Ogakijin Blog

Hi, folks! I really thank you for reading this "crazy" blog... Toady it is the New Year' Eve. Last day of the year!
Thus, I have to do some wrap-up, particularly about the resolutions:

2007 Resolution
actual (target)

Books to read: 1 (3)
Golf play: 1 (3 rounds)
Saving: 240K (1000K)
Pro sports game: 0 (3)
Weight: 150 lbs (143.5 lbs)
Movie: 10 (18 movies)
Travel: 1 (2 times)

Okay, I have to admit that none of them really made it. All my fault.

What should I do with them? Should all of them be carried over next year? Hmmm, don't think so.
I should lower the level of hurdle.
Yeah, I guess it was too much for me, simply.

Next year... as far as I know-

Current project will extend until August or so.
Meaning, I will come to totally new project in fall.
Until then, I am expected to have more international travel... another chance to Singapore and Hong Kong for sure.
Maybe some other places, too?

Oh at this point, Bangalore trip is cancelled. Don't know it may come up again or not. (least likely)

Do I change the job before 2009? Hmmm, good question. Many people often say that consulting job is tough and people cannot last longer than three years. That's correct as far as I see others in the same firm. Hehehe.

Thus, possible for me? Don't have to deny for now... though, I would say, it's still limited somehow. I may start considering that option sometime later... not sooner.

What about marriage?
Oh that's very good question, too. In fact, this doesn't count as option in my life yet. If I marry, that got to be MoonFlower... She isn't really up to marrying and I have no leverage to rush it... If she agrees, yes, that will come to the reality quickly.
Until then... no big change.

Am I influencing her toward that direction? I used to try. Hehehe.

Last question (otherwise, I have to keep writing)-
What to buy next year?

This year's biggest buy was St. Dupont fountain pen... yeah, luxury addition to my pen collection. This is now my top favorite. Using most often. More than others for sure.
Another pen? Cartier? Used to consider. Not for now.

What about car?
What about watch?

Hmmm, lots to think... Ha!
Will update you about my very next purchase, etc. The problem is that you have to keep reading this blog! Please do!

Anyhow, I wish great year 2008 for every single one of you!

Somehow - no particular reason, Mr. Clause showed up to me today. Yeah, he brought me a pity... (BANG!) Actually, he brought a pair of shoes:



Yeah, red-ish brown shoe. Pretty cool. Definitely for business. I will start wearing them from next year.

This year... because I started living in Tokyo for new job... NEW STUFF as following:

Shoe - 4 pairs
Suits - 5 pairs (Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, etc.)
Eye Glass - 2 pairs (Alain Mikli)
Computer bad - 1
Pen - 2 fountain pens, 1 ball-point pen, 1 combination pen
Cufflinks - 5 sets (Dunhill, BVLGARI, Cartier, etc.)

No wonder that I didn't make my 2007 New Year Resolution about saving some money... I bought too many!!! (& paid too much!)

Will see what I can do for saving next year. It is a must for me because I have to carefully consider of my future, right? I know so.
Tomorrow... finally everything is over for the year. Yeah, New Year's Eve. I will stay home to clean the place to make myself ready for new year. Aren't you same?

No plans for the day. Very quiet. Yeah, good for me. Needed to rest just like this.
Didn't go out at all.
Yeah, stayed home for nothing. Slept in for sure. No doubt, right? Hahaha.

Watched "13 Days" on TV (via cable channel)... liked that movie. Yeah, quite bit.
This year, didn't see enough number of movies... I regret. Maybe next year.

Tomorrow, will see MoonFlower as last time for the year. That's the last appointment for 2007. What to happen next year? Yeah, that will be excitement...

2 more days to go!!!

Last working day for 2007!!! It's about time for me to prepare for new year!



Notice that Tokyo Mid Town is now ready for new year with such decoration. Wow! Beautiful, isn't it?
Work... was no problem.
Had small meeting to wrap up the year!!! No serious issues.
Oh, my female student got sickened and left work very early... That was too bad!

At night... along with visitor from Hong Kong... we have thrown small farewell over Japanese pod. Ate beef and pork!











Oh yeah, noodle came at the end. This overall dish was excellent. Price wasn't that high. Turned out to be under the budget. It was pretty economy... with good taste. Great deal!!!

Yeah, definitely I want to visit that place again. Sure, I will.

Yesterday... it was about Osaka lady...
What about tonight?
It is about Hong Kong lady...

What happened to me? Suddenly big luck with me about encountering such nice ladies?
I must have done things so right for a long time... FINALLY, my life comes into positive stage?
Must be so!!! (BANG)

Went to famous Udon noodle restaurant for lunch with her... along with others.
I knew that the place was always crowded at night... didn't know it was the same for the day. We had to wait about 20 minutes or so... even though we delayed our lunch time by 30-40 minutes. Not good enough.



This is 1,800 yen Udon dish... that I had then. Good stuff... TOO EXPENSIVE, though. I wouldn't try that again... I know taste is wonderful... just not affordable.



Dinner... took place in Ginza. Yeah, Hong Kong lady had to go shopping for her friends. After completing her shopping list, wen to Japanese tavern for dinner. We had this miso-taste pod. Yeah, this was good!!!
Kept all of us very warm even after finishing eat.

This is definitely great for winter! Seasonal dish... perfect.

Man, there was a big PIT FALL that I didn't notice...
Gratefully, I came to the dinner table along with female companion. Yeah, she was on biz trip to Tokyo over a couple of days. I just happened to end up with her for dinner.

Yeah, it was big dinner.

Wait. What was the pit fall?
She was cool person... Yeah, good looking as well.

I couldn't focus on good food because I had to pay attention to something (someone) else. Yeah, it was she!!!
Hmmm.







This was expensive dinner like over 200 dollars. Definitely worth to pay for it because of this company!!!
I cannot complain a bit about this... I am really THANKFUL!
Knowing this person... may cherish my life? (BANG!)

Merry Christmas, all dear readers!
How was (still is?) your Christmas?

Many of you know... there is no holiday here. Thus, I went to work as normal working day.
This working day was pretty light because everyone else is just on vacation / holiday...
Meaning I have no email responded by them. Hehehe.

I went to the mall just next to the business business building where my project takes place... and picked up Christmas cakes for coworkers. Yeah, it was my generosity.

Wow, extra spending... That's okay. At least everyone liked it.

Left work around 7pm. Came home STRAIGHT. No Christmas dinner appointment!!!
Pity on me!!! Pity on me!!!

Oh New Year Greeting cards... I finally started writing... 30 of them are done.
Missed two... wrongly stated someone's name or address. Have to run into post office for exchange...

Otherwise, this is just normal day here. Peaceful, though.

Nothing special for the day.
Most likely, Mr. Clause is going to miss my place.
Obviously, his visit list doesn't have my address in it.

Why so sure?

Ramen noodle is today's lunch.
Dinner? It was Mac... yeah, HAPPY MEAL. Chicken sandwich to be precise.
Oh boy.

I guess, last year, I spent all luck that I had. No more.
So this Xmas is going to be quiet for sure. That's okay... this is the way I live. Hehehe.

At least, MoonFlower and I went out to Ginza for Xmas cake:



Yeah, it was from Shiseido Parlor... and it was good (and expensive).
At least somewhat we celebrated the Xmas this year.

Present? None for me this year. That's okay...

Wow, haven't drive a car since US trip... 1st time in Japan this whole year! Wow.
Got rental car for the day and drove down to Gotemba for shopping.

Not too far from Tokyo. From where I live, about 1:30 away. Yeah, that's it.

"Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall"

This is the biggest and most popular outlet mall in Japan. Stil expanding...
Anyhow, I shopped a lot.

Went to Paul Smith store... and bought:

1 pair of suits (winter suits)
1 sweater
1 shirt

Yeah, spent about 500 bucks for them. Wow, big spending... Didn't expect to.

Wait. Did Ogakijin buy anything for MoonFlower?

NEGATIVE. No budget! (BANG)

Maybe sooner or later, I get dumped.

It was long day with driving... though, I still know driving.
I may do rental again for different destination. Really.

Rainy day... bad beginning of the extended weekend!
MoonFlower and I agreed to go movie in the afternoon. No other plan.

She wanted to see "National Treasure II" and so did I. Wow, it's so rare to agree with each other like that. Hahaha.



National Treasure - Book of Secrets

Simple story. Not complicated or anything. Really easy to see.
Did I like it? Yeah, somewhat enjoyable.

Ogakijin's review: B- (pretty good!)

Didn't see the first movie... Maybe I'd better check it out? Oh tomorrow it'll be on TV. I will check that out then. easy solution.

DeLonghi heater just in:



So far, so pretty good!

You know, I am the lecturer to the graduate student (female) three days a week.
Today, I failed to be the good example to her. Didn't mean to... accidentally became so.

What happened?
Let me explain.

My student (let me call her so this time... ok!?) was working on my homework and I thought that she finished around 7pm.
She left her desk then... I really thought that she was gone for the day even though she didn't tell me anything.

I overlooked her desk and found no her bag there. Thus, I concluded that I just missed her saying goodbye.
So I wrapped up and left work for home.

After that, I came to know that she was still there. She was just away from her desk... part of her wrap-up. Hmmm... this is bad sign.

How come?

Part of my business lecture... I wanted to tell her that different responsibility and liability between part-time / temp and regular employee. She's still part-timer and I was supposed to leave the office ONLY AFTER HER.

Do you see my point?
She shouldn't be the last person leaving there for any given day. Agree? At least, this is how my business practice goes.

I left earlier... so that is why I am saying that I failed to set a good example to my student.
Yes, that's my fault.

No wonder that I had to throw myself into alcohol to freshen up.
I almost missed the last train. Yeah, barely made it. Thank God!!!

After work, I made a quick stop at Yodobashi Camera - my usual destination for PC, Camera, and Appliance.
Today's target?
Well, I have AC in the room. That's all for heating.
AC isn't that good for the heating function. Too much power in running. Thus, I have to have alternative solution.
Then, "oil heater" is the one.


DeLonghi D071249EFS

About 360 dollars or so. I know, this wasn't that cheap one. Though, DeLonghi has proven record in this product category. Thus, this became my choice.

However, didn't buy this product in that store tonight.
Sales staff failed to engage bargain with me. He was too chicken!!! Hehehe.
Or he was merely snob. He thought that I wasn't serious... maybe.

I ended up buying the one from the website. Same "Yodobashi" site, though. Free shipping and somewhat cheaper than shown in store... so I saved some money.

What's up, folks? Almost getting back to normal pace of life here. Yeah, finally slowing down. Hahaha.
Well, work-related headache doesn't easily go away from me, though!

Why?

It's not my fault. Somehow, this project always entails such risk and I am the one to encounter. As project manager, I'd better absorb it... RIGHT?

At least for lunch, I can breathe easily with good food. This is advantage in working in decent location. Along with coworkers from the same department, went out to eat...

Italian Restaurant, "Sabatini" in Hotel IBIS Roppongi






(This is dessert pudding.)

It was good food on top of fun conversation with nice people... all ladies!!! Hehehe.

Oh, is Mr. Clause too busy this year to stop by my place?
Last year, I met him in North Carolina... so I was privileged then... Maybe not this year?
I am sure that it wouldn't be too much trouble him not to make a stop at my place because I have no other family members here...

Hahaha.
Oh, he says, Hohoho~?

What's up! Had another long night with friends... I should be thankful... and I am!
Though, this is definitely over-drinking. Way more than I could. I'd better slow down next time.

Cleaned my room in the middle of day... I didn't want to leave for Hong Kong from dirty room. Rather, I would like to see some cleanness when I come home from any business trip. Don't you agree?

Thus, I want to clean my room.

Yeah, I admit it... that my room isn't that clean all the time!

Finally at night... went out to Ginza.
Yeah, a little gathering tonight...


Dai (government)
Koji (consulting)
Kotaro (ditto)
Aki (finance)
Akira (ditto)
Hide (insurance)
Takeshi (security)
Ogakijin (freelance?)

All men got together like that. Yeah, all men... you know what to talk about? Hehehe. All secrets. Privileged.
From 7pm... till 11pm. Long time... but I felt that it was pretty quick.

Now am thinking when to start packing... The bus departs at 6:20am... OH BOY! Am in trouble? Of course not. Always last-minute deal!!! You know me... am experienced traveller! Hahaha!

Hi, folks.
Good Friday... definitely it was. For me, this week was key for success of following week.
How come? Good question. Two consultants under me are expected to function as issue identifier over the system testing. They are supposed to complete all preparation tasks before it meaning today!
As per my judgement, yes, they make it. Thus, they should be ready for next week...

Meaning my job is well-done? Not so fast. I have to manage some other things as well.

Anyhow, this week is now concluded in positive result. That's at least good sign.

To celebrate the Friday (?), I went out with good company for Roppongi. Yeah, for drinks!
Man, didn't expect myself to drink that much... pace was fast and amount was exceeding my limit.
I almost lost myself over drinks. Hmmm...

Even threw some darts, too. Very unlike me!!!
Several games... did I win? or I was just "allowed" to win? Hmmm.

Yes, I got great time...

Wait.

Having good time already indicates that I am going to have hard time? Like in Hong Kong? Let's hope not!!!
Oh, am going to drink tomorrow night again. Oh boy... when did I become alcoholic? Did you know that?

As management consultant... "management" is the skill that I am capable of. Right? That's your expectation. Meaning that I am able to manage my life very well.

Sorry to disappoint you for that.

So far, my spending is out of control. There is no such thing... management.

Thus, I bring one driver... keeping the log of spending. Includes meal spending.
Will see how well I can leverage spending control by the log.
Hmmm... still keep my expectation low... because I won't save much money from this.

At least, I can pay more attention to how much to spend every time at shopping or for dining.
Hehehe.

Ready for Christmas over there? For me, that's new year. One of main preparations for new year is of writing new year greeting cards. Very typical practice here in Japan.

Already bought about 40-50 cards...
What I need to do now is write address and names along with my greeting.

Wait.

When am I going to do that?
Not even starting yet.

Don't even determine to whom I write... by which pen or fountain pen in what color of ink then...
Yeah, nothing is sure yet.

Oh, it is still sure thing that I write all those cards.

Hmmm.... today's issue annoying myself all day long was... single question.

Should I change my travel plan? Should I get HKG early?
As you know, am going to be in HKG on Sunday. Idea is that I get there early by a couple of days.

For what? By what concern?

Yeah, hard to define. I kept thinking about outcome.
Do several days make huge deference? Yeah, my scale is like "really significant?"

My final answer came out as "no need."

Thus, I keep the plan in tact. No change. Period.
I don't think I can make much difference.

Hope this decision won't disturb the mission much... really.

Did you see it?
Yeah, watched that game from 3rd inning or so. Japan was leading by 1-0 then.
What am I talking about?

Baseball.

Final in Asian elimination round. If Japan wins, we advance to the Beijing for Olympic Games.
If not... nightmare.

By Taiwan's homer, game became 1-2... Oh gee... no one expects Japan to lose the game against Taiwan.

Finally... later the game, Japan got whole control. Yeah, total dominance!!!
Game ended with 10-2... The score indicates easy game for Japan... Surely it was NOT!

Anyhow, good game!!! We made it!!!
We need another gold medal in baseball for the first time since Los Angeles!!!

Just saw one movie... it wasn't my choice because I thought that I would come to see another movie which wasn't come to the theater yet. Hmmm.
Thus, I ended up seeing "Beowulf."
Didn't know that it was based upon English classic literature. Hmmm.



Didn't like this movie a bit because the theme was pretty cheap.
"Man never be changed... always crazy with GREED.
Greed for sex... and money (gold then).

Greed is "GOOD and works." That was a say by Gekko... in "Wall Street."

Anyway, have to rate this movie for C-. Disagree? So be it.

In baseball, Japan beats Korea... Man, it was tough game. Though, we are one-step closer to the road to Beijin for Olympic Games.
Let's see how we can secure the ticket by tomorrow's game against Taiwan.

Hi folks Just call me freak. Yeah, I am. I have to admit I am definitely so... Look at this:



Did receive a small package. Yeah, the goods that I recently placed an order for via online. Here it just came as requested.
This is my "petit" Christmas gift for myself. Sort reward on hard (hardly?) working.

Monteverde ball point pen "Charisma" series, Sky Blue.

Yeah, that's why you still can call me crazy. Yeah, this is my disease that never be cured by any mean.

As like my fountain pen collection, ball point one is now beginning to catch up. Hahaha.
For my usually writing needs, I use Montblanc ball point pen if not fountain pen. Now I have more choice in that category in addition to fountain pen. Wow, the disease is not curing... but getting worse and worse. Hehehe.

Anyway, I am very content with this beautiful pen. I may not use Montblanc much because I tend to use Monteverde more. This is so like Ogakijin!