Little things make a big difference

Have you ever noticed how a small detail can transform you view of something? How something that should be insignificant becomes crucial, just by being done well?

Well, In my third day here at Well House Manor, I found something little that makes that big difference, and it turns out to be blinds. Yes, blinds.

Here - take a look :

Small aren't they?

But perfectly formed, perfectly fitting wooden blinds that completely block out light, even around the edges. And the best bit? The whole unit folds away from the window, letting the maximum light and air in at any point.

Simple idea, brilliantly designed and well crafted, making a feature of something most would ignore.

First Day Over... Almost Anyway

The first day has almost finished, and its been a smooth one, but instead of reviewing it here as would be expected and cliched, I'm going to leave it a few days and talk about my journey into work instead.

Not, I hasten to add an amusing anecdote about my trip in this morning, but a general discussion. I live 19.3 miles and 37 minutes away for my work - according to the AA, anyway - so will spend around an hour and fifteen minutes in the car every day. Now, being slightly green in inclination, I'd love to find a more environmentally friendly way to make this trip, so lets see what google can find me.

The first and most obvious way to cut down on my emissions, would be to ride a motorbike instead of driving a car - smaller engine, less bad gasses, and probably a quicker trip. Well, much as I would love to in some ways, you can't carry anything with you, get cold and wet and most importantly its dangerous. Next!

Next would be the humble bicycle, fun, cheap and I'll get really healthy doing it! So its got to be a winner! Except I'm not that fit, its cold, I can't carry anything with me, theres two really big hills on my route, and it'd take me around an hour and a half to travel, on a really good day. Next!

Well if I can't do it under my own power, why don't I let the train take the strain? A quick flip over to the National Rail site, and I discover if I wanted to get from my local station to the Melksham station tomorrow morning in time for work, I should already have left. Hmm. Next!

Except there isn't really a next, and I'm faced with the conclusion, that my car may not be the worlds most environmentally friendly, but without a viable alternative it is a necessary part of my life.

The Dreaded First Post!

On Monday I start a new job - Job Title Hotel Manager. I've been a manager for nine years, but this is my first venture into hospitality.

The hotel I'll be working at is the Well House Manor Hotel, aka The Manor. A small business hotel in the heart of Wiltshire, with five bedrooms and two conference rooms.

I'm quite excited about starting there, and am looking forward to it. Little nervous though and lots to do, even before I start officially.

Iron shirts, check. Polish shoes, check. Haircut, check. Car oil, tyres and wash, check. Always make a good first impression - actually change that. Always make a good impression.