The Beginning

So at the start of 2008, what's been happening? First and foremost, I've given up smokes and doing well maintaining my stance. Even though I'm surrounded by smokers I haven't flinched or starved crazed to have a puff. All I need to beware is the alternative to quitting, and that substitute is of course munching. The last casual and unfruitful attempt made me gain a significant amount of weight. To replace the habit of lighting up, I turned to mini Wrighley's chewing gum. I bought an entire box load, has to be at least a hundred and fifty odd chewies in there and in a disaster move I managed to polish off the entire quantity in about two and a half weeks.

So much for finding a proper substitute -_-

That was years ago and now with a lot more control of my actions, which we all would like to call maturity, I've been able to suppress the desire to put nicotine into my bloodstream. My substitution when I go out to pubs or clubs, is still gum. Two sticks at most. My disassociation with ciggies are working in my favor though. As of December, the government has banned lighting up in restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs and so on. You can puff outside the vicinity only. So all the better for yours truly.

The next change is at the office. After a two month hiatus(which I shall elaborate later), I came back to the company helming a new division - Branding & Communications. During my absence, there had been a busy period at work and the unexpected surge in business. One of our biggest worldwide distributors, Jim Stott, a shoot and capable man with twenty years experience was roped in to take on my role. So now the structural changes are his distribution has been shifted to another solid individual with impressive credentials in Canada. Jim has been working closely with the new distributors about marketing and strategic planning in Canada while taking on the role of VP for Business Development at our company.

My main concerns now are the retailing of our very own brand for the moment, targeting the local market before going into export. Will be dealing a lot with designers about the outlook and packaging of the product and attending a bevy of branding seminars and workshops. Looking very forward to learning new ideas to succeed in this important industry, or should I say, staying alive.

Now, about my two month sabbatical, I was back in Malaysia for a personal project. I'm finally happy to be made a partner in a Thai restaurant with both my parents. Having worked in their restaurant before, the passion of having a say in an F&B business has always been an interest of mine. Its been a relative success since its opening in January and we're struggling to provide more seating capacity for happy customers. In order to keep abreast of its development, I'll be visiting more often than before. It all works out since I can see family much more than I ever could, especially my little darling niece, Olivea.

Its almost the third month of the year, and things are looking quite positive. Another nine more months to go and I can tell you its going to be a challenging one, which I look forward to overcoming obstacles headed my way. One needs to do whatever they can, as time seems too short these days. I sincerely hope you all will have a productive and successful 2008, aided by a robust health to keep the fuel burning.

Over & out!