Feb 2008
Ogakijin's Collection: Another Alain Mikli Frame
02/29/08 Fri |
Fun&Humor
Wow, February 29th... once every four year... Thus, I
wore brand new Mikli frame to the work today.
Expectation? People would like them...
These are the ones that I secretly bought:
People... didn't have any particular reaction. Just told me that "It's okay... pretty ordinary."
Wait. Nothing really special? Just nothing but normal?
Hmmm... I guess I had raised my expectation. Should have been much lower.
How would you like them?
Expectation? People would like them...
These are the ones that I secretly bought:
People... didn't have any particular reaction. Just told me that "It's okay... pretty ordinary."
Wait. Nothing really special? Just nothing but normal?
Hmmm... I guess I had raised my expectation. Should have been much lower.
How would you like them?
|
Still Some Energy Left?
02/28/08 Thu
Long Hours
02/27/08 Wed
Still working like a pig!!! I never used to that
expression... because I never wanted to treat myself
as that animal. However at this moment, I don't fine
any better word than that. Hmmm.
I really hope that I can slow down a little bit after important events in HKG next week.
No, I don't need extra time for sightseeing there... but I just need to relax.
This time, I will stay in Sheraton... not usual Grand Hyatt. Hmmm. Make difference?
Oh I met a recruiter over coffee after work. Yeah, had such appointment... so I had to spare my precious 30 minutes to that fellow. This time, foreign recruiter. Very interesting. He was at same age as mine and is from New Zealand. From his first name, I really couldn't have guessed what country he was possibly from.
What was his first name? Oh wait. That is the matter of client confidentiality? Hehehe. Wait. Who is customer in this case? (BANG)
Anyway, have to get back to work. See ya.
I really hope that I can slow down a little bit after important events in HKG next week.
No, I don't need extra time for sightseeing there... but I just need to relax.
This time, I will stay in Sheraton... not usual Grand Hyatt. Hmmm. Make difference?
Oh I met a recruiter over coffee after work. Yeah, had such appointment... so I had to spare my precious 30 minutes to that fellow. This time, foreign recruiter. Very interesting. He was at same age as mine and is from New Zealand. From his first name, I really couldn't have guessed what country he was possibly from.
What was his first name? Oh wait. That is the matter of client confidentiality? Hehehe. Wait. Who is customer in this case? (BANG)
Anyway, have to get back to work. See ya.
Wow... Still in the Dark Side...
02/26/08 Tue
Hi folks... Can me moron? Call me workaholic. Out of
control... period.
I have more subordinates... now three of them. Means that the envrionment gives me ease on tough job?
Yeah, I really had had such expectation when welcoming new members to my project.
Though, reality was rather severe on me.
I now have more work to do. Why? The same mission and same work volume against the whole team?
Well, I have to allow those new faces just joined the team some time for catch-up.
Also, one of them is new grad consultant. I should expect too much out of that fellow for sure.
Moreover, I have to "teach" the fellow how to get the job done.
Such extra really slows me down. You know what I mean.
Anyhow, I am the one showing up in the office as the first person in the morning. Then I work late... like finishing it all up around 1:30am tonight, for instance.
Hmmm, long hours, huh! I know. Somehow, it's totally okay. I guess, I have reasonable motivation which I have no idea how I get that. Hehehe.
For lunch, five of us went to Italian restaurant in nearby hotel.
Everyone ordered different pasta dish.
Wait.
I just ate another pasta at yesterday lunch!!! I totally forgot that.
Hmmm, I didn't have choice in today's restaurant anyway... also I was with client. Yeah, how that thing goes.
I definitely need a break before wearing myself out. Certainly physical energy level is delicining even though I have good mental motivation.
It means that I should take care of myself even better than before.
Let's traslate this:
I need to go out and do some shopping to ease my feeling and fatigue with new goodies!!!
Wow, I can get a job as translator. Perfect translation. Hehehe.
I will be in HKG from Monday till Friday.
Oh, March-end US trip to West Coast is cancelled due to tight budget. That's okay.
Good night!
I have more subordinates... now three of them. Means that the envrionment gives me ease on tough job?
Yeah, I really had had such expectation when welcoming new members to my project.
Though, reality was rather severe on me.
I now have more work to do. Why? The same mission and same work volume against the whole team?
Well, I have to allow those new faces just joined the team some time for catch-up.
Also, one of them is new grad consultant. I should expect too much out of that fellow for sure.
Moreover, I have to "teach" the fellow how to get the job done.
Such extra really slows me down. You know what I mean.
Anyhow, I am the one showing up in the office as the first person in the morning. Then I work late... like finishing it all up around 1:30am tonight, for instance.
Hmmm, long hours, huh! I know. Somehow, it's totally okay. I guess, I have reasonable motivation which I have no idea how I get that. Hehehe.
For lunch, five of us went to Italian restaurant in nearby hotel.
Everyone ordered different pasta dish.
Wait.
I just ate another pasta at yesterday lunch!!! I totally forgot that.
Hmmm, I didn't have choice in today's restaurant anyway... also I was with client. Yeah, how that thing goes.
I definitely need a break before wearing myself out. Certainly physical energy level is delicining even though I have good mental motivation.
It means that I should take care of myself even better than before.
Let's traslate this:
I need to go out and do some shopping to ease my feeling and fatigue with new goodies!!!
Wow, I can get a job as translator. Perfect translation. Hehehe.
I will be in HKG from Monday till Friday.
Oh, March-end US trip to West Coast is cancelled due to tight budget. That's okay.
Good night!
Usual Monday... Results Usual Food
02/25/08 Mon
Hi folks. Hope things are well with every single one
of you!
For me, no special day today. Compared to previous week, fewer number of meetings... I guess, that's good news.
Someone lots of people in the department I deal with decided to show to the work in the afternoon.
Thus, I only had a young consultant (i.e. my subordinate) around.
So two of us went out for lunch. Very weird like this.
Very quiet man... he is. He sits and reads the material for all day long. Don't know how he does that. I don't think I can hold my breath like that for that long time!!! I cannot be that quiet for sure.
Anyhow, he's still new grad... even though it's almost 1st year anniversary.
Well, this kind of quietness bothers me... he should be more active, rather than passive, throwing me so many questions for the sake of his understanding.
Disappointment calls another disappointment...
"Report"
"Communicate"
"Ask (questions)"
I told him of those fundamentals for business practices... Though, I don't think that the definitions of those became part of his knowledge yet since he hasn't proved himself to me.
How do I make him do that? Any clue?
I don't think that I got good grasp of how the young generation like his yet. That's MY problem.
Even over lunch, he was awfully quiet. He wouldn't talk unless I asked him for questions. Hmmm.
Hope he realizes how he should be soon. Soonest!!!
Left work around 7pm... and ate curry over rice on the way back home. Yeah, usual dish on Monday or 1st working day of any given week. Same taste... because I always go to same place!
Now since 9pm or so... I have been logged in to the client's network for work. Yeah, still working... (still "going" like Energizer.)
For me, no special day today. Compared to previous week, fewer number of meetings... I guess, that's good news.
Someone lots of people in the department I deal with decided to show to the work in the afternoon.
Thus, I only had a young consultant (i.e. my subordinate) around.
So two of us went out for lunch. Very weird like this.
Very quiet man... he is. He sits and reads the material for all day long. Don't know how he does that. I don't think I can hold my breath like that for that long time!!! I cannot be that quiet for sure.
Anyhow, he's still new grad... even though it's almost 1st year anniversary.
Well, this kind of quietness bothers me... he should be more active, rather than passive, throwing me so many questions for the sake of his understanding.
Disappointment calls another disappointment...
"Report"
"Communicate"
"Ask (questions)"
I told him of those fundamentals for business practices... Though, I don't think that the definitions of those became part of his knowledge yet since he hasn't proved himself to me.
How do I make him do that? Any clue?
I don't think that I got good grasp of how the young generation like his yet. That's MY problem.
Even over lunch, he was awfully quiet. He wouldn't talk unless I asked him for questions. Hmmm.
Hope he realizes how he should be soon. Soonest!!!
Left work around 7pm... and ate curry over rice on the way back home. Yeah, usual dish on Monday or 1st working day of any given week. Same taste... because I always go to same place!
Now since 9pm or so... I have been logged in to the client's network for work. Yeah, still working... (still "going" like Energizer.)
Two More Books
02/24/08 Sun |
Shopping
No big event for the day. Or this weekend.
I just went out to buy some books... today's purchase was of two new books.
"The Mind Map"
"How to make a good speech for 3 minutes."
Spent about 30-some dollars for two books above. Need to get new value 10 times or more from those books!!! Really do!
It was very windy today... even windier than yesterday. Train got delayed and some people were even killed in accident caused by such strong wind. Don't underestimate the natural disaster... even this was small one!
I just went out to buy some books... today's purchase was of two new books.
"The Mind Map"
"How to make a good speech for 3 minutes."
Spent about 30-some dollars for two books above. Need to get new value 10 times or more from those books!!! Really do!
It was very windy today... even windier than yesterday. Train got delayed and some people were even killed in accident caused by such strong wind. Don't underestimate the natural disaster... even this was small one!
Listen to Jazz
02/23/08 Sat |
Shopping
Stayed home all day long because I stuck with work in
the afternoon.
Though, I bought some music from iTune... for my iPod.
Pop?
Rock?
Country?
Latin?
None of the above. Wow, that's interesting.
Today's choice was JAZZ.
Naoko Terai is Japan's leading jazz violinist. Yeah, violin... I said.
Yeah, I now asking for "healing" from even jazz music! Hahaha.
I like her music very much... I am thinking to get a ticket of her concern... Will see.
Though, I bought some music from iTune... for my iPod.
Pop?
Rock?
Country?
Latin?
None of the above. Wow, that's interesting.
Today's choice was JAZZ.
Naoko Terai is Japan's leading jazz violinist. Yeah, violin... I said.
Yeah, I now asking for "healing" from even jazz music! Hahaha.
I like her music very much... I am thinking to get a ticket of her concern... Will see.
Performance Review on Overall Project &
Consultant
02/22/08 Fri |
Work
I guess, it wasn't meant to be TGIF or even Happy
Friday. Rather, sort Dark (not precisely black)
Friday... 
My client gave her performance review on project in general and on myself... to my boss, Director of the Firm.
Were they all good? Better than I thought?
Hmmm... now you know why I said dark... or grey.
Not that clear yes or no... But I'd better say that there was not 100% customer satisfaction.
In other words, I have to fill that blank space in customer's perspective.
Still some area need improvement!!!
Also as business consultant, I need to improve my skill set. Client clearly pointed out my cons... I have to pay more attention to improve that. Really.
The way I talk is very logical... but, as my client said, I have to adjust the way I talk depending upon to whom I talk. I thought that I did okay in that perspective... but customer isn't that satisfied.
Hmmm. My fault.
Now I acknowledged the fact given by her... thus, I need to face up with that fact.
Hmmm. Not that easy job to do.
My client gave her performance review on project in general and on myself... to my boss, Director of the Firm.
Were they all good? Better than I thought?
Hmmm... now you know why I said dark... or grey.
Not that clear yes or no... But I'd better say that there was not 100% customer satisfaction.
In other words, I have to fill that blank space in customer's perspective.
Still some area need improvement!!!
Also as business consultant, I need to improve my skill set. Client clearly pointed out my cons... I have to pay more attention to improve that. Really.
The way I talk is very logical... but, as my client said, I have to adjust the way I talk depending upon to whom I talk. I thought that I did okay in that perspective... but customer isn't that satisfied.
Hmmm. My fault.
Now I acknowledged the fact given by her... thus, I need to face up with that fact.
Hmmm. Not that easy job to do.
Tough...
02/21/08 Thu
Job is getting tougher and tougher... Current project
is out of my control already?
I guess, I still luck the leadership. Need to learn something about it... The more consultants participate in this project, the more leadership I need to exercise... Yeah, this is very sure thing for anyone.
I cannot excuse myself as the fact that I am still inexperienced consultant to lead any project.
Wait. Given situation is some hardship that I need to face. I need to overcome.
Hmmm. That's tough. Tougher day by day...
I guess, I still luck the leadership. Need to learn something about it... The more consultants participate in this project, the more leadership I need to exercise... Yeah, this is very sure thing for anyone.
I cannot excuse myself as the fact that I am still inexperienced consultant to lead any project.
Wait. Given situation is some hardship that I need to face. I need to overcome.
Hmmm. That's tough. Tougher day by day...
"Shabu Shabu" (Japanese Beef Dish)
02/20/08 Wed |
Food&Travel
During this week's event on job, we have an IT expert
from Paris... and we have a dinner among those who
are involved in the event. Somehow I was invited as
well.
It was SHABU SHABU dinner.
Shabu Shabu = beef cooked in clear stock... so I saw in someone else's say.
"Extra thin beef slices are swished in boiling water for a few second. Dipped it into a sauce, either a sesame paste, or a tangy one of soy and citrus. As the water turns to broth, vegetables are also added."
Does this make sense to you? Hope it does.
It was SHABU SHABU dinner.
Shabu Shabu = beef cooked in clear stock... so I saw in someone else's say.
"Extra thin beef slices are swished in boiling water for a few second. Dipped it into a sauce, either a sesame paste, or a tangy one of soy and citrus. As the water turns to broth, vegetables are also added."
Does this make sense to you? Hope it does.
Interview Prospective Consultant
02/19/08 Tue
Had to cut out the project work early tonight...
because I had to make an interview.
Wow, interview? Already quitting? New job?
Not so fast!
I still have to stick with this job... this firm... and, most importantly, this project!!!
No luxury for a while... am still broke... no such luxury!!!
I gave an interview to colleague to see whether he would join my project or not.
Young fellow - must be mid-twenties. Very smart guy... with good education.
What I liked this guy the most is not of those... rather of his spirit. His attitude. Very humble. Good to see someone like this guy. Don't know how competent he is for the project in terms of quality in the output. Though, good teamwork may be there if he joins.
Will see how the upper management would decide in terms of the interview's outcome.
Of course, it was quite positive.
Wow, interview? Already quitting? New job?
Not so fast!
I still have to stick with this job... this firm... and, most importantly, this project!!!
No luxury for a while... am still broke... no such luxury!!!
I gave an interview to colleague to see whether he would join my project or not.
Young fellow - must be mid-twenties. Very smart guy... with good education.
What I liked this guy the most is not of those... rather of his spirit. His attitude. Very humble. Good to see someone like this guy. Don't know how competent he is for the project in terms of quality in the output. Though, good teamwork may be there if he joins.
Will see how the upper management would decide in terms of the interview's outcome.
Of course, it was quite positive.
Shopping Alone?
02/17/08 Sun |
Shopping
Finally, Sunday? Yeah, spent for work yesterday...
today it is only off for me in this weekend!!!
Started early. From 8am.
Watched news in the morning... then had breakfast, coffee and bread.
Took a train for Tokyo... changed my destination from Tokyo to Yurakicho on the way.
Yurakucho? Way to Ginza? Nope, this time. Took the other way. To Hibiya.
Went to Alain MIkli shop to check new items (yeah, eye frame).
A0477-66 (47,250 yen) is it!!! Loved them. Not new model... but like that color.
What do you think? Nice color, right? I think so.
After Alain MIkli... checked many places like "United Arrows" and "Tomorrowland" - all famous select shops.
No buy from those places, though.
Wanted to stop by the OAZO for book searching. Hmmm, OAZO was shut down today. No bookstore.
Thus, had to go to small bookstore near my apartment. Picked up one book... which I finished reading one hour after. Yeah, simply reading... turned out to be very quick. Interesting reading it was.
I thought I used to hate reading. Now it is no longer that way.
Started early. From 8am.
Watched news in the morning... then had breakfast, coffee and bread.
Took a train for Tokyo... changed my destination from Tokyo to Yurakicho on the way.
Yurakucho? Way to Ginza? Nope, this time. Took the other way. To Hibiya.
Went to Alain MIkli shop to check new items (yeah, eye frame).
A0477-66 (47,250 yen) is it!!! Loved them. Not new model... but like that color.
What do you think? Nice color, right? I think so.
After Alain MIkli... checked many places like "United Arrows" and "Tomorrowland" - all famous select shops.
No buy from those places, though.
Wanted to stop by the OAZO for book searching. Hmmm, OAZO was shut down today. No bookstore.
Thus, had to go to small bookstore near my apartment. Picked up one book... which I finished reading one hour after. Yeah, simply reading... turned out to be very quick. Interesting reading it was.
I thought I used to hate reading. Now it is no longer that way.
Work... Stilll Working
02/16/08 Sat
Saturday... turned out to be normal working day for
me. Well, that's too much... at last I spent quite
time for work for sure.
Last night's drink really got me and made me have slow start today.
Woke up around 11am... logged in to the network around noon or a bit after that.
In the whole afternoon, I worked. From email, Excel, to PowerPoint work. Hmmm, lots of work? Somewhat...
Even client logged in and spoke to me over the chat system... she felt sorry for me working on Saturday. Though, I had due to make for her. Some urgent stuff needed to be done over this weekend. So I worked.
Well around 5pm, I became free.
Some beef dish along with beer.
Wow, another day with alcohol? Hmmm, very new to my life.
Anyhow, I finished this weekend's task for work... should have some personal time for myself tomorrow.
Last night's drink really got me and made me have slow start today.
Woke up around 11am... logged in to the network around noon or a bit after that.
In the whole afternoon, I worked. From email, Excel, to PowerPoint work. Hmmm, lots of work? Somewhat...
Even client logged in and spoke to me over the chat system... she felt sorry for me working on Saturday. Though, I had due to make for her. Some urgent stuff needed to be done over this weekend. So I worked.
Well around 5pm, I became free.
Some beef dish along with beer.
Wow, another day with alcohol? Hmmm, very new to my life.
Anyhow, I finished this weekend's task for work... should have some personal time for myself tomorrow.
Ogakijin's Friends for Fun
02/15/08 Fri |
Friends
Ogakijin's friends got together again!!! Now this
becomes monthly event from January.
This time, it is the 2nd time... and it took place in Ginza after work tonight.
Yeah, I cut out my work around 7:30pm to make it!
We only missed Arashida (male) due to his busy schedule. Everyone else including:
Tetsuji Fukui (m)
Yasuko Ishiyama (f)
Emi Takahashi (f)
Kenichi Eto (m)
celebrate this gathering with glass of beer!!! And great Thai food as supper!
"JAITHAI Ginza" Restaurant provided great food! This is award-winning Thai cuisine. No wonder it was great!
This time, it is the 2nd time... and it took place in Ginza after work tonight.
Yeah, I cut out my work around 7:30pm to make it!
We only missed Arashida (male) due to his busy schedule. Everyone else including:
Tetsuji Fukui (m)
Yasuko Ishiyama (f)
Emi Takahashi (f)
Kenichi Eto (m)
celebrate this gathering with glass of beer!!! And great Thai food as supper!
"JAITHAI Ginza" Restaurant provided great food! This is award-winning Thai cuisine. No wonder it was great!
The Number of Chocolate Matters?
02/14/08 Thu |
Fun&Humor
Okie - it's St. Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's
Day!!!
Somehow I am popular this year... Hahaha. I happened to be in the project site where lots of female workers are on duty! No wonder that I came to have 5 chocolate gifts for this year's St. Valentine's.
Well, I thank you who just gave me such little gift like that!
Somehow I am popular this year... Hahaha. I happened to be in the project site where lots of female workers are on duty! No wonder that I came to have 5 chocolate gifts for this year's St. Valentine's.
Well, I thank you who just gave me such little gift like that!
Heavy Duty from Now on?
02/13/08 Wed
Not easy day for me...
Director from my firm showed up to my project site... He seems to have great concern over the project... or even over me?
Spent several hours in the project site. Hmmm, that's totally unusual.
He took me out for dinner. Not including project members at all... just me.
Man, it was obvious that his concern was over me... no more than that. Hmmm.
He address his concerns... which were totally endless...
-project in general
-project members
-sales development by myself
Oh gee... I have too many concerns in and out of the project. My position isn't in comfort zone at all then.
What do you think? You want to help me for this? Please...
Thus, the supper wasn't part of my memory for the night.
I know, I had several drinks... that's all I remember. Hmmm.
Wish me luck!
Director from my firm showed up to my project site... He seems to have great concern over the project... or even over me?
Spent several hours in the project site. Hmmm, that's totally unusual.
He took me out for dinner. Not including project members at all... just me.
Man, it was obvious that his concern was over me... no more than that. Hmmm.
He address his concerns... which were totally endless...
-project in general
-project members
-sales development by myself
Oh gee... I have too many concerns in and out of the project. My position isn't in comfort zone at all then.
What do you think? You want to help me for this? Please...
Thus, the supper wasn't part of my memory for the night.
I know, I had several drinks... that's all I remember. Hmmm.
Wish me luck!
New Order Has Been Placed?
02/12/08 Tue
Back to work!
2 new consultants showed up and joined the project that I lead. Hmmm, I don't have any further luxury.
They have to work really hard to make it all up to client with me. Really.
Hope they would like this challenge on this project. Otherwise, I have to face another disaster.
Yes, I am quite busy... will be so for a while... no doubt.
I have to work more than those consultants as subordinates. No choice. I have to show then how to take care of businesses. Can I be role model like that? Hmmm, I doubt it.
Yes, of course, I will do my best.
Oh... who told me that, this week, I had to prepare PowerPoint slides for director's presentation?
Man, I will be even busier.
Who can stop me from dying on job? Hahaha. Funny, right?
2 new consultants showed up and joined the project that I lead. Hmmm, I don't have any further luxury.
They have to work really hard to make it all up to client with me. Really.
Hope they would like this challenge on this project. Otherwise, I have to face another disaster.
Yes, I am quite busy... will be so for a while... no doubt.
I have to work more than those consultants as subordinates. No choice. I have to show then how to take care of businesses. Can I be role model like that? Hmmm, I doubt it.
Yes, of course, I will do my best.
Oh... who told me that, this week, I had to prepare PowerPoint slides for director's presentation?
Man, I will be even busier.
Who can stop me from dying on job? Hahaha. Funny, right?
Long Weekend Simply Over...
02/11/08 Mon
Yeah, long weekend is now of the past. Already? Yeah,
it is the past!
Didn't do anything today... besides laundry! Hmmm.
Totally nothing. Stayed home for the all day.
Maybe I should spend my time on something else...
I did some maintenance on my fountain pen collection. Some were not used for a long time... so I refilled the ink after cleaning them. Now all are ready to produce beautiful words!!!
Now I want more colors for pen..
and this leads to the fact that I want to but another pen or two!!!
Oh... call me crazy. I don't even intend to deny that!!! I totally admit it! No problem.
What brand net then? Hmmm.
Cartier (France)
Visconti (Italy)
They are my top choices at this moment. Will see.
OK... ready for new week. Almost working mode.
Didn't do anything today... besides laundry! Hmmm.
Totally nothing. Stayed home for the all day.
Maybe I should spend my time on something else...
I did some maintenance on my fountain pen collection. Some were not used for a long time... so I refilled the ink after cleaning them. Now all are ready to produce beautiful words!!!
Now I want more colors for pen..
and this leads to the fact that I want to but another pen or two!!!
Oh... call me crazy. I don't even intend to deny that!!! I totally admit it! No problem.
What brand net then? Hmmm.
Cartier (France)
Visconti (Italy)
They are my top choices at this moment. Will see.
OK... ready for new week. Almost working mode.
Keira in Tokyo
02/10/08 Sun |
Friends
Yeah, friend from Thunderbird - Keira is in town...
for sightseeing over Tokyo.
Today, it was the first time to see her in (almost?) two years.
Met not only herself but also her sister Jenny. They checked in at Tokyo Prince Park Tower... pretty new hotel that I had never been to. Pretty clean... though, the service really sucked. I would like that place!
Afterward, went down to Ginza for shopping. Jenny was busy looking for something particular. Keira almost (?) bought some stuff as special Tokyo edition, at PRADA.
Ate Japanese food with beer and Japanese plum wine. Was Jenny drunk? Hehehe.
Then didn't return to the hotel... Rather went to Roppongi. For bars? night clubs? Nope. Discount store called Don Quijote. They had to shop many stuff... Also happened to bump into some famous singer from Thailand. Got hand shake and photo together.
Lucky them!
Anyway, it was fun with them... Thank you both!
Jenny (left) and Keira (right)
Today, it was the first time to see her in (almost?) two years.
Met not only herself but also her sister Jenny. They checked in at Tokyo Prince Park Tower... pretty new hotel that I had never been to. Pretty clean... though, the service really sucked. I would like that place!
Afterward, went down to Ginza for shopping. Jenny was busy looking for something particular. Keira almost (?) bought some stuff as special Tokyo edition, at PRADA.
Ate Japanese food with beer and Japanese plum wine. Was Jenny drunk? Hehehe.
Then didn't return to the hotel... Rather went to Roppongi. For bars? night clubs? Nope. Discount store called Don Quijote. They had to shop many stuff... Also happened to bump into some famous singer from Thailand. Got hand shake and photo together.
Lucky them!
Anyway, it was fun with them... Thank you both!
Jenny (left) and Keira (right)
Long Weekend Begins
02/09/08 Sat
Long weekend now begins... you guys have lots of
plans? For me, I was supposed to work today... and I
did.
Spent most of time at home... went outside for grabbing foods and coffee, etc.
Oh even over lunch at coffee shop, I was thinking of action plans regarding to some initiative within the project.
Hmmm... call me workaholic.
Extra income suddenly emerged. Wow, good for me! Very rare to happen...
You know, I am somehow SO READY to conduct big spending... Let's take a look at my shopping list:
-Shoe (brown)
-Suits (Paul Smith)
-Belt
-Fountain pen (one every year... this is for 2008)
-Eye ware (I would like this to be one every year...)
Obviously, this time's extra income won't cover everything... Hmmm.
Always thinking of spending... no wonder that saving is never part of my life!!! (BANG)
Bought a book, "Leverage Reading" --- famous leverage series by Japanese T-bird.
Never bought any book of the series... first time for me to read the series. Will see how interesting.
Tomorrow, I will see Keira for the 1st time in 2 years. Where is she staying tonight? She told me that she found the hotel... but didn't have detail for me... Hope everything is okay.
Tonight... not snowing. Just rain. Very cold... though.
Spent most of time at home... went outside for grabbing foods and coffee, etc.
Oh even over lunch at coffee shop, I was thinking of action plans regarding to some initiative within the project.
Hmmm... call me workaholic.
Extra income suddenly emerged. Wow, good for me! Very rare to happen...
You know, I am somehow SO READY to conduct big spending... Let's take a look at my shopping list:
-Shoe (brown)
-Suits (Paul Smith)
-Belt
-Fountain pen (one every year... this is for 2008)
-Eye ware (I would like this to be one every year...)
Obviously, this time's extra income won't cover everything... Hmmm.
Always thinking of spending... no wonder that saving is never part of my life!!! (BANG)
Bought a book, "Leverage Reading" --- famous leverage series by Japanese T-bird.
Never bought any book of the series... first time for me to read the series. Will see how interesting.
Tomorrow, I will see Keira for the 1st time in 2 years. Where is she staying tonight? She told me that she found the hotel... but didn't have detail for me... Hope everything is okay.
Tonight... not snowing. Just rain. Very cold... though.
Black Burger & Friend Keira Coming?
02/08/08 Fri
Very rare to eat burger in my current lifestyle. Very
rare to go to even McDonald's. Somehow, I ended up
not going to lunch with colleagues because I was
quite swamped then.
In stead, I ate a black burger from "R Burger." Not too far from where I work.
Black burger is made from black vinegar. Did I like it? Yeah, very much so!!!
Though, this is a bit expensive... 500 yen for single burger. Hmmm.
Friend from business school (Thunderbird) - Keira is now in Japan.
She gave me calls to see if I could accommodate her. Not only her but also her sister as well.
As typical Japanese place to live, the space is very limited. My place doesn't have any room for guests. Meaning, what I can do for this circumstance is that I let those friends sleep in my bed and I sleep in sofa. Yeah, that's all.
So... for clarification, there is no guest to stay in my place this weekend. They held a reservation at some hotel.
Anyhow, am going to see them on Sunday. I may take them to sightseeing over Tokyo.
At night after work, I went down to the gathering for logistics study group.
That's all for this Friday!
Hey, extended weekend is now coming... Monday is national holiday for National Foundation Day.
Resume to work on Tuesday! Oh I almost forgot... I will work at home tomorrow. Hmmm.
In stead, I ate a black burger from "R Burger." Not too far from where I work.
Black burger is made from black vinegar. Did I like it? Yeah, very much so!!!
Though, this is a bit expensive... 500 yen for single burger. Hmmm.
Friend from business school (Thunderbird) - Keira is now in Japan.
She gave me calls to see if I could accommodate her. Not only her but also her sister as well.
As typical Japanese place to live, the space is very limited. My place doesn't have any room for guests. Meaning, what I can do for this circumstance is that I let those friends sleep in my bed and I sleep in sofa. Yeah, that's all.
So... for clarification, there is no guest to stay in my place this weekend. They held a reservation at some hotel.
Anyhow, am going to see them on Sunday. I may take them to sightseeing over Tokyo.
At night after work, I went down to the gathering for logistics study group.
That's all for this Friday!
Hey, extended weekend is now coming... Monday is national holiday for National Foundation Day.
Resume to work on Tuesday! Oh I almost forgot... I will work at home tomorrow. Hmmm.
Already St. Valentine's?
02/07/08 Thu |
Fun&Humor
Wait. It is February 14th... for St. Valentine's
Day... RIGHT? Hehehe.
"Ms. Client" gave me a box of chocolate... a week ahead. Yeah because she's on business trip next week.
Wait... this is scary... I have to come up with "impressive return... in terms of value and... whatever it may be.
Hmmm, that's tough to respond. Don't you think?
Well, at least got chocolate for this year's St. Valentines'... Not bad for my life, huh!
"Ms. Client" gave me a box of chocolate... a week ahead. Yeah because she's on business trip next week.
Wait... this is scary... I have to come up with "impressive return... in terms of value and... whatever it may be.
Hmmm, that's tough to respond. Don't you think?
Well, at least got chocolate for this year's St. Valentines'... Not bad for my life, huh!
Supposedly PTO (Paid Time Off)
02/06/08 Wed |
Fun&Humor
Sort worst day for me.
Originally, I planned to take a day off as PTO. For personal reason? Nope. Rather, I was planning to attend business conference. Really! I had registered for two sessions, "Service Supply Chain" and "Balanced Scorecard." They were, still are, interesting topics to myself.
No day off means that I had to work. Yeah, I did.
Showed up to the office even earlier than usual!!! My nightmare started then.
THREE meetings, including the recap meeting from the 2nd one, really made me tired. I was the one did most of the talk throughout the all sessions.
In the afternoon, pretty much similar story as one in the morning. Three meetings. Yeah, another three.
I was late to join colleagues for lunch. I found it later that all of them went together and it turned out to be the team lunch!!!
Man, I wasn't even invited. Hey, I was working and even busting my butt for project!!!
Darn it! Really!
No wonder I feel so exhausted. Originally time off for me... and I even missed the team dinner (free food... good stuff, of course!).
Lost energy to last for the day. Let's adjourn!
Simply, ain't my day!
Originally, I planned to take a day off as PTO. For personal reason? Nope. Rather, I was planning to attend business conference. Really! I had registered for two sessions, "Service Supply Chain" and "Balanced Scorecard." They were, still are, interesting topics to myself.
No day off means that I had to work. Yeah, I did.
Showed up to the office even earlier than usual!!! My nightmare started then.
THREE meetings, including the recap meeting from the 2nd one, really made me tired. I was the one did most of the talk throughout the all sessions.
In the afternoon, pretty much similar story as one in the morning. Three meetings. Yeah, another three.
I was late to join colleagues for lunch. I found it later that all of them went together and it turned out to be the team lunch!!!
Man, I wasn't even invited. Hey, I was working and even busting my butt for project!!!
Darn it! Really!
No wonder I feel so exhausted. Originally time off for me... and I even missed the team dinner (free food... good stuff, of course!).
Lost energy to last for the day. Let's adjourn!
Simply, ain't my day!
Where to Take a Look?
02/05/08 Tue |
Fun&Humor
First time for the week to show up to the project
site. Got back to serious work? I have been to
serious work, moron!!! Hehehe.
Tomorrow, I have to present "Turn Around Plan" and need to get consent, from the client, to bring two new consultant on board. Will see how it go.
I spent much time for such preparation. Idea and document that idea for presentation. Already addressed that outline to client over the phone in the afternoon. Seemed to be acceptable. Way to go!
Six of us went out for lunch. Usual faces.
Ended up in the Korean restaurant where we would always go every Tuesday... somehow.
Anyway... one of the topics over lunch was... how to determine female's age. Interesting topic to cover, huh!
Well, I began to share the way I do.
I always take a look at the hand... outer skin. I mean the skin of the back of hand. You know what I mean?
That skin is the point of check for true aging skin... no make-up or anything.
Well, most of companies (female) disagreed with me.
Why?
Some female do cooking more than some others. Meaning, some female put their hands in the water when cooking. Thus, skin condition doesn't merely reflect the age. Difficult to judge such.
So what shall I do? (Do what?)
Almost all female companies told me that I'd better look at the skin around the neck. That is the pure skin area... with no external influence. I see. Interesting, huh!
Thus from now on, I'd better check that out when I REALLY need to know of her (whose?) age. For what purpose? Hmmm. That's secret, huh! (BANG)
Well, over lunch dish, I had very easy time... No pressure means no stress. Thank God.
Tomorrow, I have to present "Turn Around Plan" and need to get consent, from the client, to bring two new consultant on board. Will see how it go.
I spent much time for such preparation. Idea and document that idea for presentation. Already addressed that outline to client over the phone in the afternoon. Seemed to be acceptable. Way to go!
Six of us went out for lunch. Usual faces.
Ended up in the Korean restaurant where we would always go every Tuesday... somehow.
Anyway... one of the topics over lunch was... how to determine female's age. Interesting topic to cover, huh!
Well, I began to share the way I do.
I always take a look at the hand... outer skin. I mean the skin of the back of hand. You know what I mean?
That skin is the point of check for true aging skin... no make-up or anything.
Well, most of companies (female) disagreed with me.
Why?
Some female do cooking more than some others. Meaning, some female put their hands in the water when cooking. Thus, skin condition doesn't merely reflect the age. Difficult to judge such.
So what shall I do? (Do what?)
Almost all female companies told me that I'd better look at the skin around the neck. That is the pure skin area... with no external influence. I see. Interesting, huh!
Thus from now on, I'd better check that out when I REALLY need to know of her (whose?) age. For what purpose? Hmmm. That's secret, huh! (BANG)
Well, over lunch dish, I had very easy time... No pressure means no stress. Thank God.
Refuse to Work?
02/04/08 Mon |
Work
Because messy morning by yesterday's snow, I refused
to work? Oh maybe because project went down as deep
as it possibly could... No more motives for me...
that's why I refused to work?
Obviously, didn't show up to the project site for the day. Not at all.
Instead, I went down to my firm's office for meeting. To be precise, they were meetings! Included some spot interviews.
Did they go well? Hmmm. No comments. (BANG!)
Anyway, secured several consultant candidates for my project.
Now I have to prepare the proposal... Let's say, "Turn Around Plan." Hahaha. Funny, huh!?
Spent most of time for the day in the firm's office. Yeah, longer than expected.
Then, stopped by the hospital for check-up. My finger of left hand still bears pain... irritating. I need to get rid of that.
So I saw the doctor. He wasn't that interested.
"Oh, trouble in your finger? No physical cause? Must be something else... usually hard to diagnose."
Yeah, didn't even see my finger much. Just told me, "DIFFICULT."
At least he looked at the X-ray result... Didn't tell me anything, either.
(It was obvious that there was no broken bones in my hand.)
Tell you what! Never go back to that doctor!!!
Yeah, got medicine. Will see that work or not. Hmmm.
Obviously, didn't show up to the project site for the day. Not at all.
Instead, I went down to my firm's office for meeting. To be precise, they were meetings! Included some spot interviews.
Did they go well? Hmmm. No comments. (BANG!)
Anyway, secured several consultant candidates for my project.
Now I have to prepare the proposal... Let's say, "Turn Around Plan." Hahaha. Funny, huh!?
Spent most of time for the day in the firm's office. Yeah, longer than expected.
Then, stopped by the hospital for check-up. My finger of left hand still bears pain... irritating. I need to get rid of that.
So I saw the doctor. He wasn't that interested.
"Oh, trouble in your finger? No physical cause? Must be something else... usually hard to diagnose."
Yeah, didn't even see my finger much. Just told me, "DIFFICULT."
At least he looked at the X-ray result... Didn't tell me anything, either.
(It was obvious that there was no broken bones in my hand.)
Tell you what! Never go back to that doctor!!!
Yeah, got medicine. Will see that work or not. Hmmm.
Big Snow over Tokyo... So Sudden!
02/03/08 Sun |
Photo
Hi, folks. Some people know that big snow hit the
center of Tokyo today... Snow continued pretty much
all day long!
Even some accumulations here. Meaning, lots of people got disturbed by this natural cause. Am, of course, one of them. I was planning to go out to either temple or shrine for praying... to get rid of bad luck by asking for good one.
Man, didn't know such disturbance was coming like this.
Thus, I have to stick with this poor luck all week this week? Hmmm.
Today, February 3rd is called "Setsubun."
Here is the definition:
"Setsubun" literally means "division of seasons" and this day was the end of winter. On the evening of this day, people throw roasted soybeans inside and outside their houses with a cry of "Oniwa-soto, Fukuwa-uchi!" meaning "Devils out! Good luck in!". As the beans are thrown, it is believed good luck is invited in and bad luck is driven out.It is also customary to eat as many roasted beans as one's age. It is a kind of charm against ill luck.
Anyway, I ate special rice for Setsubun... for peace and no ills all year around.
Ate "Ehoumaki." So I should be physically well in 2008! I lack only luck now.
Even some accumulations here. Meaning, lots of people got disturbed by this natural cause. Am, of course, one of them. I was planning to go out to either temple or shrine for praying... to get rid of bad luck by asking for good one.
Man, didn't know such disturbance was coming like this.
Thus, I have to stick with this poor luck all week this week? Hmmm.
Today, February 3rd is called "Setsubun."
Here is the definition:
"Setsubun" literally means "division of seasons" and this day was the end of winter. On the evening of this day, people throw roasted soybeans inside and outside their houses with a cry of "Oniwa-soto, Fukuwa-uchi!" meaning "Devils out! Good luck in!". As the beans are thrown, it is believed good luck is invited in and bad luck is driven out.It is also customary to eat as many roasted beans as one's age. It is a kind of charm against ill luck.
Anyway, I ate special rice for Setsubun... for peace and no ills all year around.
Ate "Ehoumaki." So I should be physically well in 2008! I lack only luck now.
Golf for the First Time in 2008
02/02/08 Sat
Already playing golf? Yeah, good start, huh!
Hopefully, I can play it at least three or four times
this year!
Yeah, hopefully.
Today's round was in Chiba - woke up around 5am to make the tee time at 8:20am.
How did I play?
Out 52
In 54
Gross total 106
(HC 20 Net 86)
This was a competition among colleagues from the firm. 18 people of us joined.
Remember? Last time I participated back in August, I made the 3rd place.
Today, I held the 8th place. Not bad? Well, so-so.
Though, I liked the way I played today. Very stable. Last time, too.
By observing others playing with myself, I realized that I didn't have solid motivation about how to make the score. I should've committed myself even harder to make under 100!!!
Yeah, I regret something about it.
I should play more to have better clue how to manage the game!!!
Yeah, hopefully.
Today's round was in Chiba - woke up around 5am to make the tee time at 8:20am.
How did I play?
Out 52
In 54
Gross total 106
(HC 20 Net 86)
This was a competition among colleagues from the firm. 18 people of us joined.
Remember? Last time I participated back in August, I made the 3rd place.
Today, I held the 8th place. Not bad? Well, so-so.
Though, I liked the way I played today. Very stable. Last time, too.
By observing others playing with myself, I realized that I didn't have solid motivation about how to make the score. I should've committed myself even harder to make under 100!!!
Yeah, I regret something about it.
I should play more to have better clue how to manage the game!!!
Getting Rid of Bad Luck...
02/01/08 Fri
Starting new phase... at least "readiness" was
there... SO I THOUGHT.
Suddenly I received a message... it was right after lunch. "RESIGNATION" it was.
From a consultant in HK side... told client that he had no motives to work hard... then I was informed that news.
Hmmm.
What a mess! This is huge mess just emerged.
Client called me and we had a discussion how to deal with the situation.
Conclusion? Customer didn't want to afford anybody with no intention to work. Of course not.
Thus, I told that consultant of his immediate termination.
What a mess! Worst I saw!
He didn't expect such... lacked the sense of urgency... Shame on him!
His reason of quit? Good question. Glad to ask.
Obviously two aspects compose the mind quitting the job.
Oh for your information, he not only quit the project but also turned resignation in to the firm. Meaning he is no longer business consultant. He lost such energy entirely.
Two reasons...
One, he had some personal issue relating to his personal finance.
The other, he couldn't stand the pressure given by the client in this project.
Latter one... any consultant should be tough against such. I believe that I have even bigger pressure!!!
Suddenly I received a message... it was right after lunch. "RESIGNATION" it was.
From a consultant in HK side... told client that he had no motives to work hard... then I was informed that news.
Hmmm.
What a mess! This is huge mess just emerged.
Client called me and we had a discussion how to deal with the situation.
Conclusion? Customer didn't want to afford anybody with no intention to work. Of course not.
Thus, I told that consultant of his immediate termination.
What a mess! Worst I saw!
He didn't expect such... lacked the sense of urgency... Shame on him!
His reason of quit? Good question. Glad to ask.
Obviously two aspects compose the mind quitting the job.
Oh for your information, he not only quit the project but also turned resignation in to the firm. Meaning he is no longer business consultant. He lost such energy entirely.
Two reasons...
One, he had some personal issue relating to his personal finance.
The other, he couldn't stand the pressure given by the client in this project.
Latter one... any consultant should be tough against such. I believe that I have even bigger pressure!!!
