The lethargy is palpable this afternoon as all in the office continue to recover from the immense but thoroughly enjoyable meal at Koffmans (carrying the name and reputation of, but not actively cooked by famed chef of Tante Claire) yesterday afternoon. The gastronomic marathon began with our late arrival continuing on through a litany of pigs trotter, snails, prime steak, delicious wines, exotic cheeses and a port leaving us slightly dazed but dry and warm at a pub down the road sampling their finest lager. At that point one less fortunate in the bunch was forced to peel off and attempt a 6 course dinner while the rest of us rolled home.
That rather pleasant event was slightly eclipsed mind you by the anticipation of the blow to which Name will be afflicted by the loss of Ms Natalie, the engine room of Name Music, tirelessly toiling behind the scenes keeping our affairs relatively in order. We wish her luck and all successes on her travels.
The adventures of Sam this week led him to be politely shifted off the drums in a new live house band that he joined, suggesting that the ‘essential Maracas accompaniments’ may be more up his alley, he accepted the mission of course owning the Maraca line but dropping the superfluous extra Maraca due to the availability of equipment. A Cajon also made an appearance in the soundscape tapping it’s way onto Sam’s shopping list, lots of room now as ‘Yacht’ can now be placed in the bought column. At least we’ll hear him coming as he sails down the Thames.

Dave and John had to stay late with Sam on Monday to hold two job interviews after office hours. Travel problems meant two interviews became one interview and after office hours became long, long after office hours. A miscommunication somewhere down the line meant the one interviewee who could make it was under the distinct impression that this – the third time she’d met us – was “not going to be an interview”. Embarrassment all round then when she saw our printed-out lists of questions about management aspirations and relevant experience, which we, sheepishly and with a feigned and failing conversational tone proceeded to trot out. One of those awkward misunderstandings which perhaps could have been avoided.
On the upside however we have invited a bright young star to join the Name ranks, a welcome addition to our team with whom we’re all looking forward to working. The grand unveiling of our newest member shall be announced next week though, so watch this space!
Whilst counting down the minutes left of work (a mere 123) the beginning of the week saw Nat make the smooth transition from 2010 sponsorship to 2011 sponsorship – no rest for the wicked. The past couple of days have seen her getting everything in a somewhat workable order (tidying up receipts, databases, the manual etc) for her departure, which she is not thinking about at all (120minutes). Though on a serious note it will be sad to say goodbye to the Name office; luckily she’ll have these informative week notes to keep up to date on everyone’s antics whilst she’s gone!

It’s been a trying but eventful week overall, with ups and downs but constantly colourfull. Now while the rest of us complain and sniffle about the summer we should be having Nat and John will be enjoying very well deserved holidays at their respective far flung European outposts.

And to all still with us in London, I hope you have an umbrella.

The Name Team