Tak's Milestone: March, 2000

March 31, 2000 =March Ends Already?!?!

March ends... how do you evaluate of this month?!?! I feel like "We already finish another month?!?!" --- I guess, being so busy everyday life makes me feel like "I need another 6-8 hours more everyday, not 24 hours."
As most of you know, baseball season began... 2 games between Cubs and Mets just took place in Tokyo, Japan... at Tokyo Dome. Then, today Japanese Professional Baseball kicked off its season. There are 2 leagues (Central and Pacific League) and 6 teams completing in each one (= total 12 teams). Dragons, Giants, Bluewave, Hawks, Lions, Tigers, Carp, Swallows, Baystars, Fighters, Marlines, and Buffaloes.

My team, Dragons, from Nagoya lost the opening game... disappointed. Though, the most popular team Giants lost too. That was a good news... Giants are like Yankees in NY. They've got lots of money and always steal all top free agent players... so staff-wise, Giants should win every year... though, it is so funny that they can't... I really love to see that happenes. Well, season just began and cannot conclude anything yet... too early to tell... Though, I will be happier that Giants doesn't win any championships than my team Dragons lose... of course, I will be happiest that Dragons win it all!

Major League Baseball... there are 163 games for a team... on the other hand, only 135 games for Japanese baseball.

Today's job --- in the morning... things were under control... afternoon because out of control really quickly... by the time 5:30... I was just kept doing something urgent and came to realize... coworker Dorie in Washington DC's last day was today!

"Man! I totally forgot about it!" Usually I take all memo about this kind of this in my Palm computer... though I obviously didn't do so. I rushed dialing her number... then thanks goodness, she answered. I could say good-bye to her and wished good luck for her. She finally found the job and she will keep going on like that. I was quite happy to hear that. Because of Dallas centralization by Company, she had to leave the company, very unfortunately. She was such wonderful person to work with and I am going to miss her just like one more person on my list that I need to keep in touch with.

I guess this weekend should be easy one... last weekend, I was in Japan and did lots of thing so quickly... I need to slow down a bit and rest. I may rent some video to watch home in order to relax.

Is there any interesting movies open this weekend?!?!

Well, I better cut this update short... tired. See you tomorrow.

March 30, 2000 =Big News!!!

Big surprise... very big!!! Got a phone conversation with my sister Robyn today and come to find out that she was going to marry Edgar who recent visited her form his country Columbia. They are now engaged!!!
While I was in Japan, things got developed and wedding will take place one Saturday in September. Should've said "Congrats" to her right away... though, surprise won over anything else and I only said, "Really?" "You mean you marry Edgar, right?" It took a while to get myself into believing it indeed.(^-^)/~

Anyway, congrats Robyn!

So wherever I would be... I have to come to North Carolina for her wedding...

In my American family... there are three persons left as being single... Tim (age: 26) , Tak=myself, and Sam... who is 3 years old. Tim and I are the same age... Robyn and I continued conversation into who is next between him and me... there was no definite answer since neither of us has girlfriend... Shouldn't I count Sam in for the regard?

Damn! one of house dogs pooped inside the house... now I have to clean it up!!! Kona (name of the dog), why didn't you tell me to take you outside?!?! BAD DOG!!!

Two dogs, Momo and Kona, usually don't do things like that... they are well-trained... I don't know why this happened... is that why people say,
"Shit happened?"
Gotta be it, right? Yah, gotta be! --- HAHA!

Oh, today was last day for Yvonne. When I started working there, she was in marketing group... then moved to computer support team... she's been with us for several years. Then today, she decides to take off for new interest of her own.

Even though I told you, "Don't leave without my digital camera" yesterday, I couldn't locate my old CASIO digital camera in my room this morning... so I had to sneak in the warehouse office to grab company's Sony Mavica Digital Camera to take a couple of pictures with Yvonne like this:

"Which capital of country used to be called Edo?" --- the contestant used one of his limited life lines, call friend, to find out the answer... and he made it right...
If you read my recent articles in this web site, you NEVER missed like James Bond:
"Edo is old name for Tokyo."
HA! that guy has already wasted one of his such limited resources. See, I hereby prove that my web site is NOT only entertaining or amusing but ALSO informing or educating...

Oh well... I better go for now to personally celebrate my sister's new future... By the way come to think of it, do I have something in the refrigerators?

March 29, 2000 =First Day of Work after Trip to Japan...

First day is usually easy... right? WRONG! Tons of emails while absent... a bit more than 200 emails were remaining in my email box when checked out this morning... I drastically looked over emails... every easily... then threw some away to make me feel better... so my keep-up plan became a bit easy.
I've got many emails responding my email, prior to my trip, letting people around know that I was out of office since I had to get talked to people in Japan about my job status. Those emails were indicating like...
"Don't quit!" --- something else like...
"You cannot leave us!"

Well... nothing determined yet as of now... so I may take more time to get all thing finalized. Say, within next month. Anyway, I am at least grateful to people told/emailed me so.

Subject change:

I download the Palm Desktop for Macintosh... I used to use version 2.1... and I found out that it hadn't properly synchronize with my Palm III. So downloaded latest version 2.5. It now nicely works... though, I still cannot see any difference between version 2.1 and 2.5... (there must be some, at least).

While I was in Japan, I really felt that Palm III was quite big... since all things around such as desk, table, glass, plates, etc. were relatively smaller than what we have here in US... so Palm III seemed a big gadget... Felt like Palm V (slim body Palm) must be better fit...

Plus, Palm Japan was just founded and announced Japanese version Palm V and IIIc (aka color Palm) will be on sale soon... Should start saving some money for my new gadget...

Coworker Beth quit last Friday... Too bad that I just started knowing her better... then she's just gone. She stays with us for almost 2 months... Well, she didn't go too far becuz she now works for our competitor... should have another chance to get together with her sometime.

Oh, tomorrow... Yvonne's last day... Don't leave without my digital camera!

March 28, 2000 =Tak's Japan Report <Cont'd>

I got some email messages asking me if I would be free this weekend... though, I am ALREADY back in US!!! Feel so sorry for those who kindly wrote me like that. I know, I really failed to contact as many people as I wanted to during my stay in Ogaki.
Okay, start putting up some pictures...

It was Monday morning... my way to "Ogaki Expo 2000"... some staff members of the Expo must have been concerned... not many visitors to Expo when I visit and I would write like "Oh man! Expo sucks and there is a few people!!!" on the web.

I saw some buses and lots of elders were visiting to the Expo.

After this, the climate was downwards... when the train went into platform of Gifu-Hashima Station (where I get off the train), it was rainy scene.
My dad came to pick me up. Had to stop by the eye wear shop I usually go to. Since found that my glasses had loose screw, so repair was needed. Plus, frame was kind tight on me, so a bit of adjustment was done, too.

You know what? I grabbed another pair... the waving curve frame was very unique and I really liked them... couldn't resist (as usual).

Finally came home!!! First time for last 2 and a half years... Everyone was fine and such conformable place for me... of course.

Okay, let me go for now. I should be quite busy with my friends tomorrow... may play some baseball? Chao------

March 24, 2000 =Fight with Rush Hour Train in Tokyo?

^{Good Morning in Tokyo}

Apparently, lots of readers pay attentions to what's up to me in Tokyo... since interview takes place, etc. Hello! I am okay and have no major jet lag --- first night in Tokyo... I kept reminding myself that I couldn't be possibly late to work in the morning... then I did that a bit overwhelmingly... ended up with not much sleep. In fact, I kind of in and out the bed since having that thought.
Thanks to that (at least), made the office way earlier than I should. Actually, the hotel was located quite near to the place I go for work... as 1 stop away in subway. Costs me 170 yen ($1.50).

^{Tokyo Office}

I then had to go back and forth between Sales Dept. and Int'l Div. and I met so many people in entire office for greetings. Didn't find too many good looking chicks in there, unfortunately.
Came to SFLS, the company I get interviewed with in the afternoon.

Went thru 2 floors to meet people and encountered something... President "M" passed by and told me, "Tak! Managing Director "I" was looking all over for you!" Man... so I moved quickly to grab him (probably at 68 miles/hour).

I met Mr. I and reminded that appointment (=interview) was at 4pm and he easily confirmed... unlike President yelled at me to rush to this guy immediately. (Don't scare me hell out of it!)

Had lunch with Director of Int'l Div. Reported how things in US were to him. Met President of Tokyo Branch afterwards.

Finally around 4pm... interview began... It was actually not interview... didn't get any details of employment (condition). I just got outlined of company profile. Funny thing is this company was very unique in management. Unlike to traditional Japanese company, employees CAN speak up what they want to do in job. Everything is coming out of performance, not seniority, etc. Last fiscal year, the Company even did pass out the ranking sheet to each employee to inform like "you're #xx ranked employee in current performance." And this determines of amount on bonus check, etc.

Did I like it? Not too sure. I like some and don't like some other.

Well, since detail isn't coming into my hand, couldn't tell anymore. At least, I was told, "You can consider that you can come to work for this place if you come back (to Japan)." So at least I have an option here, which isn't too bad news.

Though, one thing really annoyed me... "What you do right now (in Atlanta) isn't advancing myself much in this organization because the way to manage the business is totally opposite." Mmmmm... what would you think?

Dinner with all people from management... Director of Int'l Div, Rep from Manila, Philippines, President of Tokyo Branch, etc. Had lots of drinks (since no driving involved, so I could drink as much as I wanted). Food was great!

With paying respect, I couldn't take my digital camera out of my bag...

Everything was over around 10:30pm... so main thing of the trip comes to an end! (yoooo hoooooo)

On the way back to hotel... found an interesting thing on the street:

You can buy a pager costs around 7000 - 8000 Yen ($70-80) in vending machine like that! I thought that vending machines only deal with small amount of money --- I was darn wrong!
Friend, tkoich, made an international call from Atlanta to see if I am okay in accordance of his huge curiosity about the interview... Well, thanks anyway.

Estimate for my car repair... around $1500... Damn it. Well, have a collision on my car... it should be taken care of.

Well tomorrow morning, I will get a train to home, Ogaki. See you later!

March 23, 2000 =Arrived in Tokyo, Japan

How was your day? Finally arrived in Narita Tokyo Int'l Airport... DL55 was supposedly direct flight to Tokyo... in fact, the aircraft landed in Portland for clew change as well as fueling... Plus, when departing from Portland, OR, aircraft had to wait for FAA's okay to take off since the transpacific traffic was maxed out with numbers of aircrafts... so we had to wait more thereafter.
While in Portland, we had to remain on board... so would be better if we could get out of aircraft at that time.

In Delta flight... food seemed to have had much improvement... Shrimp salad, Japanese "Soba" noodle, and steak. Used to have "Bento" or Japanese Lunch Box... it was gone this time.

In flight boardcasting, there was another surprise... TV showed something constantly... I used to have to face the screen showing world map with currently aircraft's position, outside temperature, current speed, etc. CNN Special Edition, popular drama (forgot name of title), and in-flight movie.

In-flight movie was "Anywhere But Here" --- was okay... Will give 2 or 2.5 (out of 5).

Airplane finally touched down in Narita... it was 5:05pm!!! Scheduled at 2:30pm... so almost 3 hours delay! My brother who came to pick me up in the airport had to wait that long... and told me that another DL flight coming from Atlanta via Portland (indirect one) did arrive before mine... so this didn't sound great.

Anyway, my brother drove his Mercedes into Metropolitan Tokyo for me. Ooooooops, didn't take a picture of him...

We went out to eat before going to hotel I stay for next two nights. We ate eels. Man, it was great (I know, you may say "Oh no!" --- sorry). a dish of 3800 Yen... almost $40 per person... (quite expensive, huh?) Thanks to him, had a great meal with him. Plus, he gave me some money to spend.

Mmmm?! in TV, there was a commercial of Ford... saying "if you buy one (automobile), you can get $2,000 cash back!" --- Wait! They do give us cash back in DOLLARS here, in Japan? Lots of things gotta be changed while I was outta here then!

Hotel I am staying is called "Mita Miyako Hotel." Phone number: +81 3-3454-3111 / Room# 1308 (yes, 13th floor) I finally opened up my PowerBook for the first time in this trip! (usually do so in flight... didn't do so this time thanks to my new gadget, Palm!)

Modem didn't recognize the tone of phone... Tried several different ways and never worked. So called Front Desk for a question. It told me to come down to grab "(phone) line changer"... so I did. Simply connect between phone jack and PowerBook. Man, it worked!

Okay, so I can get your email if you send one while I am in Japan!

It was rainy today in Tokyo... according to a most popular evening news show "News Station" on Channel 10 -Asahi TV. Tomorrow this messy weather will be even increment... Though, temperature wouldn't go lower... which I was concerned most.

Here's the room I am staying:

Tuesday, I said good-bye to Chris (above) who was leaving the company on Friday... Great working with you! and GOOD LUCK! He's going to a competitor after this.

That's it for today. Will be in office around 9am... have several meetings with different departments and an interview starting from 4pm.

See you tomorrow! Come back to see me here, promised?

March 22, 2000 =Tak to Tokyo, Japan

Tak is currently on board to Delta Flight #55 to Narita (Tokyo), Japan.

March 21, 2000 =Car Accident Day Before Departure for Japan?

Man! --- my car got damaged tonight... man... I was so upset. In fact, I am still so! The damage was caused in the parking lot of Japanese grocery store nearby my house. When backing out of spot where I parked my car, the iron strut jammed underside of my car... the strut wasn't tall... and the darkness limited my sight at the same time... I really couldn't see any objects around my car. When my car shaked, it was too late. Left side of car body was cracked! man.
I can bearly open the driver's side door to get in and out.

I am so afraid to take a look at that in details; so I don't take picture yet... no pictures available here.

Thanks to having wonderful friends!!! my roommate, yk110, will take my car to shop for estimate and possibly leave the car for repair. I am sure that I have to spend $500 on this deal which is the amount of deductible on my auto insurance policy.

Let's move on some other stories of the day:

Work, as ways, sucked pretty bad... though I had to leave on time since I've got an invitation to go to one of the most fancy restaurants in Buckhead tonight.

It is "Blue Pointe" located across the road from Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square.

Inside of the restaurant-

We've got a free food tonight... yk110 and prospective roommate of ours, Yuko, and I myself went there together. yk110's friend, Taka, who is chief chef of Sushi bar treated us so well...

Mr. Taka of Blue Pointe

Prices... are pretty high and I probably won't be able to afford to go to this type of places... though, I really did enjoy the food as well as atmosphere in it.

from left> yk110, Tak (server), and Yuko

After this restaurant, we all went to the Japanese grocery store... man, all shit happened here...
Came home afterwards, and packed for trip. Well, I realized that I didn't have many things to pack this time... because I work only for a day and spend a weekend with my family... that is simply it. So I am not taking gigantic suitcase which usually utilized for international travel (regardless of trip duration).
<Ogaki-jin English Version Exclusive>
All whom I usually bother on job and some friends:
(oh, if you thought that "Tak didn't bother me" for a moment, you must be my friend!)

I hereby let you know that I will be out of office from tomorrow, Wednesday, 3/22/00 thru following Monday, 3/27/00. I will be in Japan for an interview in Suzuyo Fritz, Tokyo (in regard of possible relocation).

Well, so far I plan to come back in Atlanta on Monday, 27th and resume working in office Wednesday (should be Tuesday... though, I feel like I am going to be out sick then). If you have any concern of my duties/accounts, please inquire directly to my boss, Kazu. You can bother him as much as you possibly like if needed or even if not necessary at all! He will be happy to help you in any matter!

Oh --- if I hit on a good-looking chick in Japan, may not come back at all... in that case, I better say, "Thank you for everything. It was such wonderful years working with you and keep in touch!" --- I presume.

Above letter is the one I circulated in the office to let all know that I will be out here.

Lots of reactions taken... some said, "I assume that you don't hit on any girl... see you next week then," etc.

Most interesting thing which I didn't expect to happen was... those people got that message concerned how that person's name was prioritized in the list... Well, David was quite concerned like "Hey, I am still way down like that? So I am even below her?"

Who was the top? Well, spontaneously LeighAnn... she told me that she was very honored.

Then, people around me at that time of the conversation started looking at things like "who's top on whom..." etc. That was quite amusing to me at least.

Everyday life, I learn something even after finishing education... right?

Okay, better go to bed for now (@2:00am).

Thanks to a friend and my supporter, Miyuki, I should be able to get Internet access... so I shouldn't have any problems to update this page.

See you here with lots of info from Japan!

March 20, 2000 =Tak Holds The Stuffed Animal in Bed?

What's up? --- Several readers reacted quickly about yesterday's update. Everyone agreed that stuffed animal was certainly cute... Rather than that, those readers sent me an inquiry with big curiosity... WHETHER I HELD THAT IN BED LAST NIGHT OR NOT.
Hey, I am a MAN (let me spell it out clearly... it is M, A, and N. Got it?). I know, I think it was cute; though I wouldn't do things like that... unless I turned out to be a g... oh well, I should not go that far.

Anyway, sorry folks. I disappointed you.

Japan had a loner weekend than US... Monday was off for them... FYI.

In 2 days, I am leaving for Japan as scheduled. Have I started packing yet? What do you think? Nope. Simply NO. Reason? I just don't start doing things like that until last minute.

Usually --- Mom in NC gets surprised at me who didn't pack stuff even when she goes to sleep a night before my departure. People don't know me when starting packing... When in NC, I have to leave like 5:30am in order to catch the flight at Asheville... then Atlanta, then Portland, OR --- to Nagoya, Japan.

I often think --- taking flight = can catch up my sleep in flight... Some of you may know, I am pretty tough... can survive in any country, then I don't mind sleeping in aircraft even under such uncomfortable seating condition. In other words, I normally stay up late... very late night before the departure. Then, I get on board so sleepy... checked the in-flight movies, watched them if interested... otherwise, I kept on sleeping! (sounds like "Energizer" keep going and going and going...)

In my head, I've already have a list of stuff taking with me on trip. PowerBook (laptop), Palm III, eye-glasses (2 pairs - casual/biz), 2 pairs of jeans, a set of suits (of course, this is on biz-basis), gifts for my family including that "CUTE" stuffed animal, two watches (Rolex and one more - undecided), jacket (Heard that quite cold in Japan now), etc.

See! in my plan, packing is pretty much done. What remains is to act physically... to pack!

Oh, I better tell you of myself passing Japan Customs... This time, flight is going into Narita (Tokyo). Usually when going home, take Nagoya flight. Upon arrival in Nagoya, you have to go thru Customs... of course, I am no exception... Funny thing is that almost always, Customs personnel stops me to have more inspection... at least I SEEMED suspicious. Since every entry to Japan has a long term interval... like more than a year period from the departure. Personnel asked me like "Tak, do you smoke pod in US?" or "Did you accept anything from your friends in order to give someone?"... etc. I guess, I don't look normal... ugly face with gold necklace (Japanese guys don't wear things like that except Japanese Mafia).

One time, I wore suits (looked very formal then)... you know what happened? Man, no inspection. Passed right away! Customs determine whether to stop that person depending upon looks! (this is damn true!)

In Japanese education, "One's looks express his/her personality well." So in that manner, I am so OFF or am bad... Plus, the education is really effective to our daily life in Japan... No wonder that I don't belong to that society anymore! HAHA!

Tomorrow, an invitation to restaurant called "Blue Pointe" in Buckhead... Have you been there before? I heard interior is nice as price on the menu... Will figure out more upon my actual visit tomorrow evening. What is the occasion? Not quite fancy or anything...

Kirk, buddy of mine, came back from Japan... I went to pick him up in the airport after work. Saw a coworker, Tim, in the parking lot... He didn't work today... he told me that he just sent his mother to airport... she was going home in Ohio, I think.

Oh well... better close for day. Let's take everything easy for darn Tuesday!

March 19, 2000 =Tak with Stuffed Animal? "Erin Brokovich"

Weekend is over --- Man, it was pretty darn quick --- We always say, "It wasn't long enough" blab, blab, blab... (particularly for female...)
Went shopping today... Got to... because my trip to Japan is around the corner...

from left> Tracy, Nick, Tak, Shannon, and ... (forgot her name)
Talked to many people and too bad that I cannot remember everyone's name... I was, to be honest with ya, heavily drunk...

Bright side is, I met cool people (those people above, Tony, Ashley and more!) and probably will go out with them again (hopefully soon).

Then, today's story...

Woke up like 12pm... since came home around 4am? (not remembered well...) Went out for some errands and then watched Japanese Yakuza (Mafia) movies home. Then, started working on Income Tax. Yet, I came to find that I didn't have forms for State Income Tax. So I just did for Federal one (i.e. 1040A).

$48 overpaid. Cool, I can get some return! Last year, I had to pay like $300... so this is much better. So I can go dinner for free with that money.

I shouldn't forget to grab the form for State one... (Let me bring my Palm up to write a memo...)

March 16, 2000 =Edgar comes to US! / More People Quit?

Rain --- all day long, this kind of weather didn't comfort us to work... Especially, I had weird sleep schedule last night...
I kept having headache both physically and mentally. One problem got solved and soon another one erupted... Seems we were playing endless game... Didn't sound good, did it?

Had a chance to talk to ex-coworker, Kiristi, over the phone. She was happy in new work place and she was glad that I called her. Purpose of calling her (oh by the way, she's married and has sons---) was someone in the office asked me to check that work place out. Maybe that person was looking for new job already.

Then, I came to know more about what's happening in the office. Yvonne and Chris were quitting. I cannot even count how many people quit from this office... Joey, Jason, Jim, Ken, Robert, Kristi, Tessa, Pam, Nicky, Ed... whole bunch more.

What direction is this company going for? (Who knows, right?)

Anyway at this point, it is incredibly difficult to find out something encouraging to work in this place.

After work, I went to airport to see some old friend... in fact, boyfriend of my sister's. Edgar came into Atlanta Airport around 6:30pm and I was late to meet him at the gate where he just came out of aircraft.

We missed each other.

At that time, Robyn - my sister - kept calling to my cellular phone in order to confirm that I met him in designated place and moved together to another gate from where he would depart. I told her that I missed him and couldn't find him there. She was, of course, concerned.

I missed him at the Gate 35 in D concourse. Then, his next flight to Asheville, NC, was at the Gate C 28. So Edgar must have taken a train to get there. So I did the same. As soon as I saw the sign of "C-28," someone with familiar face stood up and proceeded toward me... It was him, Edgar. That was around 7pm.

He didn't look tired a bit... We went in "Pop-Eyes" for just drink (soft one, I mean).

He then took a flight at 9:05pm... should be making nice reunion of young couple by now in North Carolina. He will stay in US for 10 days or so.

Well, I will miss all happenings in NC since I am going to Japan from next week.

Oh, I asked my brother to arrange two nights to spend in Tokyo. Since I will have dinner with some executive from the company Friday night, I don't think I would make the last bullet train for home around 9pm departure.

Oh well, tomorrow is finally Friday... and it is St. Patrick's Day. Don't miss GREEN!

March 15, 2000 =Late Update for Ogaki-jin

Hello! --- Man, it is so late writing this page today... it is 4:17am! I just turned this computer on around 3:30am and just finished Japanese page.
What have I been doing? I came home around 8:30pm and was so exhausted (as usual). So I decided to lay down for a while --- ended up with sleeping 'til then.

Last night, I had to stay up late since I had to help my roommate, yk110, who needed to submit all materials for her admission to GA Tech (told you before, didn't I?) She created own her web page and wanted me to edit... since I know a little bit about how-to. Finally finished up around 2am and I was so sleepy... obviously lack of sleep from then.

"Another day, another story---" didn't become true in my business life... it sucked yesterday and did the same to me today again.

Had numerous conference calls. Don't even remember how many... calling Texas, South Carolina, etc. Bad thing is --- dedicating/working to death still ain't good enough to get customers satisfied. What we do everyday at this moment is not to get any situation worse than this. Another words, it is not implementing any improvement yet.

Therefore, need either smoke or drink (you know why I feel this way---).

Plus, my boss gave away some new instructions to people in charge...of MY ACCOUNT. He didn't get me consulted about new changes...told them the changes were effective immediately. No longer keep up with this biz for me then. This was quite disappointing to me... felt like I am the last person to know something very important in the group of biz people. I was the one had control how to take care of each case about this particular client... then I came to know last. Very discouraging. He excused himself, "We didn't have time to talk about this since you seemed so tense..." What would you feel then? ---- Oh boy.

Weekend seems to have messy weather... should stay in? Probably no. This weekend is only one left before leaving for Japan. Need to buy some stuff for my family... Should've done that before and I could have... though I didn't.

My boss informed me that I can spend up to 15,000 Japanese yen for accommodation in Tokyo (about $140). I don't know this is good enough or not. Better call my brother tomorrow so that he can make a reservation.

"Foyer," a friend of mine, told me that he had a tough time to find hotel to stay since this is spring vacation for students and lots of hotels are booked up already... He just left for Japan today, by the way.

Kirk - Currently in Tokyo, Japan

Tom (still female = Kirk's girlfriend) - Currently in Osaka, Japan

Foyer - Will be in Tokyo, Japan by tomorrow

Wow, many of friends are gone!!! Then, I leave on 22nd by Delta.

Tomorrow I will stop by the airport after work to see my friend who is a boyfriend of my sister's. Edgar is from Columbia visiting on business; though he spend a week with my sister, Robyn. Are they gonna engaged? At least, Edgar gets on his knee? Will see how this story develops...

He just make a transit in Atlanta for North Carolina. He should have a quite time to spend in the airport, so I decided to drop by.

Oh, well it's 4:40am. It is time to get back in bed. Can take a nap for a few hours, right?

March 14, 2000 ="White Day" in Japan --- Talking Brother

Let me start today's update with giving you a definition of "White Day" on 3/14. As ya'll know, 2/14 is St. Valentine's Day.. when (mostly) males give something expressing affection/love/caring feeling to females.
However in Japan, St. Valentine's Day is for FEMALES to do things like that to males. Did you get it? Yes, FEMALES are supposed to take actions (don't say "unfair" here!). Hence, "White Day" is when those males received something from females are supposed to let those females know whether they appreciate or not. In other words, it is time for man to say that he is interested in that particular woman or not.

Well, this is at least my understanding. (Don't throw me bones here!)

Since I didn't receive any gift/chocolates (usually chocolates are used as part of gifts rather than flowers in Japan), I have NO ACTION to be taken for today.

Well, this has been same for several years, already.

Anyway, would like you this kind of day? (Yes=gotta be a man, No=girl!)

Today's job... still messy, not as bad as recent days though... My boss will be in office tomorrow and I am sure that he brings lots of "homework" back from El Paso where a meeting took place all day long today.

Oh...what else happened... I did talk to my (real) brother for the first time in two and a half years!

"Hey, Tak! How's it going?" said my brother. Sounded fine. I kind hesitated to be talkative to him since I don't know him much anymore... scary, huh. Anyway, he offered to pick me up at Narita (Tokyo) Airport next week when arriving by Delta flight. Cool. That would be easiest for me to go there...

Heard about my sister in law was sick... My Mom (real one) in the past informed me that she went under surgery in December last year... seemed the result didn't come out as they wanted to... so she isn't completely healed yet... So she doesn't live with my brother since then. She is under her parents' care. Hope she gets better soonest...

Oh well, let me close this for day... Hasta manana, ya'll!

March 13, 2000 =Yelling in the Office and Tak... "what the hell?"

Another day without boss in the office... Tak had to encountered another nightmare, which is no longer surprising kind of occurrence in his everyday life nowadays.
What most surprise of the day happened around the early afternoon... Two women in office (not gonna specify who!) started yelling... over $15 vouchers, I needed at that time in order to pick up urgent cargo.
"You just don't know what you are doing in job...!"
"You have a personality problem before doing any job..."

I don't remember exactly those two ladies yelled... at least it seemed so serious to me. I guess, they don't like each other in the first place. Anyway, they started like that when they felt so irritated not finding those vouchers.

Somehow, I still keep saying "Boucher" instead of "Voucher." People laugh at me saying by mistake!

Anyway, at the time of incident, I am the only one involved... because both ladies were trying to find out vouchers for me. Other people around were "wow, that gotta be serious..." and they started leaving there to get out of the scene!

There was only thing to say, "Don't worry about it. I look for it myself." --- That was only thing came up to my mind. (am not that smart, in fact).

Eventually, we found those vouchers on one's desk... as a result, I had to spend quite some time to look for nothing but those vouchers.

Man! my lunch hours are now between 2:30 and 3:30pm!

Had a chicken sandwich at McDonald's. The location: on Riverdale Rd. along with I-285. DO NOT EVEN TRY TO GO THERE FOR QUICK MEAL. I guarantee 100% that you will come to realize that you thought wrong.

There is always some quere waiting to place orders and seems that no employees there cares about waiting time of each visitor. See, McDonald's is considered as "Fast Food Restaurant" ---But, that particular location is NOT. It should be considered as "Slow Food Restaurant." instead!

Anyway, don't even try to go there to see how you feel sorry for yourself!

Ally McBeal was rerun again... disappointed.

Ex-coworker of mine, Kim who just transferred to Dallas, TX, just emailed me and wrote as ---I saw your boss today, I said "where's Tak"?--- ha! He didn't even extend an offer to visit Dallas Office to me. Well, I wouldn't like to spend too much time with him alone, though!

Dinner was pizza. I shared slices with my roommate, yk110. She has been crazily working on her first time web page. She now tries to get in GA Tech grad school... So she's already gone nuts about continuing studying TOEFL and/or GRE.

I cannot study like that...

She is so hot/eager about entering that academic institution. I cannot even touch her since she is so focused. (what would I do upon touching? - ha!)

Well, it's about my day today. Oh, tomorrow is "White Day" in Japan. "White Day is a month after Valentine's Day... Will give you more details tomorrow (if remembered).

Bueno, tengo que irme y descansarme para manana. Ya me voy! (Well, I have to go for now and need to rest for tomorrow... Let me go!)

March 12, 2000 ="The Next Best THing" / Car Accident?

Weekend is oooooooooohver! How was your weekend? It was kind chilly today and I had to wear something heavy in order to keep myself warm... Morning temperature was around 36! Did anyone out there go to race in Atlanta Motor Speedway? I don't have a big interest in car race; I still love to see it live once...
Man, gas price seems NEVER to stop raising... What would happen hereafter?

Another gun shooting incident in Buckhead tonight? Is that place safe anymore? Gotta watch out, ya'll!

Didn't have any plan for today. So walked around Phipps Plaza, checked out a couple of Rolex, Ebel, Hublot watches and ended up with a movie. "The Next Best Thing" by Madonna --- It was quite okay... even though I didn't like the ending.

I guess, this movie was everything about Madonna... (as always) her current single "American Pie," which was covered from the same titled song by Don McLean, her practices of Yoga, etc.

I didn't like much about ending... when the battle of child custody was settled... It was just too simple right after some complication of relationship with biological father and best friend who was loving that kid for 6 years since he was born.

Then, Tak's rating... I give 3! (i.e. so-so)

Oh by the way, I didn't know that there was a fast food of sushi bar in Phipps Plaza... I forgot the name; there were quite few people eating sushi... so it must be getting popular! Do I eat that kind of sushi? Well, it depends. If you look for serious food to learn about true sushi, that is the last place to go on the earth. This is for sure...

Did anyone see "Mission to Mars" over this weekend? I did see the preview... didn't get interested in it, though. Probably, "The Whole Nine Yards" spots the first place again for this weekend's movie sale?

My roommate told me that she hit my car when driving out home this morning!!! Wow... she forgot to look at front? She said that there was a mark on bumper of my car. Need to check that out tomorrow (it is already dark now)

Disappointedly, the weekend is over (I already said it, didn't I?!). This week, my boss will be out from tomorrow afternoon thru next day (Tuesday)... in other words, it will be quite tough on me while he is absent from the office. Will keep my fingers crossed that nothing too bad won't hit me!

Seems there might be tons of rain this week... as per Channel 2.

Alright... let's hope that everybody will have easy week! (at least to hope so...)

March 11, 2000 =iMac Delivery / Going to "Churchill Grounds"

Saturday morning... woke up at 6am! I had to give Kirk a ride to airport, as mentioned before... I went to his apartment around 7:30 and we got to airport by 8:30. Checked in at the counter for international flight and decided to eat breakfast in the center lobby area.
On the way to breakfast, stopped by the store...men's fashion, "Bernini" which is not only located in the airport but also in Lenox Square Mall. Found a brown, kind of shinny T-shirt. I thought that it was pretty neat. I had to dig out my size, Medium. All others, except the on at the bottom of whole inventory, were XL or X... was lucky enough to find one for my size.

Asked the guy in that store nicely if I can open the package to see actual size and I opened it. It was nice T-shirt and liked it much. Next moment, I already passed my AMEX card at the cashier. It was marked down to $38 from $57. It is NOT cheap for me to buy something like that. Though, I went through lots of different reasons to persuade myself, "why not!" I usually do not buy things like that... especially like in airport where all prices were rather higher. Though, I just liked to shop then.

Well, at least I was happy shopper at that time.

Had breakfast and went up to the gate. I told Kirk who was about to proceed boarding, "Kirk, it was such my pleasure to know you. Whatever happens in the aircraft, do not hurry. Destiny is destiny and I certainly will come to pick up your ash if the case comes up that way." He kept laughing at me who was SERIOUSLY joking about it.

Aircraft left around 10am and I came home thereafter.

In the afternoon, hit to Sugarloaf Hwy. area in order to deliver iMac to my client. Everything went fine and quite smoothly, except data transfer from old Mac and printer setup. All together, it took me to finish all for 3 hours.

My client lives in a huge house like castle! Must be darn rich.

Setting up iMac, printer, and sold brand new scanner at that site...

Today' sale: $1747.00! (all inclusive)

My day seemed to be over after that. Lack of sleep, etc., I took a nap around 6pm... Then, woke up around 7pm... when I was already late to Charlie's (=tkoich) house for dinner.

There was an accident of 5 cars in access road to I-85 and I then took a detour... this made me lost in unfamiliar area. At last arrived at his house about 30 minutes late.

Look at my eyes! Definitely drunk (I am so sure that you are agree with me right this moment...).
Came home finally around 2am. It was such fun!

Oh, just Saturday ended... cool. The weekend is still another half to go!

March 10, 2000 =Scary Friday? Many Screams?

Oh boy! What a miserable Friday... like I mentioned yesterday, I went in the office to take care of urgent matters around 7:30am... which was the beginning of nightmare. One hot shipment to North Carolina for delivery was successful... everything else was just piece of whole gigantic shi' of the day.
All day long, had to be really irritating myself because nothing goes well... Call after call with full of complaints, etc... This is beyond my patience.

Some shipment was "asleep" for a month or so... then, now we have to move quickly... then faced another problem of equipment shortage... so we cannot carry out the delivery for Monday... We will hear from the client for this particular one and we certainly don't surprise if we get yelled at!

I was eventually released by my boss around 6, being so exhausted... Though happened to be informed that Charlie ("tkoich") and my roommate were gathering in Chinese restaurant in Buford Hwy. for dinner, so I joined them. We had Chinese foods (of course) and came back home... Charlie was supposed to teach my roommate, yk110, how to create the web page of her own.

What kind of Chinese? They ate noodles, and I had BBQ pork on rice.

At the time, I was duplicating CD-ROMs and continued setting up iMac for tomorrow.

Since job was so hectic...I keep thinking about smoking... I don't know why thinking that way... though. Maybe cigar?

Man, cannot burn CD-ROMs well... for Mac-only CD-ROM it is very simple. Have a trouble with hybrid one... I need to research more about the software Toast.

Have NO plans for this weekend whatsoever... except I have to take Kirk to airport very early morning and deliver iMac to a client. Other than that, I will get bored... maybe stopping by movie theater to check some out.

John Major in England is now running in next election? He must be sick and tired of stupid power game called politics?

<MLB> Hideki Irabu, traded to Toronto Blue Jays from Yanks during this post season, started the exhibition game against St. Luis Cardinals. Pitched 4 innings, gave up 2 runs... not too bad. He might be the opening starter of Blue jays this coming season.

Oh, I should clean up my room and do Income Tax thing... Last year, I really waited 'til last moment for Income Tax... so I indeed should go ahead to do that before forgetting the deadline to turn the form in. I don't have any stocks or property...so it should be pretty simple, anyway.

Okay, better change to "weekend mode" by now. In fact, I am not quite yet.. I will try to bring up some good mood for you in here, okay? See you tomorrow then. Don't drink too much! (oh, I didn't drink tonight ...)

March 9, 2000 =iMac Setting for Weekend

No particular topics to talk about today... What's up? How ya'll doing? It was pretty hot today, wasn't it? Man, are we going to have summer, skipping spring? Though, the weekend temperature doesn't reach that high like today... so you may need a jacket.
Job wise? It is STILL, OF COURSE, YET messy. I spent most of my time for imports and still we don't see/picture the end side of tunnel... This seems to be lasting so long even from today...

Used to be, people were staying in office after regular hours just to catch up... nowadays, people were just worn out by 5 or 5:30p and no one COULD not stay thereafter... In fact, I feel same way. So this BAD cycle needs to be cut out at some point ---

Came home and then I spent time to set new iMac for my client. I now have an appointment on Saturday with the client to set all up for iMac (Lime color). It is already Japanese-ready... though, I still do need to download some software to make total Japanese environment. A bit hectic...

No DRINKS tonight. Had some engagement to go out tonight... canceled.

Now listening to radio... Madonna's song, "American Pie," is now my most favorite... Always changing tunes to find that song out everyday..

[Bye-Bye, Miss American Pie...] that phrase never gets out of my small brain.

Probably end up with buying a CD and make that song into MP3 file for my convenience.

Oh boy, I have to go in the office way earlier than usual... so I better go to bed now in order to get up earlier than usual with same amount of sleep for a night. I will be in office around 7:30am tomorrow.

Well, talk to you tomorrow!

March 8, 2000 =Snowed in Ogaki Again?

Pro-baseball game took place in Gifu, 15 kilometers (10 miles) away from Ogaki, was called at 5th inning due to heavy snow... That means, snowed in Ogaki, too... I presume.
Hey, are you all happy out there about the result of "Super Tuesday?"

Oh, have to let you know... I had drinks tonight AGAIN (no surprise anymore?).

Susan whose family recently victimized of the house loss due to fire came in to work for the first time after the tragedy. I talked her and expressed deepest sympathy of the matter to her. The cause of fire was possibly the wire short circuit... She said that this was happened around the dog house and probably the dog bit the wire... Fire alarm never went off, she explained...
We should check up with that kind of emergency equipment in the house!
In the morning, went to see Pam who asked me to fix her Macintosh... According to her, the computer crushes a lot and so slow in function... When brought in my home, booted it up promptly... to see what happened. Nothing. Everything went well including AOL software. I don't know exactly she thought wrong about this.

Ex-coworkers, Shanel and Carrie, visited out office yesterday. Shanel was fired and started working at next door. Carrie was resigned and moved on to a competitor. They just visited us to say, HI; though it seemed so interesting to me. I am now so used to encounter ex-workers visit to the office... though, you don't see this kind of thing in Japan... especially once you get fired. Even moving on to competitor of same industry, usually no one lets you in like this.

Oh god... started feeling so dizzy... must be drunk and had too much drinks.

John Smoltz @ Braves is now out of entire season due to his elbow injury! That must be shocking... Smoltz may not be able to last his career any longer? He is pretty old, right?

Do you all know that best closer (pitcher) of Japanese baseball in history now challenges in MLB? His name is Sasaki and he plays for Seattle Mariners which is owned by Nintendo (you knew, right?). Sasaki can throw way better folk balls than Nomo who plays for Detroit Tigers this season. So far, Sasaki shows his great ability in the Spring Training. Will introduce more later.

Ok, time for bed now. Let me go. Am very very very sleepy (still I sleep alone, though).

March 7, 2000 =Palm Recovered/Job Messed Up Big Time

Unexpectedly slept about 4 hours after coming home tonight... I was supposed to go out to grab CASES of beer to drink tonight. As a result, I missed the record of drinking for 5 days in a row.
Why I have to drink? Because I cannot stand without it!

I had a big time with a client who was so upset about his freight undelivered due to our slow process. I had to run a special truck for delivery whose freight was on us, rather than on him. On the way to home tonight, was talking to Kirk over the cellular phone... talked about what I was right about chaos in March in terms of Company's Customs brokerage centralization in Dallas, TX. I was so right about it. I knew it. Everyone gets so behind processing entries, checking status of shipments, dispatching to truckers, etc. I am not blaming this on anyone particular. Though, I hope this kind of situation won't last so long and, at some point, we can turn things around.

Today's mess was all combined... using wrong customer code, delay in entry, no dispatch for 2 days after Customs clearance... The shipment came in Atlanta on 3/1/00 and the cargo was just sitting in airlines' warehouse until today (3/7/00). Even ocean shipment doesn't take this long to dispatch... Man!

The client phoned me, screaming like "Tak, we need that today... What the hell happened?" No words out of my mouth, except "Sorry."

Plus, my boss is out today... Well, maybe it doesn't make a much difference anyway... I always do apologize first to any client (then, he does...).

Same kind of problem was occurred a couple of days ago... that client was yelled at me and afterwards said, "Tak, what is wrong with you! You'd never ever done this kind of mistake..."

Obviously, it is out of hand... I have my own things to do plus checking all cargoes? No way... I am an ordinary human being (unfortunately)... cannot do everything by myself. Overall, this situation is considered the worst in my service level for 3 years.

Let's change the gears here...

Reader in Alabama emailed me today with some comment about picture on this website. She said that I looked a bit tense/strained in the picture with Dawn. I guess, this reader PRESUMED that I kind liked her... WRONG!

Dawn is married, plus has a baby boy named Jordan (very cute). Please take a CLOSE look at that picture!!! She is wearing a ring on her left hand! (I was editing quite well that picture because I INTENTIONALLY left that part within picture).

Do I look a bit different? Yah man, I was DRUNK! (HAHA)

Anyway, having a website with such personal information is quite difficult like this...you NEVER know who talks about me or whoever mentioned here...

My Palm is now fully functional as a result of all restoration took place last night... Once I thought about it was dead and needed to buy another one... though, I am glad that it was okay.

My repair of PowerMacintosh 6360 wasn't successful? I was informed that the computer still crushes a lot and because very slow...Mmmm... I don't know what happened. When finished everything here in my house, everything was great... Will find out.

Super Tuesday is now over! Did you vote?

Gore definitely moves forwards and so will Bush... So, nothing new, right?

Tested CrossPad today... it was great! The way transmit hand writings on pad is quite similar to the way Palm does... Now on my desk, there are tons of things: IBM laptop, PowerBook (another laptop), printer, portable CD-ROM drive, portable scanner, CrossPad... looks like JUNK PARTS SHOP!

Oh well... it is late late night already... should go back to bed... another day, another shi'...

You know, the only way I can feel better or least relieved in this freaking situation of biz is to cuss around and people around laughed at me. So that entertains me... even though I am aware that it is not proper way of doing biz... (Oh, don't misunderstand that I NEVER cuss out to clients!)

See ya!

March 6, 2000 =Drunk again? My Palm Got A Major Crush!

My Palm Pilot seemed broken down... Wow, I was really scared of not only let all data go but also losing such productive device I have ever used. It suddenly never gets turned on once it went to sleep mode by itself in the middle of afternoon today. Exchanging the batteries, shaken the device a little... no effect. Man, what else? Then I came to an idea... "Hard Rest." This means I lose all data and applications in that device.
Before doing hard reset, an idea crossed my mind...

If didn't go well, I SHOULD buy a replacement... color Palm IIIc? maybe Palm-compatible VISOR?

Got excited in thinking about it (i.e. I like shopping).

Though, I have all backups in my laptop, PowerBook 2400c/G3. I realized that I could do that hard reset. Then, I did. It didn't take me much time to restore most of data as well as application from the laptop... though, somehow somewhat something went wrong and I still had some difficulty tapping on the screen.

I now decide that I do all over after uploading this diary to the server.

Coworker, Larry, told me something when I asked him where he had been...since didn't see him for a while. What I found out was pretty shocking... He went to see a doctor to check up his heart. The result isn't complete yet; though I thought that he should not do anything tough on his heart...

Then, I encountered him later on outside the building...he was smoking!

He must be hell out of good shape or what? Anyway, hope his problem isn't that serious. He maybe works too much? Maybe. Drinks too much? Should be. Smoks too much? Must be! (HAHA!)

At dinner, get together with Bamian (Birthday Boy, recently) in nearby Japanese restaurant. in order to eat ramen noodle which I desperately wanted to have! He came out to eat with me because of my favor as well as he needed to get a CD-ROM of Windows 95-Japanese from me.

Roman Noodle, Pork Dumplings (10pcs), and 2 bottles of beer...

Man! I keep drinking... 4 days in a row so far!!! Seems never stop doing that for a long time...

I guess I am pretty stressed out.

Back to the time before leaving the office, my boss were talking about some biz matter... then suddenly brought up something like "Tak, do you have problems or complaints about me or job?" Since his Japan trip, I just don't have much time to chat with my boss and that was why he thought that there was a difference in my attitude... which is true.

I am merely swamped and cannot afford my time in order to get along with my boss!

(watching FOX news @10pm) Man aged 97 years old schools to GA State? That is great! He looked great, too.

Tomorrow is a.k.a. "Super Tuesday." Have you all registered for votes? Who would you vote for? Hope McCain will do close race... Who would I support? I don't know. No big interest in any election since you all don't let me vote! (^0^)x

All right, that is for tonight. See you tomorrow. Have a good vote!

March 5, 2000 =Drunk... 3days in a row?/CrossPad obtained

Hope everyone reading this had a wonderful weekend... This is Tak who felt really messed up by today's golf... 116 strokes for a round today! Gosh, it was bad. Really. Actually, 116 is the worst of the year (106 x 2 times before today).
I now indeed feel that I really should practice ( Should have been doing so!) I never felt any happiness in any shot I did today... Puttings on green are never on the way I intended to. Driver shots and left-to-right or vice versa and seemed never under my control.

Went to play golf at Mystery Valley (bad name...) with "tkoich": (Japanese male), Mr. Max Matsuzawa (ditto), and Mr. Miyazaki (ditto). So, Japanese four-somes. Never met two gentlemen besides "tkocih."

Late report... obtained "CrossPad" for FREE! (wow)

CrossPad is device that I can write on normal note pad and transfer my writings into personal computer! I didn't know of the value for this device... Checking on Cross' web site, found that it was about $300!

It is certainly Tak's expensive toy ( How many do you need?).

This is (as usual) Windows compartible, not for Macintosh. However, I can get an adaptor from Serial to ADB (Apple Device Bus) port and run Virtual PC on Mac... so that I can still browse all handwritings on desktop from the Pad. Hence, I have a solution for incompartibility of this device.

This is pretty cool! (Yah, baby!)

This particular weekend passed, already... however still I felt like this one was longer that others. Maybe because I've done lots of things this weekend. Then, kind miss my regular weekend routine...watching movies. Will definitely go to see Madonna's "The Next Best Thing" following weekend! (promised) What other movies do I still miss? I do feel like I missed quite nubers of movies already. Any recommendations?

Well, hope your week would be easy one... as I wish same for mine.

Anyway, the weekend is over (yes, you did mention!); I felt so good about it since I really did enjoy every moment of the weekend!

Let's take everything damn easy for Monday!

March 4, 2000 =Buckhead Again, Drunk Again?

Drunk again? Wow! I am not usually like this. Guess, this weekend is just exceptional...
I didn't know that today was Bamian's birthday... he's been friend of mine like more than a half year now. So that why five of us went out for his celebration.

The place selected was my roommate, yk110's favorite restaurant in Buckhead. In fact, I went there with her once before. It is called "Eclipse di Luna" --- Italian words? Though, what they serve in there are mainly seafood... so I would say that it was Mediterranean cuisine. The main dish you should order in there is "Paeria" - Spanish dish. The dish did serve all of us... so if you gather 4 or 5 companies, don't miss it.

Bottle of wine costs $20... we ended up with having 4 of them... this small social started around 6:30p and those bottles made us more talkative about lots of different things for 2 and a half hours thereafter.

Left to Right> Bamina (=Birthday Boy), yk110, Tom (still girl) and Kirk.

Bamian turned 24 today (picture on left)...Man, still like baby... Oh, I should mention... his girlfriend in AL called in to that restaurant and told me that she wished happy birthday (since she got a work, she couldn't make this party); plus she ordered a bottle of Champaign!!!

How sweet, huh! I know her --- Bamian's girlfriend. She is very nice person, I can tell for sure. And what she did was very sweet and cool. I wish I could have someone like that to be with me...

Oh, it is out of line. Let me come back on...

Ordered a piece of cake, as well. Since it was Bamian's birthday and also he just obtained that H-1b working visa to stay and work in US for next 6 years (tough to get nowadays), we had double celebration.

I mentioned of "Paeria"... bottles of wine... what else did we eat? Oh, chicken, beef, squeeze (not raw, fried - I liked the best!), salmon, etc... Was too drunk to remember much!

What did we talk about??? About our friends who didn't come to that party, (somehow) Tak's career choice, Tak's personality, Bamian's girlfriend history, and most notably about sex.

yk110 gave us a lecture about faking orgasm for female in general... That was VERY interesting.

And Bamian's "how to seduce a girl" and "hot to start off a relationship" were another things to keep up with. He has a totally different character (from myself) and I cannot be like that because I am not pushing things like that much around. I usually wait and see... (that is why no girlfriend, huh...) Bamian told me how he got his current girlfriend... calling everyday, telling her he really liked her, etc. (while he was dating someone else, though!). Wow, that is aggressive. I try it out someday then. He persuade me, "Tak, life we have is only once and if you missed, you never get it." which is true.

Changed the place. Went to, once again, shoot balls. First time for me to witness my roommate playing pool: