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Hello! How is your holiday going on so far? Mine is definitely calm and quiet. That's good. My pain in shoulders are now quite relieved and ready to work just tomorrow and day after... then another 4-day-off is coming up!

Am sure that lots of readers in US or other countries are very envious of me in Japan! Am I right? Am I?!?!

Didn't do much just like yesterday - watched "Gone in 60 Seconds" and Japanese Movie called "Cat's Eye." Otherwise... hmmmm.

Oh, friend Eto called me up early night and we ended up going to restaurant nearby, "Royal Host" - his favorite place around. Yes, Eto recently, actually yesterday, moved very close to my place. And we had an interesting meeting about how to do girl hunt for him. I know, it wasn't for me. Hehehe.

Stayed there quite while with only several cups of coffee... about 2 hours?!

I guess this kind of opportunity will come up so often from now on since he cannot stand being alone - type person... At least seems that way to me!

Oh I will have exclusive report about his living space later on for sure. I know, I will disclose not only about my life but also of someone else's!!!

Tomorrow and day after - temporarily back to normal... got to work!

See you later - alligator!

23:12

Really sucks, doesn't it?! It really does. Rain over holidays --- which no one ever welcomes about. No appreciation whatsoever unless you're farmer!

Friend Funabashi camping with her boyfriend under rain?! Oh good for her... must be fun!

Friend Eto was moving to new apartment near mine even when rains?! Good job!

Me? Didn't plan anything and basically stayed in. Very smart move! Very.

Observed lots of personal homepages like this... more than many, lots of them! Why? Just wanted to know how the others make their own pages. Most irritating I found was... the ones with some BGM in it. Don't need any theme songs! You're not Ally (McBeal on FOX)!!! Every time I encounter the pages like that I had to turn down the volume or turn off completely. Hey, music really disturbs from serious reading! Don't you agree?

And don't like dirty websites where not easy to find the entrance! Just kidding.

April 29th - used be holiday for Emperor Hirohito - last emperor's birthday! And it was national holiday. Still is. Though, now it is called Greenery Day because Emperor Hirohito loved nature... the day was named after that fact of history. As record, Emperor Hirohito was the one responsible for WWII.

Current Emperor of Japan is Akihito, son of Hirohito.

And tomorrow --- is substitute for the Greenery Day; that means STILL off!

According to forecast, still rainy tomorrow... even harder than current. Gee, that sucks.

23:53

Nothing really much for the day. Didn't plan anything, either. Like I said, nothing but resting.

Anyway, how did you like the new movie file up there? Interesting, huh?

Catching a cold now... doesn't look too good. I should be careful and take some medication. Seriously. Before getting worse... Where is my cold or cough medicine? (please tell me!)

Was watching brand new DVD movie given as my birthday present, "White Out" - Japanese movie - was pretty darn good! Liked it! It's kind of adventure... very fun.

Preview (yet in Japanese) http://www.whiteout-movie.com/images/mov05.mov (QuickTime movie)?

What I realized now --- I have reserved 300MB for this domain, Ogaki.net. Wow, I really thought that it was about 30MB... Man, I can now upload all old files like from 1999 and even 1998! I may do so later, although there is no files from those years in English. Sorry, folks - only Japanese.

Head from radio - Tokyo Disney Land (TDL) is packed with visitors from all over Japan. Am sure the same for Osaka's Universal Studios Japan (USJ). Haven't been to TDL for a such long time like almost 10 years and USJ is still brand new to all of us - I wish I could go and have fun there!

Golden Week... busiest holiday season of the year in Japan - wherever you go, you have to expect delays and extra charges to get served!!! Still people keep going and going and going like Energizer... hehehe.

10:56+1

Folks, sorry for "usual" late appearance here... I know, my Golden Week just began!

Anyway, tonight was a party for Shimada's farewell! Took place in the club nearby the office. How many were there? I guess it was around 40 people.

Shimada with present

Have many snap shots from the party...

Funny thing - I found some coworkers STILL don't know anything about this website. Oh, well... though they said that they heard something about it before, never seen it. Not anymore since their pictures are here!!!

I know, I am bad.

Sakai and Ugai

Need to mention of those fellows - Sakai is definitely first appearance to this page - he's system guy for the company and knew about this page for a long time. AND - always avoid my camera! Got him!

Ugai - nice young lady from accounting. She has NO IDEA about this page. Even never heard about it. So funny since all other members of her department do know. Hmmmm. She must be shy or not socializing much?

By the way, I feel somewhat catching a cold. Have bad feeling. Oh well... See ya!

14:18+1

Look! That's my schedule for this Golden Week begin this weekend! I know, I don't have much to do anyway --- besides May 3rd when going movie with friend. Otherwise, nothing really planned. The baseball on 30th... isn't that sure since I haven't won the free tickets given to the department where I worked. I am ALMOST certain that I will be picking up those winning tickets! I promise!

WOW!!! This is great... Japanese version of the Website Ogaki-jin, its visitor counter now showed more than 30,000 visitors in total! That's a lot! Thanks! Actually, I was thinking to give away some prize on 30,000th hit of the counter... and today I realized that it was already passed that point. I was thinking that it was about somewhere around 29,800 as of yesterday. Hmmmmm.

Tonight, I came home early... than usual. In order to be preparing myself for tomorrow's party held afterwork for Shimada leaving us from the company. That's farewell party, really.

Oh I should recharge the batteries for my camera!

One day to go for Golden Week.

I really thought that I would manage all paperwork and report stuff while tomorrow... without having any appointment with any client. I was underestimating. Two appointments made during the day since one of them was arranged so by others and the other was suddenly necessary before the next month!

Oh well, still busy and busy!

IF you think PITY on me who has nothing to do while holidays, give me a call and please entertain me! Hahaha! I am thinking to go to international party held on 5/5. Don't know if I should go alone or not.

Good night, fellows.

21:47

Gee, am getting older... yes! Today is my 28th birthday! I know, I am STILL young. And unexpectedly, there was a party (for drinks, of course) and it was definitely for me!

left to right: Oshimi, Eto, Funabashi, Iimura, and Abe (his face covered)

And more people in that party!

left to right >>> Shitanishi, Arahata, and Fukui

I know all members of Y2K Men's Club were there for me! I was quite honored!!! In fact, that party was for Eto who is switching his position from Tokyo Office to Baraki Office next month. Oh well, let's forget about that fact and believe that it was all for me!

Yasuko Funabashi and Iimura on left --- Tak and Shitanishi on right

Lastly, since it's really late now - 1:14am, more presents in my hands!

DVD movie "White Out" and Polo Ralph Lauren handkerchieves

It's always so nice to have good people as friends around... I am so thankful and happy!!!

Hope my 28th year of life will be very fruitful and successful!

And those who sent me eCards... thanks! I will reply all those soon. See ya!

1:16+1

Will be new Prime Minister of Japan appointed tomorrow or day after in the Diet. That'll be Mr. Koizumi - just won the position of Majority Leader with Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Can you imagine how many Prime Ministers while Clinton Administration of 8 years?! It was 7 Prime Ministers... We usually don't plan to change that every year. Normal term is still 4 years!

Hope this change will make a big difference --- especially to this slow economy!

Day before - my 28th birthday! Yes, I am getting OLDER! Getting older and getting wiser at the same time, I wish.

Another present was in mail yesterday and finally took picture of it:

Silver Bracelet

Those who know Tak in person, Me - I usually wear gold necklace... though, first time to have bracelet. This time, silver! This is beautiful! Too bad that I cannot wear AT WORK! So this is weekend only stuff. Oh well.

Anyway, this is from Andrea... thank you, young lady! Love you lots!

22:36

Monday is OVER! Now new Ogaki Mayor is determined. Mr. Ogawa will be so as a result of yesterday's election. He was in fact underdog. I guess, Mr. Ito - used to be City Board Member was the one expected to win the election and didn't do so since all those politicians now carry dirty images - and to the contrary, Mr. Ogawa was fresh and very well-education (graduate from Tokyo University) - we all decided that Mr. Ogawa is the best choice for now.

Congratulations!

Tonight, had drinks with Abe - thank you! He bought me all drinks and dinner!

Friend Eto is today appointed to take new roll in different office - Baraki from May. Don't really know that it was promotional or just parallel move... though, hope he would be happy with whatever he will do in new position.

Too drunk... have lots of things to tell you tonight!

Have received a birthday present from US - need to take picture and show it to ya'll. Maybe tomorrow or after. No energy left to do that.

Apple is announcing something new on May 1st? New iBook? New retail store plan? maybe new iMac? Must be interesting. Apple Japan's personnel told me that they might even lose entire Golden Week holidays, starting this weekend, because of all new stuff... may be announced then.

I will let you know more about my update tomorrow including the gift just received.

Talk to you tomorrow!

23:52

Those who live in Ogaki... had a busy day voting on Mayor Election. Well done! Whom did you vote for? There are 3 candidates running for the Mayor.

Today - Sunday is only 3 days away from my 28th birthday.

Friend ryox2 needed to go shopping because one of big department stores, Marui 0101, held a special bargain sales this weekend... so I came to experience, for the 1st time, the most crowded tough place to deal with in shopping.

I shopped something... first time for a while as far as recalling.

Particularly for my own birthday... bought a watch. It's STORM watch, rare to find in Japan. I wanted one since another friend Foyer always wore one and wished had one... now I do! I won't wear it until my birthday, though. It's orange color.

Do you like it? Hope you do. If not, still I like it and DOESN'T matter your opinion! Hehehe.

Now I have 7 watches around. Used to own more - where have the others gone? Should ask Mom about it later.

Anyway, since this was discount... it was only $25!!! Don't you think this was a great buy?! Yup, certainly it was!

^^^ All watches Tak owns ^^^

Oh, don't call me like I am materialistic! Truth is I am NOT!

Picked several ties, too. First time to buy ties in Japan! Really! Usually, I cannot find any COLORFUL ties around since Japanese are mainly VERY conservative... way more than how much I am! So I normally cannot locate any ties make me feel like I want one right away.

Though, today was a different story... since it was bargain... many UNPOPULAR items are in the racks. And did find more than several... my kind of ties! And gladly, ryox2 paid one of three! Thanks!

Versace Tie

This tie will be wore on Wednesday for sure. As well as that new watch...

Since I chose that tie... this is really NOT surprise gift. Do I get one like that? I wish. I know, I will.

I admit... I love shopping just like a girl!

21:08

Oh boy... got another party. Am I tooooo drunk? Not really. I just enjoyed myself.

Top> Tak, Ichikawa, Shimada and Mochizuki

Bottom> Otsuka, Iwai, and Emi Takahashi

How come this party?! Shimada is quitting the company just as a party last night and other friends with myself got together to farewell him.

The place was in Myoden... 3 stations away from my home station. No wonder that Iwai called me and asked to join them. Of course, I did!!! Shimada is good buddy of mine at work.

Not only eating and drinking... but also Karaoke - yup, I did sing more than several songs. In English? Nope, all in Japanese!

19:42+1

Friday mode! Cool... it's now weekend. And I was invited to another (just one more) party - in addition to one from last night.

Oh I didn't tell you about that, did I?

Anyway... party was for Shimada - guy quitting at the end of month and ready to hit home Hiroshima thereafter.

Attendees: Shimada (male), Hirata (female), Hatano (female), Funabashi (female) and Tak myself.

Hatano is only from outside the company. Though, she used to work with me.

Man, she (Hatano) really got drunk and tough to deal with for me. Actually, took many (digital) pictures... though, none of them came out looking good. The focus was bad.

Sorry - no photo for update.

Maybe tomorrow is another drinking time? Didn't I quit drinking? Out of control? Huh!

On job... went to my client's opening ceremony... and cute ladies were there as model. Wow, there were cute... though, I was told that they were NOT professional models. In fact, they were from the different department of that company.

Wow, definitely good to know!

This photo doesn't show like really the ceremony... though, it was certainly so! Hey, it was all about my job! Trust me!

Do I like this client? Oh yeah, I do whatever takes!

This weekend seems rainy... gee. Won't be good news to anyone looking forward to time off just like myself.

New (big) biz starts this weekend from US and was busy setting up all the procedure. Though, I feel very uneasy about how to get it done... lots of tasks and requirements for my customer... kind demanding. Hope will do good.

Well, you have a nice weekend!

17:51+1

Hectic day, folks! There was a lunch sales meeting took place and it lasted longer than scheduled. I was late to afternoon appointment. Called up that customer and told that I would late about 30 or 40 minutes.

Jumped in a train for that direction. Then realized that it was much farther than expected. Gee. Won't be 30 or 40 minutes... in fact, close to an hour!

Getting off the train and checking the map for directions. Then, rushed to the address given. Yeah, it was the first meeting ever... and I got that address off the system at work.

Sucks! Wrong address. In fact, it was old one and that client had moved to new location back in February! I was told that I had to take another train to get 4 stations ahead.

Dived into a train.

Then realized that the train was express... passing the target station! Shit! In fact, the train passed another 2 stations! No more words coming out of my mouth!

No choice --- train for opposite direction. Finally made to the place. According to map, it was about 15 minute walk distance to the location.

Convenience provided by transportation spelling as T A X I. Don't know that was const-effective or not. Who cares! I was desperate about that appointment!

Originally meeting was set up at 2pm... when I got there, it was 3:30pm! Wow, very late.

Don't you think that it was hectic enough? FYR, meeting went fine.

1:13+1

A week to go... for next pay day! Yes, am surviving in waiting for next paycheck! And also a week to go for my birthday! How many people out there thinking to give me a surprise with presents? I know, at least a couple of hundred out there. Oh, don't lie!

Who is Mark from office in Atlanta? Knowing my work number and made two calls for me... I talked to Tim and tried to find out who it was... and there was no one went by that name. I knew it!

And Karen (Tim's coworker) made a comment to Tim that I just made that up and had perfect excuse to call him? Oh, I am NOT that bad friend of his! Hehehe. Anyway, I was curious about those calls, seriously.

VIP's from US to our office today? Lynn (Fritz's CEO) was there? Oh he didn't come to me to say hello. What a shame. Hehehe. Heard that there was a very serious meeting going on and seems that will continue even tomorrow.

For your record, I wasn't invited to that meeting. Am I no longer popular and important?

Had a meeting with some new client this morning and there were two ladies (young and old ones) faced me and Kuboki. Wow, that YOUNG lady was good-looking and seemed very smart. Wow... oh that's right! I had her email address in her business card. Should I or should I not (WHAT?) -- hehehe.

She was certainly NOT wearing any ring.

Another meeting in this afternoon... definitely new biz I secured today. Yes! This is pretty profitable biz for me and I am quite happy with what happened. Who knows that everything would go smooth or not. That's out of my reach!

So I was pretty busy and stayed at work quite late... it was about 9:20pm when leaving office for home.

Are you a Macintosh G4 Cube user? Check this out! Very interesting!

Good night, folks!

23:14

Nice weather outside and I stayed in all day long... something wrong in this picture, right? Yup. I should have gone outside to receive sunshine to freshen up my feeling. Though, no appointments made for today.

And some guy with familiar face came around. It was Takahashi - now Managing Director of company's affiliate in Los Angeles, CA.

Everyone gave him smiles and said hello... except myself.

Said, "Hey, those who don't work here needed to check in at the reception!" Of course, I kind yelled loud in order for other to hear me. Hmmmm, I am bad buy or what?

He overlooked at me and said, "Oh Tak! You are STILL here?!?!"

Gee, he was a little bit smarter. Hmmmm.

Yup, UNFORTUNATELY - I was STILL there. And I will be there AT LEAST for a while!

Japanese government today decided to take advantage of "Safe Guard" - certain policy to raise the duty rates on designated commodities so that the government can protect certain farmers or industries.

This policy of course will hurt some exporters... especially in China for this case. Safe Guard Policy is legitimate... approved by World Trade Organization. Though, if one government does protect things from some other country... that country will do things again the other one. Seems it will be chasing after own tale.

Finance Minister made a comment on this one... as he was afraid that the country and its people get used to this policy and easily ask for it to apply. I totally agree. Need to be competitive and don't rely on that EXTRA stuff (i.e. the Policy).

Dragons were not close enough to secure the victory on tonight's game (0-1 vs. Hiroshima Carp).

Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariner) made 11th game with single... consecutively. He is definitely approaching to Rookie's Record (was it 12 games?) --- Will see!

22:11

Big news... hitting every part of Japan: Princess of Japan, Masako, may have been pregnant. Is that really big deal? Yes. It's not like First Lady gives a birth to baby or anything. It's more like Prince of Wales got pregnant... I guess this kind of thing is difficult to understand to those who are from non-royal family existing countries.

Unlike UK - Japan has almost none of any kind of criticism toward the royal family. Since Emperor is symbol of Japan without having any kind of political authority or anything.

Being symbol means that we respect to the Family and admire as the best citizen of the country in any practices.

In other words, this kind of news directly mean the prosperity of country toward new historic time.

And surely, it would be definitely great if the baby is BOY! (in order to be Emperor in future)

According to the news tonight, Masako SEEMED pregnant and baby would be due in December if pregnant is to be confirmed later on.

Friend Susan emailed me! Glad to hear from you, Susan! It's always nice to have surprise in receiving emails from old friends in the other side of the globe.

9 days to go for Tak's birthday - turning to be 28! Gee, getting older... can I turn my age around before reaching to 30? I can back up to be getting younger thereafter... can I?

Sales figures of last month... wasn't that great... as usual. I got reviewed by Ito - my supervisor. The comment wasn't that bad... some positive still.

My (pro-baseball) Dragons made 3 wins in a row against (Osaka Hanshin) Tigers... with all shutout! Wow, that was awesome! Consecutive 27 scoreless innings? Yes!

Submarine accident over Hawaii... killed more than several innocent Japanese, the captain of submarine won't go up to military court. Hmmmm...

How was your Easter?

Today's spending: 1,330 yen in total - about 15 bucks.

22:35

Weekend is coming to an end... NOW! Am I having fun much this weekend? Not really, particularly on Saturday. You know...

I took an exam, pretty much all day long. It was about IATA/FIATA Diploma Exam... about how to prepare air export shipment with certain amount of knowledge.

Exam starts from 9:30am and Paper 1 (first part) lasted about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then, lunch break. Paper 2 (last part) was taken for another 2 and a half hours. Yup, everything really took up everything for a while day!

Did I do well? Am I sure that I have passed? The test must have been not that difficult if studied well enough... though, as you can imagine, I wasn't well-prepared at all. In fact, all what I studied was all done previous night. Studied probably for a few hours. That was it.

No wonder now I feel failed that exam.

Too bad, huh. Feel like wasting time for that? Oh well... though, required from the job.

And today... a movie. "Cast Away" with Tom Hanks (Went out with Stella). It's all about surviving alone on isolated island after plane crash. And it was all about FedEx. More than UPS... hahaha! Package, package, package! Delivery, delivery, delivery!

And you need to speak to volleyball! (Have you seen that movie?)

I should make something that I can speak to in this apartment... living and surviving alone.

Anyway, I give a C for this movie. Didn't like much about how it ended. Too bad that after surviving through, his wife wasn't his anymore. His wife finished her life with him and moved on and had a new family. No one has any fault or done any wrong-doing.

What would you do if you were the propaganda of this movie?

Laundry complete!

Oh boy, another busy week is to begin. Am surely not excited much about it. Of course not!

Talk to you later.

23:05

Let me tell you what, it's Good Friday AND Friday the 13th. Hmmmm, is that good sign? For me, definitely not. Today's work, yeah we got to work in Japan! was nothing buy crazy and driving me nuts!

Had to call Australia so many times to look for some cargo... that was really urgent and --- was off in Australia. Called all cellular phone numbers I had on the screen in order to get in touch with SOMEONE. Someone at least.

Finally I got to talk to a lady who worked for HR dept. She sounded very nice and kind. She did things for me - at least she tried very single possible way to get some information for me. I am very grateful still now. And plus, her accent wasn't that bad to me understanding her. I always have some feeling that I don't feel much up to calling UK or Australia. Too much used to darn American SOUTHERN accent - no wonder! Hahaha.

Now I have to study somewhat... for exam to take tomorrow. I know, "on Saturday" still? Yup.

Too bad, huh? Yeah, really. Anyway, I must pass it. Without having studied it as preparation? I know.

That's right, I better study. Study with me? Oh come on!

Have wonderful holidays!!!

21:32

Good evening, folks. I know, it's pretty late --- one more time. Job wise, there were tons of things to do for limited time in order to meet the deadline previously set. I know, I lost the freedom in my life because of that. You know what time I left work today? It was --- it was 11:20pm or so. Yeah, almost midnight.

Same as last night. Definitely, having short sleep... interrupting my health.

Quotations, price comparisons, what else... sales report, and operation setup... Hmmm, I can list up more and more things!

Talked to Kirk, Brenda, Dawn... all friends in Atlanta... basically on job, though. Everyone did ask me, "Tak, when are you coming HOME?!" I guess, STILL lots of people out there think that States are my home, rather than Japan... Hmmm.

Anyway, that phrase of question is becoming so common to ask me every time I talk to any friend. My answer? December.

Hey, I've got an exam to take and pass this Saturday. Thank to the job condition, I have no preparation so far! What shall I do? I definitely will fail. Oh, I forgot that I fail to have serious life in the first place, anyway. Hahaha.

Zzzzz... sleepy... sleeping... good night.

0:43+1

Hello and good evening! I know it's pretty much too late to tell you things like that. It's darn late. In fact, passed 2 o'clock midnight for now. What have I been doing? Hehehe.

Came home by taxi... (still company's expense!)

Working up to 11 o'clock and afterwards, went out for dinner with Kuboki, Kiguchi, Takashima and myself. It was such fun MEETING! It wasn't actually sales meeting or anything even though all of us were from sales line, except Takashima, head of department.

Funny conversation...

When Kuboki was about to leave us to home... Takashima asked him, "Don't you wanna go out with us for dinner?"

Kuboki replied, "Oh ya'll were about to go out?! Didn't know. How come you didn't tell me so!"

Takashima said, "Oh I am sorry..."

In fact, Kuboki didn't mean to tell that to him... actually to me and Kiguchi... Takashima is boss of Kuboki and he didn't mean to be rude to him. Funny to all of us listening to all that at that time.

Paying respect to elders or whoever above you in the hierarchy... is sometimes awkward to deal with. Ha!

Gee, too late. Let me rest for tonight. Hasta manana!

2:14+1

Hi, folks. Pretty nice weather out there, don't you think? It was warm and sunny... too bad that I spent most of time today inside... desk work only.

I was busy with paper work mostly. For new biz? I wish!!! Hehehe.

Too bad that Eto couldn't recover his cell phone yet.

Gee... I have no good news or bad news. Everything is really boring to me now. My selling biz doesn't coming out for anything really yet... regardless of time dedicating for.

What shall I do? I should go out shopping... the only stress reliever for me! No gals, no drinks, nothing... but just shopping, I think. Sounds like a girl, huh.

What do I want? No car... needed for Tokyo life. No special clothes... no new computer or digital camera. Oh besides shopping, I want to go traveling! Doesn't matter international or domestic.

Something to buy... for instance... new pair of glasses (have already had 3 pairs for usual everyday use) - possibly new pair of sunglasses, actually I want color sunglasses!

What color? Oh you know my favorite color - pink or purple. I STILL like red and blue.

Tiger Woods kept wining without stopping for a sec? Good for him. Man, he's the really master of golf. Historic player! Cannot wait next year to resume playing golf.

Hmmmmm, am grumbling a lot today. I should quit doing so.

Is my diary entirely so all the times? Oh you know...

Checked all Mac users in the office whether one of them had bought a Mac OS X --- none. Everyone said waiting until this fall or so... just like my opinion.

Better go for now... to rest. Am tired being so stressed out. Thinking and concerning lots of personal stuff. Tired!

22:54

Nothing really to let you know for today. Except... I fixed Stella's PowerBook G3/500 - the top of the line in PowerBook products... before the PowerBook G4 came out.

Installing several software for her to fix her own web page in the future and all local network functioned well; it was such easy task to complete. It was fast access too.

Weather was awesome... I was wearing only long-sleeved shirt... and it was enough up to night time. Man, obviously it is April. Oh thanks to Stella, I didn't have to buy dinner. It was courtesy of doing that for her. Definitely helping my tight budget! It was quite long way to get there too like more than an hour on train.

No movies this weekend. Gee, still missing more than several movies out there. Oh well, I will catch up with all... especially while the Golden Week... from the end of April to first week of May. This is the biggest holidays in Japan, after New Year's.

Do I have any plan for that special time of year? Nope. Not really at all. Do I go home to Ogaki? Definitely not. Probably, see movies, or possibly work out a little bit... and what else, what else... most likely not shopping, though. Hehehe.

Gee, the weekend is over now and need to get some sleep... for Monday!

See ya!

23:40

Weeeeeeekend! What's up?!

It was a such domestic day for Tak --- not really going out for anything but practically sticking with domestic issues such as cleaning up the apartment, laundry (wow, done still on Saturday! -usually on Sunday), backing up data from PowerBook G3 (Firewire), taking all trash out, etc.

And one more thing, very significant. Finally filed US Income Tax for 2000! (to US Government, of course)

I was wrong... I really thought that I could file everything electronically (i.e. from Internet). Not really. Oh well, Federal Tax - yeah I did file from Internet thanks to H&R Block. Though, State Tax, to State of Georgia, it just prepared documentation for me, up to just print out and send to the office... I was wrong about this. Hey, I've got only a week up to the deadline. Still am in Japan! I should hurry and run in to Post Office Monday morning!!!

Result? I know, it only matter when you get refund. Previous tax year, 1999... I remembered that I owed quite bit of money - like $700 in total for both filings. And this year? Oh as you know, I didn't work in US complete for a whole year. I worked up to end of August last year.

Federal $366 and State $100 - COMING BACK TO MY POCKET!!! YES!

Have you done your Tax yet?

In terms of having all personal data on PowerBook G3 backing up... turned on the old PowerBook 2400c/G3 for the 1st time in such long long time. Still works fine! So great. And I hooked it to Internet access and man, it's so neat to use this little machine that I loved for a long long time. Too bad that the battery is almost dead and not many batteries out there for sale. I found one... cost $325... that I cannot afford.

Only problem with 2400c - the network via Ethernet. And I kind solved the problem and those 2 laptops got linked together and transferred important data from one to another for back up. It's nice to have 2 different machines sometimes. I know, it's kind of luxury.

Having my Tax done... spent lots of hours on Macintosh... and lost time for study on IATA/FIATA Diploma Exam - that I will take next Saturday. Gee. I should study. You know, I will TRY to get up early tomorrow morning to see what I can do for that. I said, I TRY - at least.

And I will go out to see friend tomorrow, maybe ending up for movie? Will see.

8:25+1

Thank God, it's finally weekend! In US, you got one more day to go! Keep it up! Hehehe.

As I told you yesterday, I was in the training session... how to easily sneak out of office for fun! or how to get paid while you don't work at all. Am sure that I will be mastering it somehow somewhat sooner or later. Don't you think? If you personally do know me, you know it's quite possible.

Being out of stressful world, good friends from work got together for baseball tonight. My favorite Dragons from Nagoya were facing up to Yakult Swallows in Tokyo. Ticket was $19 - which wasn't that bad... I thought.

Swallow's home stadium - Jingu isn't always crowded since Swallows are not that great anymore. So, unlike Atlanta Braves, and just like Texas Rangers, you can buy tickets at the booth while the game is going on. Good huh?

See you can see lots of empty seats!

Who went there? Shimada and Eto --- I know, usual members of my socialization... and Manager Abe showed up later. Kuji (only female should have been with us for tonight) had to withdraw from the event. In fact, she couldn't make it because she still were working. Gee, too bad.

Shimada and Eto in right photo

Anyway, favorite Dragons secured another victory and remain the leading in the board. The game was close up to the top of 9th and widened the lead then as to 7-3. Even with allowing solo-homer at the bottom of 9th, the game was over right after it. Final score was 7-4. Good one!

This entertainment (ended up with great victory for my favorite team) was definitely worth to go and I certainly did have great fun out of it! It was the first time for a such such long time to see a pro baseball in Japan... Of course, it's still different from MLB's. I like the difference.

If you get a chance to come to Tokyo and like baseball, should see a game like this!

Bad thing was occurred after the game. Eto found himself without his cellular phone. Called up the phone company to place a request to disconnect temporarily because of possibility that someone picked up and used the phone.

Hope he will come to recover the phone.

Anyway, good Friday and perfect mood to kick up a weekend like this. How about you?!

Good night.

0:47+1

GREEEEEAT! Nomo has done it ONE MORE TIME! Nomo, new team at Boston, started a game for the first time of the season and, with 11 K's, has made NO HITTER!!!

And notably, he did this TWICE (first time about 5 years ago or so). Great!

Did you watch that game? If did, you were lucky!

I was busy this afternoon... went out for appointment, actually at Narita Office. Took a train and spent about 1 hour and a half... I fell asleep. It was good one. Definitely needed.

At Narita, I saw lots of familiar faces... Takahashi, Tsuyukubo, Kato, Megumi, etc. Nice to see those coworkers!

My job... attend to the customers visiting the office. It was pretty smooth and well-done.

Left office right before 6pm. Tsuyukubo screamed at me, "Hey, Tak! You are not leaving us, aren't you?!" This seemed that I should have intended to stay late in order to go for drinks with those folks. Sorry, fellows. Didn't plan to.

I recently quitted drinking! Hehehe.

My boss Takashima who happened to be coming with me to that office today said similar thing... like "Tak, Are you sure that you are leaving now?" Yup, I was quite so.

Iwai - who is going to be transferred from Tokyo Office, where I am working at, to Narita Office next week - left office with me. We went out to eat in Narita International Airport.

We mostly talked about movies which were in common between us.

Came home around 9pm... Spent only an hour or so with her over dinner. And the way coming home by trains took about two hours! I know, Narita is far from where I live.

Tomorrow, I will be in training session for the diploma... that I have to take an exam in a week. So no work? yeah, that class session to take is actually job to do... in order to get paid! Haha.

See ya!

0:11+1

Que pasa? How are ya'll doing? Working hard? Being lazy? Oh well.

Me? Am I now fired from the new job (i.e. task) on the first day? Already? What happened was... I didn't order proper numbers... in fact, one short.

That means... one of us in the department didn't get to eat... And this was Hanaki. She ended up going out to grab something to eat from somewhere.

And I was out for appointment. Didn't have one for myself either since I knew that I would get to eat in the office today. So I wasn't witnessing the scene when Hanaki didn't get what she asked me to order.

Bad, huh!

Sorry, Hanaki - I was supposed to put 5 instead of 4... though, I didn't. My fault.

Maybe, my job will be taken away from me now! Hehehe. Hey, I don't get paid for this. I just do this VOLUNTARILY! Got it? Volunteer!

While I was out... I was with new client "B" and somewhere in Tokyo... I was in the auction. Vintage and Antique Auction. Held once a month, so I heard.

accessories, jeans, T-shirts, caps, belts, shoes, what else, what else...

Client B asked me if I was interested in buying one. Was definitely cheaper than market... because this auction was only for resellers. Maybe I should narrow what I want for next auction - May 9th.

More than 700 items for today's auction from 11am through 8pm or so. I wasn't staying that long. I just saw stuff there and came back to office for SERIOUS work. <- as usual.

Surprised me --- one single vintage thing... was bidden over several hundred dollars. That's nothing but old and used! Oh well, I definitely don't have taste on vintage clothes.

So of course, didn't buy any. First of all, didn't prepare anything like that and didn't carry much money! <- as usual.

Left office at 9:14pm.

I will be busy tomorrow again. Is that good new or bad?! You know which I mean... hahaha.

See ya!

23:23

The best baseball player from Japan to MLB... Ichiro Suzuki was the lead off for the Seattle Mariners for their opening game of the 2001 season. His result of the first game was 2 for 5. 400 batting average... well done!

Another field player from Japan, Tsuyoshi Shinjyo of New York Mets ... just missed the starting roll for the opening game against Atlanta Braves.

Tak's new roll to play in the office... no more sales... and now as in charge of "bento" - lunch boxes to order for those coworkers like to have for their meals.

So I have to take orders in the morning before 9:30am in order to make deadline for application. Then, eat "bento" between 12:00pm and 12:45pm. Then, collect money for bento and pay...

That's my job for now. No longer have to sell? Of course, I do!

Tonight was the last chance to see Foyer from Peachtree City. Though, he wasn't available for me tonight. I called his hotel in Kinshicho and he wasn't there. Too bad that I didn't get to see him.

Left office for the day: 8:26pm

22:06

Our employee's handbook was revised previously and new rules gets applied from today... first working day of April.

Any changes like big ones? Some. First of all, now we get to work at 9:00am - this is no change. Though, finish at 5:30pm... from 5:50pm. Furthermore, our lunch time got shortened from whole one hour to 45 minutes.

So loosing 15 minutes in lunch and we can leave the office 20 minutes earlier. Is that good deal? For me... to be honest with you, I don't have any opinion about change... Good or bad? Nothing really means to me.

Oh actually... a bit difference to make.

I went in for work this morning around 8:30pm... still counts as 9:00am in.

And then I left work 8:16pm tonight. Within previous rule like up to last week, my overtime would be counted 2.5 hours. Now, from today, it is just 3 hours. Scales: 1 - 15 minutes = 0.25 hours, 16 - 29 minutes - 0.50 hours, 30 - 45 minutes = 0.75 hours and 46 - 60 minutes = 1 hour.

Now I guess I earn some extra from that new rule. That's not that bad.

Last night... my friend in New York City, tkoich, called me! I know, that was expensive international calls. It was the first time to talk to him since I left US last year. So wonderful to hear from him and he seemed very happy with his life for now. --- Which I was totally happy for him.

Japan's economy is continuously downwards. Several different indices indicated about what the recession continued.

How was your April Fool's Day? Oh, I know you have lost one hour... for the Daylight Saving Time. Man, now you feel like that it is really going into spring and summer, huh!

22:31

April fool? No jokes for me today. Didn't come up to any. Sorry. Should I have announced my wedding here for today? Just to be kidding with ya? Hehehe.

To be honest with you, I am afraid to get myself in trouble with that kind of stuff in particular!

Sorry, no update yesterday!

New comer to this site from Germany? Pretty cool! (See Tak's Message Board)

Yesterday, I was having an interesting meeting with new friend from Mexico... named Jesus. He came to Japan to look for a job like teaching Spanish. We had a conversation like for a few hours... all in Spanish. That was pretty good practice for myself... since not often having opportunities to use my that language.

Surprising myself... I did remember Spanish pretty well. I had some problems... though, I came up with many words that I wouldn't think that I could come up to. Really. That was impressive to myself.

Jesus was having tough time to get a job in Tokyo... cost of living was very high and almost none offers a job. He makes some money at the bar in Roppongi for now. He's intending to remain in this country for a while. I hope he can find a way for his dream.

From 3/31... new big theme park open - called USJ and all of media report about how this biz will come to an success or not. Open in Osaka, to be exact.

USJ - short for Universal Studios Japan. Yes, Universal Studios coming from Hollywood. First time it hit a road to overseas. Of course, I want to go, too.

Universal Studios Japan http://www.usj.co.jp/

You want to come to Japan and want me to host you? Oh well... It's gonna cost ya! Hehehe.

For today... weather was much nicer than a day before... Actually snowed yesterday. Today was rather sunny and warm.

Good thing was that I decided to go out with friends (from office) for BBQ. I know, it might be a little bit early for that... though, it was fun with good food and nice chat.

left to right: Chiba, Kono, Eto, Arahata, Iwai, and Shimada

All from the office. Though, Chiba has quitted. Shimada is also leaving us. Oh what's wrong with the company, huh!

Place this BBQ took place was Daiba - Tokyo's Waterfront Area where lots of shopping centers and amusements, etc. Lots of people and very crowded. Not difficult to imagine.

Mmmmm.... mooooooood! Don't you want to know what they were talking about? I do!

BBQ was well done and everything was great. I guess, ladies weren't that satisfied with what we had... and we went on to a cafe in a mall for coffee and stuff... then we decided to ride that...

"Ferris Wheel" (from the bottom)

Iwai was gone home... and rest of us... Group ticket was cheap! ($30)

6 of us got a ride together... where everyone else was going in a boot with boyfriend or girlfriend in order to have some romantic moment alone. We... were definitely subject to be laughed at by others. We were the only group around taking a ride at that Ferris Wheel.

Although, $30 for all... $5 for each person wasn't that bad deal at all!!!

Look at this:

Cool view of Daiba - Tokyo's Only Waterfront!

Gee --- fun time is over... weekend is just ending now. Too bad. How's your weekend is going so far?

Oh, I didn't hear from Foyer... over this weekend at all. Do I get to see him?

Will talk to you tomorrow!

20:43