Can't the coalface be like this always!

Finished up at the Coalface today for a week's holiday and what a pleasant day it turned out to be. I was greeted when I go in by banners all the way up the stairs proclaiming "happy 40th" and found my workstation covered in ballons an more banners. It really was humbling that people had put in so much effort.

When you think about it, the people with whom you work are the people with whom you spend the most time. This close proximity leads them to perhaps know you better than you know yourself. When it is somebody's birthday we usually have a tea party in the office with a bundle of cakes and other sweet treats. I don't usually partake in these treats as I really don't have a sweet tooth. Today the girls put out carrot and pepper sticks with some dips and a nice selection of savory snacks. This was the thing that touched me the most, that people would go to so much effort to put out things that they know I would like. They really are a great bunch of people!

Tried a new exercise class at 0615 this morning called ViPR. It was excellent and good change to the normal routine. There is a fabulous group of 'early birds' who turn up for classes Mon, Tues, Wed and Friday when most people are still in their bed. Nobody takes themselves too seriously and they are all up for a giggle. It takes a certain kind of dedication madness to be pumpin', steppin', RPMn' and ViPRn' so early in the day and it is great to have found so many likeminded souls.