Tak's Milestone: April, 2000

April 30, 2000 =Sunday with Israel

Feel so exhausted when woke up this morning... not hangover or anything... just fatigue.

Since my update for yesterday was done this morning... had to make Israel wait for me while doing things on Internet... finished everything up and we went out the house around 1:30pm... as a result of sleep-in and working on computer.

Since he wanted to buy computer... especially Palm device, we went to Micro Center and CompUSA after eating in at Cracker Barrel on Jimmy Carter BLVD. (I like its food!).

He was, first of all, thinking to buy a laptop and a Palm... then he changed his mind like buying Palm only this time... so one time, he was moved toward buying latest color Palm... though, the cheap model he was thinking to buy was $150... and color Palm was $450... too much difference in price. So he decided to buy $150 Palm IIIe.

Funny thing was... he was thinking "IIIe" as --- "e" mean "espanol" so that Spanish OS was running... which was untrue. "e" is probably short for economy or something... I believe.

So he bought a Palm IIIe.

Stopped by BestBuy on Cobb Parkway... he tried to buy a Play Station... not available at this time... since Playstation2 is coming up in September. He seemed out of luck today.

Oh, saw a movie, "U-571" last week's #1 movie. It was pretty good... If you like an old movie called "U-Boat," you definitely don't want to miss it out. Even those who like action movies should be able to enjoy it much. I liked it... besides the end. That's the only reason I lowered my rate on this movie.

Tak's rating for "U-571": 4.0 (pretty good)

Tomorrow morning by 9am, Israel will fly out of Atlanta for Norfolk, VA, in order to visit some other friends from my college, Virginia Wesleyan College where he came as an exchange student. He will stay for 2 weeks there... hope he will have more fun in addition to time he spent with me.

Oh, I've got a letter from his sister, Osmara... I should write her back or at least call her soon. Love you too, Osmara!

After sending him to the airport, my life will resume to normal mode. Otherwise, it is just too crazy! ha!

April 29, 2000 =Atlanta Off-Line Meeting!

Too much fun today... it was a party of Off-Line Meeting between my friends who met on Internet... the party took place in Chinese restaurant, Canton Cooks on Rosewell Road (Tak's Rating=4).

I was late to that party... since I took Israel to CNN Center, Underground, and Coke Museum... then, came home once to check out the map where today's newcomer lives... in order to pick her up.

Then, hit I-285 traffic jam due to construction... then I lose myself in Highland area... so when I got to the place, actually it was school "Horizons School," I was already late...

Met a new friend, Kyoko, she was teaching Japanese culture at that school... then, moved on to that restaurant.

There were 17 friends to the party... it became big one in order to farewell Charlie (whose nickname: tkoich) who was going to be relocated to 5th Ave, Manhattan, NYC next month.

Here's pict of main guest of the day ---

He's the one let me have his Bimeer for a while. Too bad that he's taking that BMW to NYC....

Today's attendees: Tak, Charlie ("tkoich"), yk110, Kirk, Foyer, Wanchan & her family = regular familiar faces. Yuko, Yuki (doctor), Yuki (student), Yoshiko, Naoko, Israel = 1st time comer.

Again, Total 17 people showed up to the party! Thank ya'll!

I prepared white T-shirt saying ATLANTA... and pen... so that every single one of us can write some message on it. Plus, Gave him a key chain:

Here's snap shots from the party:

Party officially kicked off like 6pm... supposedly from 5pm. Kept all eating Chinese and drinking... talking about lots of different things.

^{Tak's doing as MC? No control...}

So 1st part of party was ended around 8pm... being so full with food and drink. Here's another snap shot... in front of the restaurant:

After this, we went to 2nd phase of the party... bowling! (except Wancha's family)

Oh man... it was nightmare for me... hadn't played it for a long time (neither did some others?)...

Since I am the owner of the group... had to pitch in the first... which was the beginning of nightmare.

We divided ourselves into 3 teams to compete each other...

17th Lane: Tak, Yuki (student), Naoko, Yoshiko

18th Lane: Kirk, Israel, Kyoko, Yuko

19th Lane: Foyer, yk110, Charlie ("tkoich"), Yuki (doctor), Tom

Scores:

<17th Lane Team>

Tak	86	127
Naoko	76	99
Yoshiko	64	82
Yuki (student)	95	no play

<18th Lane Team>

Israel	94	68
Kyoko	76	53
Yuko	96	104
Kirk	118	128

<19th Lane Team>

Foyer	147	113
Yuki (doctor)	141	133
yk110	100	no play
Tom	112	125
Charlie ("tkoich")	106	110

By total scores... the winner was 19th Lane Team...

17th Lane Team=AVG. 89.9. 18th Lane Team=AVG. 77.4, 19th Lane Team=AVG. 121.0!!! Wow... the team with elders... won it... with respect from youngsters... right? I thought so.

Look at Tak's scores... horrible... my highest in history is actually 216! Today's 1st game... only 86? What happened?!?! Don't know. What I know is I started screwing all up with 1st throw in front of everyone else... when I thought I should've done it neatly... then miserable failed... My ball was straight into the garter!

Notably... Yuko (doctor) was incredible good... scoring 141 & 133. I haven't seen any female playing that well. Man, I should take a lesson from her! Maybe because of her job, she is very good at control herself... very flexibly.

Anyway, the party was very successful and I am so relieved now since I organized all this for Charlie... with supports of all members... Thank ya'll!

April 28, 2000 =Israel from Mexico Arrives...

Geeeee... leave me alone! Too much shxt to do for today! Problems after problems and I don't know hot to catch up with all that and all this... you know, what I am talking about, right?

Anyway, I should change my feeling toward weekend by now.

My best Mexican buddy... Israel Morales came to Atlanta to see me this weekend... Wow, I haven't seen him for 3 years or even more!

I was late to the airport to pick him up... couldn't get out of office at the time I was planning since I've got some stupid problem to solve at the last minute.

I showed up around 6:30pm... 30 minutes later than I thought that I would be for pick up. Lots of people were already coming out of International Gate... so I thought like, "Man! I am late... maybe Israel's looking for me by now?!?!"

When I got to that gate area... I didn't see him right away... so I waited. more and more people coming out from there. 10 minutes later or so, I finally saw a familiar face... it was Israel.

After that, I was planning to get together with another friend of mine, Kitty... at Perimeter Mall... so we took MARTA. Yes, I said, MARTA... I didn't have my car back yet from the shop! so I don't have any transportation... so MARTA became my thing for a while...

Ate in Japanese restaurant afterwards with full of laugh and smiles. It was a great dinner except that I paid for all. I am NOT rich yet... quite yet.

Came home like 10pm-ish... met my roommates... Israel said, "Oh, you live with 2 girls?"... whatever!

Tomorrow, will try to go to CNN tour... which I haven't experienced yet. I love to see it as well as Israel wants. According to travel guide, we should be at CNN as early as 9:15am in order to secure the tickets for the tour. I don't know that is really true or not; we will get there early as we try.

Then, Atlanta Off-Line-Meeting (for those friends met each other On-Line, Interent!) takes place at 5pm tomorrow... expected about 20 people would show up for the party! Tomorrow report is mainly dealing with that scene, I assume.

Oh better mention... our sales rep. in LA inquired lots of general questions asked by perspective client... in case of we answered all questions right... that client told us that it would give us business... What kind of question? Good question...

"How did the brand name, 7Up, come up?"

According to my boss, the meaning of 7Up was "7 flavors." Do you know this is right? Will let you know of this matter later on.

What a business, huh? I don't think we can get business from that client like that... I am sure that the client is making fool of us (especially, that sales rep.).

Ok... better go for now. See you tomorrow with lots of pictures from the party!

April 27, 2000 =Take Your Child to Work Day!

Wow, wild day with kids in the office! Called "Take Your Kinds to Work Day!" --- I saw the announcement about it a couple days ago... man! There are like 20-some kids around all day long today.

Schedule for kids was like this:

10am: Meeting in training room for an overview of the Company and choose company's promotional items (logo goods) as a gift to home!

12pm: Pizza for all kids and their parents

2pm: Meet in the lobby to go to airport to tour a cargo airplane!

Man, I have never seen cargo airplane! I only saw those in pictures... What a treat! I wanted to go, in the matter of fact... Too bad that I'd got things to do then.

Did I get free pizza? Nope! I swear I didn't! People always think that I always get something from somewhere... well, I admit that that is MOST the times true... thought not today for that pizza!

Then, kids got work to do while being in office today... "Parent Questionnaire" like this:

1. What department do you work in?
2. How many people work in your department?
3. What is your job like?
4. What is your most favorite part of your job?
5. What is your least favorite part of your job?
6. (Fun part from here) Do you ever get to play any cool games on your computer while you're at work? (Tak's' Answer: Of course, I do... in fact, I do everyday! - What else should I do at work then?!)
7. What is your favorite snack out of the snack machine?
8. How many times a day do you have to go to the bathroom while you're at work? (Tak's Answer: Maybe 15-20 times... just killing time, to be honest with you!)

You know what? I am very curious of the result from this questionnaire! I better ask Jenny to open up the result to all in the office, especially the question #7 and #8! (hehe)

Today's work... wasn't too great... while kids were running around in the office... Kids made me laugh and fun to have... not great to have some biz with who complains too much. Right? Don't you agree? Urgent shipment to take care of, delay shipment... had to write a letter for apology, etc. Hectic!

Anyway, the weekend is now around the corner... I should be more patient. This weekend... my best Mexican buddy (sounds weird?) Israel is coming to see me! Haven't seen him for a few years since I left his house (I homestayed with his family for a half year!). Will make this weekend a big one!

My digital camera... I have been surviving with my QV-10a by Casio since, like I wrote here, I left my primary camera, FinePix 700 by Fuji Film in Japan with shop for repair... my father informed me that the repair was now complete and camera came back to him! (it's about time! Took so long like for a month!) I should get it from him in a week or so...

I really miss a good quality in pictures. QV-10a does least acceptable job... like today's pictures. Though, I like what FinePix 700 has as functionality! Big picture, etc. Too bad that it too such a long time for repair... won't make my big party this weekend (Saturday).

Oh, I better recharge the batteries for my camcorder, then.

See you tomorrow, folks!

April 26, 2000 =This Page Continues Indefinitely?

Gosh... it is about 1am... darn sleepy again. For dedication to the page like this (informing such personal life of mine on Internet!), amount of work to update is rather higher than you expect...

Why am I complaining? Mmmm...

Today's work was quite hectic and troublesome... hot shipment over another hot shipment.

While working so hard... Koji made me laugh... He came up to me confirm that the charge for FedEx in sending urgent box to North Carolina... was $130! I said, "No way! That should be cheaper than that. I even can send the box by regular track about $70!"

Then, I came up an idea...

"Koji, did you use dimensions in inches?"

Obviously, he read figures out of my paperwork which showed in centimeters... not inches... So his input dimensions were not right at all... Koji today learned that things have to be distinguished between different units such as inches/centimeters, kilograms/pounds, etc.

So the charge with FedEx ended up with $65. We almost spend extra dollars for small mistake.

While I was ENJOYING socialization with coworkers (of course, throughout tight schedule doing things)... lots of people showed their interests in seeing me online like this... especially, exposing my life which will take place in Japan... I guess I understand people's point.

Should I continue this page in English or should I not?!

Yah, I guess I continue doing this... so that you can track down how I live, with or without girlfriend(s), etc. So I can fill up your curiosity with my life information in details, hehe!

For dinner, I went to Tom's (still female) new apartment in Sandy Springs. Man, her apartment was very nice... and then the dinner was excellent! She fed three guys total... her boyfriend - Kirk, good buddy of hers - Tyson, and me. It was Chinese and Japanese dishes.

Last night, Kirk bought me a dinner for my BD... today his girlfriend fixed plates for me too. Wow, I did get treated so well by friends for 2 nights in a row! What would happen tomorrow then? - Probably nothing.

Oh, my car didn't get ready by today... I called the shop where my car is... I was told that my car won't be set to go until next Monday! Geeeee, I need my car back NOW! I am definitely running out of my options... my 2nd roommate, Yuko, is coming back from Chicago... so I lose a privilege of having another roommate's car for this week... Well, actually from last week.

Yuko's back tomorrow... So I have to think about ride on Friday first... Wait! I need a car for my friend, Israel, from Mexico! He is coming from Mexico on Friday... need to pick him up then. Oh, what should I do?!?! I guess, a household conference needs to take place for that issue (Whose issue? Oh, it's mine!). The delay in that shop is caused by parts availability...

Hope my car really get ALL done by the time I come for pickup.

Better go for now... now 1:30am... am tired.

April 25, 2000 =Tak's 27th Birthday!

Tak's Birthday!

For the first thing to mention tonight... I would like to thank all of you who sent me, called me, and told me very best happy birthday! Man, I've got tons of phone calls into my cellular phone tonight, lots of eCards from all over the world, and I definitely had a great BD!

Then, let's move on the scoreboard for tonight's softball game:

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	T
Predators#2	3	0	6	2	14	-	25
Fritz	12	5	0	0	0	-	17

<Starting Lineups>

1. Dan (RF)
2. Dawn (RCF)
3. Calvin (LCF)
4. Cindy - non-Fritz (1B)
5. Tak (SS)
6. Leslie - Billy's wife (LF)
7. Kirk - Tak's buddy (3B)
8. Jackie (2B)
9. Tim (P)
10. Gloria (C)

My comment about the game? I wish we could have finished the game around the 5 inning... We've got a rocket start tonight... not only the pitcher of Predetor#2 didn't have much on the ball (tons of walks, I mean), we hit so well! Then, we carried such a good mood to defense. At the end of the 3rd, Fritz was leading at 17-3! Who in the hell could possibly think that Fritz would lose the game at end? Well, it did. Oh, we did.

We did hit well... and we field well too. At the last inning, they just overcame the store... they were just good, I better say.

Our "ACE" Tim showed a great improvement on his control... He didn't walk many girls tonight... he usually does so since he didn't think about put the balls in the strike zone; he just falls in love with female players instantly and gave up walks so easily... However, he did well tonight... I know he lost his temper at the last inning with irritation of judges between strikes and balls... it was not obviously his fault.

Another noticeable thing to mention... injuries. Gloria had leg injury and had to leave the field quickly... Then, Karen took her place! Wow, it was her MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT!

Plus, Calvin... while running so hard to chase the ball toward left field... he got knee injury, I thought. He played on... it must not be too severe... though, this kind of incidents over and over let the game goes out of our hands to opponent's.

Tak's batting results: 1st - Double with 2 RBI's, 2nd - Grounder to SS, 3rd - Single to Left Field with 1 RBI's, and 4th -Over the Fence in Center -Single.

Wow, I hit the ball over the fence... 1st time of this season. I did the same about 4 times last season... I liked the way ball went... line drive, straight out of field.

Tak's Season Average: 8 for 12, .667!

Too bad that we didn't win on my birthday... though, it was certainly a good game. We did all we could and we did well... just the opponent was better as expected.

Will keep doing the best for rest of the season!

April 24, 2000 =Tak's Announcement

Today, I begin with my own quote from announcement as follows:

Dear friends/coworkers/buddies or whatever you name it:

As some of you have been patient for my final decision toward future, I would like to thank you for your concern. I have been very grateful about those people who kept asking me what I was going to do after Koji -new guy at here- took my responsibility fully... which is about to happen. As a result of talk with Mr. Ishii - Managing Director of Fritz Japan... I made a deal last Thursday. I will be in Tokyo office, Fritz Japan, from this summer. In other words, I will be remining under current duties until around June (NOT real TGOH date have been set yet - "TGOH"date= Tak's GET-OUT-HERE date or formally said, "LAST DAY").

So I let you know that I am really leaving...(later on) as some people's dream come true! No need to call INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) anymore! Don't call INS for now anyway... they are busy dealing with Elian (Gonzales)... no time for anyone else... Those who concern about Fritz softball team, I should be able to complete the current season with ya'll. Well... I still do have quite some time to be around you... I will have fun with you like I always do! See you around!!!

Sincerely,

-Tak

DISCLAIMER: The order of email addresses in "TO:" section has nothing related to my preference or anything. Please avoid a discussion whom I put ahead, top, bottom, and back of whom, etc. I am not responsible for anything like that!

I copied about 40 people in that message...

Disclaimer had to be included since some of people in the office were concerning whose name comes up ahead of whose else, etc. As proof of that... I quote someone responded this announcement:

If it weren't for your disclaimer, I would be very upset. Again, I will be sorry to see you leave, but happy that you have this great opportunity. -D.

Do you want to see more?

You are too much!!!!

I thought you stayed busy up there and sis not have time for this kind of stuff?? I will hate to see you go. What if I called INS to have you stay??? -M

You are so funny! Thanks for including me in on your message. You're the only person from Japan that I know that uses ya'll in a sentence....what are we going to do without you!?!

You know you'll be great missed but at least you'll only be an email away and we can look you up on your website! -J

Golly, you have a million friends!! I am really sad that you are leaving, but glad that you have a couple of more months with us. Be good. Boo Hoo!! :( -K

You really thought of everything! -D

Who the heck is Koji, tell him to go back home... you can come to Dallas to work Tak, ok? -K

Hope you enjoyed the comments I've got. I may get more tomorrow since I sent out that announcement late afternoon... Well, that is it for today! Be good!

Oh, tomorrow is my BD! Woooo ha!

April 23, 2000 =2 days to go... Tak's Birthday!

Wow, I have only 2 days to turn to be 27 years old... Can you imagine, Tak is 27 years old? Man, I wish like I still were like 17 or 18. I really love to redo my college life! hehe...

My ex- already sent me an eCard wishing happy birthday.

This weekend is such crazy one... staying up so late and sleeping in... I woke up like 11am this morning from asleep.

No movies this weekend... Wow, "U-571" hit to the top spot?!?! Didn't know that it was that good...

This afternoon, yk110, Yoko and I went out like 4pm... tried to check out a store in Decatur... found later on that it was closed due to Easter! Man... those ladies were quite excited about shopping... turned it out as disappointed. So we changed our direction to Highland area... walked around and checked some accessories store, CD store, etc. Didn't buy anything at all except women's usual thing while shopping... ice cream!

During this sort of shopping... yk110 and I kept talking about how to open up a business in Japan throughout the Internet. We try NOT to have physical store... instead, having a virtual store online and try to see something fascinating Japanese young adults.

Around 6pm, went up to Tomi Isobe's house. The singer/real estate dealer... we went to see his performance last night. He invited also his friend, Jim (Korean). All of us got together and went to Chilean cuisine... restaurant called "Machu Pichu." For me, it was the second time to go to that place. I really liked the food... I ate "arroz de mariscos" (or rice with seafood) --- It was good! Though, it was such salty... Needed a drink!

Tak's rating for restaurant "Machu Pichu" = 3.5 points (Max.=5)

We stopped by a house in Grand Park area... did a little open house tour... the house Tomi is to sell soon. Price was $400,000. 2 gay people living in there... decoration was such beautiful! I really liked it. According to Tomi, you better buy any house located from above I-20, east from I-75, within perimeter! He said, if you got a house in that area, you never ever lose money at all! Guaranteed!

Came back to Tomi's house and watched Japanese TV programs from video and had tons of chat... It was fun.

This weekend was very social for me... which was good. Though, I forgot one thing to do... single people need to do every once a while... yes, laundry. I should do it tomorrow then.

Next weekend would be somewhat same since my Mexican buddy - Israel will be in town from Mexico. Plus, I have a Off-line meeting with Japanese people whom I communicate mostly on Internet. I already made a reservation at Chinese restaurant for 20 people. Should be fun, too.

See you tomorrow. Take it easy on Monday! Don't stress yourself out!

April 22, 2000 =Buckhead to Drink?

Sorry for late update... Was drinking until 1am or so and didn't get a chance to come to this computer until now...

My roommate, yk110, took me and her friend spending nights in our house to meet her new friend, Capri. from Venezuela... We went to his apartment to talk about Internet with which he deals as his business. Had several drinks over there already... Oh, his apartment, actually it was loft... was huge and very spacious.

Darn, I didn't bring my digital camera... my fault.

Then we met several friends of his later on... kept talking about Internet. Capri was very interested in opening an office in Japan in order to expand his business. His company uses application called "Flash" to make the web pages so neat and appealing. In fact, I have that software for Macintosh; although I never get a chance to learn that application yet.

I need someone to teach me how to use this!

Then after meeting Capri and others, we went up to Buckhead... the place called "The Jungle Room" on Rosewell Rd. nearby Rio Bravo. There was a live music, Blues ... played by Tommy Isobe, another yk110's friend (Man, my roommate practically knows everyone!).

The music was great, even though the bar was quit empty... I like that place though.

After that music, yk110 was so hungry... went to Korean BBQ place on Buford Hwy. Couldn't read the name of restaurant because all in Korean... plus, manu itself in Korean only. Verbally told of menu and had beef soup. It was only $5!

I shouldn't forget to mention... for breakfast, I went to place called "The Flying Biscuit" (1655 McLendon Ave., Atlanta GA 30307). It was very busy place to grab breakfast... had to wait for a quite while. Web site? www.flyingbiscuit.com

I really recommend that place for fancy breakfast if you don't mind to wait!

Geeeee, my update for today is like restaurant guide... how about movie, right?

April 21, 2000 =Good Friday 2000!

Updating this page at the same time watching movie, "You've Got Mail." It was GOOD FRIDAY... hope it was really so for each of ya!

Me? Okay--- I didn't do anything much. At least it was an easy day doing nothing particular... I needed it like badly.

Have you used Kozmo.com yet?

When I came out ballpark, Turner Field, I was handed an ad paper of this company... I knew about this company which now deliver things ordered online within an hour... items are books, CD's, grocery, pizza, videos, etc. When you come to the home page of that company, you will be asked to punch in your zip code so that you can confirm that Kozmo serves your area or not...

Which my area wasn't included yet at this time (zip: 30093)

I don't know how useful this could be... though NY area and some others, Kozmo did pretty well and acquired a quit bunch of popularity... keeps expanding its service to other large cities... This must be new sort of business created relating to Internet... I am sure that some other unique kind of biz would be developed on.

Hey, haven't seen any movie for a quite while... Don't even keep up with what now shows in theaters... Will check a paper to see at least one movie this weekend. Is "Mission Impossible 2" out yet?

(Weather) kind chilly... should warm up more! Hope so.

April 20, 2000 =Braves Game! Tak going to Japan

Ya'll must be curious about today's meeting with Managing Director of Tokyo Office... right?

Here's the result. I made a deal with a deal in relocation to Tokyo, Japan this summer. Time-wise, August.

Meeting went quite well... the guy cleared up lots of points that I had doubts about... so I came to an agreement. So I will remain the position where I am until June or so, then I have to do all personal stuff in order to move back to Japan.

After that meeting, David called me if I was interested in going to Braves' game tonight... I thought that it would rain since I heard that there was a storm in Alabama... must be coming this way (to Georgia, I mean). So I kind procrastinated going... though, I did.

David had 4 tickets... so I could call one more person to go with at the same time when David would bring someone... Called Kirk... turned it down since had to work... called some others... nope... Then, called Kitty (who didn't let me take a picture of hers)... then she said she would come.

David didn't bring anyone... ended up with three of us for the game. Went up to Bar & Restaurant "755 Club" and had drinks and something to eat...

Seating was in left field. I never sat in that area before. The game was tied at 2-2 until the 6th inning or so... then Braves got a lead as 6-4 at the 7th... Phillies came back on 8th... tried to catch up with Braves as 6-4. I was about to leave the ballpark since Braves were almost making sure of tonight's victory. Though the game was becoming close like that, I had a feeling that Rocker would come up to the mound. And he did. So I watched the game completely.

First Braves game of the season for me. It was quite fun as always. I need to come up to this place at least several times more before leaving this place in summer...

April 19, 2000 =Ruby Tuesday?

Haven't had hot dogs from Versity... I picked up a box from the place nearby my house... became my supper! (wow, not too healthy)

Today's happening... some clients screamed at me... to expedite some deliveries... I was quit busy in the morning... then slowed down drastically toward the end of day after lunch.

Koji seems catching up on things and doing quit well. He probably doesn't need my supervision soon. So I will be free more!

Since boss left around 4pm with a client, Koji and I decided to leave on time which truly we didn't have problem (rare!). Then, I went to Rainbow Video where a friend of mine works. I had to give her a CD-ROM so that she could fix her computer with it. Then, since I haven't been to that place for millions of years, I got several Japanese movies... Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) movies, etc. (including dirty one!)

So I've got a little entertainment tonight.

Had to call Japan to talk about my job in Japan. Talked with Director of International Sales Division. I told him straight out that I was totally "undecided" about going back to Japan to work for it. Because there were too much uncertainty of my position and everything.

I really don't like any politics involved in things like that... That director doesn't involve in any deal about me to get a job up there; even though he was the one to set up the interview. He acted before like he didn't mind to set all up... then rest of the deal is up to me and that company. Then, coming to final conclusion, I was asked to call him to report the "STATUS" of the deal. What the heck is that all about?

I was thinking... he was about to persuade me over that... I will have a BIG meeting with a person in office tomorrow. That guy is from Tokyo and the same person who game me an interview last month. He's the decision maker of everything about my position, etc. I will throw my ball as hard as possible in order to clear all up... Will see what happens.

At least I can say, tomorrow is a key day for me to where I am going to end up in.

Oh, I talked to Chris and Yvonne over the phone. They were ex-Fritz people... I enjoyed talking to them much. Both were working on building own web pages. Will see what kind of pages coming out of that!

What else about today? Hot!

Tomorrow's update hereby would be a bit interesting. Right?

April 18, 2000 =We can do it!

Let's go over the game result first:

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	T
Fritz	1	0	4	5	4	-	14
A C C	0	1	2	0	6	-	9

So we came to the first victory of the season! Everyone hit so well and we didn't have any problems to grab the winning moment. Yes, we can do it! (by Nike)

<Starting Lineups>

1. Dan (RCF)
2. Angie - ex-Fritz (2B)
3. Calvin (LCF)
4. Cindy - non-Fritz (1B)
5. Tak (SS)
6. Leslie - Billy's wife (LF)
7. Kirk - Tak's buddy (3B)
8. Gloria (C)
9. Todd (P)
10. Briellen (RF)

Oh, I better mention, Coach Keith was well-done today... his management drove us straight into this victory. Bench work was everything today. Plus, Karen's scorekeeping helped a lot! so that we knew that we were ahead in the game. (Then when she gonna play? - I wonder...)

Me, personally? In fielding... I still need to adjust my movement to the fast grounders... I really get scared out of it... (i.e. my body doesn't keep up with ball's velocity yet) I need to put my glove lower like touching the ground. Made a few errors again tonight. However offensive-wise, I did well! 4 for 4 tonight with 4 RBI's including 2-run-running-homer at the last inning. I hit the ball toward right field. While ball kept going to deep end of ball park, I ran and ran and ran... 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base... home in! Cool!

That makes me tired, not young anymore!

Tonight's newcomers, Angie and Briellen were very valuable too. Angie did well batting and got us more runs. Briellen showed us her ability to hit the ball to outfield. Sooner or later, she swings ball away far!

Another main thing for tonight that I need to mention was our pitching staff. Todd started on the mound and made the game easy on us. No many walks and did kill lots of batters including some good ones. In addition to our ace, Tim, now our pitching staff is getting more reliable and solid than ever!

We now know, Dan not only can run but also can hit... He did good! ... He usually talks like he could do hit well... we had never seen that he did things like he said... We were wrong tonight. He proved us wrong... very well. He did an excellent job as leadoff of the team.

Okay, we had a fantastic night in the game. Let's keep it up!

April 17, 2000 =Hot Shipment Becomes "Cold Shipment?"

Okay, let's say, there are only 3 days to go IF YOU HAVE GOOD FRIDAY OFF. Me? So far, it should be so.

This morning kicked off with email trouble... couldn't retrieve messages since ignored a warning of my password would get expired. And IT DID! (HA!) I knew I kept receiving messages about it; I simply didn't know how soon it would expire. I swear!

Anyway, had to ask Jonathan (computer support guy) to get it thru... then he told me that he held the line for 30 minutes or so with no answer from Help Desk... He asked me to call when I got a chance.

As like many of you... I couldn't work WITHOUT checking emails. So I called the Desk... held like 10 minutes (maybe less)... got thru! Fixed the problem for me and I obtained new password which was .... ooops I should not tell something like that, huh. Anyway, this morning things got me a little bit like that.

Terry kept staying at a special desk (I reported you last Friday)... I think her desk would eventually become permanent so that she never ever answers the phone!

Koji and I were working on hot container for North Carolina client... Confirmed the entry was made within the morning... and came out as paperless clearance by Customs... Yah, baby! It's party time... because everything went so smoothly and we would come to make a deadline which was tomorrow morning... You know what happened? that client informed us that he didn't want that container until NEXT MONDAY! What a shock!

Koji said, "Is things like this happening often?" In fact, it does to me. I am sure that it will happen to him too.

I finally got Subway foods. I never paid attention to what it really advertise about how healthy food it served compared to such all other fast food restaurant chains as McDonald's, Wendy's, BK, etc. Got a cold sub of seafood & crabs for supper... it was pretty good and it is my favorite... I should stick more with Subway than checking in with Wendy's where I like the chicken sandwiches best.

Have you seen an ad of Subway showing some guy lost like 200 LBS in going to Subway to eat twice a day for 3 months or so? Is that really true? I cannot imagine to keep going to the same place to eat out of the same menu... except if I had a special reason for it like good looking chicks out there or something...

<NEW MAN IN TOWN> in Ally McBeal... guy named Mark came in the show after Billy's sudden death... what a new change in quick motion! I don't like that guy much yet. He's kinky so far. Billy is much better off...

By the way, I am not gay! Who do I like the best in that show? Good question... I really like Elaine... I guess.

Tomorrow night... it's revenge time for Fritz! Though, we have bad news already in.... key female players will be out of game... due to biz trip. Dawn and Jackie are expected to miss the game! (Also, Nicki, too) How do we survive then? Will see---

April 16, 2000 =Holly Sunday --- no thing done! <- Lazy, maybe

What a beautiful day!!! On this kind of day, I didn't feel well much... then caught up with sleep... stayed in the bed until like 2pm!!! I feel like I gained some strength from tons of sleep; at the same time, I lost great fun in time!

No movie, no drink... what a healthy day. I went to Burnes and Noble in late afternoon to check a several magazines: "Yahoo Internet," "Esquire," "Shift - Digital Culture" and more.

Now I am watching "10 Commandments" on ABC... I always like this movie from when I just began studying English language. I went to Ogaki City Library to watch this movie on laser disk. I didn't understand most of it... with no understanding of Bible itself... Though I liked it somehow.

Then ended up with buying the tapes... ha!

Oh still DO NOT ASSUME that I understand of Bible, though...hehe.

I tried to register in Monster.com; it didn't go well... I don't know why. The host in that domain claimed that my email address is previously used... by whom?!?! Monster.com is site for career... am I looking for new career? Why not-

Friend of mine, Bamian, is working for company called TMP Worldwide... who maintains that domain... should call him up and ask him to fix my problem then.

Woooo... I have been missing many movies for a long time... I should keep up with current movies better! I wanted to see: "The Skulls". Did someone out there see this movie yet?

As of Friday, my coworker in Chicago, Dai resigned the position in the company. He had decided to go back to Japan... He worked for Suzuyo Fritz for 4 years and his visa will go up in June. He married a Japanese lady last year and they are leaving US for good in the middle of next month. I have never met him before yet; even though I talked to him over the phone like almost everyday. He had a great uneasy feeling on his near future in Japan after going back at this point... He never ever even considered a position in Japan which I currently have as a choice of my future. The Company didn't work out well with Dai about getting a Green Card which enables Dai to stay here permanently.

Dai, good luck! I really enjoyed working with you. Feel great sympathy on you who ended up with things like that.

I bought a gift for him. Will send it out to his apartment tomorrow.

Oh well, I cannot afford much about concerning others... I have my own butt to take care of... Ok, let's face it!

The visitor counter indicates over 13000 hits in Japanese edition of "Website Ogaki-jin"!!! Thank you!!! In this English page --- not 500 hits yet?

April 15, 2000 =Struggled with Chinese Marjong

I thought that it would rain over this weekend... Man, TV weather forecast isn't reliable, huh.... Mmmm. Anyway, it started clearing up and Sunday must be better than today.

Since I didn't have any plan for this particular weekend... I ended up with playing Chinese table game called "mahjong" with friends for a long time, like from 4pm until 11:30pm. Of course, it is gamble (don't call police!).

I first time played it in Chinese style. This game is very popular in Japan too. Though, the way to counts the score was totally different. So when starting the game, I had to observe a little bit in order to get used to it. That means, I had to take some risk in losing some money and SO I DID!

Oh by the way, you can play marjong on line at www.yahoo.com (then go "games").

Later on, I kind figured out how to win... so turned out as my "kick-ass" time. Kept gaining... overall, I came back big time and won 11 dollars. I know, it is not big money; but I lost big in the beginning part of the game. Hence, I did well. Probably I could win more if continued.

I was so tired since sitting in the chair for such long hours and became really tired... My first day of this weekend was nothing but gambling.

April 14, 2000 =Weekend Began!

For a last couple of days, I couldn't concentrate in writing this in English so much... all of my energy got easily "expired" while writing all in Japanese... which was, of course, much more popular than this "Tak's awful-writing" page.

You know what? Tonight... I begin this update with this English page so that I can update better and so that you can be more interested in my page. Correct? I hope so.

Today was first day ever I wore my newest pair of glasses... Turned out that everyone really liked them... except my boss who thought that they were CHEAP. (Hey, I am DIFFERENT, okay?) I was SO HAPPY (I am kind person easily get flattered!). I may wear them more to work.

Since it was Friday and since I really wanted to leave office ON TIME (sort of miracle to my daily life), I really put myself into high gear so that I can make things get done quicker... plus, I passed out lots of simple (not comprehensive, yet) things to do to Koji so that we both could be very efficient. Koji worked very hard with me and thanks to all that, I did leave only a bit later than on-time.

Still no car... so I got ride with Charlie. This morning... when he came by my house to pick me up, my roommate, yk110, was taking dogs outside... Charlie came and said, "Mr. Yamada, here's your ride!" In fact, he opened the door for me like my own chauffeur. Then after I got in the car, yk110 got nearby and said, "Have a good day, Sir!"

Sounds like I were "bourgeois" (French word for rich man)...

That happened in the morning, right? Then, I came to the same scene in the afternoon... when Charlie, once again, came by with his shinny Bimeer (BMW)... Got ride to home since Charlie came to my house to help yk110's computer deal. yk110 came up to the front door and said, "Sir, welcome home. How was your day?" etc... Very funny.

Oh I now see why I easily get tired / sleepy while writing this in English. When doing things in Japanese, I don't have to think much... compared to that, I had to use my "limited" or "almost worn-out" brain to make sense in English (since my writing is bad like didn't pass English 101 in college).

I guess, I better start off with English page, then move on to Japanese one. That must be it!

Oh, I took a picture... right before leaving the office. I hope you get interested in this one:

Look at Terry... She now takes the desk like that. She dumped her own office where her phone never stopped ringing from many clients we have! So she moved to where is NO PHONE and where there are lots of space to lay her paper work over the floor around. No wonder that I always get her voice mail... which means I get her call back a week later after leaving urgent message (just kidding).

Oh, I better stop telling my clients to read here... so I don't disclose internal issues to others, right? Don't yell at me!

Or maybe, Terry was forced to be there... so that someone doesn't want her to face others for negative influence? - Maybe not. (HEHE-)

Well, let's enjoy our weekend!

April 13, 2000 =Tina Turnert Concert in Phillips Arena

Yes, I've got an invitation to Tina Turner Concert!!! With (actually) free foods, too.

The concert was very powerful and I really loved it. I always wanted to come to see things like that... I definitely won't forget about this.

Here's some snap shots from the concert:

Seating was excellent! It was only 8 rows down from the stage. I would go so nuts or crazy...

Too bad that I didn't bring my REGULAR digital camera, which is under repair at shop in Japan... If I did have, man! those pictures should be just like much more real.

Oh... cannot write anymore. Have to go sleep for now...

April 11, 2000 =Opening Game!

Finally the day has come --- our softball season starts today! We faced Village Church... Church people play ball in addition to pray everyday? (hehe)

Anyway, here's 2000 Team Fritz' Lineup for its opening game:

	Dan	Right Fielder
	Dawn	Center Fielder
	Tak	Shortstop
	Cindy	First Baseman
	Calvin	Left Fielder
	Jackie	Second Baseman
	Kirk	Third Baseman
	Leslie	Left Fielder
	Tim	Pitcher
	Gloria	Catcher

Note> Gloria isn't panda. Just missed taking picture of hers... so replaced by Panda picture (cute!).

Subs... Keith (also Coach of the Team) Karen (called herself "bench warmer") , Nikki , and Todd .

Okay, I am sure that you're so curious of the game result by now...

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	T
Fritz	2	3	0	1	0	3	9
Village Church	3	0	5	2	2	X	12

Yes, we sucked at it!!! Lost the first game of the season. Game really got excited at the 1st inning... Dan moved quickly and grabbed the first base. I came up to batter's box to see a chance to get some scores. I hit the ball hard as usual and when I saw that ball next time, it went thru by third base... Wow! It was double with RBI (i.e. Runs Batted-In).

(Felt like) Cool! Once again, I can do things well in softball...

Started being ahead of the opponent... though in the bottom of 3rd... I had to come to see something... bad. We really did straight into bad circle... give them walks, let them load all bases... pitched right into the spot and they hit well... repeatedly. Ending up with letting the opponent be ahead of us. Then, the mood never changed afterwards in this game.

Personal Data... like I said, I hit a double at first at-bat. @ 2nd, I chose the wrong ball to hit... grounder to the shortstop... I made the base since they got an error on it. @ 3rd and 4th... things are just similar with each other... I hit line drives... directly into Third Baseman and later on another line drive nailing down to Left Fielder... In both incidents, I hit the balls really well... However, those people didn't move themselves to catch the ball since the balls are just straight coming into gloves. Too bad!

Well, it was only the first game... we will better than this for sure.

April 10, 2000 =Pineapple Head?

Got haircut --- went tooooo short... now look like "pineapple head." Some of hair stick up to the air... that Black hair stylist... should be fake, man!

Recent updates of this page... it takes place around 12am - 1am... now actually almost 1am... this makes me so sleepy about when I begin to working on this... I probably never catch up with my beauty sleep... which I should.

My PowerBook (laptop computer) came back to me a day earlier than expected... This is good kinda surprise. This PowerBook is now USB enabled. This is pretty cool and received a mouse... I checked all functionality of computer... it was fine.

See, so far I've done all possible things on that laptop... G3 (processor) upgrade, RAM upgrade to max out, 10GB hard drive unit replaced, and today's USB upgrade. Hope this moves definitely make this laptop life a bit longer thanks to compatibility of USB.

I heard that yesterday's softball practice, only 3 people showed up and they didn't practice. Well, the '00 season is around the corner... faces "Village Church" tomorrow as the opening game. I know, we're not great team yet and we need to find ourselves out better so that we can determine who would do what job, etc. Hope we score some tomorrow.

Me? I should go to play at short-stop... Wish me to play well in the game.

As Ogaki-ji like last year, I hereby put up my personal report of each game. The coverage is exclusive and CNN or Reuters cannot beat me!

Oh well... so sleepy.... gotta go!

April 9, 2000 =Yuko's Moving-In

It is my fault --- that I didn't go to softball practice this afternoon....

It is ALSO my fault --- that I didn't update this page yesterday...

It is ONCE AGAIN my fault --- that this page ain't that popular yet...

Anyway, how was your weekend? Hope you all at least had some fun today under beautiful sun. Did you go to Dogwood Festival? I missed it. Let's go over a bit of yesterday.

I finally dropped off my baby (=auto) at dealership, Royal Oldsmobile, in Stone Mountain. I told Service advisor of my engine/transmission issue and he told me that I would get informed on Monday... so body shop and service shop work both would be done sometime soon, I hope.

So you assume that I have no car now? Don't underestimate me!!! I've got Bimeer... BMW 3 Series. In fact, friend tkoich just has gone to California for a several days and he wanted me to drive it around... so I didn't mind (of course not!). So I've got luxury ride (not on someone!) over this weekend. It is, of course, smooth and responsive... quite good sporty car!!! This is first time for me to drive BMW... I really liked it (Who doesn't!).

I should take some pictures for here tomorrow.

Today began with helping Yuko's moving... We had to move king-size bed, TV, VCR, etc. The main thing was indeed to deal with taking king-size bed to her room upstairs... The space on stairway was very very narrow and we had really doubt that it would go through... Thanks to professional work by Tak's buddy Kirk, we made it!

Then we went out for dim-sum. Have you ever had a dim-sum before? It is sort of traditional Chinese special lunch menu. There were lots of carts pushed by hosts and hostess in restaurants... you stop whoever pushes carts with the favorite dish and you pick whatever you like to eat... Each dish cost from 1 - 2 dollars or so... so you can get lots of shrimp dishes, etc. If you really like Chinese food and no problem with MSG's, I definitely recommend you to try it out. Usually you can eat between 10am to 1pm in many restaurants on Buford Hwy. The place I went for dim-sum today? It was "Royal China." I think it's located on Chamblee-Dunwoody near Buford Hwy.

Oh, I get a chance to see a movie today, finally. "Final Destination." Man, it was quite scary... If you don't like much about blood, don't ever try to see this! You don't miss much here about it. I give my rating as 3... "good." What other movies would be good to go for? I first time saw the preview of MI2 (Mission Impossible 2) ... Mmmm I couldn't tell much whether I would like it or not. I know, it is pretty different from previous picture. Anyway, I definitely will see that movie which is due some time in June.

That is about it. I am sleepy... need a rest for tomorrow... Most importantly, I need a beauty sleep for new week!

April 7, 2000 =Janet Reno --- Is She Really Woman?

I think the program called "Night Line" --- I was watching... it was first time to see Attorney General, Janet Reno... live when she did Q&A's in regards of not only Elian Gonzales Issue but also all immigration issues in general. I think Janet Reno was participating from Washington, D.C. and studio was locally set in the City of Miami.Is she really a woman?

She's very smart. Better say, intelligent. What she insisted of law and rules with fairness to anyone under law was very consistent and straight... no flaws (at least to me). Even though some of panelists were upset and kept talking in asking her questions, Janet was very, really extremely calm like she had no personality.

Maybe many of you don't like her in the way she is... though it is still better that she appeared in public and said what she believes, etc. You cannot see anything like that in Japan... See, Attorney General selected from those who have expertise... In Japan, all politicians took certain positions even though the positions require certain expertise, etc.

------ Wow, I was talking too serious about something, huh...

Work was pretty messy and had to work 'til 7:30pm... then hit to Japanese restaurant called "Sakanaya" in Friday Plaza on P'tree Industrial. It's pretty popular and there were lots of people out there.

It was for Koji's welcome dinner. My boss and Koji had some errands to go... so I did continue to finish all unsolved / remaining work up! I got together with those gentleman at a little passed 8pm. Then, drinks and foods... the dinner ended and we called it for tonight around 10pm. Tired. Very.

My car? Still doesn't look too good. Called dealership if I could drop my car off tomorrow rather than next Tuesday... So I will stop by that dealership in Stone Mountain before noon tomorrow.

Oh, another thing to tell:

Called MCE (http://www.powerbook1.com) to see whether my PowerBook G3/240 was ready... since I made a request for repair and USB upgrade. Talked to Kevin@MCE over the phone. He informed me that the box with PowerBook will be out for delivery on probably next Tuesday. Kevin told me that he would include a new USB mouse from Kensington since I helped him out before.

He couldn't provide services to some PowerBook's with Japanese operating system in them. So before letting him have my tip, he had to decline some orders due to that difficulty. Then, I solved and let him know... so I helped him first. When ordering on MCE website, I left a comment about "Kevin, I should deserve something like USB mouse" ... over the phone, he told me that I sounded fair enough... so I suppose to get USB mouse when PowerBook returns.

Oh well --- hope this weekend would be easy and relaxing... Heard that it might get colder tomorrow.

April 6, 2000 =Tak's Personal Information Stolen?!?!

How's it going?--- When I came to United States, I never understood what people on college campus were saying... I still have to think what "IT" actually means. For another example, people say, "What's up?" I better answer in acting like looking up in the air to see what is up in the air... Just kidding.

Today... I started burning some CD-R's. I have been taking some requests from friends and others to burn some CD-ROM's. Will complete all within this weekend... those who have been waiting, sorry --- Everything is now in progress!

My car--- things got a bit changed. Yesterday, I told you about some vibration on 3rd gear... this morning on the way to office, things happened same but on top gear. So I had to face more hectic situation in high speed... so I had to control my foot on the gas pedal in order to let my car stay in third gear in avoiding all vibration.

I then got consulted by Kirk who experienced lots of auto troubles. Since I am going to take my car to the shop for body repair next Tuesday, I could get a chance to ask them to take a look at my car... so Kirk recommended to try something before then. He told me to get a white STP bottle for fuel injection cleaning. Because transmission seemed fine in functioning, he doubted that gasoline doesn't apply well enough to burn in order to maximize the output from the engine.

I hope his theory is right so that I don't have to experience anything like that anymore. Will let you know what will happen to my commute to the office tomorrow morning.

Does my personal information (not sexual orientation!) possibly get stolen?

Look, what happened today! I got a voice message from someone at First Union. He referred to some direct deposit account. So I called back at the number that guy left in the message. The number was invalid. So I called First Union's Customer Service Dept. and lady named Shannon got me to help the matter. She searched this guy by name and finally found him. She told me that she would have him call me right away... so I waited and shortly after a few minutes or so, got a call from that guy... He said he was told by someone in his office to call me to finalize in confirming of direct deposit account.

I said, "I never requested anything... in fact, last time I talked to someone at your company must be at least a couple years ago!!!" --- which was totally true. Then, the guy told me, "You wife made a request today!"

"Wife?"

He said, I heard that she was Mrs. Yamada --- your wife. Then he added, "Don't you have a girlfriend?"

Wait a minute, girlfriend wouldn't / shouldn't call anywhere claiming herself as wife of boyfriend in any situation... because there is a difference... don't you agree? Anyway, he got my social security number, current address, and then my work number... that was why he could reach me, he explained. Wow (oh my god!), that's gotta be something.

Maybe, I have someone stoking me from distance?

Or I must have a secret admirer who wants me to be a millionaire?! (Hope so!)

So I ended up with hangin' up the phone, saying "This must be some kind of mistake!" Then after hanging up, I had to tell people around about it. When I started talking about it, Koji was listening calmly and murmured,

"It may be my wife..."

Right!, His last name was same as mine... "Yamada." Then, how my work number was mentioned to First Union?

"I told her your number last night!"

Darn! He just got a new phone today... until yesterday, he didn't have his phone set... Now everything got solved. At the moment of confusion, I felt like "HUH?" Then, all just made me laugh. And I am so glad and relieved that nothing went wrong about my personal information, seriously.

Well, throughout a busy day, it was such moment to make me relaxed and laugh.

Ex-coworker, Chris, called me to see whether I would go back to Japan or not... then he made a comment, "Hey, Tak! Don't mention like SOME GUY on your web page about me!"

Oh gee... I now take a comment about that? So I should be careful what to mention hereon. He is Yvonne's boyfriend... they are living together... yes, let me repeat to clear myself, Chris is Yvonne's boyfriend. Satisfied, Chris?!?! (just kidding)

Another thing... Karen <another coworker> came up to me, asking "Why not my picture on your web page?" I take a request... she will appear on this page soon with full coverage of her personal life! And probably, I can tell how she sucks at softball when she plays with us! (HAHA!)

Let me call it for tonight... it is about 1am... way passed my bedtime!

April 5, 2000 =First Softball Practice

What's up? Hope you had an easy day today... I just came back from softball practice... Team faces new season starting next Tuesday. Today's, in fact, first meeting with members as well as first physical training for the season. Almost all were out of shape, of course.

My job... was tied up with some urgent shipment to North Carolina. After then, I had to deal with this problem exclusively and came to solve all around the end of day (i.e. 5:00pm).

I left office around 6:00pm then... then realized that there was something wrong with my car... on the way to ball park in Clayton County, my car got shaken a lot while the gear shifted into the 3rd. While remaining in that gear position, car kept vibrating vertically... I felt like that my car would stop in any minute. Then, I made ballpark with that.

Practice... first, not many people showed up. Then, when we started warming up, more people started showing up... ended up with 10 people in the practice.

Members participated: Tak, Kirk, Tim, Todd (new), Gloria (new), Cindy, Leslie (new), Jackie, Calvin, and Nicky (new=part-time).

Seems the team is going to be offense-oriented team... everyone can hit well. To the contrary to that fact, defensive matter needs immediate improve... plus there is some uncertain factor... of those members who didn't make the practice today (especially new members).

New members who didn't make it tonight: Britney (currently on vacation to beach!), Nita (Britney's Mom), Karen (didn't feel well)...

Well, we decided to do another practice session before the season (starting next Tuesday). It will be at 1pm, this Sunday.

I unexpectedly could move well and smooth. What I had thought about was that I couldn't do run... though, I did! I guess, losing weight quite helped that kind of physical condition. I don't mind losing another 5 Lb..

And most importantly, I was glad to confirm that my wild arm was not yet dead!!!

After the practice, I felt so uneasy about my car and wondered if I may NOT get home with the car... so I asked Kirk to follow me just in case. He ended up with coming all the way to my home... Thanks! First 10 minutes or so, the symptom was remaining same... though after getting off highway, things got changed. It became running normal without any vibration. I don't know what was wrong with my car... maybe still problem is there... I will see what would happen tomorrow or thereafter.

Maybe suddenly getting cold weather around here let the car have a cold and fever? --- could be.

My buddy from high school, Yasunori, whom I saw while I was in Ogaki, just emailed me that company sends him to US for business... He mentioned that Atlanta isn't included into the plan... so I won't get to see him then... Good luck!

Best friend in Mexico --- Israel, however, is coming to visit me at the end of month. He probably will spend weekend with me! How exciting! I used to live with him and his family while I was studying at Madero University in Puebla, Mexico. Since then, we are very close friends and keep in touch with each other. Cannot wait for him to come down here!!! where should I take him to while visiting me in Atlanta? (Please throw me a bone here, man!)

Darn... so sleepy because of good exercise. Cannot wait the new season! Will work out more to keep the good shape to play well in the season.

April 4, 2000 =Reunion Took Place in McDonald's?

Today, I wore a Mickey Mouse tie to the office... I had an okay day... no so bad, I mean. Though, still some customers called me more than 5 times today... which is no longer so unusual.

Somehow... these couples of days morning traffic isn't big deal! Did you realize? Maybe because kids are out of schools for spring break? Is that it? Anyway, commuting to office is pretty smooth. I was driving on I-285... then I saw my boss pass next to me... he was obviously speeding... I could call police from my cell phone (claiming some crazy driver out there!); though I doubted how soon it could arrange someone to pull him over... so I kindly decided not to.

Was I speeding? Nope! I, since the damage occurred, drive my car around so gently... strong wind like today's really affect to the driving condition... not too stable to drive straight under current body condition. Thus, I drive a bit above speed limit --- that is maximum I can do/I do.

Body shop appointment is still on 11th... a week from today STILL.

Softball practice was postponed to tomorrow thanks to last night's thunder storm. According to Tim who informed me of the postpone, the ball park was "under water" and no way to play today. This afternoon, we had some sun shine and seems it will be okay for us to practice tomorrow. I don't like muddy ground anyway...

Desktop Macintosh got USB upgrade. Then PowerBook will get upgrade CardBus functionality... so that I can take advantage of USB PC Card or FireWire PC Card with my laptop... I could send that laptop out today... though I completely forgot to backup all data of this web site. It takes up around 10 MB... so I did save them on desktop tonight and will send the PowerBook out tomorrow. USB upgrade will be done upon some minor repair... I expect that it will come back within a week, I hope.

Well, tonight is the first time I type in this update from desktop Macintosh. I had been doing things all on laptop PowerBook since my trip to Japan... certainly I enjoy easy typing on big keyboard. It is way easier to do all!

Move onto main subject of the day:

Lunch time... after 12:45pm or so, Koji and I went to nearby McDonald's where the service was awfully sucked and darn slow. Someone called my name from my back... "Hey, Tak!" It was Jennifer (ex-coworker). She left the company like a few month ago? Maybe even more... She told me that she did come by the office last week when I was off. She promised me to come by again sooner.

Then, grabbed the food and sat the place where Koji reserved to eat... I had to stare at someone just to come in the place. He became aware of my attention to his face and came straight up to me then. I said: "I know you! Where have you been?" --- It was Alex, another ex-coworker. He certainly remembered of me and had some chitchat instantly.

Koji who encountered 2 different reunion scenes I involved... told me, "Tak, you know lots of people around!" Well --- they were merely ex-coworkers.

----------

Came home and ate noodle... then watching TV, Braves' game against Rockies. Of course, I fell in asleep. Woke up and came upstairs, did some web surfing. My roommate, yk110, called me that another roommate, Yuko, made some bean dish... so I ate some (as night snack?)...

Yuko is new roommate of ours... though she hasn't complete moving yet. This Sunday, Kirk and I will help her to move main thing of moving... her king-size bed. We have huge doubt that big mattress can go thru this narrow stairway. Will see---

Tonight it gets a bit chilly... Get warm enough to go to sleep then!

April 3, 2000 =Koji (Yamada) Showed Up in the Office

What's up?! How was your Monday? Hectic, huh? It was so enough to me... as Monday...

Since my work visa is up in September, the Company arranged someone taking over my place in near future... so he's Koji Yamada --- he carries same last name of mine. Moreover, he is at my age too. What a coincidence, right?!

Koji recently moved from Charlotte, NC. for this job. He, even though is same age as myself, has been married and has a 2-year-old baby boy. Here is snap shot of the day!

He looks quite serious, right? VERY typical... as Japanese man unlike myself. Lots of people in the office told me that he was very eager to work hard (which was great!)... though he was just too serious and people don't know whom to pick on...

Probably, the value of my existence in the office is nothing but being mascot... right? I guess so.

Recent new of my sister Robyn gets married... and Koji at my age already has a baby... made me think, "Could I have that kind of responsibility by now?" --- still cannot imagine.

Maybe, it is about time to think about how I manage my life? --- maybe.

Wait... I cannot think anything that way... first of all, I have to get a chick out there in order to make this happen... Mmmmmmm.

I should have reported here long time ago... We once again have Fritz Softball Team... Since Anne (left fielder) is gone to Dallas, TX, we faced serious problem --- short of female players. Once I really didn't think that I would be able to play this year at all. Then, things got turned around. We succeeded to recruit new people in the office to participate! So now we have team! Tomorrow, we have first practice (hope, weather allows this) from 6:30pm for 2 hours.

The season starts from next Tuesday. Should have extra practice sometime over this weekend.

I am not too sure exactly who plays for the team, except regular members: Tim (pitcher), Kelvin (Outfielder), Jackie (Second-base), Dawn (Outfielder)... I probably will do short-stop... since Tim told me so. We probably wouldn't be as good as last year... though what we want is to have fun... plus to win, hopefully. Will report more when coming back from first practice tomorrow.

Of course, we get outside help, too. My best friend, Kirk, coming from Seino America, will join us. Kirk played with us last year too. He should be hustling more this year since he's got a girlfriend coming to watch him play.

Rain, rain, rain...

April 2, 2000 =Rained Out Sunday? No Way!

I told you that I really hated to see raining on any weekend... it did AGAIN. So I had to stick with a little computing today.

Since I told you that I bought TDK's Media Reader (USB version) in Japan, I had to upgrade my desktop Mac with USB accessibility. Then I went out to Micro Center to buy an upgrade card and installed it.

Smart Media for my digital camera was recognized right away... though not the PC card hard drive... I then checked out the package box of USB Media Reader... said as:

"This Media Reader is only for memory use and any different kind of PC cards won't work on this."

Wait! Hard drive is part of memory function... I thought that it