This job is work...How was I suppose to know?

       It's been a tough 3 weeks since I checked in with you...I have had to make some difficult management changes (terminating an employee is one of the worse parts of my job) that I felt had to be made for the good of the rest of the team, on the other hand the new managers that have joined are shining so far. I am really pleased with the team. I just added the infamous Vinny Varma to run sales. It's nice to have a trusted friend join the senior management team. I also have added an export manager, HR Manager, and a warehouse Manager this month. Still need to add a couple of good salespeople. We have also adopted numerous new best business practices. The plan is there and now we'll see if sales take off...
       Rodz is practically living with her brothers while her mother and father and nephew visit this month.

Kenny and Rodz;s father Feb. 2016

 

            Who would have thunk that I would become such a popular uncle. I have taken my in-laws out several times, but they are tough evenings because unfortunately they speak their native Philippine tongue with each other and make the evening less enjoyable for me. I have taken a shine to my new nephew Kenny, he is well behaved and very respectful.

 

         Just last month I shared my near miss of a camel story with you. Last week I looked out my office window and saw my friendly beasts lumbering across the road.





Camels at my BIFCO office Feb. 2016

      As I drive to work in the morning, I quite often see camels roaming next to the 12 lane super highway with only a fence between them and cars traveling 87 mph (88 will get the camera flash ticket from the radar cameras along the roads) so I just set my cruise control on 140 kmph and sail along.

          Speaking of driving fast, I have been giving serious thought to what my new ride will be. My salespeople seem to think nothing short of a BMW is acceptable. My German Chef Production GM only says it must be German...lol, go figure. I plan on getting it in April when I return from my trip home to the U.S.

          In my past positions here in the UAE, you know that I always grow fond and treat my office boys that bring me water, or run errands for me in the building, or serve hot tea or coffee to our guests. First, there was Shams,

 

            

       





Fred and Shams 2011

Then there was Chalk at Baraket corporate in 2013. Now there is Rabi. Rabi wears a Yankee sweatshirt most days, and his English is very poor. So now almost  every morning I ask him how the NY  Yankees did last night, he usually says they won, I ask him the score and he says 26 or 42 and I am quite amused. Well last week, I shared with Rabi that I am a Reds fan, and I didn't like the Yankees. That meant that I needed  to convert my Nepalese friend. So I did what I could to begin the indoctrination. 



Rabi - Feb. 2016

 

I do think its a good look...lol...He wears it around like a prized trophy. God bless him.

 

     Speaking of blessings, my parents enjoyed their 62nd wedding anniversary on Valentines day. Unfortunately, a few short days later, my father collapsed at home and was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. He stayed in the hospital for several days with my mother sleeping in the hospital room with him. He has now been moved to an assisted living facility for rehabilitation as he has lost his ability to walk. I'm praying for the rehab to go well, so he can return home.

 

 

    Danny counted my time between blogs, and I apologize for the delay. The Gulf Trade show is this week and my days have been filled leaving for work at 7 am and returning home after 11 pm, I can't remember ever being worn out like I am, one more day until the Friday day of rest. See you back here soon...Count your blessings and appreciate every day that God gives you....