So another year has passed and into 2009 we go and with it the same old New Year Resolutions……

I am interested to find out how many people are still sticking to this tradition.  I for one have somehow decided to give up things.  That is not the issue, it is the reason why I decided to do this in January.  After all it is one of the most depressing months; it’s cold, dark, money is a bit tight and it’s at least another five months until I receive some more presents!

This year I intend to give up one thing completely and also change a few other things to hopefully improve my general well-being…..

Firstly, I must give up smoking, apparently it is terribly bad for you (no one told me this) and I must stop it.  I have been smoking for about eight years and I think the routine is the hardest to block out.  Anyway, five days in and I have had no cigarettes at all.  I have not faced the gauntlet of the night out drinking yet though and this is going to be a very tough challenge.  Anyway I will keep you updated on my progress.

I also intend to consistently go to the gym 3-4 times a week this year, eat healthier (bar the Chicken Tikka Bhuna with Rice, Naan and Bhaji’s that Shebab-O-Bab served up for me last night – a tiny slip) and drink less in the week…….and of course buy more sweater vests in 2009.

What New Year Resolutions are you pursuing?

So, it’s a brand new year and we are a brand new company. We are MAXUS!

I personally much prefer the new name MAXUS, it makes me feel empowered, slightly above all other companies. When I say “MAXUS” I feel like I am about to go into battle…. And of course, win!

However, we are creatures of habit and BJK&E has been a big part of our lives so sometimes we find it hard to let go…..especially when it comes to telephone calls!

“Good Morning BJK&E” was a breeze… It came automatically. I even did it on my home phone a couple of times. Now, “Good Morning MAXUS” that’s a different story. I cannot seem to get it right. It does not roll off my tongue simply. I stutter, or I have to pause and remember who we are. I have become nervous, almost sweaty-palmed. It puts me off kilter for the rest of the conversation.

To add to this pressure the dark side of the office have decided to play a little game! Every time someone from our side uses our old name BJK&E instead of MAXUS we have to pay 50p. The idea being, the money adds up and we put it towards Friday drinks! It’s going to make me worse, and it’s going to make me poor. Everyone else seems to be finding it relatively easy and I cannot help but think the joke is slightly on me! I have now got so bad that this morning I even answered the phone using the company name of my first job!

However,  I like a game, and I like a challenge and I will continue to play, because I am Alice from MAXUS and I will not be defeated! yet!