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Currently drinking with clients. Busy and drunk. No update.

14:22+2

Congratulations, 40,000th hit today! (as expected) = Japanese edition of "Ogaki-jin" You know what? ONCE AGAIN>>> Fukui (bad friend of mine, STILL coworker) made it. He did the same on 33,333rd hit the other day.

Is that fair? According to him, he woke up earlier than usual in order to check that out. And he made it. I indeed should respect his efforts and am certainly thankful about his royalty.

What is the prize? Barbie doll? Never. Not so fast, folks.

I will take time, probably like 2 weeks or so, to search around what to give away to him!

Budget? Oh well, no idea yet.

Today's Tak - lots of problems in invoicing. More than several issues rise and had to make many calls to let customers know that I would send revised ones right away, etc. Mmmmm, I guess, today was nothing but trouble care. That wasn't fun at all! Please, trouble-free - please!

Well it's late night now (passing midnight, already) -

Last stuff to show for today.

Who is sleeping like that in a cafe?!?!

This woman, very young - was sleeping like that... looked so tired. Once a while, she woke up and checked with her cellular phone and eventually went back to sleep just like that again. Oh boy... poor lady.

After waking up, she can find that her forehead became FLAT! Hahaha.

0:29+1

Host server of "Website Ogaki-jin" (www.ogaki.net) has been down?! I cannot get an access to my own page at all, currently. Gee, what happened?

Well, this page, especially about Japanese site, is getting into another milestone... the 40,000th hit - could reach to that new point around tomorrow morning... GREAT! Last month and current one... total numbers of access have been the record! As average, more than 100 people take a look at this page every single day!

Impressive, huh! Thank you!

And of course, there is a giveaway along with it. Remember of the last present on 33,333rd hit? It was a Barbie doll... given to the winner, Fukui (coworker).

Wait... Nikkei (Tokyo Stock Exchange) is now looking at point 10,000 level sooner or later... Just yesterday the record high of job-less percentage 5.0% - really assisted to the worse way.

Oops, now the server is up and running... confirmed so.

Yesterday's issue... how come I won't get any girlfriend... lots of different opinions and perspectives came to me! I guess, I gathered lots of sympathy out there? One of them was that Tak's way to approach isn't that right. Oh well... how did you know like that?! Mmmmmm.

You know what? Almost every time... I get dumped... like Ally (McBeal). Though, I don't do any "one-night stand" kind stuff at all (i.e. unlike Ally).

Hahaha. Please continue to see how lucky Tak would be!

Today's biz talk? Let's not. Wasn't that great and nothing notably needed to tell ya.

Kazem... said hello to me.

Dawn... is coming to see me soon.

Andrea... I sent my farewell to her mother.

Kack... Oh haven't returned her message yet.

Hope tomorrow things will ease me a little. See ya! Will see who would get 40,000th hit and secure the giveaway.

23:18

Man, tons of things really irritating... around myself. Coworkers... friends, what else, what else. Hey, I am not insisting that I was selfish or anything... though, people are not really thinking much. Maybe that is spontaneous.

Stop being like that here.

My day... was busy as usual. Guess, lots of overtime hours for this month. Probably 70 hours or even more?!?! Am I getting richer because of it? Hey, at the same time, I sacrifice my health! Mmmm.

Coworker/friend Fukui mentions something interesting... how come I won't get any girlfriend. You know why? It is because I seem very complicated person. And guess what? I am. Really. Indeed.

Should I go and interview all of my ex-girlfriend? NOT really necessary! (and leave me alone from that!)

He added... that the market (of girls who would interest in me) is definitely narrow. He meant that I should be careful where to look at (in seeking).

I am not that optimist about that issue in particular!

One of the customers became aware of this web site today. Hope she will find some amusement in here... If not? she would think that I were crazy... and I would end up losing business from her.

Wish me luck!

This Friday... Kagumi Iwai and Megumi Ito leaves all of us (i.e. coworkers) behind... leaving the company for good. And should have farewell party on those ladies... The party takes place in Narita, still a few hours away from where I work (since they belong to different office). I wanted to manage and would attend. Though up to this moment, I haven't been given any information like cost or place, etc. Why not?

And Nathan Crawford... leaving also at the end of month. Tonight should have a party for him. I wasn't invited. Nathan mentioned that tome and no detail has ever come to me. Mmmmm.

I guess, people don't like me much out there? Maybe so!

I feel down on myself (usual?) - let me hit the sack.

23:18

Good Monday? Oh well... Tak wasn't so lucky... didn't expect rain at all (gee, just didn't check weather forecast at all!). After 2pm appointment, realized that it was raining... raining HARD!

I had to stay inside the nearby bookstore.

While killing some time in there... read several different magazines (NOT including dirty ones!) - then I became wanting to buy "Photoshop Elements" - easy-to-use digital photo image editing software. I want to make this page more fun and, hopefully, with some art.

How about 2pm appointment? Met with a lady... seemed like my age. Gave her my quote and I wanted to see if she liked it or not... though, there was no noticeable reaction from herself... except she told me that she would take a close look. Oh well.

And most exciting news for today:

I did some great shopping. Did buy this:

Oh sorry, you cannot read Japanese here. Hahaha. At least you can see that they are some kind of TICKETS, can't you?! Hope so.

They are tickets for Sumo wrestling. The national sport of Japan! Did you know this?! I have seen that sport of country just on TV... never live! Now Yep, I bought tickets! In fact, I bought a Booth C ticket... for 4 people to get in. Date... end of next month. And that particular date, 9/23, is final day of the September Championship!

With whom I am planning to go and see? Let me see...

How much was that ticket? In fact, about $100 per person... means I spent about $400 today; just for that!

Mmmmmm, was out of mind!

22:46

What's happening? Good weekend? Wow... just read Atlanta Journal Constitution... reported that singer and actress Aaliyah (age 22) died in plane crush. Gee. I like the movie she did... "Romeo Must Die."

Anyway, here is the report about SFLS Kick Off Meeting 2002 which just came to an end. I came home around 3 o'clock in the afternoon from Katsuura. Have tons of pictures to show... so small ones only. This time, I couldn't be a photographer much since I have many different rolls in charge. So others have taken. NO complaints about angle or content! Hehehe.

Here they are!

GAME MISSION: How many clothes peg can PINCH their faces within 30 seconds.

Those management members got HARASSED by us!

Threw pie to their faces and their bottom side!

I was in charge of MC in the party after SERIOUS conference of 2002 Kick Off. No wonder I dressed so different - not just different, weird, huh!

No success in this event without help from those supporting members!

and Tak was drunk and tired... slept early.

No much comment for tonight. Just pictures... you can enjoy them, can't you?

Hahaha, am STILL tired in updating all this! Good night!

23:04

Suzuyo Fritz Freight Systems, Inc. - The 2002 Kick Off Meeting in progress.

Sorry, no update.

0:00+1

Yep, now in Katsuura - where the conference, Kick Off 2002, takes place tomorrow. Why a day earlier? Because I am in charge.

Brought two computers... my PowerBook and company's ThinkPad... both are big... and heavy! (my complaint?) Though, both are of course needed for tomorrow's event.

The way up to this place was pretty smooth with sleeping so soundly for me. Hahaha, I didn't drive- coworker drove all the way and I took a nap in the van. Nice huh? Just left the office around 2:30pm... hit the road --- arrived here at 5:45pm. Pretty good and easy trip!

So things okay and ready? Sure hope so! In the morning, I made a trip to home electronic store to buy a several different cables needed for the conference (still company's expense). So my part... about multimedia operation, should be all set.

What is multimedia operation in it? Sound, BGM, video clips, what else, what else... You know I am Mr. Gadget and like all to do like that. Hope my PowerBook won't get stuck in the middle of show!

Well folks, wish me luck to go on without having any problem tomorrow! I am NOT so sure if I could come on to this page with update by tomorrow night or so. However, I promise that I come with many pictures!!!

Well, let's party!

20:32

Cleared up after a typhoon around.

First thing in the morning... found that there was hand-carry canceled from Seattle... that I made a hotel reservation for. Mmmmm, too bad that Corrine (who was supposed to come) missed a chance to see different side of the world!

Originally, she would arrive in Narita this afternoon and she would stay until Sunday... Oh well... too bad, I better say. Maybe some other time.

Tomorrow afternoon, will be out of town to Katsuura. Yep, time has come! All set? Pretty much.

Only the concern I have for now... is in case my PowerBook gets frozen... the system error... I worry. I turned all extra system function off while operating... hope everything goes well like planned.

This evening... from 5pm, there was ANOTHER kick off meeting just for the department (mine). First hour was about how the management came up with next fiscal year budget and how we need to make it under such severe recession in Japan... seemed still tough to complete (for me). Oh well... company always seeks profits... no matter what.

The second half of the session took place in nearby restaurant with beer. BEEEEER.

Did I drink much? Not really... was tired and late to that party time since had to take care of extra stuff for real (this weekend's) kick off meeting.

My boss Ito made a funny complaint about this web page... he said, he represented rest of always readers of Ogaki-jin and got disappointed if I only wrote 3 lines or so... and he wanted MORE PICTURES. He asked how come I didn't bring in my digital camera for tonight. Oh boy! What a boss!

Funny boss too, huh?

So no pictures tonight. Will be some (probably more than just "some") this weekend for sure since it is PARTY time! Hahah.

Have good one out there!

23:29

The Typhoon #11 hit Japan --- some people were killed and many residences went under water... sorry for those loss and damages. For me, no damage and no bad effect from that... except being soaked from morning rain while commuting up to the office.

NOT that really great day... many troubles out there waited for me until this morning.

Tons of things to follow and take care of. I was really tense and some of coworkers were annoyed by me because of it. Nathan told me that I needed to slow down - not to be so conclusive instantly. I know. I always rush into the ultimate solution or final decision from all issues around, especially while I feel so tense with issues.

Yep, everyone around myself was right. Maybe, I should take things a little bit easy. I am not good at doing and being so.

No appointments... wanted to get one with a customer in particular. Got a talk with person in charge... and that person keeps avoiding me because the talk is all about payment... OOPS, that's not good.

How much? Oh not that big deal... just about 5,000 dollars. Just about (hahaha).

Recently... I realized something about myself. My facial appearance looked so different every time I got hair cut or so. Today, coworker Uchida saw me in the elevator and told me... "Did you look like that?" Didn't get it right away myself and then she explained... "You looked different today - maybe because you've got a hair cut." Oh well.

Lots of people mentioned something similar to myself over and over... so what is the "final answer?" Is Tak handsome or ugly?

I know, the answer is u g l y. The proof is guy with NO money and NO cute face... and most importantly NO girlfriend! Hahaha.

Tonight I had a pity party with Funabashi... over dinner. What was pity about? We just gave sympathy to one another about how poor salespeople we were... Poor thing.

What was dinner? Spaghetti. Wow... more than 130 hit in access to Japanese page today. Thanks, folks!

Good night.

23:50

Still going to work with PowerBook for a project. Commuting by a car won't be that problem to take that laptop with myself... NOT on the train! Mmmmmm --- tough to go anywhere with it. I wish Apple could make a PowerBook very light like 4 pounds or even less! I know that's only about a wish!

PowerBook G3 won't be that good enough to handle all videos?! Got frozen more than several times! That was frustrating... really. Wish mine were G4? Oh yes... though, I know, I won't buy any new soon.

Wait! I just got an email from my ex- saying that I won't be eligible for $300 cash back from the Bush administration since one of income tax filing missing! Gee... $300 --- is STILL big deal for me! (you too?)

My weekly sales report wasn't coming out great for today's submission... since I didn't get many appointments last week due to busy schedule with Kick Off project. No one has complained to me about it... everyone in fact did know how busy I was... working hard on it. Although, I didn't like what I made on that report.

I should work even harder... indeed.

You know what's going on in Japan? T Y P H OOOOOOOOOOOO N! Very severe one coming and actually landed on the main island of Japan this evening... Moreover, killed several people tonight. Coming to Tokyo area by tomorrow morning!!!

Typhoon #11 - we don't call typhoon by name like ya'll in US... instead, we put number on it every time getting created in Pacific Ocean. #11 means... 11th typhoon of the year!

So do we possibly miss work tomorrow? Of course, NOT!

This is workaholic world, folks! No one has ever thought about cutting work short or delay the work! Hahaha.

Tonight worked up to 10:10pm... and stopped by a noodle place where I usually go once a week. So I got something to eat tonight... at least. My appetite? Not that much everyday nowadays.

Talk to you tomorrow. Good night.

0:09+1

No news for you from Tak's Monday-

Came home late... left office at 11pm... mostly spent my time for Kick Off preparation, especially video editing. I know, I am gone nuts already.

5 days to go for next pay day - not much money left! Gee, how should I survive for 4 or 5 days from today? No drink and no food?

Tomorrow - 3 appointments and STILL meeting for Kick Off... man, going out of entire energy left in my body. Next week, I will be resting for sure!

Good night.

0:10+1

Very organized day today for me.

Woke up and took care of laundry and cleaned my room. Wao, well done already.

Then in the afternoon, I went on concentration of a project... "Tak with iMovie2"-

I taped about 13 minute-long movie to be a movie for 6 minutes or shorter for Kick Off... Yep, I was busy using that application and edited many parts of movie! You know what? I started working on this one around 3pm or even a little before... then finished at 9pm. Wow, spent about 5 or 6 hours just for that... without any drink or food (as usual).

Finished movie is in fact 7 minute long. Hope that would be acceptable. I am sure it will be.

This is first time ever to use iMovie2 application... since I didn't have (still don't) digital video camera... that application wasn't that valuable... and today it was different story.

Really fascinating stuff!!! Really impressed. I liked it. Easy to use and friendly interface... man, definitely this is great stuff. Felt so bad about not to have used it for a long time and feel like I should get a camera! I know, money problem... always there for me!

You wanna see? Oh sorry --- I am not much in the movie. In fact, I was the only cameraman... though, I like it much... about the content, flow, BGM (that I have chosen - "Dixie Chicks"), etc. NOT really perfect yet, since this was the first time I have ever edited video... I learned much and I could do better job next time.

If you have Apple machine and iMovie... not digital movie yet? You have missed much out there... trust me.

22:45

Are you still watching TV - particularly, "24 Hour TV Special, Love Saves the World." - Japan's famous charity TV program... Yep, I am watching (a little).

Today's Tak... woke up a little earlier than usual since made a promise to show up in Akihabara to meet Iimura for Shopping #2 - Kick Off Project. Funabashi joined us then, also.

1st place - 100 Yen Shop, like a "Dollar Store" --- buying many stuff for the party

2nd place - Denny's for lunch and meeting about agenda

3rd place - Yamano Music... to look for CDs about BGM, etc.

4th place - Fun time... went out for some exercise and "Strike Out" game (again)

5th place - supper in "Siddique" Indian Restaurant in Machida

Man, we were quite busy... weren't we?! Yep, we were.

Of course, digital camera was my always companion and took some snap shots to show here...

Yasuko Funabashi tried "Strike Out" and couldn't throw balls like we did.

You know what? I almost made a perfect!!! In fact, missed ONE! Only ONE! WOW... almost! Iimura did the same good job like previous week. Yep, Iimura and Tak went to the same place two weekends in a row.

And played table tennis!!! GOOD SMASSSSSSH!

Belly Dance in Indian Restaurant

Iimura and Funabashi with naan bread (very yum!)

And those friends of mine... (as well as coworkers) were a bit OFF tonight...

Dancing with Belly Dancer!!!

And last picture... Tak giving a BIG BITE to his naan bread like this:

Would you like to check this restaurant out? They've got an official homepage.

Restaurant "Siddique"

http://www.siddique.co.jp/indexE.html

See you tomorrow-

0:06+1

Good to know... lots of people care (about me). Really. Am I coming out of it? NOT quite yet... though, I know, I will. Though, having trouble... I don't have any appetite. I totally lost it... last time I ate something was back in yesterday afternoon and didn't eat anything up to now... half hour passed midnight. More than 24 hours, no foods... with some liquid.

That won't be good.

Kick Off Project is really in the last stage... final preparation. A week to go!

I even brought my PowerBook into work today and scanned images from digital video camera for the show (i.e. Kick Off) - definitely, I had fun in multimedia. I must like video-editing stuff.

And office move... we had to pack out stuff into boxes so that moving personnel, over weekend, move them to designated space. Currently my desk is on 2nd floor and will be on 4th from Monday. I hope I get a place where AC works great! I don't want to be stay HOT all day long! That wasn't healthy.

Despite of this such tight schedule... had an invitation to see friends. Amy called other friends whom I hadn't seen for years... tonight, Amy, Takashi, and Kazuma were together and I joined them later... did only spent about an hour or so because of my lateness to arrive there... though, friends were STILL friends. Great to know.

Takashi was environmental scientific engineer and Kazuma was an English instructor... Wait! I taught him English! Maybe I can start new career as doing the same! Hahaha.

Sorry for them... that didn't have enough time to spend with them for more fun! I promised that I would schedule time to be with them again... hopefully so soon.

Very thankful... for those who asked me okay.

0:47+1

Who said, "If you believed, you would be saved." - I today don't believe that!

Because of this Internet openness, cannot disclose all happened... to me yesterday. I at least have to thank those readers in Japanese site wrote me with their caring of myself... I did stop yesterday's update right in the half way. I just lost the feeling to continue writing at that time.

Probably, I merely had a bad day... very bad... probably worse than my March incident.

In the past... a friend told me one thing... "Tak, don't trust people out there that easily! Someday, someone will take advantage of you for something. You might lost your asset from that." This time, I didn't lose anything valuable... except my friendliness to others.

Did encountered bad news in and out of work before. Though, significance of yesterday's is way deeper than any of those from the past. SHOOOOOOOOT! I was such fool!

Perhaps, I should start new life with totally different way of thinking in order NOT to repeat things like that... I may not even trust any friend anymore if I remain being this way.

What should I do?

Came home so late... was passing 11pm. Worked late... though, one way to look at that fact, it was good since I wouldn't have time to think about this problem. No appetite, either. Ate pieces of bread for today... that was it. Should be great to lose weight! Hahaha - not funny.

23:37

August 15, 1945 - Japan ended the World War II - and today is the memorial.

In addition to Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan who visited to War Shrine 2 days prior (to today), more than a couple of Koizumi Cabinet members did visit there today.

Does make all this worse (than just Koizumi's visit)??? Probably not. Already worsened!

Man, worked late. Last to leave the office from my department. Am I too slow?!

Good news! One of very few good news hit me recently... Dawn - friend in Atlanta, from work, is coming on biz to Tokyo next month! She deals with my department, directly - I presume that I could see and spend dinner or so with her! Hope more.

Braves keeps its losing streak up to 6? Gee, that's pretty bad. Are you sure that it's Braves still?

Tomorrow... hot again? Give me a break, will ya?!

Video shooting... toward the Kick Off Meeting to be held next weekend... I am in charge of taping entire department of mine... Shoot everyone into the finder and get some comments toward new fiscal year starting September.

Soccer... Japan vs. Australia - the result was 3-0, no problem for Japan to sweep Australia! Cool!

22:45

I should say, I really thank you for those who contributed their opinions about the war shrine... that I okayed about the Prime Minister to visited.

It's so difficult to determine it was right or wrong about the existence of Shrine like that... where all "victims" from the war were dedicated. Hence, visiting of Prime Minister means that current government is recognizing of war and approves of the government at the time of war... sending millions of nations to be sacrificed as "suicide attack" against US military.

Mmmmmm...

In my opinion, the past is past and we need to admit what happened... that's the first step to learn from the past and correct the present. Though, someone out there cannot stand to even recognize of what happened and how government drove country into wrong direction with millions of victims.

I still see and agree somewhat with that kind of thought and feeling.

Good night.

0:23+1

Busy today? Unlike all in general... I was in fact really busy! Though, things in general out there were really slow... since this week is everyone's summer vacation week.

Therefore, train wasn't that packed like usual.

http://asia.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/east/08/13/koizumi.visit/index.html

Check this out! This is all over every media on TV or radio or whatsoever... The matter is that Prime Minister of Japan visited the War Shrine "Yasukuni" just 2 days before the War Memorial (8/15) when we lost the W.W.II.

Prime Minister Koizumi wanted to do this on 8/15, instead. Though, anger from neighbor countries' anger and threat... he had to take WISE way... visited some other day.

He had been known as what he said was what he would do. Though, he had to break that custom today... I would say, he had no choice... in order NOT to jeopardize Japan's politics anymore, especially about relationship to South Korea and China. Lots of people, still in Japan, have different opinions like positive or negative... though, I better say, it was wise.

This week --- I just called as "everyone's summer vacation week" is really relating to the war memorial. It's like Japan's "Bon Holidays" --- practically began from this past weekend. Like Halloween.

Me? NO v a c a t i o n!

22:49

9:30 Get up

11:00 Watch TV - Gifu Mita High School to lose the game in Koshien Baseball Tournament

13:00 PowerBook to turn on!

14:30 Play Station2 to switch on! Playing "Everybody's Golf 3"

16:30 NAP

18:40 Phone call to receive... realized NO FOOD and NO DRINKS for all day long!

19:30 Laundry to start

20:00 Today's only meal... Ramen!

22:10 Ogaki-jin update to begin

So didn't go out for anything particular... beside to eat Ramen noodle. Interesting day, huh? Of course not - that was just boring.

It was probably fine day outside... a bit cooler than usual and should have been great to be outside... though, I don't know anything... I care more about being home for nothing and relaxed.

Oh boy...

22:20

Hi, folks! Sorry to show up this late (actually day after)...

Saturday was part of job... planning the Kick Off meeting that comes in two weeks. Were in hurry to plan and set up all needed.

Iimura and Tak were in charge of "Entertainment" in Kick Off event. So we went to toy store called Hakuhin-Kan to check items to be used and that's the beginning of fun day for both of us... Let's check it out!

"Hakuhin-Kan" like a big super market of "Spencer's" in US.

Bought more than dozen stuff for that party(!) - and we made several trips to the office back and forth in order to bring those things in to the office; without taking all to home.

All right... all stuff were purchased.

Then, we went to a restaurant... "Denny's" for dinner as well as for talk about how we organize the party better.

Hence, we had to go over the plan of party in depth. I am sure that restaurant people weren't that happy with us staying for such long time... asking more than a couple of cups of coffee time to time! Haha.

We didn't mind that at all, though.

Then... it was passing 9pm... we both were tired and felt like needing some fun!

Iimura suggested to go to batting gauge nearby for stress-relief. Definitely, I agree. I needed to get some exercise for sure! (left picture... Iimura in the gauge)

We got that gauge about quarter till 10pm... and old man managing that place told me that the place is to be closed a little bit before 10pm... due to noisy to its neighbor. Hmmmmm, 15 minutes weren't enough.

Since we were moving place to place by car... unusual to Tak who went everywhere by train or bus... So I enjoyed a bit more freedom and flexibility of transportation.

Iimura took me to "Tokyo Leisure Land" in Daiba Area, took about 20 or 30 minutes by car. Iimura was badly wanting to have more much fun than just in that batting gauge for 15 minutes.

Tokyo Leisure Land in Harumi, Daiba

Of course, we spent quite bit of money for games... like "Strike Out" or "Good Shot 10"- Man, it was Saturday night, tons of young people having fun that late night (including ourselves).

Sure! I played golf... using SW to carry all balls into each section from 1 to 10.

Did I do a good job? Nope. That was tough to control... and, needless to say, I was out of shape for a darn long time! Haven't grabbed my clubs for more than a half year! (good excuse, huh!)

Pitcher Iimura throwing balls HARD in "Strike Out" game.

Tak tried same with "Wild Arm" - pain in shoulder?

Man, good time always makes me feel like so short one... Gee, that's same to everyone, right? Still, though...

It was definitely busy day for work and fun. Iimura and Tak should be good friends, too (i.e. in addition to be good coworkers each other).

Oh, lastly - I borrowed digital camera and first time to hook it to PowerBook and ran "iMovie2" - Cool! Fun to do.

Didn't come to realize... the week is over now.

Worked in the office up to 11pm... way passed my bed time, folks! Wait... I went in office around 8:30am this morning and didn't come out for that long time?! Over 14 hours?! That wasn't healthy, was it?!

Why? Just stayed there for talk? Nope. Taking care of quotes, letter for explanation (against complaint), email correspondence, what else, what else...

Better quit talking about work, huh... I know, I should.

Mori, sitting next to me in the office, recently bought Sony Clie - Palm compatible. Wow... now I can beam information to his from mine (Visor). Cool!

His Clie is color screen!!! Mmmm, that's EXACTLY WHAT I WANT! So... he can browse Internet or map in colors! While, my Visor... as you may know, still gray scale screen (16 scales). Clie... definitely a nice little gadget.

Oh don't call me "Mr. Gadget!"

Last for this update... went out for an appointment around 1pm and found this:

Don't know how to call it (red figures)

Called "Scotch Corn" in Japanese - used for blocking out the area for road construction. Usually not that big... though, they are HUGE! Way taller than minivan's height (see?). WAO- And they are even sitting on the wooden pallets. Interesting...

That was picture of the day.

Let's have fun weekend!

12:01+1

Humidity was rather higher...

Sales meeting over lunch. And went to Baraki Office later afternoon... for a meeting (again). Busy day again? You bet you!

You know what? Only good stuff for a long time... I got email from Robyn... my darling sister in Columbia (not in S. Carolina but as country!) - and I realized that she was in US for 3 weeks as on her vacation! Geeeeee, she didn't tell me beforehand!!!

And in Baraki Office... "Dandy" Tsuyukubo was on vacation (like Sales Funabashi). Where in the world did he go? I didn't okay about his request to take day off's! Hehehe.

Ichiro (you know whom I am talking about! Of Seattle Mariner) did come to another great play of streak? Of course! His batting average is now above .330 - it would be amazing if he gets that title in this season.

Man, tomorrow is Friday... a weekend is around the corner... though, this weekend won't be easy one for me. I've got work to do! And I (probably) have to do video-editing. Which, I haven't done at all on computer. I will intend to use "iMovie2" - famous Apple application for video effects. Hope that won't be that tough.

Yesterday... in fact, I went out for drinks with Tajima from Narita... and I must be a little bit drunk... I sort dropped my (company) laptop onto the floor from the chair-level. Didn't realize how big deal it was... and I did freak myself out when remembering of it and rebooting the system!

Did it book up?! Yeah, it did. Man...

I should carry that laptop inside the bad... rather than without protection.

Right? Yep.

See you tomorrow!

22:58

Busy today. 1st appointment in the morning and that meeting was one for beginner... customer had never done this kind of (import) biz before. I had to educate this customer from A to Z... indeed. Tough biz to deal!

And... no time to rest for me. Went back to office right away and prepared to leave, again, for Narita. Had very important show-around for my big (biggest?) customer in Cargo Area of Narita International Airport.

Thank Goodness, wasn't that hot today. No much sweat.

While attending with this customer... another customer kept calling everything to look for me! She wanted me to submit quotes right away... and did it so for her... though, she wanted more and more afterwards... like flight details and transit time, etc. Man, such demanding. That's too much for me!

I guess, I don't like much about that business...

Anyway, the show-around went well and I said good-bye to that representative at the airport around 6pm. You know what? On the way back to Narita Office to finish all up... met coworkers from that office:

1st: Iwai (female) - Tak asked "Oh you go home without having dinner with me?" She passed.

2nd: Takahashi (ditto) - Tak questioned, "How come you didn't tell me what time going home?!" She replied as "Today ain't your day! See ya."

3rd: Suwa (definitely woman too) - Tak insisted, "I am alone... No one has ever taken care of me!" She made a comment as "Oh poor thing..."

Gee, look at this! I guess, I am NOT popular at all in Narita (as well as in Tokyo!). I shouldn't be nice to them at all from now on. I am really poor thing... tried 3 times and lost all.

I think that I am not that nice... or handsome. You knew that? Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

0:15+1

Mmmmmm, sooooooooo busy! Too much work to do! I have a (personal) policy that I don't work late... unfortunately, current situation isn't along with it. Worked up to 10pm tonight AGAIN.

Why? New biz? Hope so! Unlikely, situation isn't that easy for me. $5,000 receivable... not being paid by one of my clients... damage problem... what else... urgent rate request, etc.

Drove me nuts!

I really envy of coworker Funabashi - who is currently on vacation to Las Vegas... with her boyfriend!!!

Well, better say, though, the office was really quiet since the BIG MOUTH was gone. You know whom I am talking about! Hehe.

During the lunch time, some young lade made an approach to me... without hesitation! No wonder it was sales lady from Daiichi Life Insurance. She wanted me to apply one of policies she said very suitable to my case... exactly not much money left after paying all bills every month!

Her name was Funada and brand new sales lady... started this spring after college graduation.

She was very friendly and very knowledgeable. I bet she got well-trained. I should learn that younger fellow about newly approaching to stranger for new biz. Exactly what I do every darn day! Haha.

Tomorrow... my schedule is PRETTY FULL at this point. What shall I do? I cannot do work any harder! HELP ME!

23:43

Wasn't that hot today; though, I had to go out for a meeting with client in the morning. Of course, meeting wasn't that easy... submitted my apology for delay and poor performance. I know, that's not my fault. However, being salesperson in charge... that's practically all I could do then!

One thing from the past weekend... not mentioned yet:

"Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi"

Latest best Japanese animation you can ever find on the earth for now! This is the top box office movie for 3 weeks in a row... beating all other movies including ones from Hollywood like "Perl Harbor" or "Dr. Dolittle2" and others.

It was all about that girl in picture... Chihiro went into magical world by accident and her parents were swear and became pigs (behind her in picture). Chihiro made all efforts possible to serve and work hard in that world to be liked by owner witch --- old and MEAN lady. Though, she gets grown up throughout the experience and finally got a chance to go back to reality with parents.

Story was simple... though, picture was beautifully done and music was definitely great addition.

This was very heart-warming and happy-ending story. Great for kids, too!

I give an A+++ for this!

Sooner or later, I am sure that this movie will cross the ocean to US. Don't miss it out when coming... remember this picture so that you can recognize what movie I am talking about hereby!

Last... August 6th... is very historic day for Japanese nation. Why? Guess what? It was the day of Hiroshima (Atomic) Bombing. There was a big ceremony took place in Horoshima and the Prime Minister of Japan was attending. How many victims from the bombing? In total, up to today, there are more than 220,000 people died. And more out there suffering from it TODAY!

Amen.

I am not really concerning much about how the history was. People say, Americans dropped the bomb to us... oh well, we, Japanese, invaded other Asian nations too. It was all about W A R. No one's fault. It was crazy chaotic time that lose out control. Only I have great sympathy with those victimized. Really. Everyone was indeed innocent.

22:54

3rd and 4th... no update... intentionally.

Wasn't feeling like doing this over the weekend somehow. I guess, I was lazy.

Something new over this weekend? Nope, really. Though, ryox2, a friend of mine, and I went out to Daiba, Tokyo --- to see Nissan X-TRAIL Wake Board Championship. Well, I wasn't that interested in wakeboard at all; though ryox2 asked me to. Oh well.

Though, it was very fun --- fun to watch!

Was fast and lots of acrobatic moves. Man, that is dangerous, too.

Would I even try?! Negative.

That was Saturday and today... didn't do anything. Stay here home, except some shopping. Got another DVD movie, "Cat's Eye" and 1st title for my PlayStation2 - "Everybody's Golf 3". In fact, I played that demo Saturday and I really liked it. That's why I picked that up.

With whom should I play this for fun? Probably no one... I just need to play by myself. You want to play with me? Oh, come on!

This definitely will be my stuff for weekend's entertainment. How much was it? It was a bit less than $50- regular price in Japan is indeed higher than in US. Right?

I should have bought games for PlayStation2 much sooner... than this! I didn't realize how neat this stuff was.

Tomorrow... begins 2nd week of the month? Oh well... let's move on!

22:17

Sorry --- no update for today.

Too tired to do anything, but just going to bed NOW. Was hot outside and I should have drunk water... much much water... before getting dehydrated like this! Hahaha.

Dehydration? That's too much, I guess... let me say... "dried out." Oh, that's better.

No good news from any meeting for today. One of them... I was told that my pricing was highest of all in the bid! Gee, I misread the situation? Mmmmmm, I need more experience.

Do better tomorrow, oops, now it's today!

0:08+1

"What's wrong with you?!" - some readers' reaction (from last night's NIGHTMARE thing).

One of them... "You better tell me what you have in your mind... like something you worry too much." Am, in fact, very thankful.

Gee, this weekend's fun stuff is canceled? Oh my... I was planning to go to Shimizu for a party. Now it's postponed. Mmmmmm.

Had an internal meeting from 4pm thru 10pm... am very very tired. In fact, am BEAT!

New month... hot summer. Oh last month's over time... was 51.25 hours! Is that too much? Actually, a bit more than "usual." Do I get paid overtime? Oh please... if not, I had NEVER stayed working after hours!

Hahaha.

Am quite shocked about this weekend's plan. And tired, too. Let me go sleep. Zzzz.

Well, let's have some fun out there for the month!

23:49