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Have you ever had nightmare? I am sure that many of you have. What would you think that you often come to have nightmares... like getting yourself killed by someone close to you... like girlfriend/boyfriend, family members, etc.? Am sure that you wouldn't like it much.

To tell you the truth... I do.

Usually, I have series of nightmares for 3 or 4 nights in a row almost every month. In dreams... I have been killed over dozens of times! Ha!

And yesterday and today... this is happening and I don't sleep well at all. I am totally lack of sleep... doesn't help much to my health. Mmmmmm.

And... am big fan of "Dreamer's Dictionary" or whatever similar kind. So far, I haven't encountered any of titles telling me that my kind of nightmares is bad in the reality.

Wow, electric giant Panasonic come to loss for last quarter... first time in its company history. That seemed pretty bad to our economy at large. And NEC also made an announcement of its restructuring. No good news out there, huh!

Back to the story of... nightmare.

Should I be thankful that nothing from the dreams come to true? Or should I see doctor? I guess, I take first one as my way to go. So far, like last 10 years or so as long as I remember that I have habit of dreaming nightmares like mentioned.

Anyhow-

Today's Tak... big appointment... upon new biz secured. Pres. Murakami of my company showed up for us... The talk was continuing on and on and on and on... Gee, he likes to talk! Didn't seem to finish at all and it was 10am appointment and finished almost lunch time. No kidding.

Well, that was good signal, though. Biz secured and it's, part of it, mine!

In the afternoon... 2 different meeting and didn't get a chance to go out at all. Stayed in office until 9:30pm. Hungry? Not really... no much appetite. Sleepy? Definitely. Wish me luck for a good sleep!

Andrea wrote me that "Planet of the Apes" - that movie was pretty good and recommended. I may check that out! According to Yahoo Movies, it's rated as 3 out of 5 stars. Not bad.

July is now over! August - hot summer ... serious one is coming up next. Oh gee...

23:15

Hi, ya'll! How's it going? Am sure that not many of you out there like to come to work on Monday - just like myself, hahaha. I know how exactly you feel for now.

Cool... 32k access via Visor and 64k from PowerBook. All set! Man, it's so smooth and I can write and read my personal emails, from you especially, anywhere... anytime!

Bad news... in fact, very sad:

My ex-coworker Angie Berry ... was over accounting in Fritz Atlanta... I just heard that she had passed away due to severe sickness. I know, how she was... I wasn't close to her... though, certainly worked together in the same office. I feel so sorry for loss to her family.

Amen.

My day... very clam. Since the end of month... no new appointments. In fact, I had to show up at my existing client... in order to bring revised invoices since minor mistakes in billing. Oh boy... problem wasn't that serious, thank God.

Yup, I wasn't that busy to be outside... Had different meetings like sales meeting, etc. So I stayed COOL. Not bad, huh!

Now Election time is over... LDP - Liberal Democratic Party of Japan won big... really big. Secured majority in the upper Diet. LDP and Koizumi - chairman and current Prime Minister will remain in the office. So what to happen next? They have to balance the budget and boot economy upwards. Of course, they have to solve the political conflict with China as well as South Korea. How about North Korea? Oh, that matter isn't top priority for now.

23:47

Good weekend for you out there? Sure, hope so! Me? Was okay-

Tak's --- "Oops, I did it again!" Yup, I went to Shinjuku - to Yodobashi Camera.

If you don't know what I am talking about, please read yesterday's article. Hehehe.

Here it is!

Two boxes mean about $100 - Did it!

Contents of boxes... adopter and P-in Comp@act

Using both of them... I can have instant Internet access via Visor like that!

Geeeeee, I cannot resist this kind of "GADGETS!" I don't mind to be call Mr. G!

Oh, you must know how I am like... just like that, huh. Probably after this, I want more... and I will say, "I did it again, folks!" later on too. Maybe, I want Color Palm... Hehehe.

Two extra stuff to show ya:

I happened to pass by... It's Tokyo Dome!

That's the home stadium for Tokyo (Yomiuri) Giants. Currently, the Intercity Baseball Tournament is taking place. Did I go in? Nope. Didn't have time for it. Too bad. Maybe next time... I come to see a game for Giants vs. my Dragons from Nagoya!

One more... wooooooo, great courtesy.

Fire Works in Ogaki - from Saturday! Beautiful!

Good night.

0:46+1

Tak was on the journey to seek a module for Visor today. Module? Yup, cellular module enables Visor directly connects to the Internet. I know, that is STILL extra expense!

Oh well... no doubt to go to Akihabara - center of maniac world... electronic town of Japan!

You know what? I realized that my favorite discount store, Yodobashi Camera, wasn't located in the area... I do have membership... to collect points, like mileage, whenever I purchase something there.

So... didn't buy any... better go to Shinjuku tomorrow where Yodobashi HQ is located.

Anyhow, I still went around the area and saw different things, as usual. I finally reached to Akiba-kan PDA shop... opened back in April, I recall --- never went there before.

"Akiba-kan PDA"

It's specialized for PDA - Palm, Visor, and other Windows CE machines. You can find variety of goods for PDA from software to carry bag, etc. I would go crazy in there... since my sickness about "WANT MORE" cannot stay calm inside myself. Oops.

So now I decide to go to Shinjuku tomorrow... to get new stuff.

1:06+1

Wasn't that bad... not that hot! I like it much better... this way.

My day was calm... as well as rest of people in the department... since two bosses, Ito and Takashima, were out of office all day long due to Monthly (Department) Meeting took place in Narita.

Sounded nice, huh?

Was busy... not like swamped, though... from the beginning of the day for me. Made lots of calls to see any (new biz) out there. Result? Don't ask -

And last for the day...

Terukawa (left) - Fukui (Rear) - Yokoo (right)

Had drinks with Fukui and other clients again. 2 nights in a row. Mmm... was fun! Really. Lots of information exchanged, too.

Yokoo was found from Toyohashi, Aichi - near Ogaki... had lots of things in common with Tak! Great! And Terukawa and Fukui talked each other that we (Yokoo and Tak) were such country-side people... Hey!

Yokoo is single... no boyfriend currently. What about her?!

And... usual... CRAZY Tak, Yokoo and FUNKY Fukui

No one can stop me and Fukui, don't you think? I do. No doubt.

Hasta manana...

11:29+1

NOT sobering... sorry folks! Had good drinks with clients... for new biz. You know, I had to pay for my portion out of own pocket... That's tough. It was fun, though. I did make new friends (over competitor).

Not bad, huh?

Two of them... with Fukui and Tak. They were Kobayashi, age 30, and Sasagawa, age 42. Both were funny to me... did talk about not only for biz... but also different stuff. Kobayashi was single, too, so you know what we talked about. He is in fact becoming good friend!

And he now comes up on this web site, as usual!

Sorry... no talk about other things happened while daytime.

23:32

Howdy?! Nice cooling-off rain in the afternoon... and tonight things are different due to this a little bit easy climate around!

In the Intercity Baseball Tournament (held in Tokyo Dome) - Ogaki LOST against Tokyo! Gee... Ogaki's pitching staff lost everything in the mound... miserably. Forget it! It made the best 8 in last year's tournament and this year... already disappeared from the list after the 1st game. Mmmmmm.

Today's Tak... went out with Fukui for an appointment and it was fun meeting with clients... Fukui kept making fun of me and even introduced this web site to them! AGAIN? He's done the same before, so I recall.

And after meeting, we talked different stuff... and he made a comment on my impression... He referred me as "Poison Butterfly." MMMM, what in the heck has he meant to? Explained as... butterfly seems familiar creature to us... and we intend to try to catch to see its beauty... then, it (i.e. Tak) poisons us.

So means... am I bad guy?

I guess, because --- I am not like other ORDINARY Japanese?! I always come to straight things out without hesitation. I say whatever crosses my mind... truly.

Hahaha!

Yes! --- was pay day! Thank GOD! Might be about time to manage some saving starting now?! I should. How can I keep good record of my spending in order to put some money aside for saving?! Please advise.

All right... better go for now. Passed the bed time (now after midnight).

0:18+1

Man, hot day again... actually hottest in the history - according to evening news tonight. Wow! It was about 38.1 degrees Celsius... means about 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't you see? This is killing!

Appointment saved my feeling as well as my business... some trouble and I went up to see upset customer in such perfect timing for relief. I then had a perfect excuse and explanation for him... so important, I leaned, to maintain the contact with customer... (and of course, with friends).

Oh, Colin Powell was in Japan today. No one did tell me of his schedule! Hahaha.

Went out for dinner with Fukui... his wife was out for dinner with her friends and he was out of reach to foods home... so he asked me to go out to eat together. Good idea to take advantage of me, huh? Just kidding. I know, we're good friends, not only about being coworkers.

And I found that he was really good at reading between lines here... I should be careful! He's been my friend for not that long yet... though, maybe long enough?! Mmmmmm.

Chinese dishes for supper and he had beer! (not for me)

Ichiro now ends his break and Shinjo is top on the prime!

NOT that good news... my high school... Ogaki Commercial High lost the game of quarterfinal for Baseball State Championship. In fact, it was swept by one from where my brother graduated. Mmmm... too bad... for those players of the club came to their end of summer already... since this was the biggest event. The game was so exciting and even went into extended inning to 10th. Lost at 10-11. Such great game and I am proud of them!

You know, I used to play baseball in there...

And... I perhaps could be in Tokyo Dome tomorrow night... I might.

22:51

Good evening, my people! I know... those who are in Japan - so tough to catch up with all work after a long weekend. Definitely myself too. And was certainly HOT and HUMID... didn't help at all, in fact, that worsened everything else.

Two good things confirmed!

David Duval - first MAJOR title, at British Open 2001. He was from Georgia Tech. MMMM, I didn't know he was from Florida. I thought from Georgia.

Definitely hit the headline of local newspaper, huh? (am not sure)

One more thing... Atlanta Braves now on the top in the league. Finally! We waited and waited and waited! Smoltz just came back from the DL (Disable List) - seems everything is all set for the pennant? I sure hope so.

And Shinjo@Mets and Ichiro@Mariners did super job too! Man, everything seemed so smoooooooth!

Me? Not really same, unlikely. Gee. Didn't bring in any good news to work place. Stayed in the office up to almost 9pm... feel too much for the first day of week like that. I should take it easy!

So funny - my Japanese site's visitor counter indicates more than 100 access for today ALONE. There are bunch of people out there love to see what I did over weekend!!! Don't you think it's funny?!

Lunch - sandwiches

Supper - rice balls

This hot weather like 100 degrees or so doesn't let me have good appetite. Mmmmmm.

See ya!

23:02

End of special weekend... didn't want to stay in --- since it was such wonderful weather (still hot, though). Then, decided to take a train to somewhere I usually don't go for fun... decided to go to Yokohama.

It was about almost 2 hours from home to there.

^{View of Cosmo World near Sakuragi-cho}

There were such huge area for shopping... very nice looking mall in there... though, didn't spent any minute to look around for today. Unusual for Tak, huh? Well... I like sit in the bench seat and bored to be relaxed... in fact, I did spent my time just so for a few hours!

And of course, did shoot some photos like that.

Oh, I saw funny guy at the central area...

I couldn't catch that old man's name since he spoke sort of broken Japanese which such fast speed! Couldn't understand him much. Though, his action and performance was funny and impressive. He collected quite bit of money from his audience who hang around over 30 minutes for his show. He was quite famous!

How much in total I spent for this special weekend?!?! Guess what? About $200!!! Gee, out of control, man! I should keep my wallet tight on strict budget!!! Gee, I need to recalculate of how I should manage my finance. Mmmmmm... not really good.

Did you have good weekend? I sure hope so, ladies and gentlemen!

0:37+1

Spent most of the day in bed - didn't do practically anything and no feeling like going out.

Watched TV, listened to the radio, and skimmed through several magazines... Hence, I have nothing to share with you for today.

No movie, either... no dates, no fancy dinner, either!

British Open 2001 and Japan's Baseball All Star Game... they are my main events for the day! Tiger Woods is of course, everyone's favorite... mine too. And David Duval!

And ... GO BRAVES! (doesn't make sense...)

Mmmmm, hungry... need to grab something for desserts. I should get up and check with convenience store nearby. Oh indeed, I need to check my weight out before all!!!

23:23

"Please make me real" - by movie, "A.I. - Artificial Intelligence."

Since nothing to do around for me on this first half of weekend... decided to go to movie with friend Ryox2. We haven't seen each other for a long time... was good gathering.

Originally, planning to see some other movie just started this weekend... and every single movie theater said something... "Unable to guarantee for you to be seated!" at the box office. NO WAY! I don't want to stand for 2 hours or even longer to see a movie?! NO FREAKING WAY!

No, that movie, Japanese animation was avoided.

Tak's rate for movie "A.I.": B+

Before watching that movie... didn't have much (good) expectation out of it... though, turned out pretty well! In fact, I cried a little bit... in the matter of eternal love between son and mother. I know, just between robot and human... didn't matter too much for me... I guess, I reflected the matter into reality - my kind of it. Hmmmmm.

I should call Mom. Hahaha.

Tiger Woods is coming around? Cannot take my eyes off the TV... broadcasting British Open (of course, it's golf). And tomorrow - Japanese Pro-baseball's All Star Game to begin. Man, I don't have much time to go out to do anything... but just watch TV all day long!

23:08+1

Definitely good Thursday! Now a long weekend is to begin... what shall I do? Nothing, really.

Anyhow, I cut out work around 7 o'clock since I had to go out with a friend... Chiba who used to work in the same place. I had a promise that I didn't keep for a long time with her... that I would buy her drink. And finally, I kept it!

You know, I keep the promises... always. Promise is promise!

Female is always smart... "Tak, don't you forget something --- about the promise?! And you should get a summer bonus recently, correct?!" - Chiba. Of course, I didn't have any objection. NOT smart enough.

Well, we hang around in Hamamatsu-cho area, near my office tonight.

She seemed like new working place... she's in fact Customs broker. Wow, skilled worker. She was then very curious of what was going on in my place... Though, I was out of inside information... disappointed her.

Otherwise, it was fun talk for about several hours. Bad thing? It was all on me! (SCREAM) How much?! Shouldn't tell.

While daytime... wasn't really much to tell. No new biz or anything. 2 appointments, indeed. No good results.

Well, if you are in Japan, should enjoy as much as you can for next 3 days, a long weekend from Friday to Sunday. If out of Japan, hey! Just think how nice to live in Japan upon such calendar. Hahaha!

Oh last to mention: Happy Birthday, Amy! It was your BD... turning ... oops, I should disclose your age hereby. Anyway, hope you had a good day and received nice gifts!

Have good one!

11:58+1

Already midnight... Mmmmmm, what shall I say? Was working up to around 9 o'clock and went out with coworkers... Fukui, Funabashi, and Abe. Had several drinks... feel pretty damn good!

Hey, hey, hey... for your information, I am NOT drunk YET! Quite yet! Not like bottomless... though, I am still okay with the amount I've got for tonight.

What did we talk about? Of course, it was all about job! Hahaha! More than two from office got together and talk about? You know!

Oh, I seemed to have inducted a domestic affair on Fukui's family... between his wife and himself... due to Barbie doll. His wife insisted that the gift from myself was for her, instead of Fukui himself. And of course, he insisted same on himself.

Hahaha, don't you think funny? I do.

During the day - I didn't go in the office until 5pm or so... visited 4 clients including new one that may have had a potentiality - turned out none of it. Hehehe.

Place-wise, Ogikubo, Gotanda, Daimon... spent quite money only for transportation too.

And... as you already know, this weekend begins from Friday --- means tomorrow is last day of the week! Hahaha, sorry --- if you live in US! (Oh I know, I am mean.)

So Foyer is on his way to Atlanta? Sorry, he missed long weekend! In fact, I am sure that he misses his family more than that.

Gee, passing 1am... way passed my bed time and need a beauty sleep!

In NYC - Apple didn't bring up brand new iMac... back to old colors? Disappointed! New G4 with a new color case? That might be good.

See ya!

1:16+1

Forget it! - Forget it all! My day - just trouble Tuesday! Gee... wasn't that great. Tomorrow, I have to do all follow-up... make me feel down for now. Mmmmmm.

And was supposed to see Foyer, a friend from Atlanta - and we missed each other. Too bad that I didn't carry my cellular phone around and couldn't maintain a good contact.

Ichiro is losing his touch? Well, his (batting) average is much better than mine in sales or even in girl hunting! That's STILL not fair. Hahaha.

For your information - I think I am not healthy much... don't have much good appetite. Today, I skipped lunch... this is the 3rd day in a row. I know, that's not good. Then I wait until 3pm or so - that's when I start feeling like wanting something to eat.

Obviously, out of good cycle. Don't know how to fix.

I was in fact lack of sleep... since friend called me up for serious talk at late time... even after midnight. No wonder that kind of stuff does bother me health-wise.

Ya'll... do you know that Japan and Korea are now sort in a battle... over text books for history class in Japan. Korea and China are usually to come to Japan's Government for all complaints about expression and the way Japanese understand of historic facts.

I know, I know, I know, Japan - we did invade your mother lands!

And how that batter affect? Lots of Korean businesses not cooperates with Japanese because the country at large does so. Local newspaper of Gifu, there are cancellations of Korean visitors coming to Ogaki for IT-related conference. How sad.

China and Japan has more conflict over trade. Japan isn't good neighbor for other Asians?

Hehehe.

23:08

Pick bag... that was the secret for the day! The prize for 35,000th hit on Japanese page of mine. Yup, Fukui was the winner and that bag (pink one) was absolutely just for him.

What did I get for him? Remember that he brought and gave Iwai "Play Mobil" from Germany on her house-warming party? Yeah, that was what he was interested in...

Then? I used my VIVID imagination yesterday in the mall. I guess, "Play Mobil" was famous and popular from Germany... I thought that I better come up with something AMERICAN!

And I got "BREAKTHROUGH." Hehehe.

It's call B A R B I E ------- definitely most popular figure in the world! Hahaha!

Fukui said that he really liked it and he needed to tell his wife that it was from Tak... as a gift to himself, not to her.

You know, I really thought that he wouldn't appreciate it much... even though he would get this joke. However, everything was fine with him! He really liked it. Mmmmmmm.

22:43

Damn, still hot... damn hot! How was your weekend, folks?

Today's Tak --- unlike yesterday, appeared in Akihabara and Daiba area... quite busy!

Nice View of Tokyo from Daiba area

Can you see Tokyo Tower just in the middle of picture? Man, good surprise that I took a nice shot!

The bridge you see - as big figure... called Rainbow Bridge. Very famous.

What was I doing in Daiba? Well, first of all - shopping. I finally get some stuff of prize for Fukui, the winner of 35,000th hit! I will give it to him tomorrow! And --- movie.

Miss Congeniality - that's the name of movie that I saw. Though, Japanese title wasn't exactly - it was "Dangerous Beauty." Interesting, huh.

"Miss Congeniality" --- I definitely give A, solid A! It was fun and encouraging and funny! Recommended!

http://www.misscongeniality.net/

Sandra Bullock - not really the most favorite actress of mine... though, she does great job! Really like that movie. Have you seen this?! If missed, you should see whenever you feel down. Fun stuff!

This week... this new week won't be that long... since next weekend is long one like from Friday thru Sunday!

Can't wait!

23:09

How do you define how I was today? I was staying in... didn't go out, didn't do anything, bored.

1. Smart/wise since it was really hot and humid

2. Just lazy

3. Good for me since relaxing

4. All above

5. None of them

To be honest with you, I felt that it must be "2" - I could go out with some friends. Or would be able to do something. Just didn't intend to.

Today, high school baseball tournament in Gifu opens. My high school, Ogaki Commercial High will be showing up on 20th for its first appearance.

One more news about my hometown... Rainy Season over Tokai Area (including Ogaki) is now through. Usually Tokyo area is after Tokai - though, somewhat it was opposite. Anyway, all over Japan... officially summer began everywhere-

ENDO - new reader of Ogaki-jin, thank you for stopping by!

When buying lunch in store, picked up "MacPeople" magazine. Wow, this makes me want to buy more peripherals for Macintosh... like CD-RW Drive, etc.

Tomorrow, I should go out and get some tan!!!

22:58

Man, it's really hot --- almost 100 degree out there, no kidding! I am sure suffering from the sunstroke or something. I feel "fatigue" and it's so hard to move my body... really.

Almost catching a cold... that's why I take medicine in the morning... then I went outside for appointments all afternoon. Was hot and humid...

I ended up to come home very early tonight. Everyone else in my department was still remaining working there... I left them all behind!

Since Fukui came for appointments with me and... one of them he somewhat introduced this website... Wow! We didn't discuss about it, did we?! Anyway, we were facing a lady of client company and she was interested in showing up here! (What a surprise!)

Anyway, here's Beauty of the Day!

Miss Ogawa - going to Spain and Turkey on her vacation soon.

Too bad that I had to take that picture with Eyemodule... so the quality wasn't that great. Sorry, folks... such a disappointment!

I know, somehow I don't carry my Fujifilm FinePix 4700Z - my regular digital camera. I should. I really should. And ... I will.

While walking on the street toward train station, I saw one candidate making a speech on the car... modified vehicle for election campaign:

This is very typical... there is a small stage on the roof of vehicle... and big poster of candidate's face hanging... etc.

Can you recognize that the candidate is top of the van (holding a microphone)?!

Don't you think it's a little bit crazy? Compared to US Election, I know... Though, there is NO car sticker (decal?!) like "Love Bush" or "Supporter of Gore!," etc. Different, huh!

Actually, the law limits a candidate to take advantage of one vehicle for his/her campaign... So it's really official! Well, this scene... that I was taking picture - really noisy around due to such big volume of speaker from the speech!

Well, ya'll have nice weekend!

10:09+1

Election - the Mid-Term for Upper Diet, like Senate, for Japan's Government. Vote for me! <<< Hahaha. I am sure that this is all for LDP - Liberal Democratic Party led by Koizumi, the Prime Minister. He's in such great shape, especially about popularity contest. MORE than me! Hehehe.

His government's approval rate is way more than 80%! Can you believe that?

People at large are definitely tired of old-fashioned politics - very bureaucratic way. LDP was just getting along with it... then, Japan's economy, its strength is now up in the air... nobody knows how to bring it back right on the track!

Koizumi then threw a stone into a pond. His policy is very new to anyone... some of them are too vivid to secure one's understanding. Oh well, we have to take risk in this particular situation to make things work to gain the strength. Right?

So he is proving himself to the public, rest of Japan, that he isn't ordinary LDP person. That's basically why he is MORE popular than Tak.

It's gonna be noisy weeks... actually two weeks before the vote. Lots of loud voice calling for votes on the candidate from big speaker on the car - that's the way Japan's election takes. I will try to take a picture or two to show how the campaign normally goes. Very noisy - trust me. You don't want to witness.

Today's Tak - I was busy --- originally, I was planning to stay in because it would be hot today! Just kidding. I had pilled up lots of paperwork like reports, etc. Though, things didn't allow me to go as planned. Two incidents to take care of for the day. Two things... damage cases... then, I showed up to those clients without having appointments for apologies.

Both damages weren't that bad - I believe and things were okay with me like no screaming or yelling to me from them. Thank God.

Good news... some of biz I wanted to secure... are now coming around! Definitely exciting! Otherwise? Pretty same... Well, I am thinking things I wanted to do for today postponed to tomorrow.... then I just got a call from Fukui that I needed to go out with him for 2 appointments in the afternoon - Where is my time? My person/own time to do my stuff?!?!

Get a life, Tak!

Oh... Fukui is the winner of the prize on the 35,000th hit of Japanese site. I haven't even decided what to give away as prize... I need to think about it. Should get something over this weekend.

Mmmmmm, tough deal...

Friday - tomorrow is Friday and what shall I do for weekend?! After the rainy season... weather should be clear and fine... should plan something outdoor, don't you think? Should get some tan.

23:40

Tokyo area... today officially called that rainy season was over. Thank goodness! All wet weather is now over... then, hot tough summer is coming up hereafter.

I wanted to talk about this... eye glasses.

That guy is actor playing doctor in the story of TV drama on every Monday called "Marriage - Bride is pregnant." This doctor is funny and seemed a bit stupid... When I first saw in the show, I really thought that he was wearing interesting designed eye glasses... and this past Monday, I realized that they are totally same as MINE!

No kidding.

Shape is perfectly identical. Gee... he is second... I am first!

Today's Tak:

Was in the 2nd appointment... I didn't like that (meeting) at all. People at that table (my clients, of course) were such asswho --- shouldn't spell it out all, huh! They were definitely arrogant. Didn't like them at all. Too bad that they had such big business that no one can ever resist. No wonder that they were that way. Don't you see?

Other than that... my day was clam and normal. Did I secure good biz? You know what I do everyday... killing time at work for nothing! Hehehe.

Gee, I am catching a cold... just took a medicine. Hope I will be okay without having serious problem.

Tomorrow - officially starts Japan's Diet (Upper Diet)'s Mid-Term Election. Am I interested in that election? Of course... though, I cannot vote. Not because under age (actually, I am over the age) - but because I registered myself in Ogaki, not in Tokyo.

Oh, "Pearl Harbor" hits everywhere this weekend.

Good night.

23:19

Coming home late... in fact, just now - 11:52pm... almost midnight, huh!

I was out from the first thing in the morning until early afternoon. Then, I had 2 different meetings... When I really came back to my desk for some work... it was already about to shut all down for the day.

So I started paperwork stuff and made several quotes done. Though, I was the last person in the department when I realized. Gee. I was ALONE! I know, alone sucks.

I guess, everyone had an easy day!

And... after work, Big Boss Misoo (female) and I decided to go out for dinner before hitting to subway station. Oh well, that was meant DRINKS. Oh yeah.

Now wonder I feeeeeeeel so good.

Let me go asleep... so tired and so drunk - just kidding.

Not much to tell ya tonight. Good night.

0:05+1

Hello! It was last day for Atsuko Sugimoto. You might know her if you worked at Ocean Import Department of Fritz Companies. She resigned about two weeks ago and today was last day for her to be with us.

She's going to start new career from tomorrow... that soon? She doesn't like to wait, I guess.

Anyway, I worked with her even from previous position I held in Atlanta. Well, I came to Japan and become knowing her. Too bad that we're going to lose her to our competitor (I believe so) -

In fact, in addition to her, there are 4 others quitting by the middle of next month. Something wrong in this picture?! Maybe.

How about me? Not coming back to US yet? Hahaha. You're funny.

Friend Tama in Atlanta - started playing golf out there?! GREAT! Too bad that I cannot play with her or others like Kirk, etc. Mmmmmm, I miss playing golf. Why not playing? First of all, it's so expensive in this country to play such luxury sport... second of all, I have some financial problem; so I decided not to play it until all get solved.

That's why I am not dumping my golf club set... that is still laying at the corner of my apartment room.

Thank God!!! Exchanged DVD "Cat's Eye" confirmed functioning properly. Cool!

Tak's Spending-

Lunch /// Sandwiches and vegetable juice - total 375yen ($4.50)

Supper /// Japanese dish (port/soba) - 600yen ($7.20)

Mmmmmm, I missed the deadline to pay water bill! Shoot... are they going to block the service?! I won't be able to take shower in next morning? Hope not!

AOL Time Warner announces that it will shut down all Warner Brothers' Studio Stores by October?! Mmmm... is that including one in Ginza, Tokyo? I bet so.

Oh I am sure that you can get something replacing stuff in Disney Stores, huh? Hahaha.

23:24

I have really nothing to tell ya for today's update. I haven't done any - practically nothing!

It was nice weather and I should have asked some friends to go out to do something; however I didn't do.

Only thing I did - went to Kinshicho's Yodobashi Camera to exchange "Cat's Eye" DVD (series 1) since it wasn't running well on my PowerBook. Then, I bought some more... "Cat's Eye" (series 2) as well as "For Love of the Game" (by Kevin Costner).

Otherwise, I stayed here in apartment and watched movies, TV programs, etc.

"Practical Magic" --- even though two big names in the movie; wasn't good at all. Lost intention to watch it all the way now. I may do later... if not, it still doesn't matter.

The other movie from rental, "Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon" was pretty good... too many CG's though. I like that actress who was in the 007 movie, "Tomorrow Never Dies." Oh yeah, she is Michelle Yeoh. Too bad that she wasn't interested in showing up in "Charlie's Angels."

Too bad that I received an email to my cellular phone from a friend about some invitation for today! Gee, my cellular didn't take that right away and there was in fact delay. I didn't know!

Hmmmmm, I will turn that phone in for repair/maintenance... or whatever you name it.

Wow, I have lots of friends out there... I realized that now. Ex-coworkers, friends, cyber-friends... and some readers of this web site... emailed me and it's so nice to keep doing this! That's why I cannot quit no matter how hard working on this one is!!!

Most of friends in US keep asking when I would come back... Mmmmmmm.

22:56

Thank God... rainy season still, though clear weather over this weekend!

It was such domestic day for me... first time for a such long time. Starting from put up Futon to the sun... and used vacuum cleaner, cleaned up bathroom, etc.

Of course, didn't forget laundry. Already done on Saturday! What shall I do tomorrow?

I did reorganize the apartment room too. Plus, went out for a haircut. I went to new place for that and, so funny, a guy cut my hair tried to get along with me since I was first-time comer. He was obviously not good at talking to someone new. His conversation wasn't that smooth and time to time I had to ? to myself like how I was supposed to answer. Hmmmmm.

Did I get nice haircut? So-so. I won't go that place again, though.

Friend (coworker) Eto went out a DATE tonight? Wow!!! Cool! Good for him. I am so curious how that went! I should call him to seeeeee. I know, I am very nosy!

Anyway, I feel much better in this place (where I sit here now) - Looking over this place... I found that I had lots of UNNECESSARY stuff and lack of needing stuff. I do have two laptops, a set of golf clubs... while I still need a table, refrigerator, etc. Hmmmm. I know, I am crazy. Need to be rich.

Rental videos; "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" called "Green Destiny" as Japanese title and "Practical Magic."

Tanabata - actually today. And I didn't go out to look for love?! Haha, I don't have that energy left after all those!

Oh am hungry.

10:18

Happy Friday! Weather is awfully NOT cooperating this cool day - when I get seasonal "summer" bonus today! Yes! How much? I was precisely right in the amount. I knew how I was rated by management and I added all other factors like how the company as whole does for this fiscal year, etc.

Man, I am too good.

I am happy with it?! Well, I shouldn't go any further than this... like telling you amount and others... since lots of coworkers read this page! Hahaha.

However, money is money and this helps. Am I going to buy anything big?! I could possibly come up like MP3 player, another DVD movie, --- oh I want "AirPort" wireless kit for Macintosh. Anyhow, I probably won't buy any.

My company somewhat pay this seasonal bonus later than others in general - most of people out there got paid last week or so.

Decoration of Narita Int'l Airport Lobby

July the 7th is not holiday - though, we kind celebrate; called "Tanabata." It's original is from Japanese fairly tale - love story. Reference of Tanabata Festival is below:

http://jin.jcic.or.jp/atlas/festivals/fes03.html

http://www-japan.mit.edu/mit/culture-notes/Jul/tanabata.html

Might help you to understand. Hope so.

I went to Narita Office for a meeting... big biz concern. 4 of us got together and put heads together to calculate how much we need to charge for some special operation on this biz opportunity. Took quite while... started from 3pm and wrapped up around 8:45pm. Hmmmm, I originally wanted to get out of there quick since it was Friday night. Gee, too late.

This weekend... cleaning my room is MOST DEFINITELY top priority. I don't and I cannot live in this crazy (i.e. messy) place anymore. Other than that?! Maybe haircut.

11:18+1

After your off on July 4th - I came in work and see not many emails from US. Of course.

Then, I enjoyed the time that usually spent for communications through them. Happy for me too. Hehehe. In fact, I ended up taking long way to see some client. Went Yokohama.

Totally new client who recently asked us for a quote and I brought it up to them. Two ladies (so-so cute) came up and had a meeting with me. It was fun talk. At least, I made it fun - for them.

Seemed my price and service level were meeting to what those ladies wanted - NOT they wanted ME, though.

Worth taking that trip to meet them? NOT really for me. Biz was rather smaller than expected. Way smaller. My boss might say that I shouldn't waste my time. Oh well.

Skipped the lunch since no appetite.

Sorry, no pictures for today - no cute girl, no funky drink, no stupid sign in the public place.

I thank you for messages and emails - that congratulate me on this hard work reaching 35,000th hit of access. Thanks!

Besides all that... I don't really have much to tell ya. You better tell me something funny which I can bring up to this web site to share with as many as 100 people everyday!

Rainy Season - far from being over... though, not rain much. Sunny and hot... really. Went almost 100 degrees out there even for today. I dry myself out. I need to cool myself off from not only the weather but also from the reality - called severe world.

22:57

How is your off?! Happy July 4th!!! Fireworks, fireworks, fireworks! Gee, I miss it. How's weather?! Hope it is clear and you go out to wherever you can see fireworks.

No BBQ? Sure!

It was really humid - crazy climate... out of control! I must have been crazy... I decided to walk from Shinbashi Station to the office... over mile distance. No doubt that I had great sweat! Mmmmm, very dirty.

Good news... for me. Friend Kitty now has Mr. Right! I mean she does have a boyfriend. About time, huh! Unlike myself, she must be really popular. She really is. Tak's very happy for you, Kit!

Take a look at this picture:

Captured this photo while I was at client's place. While the person I had a talk with went to answer the phone, thought it was good idea to take a shot. Usually, I get served tea or coffee (ice/hot) when having meeting with someone. Today, for the first time EVER, I got served a drink called "Oronamin C," a very popular healthy soft drink.

"Healthy" soft drink? Sounds a bit awkward, huh? "Oronamin C" is drink containing lots of Vitamins, etc. Still soda drink, too. Interesting!

Anyway, it was so unique... In Japan, as the official manner, drinks like sofa won't be served to clients or whoever visiting to others. Imagine, while talking to my client, some cute young lady from the office came by and served those drinks just like in cafe. Funny, huh? It is.

Take a close look:

"Oronamin C" drink

How was the meeting, besides the drink issue? Oh, DON'T ASK! Heheheh.

23:01

Lack of sleep... no energy left... some difficult issues over the job... nothing really meaningful for today, except one happy result.

Yup, Tak's Japanese site now has more than 35,000 visitors in total!

The proof submitted by Fukui - the winner of prize on 35,000th hit!

He was really wanting to get this and made it! Congratulations! Hence, I need to get busy to see what to give him as a prize. Need to interview him what kind of stuff he likes.

You know, he made a comment that he wanted to have my Visor. Hey, hey, hey! No so fast.

A picture from Onarimon Station of Mita Line in Tokyo (subway) -

movie "Dr. Dolittle2"

Have you seen that movie? Now around in Japan. Why I picked this one up like this? WELL --- The movie title "DoLittle" is not really reflected in Japanese translation. Just say as "DO RI TO RU" - same sound as English, not same meaning. In fact, it's meaningless... just as someone's name.

You could have enjoyed this movie with one more interesting factor - name of the propaganda. Too bad.

22:09

Ya'll - have you made up your plan for July 4th weekend yet? If not, H U R R Y!

Wait... July the 4th is Wednesday - then what would happen like long weekend or normal one? I totally forgot already how to determine the holidays. 10 months in Japan --- really made me no clue about America!

If you plan to go on trip with your loved ones... I would envy of you very much! I wish I could do the same for any weekend. I know, I won't/cannot/don't because... too many things to be solved. Oh well, get a life, Tak! I know-

I was tired tonight... came home normal like around a little bit before 9pm. Although was tired really, did laundry (done just now) and wrote many emails to those who were old buddies of mine - just tried to keep in touch with many different people (i.e. friends).

My Japanese page is coming to another milestone - the 35,000 hits! That should be accomplished by end of tomorrow. Currently, somewhere between 34,920 and 34,930. Daily average of hits to the Japanese site is around 60 to 100 hits.

As you might know, I offer a small gift on whoever hits the 35,000th hit tomorrow. What I will give away? Depends. Makes a lot difference between male and female - different definitions of humor, don't you agree?

Since started series called "Beauty of the Day." And lots of new readers made a request to meet another friend of mine, Kack - she sent me lots of beautify MEN... She must have gotten a great sense of humor - she really does. I miss that she picks on me so much everyday at work.

Kack Phadoungsyavong

CUTE? YES! She's my friend (of course, NOT girlfriend - as usual) This picture came up for the 2nd time on web. Can you pronounce her last name? I cannot. Haha. I cannot even memorize how to spell it at all!

Keep trying to make friend Fukui buy a brand new Visor Edge - very thin one... and today I hereby say at loud... I gave up! My efforts were all in vain at the end. Hmmmm. He wanted to download all company's email into PDA - not able to yet at this point due to tight security, etc. If could, he said that he would buy that $450 gadget right away!

I guess, I am NOT good salesman --- Let's laugh all away! HAHAHAH!

23:55

Hello - It's new month, July - and I have received about 125 email telling me how cute I was in the picture from the hotel in Katsuura, Chiba. Haha, got you - just kidding.

Obviously, not that popular.

To be honest with --- I run out of topic for today. What shall I talk about? My favorite color? Haha.

Most of my time for today, I spent for my personal issue. Otherwise, there was nothing really happened. Mmmm... not much excitement.

Oh, I just got an invitation to Shimizu, Shizuoka, for a party next weekend via email from a friend. I don't know if I go or not yet at this point.

Gee, too tired to write anymore for today. Sorry, let me go.

Zzzzzzz <- sleeping.

23:21