Hide the women and children, Rodz is learning to drive

       Memorial day in America, is just another hot work day in Dubai. I owe you some updates on my health, so lets get started there...My eye lazar surgery treatments are almost complete. Still have the remnants of my busted eye clot in my right eye. I have had three separate treatments on both eyes to prevent future clots. I will hopefully only have one more treatment on my right eye in early July after the blood clot dissipates.  So far, thankfully no eye complications. The ankle has been a rougher story. As you may recall I fell down the stairs of my parents home last June. I have done everything from reflexology, to regularly seeing a chiropractor, to acupuncture in an effort to get better. I have ex-rays twice and a MRI on my left ankle (diagnosis the same all three times - no break just severe sprain). Rodz regularly massages my ankle and foot for home therapy, still only slow progress. Well last week my slow progress took a drastic turn for the worse. Rodz accidently tore my pinkie toe nail during her treatment and it began to bleed. She decided she wanted to remove my toe nail and operated for a while with the toe nail clippers. After some pain, she gave up in trying to remove the nail. Just a few short days later my toe became infected and my whole foot and leg swelled up. My doctor was very concerned that I might be developing thrombosis and ordered bed rest and antibiotics. I had to stop wearing a shoe on my left foot because I couldn't get it on. So for the past week, I have wore one shoe and only my sock on my left foot. I have an appointment with a specialist tomorrow afternoon...fingers crossed...
         Rodz has been taking driving lessons 3 times a week. She has progressed in her 40 class schedule to the part where she is learning parking. I get the blow by blow recap of her lessons, I can only have empathy for her instructor...So Wednesday, Rodz talked me into letting her
drive my Infinity QX70 in the garage (yes no BMW - an Infinity is nice enough).

Rodz behind the wheel - May 2016

           It was a harrowing 2 minutes as we crept along in my parking garage. (lol)...She said I made her nervous, but she is so excited...One of our favorite things we do to pass the time is to pick out potential cars for her to drive once she gets her license. Never a dull moment...

          We just got notified at work that we have earned a big retail project. We will begin manufacturing August 1st. The customer is moving his manufacturing from Saudi Arabia to our plant in Dubai. I am very proud of our team, if all goes well it is worth millions in future business. We have also been awarded the contract to cut steaks for some big American chains in the Middle East. We actually begin cutting steaks this Saturday for them...I have been fortunate to be at the right place at the right time, and now will hopefully steer our company to big sales numbers. I will update you on our growth going forward.

           Rodz has finally begun cooking one dish a week for me. She has gotten fairly adapt at making egg fried rice. So now once a week we enjoy a heaping dish of her specialty (and only dish) at home. She is so happy when I clean my plate, it truly can be the little things in life that can make you happy. The first 7 months of our marriage certainly has had its rough moments, but we have stuck with it and hopefully more good days than bad will dominate our future together.

         Nurse Rodz has just shared with me time for my foot treatment, so I must go now or suffer the consequences that go with a surly bedside manor...lol - I only have 9 healthy toes, so bye for now...Take care, enjoy your Memorial Day, and as always we appreciate your good thoughts and prayers...





And Summer Begins...

      It is so freaking hot in the UAE, in case I haven't wined about that before. It reached 118 degrees this week, and we now have begun a string of 100 degree plus days that probably won't be interrupted until late September (no its not dry heat, we are right on the Arabian gulf). The heat wipes you out, I have never been so tired in my life. Today is Friday in the UAE, the equivalent of an American Sunday. I woke up a little later than normal (around 7) had a bowl of cereal, then laid back down to rest my eyes - next thing I knew it was 11:20 and I am still tired. In the next couple of weeks we can turn off the hot water heater, because the water is so warm from the desert pipes that it will produce steam from the cold pipes...you can't make this stuff up.
        Almost as rough on me as the heat, I have had a health scare. Last week I woke up one morning with my right eye's vision obstructed. I thought it might clear up during the day, but it didn't. I called my doctor and he advised me to make an emergency trip to an ophthalmologist. He diagnosed that I had a blood clot in the back of my eye ball that had burst. I had many tests (including having dye injected into my body that made pictures of my eye show the damages that have occurred).  I have laser surgery scheduled to begin on Monday (it will take three surgeries, one week apart). The prognosis for recovery of sight is good, although their is a significant risk of loss of peripheral vision and the chance of diminished night vision. Vinny and Rodz have been by my side at every doctors visit. Rodz cried when she heard the diagnosis, it was both sweet and very sad...
         Speaking of Rodz being sweet, I forgot to share a cute story about her. As you may remember, my dad had a health scare, and was admitted for about 2 months into an assisted living facility for rehabilitation. I visited him while I was home, and he has since been allowed to return home with a brand new pace maker installed to help his 86 year old heart pump enough blood. Now comes the cute wife part of the story...When I called Rodz from my moms, she immediately asked about dad. She wanted to know if he was still in the "orphanage". When I stopped chuckling, I shared with Rodz that he was in a nursing home not an orphanage, that an orphanage was for people without parents. She didn't even pause as she reminded me that dad no longer had parents, I guess I am learning that the wife is never wrong...
          Sorry the blog is short this week, just wanted to touch base and ask for your good thoughts and prayers that I come out of these surgeries with repaired eyes, and no side effects...Thank you in advance...see you back here very soon...

Better Late than Never!

        My good buddy Danny Messimer has been on me like white on rice, it seems that it has been over a month since my last post. So, while my wife takes her after pool shower (while her sisters' in law relax) I thought I would try and catch you up....


Jonalie, Leah, me and Rodz April 22, 2016

         So my Philippine posse and I spent the afternoon frolicking at the pool - now we are in serious recovery mode...I am sooooo old! As they would say on Game of Thrones - summer is coming (ok something like that).
         Speaking of Game of Thrones, I got Rodz hooked on it. We are now in Season 5 and should be caught up this weekend to begin watching season 6 with the world....what a great show. Only 3 seasons left, already depressed. We were shocked to see that La Porscha didn't win American Idol, and we are also now enjoying the last season of Banshee. It's nice to stay in touch with America. I watch Fox news while I dress in the morning (what a fascinating political season we are having) - Thankfully Rodz indulges me.
           I spent the first couple of weeks of April touring the states. I had a little business to attend to in New Jersey, followed by a few days with my parents in Virginia, then a quick trip to St. Louis to see Amy and Stacy. Then I headed to Atlanta to have my baseball draft and see Danny and his family (where I was desperately sick with the a horrible virus - Laura (Danny's wife) had to clean up after me - yes I was that sick..sigh - then I stayed a night with Lee and Cheryl Croy. It is such a nice feeling to have so many life long friends...I am blessed (yes Fred and I didn't hook up this trip...:-(
            The trip back to the states may have been my all time best flying experience. First, I arrived at Dulles Airport to find no line at security. I literally walked up to the homeland security guard, joked with him about no line (he said it must be my lucky day). Then I went straight through the x-ray equipment as they literally waited for me to place my items in the x-ray bins. My seat on an almost full Emirates flight was right by the exit door that I would eventually leave the plane by...and yes my window seat was next to an unoccupied seat...could it get better??? Well yes, there was a very strong tail wind and my normally 14 hour flight turned into a just over 12 hour flight. I was the second person off my plane where I walked to the security where unbelievably I had my choice of two different immigration lines with no people in line...I didn't break stride. After a quick passport check and stamp I walked to baggage claim. I of course beat all the luggage. You can imagine the chaos when over 500 passengers on an International flight line up to get their bags. Since I was the first one there I stationed myself in from of the chute where the bags would eventually drop. In a few short minutes, it cranked up and the bags came my way. The very first two bags (no I am not making this up- what are the odds?) yes the very first two bags that dropped to the baggage claim carousal were mine...It is a lucky trip that will never be duplicated...
         Work is going well. Sales continue to grow, and we have signed a couple of significant contracts. It is going so well that I don't want to pinch myself and wake up. Continued good fortune hopefully will come our way. Rodz has a couple of big things going on. She just accepted a nice job working at "Duty Free" at Dubai airport. She is going to be selling perfumes...she is so excited! She is even more excited to have enrolled in driving school. Classes start this Sunday, if it all goes well, she will have her license by June 1st. She was irritated that I had to sign a non objection letter for her to begin the process of getting a license....it is definitely a man's world in the Middle East.
      The posse is hungry, time to round them up and feed them. Sorry I was late - will try and be better in the future...
     God Bless you and God Bless America!
      

American Idol Spoiler Alert....Huh?

        It's less than 2 weeks before I return to America, and yes I am excited! The travel plans are almost complete, land in Washington, DC on Friday, April 1st after my 14 hour flight on Emirates Airline. Then some business to take care of in New Jersey, followed by arrival at my parents home in Southwest Virginia. My dad is still in rehab from his health scare, and is hoping to be released about the time of my visit. After a couple of days, its off to St. Louis on Tuesday to see my friends Amy, Stacey, Chad, Rez, and Moe. On Thursday, I head south to Atlanta where I will stay Three nights at Lee and Danny's homes (not quite sure which nights where).After my baseball draft on Saturday, I head north to the folks home again Sunday. Monday finds me traversing back to catch my early Tuesday flight back to the UAE. I will have a busy dozen days back in the States.
            Speaking of America, let's humor me and chat about the final season of American Idol. Rodz and I watch every Friday night and root away. (sorry to the 90% of you that don't watch Idol) They are now down to the final 5 and I think something sort of funny is happening. With this weeks performances the theme was overcoming hardships. The first contestant (Mackland) told about how he had congestive heart failure as a senior in hs. It was  touch and go while he waited for a heart transplant, only a miracle cured him....Then there was the second contestant (Dalton) who contemplated suicide while he battled depression...then he found music and it saved him. Then (Trent) the 3rd contestant told about how his close friend helped him design and order a special guitar, than the day it arrived his friend tragically died before he could ever play the guitar. He told a crying JLO about how he never performs without thinking and dedicating his performance to his late friend. Then came the  crowd favorite (La Portia) who told about marrying "Prince Charming"  who quickly turned into an abusive spouse. After the birth of her daughter, she finally found the courage to leave her abusive husband and enter a shelter. This poor gals life has been changed because of music. JLO bawled her eyes out at La Portia's gut wrenching story. Then finally, the beautiful, privileged Indian girl said she was nervous performing and that was her struggle.....I want to predict who goes home this week...one privileged Indian.
          Rodz and I were treated to dinner tonight by our Dubai bestie, Vinny.
We dined at Denny's.

Rodz and I, dinner at Denny's - March 19, 2016

         I know I'm not half as handsome as I used to be...but check out the skinny neck. This morning I reached a new adult low of 89.7 kg's or 199 lbs. Since the fall of my Senior year of high school (yes 1980) - have I been this light. I'm psyched to see the friends and family who saw me last November at 231 lbs...Still have a bit of a belly, so hopefully will keep getting lighter.
           Rodz think she has found a job, more on that next time...time now, to turn in....another busy work day to follow. Hopefully will see you soon....

Rain, Rain Go Away...

      Hello from rain soaked United Arab Emirates. In a country with virtually no sewer systems, 24 hours of heavy rain creates a travelers nightmare. The roads became impassable when standing water has no where to go.

Dubai Industrial City - March 2016

      The above photo taken from my office looking out at the street that runs past our factory. Due to road hazards, and the realization that with darkness even more challenges for drivers, I closed our operations early and attempted to get our employees home to safety. My normal 35 minute drive back to our apartment in Motor City took a little over 2 hours. Natalie, our QA Manager was attending a training class in downtown Dubai, turned her normal 1 hour drive home to a 5 and a 1/2 hour trek - only to find her top floor apartment filled with two inches of standing water. This morning the sun is out, and it will be awhile before people here bemoan the dry weather of this desert nation.
        Rodz's parents returned home this past week, and life with us returned to some normalcy. We have been catching up on American Idol (we are down to top 10) and have taped Survivor to start back with this weekend. Some of the HBO series (Game of Thrones/Banshee) are coming soon. Entertaining evenings for us to chat after our nightly dinner out and about in Dubai. Speaking of eating, our favorite Friday shopping place (Dubai Festival City) just remodeled and opened up 4 new American restaurants right next to each other. Texas Roadhouse, Serendipity, PF Changs, and Cheesecake Factory all opened this March, and give my bride and I great lunch choices on my day off. I know what your thinking, "all this food talk, what's happening to your weight?" Not so fast, I weighed in this morning at a new 35 year low of 202 lbs. Not since my senior year of high school have I been this light. My banged up ankle is slowly getting better, so now I hope to add exercise to my diet change, and maybe tone up the new sleek John. Returning home in 3 weeks to America, it will be interesting to see the reactions to my 30 lb weight drop since November 1st. Ill fitting clothes are my biggest challenge that I plan on addressing in April.
         Two big trips are right around the corner for me. I am planning on traveling to Chennai, India ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chennai ) to visit a shrimp factory that packs for us. Chennai is in the South Eastern corner of India and is a very hot climate. Out of the fryer into the frying pan. Of course, I am more excited to return to America on April first. I have a general idea at what cities that I will be sleeping in at night, just not sure which friends homes that I will get to visit. One sure stop is my parents house in southwest Virginia on April first.
          Rodz is back to battling boredom. She loves the idea of working and having her own extra money, but she finds most jobs - work...go figure...lol. I know for her saneness she needs to find a job to keep her busy and give her more independence. It's been great to have her back home. I will try and check in before the end of March, time now to hop in the shower, and head to lunch....

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....

Red Sheets at night, sleeping delight, Pink socks in morning....come on Rodz...

     Spring is right around the corner here in the UAE, which has to mean pitchers and catchers report any day now...I love baseball, will miss it so much again this year, although my Cincinnati Reds are rebuilding and should finish at the bottom, my fantasy baseball team is built to win this year, a tall challenge when playing half way round the world. Speaking of Reds, my lovely wife picked out bright red sheets to adorn our bed. Once again, she didn't understand my warnings about separating colors from whites, and the cooler water settings for bright colors - especially the first time you wash that colorful item. So now, I have nice pick t-shirts, and all my tan socks, are now bright pink,,,,sigh. I know, my little buddy washes and folds my clothes, so no complaining. Thankfully she finds my blog boring, so no fear of repercussions, lol.
         Work is a tremendous challenge. I love the opportunity to help steer a company the right way and to grow sales and profits, with the same opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives. On the other hand, I am feeling a great deal of stress with the responsibility for almost 150 employees livelihoods. Just this week, I worked until 10:30 one night and 9:30 another. By the end of this week, I was literally exhausted. We launched a retail sliced lunch meat line of products this week, and we are excited about the big growth opportunity. We are also having sales training every Saturday morning, and hope to make progress with the current team and the couple of guys I have added to the team. The first new salesman I hired was surprisingly enough Lebanese. He is the companies only Arabic speaking employee, and Yamen will certainly bring diversity and hopefully help us sell an entire segment of restaurants that our company traditionally ignored. I will keep my nose to the proverbial grindstone, and hopefully you will keep me in your thoughts and prayers...
           I am enjoying the politics back home, watch Fox news about half the time the tv is on. I will say that the populace here view the Trump run for President as a novelty. I understand it as more than that, but not my candidate of choice. We are watching American Idol, Rodz gets into it. I watched religiously last time I was here, and now am enjoying the farewell season, I will give you a favorite soon.

Texas Roadhouse Dubai Mall Feb. 2016
 

        Rodz's mom is visiting from Paris. We treated Rodz's sister in law and her mom to lunch at Texas Roadhouse today. It was 2 pm, and there was a half an hour wait for a table. Still hard to believe the tremendous success they have enjoyed in the Middle East and I am confident they have even exceeded their own expectations. Well aged, (70 day average)  mid-west grain fed Angus beef, is as big a hit here as in the states. They even import real American Idaho potato's, I never grow tired of a weekly treat.
         I sat down to this quick blog to help my long time college friend Danny Messimer pass the hours to retirement...lol, I get a regular email request for an update, I appreciate you Danny, and love that you look forward to reading my drivel. It is now time for momma Linda, Rodz and I to enjoy American Idol (remember I am a day behind you on episodes, so please no spoilers...) - Won't stay up to watch the Super Bowl this weekend, but I hope Peyton retires a winner.
          Take care, I will see you soon...