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NO good news... but all bad ones around. How could I make this all turn around?!

Too disappointed to write much for today.

Hence, no update, folks.

I would decorate this web site a little more for Christmas... in order to make my feeling upward by a little.

You will have a great weekend!

21:17+1

Good evening, ladies! --- How come I presume that readers are all female?!

Am almost making up my mind about buying new gadget... Visor Edge - in order to replace current Visor Deluxe. What's wrong?! Nothing... practically there are many scratches on the screen due to heavy use for business. Then, I am sort bored with design. Want something new with SAME functionality. Definitely considered as luxury, don't you think? I know.

Paid about $300 in August last year... used quite lots! Still using. Still works fine.

What am I trying to do here?! persuade you to agree with me to move on to new gadget? Seems - trying to tell myself okay - from being procrastinated. Hahaha.

Better stop dinging!

I will... (mean, "I will buy") I should AWARD something to myself (for what?). That's it... that's the way to go.

Today's Tak - started in Yohga - to visit a client with some issue needed to be solved. Two sales people were in my help and three of us had a meeting together with that single client. Was that productive?! Not as much as we hoped it would be. Still okay, though.

Since tough meeting... one of my companions bought me lunch (cool, huh). Was Chinese.

At that time, I didn't know that I would have two more appointments afterwards. Plus, had a wrap-up meeting between. Oh boy, I was indeed busy!

No wonder I wanted to have some drink... and I did!

Well, the week is almost over... I should last just one more day. I try my best... to keep myself on track.

Dinner - not much drink. Just one.

23:30

After work... the train I was taking arrived at Urayasu Station-

Then, I got off... and started waking down stairs. Suddenly, someone from back side grabbed my arm (right one), then next thing was that I saw a young lady falling on stairs. Wow!

I couldn't hold her at all. That woman kept looking down... never looked up... so I couldn't tell how old that lady was... presuming (hoping?) young one. Anyway, I asked her if she was okay- She remained looking down and said, "Thanks, I am okay."

Man, I honestly got freaked out... because that woman did grab my arm all sudden.

I guess, I should have talked more to her?! At least checking her face out?! Hahaha.

Interesting enough... for recent events... like this or the other day's some Asian lady asked me for direction in English at Daimon Station. I somehow got some contacts to strangers like that. Must be something? Who knows?

Palm Computing Japan declared to held a campaign from December until February - with great discount on its products line. Bottom-line product m100 - usually sold at $150... gets down to $50! Better get one!

Me? Still thinking to buy Visor Edge... at $200, though. (RED one, I think)

Business issue? Let's NOT.

23:14

A scene from work...

At evening... the time for Tak to leave for home... was about 8pm.

Coworker Kono (female) went in the same elevator to get out of the office. While in the box of elevator... Tak tries to kiss her... Just kidding. Nope, that's no happening.

Anyhow, she tries to wear her coat, just getting ready to hit coldness outside. Upon that, Tak offered to hold her bag so that she could wear her cloth easily... within such small area.

"Oh, Tak - you're Gaijin."

Word - Gaijin - I should look it up for you... oh translated as "foreigner" - more like "outsider," though.

So Kono referred me as someone NOT close to her... so I was so far-fetched from trying to kiss her... HAHAHA. I was WAY OFF.

Anyway - my attitude was out of line?! Not exactly - though, all (usual) Japanese males DO NOT even intend to help some female next to themselves... that's why my action seemed so different. Therefore, she had to say that I were Gaijin. Hmmmm.

Two appointments for today. First one was annoying... I had to do something very much extra. Oh boy... I hope I can get that customer return (some profit). Surely hope so.

Lunch - chicken dish

Dinner - pork dish

Yeah, definitely I am avoiding all BEEF --- since Mad Cow Disease was more and more popular day by day. Wait! I have been intending NOT to eat beef much even before the event!!! Why? I just need to watch my diet and weight!!!

Yeah I was very fat before... and am sort fat now. I should lose MORE WEIGHT!

23:33

Maybe you don't want to work too hard --- specially after Thanksgiving... the time toward Christmas.

In Japan?! Well, Christmas isn't big deal... compared to New Year's. Though, December is sort rushing month... easy to pass by.

Busy Monday - 3 appointments. NO good news. Just being busy --- and there were some other stuff to take care of after coming back to office. Mmmm, LEAVE ME ALONE!

Left 8pm for home... and now ready for bed (9:26pm).

Tom (friend of mine) went up to CHATEAU ELAN, just outside Atlanta... for dinner and golf?! Wow... that must be really nice. That place is known as golf and winery resort. Must be expensive, too. Wasn't it?!

Playing golf... I definitely miss. I didn't even have single swing this year. I probably won't have it at all.

I try to go to bed before 10:30pm... oh I cannot forget of translation homework... that is in Portuguese and I have to deal with it for Japanese translation. Oh boy!

Tomorrow... no particular appointments yet. Though, I feel like my day will be easily packed up... am sure.

I should chat with Mom in NC again. She was happy to hear from me that my trip to US over this Christmas was just NOT canceled... but postponed. Am sure some other friends will miss me... too! (surely hope so)

Good night.

21:31

Now everything is over... the long weekend. Weather was perfectly fine - to do anything outside. Tak spent his time and day entirely inside. What was he thinking?!

Well, to be honest with you, I was just bored. Better say, relaxing. Probably this weekend should be acknowledged as I spent least amount of time on computer. Am sure that was healthy!

I finally got out of bed around 1pm... actually was up from 10am or so... just listening to the radio, etc.

No intention to go to movie... like 3 days in a row. Couldn't afford it. Should save some money.

Sticking with TV afterwards... mostly watching sports broadcasting. Started with Japan Cup (horse racing), then baseball game (by old players), and then golf - The Casio World Golf Tournament.

I should get some exercise!!! Really... before getting unhealthy... (maybe already so).

Most definitely I have been out of shape... lack of exercise!!! (and getting fat) Maybe I should start doing something from NEXT weekend. Hahaha, not this weekend.

Oh want to go to bed early... tonight... just for this FULL week... that will make me feel LONG WAY to go. Mmmm. No Christmas shopping started yet.

21:31

Friend ryox2 went out with me for a movie... to Shinjuku.

What she has chosen for ourselves... was "Swordfish." Yep, John Travolta movie.

No expectation and didn't know any of that story - I hadn't even seen preview before... at all.

Very interesting story... tough to catch up... to see if that's "misdirection" or "true." Almost all were a big lie... you should see if you like action movie... won't disappoint much.

Travolta is always cool... in any movie. This kind of story - like drop-out character or similar roll really shines his character.

http://www.operationswordfish.com/

Plus, you don't want to miss lots of beauties in the movie... not only of Halle Berry (her topless!) - but MORE!!! Didn't know she was in Miss US pageant. No wonder...

So "usual" Tak's rating... I can give B+ to this movie. I probably need to see that movie once again to clear up all doubts - am not too sure of many parts of the story... questioning "how come?"

So 2 movies on this weekend... already. Pretty darn good. Tomorrow? Least likely - since no plan.

Poster in some department store... said, "Men dwell upon lower body."

So it tries to sell more pants... though,

Tak's question... (& translation?) so still SIZE DOES MATTER? Hahaha, I am bad.

23:52

3 day weekend to begin.

"Sweet November" the movie (Keanu Reeves & Charlize Theron) wasn't that sweet for me. Just sad. Give "C-" to it.

Wow, Charlize seemed my type. Hahaha.

http://www.sweetnovember.net

Wow, original movie was out in 1968, huh...

Today - Labor Thanksgiving Day - that's what the dictionary I looked up said. I guess, it's right. So that means I don't have to work?! Presuming so. At the end?! retrieved all emails onto laptop and started responding. What in the world am I thinking?!

Rented "Star Wars Trilogy - Special Edition," yep, 3 of them. I can kill most of time on this weekend - gluing myself to the TV screen!!!

So how was turkey dish and desserts?!

Wow, I need to go on Christmas shopping... like you!

1:43+1

Happy Thanksgiving!

Festivities to begin!

Eat turkey!

Have an extra bite... for me!

1:23+2

Maybe Thanksgiving Day is really there for you; even though there is NO rich foods for "moi" since I am in Japan "this year." --- Though for me, pay day is also coming up. Usually 25th of every month... this month, it's Sunday. So should move up to Friday - that is 23rd. Though, November 23rd is national holiday for "Labor Thanksgiving Day."

Hence... true pay day is indeed 22nd! That's tomorrow!!!

Then how come we didn't get a notice paper (showing all details of payment). Boss Ito just forgot?!

I have been suffering from stiff neck... really dull pain I've got. Need to call my masseur! (who?)

That's okay - this weekend is long one, like I said. I will be MOST relaxed.

Hey, My MacOS X works funny - a little... not annoying at all... though, I mind this malfunction! Mmmm.

Lunch; two rice balls with hot tea - was free foods given by coworker Funabashi.

Dinner; Chinese! Wow, I spent almost 30 bucks. I should have been procrastinated! I was wrong and now am poor (poorer, to be exact).

Well, one (more) day to go!!!

23:34

Yep, eCards for Thanksgiving out (to friends, of course).

Wow, didn't know friend ChanKen is going to US for this week... to Boston, exactly?! For what purpose?! Just traveling?! And he has to spend Thanksgiving Day in US as tourist?! Wait! As far as I know, not many restaurants would be open - nor museums, etc. Even shopping malls close doors, also - right?!

What is he thinking?! In fact, he just didn't know.

While working in the US - in the past, I heard so many different Japanese people, usually working in US, went on some trips over Thanksgiving vacation - ended up no foods or no shops to get anything. And ChanKen will be becoming another victim?! Most likely.

Seems like lots of changes in position in my company - I might be one of them?! To which department?! Really? Who knows?!

Kazu - my ex boss and whom I worked with for more than 3 years up to last year - came to the office to see me. First time to see him in a year... and we both were delighted to see each other... just not as boss-peon kind relationship. More like friends or similar.

Too bad that we just had 30 minutes or so for a talk. He got more gray hair!!! (That's first I noticed)

Hahaha-

22:45

Shortly after this... Thanksgiving is just around the corner, folks!

Me? Still in Japan - missing American Thanksgiving two years in a row! What am I thinking?! I should take some vacation to be there?! Oh, I just postponed one. Hahaha.

Cannot wait for a release of MacOS X compatible Adobe GoLive 6! Should be released in January?!

Monday - good start?! Not that bad. To be honest with ya, got better a little - and getting better little by little. Hope I will be okay.

My ex-boss Kazu is now back in Japan - on business trip. Did talk to him over the phone and confirmed that he would be up to my office and I will have a biz meeting with him on some project that I just end up working with him (again).

Oh, that project - doesn't bring myself back to US, though.

Listening brand new album... the best one - of Diana Ross. Wow, lots of songs that I am so used to listen... were sung by her - didn't know.

Today - pro baseball's draft pick. Best pick of the year was drawn by Daiei Hawks - reserved a right to contract with #1 high school pitcher Terahara of Nichinan Gakuen High. He made a throw at 150km/h ... equivalent to 94mph!

I wish my Dragons would have got that chance... Mmmmm.

Oh I should get busier about sending eCards to friends for Thanksgiving.

22:48

Hello- Was great sunny day, wasn't it?!

Tak checked Sofmap in Yurakucho - to see any Apple iPod left or not... TOO LATE. All were sold out. I asked some shop personnel nearby of next due date on iPod - no scheduled date. Oh boy.

Am I going to buy that $399 expensive music gadget?! I want to. I am STILL thinking.

Plus, I checked of "Cat's Eye" DVD #4 - was STILL out of stock. Why?! I can always find 1 thru 3 or 5 to 9 of the series... never #4 around!!! If you see that DVD (Disc #4) around, please buy and bring it to ME!

Friend Kitty emailed me and let me know of her new email address. How nice to hear from her!

New guy in my ICQ list?! Fred from Canada - who used to live and work in Ogaki. He reminded me of some past communication between ourselves. Yeah, I sort remember. Anyhow, now here is a new friend to the list.

Wait, weekend is over, isn't it?! Gee, who told so? (hahaha - just kidding)

0:10+1

Finally I heard from my darling sister Robyn. Thought that it would be good to hear from her about planning to see her around Christmas - in taking advantage of my vacation.

I guess, that plan is not going to be set at all... for some reason caused from the fact that Robyn brought up to me in the email message.

Am not going to disclose everything here yet... though, the matter really upset me MOST. Really.

And hereby thinking that it wouldn't be good idea to travel to US in December, at least. So I will finalize my decision not to take vacation this time... just postponed.

If you are one of those who thought to see me then... sorry. Just not this time. Though, must be sometime next year... hope early next year.

Business doesn't go well at all... and personal life doesn't contain anything good either. What shall I do!?

For today's Tak - simple and nothing-to-do Saturday. Stayed home. Watched TV, especially World Cup Golf - Tiger Woods and David Duval playing. Also faced two laptops... to work on work's email and some other stuff.

I have been quite upset with news from Robyn. That's all I could say.

Did you get troubled in the crowd - evacuation from Atlanta Airport?! Friend Tom was one of victims and ended up canceling her trip?! Sorry to hear that!!!

22:26

Bad story still continued... and seemed lasting a little bit longer... toward next week.

New gadget... not for myself.

in the building - my company stays in 2nd, 4th, and 5th floors.

Every entrance... newly equipped that device in the photo... yep, new security measurement. NO credit card type ID card required. Just finger print of your own.

My question for the company - what kind of corporate secret are we dealing with?! Is it like national security level!? Against terrorist or bin Laden in Afghanistan?! Hahaha.

NO good news for today. Period.

22:14+1

"MS" --- everyone knows that it stands for "Microsoft." No surprise.

And... good news in US market?! Called "X Box." Did you get one yet?! Don't you think that this must be a perfect Christmas gifts for your kids or loved ones (even 20-some years old or older!)?!

Or maybe you stick with tight budget and already own GameCube (by Nintendo) or Play Station 2 (of Sony).

For Japan market... the availability of this new gadget to household is due 2/22/02.

Rolling over from yesterday - no good news... in fact, all around myself are nothing but concerns.

Yesterday's figure was more or less 5,000,000 yen - about 50,000 dollars. That was my PROBLEM of yesterday. That really did increase so instantly up to 17,000,000 yen - 170,000 dollars... the figure is past due by single client of MINE! Wow!

No kidding.

Tomorrow, I have to start up a day with that issue just mentioned.

Not only about that figure problem for today - I cannot tolerate about service failure and I might have to give up on Hong Kong business. No choice, seemed to me. How many times I had to call up to Hong Kong for complaints?! Still not enough.

Gee, crappy service!

Let's clear all up toward good weekend!

22:47

Still no heat on - in my apartment (due to such tight budget).

I wear many clothes to prevent all coldness getting to me. Hahaha, I look like Snow Man? No quite YET.

Good news to our office - Emi Takahashi who have been sick-left CAME BACK to work with us today! She seemed fine and energetic... definitely ready to work SO HARD... aren't you, Emi? Hahaha.

Anyway, we all are so happy to have you back! You've been missed!

Good for her... returning from sick leave... still have a desk and position. I doubt of myself if same case to apply--- wow, that's scary!

Today, except that, wasn't that great for me... Many customers came to me with PROBLEMS. No happy news. Submitted two quotes in meetings... none of them made IT IT.

Too many troubles. Man!

Robyn or "Mom" Janice hasn't written me back about scheduling my vacation. Where are you out there?! Lots of people - are still waiting on my final confirmation about dates to come to US! Is that true?!

Upgraded OS X to 10.1.1. Wow, very quick, huh. Just released from Apple and I have upgraded it already?! Yep. Quick move, man! What is new on this one?! Don't know. Just merely upgraded. No external hard drive via PC card got recognized. Mmmm, when in the hell does Mac OS X recognize the mass storage via PC card slot?! That's first I want!!!

Tonight, still looking at two laptops at the same time... One - PowerBook G3 and the other - NEC (company's) laptop. Still unhealthy condition to last...

23:43

Came home quite early - earlier than usual. Without laptop for work tonight.

I don't feel well. Much. So things to do are still out there (on my desk) being piled up HIGH... though, I leave all of them behind and came home.

Started off in Baraki Office... to attend with clients visiting the office to learn about air cargo terminal there. It was about lunch time when it was all over. Then went to Tokyo Office thereafter. Man, that was about it for today. Oh, of course - I did prepare 2 quotes to submit on tomorrow meetings.

Yep, tomorrow will be tough one... have 2 appointments... and I will make a service offer on each one. One of them - is currently my target... very close to secure the biz. At lease I presume so.

To prepare all for that (tomorrow) should go to bed and rest... well.

PowerBook G3 is running MacOS X 10.1 - running so wonderfully.

Old one - PowerBook 2400c, I tried to upgrade the system from 8.6 to 9.1 - miserably failed. Oh boy. I need to reinstall all old system again. I should have copied entire system for backup. Mmmm.

Yesterday - forgot to mention - there was a face-to-face interview with boss Ito for Winter Bonus - somehow I reconfirmed that I would stay as full-time status. Thank God! How much do I get for that bonus?! Oh well, not much. Don't expect me to buy you dinner or lunch!

20:14

Brrr --- chilly! Suddenly December (-like climate)?!

Confession to make... I had a bowl of Ramen noodle once again! I know, I shouldn't have.

A little kinky "allurement" toward black side of my life. I couldn't resist.

Why?! Since I changed the route - up to work. Effective as of today, I no longer go thru Otemachi Station. Until today, I always took like Tozai Line - Mita Line from Urayasu to Onarimon.

From today, Tozai Line to Oedo Line (a brand new one) between Urayasu and Daimon. Better? Shorter in transit time?! I couldn't tell much. At least, there is some shopping complex from Daimon Station to the office. To the contrary, nothing from Onarimon - just one block away, though.

From this new change, I can take advantage of less-crowded train cars and have better chance to sit down... for rest in the tough time of every morning. I will see how I like it. If did, would continue so... if not, change it back to used to be.

Planning on Christmas. Seems tough to deal with. I cannot tolerate about I am on Japanese calendar... not the one in US. Oops.

Did write Mom in North Carolina and Robyn to see their schedule in December. Hope I can work something out with them so that we could spend time together at least for a while. Miss them so much... always think of them as part of my life. As much as toward my true family.

By the way, whey they would see and reply my message?! That's another question...

0:03+1

Got a call from friend Ryox2 - that was the start of the day... Wasn't that lazy - though, I do admit that I slept in. Nothing wrong with that... right?! I think so.

She wanted me to go, with her, to a special sales by department store called Marui. Nope, couldn't afford any penny out of my pocket... no way to taking advantage of PLASTICS, either!

Plastic... you know what I mean. "Tarjeta de Credito."

Besides laundry, didn't do anything.

Guess, was just nothing buy lazy. Man, that's not what I started off for this update. Mmmmm.

23:40

Since nothing planned... good buddy of mine Amy and I went out to have some fun! She had a open Saturday since her boyfriend had to work... and I was bored. So we went to Ikebukuro.

First went to Sunshine City Price Hotel - one of the restaurants in the hotel has special dining plan... which we decided to take advantage of - called "Dessert Buffet."

Yep, that's All-You-Can-Eat style. Lots of different kinds of cakes and sweets... with some light meals like sandwiches, etc. Drinks are all included also. Price?! About $16 per adult. Not bad, huh!

Wow! FAAAAAAAAAAAT!

Yeah, no hesitation about gaining some weight! Hahaha. Amy and I kept talking and eating. This Buffet was from 2:30pm thru 4:30pm. We went there just on time and stayed until the closing. Hahah, we really did take FULL advantage of the Buffet.

Talking about favorite ladies from Motor Show (yep, Amy is one of frequent readers; see yesterday's update) - Amy was also right about my favorite... She thought that I would come to pick #2 picture (see below)-

Man, people (mostly my female friends) know what type of girls I like?! That's scary.

If two normal people got together for a normal date... after desserts or cups of coffee, would go to a movie... or something.

Then we did go to batting gauge. Oops, you now can tell that there was NO such mood like ordinary date! Hahaha.

In fact, I couldn't feel like doing anything... since I was so full... with SUGAR! I should check my calories... for today. I should be watching out about getting became diabetic?!

Found some new place... probably best place to shop new pair of glasses! Do I want one pair (AGAIN)? Most definitely! Called "VOIR" a French word "look."

Mmmmm...

16:45+1

TGIF!!!

Wow, reporting that... friend in Atlanta - Tim has a new girlfriend for a few month already!? Gee, and I am STILL alone.

Anyway, great for Tim!!!

Speaking of which... today I should raise an issue about my favorite (gals) from recent photos on Motor Show. Interesting enough, I've got a response from sister Robyn - talking about who would be my pick.

Okay - here they are:

one on the right...

her...

and

her (at my client's booth)

You know what? Robyn has picked 1st photo with comment:

"I would say either one of these girls is great.  My actual pick out of the 32 since I should choose just one is he one on the right."

Wooooo, she's DAMN RIGHT! No wonder she's been my sister (figure) for a such long time!

More than a few people... told me that I looked pale yesterday and today. Lack of sleep and hard working... that is killing for the moment. I should rest. And I will for this weekend. Thank God it's now in the weekend.

My eating cycle:

Wednesday: Ramen noodle

Thursday: Pork Dumplings and Hot Bean Curd over Rice

Friday: Ramen noodle

NOT really great idea to keep eating Ramen noodle that often. I should control more about my diet rather than budget. Don't you think? I will.

23:42

Since 5:30am, yeah I mean "AM" - I have been working. Lack of sleep!

Today, I do want to make this (update) short. As soon as getting in the office this morning, say 11am, I saw the memo from new client. Then, I called and I found a bad news.

Client, Mr. Inoue, passed away yesterday-

He was introduced to me via another client. And I had meetings with him THREE TIMES. In fact, I saw him twice last week. Then this?! "Good people always to go first?!" Life isn't fair, huh.

I feel "great loss." He was, as far as I felt so from talk with him, sincere and very gentle.

I would like to express, from the bottom of my heart, that I am terribly sorry.

Silence-

(I promise that I will write more tomorrow.)

0:15+1

Hi, folks. Did you enjoy looking at nice ladies on here?! Did you wish you were in the Makuhari Messe?!

Lots of readers send me their appreciation in sharing such PLEASURE! Hahaha.

Though, some FEMALE readers warned me that I wasn't quite fair... should have shot some male models, also. That --- I didn't realize.

Very quite day for Tak... didn't go outside at all. Day with NO appointments --- first time for a long time, as far as I try to recall. Must be meant to. Was I productive to catch up with all domestic work?! I would say, MOSTLY.

Tak's electricity bill for October... just $18. Very little, huh! Because no refrigerators.

Apple iPod's due was announced postponed until 17th. Have you made a reservation?! I still don't find anyone has been reserving one. Nearly 500 bucks... it isn't easy (to buy one).

Soccer - top-class team Italy faced Japan this evening. When coming home (earlier than usual since I brought stuff home to work on), the game was still on. Shortly after a while, the game was closed and I found that the game was TIED! 1-1 between all Japan and all Italy. That's wonderful for Japan since being ranked 24th or 25th in the world. Italy - of course, within 3rd or 4th.

This was a big deal.

So Wednesday is done. 2 more days to go! I've got to go out for a while tomorrow... and I need to work on Friday schedule. Maybe I can take up to 3 appointments to pack the day up.

McDonald's Japan suffers in the current quarter in sales?! According to Asahi Newspaper, that biggest fast food restaurant chain suffered in October sales... like 17% down due to scandal with Mad Cow Disease. Wait! I still helped it a lot... as far as I remember, I at least went to that restaurant more than twice. Like for lunch.

Have you downloaded new iTune (version 2.01) yet?! I have. Though, I don't have many music CDs. Mmmm.

About time to close here... and to open the other laptop to check Fritz email. Furthermore, I may have to call Los Angeles to see some urgent issues. Oh boy, later tonight I would be busier.

That means, I don't get a good night sleep?! Maybe not. In fact, I don't sleep well this week so far.

22:22

No more complaints from male readers in Ogaki-jin!!! Went to "Tokyo Motor Show 2001." And took fully advantage of my Fuji Film digital camera as like these... am sure that you would thank you... giving me no complaints like "Want to see more photos!" - at least for today's update.

All gift stuff SOLD OUT!!!

Need to guess which one is most favorite of MINE!!! Robyn might guess right... for me. Otherwise, you might have tough time to find one!

You want originals?! Please let me know! Hahaha! Am sure Boss Ito will appreciate these MOST...

And my favorite... is here!

Yeah, am talking about car, moron! That's why I went to see CARS. Got it?!

23:27

Spent way more than I expected. Am talking about time, NOT money - boy! Hahaha. Went out of office around 10 (minutes) after 10 in the morning and I eventually came back in around 6pm. Gee, what have I done?!

1st meeting... was quiet most of the time - since with Boss Takashima.

2nd meeting... I mostly explained things in depth.

3rd meeting... enjoyed walking around in the show room in the building I visited.

And having spare time (what kind?) - did buy a used hard drive for back-up use. It was 2GB Apple (IBM's OEM) hard drive. How much?! It was 3,000 yen ($30).

Since I was out... mostly (chilly outside today!) - didn't read news or anything. Have nothing to write here... Any news for you out there?!

Tomorrow - Tokyo Motor Show!

Other than that, I feel much pain in work... catching up with all hard stuff to go over. Oh boy, am now complaining. Anything makes me happy?! Cannot find any yet. Just yet - I hope.

Gee, I cannot stand the lack of battery power on company's Versa Pro (laptop by NEC) - now it only stays operable for 20 minutes or so with its internal battery. That's definitely not good enough at all. Today, I used it for a little while after 1st meeting... then, I couldn't take advantage of the laptop much afterwards... since no batter power left and no AC outlet around while being outside. "Usual" McDonald's in Shinjuku, where I can get to AC outlet, was crowded and I avoided to go in. So out of reach to the power!!!

So I had to survive without access to Internet or even company's email. That is really distraction!

Yep, did order newer and larger battery. When to expect?! That's something I should find out first thing in the morning tomorrow.

23:11

Easy resting day for Tak... at least.

"Tacos Arabes"

Those were my dinner with friend Eto living nearby. It was so great. My favorite stuff from Mexico.

Oh, for lunch... did go to a new place for Ramen noodle. Called "Yo! Teko." Kyoto noodle style. Was pretty good... I can add that restaurant to my favorite Ramen place list.

21:52

Today's agenda for my Mexican friends were... from Edo Tokyo Museum... and Asakusa... unfortunately, it was rainy weather out there... though, seemed they had fun with me... which was most important.

Here's photos of their time in Japan...

(left) Makiko and Juan ----- (right) Cirilo trying to eat "Tendon"

Mexican friends in Asakusa for shopping...

Kotani - Spanish Interpreter, Juan, Yasuko, Cirilo, and Israel in Museum

I should thank all my friends for their time to spend with those folks. Especially, Yasuko Funabashi and Toru Abe. They came out to spend time like one day or so for them... and me!

Funny thing... in the Edo Museum. There were mote than a few people, as like interpreters, for more than several different languages. I was informed that there was one in Spanish. So we asked for that volunteer. Then, Mr. Kotani (in the above photo) showed up and spent like one hour or so for us. Funny part... he came up and he told me,

"Sir, I am not good at Spanish much... seems like you can do better, so please translate!"

Oh boy... Then I had to talk so much in Spanish! Gee, I really thought that I got out from intensive Spanish conversation practice for a while. I was "equivocado." (i.e. mistaken)

It was great time even for myself. Wish I could visit Mexico to see friends up there sometimes.

21:44+1

Worked up to a little after 11pm. Wow!

There was a celebration party on Kuboki and Arahata's recent promotion. Unfortunately, I couldn't join them on that dinner... since I was booked up for all tasks having been unsolved. Neither I joined Israel and his coworkers for anything today.

My visitors from far Mexico... went to Nikko for sightseeing. Good for them! I haven't even been to there.

Finally after work... went up to Hotel East 21 --- to catch up with Kuboki drinking there in the bar on 21st floor. Yes, I needed to drink. Desperately.

3 appointments today... and some good news!

I will spend entire day tomorrow with Israel and his mates tomorrow... to shop and to have some fun!

Wait! They went out to Ginza - night place of Tokyo... on their own. Are they safe?! Hope they had good time with certain safety.

9:45+1

How was your Halloween?! Do I miss that event badly?! You know.

Visitors from Mexico... Israel, Juan, and Cirilo had as much fun as possible for tonight with my friends... Iimura, Funabashi, Abe, Yako, Kuji, and myself.

That was it for today.

9:38+2