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Time really flies... wow, it's New Year's Eve tonight.

Watching old TV drama series "School Wars" all day long (on cable) --- the series may be released on DVD soon... Anyway, that was such popular series and I couldn't put my eyes away from TV screen.

Supposed to open the last box from US (for my personal move) and, of course, didn't get a chance. The box contains all my winter clothes. They are in need, really. I will take some clothes with me back to Tokyo after this.

It's tradition... to watch NHK's (Japan's National Channel) Music Program starting from 7:20pm thru the midnight... just like national countdown event. Certainly for now, all family of mine watch that as of now when typing this.

The program let all singers who were elected to sing on such honorable stage where all national attention paid to... and music covers all kinds from pop and rock to traditional one called "Enka."

Tomorrow, New Year's Day, the weather would be cloudy... may not be first sunrise of the year to witness. Oh well.

Wow! The female group called "MAX" had a cover song of Backstreet Boys.

Ogaki holds countdown event in the middle of main shopping street tonight and a friend, ChanKen, is now participating in that event --- helping part of it... I forgot exactly what he was doing.

Oh, your Eve just started, huh... I forgot if day off for everybody there or not... I thought it was a half day on Eve and day off on New Year's.

Have a great New Year's and I will see you in year 2001! This webpage will continue into another year which is the 3rd year in existence.

See you in next Century!

21:49

Now in Ogaki-

Wow, it's definitely colder here than in Tokyo. Well, Ogaki is near the mountains, compared to Tokyo which lays on bay area. Anyway, it's first time to be home since October... so completely two months?! Nope, almost 3 months because it was the beginning of October and now end of December.

My brother (and my sister in law) came by my apartment around 9:30pm last night with NEW car. Wow... couldn't believe that he's already given up on his Mercedez-Benz. Then, he got a Jaguar --- 3 years old (no, he couldn't afford a brand new).

Way driving up here wasn't bad as I truly expected. The traffic was okay and pretty smooth... which is not usual. At this time of year... the traffic is very tiring all drivers due to heavy volume for those who were in hurry to home for New Year's. Oh well, I guess it was lucky.

And I did drive that car a little bit like for an hour. Felt like brand new since low mileage. Plus, the car is too luxurious --- I can be spoiled. Anyway, I liked that car a lot.

Then arrived at home around 3am. Then went to bed at 4:30am. Man! Two nights in a raw about staying up so late. Definitely not good practice.

Then woke up around 9am since I wanted to get my hair done (oh, sounds like female). The barber where I usually go, Hair Saloon Nagase, was not packed, either. 2nd time to put permanent --- cost me about $80. Hurting my tight budget!!! (SCREEEEAM)

I spent this afternoon to write many emails for greetings on coming new year. Don't even know how many emails I wrote. I should double check if I have written to all of those whom I need to keep in touch.

And I went to Jusco Ogaki (shopping center in front of my home) --- Gee, lots of people! Didn't buy anything; I just walked through and checked things out such as DVD movies, music CD's, etc.

That's basically it. Have not much to say for today... just relaxing myself. How about you?!

21:41

Currently on move to Ogaki (in my brother's car) - Sorry, no update.

Came home... actually next day... it was 6am when I got back here. It was last working day of the year and small celebration kicked off IN THE OFFICE from 6pm and of course things weren't that small and short time. Developed to a big party afterwards.

What about work for the last day? Who cares! I didn't do anything except cleaning up on my desk and around.

Party on the 2nd floor... about 40 people

Well, beer was enough for everyone... not foods... Sushi and some other snacks. But, many people DID expect to have some entertainment after the office... so no one was complain.

Takahashi --- ex-boss; now assigned to relocate to Los Angeles.

Wasn't only beer... these people were drinking wine---

How come some guy demonstrate his physical strength in the party?!?! (He's doing push ups with single hand)

Then, 40-some people moved on and went to "Sozaiya" - tavern nearby. Oh well, the number of people --- may be even more than 50 then... don't remember much.

You can easily imagine how crazy this party was --- this guy, Ishii, is the head of the office.

Then... still 20 or more people continued this festivity at the Karaoke place... and 10 people, including myself, stayed in another tavern and spent ENTIRE NIGHT drinking and talking!!! That's why I came home so late... next day like this. Here are more photos from the various scenes (as usual).

And Lastly...

And one more...

I am sure that it's not much trouble for you to imagine if I had great fun tonight or not.

13:06+1

Hey! It's cold outside... really. Makes me like wanting to stay inside... keeping warm. Though, titled as "Sales" means that I have to go and visit clients for new biz! Unless I got misunderstood---

Anyway, learned PROPERLY about the Boxing Day.

It's British Holiday... not practiced in US much.

Boxing Day --- is a day off with appreciation for those who have provided a service to you during the year. The postal delivery person, the newspaper delivery person, and employees of your household or business... according to "eHow" to celebrating Boxing Day.

Now I know that I got it right even before.

Made a last appointment of the year in the afternoon to give away the last calendar for 2001. Took train to Shibuya --- and walked through the area... man! Tons of people on the street. Probably most of them were students on holidays.

Appointment went pretty easy and relaxed since the purpose of visit was nothing but pass that calendar and say "HI" --- Then I had to walk back trough that busy crowded street... look at chicks around (haha).

Everyone else in the office seemed so tight and busy... due to year-end hurry to get the remaining biz done before holidays. Me? What about me? I don't have any biz on my own... in other words, I have nothing to care or to follow up. Easily saying... I was bored.

Came home a bit early than usual. Around 7:30pm.

Was supposed to join the party with some friends... though, I decided not to wait any longer since the confirmation call wasn't in while I was in the office. I guess, friends were busy suddenly and had to take time to get all done before starting drinks. Maybe, another time.

Tomorrow is last day of work for the year! From 6pm, I heard that company host us to celebrate the year-end... with free foods and drinks. Oh, I mean drinks including REAL ones. I am assigned to organize catering foods and drinks for the entire floor, 2nd floor of the building then. I am sure that I like to do that.

Probably some pictures from the office on tomorrow's update.

21:36

Thank those who sent me Christmas cards... they were all so cute and funny!

Oh boy, it was Boxing Day --- oops, that's Brit thing... wasn't it? Boxing Day to give a BREAK to post delivery people who had been busy with cards up to Christmas... at least so I heard... don't know if true or not.

Today's Tak... went and visited 3 companies today to give company's calendars for 2001 away. And then, I went to wrong place for 2nd appointment. I was desperately in hurry... really. Had sweat and everything. The client, female!, said, "Oh poor you... were you in that hurry?!" --- Of course, I was. Didn't want to be late. I am perfect man, right? (sure hope so-)

Official announcement was made:

Ex-boss Takahashi was assigned a new position... he now has to PACK and go to US! Hey, he's the one to choose to take me into his department and now he is the one going out of the country?! Anyway, he will be Managing Director of US subsidiary --- the company that I used to belong.

Good luck and best wishes, Takahashi-san!

Talking about Tokyo Tower... I think I mentioned yesterday or so... about light-up.

Tokyo Tower with "2000"

Sorry, cannot show a good picture here... it is difficult to take a good picture of "lights" by a digital camera... at least by mine, particularly. Maybe, I should go out to take a picture around sunset time rather than in the darkness.

Or... I should go and be closest to the Tower as possible. So all should be bright enough then.

Now... Wednesday and Thursday before... the New Year's Holidays! Cannot wait!

22:16

Merry Christmas!

Did you open your presents yet? Do you like what you got? Hope so.

For this Christmas... which is the first time for such a long time, I didn't get anything... no family gathering, and... I had to work!

Nope, Japan has no holiday on Christmas! You know, it's because Japan is NOT religious country. Somewhat yet... mostly NOT.

Last week of Year 2000, started with an appointment and went out with Kuboki - colleague of mine. And then, I heard from another prospective client that he recently had a good meeting with Shanghai personnel of our organization. Yes! Really great! I really needed this in order to get that biz as mine. Another big step just made forward---

In the afternoon, 2nd appointment... oh boy, I was damn busy! I this time went with my boss Takashima. He mostly talked and I listened. Though, I did jump in some conversation. Too bad that that meeting was okay... not much productive. I will follow this up... even this is low percentage for a chance.

I didn't get a good picture... though, Tokyo Tower just got new design and illuminations. It said "2000" in the middle of its tall building. You know what? I didn't know. Didn't even pay attention. Had several emails inter-office... several people out there told me that I should get a picture and put up HERE.

Man, too many critics for me now around. I should be careful... even I write something anonymously. What should I do? Quit this?

Ito told me that he almost got in trouble with his wife when showing this page... since he didn't tell of Karaoke recently we all had. Now his wife demands a computer home so that she can read and trace what he's doing.

Wait! Sounds like my ex-roommate... yk110. She used to write to her friends to look up this page to see how she was doing. Too many people out there to take advantage of me?!?! Even throughout the cyber space? What a world! Hahaha.

Too bad... all my American friends are on holiday vacation and have received no emails from US during this time. I miss you all!

I tonight talked to my brother... and made sure of my ride to home on 28th for New Year's Holiday. Will be home from 29th thru 3rd.

Atlanta Hawks edged Kansas Chiefs at 29-13 and STILL at the last place in this season?! Gee.

22:44

How's your Christmas Eve going on so far? Are you in arms of your lover? Sure hope so. In Japan, Christmas is not all about family matter. Not even religious, either. You know what? Christmas is nothing but couples' occasion as for special event.

Going to fancy restaurants, exchanging expensive presents, and spend a night with your love... that's typical way on this special day. I am sure that I will miss some frequent readers of this page for today since they are BUSY for something else rather than coming to read this.

How about me? Oh, nothing. Seriously. Since I was sick... had to take medicine, finally. No one was around... to take care of me! (What a pity!...)

I still carry over bad mood from last night of incident of argument with my father... really badly. Need a drink or two to get rid of it.

Went outside a little bit... for picking up dry cleaning, grabbed something to eat, and stopped by a music shop... and bought a 2nd DVD title for myself... "Romeo Must Die."

My (DVD) collection is certainly growing...

And I finally made sending out all eCards for Christmas to friends...

Merry Christmas!

22:01

Are you ready for Christmas? I am sure that I am... even though have to spend time of Christmas ALONE... which I haven't done for a long long time.

Today... I really felt I was really sick... not only coughing anymore. I had to stay home... inside pretty much all day long today. Pity...

Plus, I had an argument with my father over the phone. Gee!

Rented several Japanese movies and surfed the Internet for a while... that's basically it. Don't have much appetite.

Oh, received a picture from Mexico... Here it is:

"Popocatepetl"

Nick-named as "Popo" (means "smoking mountain" in Nahuatl Language) and this mountain is laying between Puebla and Mexico City... yes, Puebla is the place I spent a year while in college. My best buddy in Mexico, Israel, sent me this picture to remind me of my time over there.

You know what? I knew of this eruption... since I had read The Japan Times dated 12/21 and this news was in the World and Classified Section. This mountain made itself "reactivated" while I was there... it was the first time in a long time --- it was 1996, maybe. Then this time, 2 serious eruptions which ended up with 50,000 residents of evacuation. Wow! That gotta be a big deal.

I hope the family of Israel and other friends of mine be safe from the incident. Israel, thanks for picture. Will write you back soon... as soon as I make a full recovery. Now I have only some energy left just to update this page... no more.

Oh tomorrow... Christmas' Eve... I will spend time in bed-

23:14

Last weekend of the year now kicks off... how's everyone?

One appointment with American firm... and another appointment with dentist for cleaning during lunch time... and what else, what else.

Have I made a full recovery yet? Not quite. I should stay home for this weekend so that I can rest. Since this is Christmas weekend, everywhere I can think of going to would be PACKED with couples... which I have no reason to be part of since I wouldn't be with anyone special.

Movie theaters, fancy restaurants, etc.

In the afternoon, I went out for some marketing... with new face to our office since October... Tetsuji Fukui --- he's export guy. While taking memo on my Visor, he became quite interested. Of course, I did show eyemodule on Visor and he was even more impressed. In fact, he is ANOTHER (Macintosh) G3 user... yeah, there are lots of things in common between us... too bad that he is a guy.

Anyway, here it is:

Tetsuji Fukui

I am no longer kidding about my page is getting more and more popular between my colleagues! Seriously! Ito - my immediate supervisor - spent his ENTIRE LUNCH TIME today to read this page, assuming in Japanese only, from October up to today! Lots of work even for just reading.

You know, I don't write anything criticizing of anyone here. I don't even intend to... since I want to make this page fun to read. Anyway, I am glad with this trendy.

Left work around 8:30pm. No fun afterward since I felt still somewhat sick. When checking my (postal) mail, I did receive a Christmas card from someone. Good surprise.

It was from Kack... who left Fritz recently. I guess she sent me one because I did sent her one. Anyway, it was so nice to hear from one of such good friends in US.

Photo was enclosed too!

I really do miss joking with her... who has very best humor. I know, she always kicks my butt because of her superior jokes. Too bad that she had left Fritz.

Still coughing... let me go to bed.

23:44

I guess I am still carrying huge amount of fatigue... sick and tired of Japanese society? Tired of that crazy commute by trains? Anyway, my severe sore throat remains quite same as yesterday.

One appointment... one appointment only for today. I met Mr. Nishiwaki, the President of Ogaki Sangyo Ltd. Ogaki? Yes, he was on biz trip to Tokyo for today and had appointment with him for a talk. Well, let's assume that it was more like business rather than personal.

Do I know him? Yes. Quite. Since his 1st son, Takashi, is my friend since elementary school. Plus, he carries same name as mine. And I have taught his mother, Mr. Nishiwaki's wife, English a such long time ago.

Haven't seen Mr. Nishiwaki for a long time as like I had been living outside the country for years. Although, I did recognized him right away and he did the same at the sight of myself.

Talk was covered variety of things... of course, I did start with my company's profile and informed him what we were doing. He could be a potential of my customer since he has some international business, especially with China, --- so who knows? Plus, other topics... of his son Takashi now in UK for study... until next year, and another son and a daughter.

His family is quite involved internationally... Takashi has been living in US for now and used in China... speaks English and Chinese in addition to Japanese... and another son was Rotary Exchange Student to Netherlands in the past... and the family make international travels so often... totally opposite to mine (hahaha).

Anything other than that appointment?

Oh yeah... received a big complaint that I was NEVER supposed to put up a picture of that plaintiff. From the party held by the Tokyo Office back on Tuesday. Sure, I should not indicate her name here... because no willing on any further troubles hereafter. Anyway, I told her (oh at lease it was female) that I said as

She complained that she thought that I had meant all pictures... notably, I didn't mention of the part with parenthesis. Of course, I added as that parenthesis were usually hidden within... hahaha, I won and did talk her down!

Anyway, she wasn't angry... just came out to have fun with me... I think.

Foyer bought a brand new Yukon by GMC? Wow... that a MONSTER vehicle! Bigger than any other car on the earth! I am sure that he loves to drive like maniac on the road. Especially on ice, maybe? Oh sorry... his last vehicle wad four-wheel-drive.... and this Yukon is not... won't be stable and steady on ice. Oh Foyer was like a fish without water. Poor thing.

For tonight, will go to bed early... like last night since I still need some rest.

22:30

Lack of sleep and stayed in the office all day today because of no appointments.

And most importantly... I do have swollen tonsils, severely.

I don't think I caught a cold or fever... although, this bad tonsils make me feel like I don't want to do anything. Definitely short of concentration.

How's everyone out there under such a winter blitz? Company's bulletin has posted a message about Atlanta office was closed due to incrementing weather. Wow.

2-4 inches of snow in Atlanta area, huh? Hope none of you did lose the power. I know how it goes without power... that really sucks!

Snow on Emory (Uni.) Campus

Oh, I can easily imagine how Atlanta people get panic at the sight of snow... I am so certain of it... Southerners... definitely not used to get along with snow.

Haven't heard from my American mother... neither from my sister Robyn... I am so certain of it.

I have sent a package of my Christmas presents... should be getting there by now... I hope I can hear from Mom soon. I did email her... then what happened? I guess, she's just a bit busy with kids (in school).

Gee, my throat hurts. Because of that, I left work on time at 6pm. A bit resting time for tonight.

21:19

Hey, ya'll! I think I am pretty drunk... I was, actually.

Tonight was Tokyo Office's "Year-End Party"... held with 60-some people attending. Wow, gotta be a big party to throw! It was definitely fun. It really was.

Since I gave a presentation on China biz to one of my target accounts this afternoon and, most importantly, it went REALLY WELL... I felt really good about having a party. You know what I mean. In other words, I was way more than ready for something like that.

By the way, I came to know, in the party, that lots of people had previously known of my webpage, here, and some of them are catching up with everyday update. Wow... surprised me.

I guess, this page will come to be more popular than company's intranet homepage?!?! Could possibly be.

Party at a tavern called "Hokkaido"-

Male - 38 dollars

Female - 33 dollars

And company support about a half of the total cost... and drinks... FREE REFILLS for 2 hours! (from 7pm to 9pm --- ended up extending an hour or so afterwards)

There were door prizes... 1st place: $100 gift certificate and then, $50 ones (2), what else...

AS USUAL, I did take my digital camera out of my brief case... and here they are! I omit the comments for tonight... since too many to post here. Oh no complaints about show- or not showy- on this page, okay? By the way, since tons of people to read this page (mostly the Japanese version, I presume), I am doing all work now... 5:05am!!! Came home around 1am and slept... since too drunk to make a move! Then, woke up VERY VERY early like this and DEDICATE to my people! Gee, I am sacrificing myself for what?! Hahaha.

Anyway, here they are:

Can you see how it went? Sure hope so. I have more pictures than those up here... though, I guess I should cut it out around here.

5:15+1

Another week, another story... another biz day!

Wow, snowed in Atlanta this morning? Several emails informed me so. Gotta be cold, huh?!

I was assigned to go on biz trip in a few day and the trip was postponed today toward next month. I kind felt relieved since it was such an important meeting with presentation to give. Oh well, let you know when I have to do so.

First time I bought new paper... at the train station. You know what? Didn't buy Japanese one... but one written in English... called "Asahi Evening News." I am really glad to choose that rather than ordinary Japanese ones since I now know that English papers are pretty neat to read... all about US and Japan politics... and all details of American sports, etc.

It was a bit over a dollar (1.20 dollars). Worth buying it for me to stick with English too.

While riding on the train, I was really concentrating in reading... since it was so interesting about Bush's appointments for his new administration. Funny thing... some people standing in front of me sitting on bench seat gave me a look like "What the heck is this guy reading that newspaper which he would never understand?!?!" --- Most definitely the look toward myself was is really weird one. What have I done? Nothing. Ignored moron! I know, here is Japan... very conservative and so different from what I had been so used to. And most notably, this is the world I live in... where funny practices are everywhere like it's totally up to people to decide what is and what is not business for themselves.

Am I correct?! Certainly!

Tonight, I still have some work to do on my new laptop... installing Windows 98. Let me get busy now so that I still reserve certain number of hours for a beauty sleep!

Tomorrow... two appointments. Plus, I have to write a weekly report... which I didn't finish within today. Plus, the company will throw a End-of-the-Year Party at the evening. Cannot wait for any kind of festivity!!!

22:02

Cool --- chilly tonight in Tokyo.

Just read a news about new FM station would start for Ogaki local in next April. It's called Gifu FM. Wow, new media in my hometown. Hopefully, I can listen via Internet.

My Sunday was pretty clam since didn't got out for anywhere.

Since I had to set all up to my new PowerBook bought yesterday... had to transfer many, many, many files from old one, 2400c.

Now I have fully access to Internet via ISDN - digital phone line, instead of analogue 56k access. Much much faster now than yesterday. Moreover, will have even faster access sometime within this month! Cannot wait so that I can get rid of all phone bills!

Laundry is done!

Oh, there are only two weeks left before the new century... and I am expected to be busy from tomorrow on. Will share how busy it would be for me on here --- as usual.

No movies this weekend.

Now have to save some money... from regular spending since, you know, already big money (for new laptop) out of my pocket.

For my first Christmas in Japan --- most likely I will spend time alone. Don't have anything for next weekend, either. And will stay home... so that I don't have to spend money for anything UNNECESSARY. Right?

Kack really left Fritz on Friday. We certainly miss her much from this week. She deserves some rest in being with her family and I am sure that she will do great in schooling which starts in January. Good luck, Kack! I miss you as a great friend of mine!

Oh, it's early edition of Ogaki-jin tonight... it's still 9:30pm. Let me enjoy last moment of the weekend. Have some movies from the rent to watch. See ya!

21:31

Yup, I have done so... as expected. I knew it from the first place. Yup, really.

Can you read, "PowerBook???"

It gotta be a Christmas present on my own from myself... hahaha. In this morning, I was still thinking and came up a clue as... "I better go to the shop to see and decide it all!"

So I took train in the afternoon to the shop selling PowerBook. Found that 500Mhz version was still out of stock. Plus, there is no date set for next come-in. Moreover, I came to find that 400Mhz got vivid price cut from yesterday; over 800 dollars! It was about 2,900 bucks and today a bit over 2,100 dollars.

So I decided to take one of only three left at that time. Added memory to total 320MB. That's a lot! Never had that much memory on single laptop before. And DVD equipped, so I can watch movies like "Erin Brockovich."

Tak's new PowerBook (G3/2000 - 400Mhz) named "El Padrino"

Padrino is "Godfather" in Spanish. Always name my computer... like last laptop, PowerBook 2400c was "La Nina."

"La Nina" and "El Padrino"

See how big the new one is! Still pretty light, though.

Pretty cool keyboard --- translucent.

I like this very unique design. Would you?

Buying 500Mhz version would cost me nearly 3,500 dollars and today's compromise to 400Mhz saved me a bit more than 1,000 dollars. I knew that performance-wise would be a bit lacking; I still judged that it should be okay. And added more memory than planned.

Therefore, tonight I am quite busy transferring all files from old laptop to new one. What am I going to do with this old one which I have been heavily using for almost 3 years?! I make it as backup machine. Will save all important files from new one and keep it for further backup.

Where is my desktop computer then? (i.e. PowerMac 8500 --- still home in NC)

Tomorrow - originally meeting with my ex-roommate, yk110. Though, there was no contact up to today... like where and when to meet her. Hmmmm... what shall I do? Just wait? She does have my cell number and she should be able to call me anytime now.

I guess, she's busy with her boyfriend coming along with her from Atlanta?! Who knows. Oh boy.

23:19

As soon as getting off the train... when coming home, my cellular phone indicated that it had received an email. Look at it... it was from Foyer in Atlanta... said,

It was 12:11am; didn't come home quite yet. In other words, I wasn't updating this page in usual timely manner... and now I am updating!

Sorry --- sometimes, unable to update this page before the time you usually come up to this page! Due to circumstances...

Because I was drinking!!! (w/ Kiguchi)

And Arahata (all coworkers)

I wanted to finish preparing two different quotes for prospective clients and stayed at work late. Three of us were actually last to leave the office and we all decided to move on for drinks! Wow, I drank two days in a row.

Don't remember the name of tavern for tonight. Too drunk to remember...

Gee, still in Japan "Size does matter!" ---

Look at those pictures above! Sausage! Long one. Really. I had to take out my digital camera immediately this dish was brought up to our table! Gee, so long.

Hahaha.

I want to make this short... since I am still dizzy!

Last thing...

"Attention! This clock (for records) has been adjusted to right time. Please be aware!"

The clock on this machine for clock in/out (i.e. time card for employees) had been about 10 minutes late... later than actual time. So lots of people were saved from tardiness for such a long time. This note said, "NO MORE!" Well, I don't concern much since I usually come in about a half hour early-

Who in the office is mean out there like this?! Hahaha.

11:29+1

Didn't know it was Thursday... felt like still Tuesday... somehow. I was busy to prepare the presentation... very urgently. Bad thing... under such circumstances, there were more inquiries, contacts to make, and all other things to do! This all made me further busier! Plus, I have a personal appointment with Manabu for tonight. Then, I had to cut this night short at work in order to keep a promise with my sincere friend.

Manabu looked tired tonight-

Went to "Town Cryer" in Otemachi --- near Tokyo Station. It said, "Genuine British Pub." I liked the interior... though, foods were expensive. Maybe they paid too much to that Canadian bartender. Didn't know Canadians get privilege of "working holiday" thing out of our country! I knew that Japanese do have such things to Canada and Australia.

A pint of beer, "Guinness," was $10- I am sure that you don't want to get drunk in such place! Oh, I certainly did NOT. Hahaha.

Oh, I was a bad guy... since Manabu showed me a picture of his CURRENT girlfriend... (don't know her name)... made a quick copy! I am indeed bad. Though, didn't want to intend to open everything... so you can see how she is LIKE.

Very cute girlfriend!

Are they getting married?! Soon? Very soon? Is she putting pressure of that on him!? Maybe!

-----

Called PowerLab to see its inventory of PowerBook/500Mhz or not. It didn't at this time... left a request to call me as soon as they get another shipments coming in. Hope that would be very soon.

Oh, It's Friday! Thank God. Kack's last day at Fritz... Will miss her!

23:19

Today, I met ChanKen from my hometown Ogaki.

He came up to Tokyo on biz and we had time together for talk. This guy... he was originally my father's friend... like an instructor for computing. Then, he has his own homepage and we started exchanging emails... since then, we know each other quite well.

We talked mostly about who would be running for the Mayor election of Ogaki since current Mayor --- Ogura recently announced that he wouldn't intend to run again for his 5th term due to his health concerns.

I told him that I would support him if he runs!

It will be very interesting who is running for Mayor... I think the election is in April. Do I want to run? Hey! I am not dirty politician like figure!!! (hahaha)

Work? What about it?!

Oh... good news I found when coming home tonight. My apartment called "Dainichi F-1" is now ready for direct Internet connection. No longer the telephone bills would bother me! Super!

The connection fee will be $22 per month and I can stay 24 hours a day! I can chat with every single one of you!!! Cannot wait! The service should be available sometime before mid-January. Please TAKE A NUMBER in order to reserve your turn to chat with me online!!!

I should be hurry to buy new laptop with new camera... maybe for video chat.

Cool, huh!

23:04

It's 12:12am... way past my BEDTIME!!!

Came home quite late as it is... since I went out with my ex-boss back to the time from Atlanta... Nishi for dinner and drinks. Went Chinese tonight.

Lots of talk... about biz, computer, etc.

He was interested in my PDA (Personal Data Assistant) --- Visor. He kept asking me details such as prices, functions, software... when informing him that Palm can be synchronized with Lotus Notes, his intention buying Palm device reached it peak! Since he's gotten the winter bonus like me, he said he wouldn't mind to spend some cash on something extra.

Wow, I must be a good salesperson on such product... rather than what I do for now.

For today, had 2 appointments and was out of office from 1pm thru 5:30pm... Closer getting to end of year, more difficult to talk about new biz... what shall I do?!

0:21+1

New friend made today... Ishiwata. He was a bit chubby. I only knew him from the Internet about almost 3 or 4 years and today I finally met him face to face. Wow!

He found me on Internet... that was the initial contact between us, I think. he was wanting some information of Japanese living overseas since his job was related to study abroad.

Since then, we exchanged lots of information, especially mine.

Then, I informed him that I was back in Japan, in fact... to Tokyo and we decided to meet each other. Sorry, I was rushing and didn't take picture. I am sure that sometime soon... very soon to do that.

Wow... what a powerful lady from US... Martha Stewart was on Japan's National Channel. Gee, what a woman invading and stealing air time out of Japan's most prestigious channel, NHK. She was promoting her December edition of "Martha Stewart Living" ---

Hey! Back off, Martha! I won't let you get everything out of Japan! We will retain our own territory! Hahaha.

Wait a minute! NHK is National Channel like I said. NO CM's on that channel since every one of nation having a TV in a household PAY every month! So NHK NEVER EVER has commercials. And Martha came to Japan and made a promotion of HER OWN MAGAZINE?! Let me know NHK for an appeal!

Tonight... came back from work early in order to do laundry. On the way to downstairs where the washing machines were... I happened to meet a girl. My neighbor. Next door. Wow, young lady... though, we didn't say anything each other... even like "hi". It's Japanese style... not to say anything unlike your Southern hospitality.

She lives with her boyfriend or husband and they have a baby... in this apartment room?! The same size that I live in?! How can they manage all the space got?! Gee, it must be really tight. No kidding.

For coming season of Major League Baseball... we are sending not one player but TWO players... to Seattle Mariners and New York Mets, respectively. You all know that there are more than several pitchers from Japan... not yet field players though. Story got to change this year... Ichiro and Shinjyo made a multi-year contract to those organizations.

Then, how come I came back from US?!

Someday, some popular Japanese player decide to go to Braves... then, I may follow?!

With a meeting of persons in charge of the Year-End Party held for the office... which I am part of... we found that we have extra bucks about $250 for door prizes. You know how other members of the meeting reacted?!

Most of those people were like, "That's it?!" or "Just that small freaking amount?"

My reaction toward it... was like "How in the world people consider $250 as small pocket money?!?!" I told them that I could live for a week or two with $250!!!

Men, I feel like I am the only poor guy in the office...

22:02

How's it going?

Didn't do much like yesterday... except a movie, "What Lies Beneath." I barely made that movie starting 4:10 in the afternoon.

"What Lies Beneath"

I liked that movie... really. It's a bit scary... When was this movie open in US? Back in July? Wow, I could've seen the movie then! Gee. I spent $15 (as for student discount) --- compared to what? Like 6 or 7 dollars in US. Hmmmm.

When buying tickets... did show my ID from VA Wesleyan... a girl at the Box Office STARED at it for a second... Wow, I felt like, "Shoot, I need to pay full charge, instead of student price?" Within a matter of second, she let me go with discount price (which is only $3 cheaper). Still cheaper is of course better.

Did I like that movie? Yeah. It was pretty good and storytelling was well done. The ending was interesting too.

What grade for this movie?! I can give an A- (pretty darn good - almost excellent).

Harrison Ford was in Japan yesterday, I thought. Since this movie open this weekend...

I was planning to stop by a bookstore to look for some special book about how to lean Japanese... missed it again. Didn't forget... since this movie was long (2:10) --- was late and decided to come home.

Laundry wasn't done at all this weekend. I have to come home early to do so then.

Other than movie... didn't do much. How about your weekend?!

22:01

Watching a movie "Erin Brockovich" by Julia Roberts...

Hi ya'll. Sorry for no update AGAIN. You know, it's so tough work, in updating this damn page, getting done every FREAKING DAY! (haha)

Just kidding. Just. Anyway, I came home very late because of this:

Party Again!

Let's wind the clock back...

My Friday was interesting... I went up for an appointment with my target company on sales and stayed within the company from 2pm all the way until 7pm! A single sales call last that long? It did!

Was it successful? Oh well, it's STILL in progress. I may do a good job, GREAT job on this one.

Since... (this guy = Tsuyukubo) came to our office after the lecture on ISO 9001 - so-called pain-in-ass session - He is part of us and works in Narita (Airport) Office. So one colleague from a different office is a visitor... we all knew what to do thereafter.

Place was called "Nihonbashi" --- of course, it was tavern. So we gathered everyone like the picture shown first.

Tsuyukubo was getting close to Fukami that night... Wow!

In this, people asked me lots of PERSONAL questions. Like what type of girls I like. Funny thing... because they were curious since I wear things so differently... especially about colors. Someone couldn't even imagine that I wore purple shirts with a colorful tie... and even went out for appointments. Hahaha... that's my style.

Oh, Ito --- my immediate boss was only absent in this party. He didn't feel well.

The party was from 8:30pm thru 11pm. Took one of last trains for the day and barely made home! Of course, decent drunk (don't know exactly what I mean here).

Today -

No hang over! Good thing. In fact, I have NEVER EVER got any hang over before in my ENTIRE life! Maybe, I haven't drunk enough. Even though those who know how I got drunk before Fritz softball games... still I was always fine next day. One time to another... never ever hang over came to hit me! Perhaps, someday... right?!

Slept well and went out to Ginza for FINAL FINAL Christmas shopping. I was missing to get one more present. So I accomplished today.

Didn't make movie... was thinking to see "What Lies Beneath." Time wasn't cooperating then. Maybe tomorrow. Plus, I want to see "Vertical Limit" ---

Plus, I bought a first DVD movie. Yeah like I mentioned, "Erin Brockovich" which is playing on Play Station 2 now!

DVD "Erin Brockovich" $38-

Since John emailed me and said hi with some comment like didn't understand well about the bonus. So I explain the system here. This morning, I confirmed that a deposit was made to my bank account. Yes, I got the 1st bonus money!

Japan --- as you possibly can imagine... things are so expensive. Plus, we always give money for any kind of social occasions such as wedding, New Years, gifts, funeral, etc. Though, the salary paid by companies isn't proportionate. So companies came to pay their employees for some additions season to season. So Japan do have "Seasonal Bonus" based upon company's profitability. Nowadays, some foreign-based companies have different directions... so I cannot say this for EVERYONE. I would say, MOST of cases.

For example... of where I work. The average pay for this bonus was 2.5 times of one's monthly salary. For instance, if he makes $2,000 every month, his winter bonus is $5,000.

Companies pay 2 season bonuses... summer and winter.

Did I get paid fully this time? NO! Okay, this bonus period covers from July to December. I work here since September... so I get paid only 3/4 of the bonus amount. Still not bad for me who is STILL suffering from the debt.

Did I buy this?! Not yet. I will.

22:56

Finally, I made a thing done... sending out all Christmas cards and presents. When I went up to the Post Office, a lady over the counter told me that the cards would get to US before Christmas if I had come here yesterday or even earlier... She said that it would be okay... though not guaranteed about making it or not.

Oh well, I cannot wind the clock backwards. Too bad.

One appointment for today today. Took me over an hour to get the place for a meeting. Though, it was definitely worth it. I met an interesting person. Actually, it was ex-client of my company. Due to complicated reasons, that company took the biz out of us about 2 years ago.

There was NO biz talk ... almost none.

Though, she had a similar international experience like I do. She studied in Mexico City and spoke English and Spanish. Wow, what a lady!

So we had lots of things in common to talk about. And most importantly, she gave me a lecture about the environment of conservatives like where she worked.

She told me that she would move on to another company soon. Wish the best on her for a bright future. And I am very thankful!

The talk was over an hour and it was very fruitful.

For new biz? Not really. Hahaha.

Tonight, went to Ramen shop with Inoue --- was easy meal.

Tomorrow... Friday! Winter Bonus?! I think so.

22:29

No update for yesterday since I came home around 10:30pm, still straight from the work! I am sure that you understand.

This morning... I found someone thinking something I always think... about Tokyo's rush hour. Especially today, Tozai Line had a huge delay since there was a some mechanical problem. So the schedule was completely messed up when I got the Urayasu Station.

Usually, everyone knows which train to catch and what time that train leaves from that station. Imagine when that schedule was screwed up... more than usually crowd into single train... PACKED!

I found some foreigner... I believe that he was an English. He was trying to get in the train that I intended to miss since too many people were before me. He was, first of all, one of others getting in to the train... so he quickly came to realize that he and some others even after him would be unable to make it since the train was already packed.

So he decided to let it go. Just like I did.

You know what? Some Japanese after that English man KEPT ON GOING and squeezed themselves into the train. Really hard. I mean, REALLY HARD. They barely made it... even though they couldn't even move their hands a bit in the train. They only could breathe.

Cannot forget of that English guy's facial expression!

He must have thought like... "How in the world they have to killing themselves?!" or "Are those fellows out of minds?!" --- something like that.

I almost asked that guy ... like "Would you like to live like that in this crazy place?!" Though, I didn't.

Maybe I should take a picture to let you see how crowded the trains in the morning are!

I always get in the office about 30 minutes earlier... and I am always the first person in the crowd to give up in getting in the train which has already no space for myself. Because I don't want myself crash badly into the wall like described happening in this morning.

Hmmmm...

22:30

While cleaning my apartment... I found a CD-ROM for my visor... for Windows! So this morning, I brought up the CD-ROM as well as the cradle for Visor. Hooked the cradle to the company laptop and installed the software.

Cool, now I can synchronize the data with the laptop!

Plus, I downloaded the AvantGo (www.avantgo.com) too. Hehehe. When I was in US, always used this helpful application off the Internet. So now I can catch up with all new movies in US, new IT news in US, etc.

1st appointment... came to the company decided NOT to award the biz to me. I needed to know how come. The issue wasn't pricing. My prices were probably the best or near it. Though, that company didn't want me since I was the only new comer. They decided to continue using current services. Oh well...

2nd appointment in Shinjyuku... submitted my quotes. No reaction. The comparison will be made later.

It's getting more and more difficult to sell biz... since it's the end of year. Everyone is busy and don't want to deal with anything extra such as awarding the current biz to someone new and kocking the door.

Right?

Since there were almost an hour between 1st and 2nd appointment. And in Shinjyuku... lots of discount stores like "BestBuy" type places.

"T-Zone" "Yodobashi Camera" "Sofmap" --- wow too many places to check out! (not as bg as "Akihabara" though) Anyway, was walking quite fast to check all prices. Prices on what? Of course, PowerBook. Almost all places showed similar prices... and I finally started walking toward client's office for the appointment.

And you know what? Found some place I wanted to come.

It was "Power Lab" (www.powerlab.co.jp) selling ONLY POWERBOOKS. Specialized for those only. The price was a bit cheaper and... most importantly, the memory for 256MB was about a half price (compared to others)!!! This is great to find.

Probablem is... limited inventory. I probably will check in at the end of month.

Back to biz talk --- no new biz yet. Hmmmm.

I thought I would be sick... was wrong. I feel good as usual.

23:19

I am going to make this update for today short... since I feel a bit bad. Probably like stomach ache. What did I eat?! Gee. Sucks!

Didn't go out any far... no trains. Though, checked several local stores... men's fashion place, bookstore, etc. Got this:

"Palm Magazine"

I really thought that it was only for $3 until when I brought this up to the cashier. Then, a man at the cashier asked me for $13! Shit, didn't check the price carefully.

Oh well, this is sort of what I wanted... Sort of. Couldn't say NO to that guy... so I paid. Wasted some money...

... Though, there is a CD-ROM came with it and there are tons of software I can try to use on my Visor... at least some games downloaded off the ROM, right?!

Still feel so sick.

See you tomorrow... hopefully, I get better.

22:48

Tons of sleep... good for me! Needed it quite much. So I didn't do much. Oh, I decorated this website a little bit with Christmas bells and trees. Did you notice?!

Since haven't had a backup for my personal data as well as this web resource anywhere else except on the local harddrive... I hooked up with Zip Drive for saving. I found many OLD files like my previous web page... which I had back in 1996-97!

Called "TG Network" (Tak's Global Network)

I had the diary section in there too. Both in Japanese and English. Since my school, Virginia Wesleyan College (Norfolk, VA) started having own Internet access from its campus... I was given some web space upon hard negotiation because it was limited access to limited students.

Since then, I kept this web page for almost a year, I thought. It didn't last any longer than that... since few people come to read this. Though, from this, at least I learned how to make up the web page from the scratch! Means, I really typed codes for HTML (i.e. Hyper Text Makeup Language). It helps today's work on this... even though, it's no longer required typing everything in.

So this became the foundation of "Ogaki-jin" - the current version of my web stuff.

Oh dear...

I am going to finish Christmas cards writing within tonight.

What did I do?! Oh, I put up my futon hanging toward the sun... since it was nice weather out there. No movies, no gals, no fun, and no fans.

I went to Urayasu Station to buy a Monthly Pass for commute. Cost $127. Well, this is paid by the company anyway... no money out of my pocket.

Went on to Seiyu - for grocery shopping. This is rare to happen... since I always make my shopping done in nearby convenience store such as "am/pm" or "Lawson," etc.

Bought a dinner thing (BBQ) as well as some miscellaneous... spent about $30. Gee, need to go to ATM for some withdrawing...

Tomorrow --- no plan. MAYBE, I should go out to catch some chicks. Or maybe I should go shopping for MYSELF! So far I really don't plan to buy anything for myself.

Except... PowerBook G3/2000 (a laptop). <- this is a sickness I have... as keep wanting and keep planning to buy MORE and MORE gadgets!

See ya.

21:31

TGIF! Que pasa?!?! Es ya Deciembre... muy rapido, no?!

Man, it's already December... and seems that there is one more fellow I know may quit Fritz soon...

Is good start for myself today? Well, it's yes and no. Good thing in the morning was that I found my money clip... given by my sister Robyn... it's been missing for a week. I knew that I didn't drop or forgot somewhere else... I knew that it was somewhere here in this apartment. And a pair of suits I wore today... the clip came out from its pocket.

You cannot imagine how big deal this was. I was really eager to find this until then. Checked all my luggage, my desk in the office and even went to Dry Clearer to ask for it.

So glad recovering this such great treasure.

Sorry, Robyn. Didn't mean to make this happen --- of course not!

One of the potential issues on biz... for new biz, today I found that I didn't get it. I sort knew that it was tough to get. Oh remember the one on bid?! (i.e. November 27) --- two other competitors were on this... and one of them was awarded that biz, entirely. Those two were already dealing biz with this client and I wasn't. I was the only new comer... so, I didn't lose anything... just didn't get that biz. It was pretty big one. Compared to the one didn't get and lose its current biz... that hurts.

Though, I was disappointed.

One of my colleagues noticed that I didn't sound normal over the phone and I told what happened... and was then told, "Oh Tak. I am glad to find that you were normal." Hey, I am not like hyper-hyper type person. I do have a feeling!

I guess I really started feeling uneasy on being sales... STILL I like what I do. Though, the result simply merely didn't get along with what I do.

Hope I can get out of this kind of situation. Soon... very soon.

Good thing... it's weekend and I can refresh my feeling. I will!

I need to make myself Christmas mood... so do you!

Tak's overtime for November: 43.25 hours (-11.25 hours from previous month).

Man, my room is so messy. So who wanna come here to clear all up for me? Please email me.

Let's have a good weekend. Finish up your Christmas shopping if not done yet.

22:50