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Nice weather... low temperature, though. How is it in where you are?

End of the month... everyone was busy... Was I? A good question. Sort of. There was a serious lunch meeting took place. The subject to talk about was "how we can manage the sales quotas?!" Hmmmm, I didn't want to talk about.

Why? Because I am the pretending salesperson. Sort of fake, as you know! So I go out and make sales calls... Is the result of sales really proportionate to the workload I do?!

The answer? Wanna know it? Of course... NOT (yet).

Though, the meeting wasn't only focusing on me... pretty much in general.

Cool... "lunch meeting" means FREE FOOD! (sounds like an American!) My lunch box - Bento - was the one for $12! Did I like it? So-so.

Throughout such busy schedule of mine (really?) --- saw this guy...

A friend --- Good friend of mine, Bamian, from Atlanta. He just came back to Japan for his vacation and had a chance to see him today! He looked pretty damn good.

Hey, he's taken, got it? I am not, though (available to the world single market!).

Talked with him about so many things... other common friends between us, graduate school (i.e. MBA program), working in US and in Japan, Tak's up-to-date, what else, what else...

Talk was indeed endless... I really felt that it was such short time. Must have been a great time. He gave me a bag of BEEF JERKY... a real American gift, right?

Thanks, Bamian.

He's going back to Atlanta on the 3rd... then another friend from Atlanta, yk110, is coming to see me thereafter!

I know, I know, everyone loves me. Right? At least, I thought so.

Today's lunch: Bento box

Supper: Ramen noodle (at my favorite Ramen place near my apartment)

Tomorrow... have already made 2 appointments. Why I need to work so seriously on Friday?! Why? The first one at 10:30 in the morning... because I am about to get this biz! So I come up to that client who is already with my company... but also with new biz bringing to me!

In the afternoon, have 2nd call in Kawasaki-City... pretty long way like over an hour. So I probably leave the office like 10am and plan to go back in the office around 4 or even 5pm. Very short Friday to be for sure!

Hasta luego!

22:51

It's cold out there... Need a jacket to wear when going outside.

You know, it's December, almost.

Today I sent an email to yk110 --- who is coming back to Japan next month for her holidays. So I asked her for what I wanted. What did I want? Tapes. Movies. What titles are they?!

What I asked her for is:

"Mission Impossible 2"

"For Love of the Game"

"Shaft"

"U-571"

what else... and

Shoot, don't remember what the others were... And forgot to ask... "Coyote Ugly."

Today... had a meeting with Canon. Gee, this is a huge company! Kuboki and I came up to its World Headquarters.

Checked in at the gate first... registered out names and company. Then, went in the Building A --- seems 20-story-building. Then we came to ANOTHER counter to check in. Gee. What a tight security they had!

We showed our registration card and told a lady at the desk whom we were supposed to meet.

Meeting was about for 45 minutes or even a bit longer. We just confirmed of Singapore shipments and hope there won't be any damage.

A news hitting all over the media today...

NTT (or "Nippon Telecommunication and Telegraph) made an announcement today that it would start new service that it will broadcast movies to CELLULAR PHONE with special device required. Then what you can do is...

You can see real moving pictures... like news, movie previews, weather forecast, etc!!!

The movie won't be too long since you have to pay the connection with cellular phone as by minute-by-minute basis.

So you can see that out mobile computing is far ahead of yours. Hehehe.

I am sure that you didn't know that Japanese cellular phones do have KARAOKE capability and some models even do have a digital camera integrated.

Do I want one?! Nooooooo. I want new laptop... more that this device.

Wednesday is over... 2 more days to go for a weekend!

Ccccccccccold. Getting colder...

Shooot, I should have been careful what to install to my Visor! Gee, the system crashed again. Need to reinstall whole damn things. Hectic.

Tuesday is over... 4 days to go for another weekend. Got an email from Tim... talking about a girl in the picture I was sitting with.

Hey! Nothing really is in there, moron! She was a colleague! I know, Kyoko - her name, is cute... so?!?! That's it!

Tim was curious how in the world I was with her in a picture. Hmmm, cannot post any picture here, huh. I should be careful in choosing the pictures, don't you agree?

Hahaha.

I came up to a company... to see what kind of trading they did. Shhhhh, they've got LOTS of biz like they could (or even did) hold a bid on. I, as a single salesperson, won't be able to deal with this kind of client by myself...

This type of biz... top management of my company need to make a sales call. Like a Japanese politics... I guess, at least I can lead this opportunity to make this company invite us for next bid.

Tomorrow, Kuboki and I will do co-sales. The 3rd prospective client. Hope this combination will work out for a big biz to get.

Someone in the office emailed me in the middle of afternoon... asking for my opinion whether he should go for a PowerBook2000/400Mhz to buy rather than Mac CubeG4.

Man, another person buying a brand new Mac?! Cool! Still makes me want one... on and on. I know, I will get PowerBook soon. Hopefully very soon like next month.

My recommendation was... to get PowerBook2000/500Mhz if he couldn't wait for another 3-4 months on Cube. Cube currently do has some flaws and Apple should fix... though, it will take time to recondition the product line... like I said 3-4 months.

He seems going to buy PowerBook, as recommended.

How much is PowerBook I want?! --- $3,000.

Bush won?! Really? Then, Gore will sue?! Sounds like America!!!

It's tough game on Gore since Bush declared the victory... though, who knows what happens in the court, right? That's American way.

My appointment of the day took place in Shibuya. You know what? I today came to find that my quotes were a part of bid held by that prospect.

Gee, I didn't know that this deal was that way like that!

At least 2 other competitors were involved and they are currently handling its biz. My company represented by myself was the only new comer for this bid --- since I happened to call in for sales call.

After the meeting... I kept thinking on... about the future strategy... like "Should I back off the deal?," "Should I negotiate for further discount?" or "Should I just wait?"

Back to the office and asked my boss, Ito, for his opinion --- what I should do with this.

His comment was, "Tak, you did all you could have done and that's the best we could do for this." Therefore, I decided to wait for this bid conclusion. Which is coming out in a week or two.

There is a saying like "Ought to sleep, waiting for a good news." So I do that.

Changing the topic...

People in the office really think that I appeared to be different (maybe you agree too). Miss. Chiba made a comment on me when riding on elevator today as:

"Tak, you don't seem much belonging to that department."

At that time, Kiguchi from the same department was there with me and agreed with her!

Now I am so curious what kind of image people around have on me!!! Gee, tell me! I feel like I am already apart of the department or even the company... I guess, I just think that and people disagree... Hmmmm.

I found that I didn't pay the bill on power in time. It was past due!!! Gee. I thought I needed to pay all bills after the pay day... and I was wrong. That due was on 25th. Other bills like water, gas, etc. were not troublesome like the power bill.

I have already paid like $110. Wow, no money left in my wallet.

Hey, out there! No more PARTY! The Thanksgiving is OVER. Got it?! Quit drinking! No more party ... no more turkey! Stop shopping for Christmas for a while and it's time to get back to WORK! Yeah, WORK... R E A L I T Y !!!

I really hope every single one of you, reading this web page, had such a wonderful time over these holidays! Now, it's only a month away for your next big time - Christmas!

I am so certain that I have missed such a big time over there. I am sure that Family Haynes' Thanksgiving dinner won't be the same without some regular members... me as well as Robyn (who is in Columbia, not the one in South Carolina... as the country!).

Today, I appeared in Shinjyuku area... especially in the department store called Tokyu Hands (www.tokyu-hands.co.jp) to shop. Yes, I have just finished my Christmas shopping.

I did get most of presents needing to send to US for Christmas. Though, I had a severe limitation... Had to buy small stuff...

Why?

Because I don't have car... and Post Office opens only weekdays when I mostly work. I have to minimize the size of package in order to bring it to Post Office ON FOOT in order to send out.

That's tough, don't you think?!

Then, I bought... Oops, I am supposed NOT to give up that kind of details since some of recipient of my presents may read this!

Plus, I got 2 prizes on 2 readers who got memorial hit at 2,222nd in English page and 22,222nd in Japanese one, respectively. I will mail those out at the same time for other Christmas presents. Oh, need to obtain the address to mail them.

Sorry for delay on this one.

No movies today! All other movies than ones I have seen already... didn't interest me much to pay extra bucks to watch today.

Next movie I want to see... "13 days," maybe.

All right, let's get back to normal, fellows!

22:10

Supposedly, enjoying the weekend... supposedly.

What did I do? Nothing... except tons of sleep. Last night, the TV really caught my attention. Japan's national station, NHK, airing "Ally McBeal" and Spanish Study Class followed.

Yeah, I feel like I want to study... like yesterday, I saw the Japanese University and impressed... But in this country, schooling to learn English or Spanish really cost a lot. Really. Probably, application or entrance fee for school cost easily over $1,000.

What should I do?!

Kirk emailed me and started using a Macintosh he got a long time ago. Miyuki bought a brand new PowerBook G3 (500Mhz). Gee, everyone is having fun! You know, I want one too. Mr. Inoue in the office is planning to buy a new iMac next month after getting winter bonus paid. Who else?! Oh, Mrs. Kawano, in the office too, is really proud of her new G4 Cube...

What should I do?! (Need to buy one)

Still keep forgetting my Christmas shopping done. That's the task for tomorrow.

12:34+1

Easy Friday... since yesterday was off as a national holiday in Japan... one day after a holiday was such easy to handle and ready to set for a weekend. Wow!

Went out for an appointment in this afternoon and took train of Yamanote Line from Hamamatsu-cho to Mejiro.

Took me almost 30 minutes to get there...

Mejiro... where the Gakushuin University is located. This university... very prestigious... all Imperial Family members ALWAYS go to.

First time for me to see the campus since I walked by and was very impressive. I wish I could have studied somewhere like that. You know, I just wished.

Something really crossed my mind... what I go to grad school or other institution to study something.

Appointment was interesting. I learned the way the competitors' sales strategies. The person I had a meeting with showed me the paperwork and I really saw the way they were doing out there in the same market where I intended to sell services.

I still will quote for this prospect. Don't know if I can still gain a good chance for new biz or not.

Following week... going to be ordinary full week... appointments on Monday and Tuesday. Should have one more afterwards. Probably, I need to add one or two thereafter.

This weekend seems fine weather with warm climate. Thank God!

PlayStation2 is now on sale in European markets... finally. Have you gotten one yet?

What should I do for weekend? No plan... Oh, got paid today. That means... Christmas Shopping! I need to get it done, really. I have to mail all out before 10th or so, next month, in order to make the Christmas. Intending to get smaller stuff... so that it won't cost me much about shipping fees.

Late afternoon, Emi Takahashi from Narita Office came to our place in the office. She was the one told me that I looked like 34 years old. Even though she's the same age as myself, she really thought that I was older. Anyway, today she was nice to me. Plus made a comment as soon as seeing me:

"Tak, have you lost your weight?!"

Apparently, it's noticeable, huh! She last saw me in the beginning of September.

What movies open today?! Need to check...

All right... let me finish the laundry... which I am doing as of 12:15am, Saturday... still Friday night... so that I can have fun fully over the weekend. See you tomorrow.

12:15+1

Hey! --- excuse me on no update yesterday.

Came home with taxi and it was late... very late like 3am or 4 am... don't even remember what time the heck it was. Yes, too much party!

Wednesday... no appointment and stuck with a trial shipment. Turned out that it all went well. The customer told me, "Good job!" Hope this will be continuous.

From 7pm... Party kicked off!

This party is for several people... including myself... upon "come and go" ---

New comers: Tak, Hanaki, Takashima, and Sato (from September)

Leave: Takahashi (from this week to another position)

Party was held in the hidden place owned by the company--- 17 or 18 people gathered.

This was a big place!

Here are more pictures from that night...

Shinsuke Ito - Tak's immediate boss

Kuboki, Arahata, Ito, and Takashima

Takahashi --- leaving for a new position!

Tajima --- kept himself eating all served!!! (just like myself)

Takashima --- new head of my department (in stead of Takahashi)

"Flowers" of the Department, Fukami, Hanaki, and Sato

Matsuoka --- very unusual, wearing suits

Lastly...

Tak and Fukami

This party in this place was up to 9pm and we went on to Karaoke... until 2am or so!

Kabuki and Ito (back) --- MC of the Party!

Mochizuki --- this guy was so funny, too

I found myself... I wasn't good at Karaoke. The matter is... couldn't sing in English because I didn't remember... plus, I didn't know songs in Japanese, either!

Since too many pictures... this page becomes so heavy... will make the rest of this update short.

This morning (Thursday) --- National Holiday! You know, it's Thanksgiving in US!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Gee, I missed the first Thanksgiving for like what? 5 years?! I miss the FOOD! Eat TURKEY!

My day on Thanksgiving... was nothing but just saw a movie.

"The Replacements," a football movie. Tak's Rating: C+, a bit better than last movie I saw, "Bedazzled."

Finally, pay day is tomorrow... I have been already quite broke. Need some money! I need to get my Christmas shopping done too! This weekend... hope that I can finish it up.

Friday... will be a short one to feel since today was off and weekend is just around the corner. Plus, I have one appointment to go out for.

See you tomorrow and eat as much Turkey as you can with extra piece for me!

23:08

Hard rain... lots of rain over night... woke me up several times since was so windy in addition to the rain. Lack of sleep!

Got warmer from yesterday. Was close to 70 degree.

My pedometer shows as 12677 steps, 4.7 miles of walk.

Office - very warm and made me so sleepy all day long until the time to leave for appointments. Upon the 1st appointment... went to the place a bit earlier than I should... so I walked around and found a shop, and I bought ice cream. It was HOT! Really.

I know it's so weird to eat ice cream in November... especially when eating outside. Though, I liked it. I may do the same again, soon... very soon.

Oh gee, don't tell people! That I ate ice cream while working! Sorry... gotta be secret (not really since I mentioned it here on the Internet, huh!).

1st meeting... went all right. Submitted the quotes. Response and reaction seemed very positive, at least to myself at that time.

2nd appointment was lasting forever and it was 6pm when coming out of it. Of course, I still had work to do thereafter... so I went back to the office to take care of further issues (in fact, after stopping by a coffee shop for a rest... just for 20 minutes with summarizing the meeting by myself).

A guy at the 2nd meeting... told me that I didn't even look like ordinary business person... He added that I didn't look like used to wear the suits all the times. Did I appear that bad?!?! Hmmmm.

I guess, I am different. Ha!

Tomorrow's update may not be in the best timely manner, as like usual. My department holds a welcome and farewell party for its members... especially for new comers like myself since September and Mr. Takahashi who recently assigned off the department.

Party starts 7pm... don't know if I make it on time or not since my first trial biz is to deal with then... most likely. My boss said, "Tak, take care of biz by cellular phone. Just maintain the control." Hope I can do as he said.

Will take some pictures... of members from the same department as mine.

Since Thursday is off for National Holiday... I am quite certain that the party is to continue for decent amount of time... Let's say... at least up to 2am or even 3am. Some expectation is... all the way until next morning.

Will see what to happen.

23:00

Gee, Japan's Diet didn't even move at all. The continuing story over Japan's politics, Mr. Kato - the leader of Rebellion from Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) - decided NOT to go to Diet for tonight's session. Chose to be absent to tonight's Diet meeting.

2 different groups (about 40-some Diet members) led by Kato, within LDP, have made up their mind... NO GO FOR THE DIET tonight. This means, the votes on non-confidence over current cabinet won't pass.

So current Prime Minister Mori will remain in the office. DAMN IT!

I really wanted LDP split by a half or so... in order to reconstruct Japan's politics, entirely.

Today's Tak ---

One prospective client I visited back on Monday... called me for further inquiry. This call really made me happy. You know why? Because I really didn't have good impression or even feeling on this client as a result of submitting quotes then.

Seems like I can still work on this. Over that phone call, I came to have another appointment for next week... That wouldn't be that bad.

I submitted my weekly sales report and made a report on that company, saying... "There is no further potential to keep up with --- since the rates didn't seem competetive enough" Maybe, I underestimated? Or they still like me?!

Another client gave me a chance for trial. Maybe, this is the first biz to get for me?! Sure hope so.

My boss nominated me to be a member of the organizer for the "End-Of-The-Year Party" --- (it's like Christmas Party) which will be held for everyone in Tokyo office... about 80-some people. Every department needs to select one person to organize that party and I represent the department. Wow, I am the party guy?!

Tokyo's weather is pretty miserable... just like that politics. Gee, so messy. Heard the forecast that rain would be harder toward tomorrow morning. Getting soak while walking down the street to work, to clients' offices, to home... makes me sick!

Tomorrow... 2 appointments. One is just giving me a trial biz... so meeting will be very detailed. Hope I can impress more to them... so they can feel more confident to give me biz.

The other one... last time I went to visit was at the end of last month. Today, I have already prepared the quotes. Hope my figures come to appeal. Who knows, huh?!

Pay day... in 3 days.

Japan's Diet is shaking... from its bottom and foundation. Tomorrow, minority of political parties will turn it the nonconfidence on the current cabinet, Japan's government. If the Diet approves it with majority of votes for it, then the Prime Minister has to choose one of two options. Dismiss the Diet and straight into the General Election --- or All cabinet members, including the Prime Minister himself, resign and the Diet chooses new Prime Minister.

This will happen tomorrow for sure. Since Mr. Kato, a leader of one group out of LDP, Liberal Democratic Party which is composing the current cabinet, declared, before the media, that he would vote for nonconfidence on the government. You know, he's from LDP... He is supposed to say no against this. Though, he came out to us and said, "This is not right!"

Since the Prime Minister, Mori, is found such useless politician and our shame to rest of the world!

Previously, the nations ... 75% of them have spoken that current government wasn't received their consent!

Unlike US Presidential Election, we are on INDIRECT election on prime minister. We cannot choose who to be the Prime Minister. Most of the time in Japan's history, whoever in LDP has more power with such money to lead other politicians is always coming to the chair of Prime Minister. After last Prime Minister Obuchi died suddenly while still securing his position in the office, LDP easily picked Mori to be in the office over a night. Because he was the easiest one to control by LDP at that time. There was no election taken place... like I said.

Kato now doesn't mind of EXPULSION out of LDP as a result of tomorrow's Diet meeting. His followers, about 40 or even 50 Diet members, will come to the same. This is such a big deal if LDP ends up losing 40 or 50 of its members. At the same time, LDP is reaching to the point where it doesn't fulfill the majority of the Diet... means LDP loses the control of the Diet.

"New long drama will be rolling out," Kato said over and over to the media.

We don't know what to happen next. Though, tomorrow will be such significant to Japanese politics.

It'll be mess if general election is to occur thereafter. It's end of the year... busy time for everyone.

My day? Very calm and nothing really happened. Did laundry and need to iron after this.

Next pay day --- in 4 days!

23:18

Today's Tak --- very active. Why? Maybe am stressed out from work?! Maybe. Withdrawing some money at ATM and came to the reality... no much money left... yeah, it's time to patiently wait for next pay day... the 24th.

Where did I go?! Started from Akihabara (Tokyo Electric City), and Shibuya, then Ginza.

In Akihabara:

Went to Ikeshop (www.ikeshop.co.jp) --- to buy "J-OS IV" for Palm. Since Kirk got a Palm IIIc and needs to customized to Japanese language capable... this software is MUST for it. It was a bit more than $70.

Then stopped by a restaurant to eat my favorite stuff, Ramen noodle. Called "Kyushu Jyangara Ramen" very famous and even TV introduced the other day. Man, long line to wait! Sooo many people want this.

Entrance of "Kyushu Jyangara Ramen"

Did I like it?! It was okay. Still "Genki-Tei" near my apartment is the best. I give a solid B to "Kyushu-" this time.

Then moved to Shibuya:

Of course for weekend's USUAL --- the movie. "Bedazzled" You know what is the Japanese title?! It's "Let's do bad stuff." Funny, huh!

Bedazzled --- Good casting. Though, boring story... Cannot give any better than C... Sorry if you liked this movie. First half really could tell rest of it.

Though, I still like Elizabeth Hurley's British accent!

Then, stopped by Ginza --- exactly Printemps Ginza and got those:

Yes, Christmas Cards!

So windy outside and stayed mostly indoor... Couldn't spend any more money due to severely tight budget.

Tomorrow... laundry and other chore stuff.

13:30+1

TGIF... ordinary Friday for me. Stayed at work late though.

Had a meeting with a prospective client in the late afternoon around 4pm. This person I had a meeting with LOVED TO TALK. Very Talkative... Meeting was lasting longer than one hour... way longer than the average meeting I usually had.

Was productive?! So-so. I am not still so certain if I can get this biz. It's big biz.

It was rainy weather... Is this weekend going to be similar to this?! Well, hope not.

My Visor is back to normal, finally. Now cannot go out for any sales calls without this, like the American Express... hahaha.

After 8pm or so, I found that only 5 men, including myself, left in the office. ALL MEN. What an ugly situation, huh? No fanciness... from any female. Found the other department on the same floor went out for drink all together... and all female colleagues in the same department went home quite quickly. Gee, I don't want to be surrounded by all men...

Hey! Need to concentrate on job, right?! What the heck am I thinking?!

Following week... from 19th on... will be short one due to 11/23 is ANOTHER national holiday. So Thursday is off... Have 2 appointments on Tuesday, another one on Friday... So I must get busy...

Let me go for today... Need to be ready for weekend, so are you!

13:06+2

Tragedy was occurred at my desk, the first thing in this morning. Couldn't understand exactly what happened ... to my Visor.

I couldn't turn it on. AT ALL. Why not?

Yesterday, at the party, I used the Visor and was no problem. Even after coming home, I did use it too. Why not this morning?

I used all functionality to rest the system... didn't succeeded.

Even sent an email to Handspring, the manufacturer of Visor. No response back from it right away, as always of any customer support ON-LINE.

Cannot figure out what went wrong. While on the train this morning, I don't think I smashed my brief case to the wall or someone else. I didn't drop it at all.

No function. All this morning... was so disappointed. No memo for my biz, no schedules, no to-do lists... nothing! Wasn't eager to work.

While lunch time, I bought a new set of batteries (2). Then, put them in and see... WORKED! It was just out of power?! Couldn't believe it because I knew that power was half left as of yesterday. How come?!

That's mystery.

Really. Oh well, anyway... now working... even after losing all data in Visor. I can get some back, not completely because I didn't get backup yesterday. I do need backup module for Visor... seriously considered! $70?! Wow.

This afternoon, had an appointment. Submitted my quotes. They said, was quite fascinating... Oh I am sure of it since I lowered so badly. Hope that good result will come out soonest.

Now I am busy installing many software back to my Visor. Let me go for now. See you tomorrow. It's TGIF, folks!!!

23:14

Tak came home after the date was changed to 16th. Wow, long day! Definitely --- left work at 6:30 for party! Hahaha.

Anyway, during the day time, had to go up to Tokyo Big Sight once again... today, I had a bit more free time... so I looked around more to see things out there.

from Japan Home Show 2000

All kinds of things for living... interior, exterior, building materials, etc. It was quite interesting even to me. Well, I wish I could have seen more of interior, though.

For party tonight... saw and drank with old friends... ryoryo (female), Masumi (female), and Kotaro (male). Went to Chinese restaurant nearby my office... a block from Hamamatsu-cho.

from left> Kotaro, Masumi, and Tak!

So much fun drinking with those whom I know quite well. Too bad that I wasn't allow to put up a picture of ryoryo... She threatened me not to do that. I guess, she's photo-fanatic... right?!

Fun night... passed all so quickly. Well, I am sure that I will get together with those fellows sometimes soon.

Good night.

0:39+1

Hey! It's me, Tak... who is busy PRETENDING working so hard. Today I walked and walked... yeah, I've got enough exercise!

My pedometer indicates 20,467 steps... about 7.63 miles!

This is the 2nd time for me to exceed 20,000 steps a day; last Saturday in playing golf was the 1st time, of course.

Getting healthy and in good shape? Maybe not so fast. I guess, I am getting tired, accumulating fatigue day by day a little by a little.

For instance, on the way back to office from the appointment, was going down stairs in train station and missed the step and almost... ALMOST fall into the crowds since it was rush hour at the evening. Wow, should be careful...

Thank God, didn't fell then.

Anyway, today I went up to Tokyo Big Sight... one of the biggest exhibition centers in Tokyo. For what? Oh, in the purpose of killing time and some fun... just kidding.

Went up there for an appointment, in fact.

"Japan Home Show 2000"

This expo is of building material and home improvement systems, etc. Was quite interesting. Oh didn't take any pictures... since I was with one colleague and we were sticking with sales activities! (see, I am SERIOUSLY working!)

Made only one appointment prior to coming to this place... though, while waiting for time to meet that prospect, we made a tour around, exchanged biz cards, and gave away our company's brochures. No wonder I walked that much today.

And you know what? I may end up going to the same place tomorrow to meet someone else. I will go myself tomorrow... so I perhaps can take some pictures.

In the office, this website is getting known by more and more people... I guess, I would be considered not working but having fun if I put up more pictures... that ain't work-related. Don't you agree? Hahaha. You know what? I keep this as it is. It's mine. It's my fun thing.

Fritz Companies, Inc... made an official announcement back on 10th... changing executives. Ray Smith - CEO of the company - resigned and the biggest shareholder as well as last CEO, Lynn Fritz, will resume back to the position of CEO, effective immediately.

Year, the guy promoted COE (Center of Excellence in Dallas, TX) is now gone and no one supports that deal anymore. In addition to that, COE is currently downsizing with number of layoffs.

What's going to happen to the company then? Hereafter --- we don't know. At least, I can say for sure... the company is really surviving and massive change might be ahead of us. Hmmmm.

All right, that's it for today. See you tomorrow!

22:52

Sorry for no update yesterday, folks. Hey, hey, hey, no complaint... got it? I was busy and needed some time off... sometimes. Like Yesterday, okay?

Anyway, I made my mission complete yesterday. Yeah, saw the movie... Tak's long time awaited one... "Charlie's Angels!!!" I definitely give B+ for this movie. Am I fan of Cameron Diaz? Well, yes and no. I really like how funny she is. Though, I don't think much that she's cute or even beautiful --- I am sure that lots of you here may be against my opinion...

Why didn't I give a straight A for this? Well, I liked the casting. Unfortunately, not about the story... that bad guys were after Charlie. That's no the way to go for the movie came back to the theaters. I am sure that this movie will be back with same starring... however the story like this one should be dealt with later in the series, rather than the very first one.

I will get a tape when available!

Haven't seen it? Oh shame on you! It's so American movie... funny with somewhat stupid. Simple story to watch... no BRAIN NEEDED to watch this! Trust me on this one.

How much did I cost? It was 18 dollars...

Today... brand new week, had an appointment that I made an offer on quote. Too bad that I didn't get an instant decision to retain my services. Though, kind glad that didn't happen... you know what? I later on came to find that rates weren't properly calculated. Really.

Classification was wrong... even though I confirmed it several times. Well, human... make mistakes, right?

Anyway, I just sent out an email message to that person with my apology and letting her know that I would come to submit correct ones.

Since I went to Shibuya... found an interesting store... called "Condomaniacs." I thought that the name was so... unless mistaken. What to sell? --- Easy, condoms. Very small place with such variety of condoms... useful ones and some others for totally fun-purpose, etc. I ALMOST grabbed some for gifts. Since I haven't decided any of winning prizes on this page's web counters (both sides, respectively).

I hesitated doing so... since I am so shy.

Saw an old man in train this morning while rush hours... He seemed around late 60's or even 70's. Suddenly screamed and said, "Hey, people! Why don't you open windows if you stand aside the windows!" Sounded as very strong language. Everyone heard him... though, there was an only guy made a move. One window was open...

Think... the train was packed and temperature was nearly 100 degree... I was sweating too!

Imagine of packed train like that... you can even move yourself a bit... because every single direction was blocked by someone else.

As soon as train arrived very next station... as soon as some people got off the train and some space was created... this guy pushed others and went on along with the windows and opened ALL WINDOWS. What a guy! Tough guy! Everyone gave him a chill look... because his attitude was definitely not accepted... though, I kind liked it... although didn't appreciate the way he did. Though, what he did had a point and I agree. I thanked what he did.

Oh, I guess I am different too (not like that old man, though!).

All right, I want to rest. Worked too hard. Yeah, I did. Don't you trust me of my saying?! You better! (hahaha)

22:21

Yeah! That was so fun ---

Yup, I went to play golf today with people from the office. Eight of us got together to make 2 four-sum's.

At 6am, Mr. Kuboki (from same department) came to my apartment to pick me up and went up to Mr. Nishimura and Mr. Kanegawa's place... to get together for ride-share.

From here, it is sooooo Japan-like... drove 2 hours from there... to get to golf club located in DIFFERENT prefecture (= state) to just play golf. It was Shimodate Golf Club in Shimodate-City, Ibaragi Prefecture.

Sorry, didn't carry my digital camera around... since I didn't want to mess up my score... because taking much time in playing from many troubles... would annoy other players as well as following parties. Yes, I did concentrate a little bit.

There was no driving range for practice in that golf club. That was tough to deal with. You know, I only had a practice last week or so... that was it. Surely, wasn't enough to play well today.

We had a female carry with ourselves... Wow! She was young and, importantly, CUTE. She was a junior college student... assuming age of 19 or 20. I kept wondering whether I should ask her for phone number (for further contact) or not.

In terms of having a conversation with her, she goes to school in Tsukuba for a junior college and majors in nursing. She's originally from Fukushima Prefecture (pretty country side) and often goes to Tokyo for fun on weekends. She makes $100 on being caddy on weekends and holidays. Wow, good pay!

Oh, did I truly play hard with thinking of this young lady?! Hmmmmm.

Here are all results:

Name (Title@Work)	Score (Ranking)
Mr. Ishii (Managing Director)	112 (6)
Mr. Nishimura (Manager)	107 (5)
Mr. Ito (Supervisor)	143 (8)
Mr. Kuboki (Sales)	140 (7)
Mr. Kiguchi (Sales)	94 (3)
Mr. Kanegawa (Director)	92 (2)
Mr. Fukuda (Branch Manager)	89 (1)
Tak (Sales)	105 (4)

Tak... 105... 53/in 52/out... wasn't that bad. Most importantly, I did truly enjoy myself. Was great weather with hard wind around. With cute caddy... everything was just perfect for me!!!

In exchange of fun time with coworkers... paid $205 for play with meal. Pretty damn expensive for single play with this amount, huh!

I will be spending rest of time on this weekend HOME... in order NOT to spend any money. Broke again!

Too bad... didn't get the phone number... What a shame.

21:58

Since the description of yesterday, lots of people (i.e. readers of Ogaki-jin) assume that I went out for drinking... with beauty.

Darn... too bad, that's wrong answer and I feel like "I wished..."

Hey, assumption isn't good stuff to do... if you tend to do often (you think), then that's bad enough to get rid of it as habit.

You know, I am a good at giving advice. Trust me on this.

Had a meeting in Ginza... Meeting, I mean BUSINESS, yes, as I spell, B U S I N E S S. To get paid for, right? Anyway, biz meeting was okay and Ginza... still my favorite place.

Did I show up in Ginza for tonight too? No way! In fact, I had to come home quickly... in order to do laundry before the weekend. I gotta play golf tomorrow... and have to be ready for it. That's why.

Hope I do okay... at least the weather seems going to be cooperative, thank God.

Someone made a comment thru emailing me about how expensive could be in spending time in Ginza with beauty... If you went to some particular places, would cost easily more than $500 or even $1,000 per person! No kidding. There is NO sex involve for that. Just drink with several hostesses with yourselves. Nice ladies, though (at least so I heard).

For reality, there are lots of foreigners being hostesses in those kind of bars to make big bucks. For your information, I don't recommend that... since recently a big news shaken Japan --- a rich guy was arrested with charge of murder... killed an English woman after getting sexually abused.

Can find all kind of girls from all over the world in those kind of places... more variety in there than college or work places, I may add.

From Thailand, Hong Kong, English, US, Russia, or wherever...

Laundry is still in progress as of 11:35pm... as soon as getting it done, I will rest and will get up at 5:30am! (like when I went out for driving range) Gee, that's damn early.

Wish me luck to play good!

23:40

Tak has finally seen true Japan! ---

Tonight... cutting work short and went out... as mentioned yesterday (didn't I?). Went out to Ginza --- the best night spots of Tokyo!

Ginza Ginza Ginza...

What did I see? --- all kind of GOOD LOOKING girls... Forget to go anywhere else in Japan... you don't have to go anywhere anymore... just come out to this place!!! Got it?

Meeting with my old friend... Moooookawa, Oooops, that's wrong. His name is M. Okawa... Manabu Okawa. First time to see him for 4 years. Was great reunion... too bad that I had to see a guy rather than one of good-looking girls on street tonight. Maybe next time.

Went in a Taiwanese restaurant called "Ryuho Mon" --- was packed.

Manabu is unchanged personality... was so fun to talk to that fellow. He's definitely good friend of mine even though haven't kept good touch between us.

Manabu Okawa

I told him of my impression on girls on street in this area - Ginza - as like ladies were so different from all other areas of Tokyo... so much better. You know what? He said same thing back and even made a comment as "Tak, our attentions are usually collected to ugly gals in here... since almost all girls are so good!"

Hmmmm, makes sense.

Manabu was so fascinated with my Visor... Probably I will make him buy one.

By the way, big news is all over the Japanese media... since the leader of Japanese Red Army was arrested in Osaka, Japan, so suddenly yesterday. For my age, the Japanese Red Army isn't that big deal... probably for those who are mid-30's or older... because the Army did kinds of terrorist activities... such as high jacking, massacre, etc. Do you know of this?

Hey, US Presidential race... re-counting ballots in FL isn't the only issue the world deals with, okay!

See you tomorrow then.

Did I drink? Not much. Fun talk, mostly.

23:40

Woke up usual... around 6:40am... hit a shower, got dressed, walked to the station, took trains, went in the office, turned on the laptop... opened the Netscape for intranet access.Wow!

There was a news posted in bulletin board... for the regard of changes coming to be made on COE function. "COE" --- remember (not Titans!) of COE as "Center of Excellence." The facility in Dallas... I spent a whole month in this summer.

COE is the symbol as well as actual location of centralized import processing. Now the company announced that COE releases 25 percent of all accounts back to original places (i.e. Port of Entries).

Suck! What can I tell you. Company relocated many people and cut out those who remained in the local offices (i.e. layoff). And now it says that it was wrong (of course, it never mentions things like that) and... what! We cannot bring those who were royal and experienced back to the place anymore. They are gone to competitors!

Man...

I think Company should say, "Sorry, it was mistake," rather than actually saying like "due to customers' preference for better satisfaction."

I sent out many messages via email today to see those who are in Dallas are going back to Atlanta or other origins... or not.

I feel sorry for those who sold the house for relocation and bought a new home in Dallas, now company asks to move back... there is no way for better settlement!

Cannot believe this is happening.

21:35

Finally... Ogaki-jin English Version reached to the 2,222nd hit yesterday. Thank you. Who is the winner? Unfortunately, NOT Jonathan. It was Sam from Penn State. Congratulations! Will get something for you as SOON AS I GET SOME EXTRA MONEY... and send it to you.

Wow! Now I've got 2 items to get for 2 winners... one is for Sam on 2,222nd hit and the other for Mr. Sato on 22,222nd hit to Japanese Version.

Hey, the readers of this site SHOULDN'T be pushing me to be broke... right? Please help! --- Just kidding.

One appointment in the afternoon... requirement was tough for me to deal with. I need to get a consent from my boss to move forward. Since he was out sick today... nothing really happened after the meeting.

Thank God... got 3 more appointments for rest of the week. One for tomorrow and two on Thursday. Tomorrow, will intend to get one more for Friday.

Left the office around 8pm, as usual. Mr. Inoue was at the elevator entrance and we came out of the office together. Then, we went to have some drinks. In fact, he bought me a dinner. Thank you!

My neighbor (female) seems having a cold... must be sick. I can hear her coughing. You know, Japanese wall isn't think... quite thin.

Back to talking about the bar we went. It was called "Tenbozou." I have no idea on this term... some kind of Buddhism-related word? Anyway, the bar was small... only the capacity of 7 people and owner - lady - was working alone for everything. Food was great, though. I liked it. Beer and Japanese Sake, hot one. Hmmmm... quite good.

There was a funny guy in the bar already before my entrance. His name is Shin. He was way too drunk... though, acted so funny as well as kinky. That is the stereo type of Japanese salaryman... Japanese worker who lives from pay day to pay day.

Folks, sorry --- no ladies, yet.

Will put up more girls pictures here, okay? Calm down, man!

Just bear with me for a moment.

Manabu Okawa --- guy who went to same college as mine in Brevard, NC, finally contacted me last night... late night. He finally saw this page to see how I am doing. He today emailed me to cellular phone and we now talk into getting together this Thursday. Wow, haven't seen this guy for 4 or even 5 years. Cannot wait to have that.

In addition to that, I sent out several emails to those who I haven't see for years and are still around Tokyo area. Hope I can get some replies by tomorrow.

Too late already... better get some sleep. See you tomorrow.

23:49

Hi, ya'll! Did you enjoy your weekend? I know, I know, any weekend or eve any holiday season will NEVER be enough to anyone. For me, this past weekend, 3-day-weekend, was not good enough to myself, either.

Today, Tokyo was enjoying warm weather, not much of sunshine though. Did I go out? Nope. Didn't have any appointment and I had to write up weekly sales report which is due tomorrow morning...

Ooops! Didn't send an email to my boss with that report! Gee. I forgot!

I am getting old, huh! Forgot about it completely.

Called many companies to see any sales opportunity... thank God! I've got one appointment for tomorrow. Hopefully, I can get more later on.

Got emails from the company I had a meeting with on last Thursday (=perfume company). Now they want my quotes. Cool! I definitely work on this right away. I like visiting that company since its location was in the middle of cool fashion place called Harajyuku.

Since didn't going out... pedometer doesn't indicate high number... it's 6488 steps. About 2.43 miles. Too long? Too short?

News from my hometown Ogaki>>>

Picture from Nakasendo Festival

Nakasendo --- one of main streets which were primary transpiration bypasses while Samurai Period. And part of this bypass is thru the city... in Akasaka area of Ogaki. Cool, huh!

Oh back to today's story... a guy on the 4th floor (I am on the 2nd) asked me... like this:

"Tak, Are you buys? You always seem enjoying working here."

I guess, I don't seem working hard... rather, I am having fun in the office. I told the same person, "What is the point in having such annoying face while working? We better think about having fun throughout work!"

Making a difficult thing more complicated isn't right... at least so to me. In addition to that, I said, "That's why I don't go to sales calls on any industry that I am not interested." Yeah, I always research on interesting industries.

Wow, according to the Gallop survey, Bush is ahead of Gore now? Hey ya'll, have you decided to vote for which candidate?

Election... Tuesday, right? Can I come over to vote for Bush?

2 days (to go), folks!

See you tomorrow, here again.

22:20

Another nice weather! Awesome! Today went out to Ikspiari - big shopping mall, nearest one from my apartment for mainly window shopping.

Of course, couldn't buy any.

Official Homepage ---> HERE

More than 100 shops with AMC movie theaters. Tons of people... By the way, I really don't know the meaning of "Ikspiari." Sounds like Latin word... maybe, that official site would tell you? Will check it out later.

Did I like the mall? So-so. It was like a maze to me...

Oh you know what? There was "Rainforest Cafe" --- Those who in Atlanta may NOT be familiar with this name... but those who in Dallas, TX... This fancy restaurant has already arrived in Japan! Wow!

Did I go in there? Hey, do you think I would go in WITHOUT a DATE? Kidding me!

Of course, you can find other American brands in the mall, too, such as Coach, Tiffany & Co., Gap, etc.

Then, killed time at AMC... saw "Autumn in New York." This wasn't brand new movie... just one of those movies that I would like to see...

Did I like it? So-so... Give a C+. The setting in the movie, especially about 48-year-old man gets along with 20-some-year-old girlfriend... a bit kinky.

Oh well, this long weekend is over. Did I have fun? Probably had more rest than fun... though, it was good... just as needed.

The game 3 of All Star Series... seemed Japan is kicking ass back, finally.

See you tomorrow, fellows.

22:46

Super beautiful weather... wasn't around for a long time. And what did I do? --- Nothing. Except cleaning. Practically, did everything I could. Clean the bathroom and living room... did laundry too.

Oh, did sleep a lot too.

Hey who the heck told me that "Charlie's Angels" would be open on 11/3?!

Charlie's Angles' Office Site -> HERE

I am sure that some of the readers already saw that movie... I am so envious!

I saw the ad on TV and it said would start on 11/11... next Saturday! I thought that it would be opening at the same time as US... which was 11/3.

Gee...

11/11... I need to play golf... unable to go to the theater? Oh maybe I can make it at night! (Who knows?)

Tonight... spending time on rental movies.

Tomorrow what should I do? I had rested well enough and energized to do something. However, I have to make sure how much money left for spending. I am sure that amount won't be that large, as usual.

Japanese TV isn't healthy... many channels deal with foods, great foods. Makes me so hungry and remind that I am quite broke. Foods on those channels introduced are always served at fancy restaurants where I never can afford myself to go in... and that's probably primary reason that I cannot have girlfriend...

Today's spending///

• Lunch --- $4
• Dinner --- $10
• Rental Movies (2) --- $7
• Laundry --- $9

Do I spend much? Shouldn't be. Let's simulate if I were having a date with someone:

• Lunch --- $20
• Dinner --- $40
• Movie in Theater --- $36 ($18 per person)
• Trains --- $8
• Laundry --- $9

Actually spent $30 today... although, I would have spent $113 or even more if dated someone. Oh my God!

From above figures, scares me to go out with someone then... don't you agree?

It's so safe to be alone, especially from financial aspect...

By the way because of yesterday's exercise in early morning... my body is SO soared.

Tomorrow, maybe go out... to see something. Will check with Tokyo guide book.

22:48

First day of long weekend was nothing really for me. Mr. Kuboki and I got together at 5:30am --- yes, EARLY morning... In Japan, practicing golf at driving range was tough to deal with. We went to the place for hitting at 6am... tons of people already out there.

Did I hit (balls) well? NO freaking way! I messed all up so badly!

Tonight I am watching TV... US-Japan All Star Series (baseball). The Game 1 is now over with 8-5 --- US edged Japan.

Japan allowed too many home-runs to US team... so Japan let the chance for winning go away... The game was fun, though. I watched the game all the way from the top of 1st 'til the end of game.

Other than that for today, I did nothing. Slept for a long time. After practice, came home around 8:30am and went back to bed... didn't move out of the bed until 4pm or so.

Movie? Oh, didn't go. Maybe, tomorrow. Did you see that movie?

Well, better take everything easy... will talk to you tomorrow.

Bye!

22:22

Late update ---

Still Thursday, already end of the week! Since tomorrow, 11/3, is national holiday. We are facing 3-day-weekend. Cool!

Do I have plan? Nope. Really. Except planning to go to the movie theatre to see "Charlies' Angeles." Hopefully tomorrow. Otherwise, don't have any plan since weather won't be cooperative much.

Had an appointment with company importing perfumes. I went to Shibuya area which was well-known as Tokyo's fashion town. Man, office is like a show case... nice European furniture and many young (good-looking) females working in there.

The lady I wet was probably around 25 years old or so... Definitely the youngest I met upon any appointment I made so far. This young lady told me, "We just go by the price." Man, what a talk. The meeting was okay... though, I didn't make this as opportunity to submit the quote. Hopefully, next time.

Company's golf competition was schedule on 11/12 --- following weekend; it was canceled, eventually. I heard that plan was too sudden and people couldn't afford to schedule like that. Darn.

Though, I heard that those people in my department gathered 8 people for 2 sums to place on 11/11 and I was included. So I have to play for the first time in Japan! Mr. Kuboki and I plan to go out for practice tomorrow morning since I haven't hit any balls for almost 2 months.

From tomorrow --- US-Japan All Star Series... cannot wait to see Major League players play in Japan. Bobby Cox from Atlanta Braves is the manager of the team? That's interesting.

Today's pedometer... 10528 steps. Almost 4 miles.

See you tomorrow.

21:00+1

How was your Halloween? Hope it was good one. Mine? Just one of usual days... I went to bed around 1am... don't even remember what I was doing up to then.

Rain... again. I am really SICK of it. Almost every weekend... rain and this coming weekend is no exception. In fact, this weekend starts from Friday... the Culture Day.

Too bad that we have to have that kind of weather... we all know that it cannot be helped. Though, surely prefer nice weather and everything.

I have an appointment in the afternoon and out of office from 2pm 'til 4pm. Had to submit the quote, very aggressive ones on it, to the prospected client whom I visited about a week and half ago. Did he like it? Definitely. Did I get that biz? Don't know yet. He said that he would bring that rate issue up to next meeting to get a consent to use my service. Hope this will come true.

Stopped by the Main Store of Mitsukoshi... one of the most prestigious department store... man, tons of people and it sells so much expensive stuff. I found one thing... the brand for brief cases and luggage called "Hartman" was only available at Mitsukoshi in Japan. It has an exclusive import contract or something with Hartman in US. No wonder that one Hartman brief case costs like more than 500 or 600 dollars.

Today's pedometer... shows 13,228 steps for today. Walked almost 5 miles today.

After the appointment, I felt a great fatigue... my right eye was hurt... quite badly. So I cut the work short with permission given; left and come home early. Left office around 7pm.

Stopped by a restaurant on the way coming home and ate some Japanese dish since I knew that I would have energy to do anything once I get back to the apartment.

I am relaxed now and pain is a bit relieved... so I promptly update this and try to get sleep early so that I can rest most.

Sorry, I don't have much good update today. Oh by the way, it's November... time for electing who will come to the Office in the White House. George? or Al? It is going to be most interesting of all recent news...

For tomorrow, I've got one appointment in Shibuya --- one of the places where all kinds of interesting stuff going on... like Virginia-Highland area of Atlanta... I may have some fun out there then. Shibuya is the center of Japanese fashion.

The appointment with some company importing perfume. I should wear mine for it then! Hahaha. You know, I am such EXTRAORDINARY salesperson can be found on earth!

See you tomorrow then.

22:07