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Last working day of the month... came home just now, 1:20am. Gee, it's already Saturday. You know what happened?

Worked late. Really. And took one of last trains for the day. The beginning of a nightmare...

I missed the station where I was supposed to get off... My station is always Urayasu and found that I missed it when the train was approaching to the platform of Minami Gyotoku Station... one station after Urayasu.

I was really into conversation made with Kiguchi... about business.

Gee... no train for opposite direction already for the day. SHOOOT! What luck I've got!

Could have taken a taxi to come home... decided NOT to. Shouldn't spend money for that kind of stuff... it was my mistake and this kind of spending could be avoided.

So I walked. I walked about 2 kilometers... about 3 miles. Pretty darn long, huh? Yup, it was.

Maybe... one out of millions... I was mistaken doing that? Who knows?

The client of yesterday... I covered all payments today and all cleared. NOT MORE freaking biz with that stupid fellow. Well, I didn't want that biz in the first place... though, didn't have choice much. Am really glad that I am out of that deal in particular.

Glad that it's weekend!!! Wow, I don't feel much sleepiness now... I passed all that already?! No wonder that I could update this page at this late... usually I do things following day.

Well, you have a nice weekend, my friend!

1:43+1

"You came here to do what? --- Are you raising an argument?" That was the word out of his mouth in the meeting with a client in this afternoon.

No SHIT!

Due to lack of trust to this company, I decided NOT to have any further business! I made a report to my boss and got okay given. Gee, there are lots of sneaky people out there... whom I cannot count on any word.

To be honest, I am glad to have chosen that. Very little profit and tons of hours to deal with that fellow... sneaky kind of deal. Not straight kind of business and I NEVER liked it in the first place.

All right, I cut out this crap NOW.

Mmmm, there are lots of interesting discussions and reports on brand new operating system for Macintosh... called Mac OS X (ten). I guess, it will take a quite while to catch up with all flaws. Definitely.

Rainy, all day long. I was out for more than several hours in the afternoon and walked outside. Now at night, I feel soared throat and feel fatigue. Just taken a cold medicine.

Getting colder... just like winter has resumed. Who brought this back to us? Now need a jacket to wear... don't you agree?!

Anyway, Thursday is done deal. Tomorrow, I should take care of some minor things before the weekend and, YES! Weekend.

What else should I leave my comment here for tonight. Oh, ChanKen told me that the brand new Lexus compatible... costs more than $60,000!!! Gee, that's super duper expensive! Cannot afford one at all. Period. That's it. No chance, ZIPPED!

Who is going to wear black jacket and blue pants on Saturday to meet me? New friend from somewhere in the cyber space... Jesus. Exchanging emails in Spanish... must be interesting. Sure hope so.

22:53

Aprendo mucho de ambiente para los extranjeros vivientos en Tokio... A traves de escribiendo a un amigo nuevo de un lado a otro, encuentro a muchas informaciones... actualmente, paginas hogares en ingles... muchas de esas! Como:

Time Out Tokyo --- http://www.timeout.com/tokyo/

Tokyo Classifieds --- http://www.tokyoclassified.com/

Tokyo Weekender --- http://www.weekender.co.jp/

Oops, I just have started everything in Spanish... Let me correct -

I learn about the environment where lots of foreigners to live in Tokyo... throughout writing to a new friend of mine back and forth (in Spanish), I encounter lots of information... actually, many homepages in English... many of those! Like:

Time Out / Tokyo Classifieds / Tokyo Weekender

--- Interesting, huh? I am sure that some of you might be curious what kind of information posted up there within those sites. I bet.

Maybe now you want to come to Japan to join me?!?! Hehehe. Yeah, you can find even a job through there!!!

Tomorrow I should ask if a friend of mine at work, Nathan, knows of those sites or not. Perhaps, he can tell me even more.

For tonight, whole department went out for drinking... without me. I sneaked out right before everyone else was about to move on after hours. I didn't want to drink. I cannot. I am currently having problem with drinks. My boss and colleagues must be upset by now because I didn't come out?! Must be so.

And most importantly, cannot afford it.

Lonely heart? Maybe a little bit. Though, my life should go on quietly for now... At least for a while.

My pain and fatigue is getting close to total relief... finally. Don't have much pain in back while working in the office much. Big improvement... much better healing taking place.

So Wednesday is over now. Thursday and Friday to go. Yes!!! Rainy tomorrow? I don't appreciate that... since I forgot and left my ONLY umbrella at client's place, far from where I work. I don't have any regular umbrella anymore. What a luck!

Okay folks, I'll see you tomorrow. Have fun out there!

22:21

Left office very early... around 7pm. I was tired and I feel like almost sick... really.

Constantly having headache and also some pain in my back. Mmm, what the hell is wrong with me! Don't have much appetite... recently stopped drinking.

Do I need a vacation? Most definitely.

No appointments for today. In fact, did have one. Though, postponed toward tomorrow. I should be a little bit busier tomorrow...

Foyer, a friend of mine, had to cancel tonight's event with me... to dine out. He was busy back and forth to the airport to pick up his colleagues. Oh, I understand that he's on such tight schedule. Same to Bamian... I may not see friends from Atlanta at all.

Today's phrase:

"Woman needs reassurance from the man that loves her..." Hmmmmm, very interesting.

Colleague Chiba (female quitting the company this month) came down from 4th floor to pass out reimbursement... when she made an approach to me... said, "Wow... look at you... colorful tie and look funky!" My god... I seemed so funky.

I didn't mean to.

Tsuyoshi Shinjyo hit his first homer in Spring Training over there... Man, he might be a good ballplayer in MLB. Who knows what would change him so much.

New Lexus compatible... SC 430!!!

New Lexus Compatible - SC 430!

Ooh la la!

How much is this fine piece of automobile? I definitely like one! I know I am not that rich... YET. NOT QUITE YET... Hehehe.

This model is not available in Japan market yet. At least, I don't know about it here in Japan. I am sure that I will come to receive some input from friend Chan Ken - car maniac.

Let me guess how much it will be... should be around $38,000? Am I close?

21:54

Wow, long conversation... over my cellular phone. I am sure that I did talk to LEO-san for a long time... at least several hours. So I recall.

This morning... had an appointment and I didn't go to the office first. Rather, went to that appointment. It was in Sakura Jyosui. Far from the office or even where I live (= Urayasu).

Biz talk over two appointments were very productive and fun for me. Hope they would come to reach to a new biz for me!

Today's word... "Sexual Harassment."

What? What did I do? I am so certain that I didn't do anything. I swear!

Although, Fukami told me, "Tak, it is sexual harassment!" About what? I just told that I hadn't have taken any picture of Ishii - new face to our department. Of course, I meant that I would make an introduction of her here on this web page. What's wrong with that?

At least, that is nothing SEXUAL.

There was a personnel announcement made and Shimada was found leaving the Company next month... in addition to Chiba - both participate in accountings. Are we okay about it?

My immediate boss Ito was promoted to be a manager. Then, who will be supervisor? Kuboki? Oh, must be MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Hehehe.

Foyer - from Atlanta... Peachtree City to be exact. I should be able to see him sometime this week. Hopefully so. He seemed very busy when talking to him this afternoon. He's back and forth between Tokyo and other regional areas of Japan. Must be on business... maybe not?

Congratulations! Kiguchi - having become Papa! He was informed that his baby boy was born today.

Oscar --- to "Gradiator" of course! I've got a DVD. The one for "Erin" as well.

How's your weekend, fellows? Ready for new week? Should be.

I'll talk to you tomorrow. Gee, I am sleepy.

23:37

Rainy day --- on and off.

Woke up late... usual thing for weekend. Went to Seiyu Department Store for shopping... only 10 minute way away from my apartment. Did buy all household needing things... like tooth paste, detergent, etc. Spent about $30.

Then, returned rental movies... and rented some others including Mission Impossible 2. I wanted to see that movie somehow. I in fact did see that movie last year in US, of course.

While doing laundry, did see the M;i2.

Ate light stuff and now it's already night... Mmmm, I practically didn't do anything.

Oh you know what I did? I did respond all pending emails. Including one email in Spanish from someone living in Tokyo. He or she (don't know yet) wanted to know more about this country and make some friends too. Don't even know from where that person comes from. Will see what kind of fellow it is...

To who else did I write back?! Kack, Brittany, AR, Elizabeth... wow, lots of female friends. Hehehe. Oh, also Israel - that's male friend in Mexico.

Tomorrow... straight to first appointment. I will be a little bit busy for the first day of week. What's your plan for Sunday?

Take care, folks.

22:45

Did you hear about an earthquake hit Hiroshima? That's still far from where I live or my family --- no damage. Though, there are 2 lives lost and lots of injuries, etc.

Some damages like that...

Today's Tak --- approached to Akihabara (Electronic Town)!

Purpose? Of course, I needed to check a brand new software Mac OS X in the stores! I did see the demo and my feeling toward new system... as like VERY NICE. Very entertaining. That's what Mac OS is all about.

Although, there are lots of issues in current system as many of you know: no DVD supports and PowerBook is not fully compatible with OS X yet. In order words, I am holding my tension of buying the system. Since I have to upgrade all other applications, I need to save up pennies in order to create whole new environment in my lovely PowerBook.

Mac OS X (ten) - Have you got one yet?

On the way leaving from Akihabara - I happened to stand by a street shop where a foreigner selling fake Rolex and other accessories. He came up to me, "Irasshai-mase" (May I help you in Japanese) and I kind ignored him. Then, he continued, "Oh man, you don't get scared." Suddenly in English. I said, "How come I had to?" He started his own story... He was doing that biz because he wanted to move to Cuba to do music, Reggae, of course. He was from Russia. Spoke fair English. Lots of Japanese stopped by the shop did step back when he made approach to them... and all day long he was questioning like how come Japanese people don't get along with me... not friendly much.

Mmmmm... I gave him my comments back. Not easy to deal with people throughout business, especially on street. And most importantly, Japanese are not that much open-minded to talk to anyone on street. And unfortunately, Japanese are vary careful in approaching to foreigners since there won't be smooth communication in Japanese. He replied that that's not fair... Japanese, Americans, Russians... they are all same humans.

Oh well.

Did talk to him for a while like 15 minutes. He at least appreciated me about my input. I don't know I did advocate majority of Japanese or not... though, some idea or opinion to him.

Tomorrow - Sunday, I heard that weather won't be that good. I will stay home.

12:12+1

Tak is back! I wasn't sick or anything. Had a dinner with friend/client last night and came home late. Found out myself who lost entire energy to face up to the desktop. Sorry!

Thank God, it's weekend.

I had two appointments today - not really much serious outcome for new sales opportunity. Though, it was okay day for me. Was tired first - from the beginning of the day! Mmmm.

Did contact a friend Foyer - from Atlanta who was currently on biz trip to Japan. He stayed in hotel and I talked to him for a while. We came up an idea to see each other following week.

Another friend... Tyson called me and left a message; too bad that I couldn't answer the phone then. I did call back at night... no answer. I should be able to reach him tomorrow or so, very soon. He's also from Atlanta.

Oh, I mean both of friend do live in Atlanta now; both Japanese.

There is a new coworker in the department this week. Don't know STILL of her first name. It's Ishii (=last name). She's 20!

What else new...

What is my plan for this weekend? After canceling golfing as well as BBQ! Gee, what was I thinking?

Just received a bill in mail - found out that about 510 dollars would be automatic withdrawn from my bank account on April 2. Wait! How much money would be left then? Today was in fact pay day. Did confirm the money in my bank account (i.e. wire transfer). After 4/2, I will come to have money --- only 700 bucks left...

With 700 bucks, I have to manage 20-some days until next pay check? Gee, that's tough.

What should I do? Oh, how come I spent that much money with credit card? New digital camera, flowers as a gift, what else, what else...

I should zip up my wallet --- not to waste money any more! Hehehe.

When is Brittany coming to visit me? Oh well, I should write her back.

Tomorrow - the Pacific League of Japan's Major Baseball will open! I may stick with TV.

I will have an easy relaxing weekend... just like other previous ones.

22:55

Oh boy! This website isn't crazy enough?! Some readers made comments about some photos posted here... especially from the wedding reception of Fukui's.

NOT crazy enough?! - Man!

I have to remind you all here that this website isn't driven by any kind of AMUSEMENT given or even performed by someone else. This is nothing but my OWN stage to handle! Got it, folks? This is my page and I will do any way I like for fun. At least, seems fun for my readers. Readers are... those who COME BACK TO READ this page EVERYDAY or ALMOST EVERYDAY. Understand? Hehehe.

I know, you pay attention.

Today's Tak... who left from rest of the current world... had to work as peon or even pig... as you know. What's new, huh? Nothing!

Went to very... let me emphasize well enough... VERY western part of Tokyo, like 2 hours away from the office which was located within the Metropolitan area. Gee, 2 hours away and still Tokyo? That's right. I took several different trains to get there and had to walk for a while and took buses!!!

Just for 2 appointments... left office around 11am and no lunch for me today; I didn't want to be late to the first one. I in fact underestimated of time for that transportation. No wonder that I was almost late...

So having left office at 11am and didn't go back to the office afterwards. Told people that I would go home straight after all meetings. Nice and smooth move, huh? I think so.

I came to find interesting site... new discovery of the day. Called "Tokyo Friends" where you can encounter lots of people internationally... not necessarily Japanese only.

Check this out! Of course, I did register myself right away. I usually don't hesitate...

Liz going to Chicago and New York for vacation? I love to go too! I need vacation.

Forgot one very important appointment with my darling sister Robyn. Gee, I totally forgot. We should have been supposed to see online last week and I totally forgot about it. Gee, so sorry, darling! I will keep it straight for this weekend. I promise.

AR --- Donnelly House in Birmingham? I need to see a picture of place. Hehehe.

Better go for now. That's it for today... talk to you tomorrow. Take care.

21:39

Did you enjoy an extra holiday today for the Vernal Equinox? Oh pardon me, Mr! The holiday was only for Japan... Hahaha. I know, I am bad. Did you work hard? Should be! Then you deserve your very next paycheck. Otherwise, that's stealing from your employer... just like what I do month to month!

Most Wanted - "MM"

He's from Alabama... still Japanese with Green Card to reside in US permanently. I would say... he is more American than Japanese. Speaks both languages fluently. He became to know me through this webpage first of all and he joined my gathering in Atlanta several times. Since then he's been my friend.

Huh? oh, I agree... his nickname is STILL "MM" - though, his actual size is rather LL or XXL! Hehehe. I know, I am bad.

We went to a restaurant for dinner together and talked about Japan and US biz. Plus, we even talked about MBA. Of course, we did discuss about women. You know, when two or more guys got together... cannot leave that issue behind for sure, don't you think? I am sure that you know about it. Same thing for women. I know.

MM is still available in Bachelors' Market --- for your information.

Gathering I used to hold... no more since I left Atlanta for Japan. That's sad. I should reunite all when going back. Am I going back then? Good question with no answer from my end for now.

I know, I am bad.

You know what he had today in taking advantage of being Green Card holder? See this!

"Japan Rail Pass"

It's not obtainable if you're solid Japanese. If you're foreigner or US or other country's residence... with some kind of proof such as Green Card, you can get that pass. Very cheap! I wish I could have one. He paid about $300 for the Pass and after that he can ride any train or bus operated by Japan Rail. Obviously, he would have had to spend doubled or even much more for tickets of the bullet trains. Gee... how nice!

In fact, I have never seen the Pass before. I only knew about it.

Israel, Osmara, and Brittany--- you should remember about this when coming to visit me!

Okay - getting back to normal from now.

See ya!

21:32

What should I talk about for today? Nothing to talk about... I think. I wasn't that busy and came home quite early. Kind sneaked out of office in terms of getting rid of being called upon extra work to do. I was bad boy, as usual. Nothing new, huh?

Now Yahoo limits all US domestic calls for 2 minutes? Gee. That's not fair! Now I have to take advantage of DialPad.com, instead.

In fact, I did use DialPad.com - very busy server and not that clear sounds come through. Irritating! Oh well, what you pay is what you get... this case I pay none... and thing in return is reasonable? I guess.

Tomorrow is National Holiday... called "Vernal Equinox" according to Holiday Calendar. Yes, that day is SUPPOSEDLY the beginning of the spring!

What is my plan? Should have dinner with MM from Alabama... otherwise, I will sleep in. Don't call me up in early morning for nothing, my friend!

11:10+1

End of weekend? No so fast, folks! Tomorrow is STILL regular Monday... though, after that... another holiday hits Japan... Thank goodness!

Today... three guys from my hometown Ogaki got together in Tokyo.

Kanazawa and ChanKen

Kanazawa - first met for me and usual friend ChanKen. They are friends since high school and we all got together... for fun talk. Things in common between all of us... is what we came from Ogaki. ChanKen still lives in Ogaki, in fact with his parents still. Kanazawa is in Tokyo on job. We all were at the same age. Wow, cool!

This is actually the first time for me to meet someone from Ogaki in Tokyo. Good to know someone like him.

ChanKen is always carrying his FujiFilm 40i digital camera... just like me!!! Hehehe.

Do you want to know more about his camera? Check this out!

Then, we ended up taking pictures each other while holding camera toward one another... aren't we crazy doing this in such public place?!?! Must be... Of course, his camera is very compact and thin! Since he has money... is planning to buy new one in addition to that small camera. While, I have to stick with my current model. Am envious about someone, especially my friend, getting new stuff so easily!

Cannot wait to have Monday done... so that another day off to rest and enjoy! I should have some time to talk to MM from Alabama. He should have been in Japan already... no contacts at this point, though.

ChanKen does have his own homepage... though, no establishment in English. Sorry, folks. Though, he has some foreign friends... and keeps in touch with them fairly often.

Anyway, this is about it for my weekend. How about yours? Did you work on your garden? Watched too much dirty movies?! What else did you do? Behave! (by Austin Powers)

22:48

Today's Tak... nothing but Fukui's wedding reception report...

Wow, cute wife he's got!!!

This is the 1st wedding reception I went to... after Robyn's (Tak's American Sister married back in September last year).

This reception was held at Moto Yoyogi House in Yoyogi (tel 03 5454-1036). About 60 - 70 people were attending to that reception. From our office... Arahata, Kuji, Oshimi, Kondo, Abe, Iimura, Eto, and Tak.

Fukui and his friends!

Fukui today married at his age 28 (will be 29 this year)... I will come to reach that point next year... so I guess, it will be my turn, according to that theory. Hehehe.

Very usual... Bingo Game took place and I won the 4th place... got the scales!!! I guess, this is in needs for me to keep up with good health and weight? Maybe!

Oh, I should put up this GREAT picture!

Beautiful rings! Congratulations!

Here are some more photos from reception:

Wedding cake and Kuji - she just ate some "SPICY" cake from the game!

Arahata won a wrist watch from the game!

He's crazy man... just as like our friend. Iimura is crazy too...

I had lots of fun from there... was such wonderful reception... made all possible by his friends with maximum time of help to it. I liked that reception very much. I wish mine would be just like that. Seriously.

Congratulations! We're happy for those two. May two stay together and happy endlessly...

23:50

Lack of resource for today's update. Hmmmm. Oh, I can tell you this. Went out for an appointment with new potential customer. The location of that company was quite far and I spent about 40 minutes or so in train to get there.

And you know what?

I met a lady - wearing a leopard-patterned shirt and leather pants. Wow, did I come to a club? And usual biz talk should kick off as "Nice to meet you and thank you to give me time for talk." or something like that. Although, today wasn't that normal... started as "Hey you! How are ya?" and continued as "Please sit down... aren't you hot here? (Yeah it was), oh take your jacket off!"

I have never taken off my jacket while any meeting before! Although, I did so since allowed.

And then, meeting was fun! Talk was very entertaining. Did I do to her? Or, was she just funny? Don't know. Anyway, half of the talk was about biz (of course!) and the other... was something like how funny I was... as she said.

Hmmmm, sometimes it's not much trouble to have meeting like that. I mean only "sometimes."

Worked late... up to around 9 o'clock.

Tomorrow, Fukui's wedding. Am not going... am rather going to attend to the reception. Man, $100 for that? Oh gee... that's a lot of money... even for friend's celebration. Anyway, I keep trying to push myself to it. Have to take my digital camera with me, as usual.

What kind of people I can possibly meet? That's fun part.

ChanKen, from my hometown Ogaki, is coming up to Tokyo again on Sunday? I should email him if I can see him somewhere around or not.

You have a wonderful weekend! See you tomorrow.

14:39+1

Hi, folks... it's me, Tak --- getting lots of emails from different people nowadays and too bad that I am now unable to write all back within tonight. Sorry, fellows!

Came home late. Almost 1am now. Left work around 11:30pm. Had to create all documents for tomorrow's meeting which I won't have to attend to. Just documents were needed.

In the morning, we all didn't know where Kuboki had gone. In the department, everyone must write up of "to where" he/she goes to and "what time" you would be back in the office. Sometimes, do write in as like "Straight to the place" rather than you come in and clock in. Also, "N/R" (i.e. No Return) - you go straight home from where you go on job.

Kuboki... didn't mention anything about his schedule this morning... on that white board. We all thought that he slept in. Forgot about getting up and coming to work... This is usual thing for Ito... We did apply the same theory to Kuboki this time.

He finally called in around 10:20am and informed that he was with client already and simply forgot to leave memo on the board at previous night. Do you believe this?! It's up to you... Me? Obviously, NOT. That was simple cover-up!!!

He pretends a nice guy... HEHEHE.

Staying late in the office... opened bottle of wine (from Portugal) and started drinking a little bit. I guess, that was advantage in working late. Company supports up to $10 for supper, too. Should I work late because of all those? You perhaps think so - I don't. I don't want to work endlessly... that would be too much burden and I, at least, do like to reserve some time, off the work, to surf the Internet and, most importantly, update this page!

I did work late because I really needed to and it was Thursday night! I only need to last myself for one more day. Don't you get this? Sure you do.

All right... should go bed now. Tired. Really tired. Muy cansado!

0:59+1

White Day - Yeah, that's St. Patrick's Day too, huh? No! Not quite... that's March 17, moron! All right...

Today's my mission on job - wasn't usual. The mission for today wasn't about securing new biz with any customer. Rather, I was assigned to look for some gifts for those female coworkers gave us chocolates.

Yeah, that was my mission.

Had an appointment at 11am and after that, I went out shopping. Really. What did I get for those ladies on behalf of all men of the department? Here it is:

Yum Yum...

Ladies (Hanaki, Sato, Funabashi, Fukami, and Iwai) seemed very happy with this sweet! Great!

Very unusual - saw a movie although in the middle of week still. Yeah, friend really wanted to go to see "Dancer in the Dark" before it ends... I think it ends on Thursday or Friday, this week. Plus, every Wednesday is "Female Discount" and women can watch movie with 1,000 yen (normally, 1,800 yen).

Tak's rating for "Dancers in the Dark": UNABLE TO RATE!!!

Cannot make comments for this. All I can say is what I was crying at the end. Ending was fantastic even though it was such hard and tough for someone's life. Didn't like much about hot to get to the end, though. This time, I decided NOT to rate this movie... it can be extremely good or bad. I don't know what to say about this, to be honest with you.

New Sony Clie (just for Japan's market only)

New Visor and new Clie? Wow, too many selections for Palm users. Which should I take? Oh boy, I am not big fan of Sony - in the first place.

2 day to go for weekend! Cannot wait...

23:48

Did you see a brand new Palm device called "Visor Edge?" Yet? What in the world are you doing out there? Hey, world keeps changing! Keep up!

Enough complain... Anyway, here is a brief view:

Visor Edge ($399!)

There are 3 colors and I think RED would be best of all (among other metallic silver and blue). So now I am thinking to whom I should ask to buy me one... too bad that I am clueless (in Tokyo).

In Japan's ad world... Norika Fujiwara is everywhere! I am about to be sick and tired of same person (actually model and actress) on different advertisements.

Norika Fujiwara (aged 29)

I admit, ya'll --- that she is cute and MAYBE beautiful (I know, she is). BUT --- she is everywhere just like every single bill board that coming into my sight! That is really too much and I cannot stand. Where the hell are all other nice ladies gone?

Huh? You want her measurements? All right... here it is: 171cm (5'7") 88-60-89, Wow!

Me? What have I done? Went to Yokohama for fun... oops, I mean "on job." It was such windy out there and I felt almost catching a cold... I wasn't wearing the think coat. I should have.

Talk to you tomorrow. Need to talk to Mom.

Decided to sell PowerBook2400c/G3. Don't want to. Need money ASAP!

21:50

Monday is over! Was I busy today? I guess NOT - I work for nothing? Is that what you have just said? Come on! Be nice to me.

Picture at 3pm, this afternoon

From this picture... you can see that no one sits at his/her desk at that moment. Kiguchi, Funabashi, and Kuboki's desks are here in this row and all of them were gone then. Where did they go? Of course, they were with clients for biz talk, respectively.

How about me? Don't you think this is the scene giving me such pressure about not selling any? Especially when all other salespersons were out like that? Certainly...

Just took a picture while working... Obviously, I am doing nothing! (Ooops).

"White Day" is just around the corner. Yup, it's 3/14 --- just a month after the Valentine's Day, 2/14! What the hell is that?! It's time for men to give gifts in return to female who had given gifts in terms of showing her affection.

Have I got one? Right... I recall that I received a chocolate from a group of women in my department. Other than that... no chocolate... from AR, Robyn, ryox2, whoever it was.

Anyway, I do owe them for something in return. What shall I do?

I had to cancel playing golf at the end of month with coworkers. Gee, I wanted to play. Too bad that I won't get any exercise! For sure I don't want to be fatter than this.

In fact, I stop playing golf for a while... cannot afford.

Am tired already. I guess, easier to make myself tired at work... is to do nothing! Hehehe.

Finally, I wrote back to Kelly, Kack, yk110, MM, Liz, whom else...

See ya!

22:50

My Mom called this morning around 9:15am and I was informed of some family matter - a trouble, and I felt a bit down... (sorry, cannot specify exactly what it is), good thing was that I decided to go out with a friend "ryox2" for a movie in the afternoon.

Man, any weekend never be enough to me... is that same for you?! I am sure. Anyway, today's selection of movie was "Snatch." For your record, I am NOT big fan of Brad Pitt. He's okay... and most importantly, I like gals, am not gay. PERIOD! Hehehe.

Snatch, snatch! Was GUY RITCHIE movie... yup, A.K.A. Madonna's husband. It was in fact pretty good! I know, I had some tough time in that movie to catch up with some dialect, especially by Mickey - played by Brad Pitt.

I can give a B+ for this movie! I actually would like to see that movie once again for better understanding!

Official Site: http://www.spe.sony.com/movies/snatch/

Tonight's dinner (still with ryox2): "Bravo" - Italian Restaurant (2-1-13 Yuraku-cho, Chiyodaku, Tokyo; Tel 03 3500-4392)

Ate pasta with tomato and bacon. The interior of the place was awesome and love to go back! Wine wasn't that bad, either. Can rate this as A-. Reasonably priced too.

Oh, tonight I need to stay online for a while... in order to talk to MRH - from Columbia. My sister told me that she needed to tell me something... and plus, I haven't talked to her much and we need to catch up on up-to-date on one another, of course.

And still laundry in progress.

Overall, I had a great weekend with some minor pain about my family. From tomorrow, new week, I need to push biz matter MORE!

See you tomorrow. CIAO!

22:43

Saw "Unbreakable" (Bruce Wills) - It's C+ movie for me. Have you seen that movie? It was okay... not that great, though.

Official Site: http://studio.go.com/movies/unbreakable/intro.html

Went out with friend for fun today and ended up in Ginza and saw that movie. You know what? I fell asleep!!! I probably did sleep about 20 minutes or even longer! I missed some parts of movie. Although, the story was flat and didn't interest me much... that's why I felt boring and slept like that?! Anyway-

Lunch - Chinese

Dinner - Restaurant called "Ashoka" (2F, Pearl Building, 9-18, Ginza 7-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; tel 03 3572-2377) Indian Restaurant.

Liked that spicy curry. It was great! Hadn't had eaten such cuisine for a long time. When in London, Indian foods were certainly common and usual for me... not in States. I like Indian bread called "Naan."

Man, recalling for now... spent quite amount of money for fun... just for today and I certainly did have a great time.

At night... talked to AR and Robyn... on Internet. Man, lots of things going on out there! I miss those ladies so much!!!

AR loved spicy curry? Didn't know!

Hey, Kelly Roy emailed me and informed me that she would be getting married Jon?!?! Great! I am happy for both of them (I know both throughout work while in US). No longer working for Nippon Express? Good for her!

My nickname "Tak" means "Thank you" in Danish. Interesting, huh?

Still no contacts from Miss. Ogaki yet. Am patient. Hehehe.

Sunday... I should see "Dancer in the Dark" or "Snatch." ryoryo (a friend) invited me to go out. It would be the first time for a such long time... that I see 2 movies over a single weekend.

Talk to you tomorrow!

12:25+1

Gee --- sleepy. No energy left to do anything else... like writing back emails to Liz and yk110. Although, I stick with doing update on this page as usual. You will miss me if I don't give you new stuff, won't you?!

Drinks... not that much like you think... though, yeah 9 people from the department went out from 8:30pm for drinks. You know that I won't miss it.

Hey, yesterday I put up some photo in Japanese edition of Ogaki-jin and found who it was today. The photo is coming from the digital local newspaper called SINC TIMES. She was a reporter and here is how she looks:

Name: Naomi Shimizu

She was in fact Miss Ogaki - Wow! No wonder she was cute. Really --- and friend of mine, ChanKen, does know of her email address?! Man, he should give it up to me! I need to write him to pump the information... Hmmmmm.

Or maybe ChanKen can inform her of this page... to see if she likes or not... (most likely NOT)

You know what? It's almost 1am and need to leave here around 6am for golf practice with coworkers like Ito, Kiguchi, and Kuboki.

Then, I am sure that you don't mind to let me go sleep NOW. ZZZZZZZZZZZ...

0:52+1

<New Addition> Live Broadcasting - Ogaki Castle! (RealAudio needed) Check this out!

"Sorry for your loss." --- I have heard this phrase so many times today... over and over by coworkers. I was very thankful about it...

Still found my desk still for myself. No one else has taken over yet. I guess, I still have a job! Iwai came to work this morning and I told her, just as kidding, "Wow, I still do have my desk." and she said, "Good for you." Did she or didn't she get my joke?! Hmmmmm.

Man, lots of coworkers stopped by my desk and had chitchat with me for seconds... I guess, I HAVE BEEN MISSED! Believe or not, I am really the toy of this work place now. If not there... people miss me. If there, then they take advantage of me! Hehehe.

Some reader made a comment about me... I do have a great sense of humor! Do you agree? Although, I totally believe that I am very serious man... no matter what I write and what I say!

3 days no working from Monday until yesterday (Wednesday) - today's work is nothing serious... simply catching up with what happened during that time... though, I feel tired now. Didn't work and stay at work late... left work around 8pm. Anyhow, I don't feel well much.

This weekend, I will do have some fun and relax myself... maybe some movies too.

Last Friday - when I left office early in order to hit home that night for grandmother's funeral... today I found that not only "Y2K Club" members went out for Turkish foods... also coworkers of my department went on a PARTY! Man, they intentional did have fun without me? What coworkers I have got?!?! I am sure that they didn't intend to.

Finally!!! I have received an email from yk110... glad to see she was okay!

This weekend, not only movies... I will practice golf at driving range with coworkers... since we will have a competition between ourselves at the end of month. First time to play golf this year! Yup, cannot wait!

Friday tomorrow... I might go out for Turkish dinner that I have missed. It all up to what time I can wrap all things up tomorrow night... before 8pm, no problem... after that, then maybe not. Eto loves to take me out to that place... and he knows people in that restaurant. We can get a decent discount. No wonder he goes there so often like twice or more every week! He's Turkish freak... like loves to learn that language, eat that food... he should look for Turkish girl for himself!

Oh, I should charge the batteries for my camera just in case going to that food place tomorrow after work.

22:26

CHILLY!!! It's actually cold. What happened here?! According to the weather forecast, it is going to be even colder toward weekend! Gee, that sucks!

"tloughran" and "kan0111," welcome to "Website of Ogaki-jin" --- hope you find some kind of amusement out of here, at least!

This morning, I found a news about a big delay of Shinkansen - Japan's fastest train. Actually longer than 3 hour delay and I decided not to take train to come back to Tokyo. Then, I asked my brother for a ride. So we left home together and everything went very smoothly --- I wish that would have come to happen. It was not, unlikely.

There was a huge traffic jam around Nagoya - only 1 hour away from home. Gee, we got stuck up there and wasted almost 2 hours in there!!! That was really bad.

Finally, made to Tokyo area... then ANOTHER traffic delay. Heavy traffic on Metropolitan Highway in the area. What a luck we've got! I swear that was not mine but my brother's! Hehehe, I am bad.

Only nice thing found... was a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji on the way up to here.

Do you think that I still do have a job?!?! I didn't work for 3 days in a row. Maybe tomorrow when I get in, I might find someone else sitting in the place where I used to sit... don't you guess so? It's possible, don't you think?

I'll let you know in tomorrow's report here... whether I kept the job or not. If I come back here before noon, then the sign is obvious... that I don't have the job anymore. If coming home at night like usual, then nothing really changed. Will see-

Tsuyoshi Shinjo - new player for Mets. Oh now I recall that this team belongs to the same league where Atlanta Braves are. Man, so I can see him play in Turner Field, right? Gee, what the hell was I thinking about coming back to Japan so quickly! Hehehe.

Will talk to you tomorrow.

23:00

Hey, folks. Kind back to normal now.

All things about my grandmother's funeral... now get called. Everything went very well. There were total 200 people visited my family for the night before the funeral and another 400-some people for the funeral.

My friend ChanKen was also there. Thanks!

My grandmother Keiko was 87 years old and died due to heart failure. She died without having any pain and when I saw her in the cascade, her face was very calm and relaxed. I guess, the death upon her was very peaceful one for her. She always said to us that she would love to go to heaven without pain or being hospitalized for a long time. What she hoped was what really happened and this is good for her, at least.

And...

Mayor of Ogaki City - Mr. Ogura was passed away.

Two City Officials left our funeral place in the middle of formal reception was going on. We all thought that something happened to the Mayor. Those Officials were with us on behalf of the Mayor at that time. Then, a few hours later, got a confirmation that Mayor Ogura has passed away. He was suffering from the cancer.

Mr. Ogura previously told the media that there was no intention to run again for next term... the election will be held on 22nd, next month.

He's the 6th Mayor of Ogaki... who died while in the office. This is very weird and kinky. A bit spooky too.

Tomorrow, hitting back to Tokyo and will resume to job from Thursday. Have canceled all appointments I previously made for those 3 days from Monday through Wednesday. However, all will be made up later for sure.

Do you think I still have a desk and chair?! When going up to office on Thursday, there might be a slight chance out there that someone else took my place over since my absence... hope not! Hehehe.

Snowed in Ogaki yesterday... Snowing in March...

See you tomorrow!

22:25

Busy day... was out almost all day.

Notice: My grandmother has past away. Hitting back to Ogaki for funeral. Sorry, no further update. Currently on move to Ogaki FAST!

Those who don't get responses in emails from me... sorry. I might be off line for a while like a few days. Check back here to see when I will be back to normal.

21:14

Hey, folks! It's rainy day in Tokyo today. This kind of weather makes me feel not to go outside for any business. And then, I spent all day today at my desk. Bad salesman, huh!

In terms of being in at work... made several new appointments. In fact, more than a couple. Have 3 appointments for tomorrow and on next week, I am booked up on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday... and Friday... that Friday would be a special kind. Yoshinoto's meeting held by the attorney.

Wait! It's March already. Yeah, the spring is just around the corner!!! I am sure that people who cannot wait for hot weather with humidity are still out there! (Too much... not necessarily humidity... right?)

I took down all pictures and images of winter from this page today. It's now just plain page as you see now. I don't think I should lead the image of cold weather anymore from here. It's simple now.

My spending for today:

210 yen ($2.00) for easy breakfast --- a pack of milk (500cc) and piece of chocolate bread

850 yen ($8) for lunch --- rice plate

700 yen ($6.50) for supper --- my favorite Ramen noodle

185 yen (1.70) for drink and others --- just snack

Total spending of today is 1,945 yen. Oh, don't forget that I bought a can of tea... at the vending machine around 5pm at work. So grand total is then 2065 yen, about $18. That is actually over budget! Supposed to be UNDER 2000 yen --- otherwise, I have to go bankruptcy like my client. No kidding!

I should watch out to where I spend my money which comes out of my such tight budget! Hmmmm.

Hey, what happened to Delta pilots' possible strike?! Is that happening today, 3/1/01? Did you see the new uniforms of Delta... both for ground crews and flight attendants?! If you haven't see them, please check this out HERE! Do you like them? Me? My personal opinion? They SUCK! They are not that stylish. PERIOD!

At work, new sales lady Funabashi finally started calling prospects for new biz. I know, that's sometimes difficult to do so... Imagine for yourself, making phone calls to stranger and introduce yourself and bring things into sales talk and get some appointments to meet. If you have such needs at that time, it's easy. Not so fast. Not always. Mostly, that kind of calls are annoying to people who are busy. You know how you might treat that stranger!? I am sure that it's quite easy to see how that picture would be.

Good for her! Be tough and move FORWARD!

Shinjuku area... that's where I am hitting tomorrow.

22:31