Rink

W here to begin? Like many of you, it's been a frantic pace for the past 30 days as we readied our rinks for our core busi- ness returning after the summer layoff; and if you're like me, you made the mistake of taking a week off, because, well, when else could you take the time? Despite a productive (and restful) vacation the wheels were turning on the upcoming year and what I hope to accomplish this season. Maybe it's me getting older, or perhaps I've finally gained some introspect on my career, but I am starting this fall season with a list of resolutions for the season. Sure, we're a long way off from New Year's Day and the whole new beginnings thing (that really makes it for just a couple of weeks anyway), but I've made a list and I'm sticking to it for the whole year. Here's a peek: Actions speak louder than words. I'm done fighting it day in and day out. We can agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, if you still don't agree with me, even after I have patiently explained it to you three times in person and followed up with a polite e- mail, you're getting smacked with it in the face. It's that simple. Work to resolve conflicts. When I see you spit on the floor of the lobby, or throw your trash not in the garbage, but simply close to it, I'm not going to say anything. I will, however, stick to my plan and follow my first resolution in this list. I will put you in a headlock and parade you around the lobby in front of your peers. You will pick up your trash, and wipe up your spit. It's that simple. Listen first, ask pertinent questions, then execute. When I'm asked for a size 6 ½ rental skate, instead of my stock response of offering another size, I think it will be best to point to the freakin' sign next to the counter that says we don't offer half sizes and ask what part of the message you didn't get? I can then follow up by simply walking away and muttering under my breath. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. If you keep your bail money on your person, when the arresting officer processes you, that "get out of jail" money becomes inaccessible. Stash cash where a trusted friend has ready access to it when you need it. Plan ahead, I always say! Work ahead of deadlines. Sure it's a good indication of your value to an organization to constantly have people beg and plead to get you to do something, but at some point their whining starts to grate nerves. Wait until they offer a bribe, then knock it out in a couple of hours. Find the humor in what you do. They say laughter is the best medicine, so with that I wish you a productive and profitable ice season. And don't sweat the small stuff! ★ The Knife is not burned out. Not even close. the final cut 54 R INK MAGAZ INE sept ember/october 2010 by Johnny "The Knife" Monteleone STARrinks.com ■ Just livin' the rink life. Resolutions For The New Season STOCK.XCHNG PHOTOS

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