I Really Didn't Say That, Did I?

I trust you had a great Christmas, and I am happy that you have joined me again for a quick read. This has been an interesting week, I was thrilled that the world didn't end last Friday, Santa Claus visited Dubai, I got a Christmas card from the States, I personally ruined a Christmas party and my 8th grade music teacher found our little blog. Where do I start? Let's start with the corrections from previous blogs....Last week I alluded to the number of Christmas's my American colleagues had made it through here in the UAE and our old buddy Nick Dean took exception to the way I counted the time...so here is the revisited updated scoreboard....
Me - 3*
Hayley - 3* (one before I hired her)
Juan - 2*
Bob - 1
Lal - 1
Nick - 1
Richard - 1
* - On Going
(Kelly has made it 4, but is disqualified because she is Canadian...lol)
Smile Nick, sorry though, you are still tied for last - not sure you weren't the smartest though, as you are the only one of us to have escaped on your own...I was hoping for time off for good behavior...after this week, not going to happen...I am now in solitary confinement.

Sharp eyed Fred pointed out my error in information from last week. It is a testimony that you see what you want to see. In Christmas 2011, the Dubai Mall had a four story high Christmas tree that dominated the main foyer in the mall. I went to the mall to go take a picture for this years blog. I was surprised to find that this year a golden pile of chocolate balls would make up this years Christmas tree. I took a picture of this "tree" and posted it last week, well Fred said to me "your tree looked like the Burj Khalifa"...Sadly, it wasn't a tree...Fred was right. I saw what I wanted to see.

This time last week, I would have bet that this past week would have been lonely and depressingly boring. No sign of Christmas at the new job, Kelly and Hayley busy with boyfriends...boy was I wrong. I decided that I should pay my American Restaurateurs Rudy and Valerie a visit.



You remember them, Rudy my 65 year old hero (married to a 29 year old beauty - Valerie), they own Cactus Cantina and I hadn't seen them in several months. One of my favorite Dubai servers also works for them (Janie). She always teases me that I am fat because I eat too many ice cubes, so of course now when I see Janie, the first thing I accuse her of is stealing ice cubes from her employers...

It was nice to see them, and a hug and kiss from Valerie certainly started the holiday weekend off right. Of course Janie couldn't help herself and had to point out that in the picture, I was so big you couldn't see the Christmas tree behind me....damn ice cubes!

On Sunday, my old friend from Transmed (Elie Saber) called and their family invited me over to spend Christmas Eve with them. I spent my first UAE Christmas Eve in 2010 with them, and my parents and Fred both adore Elie. It was truly a sweet gesture since Elie is a manager at Transmed, and I certainly have left some raw emotions back there. This will probably be my last time visiting there...well, I will come back to the scene of the crime later in this blog...

At Barakat, I purchased some nice cross pens for all of my direct reports, and had them wrapped and ready to give them on Christmas Eve. One of the Filipino customer service associates organized a Christmas grab bag (bring a gift, draw numbers to see what gift you get) and we had a little office exchange on Monday afternoon. It was the first time they had celebrated Christmas in the office, and I was touched that they made an effort for the 3 Filipino's on staff and myself. In addition to the pens and my grab bag gift, I decided that I wanted to get something for "Choke", Barakat International's Nepalese office boy. He wears a couple of different well worn polo shirts everyday to work. He is well groomed, but doesn't have a lot of clothes appropriate for work. I went to American Eagle at Dubai Mall and picked out three different colored American Eagle polo shirts, had them wrapped and put in a box that said To Choke, from Santa. I snuck the box to his desk, a half hour later Choke was so happy. He loved the shirts, but he didn't know why someone brought them for him or who Santa was. It took a while, but finally one of our salesman showed Choke a picture of Santa from the Internet and I think he now gets it. He wore the red shirt to work on Christmas day, told us his favorite one was the blue one. He likes the blue one so much, that he is saving it, keeping it unworn - He says when he gets a girlfriend that's when he will wear it, so that she will be impressed. I think living over here has helped me to realize so many of the values that I should have always understood...Christmas is about giving...Choke was the highlight of my Christmas...

Speaking of highlights, or memorable Christmas events, I am sure that those 30 or so lovely Arab folks that I spent Christmas Eve with at Elie Saber's house won't forget this American or this Christmas anytime soon either. It started out nicely, I arrived with my Chocolate gift in hand for Mrs. Saber. The family room of the Saber's was already filled with their friends and Transmed work friends. One of the guests is probably one of the most attractive girls at my old work place (I will leave her name out of the blog for obvious reasons). I didn't know her very well when we worked together, she was in a  different department, but was always friendly and greeted me with a warm smile. I didn't even know her name when we worked together, but I always enjoyed seeing her.  she was accompanied by another cute 20 something colleague from Transmed that I didn't know well. I sat near them, as we enjoyed Christmas cheer and beverage we chatted about Transmed and my new job.  I learned that my new Lebanese friend was proudly an American Passport carrier. Such a lovely young lady. She asked me in perfect English about where I was from in the states and then she mentioned how thrilled she was that Obama got reelected. I actually behaved (don't be too proud yet) and I asked her if she voted. She said no, that she was just happy that there weren't enough "stupid" Republicans to vote against Obama. whoops...so much for my new fantasy friendship. I politely told her that I was a lifelong Republican, and was curious what my party believed in that made us stupid.
She remained calm, but her voice raised a few octaves as she asked me if I had seen any of Michael Moore's movies? She was a big fan, and he had exposed the dark side of the Republicans. In a quickly quieting family room, I tried to explain that Michael Moore was not (in my opinion) a fact based guide for American politics, but more of a partisan movie maker. Well over a period of twenty or so minutes we went back and forth about how Republicans didn't want to pay their fare share of taxes and how just disgusted she was with those on my side of the political spectrum. Then came the Middle East share of this spirited debate. She let me know, that America should stay out of the Middle East, quit supporting Israel and stop involving ourselves in "their" affairs. I shared that we were allies with Israel, and as long as we (the US) were around that Israel would be protected from the extremest that want to wipe them off the map. She then shared that Zionist America was horrible and she hated our policies, that it was only about oil, and our troops and politicians should leave the Region now and stop creating instability here. Then came the moment that I crossed the line....( I know I am at a holiday party, at a friends home-  surrounded by all Arabs and mostly Muslims, I should have never allowed this young woman allow me to ruin a party - yes we were a spectacle).
I basically said, "if you hate America and what it stands for so much, why don't you go to the US Embassy and turn in your passport"...well she was the bigger of the two of us, she ended our discussion, got up moved across the room, I officially became the pariah of the party. Elie came over and basically let me know that politics and parties don't mix, and the fun was over. I left a little later, only to have three of the other male guests catch up with me in the parking lot to let me know, how I didn't understand how evil the American Government was, and that Israel needed to go away...after another 20 minutes of spirited debate, I safely got in my car and drove away. Midnight had arrived, it was now Christmas...I spent the 45 minute drive home reflecting on where I had gone wrong...
I did email her an apology (I apologized to Elie that night), my apology to her has fallen on deaf ears...
On a brighter note, I got a Christmas card From my lovely friend Amy Bossi. She was and is such a good friend that I made in my St. Louis days....the card came yesterday to my office (3 weeks from the postmark). One of my other sweet friends from the past Linda (friends since the 8th grade sent me a note asking me for my address...it is simple, there is no mail delivery in the UAE, just post offices....everybody gets their mail through work....my address is ;  PO Box 11286, Dubai, UAE
pretty simple, and thank you Amy for the wonderful Christmas treat. Speaking of the 8th grade, one of my all time favorite teachers (Connie Beale) has found me. She was my Wilson Junior High music teacher. I have enjoyed catching up with her....
As Rodz would say, the blog this week is "too long", Kelly is in Jordan with Sami, and I am in a dilemma about New Years Eve as a gorgeous "friend" has invited me to a New Years Party, that I of course wont attend. More on the complexities of being me later...I truly hope you had a meaningful Christmas, and that 2013 will be your best year ever. Thank You for hanging in there with me, hopefully, I will see you here next week.

How Can the World End on a Friday?

Happy Birthday to my parents, Dad's birthday was Wednesday and Mom's was yesterday. I called mom yesterday and I thought about the irony of this Mayan prophesy stuff where the world is going to end today (I hope I get finished writing this blog first, I would hate for my Friday ritual to be left unfinished). For the last few years my mom would have to realize that the world may end the day after her 82nd birthday (Goodness I hope I got her age right). Now since this blog is all about me, I really hate the thought of working over here for 2 and a half years, getting totally out of debt for the first time since my childhood, and not getting to enjoy the triumphant return to the States with a few dollars in my bank account and a financially less stressful last few years of life. So, I don't know how you feel about the world possibly ending today, but if it does end I personally will be mad as hell.

Whenever I get a little sentimental about great friends that I miss, or openly admit that I want to come home, I invariably get some messages from concerned friends that I put in a sour mood. Let me apologize up front, because this blog entry will be about our blessings as Americans, don't feel guilty (I do all the time) feel blessed.

Christmas in the Middle East is a different thing to say the least. You can see signs of Christmas at the malls (Above is a Christmas Tree made of giant Ferrache Chocolate Balls in the middle of Dubai Mall), but generally it just doesn't feel like Christmas. Maybe this is how the little New York retirees feel their first Christmas in Florida. Without the cold snap, the hint of snow to remind your human clock that winter is here. Don't get me wrong, high 70's, light breeze winter resort weather in Dubai is so appreciated by me, but it's about the relief from the oppressive Summer heat here, more than the today being officially the first day of winter, and the shortest day (as far as daylight hours).

I don't think I fully appreciated the efforts the management and employees at Transmed made to make us Americans feel welcome here on their Continent during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. Hani always greeted Bob, Richard, Juan, Hayley, Kelly and Me (even Nick and Lal for their one Christmas here) with a warm smile and a genuine greeting. He said to me more than once that he had a responsibility to make me comfortable in their land. I didn't fully appreciate the big Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas dinner that we all shared together at Transmed as much as I probably should have. I now feel the difference at my company where there is little notice of non Hindu calendar events. If I ever see Hani again, I will make an effort to shake his hand and thank him for the effort that his team made.

Speaking of Christian Indian friends, Joseph Mathew has worked out his notice and joins the Barakat team next week. He will handle the "trade and export" business. I have always felt a closeness to Joseph and I use to tease Vinny, Muzzy and others that Joseph was my favorite Indian. I even put his Visa picture on my cubicle wall, and on my last vacation from Transmed, Vinny thought he'd stick my photo next to Joseph's and sent it to my Blackberry while I was home.

Not to be outdone by my friend "Vinny the Pooh", I saved the picture as my background photo on my Blackberry. I pledged to my colleagues that I would not change this until Joseph and I were united again. Sigh, the joke has been on me, for 6 long months I have had friends look at my phone (try and get a gal to be interested in you when you have a middle aged Indian man on your phone saver...lol) and some ask, and some just look at me strangely. Thankfully, next week Joseph joins our Barakat team, and I can change my phone picture.

This feels like it's going to be a really lonely Christmas, as you celebrate your holiday with your family and friends, savor the special moments that you share, love all of those people and let them know how much they mean to you...Take it from me, sometimes you don't appreciate your blessings until they are a warm memory.

Merry Christmas to all of you, and thank you for keeping me company on this journey....God Bless.

Rain Again Today...Check the Mayan Calendar!

Do you ever want to tell the world, sorry a dog ate my homework, nothing to blog about today...Well, today is one of those days for me. Plenty happening all around me, unfortunately not much that I can write about. So I have a feeling today's blog will be just like my good friend Janie Kelly Fogg....short and sweet!
For the third Friday in a row we have rain in Dubai. Today was more of scattered sprinkles, but the forecast for the next few days calls for mid 70's temperatures and a 20% chance of rain. I have seen more clouds in the last month than in the the first 2 and a half years combined. Who would have thought that living in the desert would have been so dry? Lol, after today just two more blogs in 2012.

Looking out my balcony today, I can see the Christmas lights on my neighbors tree. The spirit of Christmas hasn't hit me yet, although the malls have plenty of decorations. They usually start their sales about two weeks before Christmas here, so I imagine I am just about to get help in finding that Christmas spirit. I had Fred send money to my parents (they read the blog, but don't worry, the money arrived yesterday, so the holiday green surprise won't be ruined). My nephew and nieces also will get cash, one nice joy about being half way around the world, cash gifts are acceptable. I need to make my Christmas list for Dubai, hmmm - it won't be a long list.

Speaking of Christmas cheer, Kelly surprised me today with an invite to lunch. It was nice meal (at Texas Roadhouse of course) but the company was splendid. She listens to my droning on about all the issues that I feel like I am facing, and just looks at me with those big doe like eyes and its all better....It's nice to have a friend close by, when I am so far away from so many that I miss. Who would have thought that I would have ever been capable of homesickness...I may just have to have a party for my new Barakat employees, hopefully my predominately Hindu workers will want to enjoy a Christmas get together.

There has been a massive road building project going on for the last five years in Dubai. The main highway that runs next to my Sandoval Garden flat is Al Khail Road. Just one year ago, it was 8 lanes between my apartment and the 8 miles or so to Dubai Mall. Most of those lanes have been closed during the road work and there were three large round abouts and multiple speed bumps to make the drive seem longer than it really was. They now have opened two new exchanges (only one big round a bout left) and the 14 lanes have been opened up for most of the way.

No pictures, nothing fun to blog about...sorry...Next week I will share the latest Transmed employee that has resigned and is joining the Barakat team....Something to look forward to???
Oh one last thing, my great friend Lee Croy sent me a note correcting me on my previous blog when I stated that we were almost through "pouring the concrete" at our new 25,000 foot warehouse. Now according to Lee, if you "pour concrete" there is too much water in the mix, of sand, gravel, and cement. Lee referred me to a website that would explain this engineering marvel to me. Well the problem occurred when I actually read the info on the link Lee sent me, and it mentioned "pouring concrete"...lol. Well, Lee frustratingly replied to me that the site he linked me to was also wrong (hmmmm)...Well Lee, you will be happy to know, I inquired with Mahesh (world famous Barakat engineer and my personal sidekick/Psychic) and he backed you....You "lay" concrete, you don't pour it...with that I stand corrected, and you may have learned one more thing from keeping up with the always educational and sometimes entertaining "Great Adventure" blog...God willing, I will see you next week.

Please Smile for the Camera!

We have had some rain here in Dubai in the last week. Last Friday as I finished writing our blog, thunderstorms rolled into Dubai. It rained and "stormed" off and on for about 12 hours. I went out and drove around in it, silly as it sounds it seems like the thing to do when it only rains a couple of times a year. The city is beautiful with the tall buildings becoming "vivid" without the normal "sand haze" that lingers over Dubai.I posted these pictures on Facebook, so I apologize to those of you that have already seen them.

The above is actually a picture I like a lot for more than just the rain. It puts into perspective how awesome the 160 story Burj Khalifa is. On the lower right side of the photo you can see the 64 story Address hotel. It looks tiny next to the towering Burj Khalifa.
There are no storm sewers here, so after any measurable rain driving can be an adventure.  My Saturday morning drive to the office featured a couple of times that I wasn't sure my Altima wouldn't flood out as I drove through standing water.

All the rain evidence was gone by Sunday. We had a very intense downpour that popped up yesterday afternoon as I drove home from the office. It lasted 5 minutes, but in the last week I have seen more rain than I have in my first 29 months in the UAE.

I think I have shared with you in the past about the numerous traffic camera's that line the highways waiting for you to break the speed limit by 20 plus KMH's. They flash at you and you get a ticket for 600 Dirhams ($164)  emailed to you in a matter of days. The drivers of Dubai know where these camera's are placed on the roads, so a lot of people drive very fast and then slow down right before they hit the camera. Well the authorities are now more aggressively finding ways to catch you. They stand on bridges overlooking the roads below, and they use a camera/radar gun to snap a picture/ticket form random bridges. I think I may have found out the hard way about another way, as I accelerated away from my Subway breakfast spot one morning this week, I sped past a white SUV parked in the sand on the side of the road. I saw a flash through the smoked back window glass and now I am waiting to see if I was the one that they got (98% sure it's me). I was really busting it, so my ticket maybe for more than the 600 Dirhams...The good news, your insurance rates are not effected, its just a fine.
Last night I was excited to get the balance of my birthday treat from Kelly. She took me to the Dubai movie theatre to see "Argo". For those of you that don't know the movie, it's about the Iranian Hostage crisis of 1979-1980 that saw the downfall of Jimmy Carters presidency, and ushered in my favorite President Ronald Reagan. It was interesting watching the film (about the Canadians and CIA getting 6 American Embassy hostage escapees out of the country) that I recall so many details about from living through it. Kelly was born in the 80's, so hers was a totally different perspective, but we both really enjoyed the movie. It was great spending some quality time with Kelly, I miss our daily interactions from my first two years here. Kelly has her first hardware convention next week, it will be interesting to hear about the differences from the food shows we have worked together.
Speaking of working in food service, I have lost the battles with management about the scheduled working times (8 - 6, 6 days per week) and virtually no holidays off. I feel guilty about the guys I have hired on from their old 5 day a week job with generous holiday's at virtually the same pay.
It's a an archaic way of dealing with employees, and I feel powerless - work ethic is a good thing, but quality of life for your employees is as important in my judgement.
Today is Pearl Harbor Day, and please keep in mind, if you fail to learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it. It seems appropriate after watching and living through a weakening US presence in the Middle East....There is a danger to the "good guys" sitting and watching history unfold.
So, with that ominous sounding finish, we have posted another blog. I hope you enjoyed it, and God willing, I will see you here next week.

My Own Personal Psychic....

One year ago, I was sleeping in Nick and Mimi's guest room while my apartment was being finished. What a year it has been. November 30th was Bob's last day at Transmed, and I was just a weekend away from making a new friend, as Steve replaced Bob. I moved into my nice little "flat" here at Sandoval Gardens just after Christmas, and in the spring, I decided that maybe I was giving my all to a company that was just giving me a job to finish...I guess I finished first.
Speaking of my new place of employment, many changes are happening there also. I am spending a little time each week at our new food service warehouse construction site. I have become fairly close with the engineer that works full time planning and building Barakat facilities.

The above photo of Mahesh was taken yesterday afternoon inside of the plant. Mahesh says that next week all of the concrete will be done pouring, and then rapid progress to building will happen. He still swears to me that the building will be complete by the 1st of March, and our opening should happen around the 1st of April. Some of our co-workers have noted Mahesh's and my closeness, and I have affectionately anointed him as my "side-kick". His office is three doors down from mine, and we almost always spend 5 minuted in the morning every day catching up and sharing our plans for the coming day. Mahesh has just started working on our new Corporate facility that will break ground this spring and be completed by the fall of 2014.My sidekick and I were discussing his ambitious building schedule this week, and he asked me why I thought he was good at predictions. I was of course puzzled by his question, so he shared that I wouldn't call him my "psychic" unless I had confidence in his abilities to predict the future. I had been calling Mahesh my "side-kick" for 4 months, and now I find out that Mahesh thought I had anointed him as Kreskin...sigh, My English is tough to understand. The good news is Mahesh likes being my "side-kick" as much or more than being my "psychic."
In other good news, Juan Lopez was promoted yesterday at Transmed to Area Sales Manager of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. I was fortunate enough to hire and bring Juan over from SYSCO Atlanta in the spring of 2011. He has done an awesome job, and I couldn't be happier for him or his family. I try and see Juan as often as I can, he is just a great guy. In other extremely happy news from the past week,  I got my hair cut! In the UAE, some things are made accessible for Westerners that aren't as easy or are forbidden from the locals (usually is related to things available for Non-Muslims and Muslims). The best example of this is pork. I can go to my Spinney's grocery store and enter the "pork room" in the back, and buy my fresh American bacon, or Kenyon pork ribs. I can also go to  a few select 5 star hotels, that feature pork on their menu. It is all in a  nice gesture that the Muslim government is quite tolerant of other religions for the benefit of tourist and Western businessman like myself. Alcohal is another one of these things. If your employer allows you, they can sponsor you to allow you to buy an "alcohol license". There are a few regulated and heavily taxed stores that if you hold a license you are allowed to buy a six pack of beer at. Just like the pork room, Muslims are forbidden from entering these establishments. The same is true if you want a libation during dinner. To serve alcohol in a restaurant, it has to be attached to a hotel with a special license. During Ramadan, when almost all dining establishments are closed during daylight hours, you can find eateries in hotels that once again with a special license cater to Westerners. This got me to thinking, in my Holiday Inn Al Barsha there is a beauty salon just off the lobby. It is a "Vidal Salon" and is filled with Philipina's cutting and styling ladies hair. I had dinner with Steve on Tuesday at the infamous Thai restaurant "Royal Buddah" (my favorite server E E waited on us) just off the lobby in the Holiday Inn Al Barsha. Next door the Vidal Salon caught my eye. I inquired and yes, the can cut men's hair. They steered me into a little room in the back (too funny) past the ladies getting their hair done, and Mylene became my newest stylest.

It's not all good news, clipping my sparsely covered head, cost me about $50 with a tip, but I feel like its money well spent. I am happy that I have a new friend (Mylene) that can pretend to care about me and my life as she snips away dangerously close to my ears (do they really get bigger as I grow older?) and now it's one less thing for me to dread here in Dubai.
The bad news of the week, is that there was a big disagreement over whether that the people that report to me can have the National Holiday (UAE Independence Day) off from work, well I pushed it, and in the end I lost...It wasn't pretty, and I probably need to mend some fences...So I will see you next week, from here...Have a great weekend!

Too Much of a Good Thing, It's Possible...

Some things here are hard to figure. I need to get my hair cut (yes, it may be extremely thin - funny how it's "fine" when you're young and have plenty of it, and becomes "thin" when you get older) and I hate going to the barber in Dubai. My entire adult life, I have had my hair cut by "stylest", some of these women becoming friendly, pretending (OK, some may have really cared) to be interested in my life - making conversation while they cut my hair, hoping to garner a decent tip. Here in the UAE, men have their hair cut by men, and Ladies get their styling from women. Most of the male "hair professionals" are Egyptian or Lebanese and I do not enjoy their methods. They are very touchy-feely massaging your neck and attempting to make clever conversation in broken English. Frankly, there is nothing wrong with them, it is just not what I prefer. This conservative approach to business interactions between the sexes is even more extreme in some of the other Emirates like Sharja and Abu Dhabi. Earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, the authorities shut down several women's lingerie stores because they had male salespeople. So you think you have it figured out...well not so fast. One of the guilty pleasures that I enjoy here in Dubai is a membership to a nice spa. I go regularly to get a nice stress relieving massage. Yes, it is a traditional massage where I am undressed and a staff of Thai ladies work out those stress laden kinks in my back. Now you understand, a woman can't cut my hair here, but she can massage my unclad body. I think I understand...

It was a very busy week at work. We had a fruit and vegetable show at the World Trade Center. It wasn't very well attended, but I did get a chance to know some of the sales people in our produce divisions of our company. The 3 day show ended Wednesday, with almost all of our produce display being scavenged by the attendees. Well, as I sat and waited for the tear down of our booth, I noticed there were some beautiful Blueberries that were left in our display. Now I don't know a lot about produce, but I do know that Blueberries are chocked full of Anti-Oxidants, and I have been very slowly recovering from my respiratory infection. Yes, it would be a good thing for me to eat these blueberries... Well, two pints later, I was feelin a little blue. By the time I got home, I was feeling queasy, and after multiple trips to the bathroom and a beginning of purging of the contents of my stomach that didn't finish until late Thursday Evening. Yes, two pints of Blueberries that have sat out at a trade show for 3 days, maybe a little too much of a good thing. I hurled til my ribs hurt, when will I learn.

Another new salesman starts for us on Saturday. Sufi is a young Muslim Indian that came to me from a recommendation from my good friend Muzzy. We are creating two channels, restaurant and Hotels. Sufi is joning Kumail and Rima in the restaurant channel. Our plan for sales in our Food service Company (Barakat International) in 2013 is 100 percent growth. We should finish 2012 at about 75 million, so 150 million is the magic number for next year. Our new warehouse and Butchery is scheduled to be open by this coming spring, so exciting growth must necessarily follow.

As I write this, Thanksgiving is winding down. Juan and his family invited me to come to Abu Dhabi and enjoy Turkey and Fixings. From the above picture Juan sent me, it looks like they did it up right. Hayley and I had already planned on having Thanksgiving Dinner together, so I turned down the generous offer, then the Blueberry surprise took over my body and I had to cancel on Hayley. Thanksgiving is such a special family holiday, filled with tradition. Other than a few well wishers, it was just another working day here in Dubai. It is 3 in the morning here, and it is halftime in the Cowboys/Redskins game...Thankfully, Friday is our off day so I can sleep in in the morning, sadly the Cowboys appear to be taking Thursday off making me wish I had gone to bed.
The weather is really nice now. It has been in the low 80's all week, and for the next three months we may actually get a little rain. I guess at home, snow is now a possibility...I remember snow...lol, Hope you have had a nice Thanksgiving, and enjoy your holiday weekend.

Chamber of Commerce Weather...

It's getting to be a little messy in the Middle East. No, I don't mean the weather, it couldn't be nicer. The temperature touches 90 most days, with clear skies and no rain. The mess in the region is man made. The sun has definitely stopped shinning during the "Arab Spring".   The civil war in Syria is exploding into an area war that is effecting Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel. It seems that the US is paralysed and wounded from the events in Libya. People here are talking about the "scandals" surrounding our government now, but mostly just asking questions about what is happening. From here, the sex scandal involving Petraeus, Allen, Kelly and Broadwell seem like a far fetched spy thriller, and we still don't know if and how the sordid affairs affected us in Benghazi. A fuse has been lit over here, hopefully it will be snuffed out before the whole region blows up.

My cold that started at the end of October has just about fizzled out. I still am horse from the cumulative effect of coughing for 3 straight weeks, but hopefully my voice will come back this weekend. I feel like I have lost 3 weeks of my life as I drag around exhausted from lack of sleep and my ability to communicate greatly effected as I have become the "horse whisperer". Nothing like hearing a sales pitch from a raspy, fast talking American...sigh. Oh well, it has begun to finally get better. I am having a sales meeting in the morning for our "food service" team, and I am sure it will be brief because I just don't feel like talking (I know, you long to witness the day that I don't feel like talking...lol).
Yesterday was New Years Day for the Muslim world. Most people had the day off here in the UAE, but unfortunately we were open for business. It is a challenge for me to fix this "working" mentality to fix this aversion for employees to have a paid day off. It definitely effects moral, and clearly the worker bees are counting on me to fix it. The next holiday over here is "National" day on December 2nd (UAE Independence Day). Let's see how successful I am on getting the employees a day off.

From the UAE crime blog this week, the authorities caught an Asian smuggling heroin into the country at the Dubai airport. The "mule" will almost certainly get the death penalty. He had almost a kilogram of heroin in his stomach (over 2 lbs) and was paid $300 to try and bring it here. Such a small amount to lose your life over. I know drug Lords don't care, but what a sad thing they have done to this man and his family. The chances of him being alive by spring are slim. The strange news from the "death Row" of the UAE involves a couple of Russians. They killed an Indian salesmen back in 2001 and have lingered on in Death Row ever since. They have been pardoned by the victims family from India. The way this works, is that there was a "Blood bounty" placed on the heads of the two Russians by the Courts (total amount of $40,000) and when that amount was finally paid to the victims family, they submit a written request to the court requesting a pardon. The official pardon mentions the blood money having been collected, the two Russians are pardoned and will be deported and freed to their families in their motherland. The value of life (or death) obviously varies, and your passport nationality or your bank account can effect the wheels of justice. It is a very safe place to live, but you definitely want to stay on the right side of the law.
I have been really enjoying watching American Football this year. Somehow, I am still in first in the "big pool" that I participate in back in the States. I have never finished in the top 10, so to be in first with 8 weeks to go is very exciting. We will see how this finishes up, but I am enjoying the ride. Speaking of nice satisfaction, today the 8,000 hit will happen on this blog. I know that there are about 65 of you that are regular followers, and although it must be very unrewarding to read this blog on most Fridays, I want to thank all of you for hanging in there with me. When it gets lonely or I get homesick, it is nice to know that there are so many of you that continue to stick it out with me. Next week, when you and your loved ones gather around the Thanksgiving table, know that I will be here (hopefully watching the Cowboys win...lol) thinking of you, and I appreciate the blessings that I have gotten from being here the last two and a half years. Please keep me in your thoughts as we count our blessings....God willing, I will see you back here on "Black Friday"...

Four More Years!

My self diagnosis and saving of a trip to the Doctor, apparently has failed. Here I am 14 days later and still hacking and coughing characters from Mario Brothers from my throat and lungs(that would be Luigi- OK gross joke, but somewhat clever for an old blogger). My antibiotics are out, and I am somewhat better, I think I will be like America and stay the same sick course...lol. Speaking of the election...I got so much teasing from my Arab and Indian coworkers and friends...Where to start, I don't think I can...I guess I will just share my response to the multitudes, I told them congrats your guy got elected, and now they were stuck with me for four more years...In all honesty, I got a lot of good natured ribbing, I guess I am one of the better known Americans in the UAE - I am very proud to be an American, and I do think our Republic will survive four more years of Barack.

Our new warehouse is making good progress in getting built. I took a visitor out to it this week, and I was struck by how big it felt inside now that the concrete has been poured. There are a few products that I want to bring in from America, but I am trying to time it so that our warehouse is open. Our engineer responsible for building our new facilities (my buddy Mahesh) is estimating completion shortly after the first of the year. I am hoping we can begin shipping from the facility in March.

This week, I attended a US Dairy Association conference on American Dairy products that are available for export from America to the Middle East. I learned (shockingly) that America exports more dairy products around the world than any other nation. There were 6 US Based companies presenting, only three of them employed Americans to peddle their products. The others, employed Europeans. I guess we could whittle down our unemployment if these American companies used more Americans. I guess though that the US Dairy councils French Manager might not agree with me...sigh.
I have been racking my smaller than average brain trying to come up with a better way to get money back to the states. It costs me $50 to wire money (and an additional $75 in currency exchange fees) back to my bank in the US, and that seems high. I found out that I can use an ATM card in America to withdraw money, and the fee will be about $9. Sounds good, but I can only withdraw $250 a day....why is life a big Rubik's cube to me...
Johnnies social life calendar this past week was highlighted by Kelly taking me out for a late birthday dinner. The gift included an invite to a movie of my choice (she's already seen the Bond flick...) so it will be a great birthday present. Hayley and I had lunch at cheesecake factory yesterday. She says Muzzy is making fun of her wearing glasses, those kids of mine....
Sufi will be joining my food service sales staff this week. I am on a mission to explode sales next year. In August, My first month running sales, our sales shrunk 6% from August 2011 in food service. In September - we grew by 6.1%. It is so similar to what Bob and I inherited at Transmed in 2010. We ended up with 86% growth in 2011, I expect to repeat that at Barakat. I will keep you apprised.
I guess you may have heard that Iran tried to shoot down one of our drones in the Persian Gulf last week. It happened the first of November, a week before the American elections...Hopefully things won't escalate.
Time to hop in the shower and head out for my Friday errands and lunch. My friends in America are never far from my thoughts and hopefully I am not far from yours. See you next Friday...

Great Adventure Blog, Election Edition!

I have been sick for a week now (the dreaded sand Lung) and I am finally coming out of it. Today mark's the 843rd day since I arrived in Dubai, and I think this is the fourth or fifth time I have gotten this bronchial infection thing. The first four times, I was sick and hacking for a week, then I headed to the Doctor, where he promptly prescribed Antibiotics and cough medicine. Well, you can teach an old (over 50 sigh) dog new tricks. I saved my companies insurance company a few bucks by going directly to the pharmacy and buying antibiotics. I have been taking them for five days now, and my infection is finally clearing up. It is weird how you can buy almost any kind of "prescription" drug with out a doctors prescription. You just go to your mall's pharmacy, share with your pharmacist what your ailments are, and they give you the drugs your ill body crave. If you want your insurance to cover it, you have to have a doctors prescription. More than once, I have run out of Nexium, and I spend $30 for a two week supply, while I wait for my doctors appointment. I am not sure this is a great system, it's just different. Now, I can get all the drugs I need to cure my acid reflux, control my high blood pressure (don't have just saying), or cure my walking pneumonia, but please don't ask for NyQuil...It has alcohol in it and is against the law to consume...the Government has my best interest at heart, I won't get trichinosis (disease that used to be common pre 1960's from eating undercooked pork) or become an alcoholic while I live in the UAE, but I can assure you, I will get sand lung again as the season turns and the sand blows in the wind...

Speaking of big Government regulating my life, I have made an attempt to vote in America's upcoming election (Nick, Mimi, Karen Watson and all my other liberal friends please skip to the next paragraph). Next Tuesday (Nov. 6th) is election day in the USA. As many of you know, I was a political Science major in college, and actually at one time in my life was a paid employee working for a Republican Lt. Governor Candidate, so I have always enjoyed bantering with those who had different political views than myself. One of the things that I really enjoy about living in the Middle East is learning about others views, and trying to understand what and why people believe what they believe. It is also fascinating to me to hear people's views of the USA here. Some people over here have amazing insite about American politics and then there are some that have a little less informed views (I am not basing this on whether they agree with my political point of view, but general understanding of American Governmental policies and history). Well, back to the election...

 I have voted in every Presidential Election since I turned 18 in 1980 and voted for Ronald Reagan over Jimmy Carter (feels like a similar choice to me in this election-hoping for similar results). My legal residence (and where I am registered to vote) is in Blount County in Maryville, Tennessee. I was lamenting to Fred that voting was such a hassle from over here, and that Tennessee wasn't a "swing state" and I guess I would miss voting in my first Presidential election. Well Tennessee has early voting, so when Fred cast his ballot in mid October he asked the election officials what I would need to do to get a ballot. Well, what Fred discovered was that I could email a request for an absentee ballot to the Registrar's office in Blount County. I emailed the request, and I got a prompt reply. I then had to fill out some forms, and have a witness verify that  indeed fill this request out (those keeping score at home, my good friend and Engineer Indian Ex-Pat Mahesh witnessed my signature (not sure who would come over here and question Mahesh if my ballot was challenged...lol) and scanned the "request for a ballot" and emailed it back. The next day, I had several files emailed to me including my election ballot. I had to fill out all the forms and then mail it back to America. No emailing allowed....hmmm, another problem. It was now October 20th, and it typically takes 3 weeks for a letter to reach the US. By Tennessee law, my ballot has to be received by Election Day. Was I stymied again? Not so fast, as you recall I was flying to Paris for an International show on October 22nd, so I filled out my ballot and followed all of my "mailing instructions" and carried it with me to Paris, France. I then started searching for a trustworthy American to send my ballot back to the states. I met a gentleman named Dan Whisenhunt from California that is the President of an Almond exporting company looking to sell American nuts to the UAE. We met, exchanged pleasantries and I quickly detected that Dan was probably voting the same way I was (lol, he made a comment about wasting his vote in California). He happily volunteered to carry my ballot back and mail it from California. I got an email from my new friend Dan saying he mailed it from his Modesto office this past Monday (Oct. 26th). There is a web site that I can check and see if my ballot has been received. I just checked, so far it has not...but in the  end, I am very happy I got to participate, and thanks To Mahesh, Fred and especially Dan I have cast my ballot. I now have my fingers crossed that it arrives in time to get counted. For the record, President Obama is popular here, and almost everyone that talks about the election here feels like he will be easily reelected.
It was really tough watching Hurricane Sandy coverage from here (I know much worse riding it out over there). I haven't heard from Dan Scott (Lives in Pennsylvania near New Jersey). My parents received snow in South West Virginia, but seemed to get through it just fine. Hayley's family in New York City lost power (still didn't have it as of yesterday) but are so far ok. I spent a lot of time reading facebook entries from friends that live along the coast, and it appears everyone that I know made it through ok (Hopefully Dan and his family is just fine). Speaking of Hayley, she and I had a nice dinner at PFChangs on Wednesday evening. I think Egg Drop soup (along with the Thai Massage I had on Tuesday evening) helped heal my sick body...lol. I got to check out her new look (with glasses) and I think they actually looked "Spec-tacular!"

She is really enjoying her new position at Transmed (working for Georges in National Accounts) and is doing great with her career. I am quite proud of her (I know - not her dad, but I did hire her!)
Speaking of spectacular friends, Kelly is taking me out tomorrow night for a late birthday dinner. She was in Chicago for two weeks of indoctrination and training at Ace and returned at the same time I left for Paris. I haven't seen her in almost a month and it will be great to catch up and end this turning 50 thing.
Time to go and fix my grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup lunch. My self healing continues, as I am almost qualified enough to dispense prescriptions....Have a great weekend, see you here next Friday!

Half Century...Now that's a long time...

Well it has been a whirl wind of a week. As almost all of you know, this past Monday was my fiftieth birthday. I spent the day flying 7 hours to Paris for a large food convention. Two days walking miles (I guess you actually walk Kilometers in Europe and the Middle East) around 8 convention halls (Sial Paris is a huge show that only happens once every two years) and then trying to sleep in a hotel with no air conditioning...Being in Paris with no friends to hang out with. I went to the same convention two years early and had Fadi as my trusted guide....I missed having Fadi around. The French passport control agent wished me a happy birthday, I got a lot of nice messages on my facebook page, but truly dinner alone in Paris is not as romantic as it sounds...(I did enjoy the pepperoni pizza)...
I did run into several friends and made a couple of new ones in France. I spent some time with John Chiade and Sam Hodges (I buy American beef from Sam- Worked with him at Buckhead Beef....it is a small world)... While visiting their booth, Hani and Anis from Transmed walked up. I was greeted warmly by both, but it was awkward when Hani began to interrogate me. I am usually so quick with my quips, but this was awkward, and I was a deer in head lights. Well, I moved my career for valid reasons, and although I could say a lot of things, probably best if we move this blog along...Success will be the truest victory!
Speaking of good times and good friends...Let's talk about Hayley. Hayley took me out on Sunday night for my birthday dinner (Texas Roadhouse of course). During dinner she complained about Kelly being my favorite (I know, it makes me smile thinking two cute 20 somethings fighting for my friendship - OK, one, Kelly doesn't care about my other friendships...lol) according to Hayley I speak glowingly bout Kelly, for the record. I love Kelly and I love Hayley, trust me I have plenty of friendship love to share...lol, but back to our dinner, Hayley also complained that her eyes were hurting her (she has also been complaining a lot about headaches), so I did what every good true love friend would do, I went upstairs in the mall to the eye doctor with her. Well, too make a long story short,(I know - too late) The doctor (a rather strange gentleman) put her through a rigorous eye exam...

She looked goofy, so I did what any good loving pal would do (I would never do this to Kelly-lol) I took a picture and published it on a blog for our amusement. The Doctor kept the old is this better, or this better until Hayley got dizzy and finally ended the exam. Hayley visited another Doctor while I was in France and she has informed me that she is now sporting glasses, I can't wait to see them....
My other birthday treat, Vineet (Pooh) took me to lunch on Sunday, got me nice gift of Cologne. I guess my Indian friend was tired of being around a stinky American...lol. It was very nice, and of course he treated me to a nice Fuddrucker lunch.
Speaking of celebrations, today marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha. This is the biggest celebration for Muslims marking the testing of Abraham. This has to do with God testing Abraham, by ordering him to offer his son Ishmael as a sacrifice. Abraham couldn't bear to see his son die, so he was blind folded before he cut his throat. When he took his blind fold off, he discovered he had slit a Rams throat instead...God later reworded Abraham with another son (Isaac) for his faithfulness. So the Muslim world (and the UAE) is enjoying a three day festival, that will last longer than that. The malls are open 24 hours a day during the festivities. Faithful Muslims, have sheep sacrificed, offering a portion of the meat to feed the less fortunate. It is amazing to me, how similar the Old Testament of the Bible, the Koran, and the Torah are all so similar with their teachings...It is amazing that there is so much divisiveness between the religions, we share the same God...
So if you have any Muslim friends (like I do), make sure you great them with an Eid Mubarak(Happy Eid) during the next three days, they will appreciate it.
Well I am sick during my Eid. I guess the jet setting and massive exposure to germs during my travels wore the old defense system down. So I am popping Advil cold and sinus medicine and will stay hunkered down until I return to work on Sunday. I did go to Spinney's and get some shaved ham and fresh home style bread to make ham and cheese sandwich's with. The Ham cost $49.25 a pound...lol, it was Belgian, and not that great....but the ham and cheese sandwiches made for a nice treat on my sick day. The guilty pleasures that I reward myself with....Well enjoy your weekend, God Willing, I will see you back here next week....
Eid Mubarak!

Pack your bags, we're headed to Paris!

Resort weather has arrived in Dubai. It is absolutely beautiful, temperatures in the low 90's and the sky is clear and very blue.

The above is the view from my Sandoval Garden Balcony this morning at 10 am. The early morning sun worshippers are out, of course, I am staying out of the sun....wouldn't want the Sun to ruin my pastie white complexion. No chance of rain (December/January can't be that far away) and forecasts of low to mid 90's for the next week put a smile on my desert weary heat stressed face. It has been a long summer.
Speaking of nice weather, the forecast for Paris next week is nice fall weather. highs will be in the low 60's and lows near 50. I am flying to France on Monday morning to attend the Sial International trade show. I attended the same show two years ago with other managers from Transmed. This time, I am the sole attendee and have lots of scheduled meetings to pack into just a few days. I am returning on the "red eye" flight back to Dubai on Wednesday night, arriving after a 7 hour flight at dawn on Thursday morning.
Speaking of long flights, my dear friend Kelly is boarding a flight(s) and flying a total of 18 hours back to Dubai today. I heard from her a couple of times during her Ace corporate training in Chicago and she claims to be learning a lot. It's funny not having her around for a couple of weeks has been stressful. We are each others psychologists, sadly I lie on the couch much more than she does in our relationship. I hope I can squeeze a lunch in with her before I leave town (wouldn't want her to miss me for another week)...the poor gal...lol.
It was nice to have my friend and former Transmedian colleague Kumail join the Barakat sales team this week. He is going to be a main cog in the newly created restaurant channel. Surprisingly, Barakat has never pursued the restaurant business, concentrating instead on the 5 star hotels. I have begun budgeting and setting the plan numbers for 2013 for our food service group (Barakat International). It looks like the final goal will be 150 million or 100% growth. These companies in the Region...sigh...I thought the 86% growth the Transmed team achieved in 2011 was tough...lol.
This is Fred and Debbie's anniversary weekend. The crisp Autumn air of Knoxville, Tennessee will be alive with romance this weekend! I am blogging it in case I forget to send my wishes. They have been married now for 25 or so years - it seems like yesterday that I threw snowballs at their parked car on their first "real" date on a wintry evening in the King College parking lot in 1983...what a great lifelong friend I have been...lol, probably have been the cause of over more of their "disagreements" in their quarter century of marriage...Remember, adversity will make your bonds stronger...you're both welcome - glad that I have helped!
Well, I need to hop in the shower, and get ready to face the world. Lunch, dry cleaning drop off, and face driving in Dubai trying to accomplish all of the normal Friday errands that need completed.
I hope your weekend is nice (no Nick I am not going to blog about the Cardinals every week, and how sweet it is for them to be going (almost) to the World Series while the greedy Albert Pujols sits at home counting his millions)...but I did mention it - hope you are happy.
So happy weekend to all, especially Fred & Debbie!
I am going to go and get ready to mingle with the French!!!!

The Weather has broken, Thankfully I have not....

Finally, last weekend we had our first day since June that the high in Dubai stayed beneath the century mark Gratefully, it hasn't risen back that high since. This past week, highs were in the mid 90's each day. Over 100 days in a row of 100 degree plus heat can take its toll on you. How in the world people over here survived before iced drinks and air conditioning is a mystery to this oh so soft American. It is funny how every day in the mid 90's feels very comfortable, I guess it's just what you get used to.
Last weekend the existing sales team and I had some sales training in Dubai Industrial City. We then visited the construction site of our new plant and warehouse.

They (from left to right- Rima, Suresh, Bijith(the Professor), Sudheer, and Jitesh (the Banker) got to see the rapid progress being made. This week the concrete will be poured finishing a critical phase. I think it will be much easier to see the progress every week. Our engineer assures me that the new site will be open for business sometime in February of 2013.
The new Barakat International Plant will have a modern Butchery (cut shop) that will feature American products. It is right across the street from one of Barakat Quality Plus's 2 plants (the one that processes vegetable products)

It is about 20 minutes from my apartment in the desert on the Road towards Abu Dhabi. It will be great when the new plant is operational.
Kumail has been promised that his Visa will be cancelled this Sunday. He will begin to work immediately after Transmed completes this task. I can't wait!
Kelly is learning and training in Chicago. I miss having her in town. Hayley and I still manage lunch each week, but that just about covers it. Muzzy and I frequently have lunch together, but there is an edge to things as he is sent out to sell against me and my team regularly.
I finally started watching some of my taped television from the last 45 days. I am enjoying X-Factor (more than I thought I would), and Boardwalk Empire, True Blood, Survivor and Cougar Town (yes, a laugh out Loud show for me) are still waiting for me to watch. I got to watch my Cincinnati Reds choke last night, baseball is over. In football, I can't say that my Dallas Cowboy's choke (you have to be good to choke...sigh). They are on TV here this Sunday against Baltimore....will be a very tough game for them, thankfully it starts at 9 pm here not midnight, so when I go to bed disappointed I won't be tossing and turning at 4 am...lol.
I watched the Vice Presidential Debate this morning. Both guys are very likable, but I must say I was bored with it. Maybe politics at 5 am in the morning is not the best way to start your day. I have began to research the history of the Middle East as related to World War II and the years after. There is so much misinformation in the region about the Genesis of Israel, and the Palestinian conflicts that endures to today. I think as a Christian outsider, that the brutal history of the crusades and how that struggle between the Muslims and Christan's is at the roots of our histories. In the same vain, I think that the migration of the Jewish people out of post WWII Europe to be placed in the dessert displacing the Palestinians is also a history we should understand if there ever is going to be peace in the Region. Oh well, expect some of that history to be sprinkled amongst the future blogs.
I noticed some pumpkins in the vegetable market, and it made me think of life in the States. I guess Halloween is approaching...the fall air has to be crisp as the leaves show their colors. It is my favorite season, I miss America, I need to come for a visit soon...I think it has gotten much more difficult for me flying solo without any of my American colleagues to have my back....Bob, Nick, and Richard all made it much easier with our shared struggle. Juan and I speak regularly (he lives in Abu Dhabi) but I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I often feel very alone...
You are in my thoughts, please keep me in yours....

Custer Taming the Indians....

Please take no offence in this weeks blog title (surprisingly it took over two years for my first blog title apology...lol), but I have been trying to blend into my Indian dominated company (Just shy of 1,000 employees, approximately 900 of which are of Indian Nationality), and this week I feel like I have made some good progress. The customers are responding well, and so are the sales people in the corporation.
There is a new British Seafood Chain coming to the UAE. It is a white table cloth restaurant that is opening it's first Mideast eatery in the financial district in downtown Dubai. We hosted the "Chef Team" at our retail outlet http://goodliving.gulfnews.com/GoodLiving_Planner/planner-details?pid=1027&display=1
and they enjoyed the fresh juices and seemed to get really excited about our fresh Ice Creams that are made from our fresh juices and Camel's milk (I had a nice Camel Milk Vanilla Ice Cream myself). Then we took them on a tour of our Fruit and Vegetable Market. Trying to tie the 7 total Barakat managed companies together- concentrating on the three that I am responsible for, has been a challenge that I am just beginning to understand the magnitude of.
You must remember my friend and former Transmed employee Vineet Varma.(Known affectionately as Winny The Pooh) He has joined one of our sister companies (Mehtab Produce) and I am responsible to try and aid his development of a "Restaurant Channel" in a company that mostly sells to Hotels and Grocery stores. He accompanied the tour interjecting his good humor and much like me listening and learning also.

Good ole Vinny the Pooh is now the Sales Manager and is really excited about his opportunity. I am quite proud of him. Our Business Development manager from Barakat Fruits and Vegetables (Jitesh - Not the same one from Kenny Rogers Food service Fame-lol) Led the Tour and is quickly showing himself to be a integral member of my team.

Jitesh is on the left in the above, and was feeding California grown grapes to our guests from one of our coolers. We continue to have running jokes about how superior the American Fruit is, but I am quite happy with the tone of our employees. Jitesh is in his early 30's and has been with the company for 11 years. Very Professional and just a good guy.
Wrapping the business blog, Kumail finished his last day at Transmed, and he will be joining our Food service Restaurant team as soon as his Visa is ready (hopefully within a week). JR(Baraket CEO) and RK (Barakat International GM) have left for a quick trip to Morocco. There are a lot of short Regional trips for business opportunities, but with the Regional unrest - I am sitting on the sidelines keeping hunkered down in Dubai.
I was privileged to share a nice dinner with Kelly on Wednesday at a nice Italian Eatery near my office. Kelly has started at ACE Hardware and she is loving it so far. She fly's to Chicago for a couple of weeks of training tonight. I am so happy for her. It is very rewarding to be a friend and mentor for her, and I can't wait for her career successes to pile up. She has come such a long way in two short years, and I cherish her happiness.
The pending Israeli/Iranian conflict has seemed to paused, it feels like the "red line" the Israel talks about has been pushed to the spring. That, of course could be just a head fake to set up an element of surprise, as I have been convinced that something would happen shortly after the US elections and before Inauguration Day. Speaking of Elections, I got up early yesterday (just after 4 am sigh) to watch the debate on Fox News. Somehow, when I left for work I felt fine and refreshed, probably a lot better than our President felt. I must figure this Vote from abroad thing out. I am officially registered in Tennessee, so it is not critical (not a swing state) that my vote gets counted, but I haven't missed voting in a Presidential Election since I first voted for Ronald Reagan shortly after my 18th birthday in 1980. My how time flies....
In sports news, (sometimes this blog is as painful to write as sure as I am it is painful to read) My Cincinnati Reds are officially in the playoffs, and I can't wait to watch them hopefully plod towards the World Series. My Cowboys are certain of not losing this weekend (they have a bye - off week) lol, and are very frustrating to watch. Dan Scott's and my fantasy baseball team finished 3rd this year (made a few $$$$'s) and somehow I am still in first in the football pool (this is truly a miracle, 105 players and 20% of season done). Golf pool, Fred and I have somehow climbed into the money race. It sounds like a lot of stuff to keep up with, and yes thankfully it is. American sports and TV keep me sane and help the time to go by. Have a great week, I will try to join you in that mission.

Hayley's new Beau....

I am on a good roll right now. My Cincinnati Reds are headed to the playoffs. The NFL has started back (and my Cowboys look average again). My fantasy baseball team is in third place so I should win a few dollars. In my fantasy football pick'em league, I am in 1st (out of 105 people) after the first three weeks. I have played in this League for 8 years and this is the first time that I have ever been in first. Ironic that I am keeping all kind of weird hours (NFL football is on from 9 pm until 3:30 am, and most National League baseball games start at 3:15 AM -Watching these contests while starting a new job) and somehow devoid of as much information that I usually have am winning a contest of picking correct winners of American Football games. Last year Nick amused me with his antics while watching his St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series....Now I am getting that much needed diversion.
My social buddy Hayley has been spending time with a new guy (South African fellow that I have not met yet). Well, my friend Hayley does what a lot of cute friends of the opposite sex does, cancels our get togethers, for last minute canoodling with her new boyfriend. Well she called me Tuesday to cancel our dinner date....I hang up disappointed, well Hayley sends me an instant message on my Blackberry with a picture attached. Well, I am going to get a gander of this South African "eye candy" that has Hayley mesmerized (OK a slight exaggeration because of my disappointment)

I open the picture and I see this middle aged slovenly man and I think..."Is she crazy"? Good looking sweet gal like Hayley, settling for some oaf....

Fat cheeked man with bad hair....Well, like you I looked a little closer, and I realized that Hayley had sent me a picture of she and I from a dinner we attended together. The over weight oaf that Hayley was hanging out with in the photo was me -not her new South African boyfriend....I didn't even recognize myself....The time has come, I have to start working out...sigh.
Kelly is ready to start her new job, today we are having lunch and then going grocery shopping together, I may have a new "girl friend", sadly, she may have a new girlfriend also..lol me! It's all good, I love Kelly, she is a great friend. I had dinner with my old Transmed colleague Georges last night at IHOP. It was good seeing him and it was easy to remember why I like Georges so much. We teased each other and did our best to out embarrass each other with our cherubic Philippine server with a smile only an orthodontist could love. It was all great fun.
Sales are going well at my new company. We signed a prestigious chain to a couple of contracts yo cover their seafood and American beef needs through 2013. It is worth about $5 million American, something to make my new employers smile.I did spend another working day with Jitesh (remember Jitesh, the Indian crooner of Kenny Rogers songs) - well, I got to "hear" another side of him this time...He is also a Pink Floyd admirer, and yes I sing "Another brick in the wall" much better than Jitesh does....
For some unknown reason, I have been taping True Blood, Survivor and Cougar Town and not watching them. Maybe it is my overload of great American sports, but the good news is the entertainment is piling up for after the baseball season.
I may or may not be doing a little traveling in October, the plan at this moment is for me to spend some time in Oman and France in October....maybe, just maybe I will have something interesting to chat with you about.

Blog Brain...or just crappy writing

There are times (more than I care to admit lately) when I don't have a clear picture what I can blog about. As you can imagine, I self censor this blog - out of respect for friends (just can't write about some things) business (once again, have to "try" and show restraint) and then there is the big trump card...the Government Censors....People do get deported (or worse) for "inappropriate" blogs....

So where to start this week....Today, I spent the day with one of my sales reps (Sudheer). He has been with Barakat for over 10 years, has a new bride and a new baby. He services the hotel sector. We made some good calls in the morning and ended up at lunch time in the JBR area (Beautiful white sand beach front - with numerous restaurants). As you surely know by now, I love American eateries - and having free refills is almost mandatory to make me happy. The only places that give free refills on soda here are the American ones. The only water that is drinkable here is bottled water - and it's not cheap (with a meal a small 500 ml bottle will set you back 12 to 15 aed -$3.25 to $4). Well I need beverage to enjoy a meal, so refillable Diet Coke is a must in my book! Well today, we decided (poor Sudheer didn't get a full vote lol) to try the local "Big Boy" diner. I was excited, looking at the menu with traditional American "Big Boy" fares I see several familiar fares. The decor is right out of Americana...

 

 

 The Philippine servers were wearing outfit's out of the '60s with pony tails sneaking out the back of their caps....Then I spy on the menu....Philadelphia Cheese Steak. Fresh Hogie bun, with grilled onions, bell peppers, and shaved beef. I am excited, I order it - Sudheer could find no Indian items, so he follows my lead and orders it also....It came, and you talk about major disappointment. The meat (would guess grass fed Brazilian beef) was heavily marinated, the cheese was American yellow sliced, the onions were not grilled and it was so unsavory that I ate about half of my sandwich. Sudheer kept mumbling ..."this is no good, no good"...sigh....I paid ($35 for the two of us) (wrote a mixed comment card) clean great decor and service - well - we did get free refills of Diet Coke...lol...we left. An hour later, desperate search for a men's room - and the lunch was purged from my body, sadly not mine nor Sudheer's memory. The whole episode did remind me of another favorite place I need to eat when I am back home in the States...The Philly Connection....Awesome cheese steaks....
The politics of the Region are not good....It is now dangerous for an American to travel virtually everywhere in the area, except Oman, Saudi and Bahrain. Even Lebanon is now having kidnappings and violence. In my mind, I keep telling myself that I am perfectly safe - but, with Israel preparing to attack Iran to take out their nuclear capabilities, and the reality that I am sleeping tonight less than 70 miles from the Iranian coast, makes my sleep not so fit-full. There are some people over on this side of the world that hate America and Americans, and I just want to avoid being in the same zip code with them.
Speaking of zip codes, we don't have them over here. Your mail is delivered to your employers post office box. To get basic things like cable, phone and electricity you have to first provide a letter from your employer stating your income, there is no credit check per say. Your income is used to establish your credit card limit. No checking of debts. No id number to evaluate your credit worthiness....If you bounce a check,,,,Jail Time! Debtors prison is alive and well in the UAE. So, when you switch jobs like I have, your mail being held hostage or thrown away by your former employer is a not nice thing that sometimes happens....not accusing, just saying....
Kelly's last day at Transmed is this Monday, then she has a few days off before she starts working for Ace Hardware. She has been employed as their Mid East Regional Sales Manager and I couldn't be prouder of her. Another Transmedian gave notice this week, Magy...and no - she is not joining my team at Barakat...
I spent more money on an item this week, than I have in my long life. Shoes....A good pair of Bostonians would cost me around $135 and I would feel like I spent a lot. I have also been known to spend $35 on a pair of casual brown shoes....well, the pair that I bought in the price range of that lower amount was literally falling apart on my feet on Monday while I was meeting Kelly for lunch at Dubai Mall (Cheesecake Factory - was good). I went to the Italian shoe store, found a pair that were comfortable and on sale for 50% off their regular price of $590. Yes, I spent almost $300 on a pair of Leather Italian shoes....I guess I am trying to look the part of a VP, or too impatient to shop around...OK, maybe a bit of both. BTW, so far no blisters, they look and feel good!
The heat of summer is starting to ebb, next Monday the forecast high is 97 degrees. If that happens, it will be the first day since June where the high did not surpass the century mark....It has been a long hot summer. The lows at night are now in the mid 80's, so I turned my hot water heater back on this week so that my showers are steamier than one of Debbie's Romance novels (OK Fred - I have to pick on someone...lol).
The week has wound down, it's approaching midnight here in Dubai, and I am watching the Fed Ex golf tourney championship - being held in Atlanta - (Rooting for Justine Rose) as I type this blog....it's a small world...I hope my brain dead blog, about my crappy lunch (yes- in more ways than one) have kept you entertained for a few minutes....Thank you so much for checking on me -
hopefully, we will meet up again next week...

Arab Spring....phooey

Well the Middle East is a powder keg right now. I am on notice from our government to proceed cautiously, and stay away from Egypt, Libia, Syria, Oman, Yemen and Kuwait. Thank goodness I am in the United Arab Emirates. There is some dissension in our UAE gov't as The Police chief of Dubai, who also doubles as the UAE's version of "Head of Homeland Security" has been making arrests and detentions of "Radical Muslims" you would never know as you moved freely about Dubai. The news is muted, and now other Government officials have had a contrary view. I am registered with the American Embassy, and in theory they will protect me if need be. Meanwhile, the Iranian nuclear threat is coming closer to a resolution, that I am sure it will be very much a military solution. Other than those two things, everything is fine and dandy!

Well things at Barakat continue to move swiftly along. I am involved almost daily in some sort of meeting about our new warehouse (scheduled to be operational in Feb. 2013). RK (the GM of our food service operation) and I are quickly becoming friends. He treats me with very nice respect and actually has changed his "management style" to make me more comfortable. He also keeps his office refrigerator stocked with Diet cokes for me.
We are purchasing a brand new software system, and continue to buy new trucks. We have picked up a couple of new brands (one of which is huge; I can't wait to share what it is and where it is coming from.
    One of the running jokes that has been going on with me and and my sales team(s) is my closeness with people of Indian nationality. I hired several Indian salesmen at Transmed (I was actually eventually told no more Indians or Europeans until I hired more Arabs) and they quickly became great employees and loyal friends. Somehow, I started telling my Indian employee friends stories about American Indians - not sure how it started, but the stories and education quickly took a life of it's own and Vinny, Muzzy, Peter, Kumail and Joseph started hearing about smoking Peace pipes and pow wows. One day I got so frustrated with my Indian pals, I told them I felt like I was General George Armstrong Custer. Well Vinny googled Custer, and my Indian pals started having fun calling me "John" Custer. Well after a year of this, I had a Custer movie night get together with 3 of my favorite Indian friends....Mahesh, Vinny and Suresh.

We had pizza, beverage and good fun watching the 1947 classic (starring Errol Flynn) "They died with their Boots on". This is one of my favorite "Custer last stand" movies.They were probably bored to tears, but I enjoyed their visiting my apartment. Now they know, the story of Custer ...killed by his Indian friends...let's hope that the story doesn't repeat itself with "John" Custer.
Friday is my off day (as you are very well aware), I am having breakfast with Rodz....hmmmm...I am still getting to see Kelly, Hayley and other's from the old job. I had lunch on Thursday with Kelly. She is so excited to be close to starting her new career as a Regional Sales Manager for a well known American Company. I am a little worried about her traveling the Middle East, but she is Canadian - and very smart....She is traveling to the states in October for training and indoctrination...The funny thing is that many people at Transmed think that she is secretly joining me at my new company, sadly they are mistaken, but it does humor Kelly and I both.
I ventured out to Safest Way again...Got some Cinnamon Apple Jacks - paid way too much ($6), but boy those little cereal rings tasted good!
I promise to keep my head low, and I do appreciate your prayers for me and my friends from the unstable times that I am living through....

September has come - The Seasons first frost can't be far behind...

I haven't been a good blog author this week. As I sat down for my Friday morning ritual, I realized that I hadn't taken any photo's this week, hmmm no incidents where I can post a map. Loads of work related things to post, but sadly, I have to self censor a lot of that stuff (I know, self censoring is not my strong suit...lol). Well, lets get started with this weeks installment.
As I struggled with this weeks musings, I checked our blog stats. In the two years since I began these ramblings, (as of this morning) there have been 7,249 visitors to the blog. I have posted 128 blogs, and have had visitors from all over the world. 4,702 of the visitors logged in from the US. The UAE has had almost 1,000....then it gets strange.Singapore 177, Japan 57...Slovania (can't honestly say I knew it was a country) has had 47 visitors. Just numbers, but as I struggle sometimes with material, I am even more amazed when I hear from an old High school friend, or I am having lunch with a colleague here and they say..."by the way I read your blog...". This weeks surprise reader is Fadi Selwan...I had lunch this past week with Fadi, and in the middle of our conversation about business he says "John, I read your blog..." now he didn't say he liked it or enjoyed it (Remember Fadi? Fadi was my first boss when I arrived, and is widely recognized as the founder of Transmed's food service operation. He made so much effort for Bob and I to feel welcome and at home, at a time that had to be very difficult for him, as he turned his "baby" over to a couple of clueless Americans that had no idea that we were just lambs here, surrounded by wolves that were hungry and looking for some flesh.)
Well, the first thing that came out of my mouth (see self censorship weakness above) "did I say something bad about you?"...lol, give Fadi credit, he gave me that big Lebanese grin and shared that I had been very nice talking about how he was my guide at Sial in Paris two years ago. Fadi and I had some struggles with each other first during his departure from Transmed a year and a half ago, then though some terse business meetings discussing his company's (President Dairy) sales growth and strategies with Transmed. We have become friends with a better understanding of each other - my how times and perspectives change.
I am going to a party tonight at a bar! Yes, stop the press, it is true. I have shared with you in the past about Rudy Rivas (not a blog reader - I think lol). He is the American that owns and operates a Mexican Cantina (Cactus Cantina) that I eat frequently at during Ramadan. He is in his young 60's. a Texan that has a picture of himself with a big cowboy hat on his business card. Well Rudy hit the lottery of life here in Dubai. He met and married a Dynamo from the former Soviet Block, and she has invited both Kelly and I to her (28th) birthday bash. It gives an old man like me hope...Kelly and are were double dating. Kelly bringing her love Sami, and me bringing my American pal Hayley. Well, last night Hayley got the word that she needs to accompany her Transmed Boss Georges to an overnight trip to Kuwait. She was so excited - until she found out that she was going to leave today(Friday, her only off day) lol. she even seemed disappointed she was not going to get to drink away her stress tonight at Cactus Cantina...so now I am the third wheel on a date with Kelly and Sami....oh well, I guess I will get to know him better....(silver lining?)
Speaking of Kelly, she gave her resignation to Transmed last week. She is going to be a Regional Sales Manager for an American Company after she works her UAE government mandated 30 day notice, she will travel to America for training, and then back to her Dubai based job. She is so excited, and I am so proud, she has become such a good friend... I will share more when she starts...Kumail also gave his notice this past week, who know where his next job is...
Thursday morning at 3:45 am, my alarm woke me up, I got up, stumbled into the living room, sat down on my couch and watched the Dallas Cowboys open up the Season the right way by beating last years Super Bowl champs NY Giants! It is so funny how the moments of Americana are so important to my mental health. I also am enjoying watching the Cincinnati Reds (almost every game)..I wake up most mornings at 5 am, and I scurry into my computer and bring the Game up on my computer...This could be a sweet fall.
True Blood started (I DVR'd it - will watch today), and Boardwalk Empire and Survivor are starting in a couple of weeks...this is going to be a very nice TV fall....
The war drums are thumping loudly here, hardly a day goes by that someone doesn't bring it up. If something does happen, I will do blog updates to let you know that I and those that you know through this blog are fine...I expect something to happen in days or weeks...not months.
Well no pictures this week, half told stories about who has resigned and where they are going...I promise, it will be clearer soon. Thanks for visiting, and have a great weekend!

Becoming a "Barakatisti"

On this last day of August (111 right now), I have begun to dream about the cooler days of fall. I have finally settled into a comfort zone with my new career. I say career, because the difference between working for Barakat verses Transmed is truly a feel for career. I always felt that I was a mercenary at Transmed, training and working until some Lebanese employee would be ready to take my job and begin his career. That differs for me now, I feel like I have found a company home. It is up to me to make the best of it. I have the responsibility to grow the sales team and sales and I am formulating those plans in my thick noggin and the haze is lifting as to what needs to be done.
My former company is having some struggles with personnel and numbers. Margins and sales are way down (single digit for both), and the employee exodus from sales has begun -it's too bad...but we must move on..
I have begun to meet with the sales managers and team members in the three companies that I am now responsible for. There is a rich (yet brief history) that has the employees of Barakat happy and loyal. The CEO (JR) is a rather interesting Gentlemen and he has begun to share his thoughts and views on life and business as we meet almost daily. Story of JR and Barakat 
I know, I am getting this blogging thingy down...lol.
If you have ever worked in a farmers market, it is a rather interesting place. The smells and the hustle as the workers unload and redistribute produce is fascinating and fast paced. Fresh fruits and vegetables arrive from all over the world daily.

My new office boy (Depesh), still brings me fresh Strawberries everyday, and our juice company stocks my office refrigerator with a variety of juices that are made fresh daily at our plant in Jebal Ali (yes - always have strawberry juice as one of my choices).
I am juggling several projects already (interviewing potential suppliers, reviewing equipment plans for our new Food service facility opening in the spring of 2013, interviewing prospective salespeople for all three companies and working on new software-reporting for our corporation...my plate is full...but my glass is half full, it's going well...
On the tv front (more than half my social life-lol), the fall season is beginning. Season 5 of True Blood starts this weekend, and later this month Boardwalk Empire and Survivor (Philippines this season...hhmmm -yes I may have to invite friends to watch -lol). The NFL starts next week (get lots of games!) and my Reds are headed towards the playoffs (got the Internet package for $10 for rest of season), so watching lots of baseball now! On the friend front, Kelly, Muzzy, Hayley and I find time for each other regularly (separately). Last night Hayley and I dined at our favorite Thai Diner (Royal Buddha at the Holiday Inn Al Barsha) - where I of course kept up my banter with my favorite Asian Server E.E.

She tries so hard to please us...I complain about everything....she is always flustered and Hayley plays a great straight man to my musings with my diminutive friend. She now gives us a 25% discount for being her "favorite" diners. Sadly, Hayley and I are tiring of the food, but not E.E.
I am so pleased that Hurricane Isaac is headed to the Midwest and maybe begin to end America's draught. The price of corn and soybeans has soared on the world markets because of the draught, effecting pricing of beef and oils here in the Mideast. It is a small world. I also enjoyed watching the Republican Convention this week. the eyes of the world are on America...
This weeks shout out goes to...Sam Messimer...Yes Danny's cousin that I haven't seen in well over 20 years reads this silly blog. Go figure, it was nice to get an email from Sam, now some of the rest of you "Adventure" followers, drop me a note, and tell me what you want to hear about....stories about the "keystone cops" here - Last week caught in a massive traffic delay at a huge round about. The traffic lights were out. Finally saw the police that could have been directing traffic lined up (3 car fulls of cops) with their lights on, parked in front of the signal box watching the repairman work, while cars honked and merged as angry drivers tried to force their way into the rush hour traffic...sigh.
Or the local cultural stories (Big Indian Holiday this past Wednesday - traditional dress and celebration - just whatever interests you, please let me know!....Have a great holiday weekend back in the States....This blog will have to be a "shortie" - your welcome Rodz.