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End of the month, already? January is now gone and February now comes up? Wow...

Now new Georgia's State Flag is coming up... I am sure that the Governor of Georgia Roy Barnes will come to sign... do you like that new flag? (i.e. reduced Confederate fighting banner)

I was out of office pretty much all afternoon. Left office around 1pm and came back to the office (even though I didn't want to...) at 5:30pm. Completed 2 scheduled appointments and stopped by Tokyo International Forum where the Venture Fair 2001 Tokyo was held.

In that forum, found lots of interesting venture business. Most notably, I saw lots of things which I considered as non-venture kind business... I guess, anything could be venture... I learned something new today. Good for me.

Read news about Amazon.com via AvantGo in my Visor... who will do ray off of 13,000 people with a couple of facility to close down. Man, Georgia Distribution Center is to be closed too? (in addition to Seattle's Customer Service Center). Lots of its employees complain about low wages and hard assignments. Hmmmmm.

Is St. Valentine's around corner? Who told? Was it 2/14?

Gateway's founder is now back in CEO position?! Just like Apple or even Fritz, huh!

It's short for tonight. Though, I want to go for a rest. Thank you! Bye!

22:32

Good evening, my people! Thank you for reading this BORING page again! If you read this yesterday and even today (NOW) --- you must be addicted to Internet... mostly with me, huh? Hehehe. If you don't know me in person... you gotta be really maniac reading off about my life in depth!

Hey, don't worry. It's okay... it's fun to read and see how I do. I know. Hahaha.

Brian Genjian is leaving Fritz (Atlanta) too. So I heard. John Carr is leaving and Brian too. Who's left in Atlanta office now? Maybe I should go back and do some biz with people remaining.

At 3:20pm, individual review with Ishii - Managing Director of the Company started for me. Man, it did last for two hours... almost. Did I talk about how I am doing my job? Nope. Mostly Ishii spoke to me. Not complaint. Lots of suggestions how to get job done and those new ideas hit me much. I felt like that I could have done my job much better than how it was done. Though, I also felt like how come he spoke mostly and I lost a chance to talk to him?! Oh well.

Then, I went out for appointment with company "Y" - had a party with last Friday. I went in that office around 5:40pm... very late to come in like that, huh!

Anyway, Motai, as soon as seeing me there, said "Hey Tak! What's wrong? You don't seem like as funny as usual." I guess, it was obviously because of the result in a meeting with Ishii. I had to take a look at the current situation where I practice business in depth. So I lost regular humor I usually had.

That appointment was over at 7:20pm... wow late... and did I go back to office? Supposed to. Though, called up the office to see if there were something for me... and nothing for me there. So I decided to come home straight from there. Recently, I felt quite fatigue and also losing some weight even more, I think. So I relax myself being home.

In Japanese version I will ask those readers of mine about where the word "H" come from. In Japanese pop culture... becoming "H" is the meaning of becoming "HORNY." I guess, that H is really coming from there. Not sure though. I will advise you the outcome. Hope someone out there knowing the fact.

I read that PowerBook G4 would be coming out for sale as planned! Wow, good news for those who previously ordered! Am I going to? Nope... since I like this G3, especially about the design. If I could ever afford to, I may have bought one --- of course!

Oh better go for now. Hasta manana.

22:12

Kajiwara - reelected for his 4th term as the Governor of Gifu Prefecture. Did you vote? (asking those who live in Gifu area)

Welcome party on Funabashi in our department will remain as scheduled. It will be this Friday, 2/2/01. Although, I won't be there for party! Can you believe that I am going to MISS party like that?!?! I am sure you cannot! Me either!

Have to go to Narita Airport in that afternoon of Friday... I don't think I can get back to Tokyo thereafter --- too far between those those two places!

So I'll miss. Geeeeeeee.

Shocking news from Fritz's Bulletin... John Carr, Vice President of Sales, is leaving the Company as of 2/15/01! Gee, now John too?

John Carr and even Joey Carnes... who's CEO of Bax Global now - they were very friendly executives I have ever met in my life. Both gentlemen loved my humor and always frank to me in any conversation.

Well, John --- you'll be missed. Though, I am sure that you will do great job on your very next career.

Tak's life in Japan... only 2 year or less remaining? Who said that?

Had an appointment around 10:30am and big boss Takashima came along with me... assume that he wasn't confident to let me go by myself? Hope not! I guess, he was merely interested in the client I had a meeting with. Too bad that client didn't have much time and meeting lasted only 30 minutes or so... much shorter than average time of meeting for me.

Then, I ate Sushi for lunch! Wow, what a start of new week like that?!?! Man!

Man, my Visor has another problem... let's install all software again. This time, I won't use browser software... should be less conflicting. I hope.

In the afternoon, I didn't go out at all until leaving the office around 7:20pm. Tried to catch up with a number of quotes I had to deal with, etc. And most importantly, I didn't want to remain in the office too late tonight. I wanted to come home early.

Here I am... very early updating this page... now still 10pm. Will go sleep early too. Tomorrow, no appointments made yet at this point. Will get some. Plus, my weekly sales report is due at noon. Hmmmm.

See you tomorrow then.

22:26

What do women want out there? Who cares! Hahaha - Just kidding. I know, as a man, it's extremely important to be anxious about. In fact, that is the last thing to understand about the animal called women... correct?

I better stop talking like that by now. I should be careful... lots of female readers out there for here.

Anyway, snow was melting pretty fast thanks to sunshine all this afternoon. Almost all snow has gone... shouldn't be bothering anymore in walking on streets with formal shoes... especially about tomorrow morning. Might be frozen? Oh better put that in my mind.

I went out to help friend today... Leo has same laptop as mine... with one difference... her computer is running at 500Mhz and mine's a bit slower, 400Mhz. Anyway, I helped installing Windows 98 with Virtual PC on it. Thanks to 100T connection between two PowerBooks, man, the transfer speed was incredibly fast! Didn't bother me much. Only took 5 minutes or even less... about moving 500MB file from one to another!

Anyway, everything went well without any problems... my task was complete successfully.

Then went out for movie... since I wanted to see one particular movie just open this weekend, "What Women Want" - changed the title in Japanese as "Heart of Woman." Oh well.

First half was well done... really. Then, story kind slowed down toward the end. Ending was okay; I still think that ending would be better and I could have rated this movie much higher... Then, my rating for this movie is a solid B. Did you see this movie? Do men need to see this movie? What would you think? Are you willing to take your boyfriend to this movie?

Go here ---> Official Site of "What Women Want"

Anyway, I love to be given that ability that I can hear what other people think in their minds or can read others' mind.

Don't you think that Helen Hunt keeps up with such hard schedule and shows up in many movies?!?! I truly think so. Obviously, she had lots of extra time after quitting the famous TV sitcom --- "Mad About You." She's so great in movies since "As Good As It Gets."

Boy, better go for now - do some ironing shirt for tomorrow, as usual, and get some sleep! Have very early appointment, at 10:30, and need to rush - finishing up some data for that client. See ya!

23:14

Hey, folks! Really snowed around! Man, this is real snow in Tokyo... My shoes were totally soaked!

The picture is the view through the windows of apartment. You can see that there were some accumulations. Certainly, you don't want to go out... right? I wisely stated inside until the evening.

I was invited over to Masuda's house. He's same age and he is sort of coworker of mine. When he was in Chicago as trainee, I helped him a lot about his job... Same age, already married, though... did meet his cute wife who was pregnant. Congratulations!

Had lots of drinks! Again... Certainly fun night. Just came back from his apartment... actually a few block away. I am sure that I can stop by anytime!

Snow and having drinks... that's all for today.

Too bad that Masuda got really drunk and I talked to his wife, mostly. Still fun to talk to her, though.

All right... am tired. Let me go for tonight. Will see you tomorrow! Bye, ya'll!

23:57

It's cold outside, isn't it? - Expected to snow tonight or tomorrow... just like another weekend... Man, snow always comes over weekend. Is that good new for you? Or maybe not.

Do I like snow? Yes! It's beautiful. Oh, I don't take a look at ugly road where lots of muddy snows aside the road.

Today's Tak --- ended up in Yokohama. Left work around 5pm and made to Yokohama by train. that late in the evening? Is that job task? Yes. What? To drink! To drink with clients tonight.

Place: "Watami" tavern (chain store)

Attendees: from company "Y" - Motai, Kobayashi, and Nakashima; Ishii & Inaki from Marutatsu (competitor!), Wakamori from Seino Logix (competitor!), and Kiyosaki from JTB Cargo (competitor!). From my end, Kuboki and I myself were there.

9 people in total - Here is how it went!

^{from left to right>>> Inamori, Nakashima, Kobayashi, Motai, Kiyosaki, Ishii, Wakamori, & Kuboki (behind).}

Do they know about this website? What do you think --- YES!

I had never had a chance to drink with anyone from competitors like this thru client in common to introduce. Motai - the key person of the client - is really open-minded person and he just wanted all of us to have fun! Certainly, drinks and foods were so great!

Kobayashi (left) - Inaki & Nakashima (right) - cute ladies, huh!

I've heard that those ladies didn't have boyfriends YET!!! Hehehe.

Motai & Kiyosaki

Kiyosaki, 24 years old, - seemed very talented salesman. Kuboki really liked him and he became serious about headhunting him! Even though we are officially competing with each other, it's always great to know some young fellow who is very unique and talented.

Motai wanted to hold my hands... Wow!

And ultimately, I happened to see very extreme way to get closer to those ladies... by Ishii. Don't think I can do the same to them... Amazed me!

Ishii trying to stick ladies' fingers into his nose!!!

Look, ladies were so embarrassed! This might be even considered as sexual harassment?!?! Who knows. Anyway, fun to watch.

I learned a lot about other sales people from other companies. Certainly, different... By the way, folk! This was STRICTLY business. Nothing more than that...

12:14+1

Cold... extremely cold outside just like almost snowing! So I here changed the background just for severe winter! Do you like this?! Hope you do.

Do you want to work in Japan? Do you want to have some penpals in Japan? Check this website out! It's www.jobsinjapan.com - might be worth to take a look.

Today, because of cold rain outside, didn't have any appointments and stayed at my desk just in order to keep myself warm! Certainly, didn't want to catch cold! Did I work? You know, right?

Now am found in jeopardy... on the way to cafe for lunch, my immediate boss Ito informed me, showing his sign of surprise. He said that Ishii, Company's Managing Director didn't know about this website. And obviously he informed Ishii about this.

This bad story doesn't end here.

At the table Ito was talking about my web activity... Murakami, the President of Company, was also there!!! So no doubt that he was informed the same too at that time! And next week or so, I am scheduled to have interview with Ishii for job concern. Wow, that might be the time to be asked for my resignation due to disrespect the hierarchy of the company organization? Surely, not! I don't do anything bad here... just for fun, right? I am overreacting and exaggerating the thing just got informed today.

Anyway, all management of company know this page... and they all know about what I do everyday... especially how I kill time during daytime... rather than selling businesses. Oops!

Left work about 30 minutes earlier than usual. Fukami called to my cellular phone... I think that was trick by Ito... He must have asked her to call me to see what I was doing... like having dinner with someone else, etc. Since that call was for nothing... it must be so! I am not that easy to get tricked by you! Hehehe.

Popular TV drama, "Your Yukichi Is Crying." Fukuzawa Yukichi is famous novelist of Japanese Literature. His portrait shows on the 10,000 yen bill (i.e. your 100 dollar bill). So this title has meaning like "You don't spend your money wisely!" - I like this show. Is my Yukichi crying? Definitely NOT! I swear!

Tomorrow night... I will go to Yokohama - probably only 40 or 50 minutes away from the office. For what? Guess --- to drink, moron! With clients. Funny clients. Am very excited... besides too bad that it will be very cold. Will let you know how it goes... this business!

My Goddess has sent me a message... not to wear pink or green socks anymore. Oh well, cannot ignore that message since it was so precious. Hmmmmm (laugh too).

21:49

Am full now. Ate too much for supper. Did I forget about my mission? Losing weight... oh that was the one for last year. Now it's 2001! I don't have to watch my weight much anymore? --- Of course, I should.

Had interesting meeting with client-to-be. He was Brits and being in Japan for over 25 years! He did speak pretty good Japanese, just like I speak! Hahaha --- anyway, I asked him whether he wanted to speak Japanese or English with me in that meeting. We then did have all conversation in English.

He was the importer of folk handcrafts. And the place I visited was the showroom, rather than the office. Bags, shoes, garments, Zippo's, Key chains, and lots of other interesting things are neatly placed... should have taken some sneak pictures, huh!

He married a Japanese lady... after talk about the biz, asked him how to make international marriage work out. He said, there were lots of energy needed for it. I am sure that it did. His story was very interesting.

That was in Shinjuke --- went there twice already this week.

After another appointment, went back to the office around 7pm... then, I came to know something... that I needed to know.

Today, as many as 15 people from our office went to training... about how to make a web page just like here. Recently the company decided to create web pages for every single department we have... and for that training, at least one member from each department went to professional training site all day long today. And... someone in there SHARED the web address of this "Ogaki-jin"!!! Then, more people in the office... let me correct that... because it was not only for Tokyo Office... but Nagoya, Osaka... all others too!

Now "Ogaki-jin" is for all over the company!

Hey, people at traning didn't learn what they were supposed to learn today and then, they learned about me and my website! Gee, what the heck are ya'll doing?!?! Please don't steal paychecks out of company with doing anything. That's my job!!!

And here... everyone comes to know that I don't work seriously at work and I do work seriously, instead, here!!! Lots of people have asked me, "Tak, which is your true job? Daytime or nighttime?" Obviously, it is here... right?

By the way, who informed others in that training session? Need to find out... then what shall I do to him/her?!?!

I might teach English to one of clients? That client asked me to train his assistant (cute lady) to be able to communicate in English. Hmmm what an offer...

The more people get to know about this, the more I should be careful what to write here.

22:51

Got laughed at when wearing pink socks while was in Japan... and today got same thing by my customer because of green socks. Hey! What color should I go for?

Japan as well as US... aren't they representing the countries of freedom? That's what I thought and obviously not... right?

4pm appointment... in addition to talking about the color of socks, I somewhat had to explain that I always carried 2 digital cameras around... The people at the meeting was impressed. Moreover, they were amazed by my Visor's small camera. It's like a spy cam. I do promise that I don't use it for anyway like that... I never did and won't EVER!

Oh don't be surprised only about my socks... I wore PINK tie today. Lots of people said, "interesting." Obviously, no one liked it ever... except myself. Hmmmm. Oh I am sure that Robyn - my sister would said, "It's so Tak!" No wonder she remains being my sister for a long time... She knows me too well.

When should I change my habit on wearing lots of bright color to wearing like Gap type clothes? I know, yk110 had been telling me that I should have tried.

Hey, Novel Peace Prize on Soccer? Who said that? Soccer helps for world peach? What about those crazy fans in France or other countries? Remember World Cup France '98?

Am watching 10pm news... "News Station" on Channel 10 - Asahi TV. My favorite anchor is on... Mari Watanabe (female). She always cracks up and I like her jokes and funny comments!

Still haven't got a chance to see "Godfather" yet.

Mom in North Carolina emailed me and said when I could talk to her next time. In fact, called her several times in taking advantage of Yahoo Messenger... nonetheless, haven't talked to her yet since she was out whenever calling her! Hopefully, this weekend.

Lunch... ramen noodle - this is unusual! Because my favorite ramen place is near my apartment and don't want to eat any others. Made exception for today since Kuboki and I were out for sales calls in the afternoon and stopped by a shop for our convenience. Was pretty good though. It was near Suitengu.

My Japanese page's indicator now points more than 25,000 hits! Thank you! now more and more, especially from work, keep coming back to read all about me! Hahaha. This English page? It's still increasing a little by a little. Maybe I should advertise this somewhere else? Or I should register this page to more search engines?! Don't know which ones have been registered or not!

All right, better to go for now.

Am mad at Nathan Crawford at work even though I called him as "Bad American." Since he picked on me much every single day... I should kick his ass at some point! Got you!

23:16

Had to grab evening news paper, "ZakZak." Since I saw one of headlines saying "Nippon Express and Japan Postal Services will do business together for small package deliveries." Oh gee... another alliance for that industry?

According to this resource in the newspaper, the deal of alliance won't be reached to a deal in year 2003... but at the same time, the resource pointed out that this is just similar movement to what recently happened in US - USPS and FedEx allied. Apparently, the same movement rather than saying similar! So biggie shakes hands with another biggie. How about small companies?!?! Just destined to look for nichy market? I guess -

How about small package and large cargo or freight?! Like said before, it won't be any line separates one another. All should be categorized into one... simply defined as "cargo." Where small or large... for those who sends and waits for don't have different levels of concern. All are important to every single person! Right?

Getting back to the right track as normal mode---

Went out in the afternoon for appointment in Shinjuku. Meeting wasn't that favorable to myself since the client said, "Tak, I don't want this as rate-competing. I do want you to come back with some proposal like Supply Chain Management or some other VIVID idea coming out of yourself."

Tough man asked me for tough question. Do I have any clue out of this short brain? Obviously, not. Hmmmm. Am not that smart! To be frank, that client didn't have any complicated routing in its business. I don't see any way to involve in it as the way it wants. What shall I do? Stay back and observe how others deal with this client? Oh well. I know, all appointments go well. In fact, mostly doesn't go easily to reach getting biz. So, I will cool off and try to see there is or not any other alternative way to reach to it.

Rented a movie, "the Godfather." Am sure that many of you have seen all series, haven't you? Have I? Not. In fact, did try to. Somewhat... the movie, "You've Got Mail" really got me... since the story talked about "Go to the mattresses" from Godfather. I know what it means. Though, I like to witness how this involves in this series. So this time, rented just 1st movie of the series. And I eventually will to watch all series. Hope I would like them all!

Did get a cable for networking. Now I can fix friends' Macintoshes as well as install Windows to other Macintoshes. Cool!

Will talk to you tomorrow!

23:12

My weekend is now over... what was this weekend for you? Did you do anything? Movie? Went out for picnic under this cold weather? Stayed home? Oh well.

New President of United States, huh! Bush, Bush, Bush... George W. Bush... whether you like him or not... he is now in the office with such powerful authorities given! The 46th President of United States. Only know about his promise and policy is... large tax cuts. What else did he mention while his election campaign?

Forgot to mention... got another DVD movie to my DVD library... it's "Lethal Weapon 4" - still don't have any other movie of the series... I just bought "LW4" and I guess I will come to buy three other movies sooner or later. How many DVD movies have I got so far in this year? "Gladiator" and "Lethal Weapon 4" --- so far 2 movies and 2 more from previous year, 4 DVD movies in total. I was thinking to buy one DVD movie every month. Apparently, more than that... probably 2 movies a month? Hehehe.

"Mission Impossible 2" DVD is coming on sale in April! Gee, cannot wait! I really want to have that DVD since... oh boy. I liked that movie somehow and somewhat... The story was boring, in fact - have another reason to like about it. Yes, actress.

There was supposed to have gathering for drinks... though, canceled. Maybe postponed toward tomorrow.

This week... do I have appointments for new biz yet? Oh well... now I really have to think about how to sell businesses... more seriously than ever! New Year's celebration must be over by now! I need to nail down about serious job... how to get it done! Plus, I now have to compete with a new sales person Funabashi. She might have better connections to bring business in than myself.

Redone the pictures with different compression method... this page should be now much lighter than before about browsing all. Of course, it depends on your access speed as well as your computer's configuration. 100 seconds to take all when 56k access. That shouldn't be that bad like up to yesterday!

22:05

Snow in Tokyo! Really! Seems snow is always to come over weekends! Maybe some accumulation over night tonight.

Today's Tak... went out to Akihabara - Electric Town... I have mentioned so many times before in here. Did I go there for shopping? Oh well, not exactly. Arahata, from last night's party, wanted to buy a computer for home use since he had nothing home to surf the net.

He, in fact, likes to read this page... that's why he decided to buy a computer.

Target model was Apple... that's why I went with him. I really thought that he wanted iMac with DVD player. When coming up to Laox, one of the largest retail stores in Town, he saw iBook and seemed he changed his deal. We didn't end up buying one since he had no much clue what kind of computers out there.

And then, he bought a book, "How to use iBook." I think he's going to buy one next week or so. The price is around JPY197,000.

Lunch (w/him) - ramen noodle at restaurant, visiting first time... man, wasn't that good.

Dinner was home - since snowing... didn't go out any further even though I had a chance to drink with friends. Maybe some other time... I am sure.

Kirk mentioned, in Japanese message board, that I spent too much time in staying home watching movies? Oh, that's absolutely right. It's because I always want to sleep in over weekend and lack of budget to go to fancy places... and most importantly I don't have dates... don't need one!

Kack wanted me to check some camera... which wasn't available in US market... I found that it was FujiFilm made... though, the model number wasn't match to what she mentioned. I guess, what she knew was old one? Maybe. I should email her, letting her know.

While in Town... certainly checked a new digital camera for myself. I was truly between FinePix 40i and 4700Z --- both still made by FujiFilm. 40i is definitely smaller than the other mentioned. Though, there is no zoom function like 4700Z which is slightly larger and heavier. 40i has MP3 music playing capability even within camera! At same time, 4700Z equips movie capture feature, in addition to 3x optical zooming. Want to know more about lineups of FujiFilm's digital cameras - FinePix series? Visit here (www.finepix.com). Prices are exactly same and I still do hesitate... because my camera (still FinePix one) works fine... am just looking for additional feature --- maybe waste of money. Who knows? Probably I need to fine someone like to buy mine; I should reconsider what to do next.

Rest of weekend... you have great time out there!

11:56+1

Came home, feeling so great! Just had a wonderful party and my all stresses were just gone!

Who is this?! Most Wanted --- Eto from work! Wearing tank-top and his facial expression is like a bad guy? Hmmmm. This guy seems much funkier than myself... Look, this is driver's license... bad one, don't you think?

My day was certainly hectic after several days with Artur. Lots of emails with inquiries unsolved and new issues from new business... Man! I was panic!!! Plus, the Company asked all salespersons to visit existing big clients to explain of UPS' acquisition of Fritz... until today. Therefore, I had to go out for 3 appointments in total; I was quite busy going in and out from the office.

Everyone told me that I seemed very tired... not one person... but more than several! Maybe, attendance to a fellow from Portugal was on hard schedule and lots of activities were complete. And moreover, I didn't sleep much. This week... average time of going to bed was probably around 1am or even after that... lack of sleep, right?

I was thinking to go straight home after work... only I WAS THINKING.

Eto (guy - above picture), Iimura, Arahata, Fukui, and I myself... called a party for all singles after work today.

Those single men from work... belong different departments and usually, not much communication between themselves since, in the company, there are not much intercompany activities going on. So this opportunity was definitely fun to have this kind of moment in order to get known of those fellows!

Imagine... there are 5 men... singles... got together and talk about. Women? Sex? Bosses? What else? Hehehe. There is NO business-related issues! This was great! I don't need to go any farther, do I? (laugh) We went to "Sozaiya" - my usual place near the work.

left to right> Arahata, Eto, Fukui (below), and Iimura

Funny coincidence... all fellows at this party... joined this company in year 2000. Arahata from February, Iimura and me in September, Eto since October, Fukui - one month after Eto.

We named this as "Y2K Men's Club" ----

When ending party, we promised each other that we would keep this going... at least once a month since the talk was so great and we need to keep in touch. Certainly great time even for me. I enjoyed too much. Plus, did drink a lot! Really! Fun talk and easy drinks came along with it!

Jennifer Lopez's new CD out? Want one!

Better go for now. Will see you tomorrow.

9:14+1

Yep! Mission now has been completed! All appointments were cleared and now Artur is on his way to Narita ANA Airport Hotel. Big relief from such responsibility!

There were unlikely a couple of appointments canceled... though, we secured some business... at least he had something to take back to Portugal with him. Felt much better!

After all appointments, he wanted to buy some souvenir for his family... and Kuboki and I considered where would be the best place to go... Since he hasn't done any sightseeing... we decided to go to Asakusa... very Japanese place with tons of gift shop along with street. I believe that it is the best place to go to see some traditional crafts of Japan.

Kuboki... dedicating entire his time for this event... with tons of hours spent for preparation. Great job! And it's time for you to rest a little bit. You have done such wonderful job! I am so certain that Artur felt so confident to work with us further from here... thanks to you!

Me? What have I don? Practically, nothing. I just followed after those fellows!

Am tired... let me go for today.

22:29

This is update for 17th... though, my wrist watch indicates that it is now on 18th. Yup, I came home by last train of the day. It's passed midnight. 1:09am, in fact!

You might think or consider me as crazy... keep doing this no matter how late it will be or how much tired I would be. Hmmmm, you must be right. I don't know what I am doing! Please... stop me!

Anyway, it was 2nd day for Artur in Japan and we took him out for appointments. He seemed having some trouble in his foot... too bad that we had to take trains and, at different stations, we had to go up and down stairs... We should have realized that much earlier so that we didn't go hard way on him. Thereafter, we decided to take taxi... easier way for him.

Appointments... meetings went well. This is good sign!

And night... this is more important than day time, as usual. We took him out for dinner to Japanese Chicken BBQ place near the office... called "Oretachi no Chidoriya." It was such pretty tasty "Yakitori" and others!

And then, Artur insisted and we agreed to move on even further... went to Karaoke and he did have great fun! He sang a couple of songs in English and Spanish. Macarena must be definitely out favorite of what he sang!!! We danced along with that song too! I did remember somewhat how to dance Macarena... good, huh?

Oh boy, it's too late... still Thursday tomorrow - practically today. I should get some rest... Man, this week... way lack of sleep again. When can I stop having this such bad habit? Maybe not be able to as far as living in Tokyo or having this particular job for this particular company? Hehehe.

And today, I mean yesterday --- it was last day for Shimizu - She had been in charge of company's intranet and did a great job. Now she decided to leave to pursue new career. Good luck and thank you for being such good person to me! I was your fan!

Kuboki and Shimizu

Kuboki and Shimizu --- they are good friends. They got the job for this company at the same time... which was 6 years ago. I am sure that there are lots of things that they can share in terms of working here.

Zzzzzzzzz.... oh sleepy. Let me go. Bye ya'll!

1:26+1

Went to Narita this morning as I said before... attending with a guy from Portugal. Artur (you can call him Arthur also) came to Japan... taking advantage of Business Executive Class of British Airways. Wow, rich man!

Stopped by our Narita Office and had a chance to say hello to my friends... coworkers, I mean. Man, everyone was concerning how I was doing. "Are you doing okay, Tak?" That was everyone's question. As well as some comments received as "Tak, everyone in Tokyo Office said to us that Tak was such unique!" Oh boy, who told them so?!

Artur was very very serious guy and sometimes I made a joke... didn't go though. Hmmmm. Tough to deal with. I asked him if he had some place in Tokyo in his mind like wishing to go when having some extra time. He told me that he just came to Japan on business and he has no intention to see anything.

I guess, I am the easy guy... don't you think?

Then we took the Airport Limousine straight to his hotel, Tokyo Prince Hotel which was close to our office. Took about 2 hours... he was surprised like --- He came and arrived in Tokyo International Airport and he thought it was in Tokyo. Now we told him that it's actually not and STILL take 2 hours or more to get to Tokyo... Complicated, huh!

Narita Tokyo Airport is actually in Chiba... next to Tokyo and 2 hours by express train between them. Long way, huh!

After sales meeting with Artur for a several hours, went for dinner at a Japanese restaurant and we had very... very traditional Japanese foods... called "Kaiseki" - very expensive one. Wow, taste was wonderful... although, Artur couldn't stand about foods... since raw and other stuff. Oh well...

Funny thing, big boss Takashima made some interesting nicknames on all his fellows... as "famous" to Ito since he deals with many different Fritz offices, "ace" to Kiguchi because his current target account is so huge, "strange" to Kuboki ... don't know why... and

"FUNKY" for me! I have no idea why so! Tell me!

Look, I am very straight and serious... very friendly too. Do I seem funky? Am I? Since when? Oh gee, gotta be a misunderstanding. Big. Huge! Hehehe.

23:25

Cold... very very cold today. Made me stay inside all day long. And inside... it was warm and made me so sleepy... had to go out to smoking area to get fresh air... funny huh, about getting clean fresh air at company's only smoking section.

I had some other reasons to stay in today... intended not to have any appointments. Since I will be out mostly from tomorrow 'til Thursday with a fellow from Portugal and my weekly sales report was due.

New face, Funabashi came to office after her training at Narita Airport. She was coughing and seemed having a bad cold. Ended up leaving for home one hour earlier than supposed to. Hope she gets well sooner.

Some people at Fritz speculates that this "Website Ogaki-jin" might post some insider information about UPS' acquisition of Fritz Companies. Hey! I am NO LONGER insider person. Am now outsider! Even in different country! What do you want me to say?!

All right, all right, all right... here's what you want to hear, folks!

Oh well, what would happen in the future about this M&A event? As of my personal, very personal opinion, Fritz will EVENTUALLY lose its brand name. I do believe that name of UPS will be the only brand for entire services. I know it won't change so soon... as this year or even next year... but certain period of time, UPS and Fritz... or even Unistar will have united brand under UPS. Why? Name of UPS is for consumers... easy to appeal in ads... And those who have controls of big freight out there... STILL consumers. So why not UPS would say, "Oh yes! we can handle all from small packages to container freight worldwide... most efficient way of transporting!" Don't you think this way is much easier to tell out there rather than saying, "Oh, let me explain... Fritz is UPS' subsidiary and you can take advantage of both services, depending upon your precise needs!" Which sounds much simple to anyone? If the company acquiring Fritz were NOT consumer-facing; Fritz's brand would have been eternity (unless filing Chapter 11, of course).

How about all Fritz's agents like my company? I need an answer!

Tomorrow morning, I will hit to the Narita Airport in order to meet Arthur from Portugal in the morning. This is the first time to take trains which going against usual direction... where no crowds around. I will enjoy a plenty of space in a train for an hour or so to get to the airport.

I carried my company laptop, by NEC, home... man, it was light. Very. I know, this weights only 3.3lbs. My PowerBook still weight around what? Should be 5.9lbs! This sucks! Of course, NEC laptop has no CD-ROM drive or Disk Drive... PowerBook, instead, has DVD drive... so I can watch movies! Which would you like to take? Difficult to decide, huh?

Will be busy tomorrow... let me rest. See ya!

22:48

Another weekend is gone. Too quick. Never be enough, don't you think? Laundry is complete. After updating this page, gotta do ironing... for tomorrow. And then, just sleep, get up in next morning, and work on another day for pay check!

No snow over this weekend... as far as I know. Although, from tomorrow the weather will be severe and it will be very cold. Please keep yourself warm not to catch any bad virus or anything!

Today's Tak... no plan like usual and was walking around to see what movies out there. And today's pick was "Art of War" by Wesley Snipes - one of my favorite actors.

I always do like action movies and this was one of them. Too many killings, definitely no for kids. Anyway, the story was about spy... it was pretty cool. It was about US-China Trade Agreement will be arranged by United Nations, rather than US Government. UN's spy (Wesley) act upon secret mission and realized that he had been used for different mission. He's been taken advantage of by his boss in UN.

Anyway, lots of gun shots and fun to watch. I hereby give a solid "C" to this movie.

I made a list of all movies I would like to see... including "6 Days," "13 Days," "What Women Want," what else... oh, "My Sweet Guys," etc. Would you recommend "Vertical Limit?"

Other than watching a movie, didn't buy anything and no drinks for today! Oh, watched DVD "Gladiator" completely... wow, it was certainly long! Hehehe.

Tons of movies to watch... that's definitely my favorite to do.

This week, I will be busy like told you already... since I have to attend to a guy from Portugal from Tuesday until Thursday. Don't think I will go out for any sales calls tomorrow since I have to check all schedule and make sure of it for that fellow. Some WELCOME party? Oh yeah, that is my business. Hahaha. Will report to you later. Stay tuned.

See ya!

23:06

Being lazy sometimes helps to have a good feeling. Today completely that way... I don't even know that it was cold or sunshine outside at all.

Mostly I spent a day for cleaning up all files on old PowerBook and saved resources into Zip disk for backup. Man, tons of information... especially photo images from digital camera... more than 200MB to deal with and this Ogaki-jin data.

Today's topic... "Tak's Resolutions for 2001"

Last year... I made good resolutions about losing weight from 176lbs to 158lbs. However, my Portuguese study was not even started. What else... Golf... didn't scared 93 or 3 times under 100... That was definitely unfortunate because I came back to Japan after summer and lost the opportunities to play! If I did, maybe different story.

For this year, 2001 --- Here they are:

• Ogaki-jin to continue... for more readers
• Spanish study - to continue
• GMAT study
• Cooking to learn!!! (am sure lots of people out there are glad to see this!)

This year, I am not saying too many. Concentrated. Will do all said above. Good thing... I don't have to lose any more in weight. May lose more... though, I am okay as how much I weigh for now.

Tonight, international call I have received! Wow! It was from Andrea... talked to her for how long? It was such fun talk... Cool! I love you!

Forgot to mention... some Japanese readers didn't understand the meaning of "woman on top" - the movie title. I have been asked for explanation why the title seems sexual kind of wording. Ha! I learned something new...

11:43+1

TGIF! What a week... I mean short one. Since Monday was holiday... only 4 working days. Definitely short. And next week, will be busy too since we expect a guest from Portugal for sales matters.

Upon the acquisition of Fritz by UPS, some readers remain curious how this affect me and my company who holds agency contract with Fritz since UPS has another partner in Japan. Do I know the answer at this point? Simply, not. So far, things seem calm and no changes. Although, I am sure that this talk will rise between companies sooner or later.

Moreover, UPS' headquarters is located in Atlanta... Perfect for me to send my resume to it? Could be! Hehehe.

Went out the office for sales calls around 2pm and didn't go back to office thereafter at all. When all appointments were over, it was around 6:10pm. Stopped by a restaurant to eat and also went to a shop to buy a microphone... to hook to my PowerBook so that I can talk and hear better without noise over Internet.

Came home at 8pm since the place I went on biz was the other side of Tokyo... took me a while. Then, I went on Internet and called several people I wanted to talk to. Of course, it was day time; I mostly left messages. I did talk to one person, though. It was my Auntie. We talked about 15 or 20 minutes... Sounded definitely much better than first trial I did last week or so. Too bad that the connection went broken then and we had to hang up. I was happy to talk to her, though. Did I remember English? Oh well, not that bad, I thought.

We did talk about the past Christmas and I was told that Christmas without me wasn't same over there in North Carolina. And also got reminded that I was supposed to keep the promise with them --- to come to US for next Christmas. Yes, they've got my word and I will keep it.

Tomorrow, I hereby promise that I will sleep in since this week I didn't have enough sleep. I went to bed around 2-ish every night and this doesn't help me much to keep good health.

Snow over this weekend? In Tokyo again? Wasn't that last weekend snowed?!

14:23+1

Really happened. Finally? As rumored? Yup! Did happen.

Take a look at this! UPS and Fritz made an announcement of their agreement on acquisition... Fritz to be a subsidiary of UPS.

Some reader has already known of the news in US and sent me email asking me how this news affect to my job or my organization. My answer for that? The news is just too brand new to tell anything yet. At this moment, all I can say is all remaining the same as yesterday.

Will keep you posted and if any changes about my life... as like some people out there wished that I got laid off so that I could come back to US!... That might be an option if I got laid-off. I am too valuable anywhere... so it wouldn't happen. Right? Oh tell me!

An appointment in the afternoon... pretty late at 4pm. Had to take JR - Japan Rail train for 30 minutes. And now I have a great amenity companion with myself! Now I have a couple of Spring Modules for Visor! One of them is "Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf." - This is great stuff to have fun! I can play easy golf on Visor to kill time!

Meeting was very productive. Hope they consider my offer seriously.

Tomorrow will be even busier for me. Two appointments at 3pm and 5pm, respectively! How in the world did I make those chances so late in the afternoon?! Am I moron? What the heck was I thinking?! Hmmm.

Last night... did chat with my darling sister Robyn! Great to hear from her and so nice to talk to her as always. She's my true sister and we chatted for an hour. Too bad that my computer was not taking voice chat well. So we stayed with only typing chat... classic way.

She was doing so well in Columbia --- 1st year of her life after married. According to her, the marriage is so wonderful and she thinks this is the best thing happened her for a long time. So great! Makes me want to get marry... of course to right woman. Hehehe. Oh don't worry. I've got eyes. Actually TWO of them... I can open them and close them, too, depending on the situation. So I can see what is good out there. I will let you know who is right for me.

My favorite Ramen noodle place is having its promotion for today and tomorrow. It sells regular bowl with 300 yen or 3 dollars. Usually 700 yen or 7 dollars. Did I go?! Why not! I am poor guy desperately looking for anywhere I can save even a penny! Yes, I did. The taste was, as always, great and no complaint about the noodle. Do I want to go there again even tomorrow? I might. I know, it's not that great about eating such noodle for health. I should reduce the amount of such eating habit. Oh well. I guess, I should continue this until I get right cook for me... i.e. right wife, maybe?! Hehehe.

And I am willing to learn how to cook. I know, I am WILLING to.

Cannot wait for another weekend. Aren't you?

Am wathing a movie, "Ronin."

23:02

Recently, this page became suddenly heavy due to exceeding numbers of photo images from all parties I joined. So today, I intend NOT to post any pictures... though, I will leave links to appropriate sites for your information.

Macworld Expo in San Francisco... Yeah new PowerBook was introduced... mostly speculated by all Macintosh rumor sites. New PowerBook, not G3 but now G4 (with Velocity Engine, needless to say!).

New case... this is totally different from all previous models. Do I like it? Yes, definitely. You know me... I ALWAYS love NEW STUFF. Hey, doesn't mean I always like to have different girlfriends! Hahaha. Then question is... Am I going to replace this recently-purchased PowerBook G3? The answer is nope; I still do love new design of that new product.

If you want to see the shape of the product I am talking about... please click here for Apple's official website.

The biggest question on me is if I truly needs powerful G4 chip for my kind way of use or not. I know, it's not really necessary. My PowerBook is definitely beloved... so fun to use and love all about it... still shape of the case too! G4 (new machine) case is titan based... so very light. About a half pound lighter than what I have (i.e. G3/2000 model). However, I don't usually take this laptop with me... since I have Visor (Palm-based handheld device).

Therefore, I hereby say that I will stick with this machine for a while.

Today's Tak... didn't go out at all. Hey, of course went outside for lunch, moron! No appointments... and had a very first shipment of new client... so remained in the office to catch up with all deals. And still as of now (@10pm), am watching this new biz from my apartment.

Good thing in being home so early (not that early, though)... is to be able to update this webpage and there will be some extra time for me to watch TV or movies, etc. Or maybe I can write more emails to friends.

Lunch: Korean rice dish

Supper: Chinese rice dish

So what would be next for me to eat?!?! There is no desserts for me... Poor thing!

Glad to see that the client became knowing of this page yesterday... seemed to have found interesting point out of here... they have enjoyed reading this.

22:07

Hey, folks!

Wow, I've received so many emails from all friends... more than 20 messages! Came home quite late tonight... around 11pm. So I don't have time to write all back to them. Please pardon!

Israel has a new girlfriend?

Glad to hear from Mavel! Que pasa! Te extrano tambien!

I have an appointment this afternoon and I was thinking that it was nothing but greeting on new year... was wrong. It turned out a serious biz meeting. Surprisingly.

Good thing? I became quite busy thereafter. Stayed at work quite late... yes, I was working... not drinking out there. Got it? Sometimes... very sometimes, I work seriously.

And in that appointment... this webpage is no longer for friends and coworkers. Now for customers too. Kuboki did tell about this to my favorite clients! Of course, they were interested in reading this page right away. Will revert their reaction after reading this page... should be interesting.

Is that okay with me? Sure. I don't write anything negative or even don't criticize anyone. This is nothing but FUN! Don't you agree?

Only concern is... they saw pictures from company's party and see that my company is crazy and take the biz out of us! Otherwise, should be okay!

All right... am tired and have pain in my back today. Let me go and rest.

23:38

It's about time... the long weekend now ends.

How was your weekend? Have you done lots of things out there?! Sure hope so. Me? What would you expect? Slept in and maybe stayed in all day?! Oh well.

Recently, I wrote so many email messages... literally many. I started realizing that I hadn't made a good contact to many different friends for a long time. I better fix this right away. Plus, it's so perfect time to begin... It's new year (and century) and would be great to send my greeting and let them know that I am now in Tokyo!

How many did I write?! More than 20 emails... Wow... took me a quite bit of time.

In the afternoon... went out. No thinking... just went out. Ended up in HMV - music shop and spent about a few hours in there... looking at CDs and DVDs. Yes, I bought a DVD "Gladiator." $40. I usually don't like about Roman Period thing in a movie... however this is one of exceptions. Could buy "Any Given Sunday." Still don't remember how much I liked that... so I hesitated.

Now watching this new DVD movie.

Wanted to buy some music CDs... but I wasn't sure that it worth to pay all for them or not... when this kind of thought crossed my mind, I usually won't go for it. This time, didn't do so either. I guess, that's the key for me to save money from wasting or spending money in vain.

Oh gee... getting back to normal life from tomorrow morning. I have to do ironing my shirts to work! What color should I choose for tomorrow? Maybe pink - hahah.

Hope ya'll did have a great weekend and those who in US work usual on Monday... good for you! (Why am I mean today particularly? Hmmmm)

See you tomorrow. Hasta luego.

21:27

Snow in Tokyo! First time in this year! (Of course, just 7 days from New Year's!)

Cold?! I thought that several days ago it was much colder... Anyway, it's snowing; I don't think that this will accumulate because different type of snow from what I saw in Ogaki when leaving for Tokyo.

Middle day of long weekend... didn't do much as usual for poor man... but a movie.

"Woman On Top"-

The theater that I went had note that this movie will be off the screen next weekend... I had to choose this ATTRACTIVE title rather than "13 Days" - very popular out there and you have to see the movie STANDING in the theater if you didn't get ticket at right timing.

"13 Days" --- Kevin Costner must be one of most popular Hollywood actor in Japan... I believe. Will watch this later, much much later.

Had no clue about this movie... I just liked the title... good excuse enough. You know, in the past I saw the movie "Entrapment" because I wanted to see Catherine Zeta-Jones' butt...

Anyway, the story was about a Brazilian girl who was a great cook and had moving sickness. Left her husband who cheated on her and moved to San Francisco... to look for a job teaching her exotic foods. Became so famous on her charm since made TV debut... though, husband came to US and chased her... Even once she decided to divorce... though her life was bonded to his... so they went back together... happy ending. Was this Hollywood movie?! Doubt it.

Did I like it? So-so. I give C+.

Cannot wait to see Mel Gibson's latest movie... "What A Woman Wants" with Helen Hunt. I will definitely check that out. Heard that this movie will open at the end of January in Japan! Certainly write in a memo to my Visor.

Stopped by Hankyu Department Store in Yurakucho, near the movie place. I think I like this department store best... better than Seibu or even Mitsukoshi. Hankyu held a fair on Lucky Cats called "Maneki Neko" --- literally translated as Cat brings a good luck. There were all different kinds of objects...

Getting colder and colder even inside tonight... wow... better keep myself warm and sleep tight. I don't want to catch another cold. Will be careful.

11:15+1

AGHHHH!!! It's really cold... this weather made me stay in... so nothing really got done today. Besides, I worked on my PowerBook and set up all Windows 98 environment with Virtual PC. Yes, Windows 98 is now running on my PowerBook.

Installed my favorite baseball game, Office 97, Eudora, and Yahoo Messenger.

Used to run Windows 95 on last PowerBook where 240Mhz chip running... now 400Mhz with much more memory (80MB to 320MB) --- even Windows 98, which much heavier OS to run compared to 95, works pretty smoothly!

I usually use ICQ for on-line messages... but Yahoo Messenger for Windows is in needs since Windows version lets users call free within US... from PC to phone, PC to PC, etc.

Trial call to US... call was made successfully... though, sound wasn't that great and a bit difficult to talk. At least, you can hear the voice over the computer. It's FREE... so there should be no complaint. May call more... it might be your turn! Be surprised when calling you!

What else...

Oh, my ex-roommate and my sister-figure (I mean older one), yk110 hit back to Atlanta today. Just a day delayed from original plan. Did I see her? Nope. I couldn't. I got a voice message from her to my cellular phone on Friday and she said that she was sickened for a while and busy... visa wasn't released right away; that's why she had to extend her stay. I miss her!

By now... you might think that I have too many sisters and families?! Yeah, you are so right!

Robyn - my ONLY American sister (younger) finally emailed me from Columbia (Country, not the one in South Carolina!). She said that her first Christmas spending away from her family for first time in her life was definitely different from all she had experienced. Same to me. I, for last 8 years or so, always spent with my American family... which was hers. Now I am in Japan where no serious celebration takes place on Christmas day.

Anyway, she seems having great life with her husband... good for her. I am so glad to hear that. I knew that he was such nice guy to treat her the best.

Brittany --- emailed me too. Wow, she had hell semester in college... now she needs to concentrate on her academic scores! No more drinks! Hehehe.

Oh better go for now. I am freezing... need to keep myself warm!

13:00+1

Another company party... since Takahashi is leaving for Los Angeles next week... this is nothing but farewell for him.

Around 30 people? at the party...

Takahashi, the guest of honor, didn't show up until about the half way... though, we all didn't care much, because we knew he was working, and kept on drinking!

Nishimura and Akahori - she wanted to appear on this website for a long time.

Otsuka (on left) - her first appearance!

And she sings on and on... never let the microphone go...

Takahashi (middle) has such red face... because of beauties surrounded?

Or maybe because he's done such thing like:

Takahashi and Kuboki --- Memorial Kiss.

Or maybe because he was dancing like:

Like octopus

Anyway, the party lasted until 11pm... then I came home thereafter. Somewhat, I didn't join those who went on another festivity!

13:54+1

Back in Tokyo... A Happy New Century to Tokyo!

Since came home (apartment) around 2 o'clock in the middle of the night... stayed asleep until this afternoon. Yeah, did sleep well.

Since Mom and my sister-in-law let me have some stuff to eat, didn't go out at all all day long today and ate those snacks and pieces of bread.

And first time for 2 weeks or so, I made a backup of all data on my laptop including this website's texts and images.

<News from Ogaki Area>

Nangu Taisha Shrine in Tarui (near Ogaki and this is where my mother is originally from) revealed that visitors to this shrine over first 3 days of the year counted up to 255,000! Still 5,000 visitors fewer than previous year.

Oh, I should mention... when leaving Ogaki for Tokyo... was snowing... really hard. I am sure that there must be some accumulated snow over night and people in my hometown had to have some extra exercise in moving snow off the road this morning.

Tomorrow, 5th, resume working... finally. I feel a bit blue to hit the office for tomorrow and work... You know exactly what I mean and everyone should have similar experience... Holidays Blue.

<Another News from Ogaki Area>

Route between Godo-Cho and Ogaki --- there are now light up for limited period - named as "Luminarie."

22:33

Coming back to Tokyo... in progress:

Leave Ogaki - 9:00pm

Arrive Tokyo - 2:00pm

Took me 5 hours... which wasn't that bad with some traffic jams.

Kyoto --- was the final destination of the day for me with family... the purpose was to visit one of most popular Shinto Shrine for pray... for the first time of year.

Took about a bit more than 2 hours to get there from home. Wasn't that bad for a ride.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

You can see how many people doing this traditional visit to Shrine. Over first 3 days of the year... this particular shrine expects to have more than a quarter million visitors! And today, I was counted in...

My family decided (mostly by Father) to climb up all the way to the one particular shrine located on the top of the mountain... so we did. My brother - a bit overweighed - easily wanted to gave up on this... but not allowed to. Took about 1 hour to way up and another to way down.

I put several more pictures may interest you:

Omiyage (Souvenir) Place --- near the Shrine.

And one more picture here... oh if you are eating and reading this at the same time, I may take your appetite away from you...

Suzume and Uzura to EAT!!!

"Suzume" --- bird... SPARROW to eat!

"Uzura" --- QUAIL to eat!

Oh surprise, huh! Yes, same to me. I have never eaten them before. Fushimi area... the place I went today... it's common to eat them there. I know, don't look too yum... don't really know what the taste would be like.

Tomorrow it's time to hit back to home! Too quick, don't you think?

So how's your New Year so far?! I definitely gained some weight already since being home. Why? It's easy... because I am so relaxed and foods and snacks are everywhere around.

I promise that I will lose whatever I've got over New Year Holidays.

22:22

A Happy New Year and New Century!

After updating yesterday's update... I had to go to Ogaki's countdown event... since friend ChanKen called and asked me to come by... You know, I am nice and cannot turn any... ANY friend's favor.

There were about 300+ people for the event.

You can now see that I was there, at least, 17 minutes and 46 seconds to the New Year! The guy on the state is Tanahashi --- the politician elected from Ogaki region to the Diet.

I had a chance to say hello to Tanahashi as well as Ogura - the Mayor of Ogaki City.

Tak --- showed up to the public

ChanKen --- is working at the Ogaki Chamber of Commerce... hence he had to help this countdown event... he was taking care of bon fire near the stage of the event.

ChanKen --- same age as Tak.

This is 1st time to spend New Year in my hometown... for 8 years. Yes, definitely different from spending time in US. And the most difference is... foods:

New Year's Food called "Osechi" Dinner

Along with foods, of course here is a sake to drink. Am I getting drunk? No... not that much to drink.

Anyway, let me go and continue the celebration for the New Year! See you tomorrow.

16:39