a number of the things you had planned. In particular the staffing issue and taking more time off – so don’t be too harsh on yourself – you have done well and kept with your resolutions.

So what’s this years resolution then – to quit smoking 😕

[Lynn Normington]

I don’t make resolutions 🙄 but I don’t cause revolutions !!!… I think this year should be the year of laughter we should all laugh more I’m going to anyway, and be kinder to people?? I’ll ponder that one

Lynn :lol1:

[John Childs]

quote Phill:

So what’s this years resolution then – to quit smoking 😕

That’s a tough one.

The problem would be that I enjoy it and don’t want to give up.

Maybe just to cut down substantially would be a more realistic goal. 😀

I’m all in favour of enjoying life more though Lynn.

[Lynn Normington]

John I have cut down substansionally since Peter gave up, I’ve gone from don’t know how many, but now max 6 a day I don’t smoke indoors ever 🙄

Lynn

[Marcella Ross]

I clicked on this thread and went to the beginning and thought ‘how the f*** did Nik post that on Jan 1st and it’s only the 30th?????????’ 😳
Maybe my 2 glasses of wine playing tricks on me tonight.

Anyway as far as resolutions go I never stick to them, but as usual this years are, be more organised, be more house proud (since I’m a messy b*gger) eat healthier, drink less and take more exercise.
Mind you the take more exercise bit I have been doing for a few months now so that shouldn’t be too difficult. In fact on New Years Day I’m off for a climb up the Campsies 😀 Bringing in 2008 up a hill ………….. with a hipflask 😀

Happy 2008 everyone, I hope you all have a happy healthy and prosperous year.

Marcella xx

[Marcella Ross]

quote Lynn:

John I have cut down substansionally since Peter gave up, I’ve gone from don’t know how many, but now max 6 a day I don’t smoke indoors ever 🙄

Lynn

well done Lynn, that is good going. you should be proud of yourself. 😀

[Mindaugas]

from my all so, Happy New Year!!! :funky: :punk:

in the next year i wish to all of you, have it lot a rich customer, good mood and everything what need for creative !!!

🙂

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Marcella:

I clicked on this thread and went to the beginning and thought ‘how the f*** did Nik post that on Jan 1st and it’s only the 30th?????????’ 😳
Maybe my 2 glasses of wine playing tricks on me tonight.

:lol1: :lol1: amazin how a year flies by eh!!! 😀 my resolution is to stop boozing..im joining a gym 😮

nik

[Marcella Ross]

:lol1: :lol1: :lol1: good luck with that one then Nik …………!!!!!! 😉

Happy 2008 everyone. Hope it is a good year for you all!

Marcella x

[Lynn Normington]

happy 2008 still trying to figure how 2007 has finished !!!

Lynn

[Peter Normington]

Happy new year Marcella,

you can get dressed now,

xxx

Peter

[Marcella Ross]

quote Peter Normington:

Happy new year Marcella,

you can get dressed now,

xxx

Peter

:lol1: :lol1: :lol1: Peter ………. I’m in a suit! 😉

[David Rowland]

oh Marcella, what can i say 😳

[John Childs]

quote Marcella:

Peter ………. I’m in a suit! 😉

Birthday suit? 😛

[Duncan Wilkie]

All the best friends!

[Marcella Ross]

quote John Childs:

quote Marcella:

Peter ………. I’m in a suit! 😉

Birthday suit? 😛

knew you’d take the bait John! 😉

[John Childs]

quote Marcella:

knew you’d take the bait John! 😉

I thought it was a case of the Empress’s new clothes. 😀

[Jill Marie Welsh]

Happy New Year Again!
Let’s see…how did my 2007 resolutions go?
I still don’t buy half & half but I use fat-free half & half.
The 2% milk sucked.
The profit thing went well, as last year was my best ever.
The clutter thing? I think last spring’s church rummage sale consisted mainly of my old junk.
But there is still more to toss out.
This year I want to get hypnotized to lose weight!
My daughter did it and it’s working real well.
I think my resolution for this year might be to raise my prices and make my business more professional. Starting with myself!
Love….Jill