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THANK YOU!

Well, I better thank you for all about this year - 2001! All of your supports, loves, friendships, etc. Without those, I cannot be here as I am.

Wow, definitely it was a big boost for this web site. In a single year, Total access to the domain I own, www.ogaki.net, was MORE THAN 25,000 hits! This fact makes me really feel something to be on Internet, opening up lots of INTERNAL and PERSONAL information that you read everyday.

And I promise that next year and on, this will be ever-lasting... as far as situation allows myself.

Thank you and you will have a great New Year's Eve!!!

17:30

Very relaxing... being home is always great... I would say, mostly.

This year is about to be end... and I should summarize of what happened this year for myself. This year was basically first time for a such long time that I spent a whole year in Japan. Prior year, 2000, was between US and Japan -

I don't want to admit... but as truth, this year was definitely worst one in my life. Lots of losses - from value, friend/family, processions, etc. I am therefore so certain that my life will be upward from 2002 and on. My family was surviving all year and they will come upward as well, I hope.

Better review of all BUYS I made:

More than 20 DVDs purchased. Best one - "Ally McBeal" whole set of 1st and 2nd season. Those cheer me up.

Digital camera FujiFilm FinePix 4700Z - pretty good buy, I wish, it were a little bit smaller.

What else...

Oh Visor Edge - final purchase of year! - definitely great buy. This really makes my life away easier than ever.

This year's regrets:

No new glasses bought, No iPod, NO LOVE!!! That must be the most important one for my life. Hahaha.

Another regret... that I didn't go back to US!? Hehehe.

16:50+1

Colder thank Tokyo - that's for sure.

Busy day seeing friends... in the morning... met Miwa (female) to have lunch. Then, went up to Gifu - about 20km away from Ogaki to have some exam on myself. My health wasn't that in good shape as I really believed. I got some medication and I should take from today on.

Wow.

I guess, stress on job has been killing me... and came to find some problem... physically. I should have checked out with doctor long time ago. Anyway better than nothing or too late.

And finally - ChanKen - friend in Ogaki - he took me out... even after I ate dinner with my parents! Definitely, he is on plan to make me even fatter?! Hahaha - surely not. We just wanted to spend time for a talk!

Taking photos of foods?! Tak does only on gals!

Then, he eats sweets like that?!

Mmmmmm, he must not be that sweat --- oh no, sweet?! Who knows!

Still near Ogaki - we have this! Just like Tokyo!!!

Funny thing... there was no one for a ride there. Man, I should have climbed up there for one. With male companion?! Probably, to be precisely, better not.

It was in Riverside Mall.

Thanks, ChanKen - it was great fun! And nice talk with ya. Hopefully, I can see him one more time before leaving Ogaki on these holidays.

Well, better get to rest.

0:22+1

On holiday #2 - still and already lazy... so much.

Woke up late... then ate breakfast - this is definitely advantage in being home... I get fed AUTOMATICALLY. I know, being spoiled much... as far as I stay being my mother's favorite baby.

Hahaha.

After breakfast, still worked... sticking to company laptop. Man, my response was pretty good, huh?!

In the afternoon, got a chance to drive a car around. A little. Man, it was first time for what?! --- since October?! Nope, must be sometime in July!

Safe drive?! Yeah, I don't speed (MUCH).

Otherwise for today, I watched TV, talked to my parents, read newspaper, and what else.

Oh got a chance to see friend ChanKen briefly. Maybe we can go out for some drinks later?! Hope so.

Sorry, no pictures today.

No report from Kuboki about Year-End Party held last night. I should remind him of it?! Perhaps.

Tomorrow - lunch with friend from highschool. Then, Mom and I will go out - probably to Gifu.

Good night. I still intend to sleep as much. Yeah, just like a baby.

22:50

1st day of holidays!

Since Tak is on holiday mode, the update of this fun site will be often delayed. Please note!

Oh please... you can give me some more time to drink or eat - in order to feel more holidays on myself! Hahaha.

First time for such a long time... I rode "Shinkansen" super-fast bullet train of Japan... from Tokyo to Gifu-Hashima, nearest station from Ogaki.

Hikari #159 departing at 2:37pm

Price?! 2 hour trip with assigned seat, JPY10,990.- about $100!

seats, interior, and tea?!

That tea was pretty good! Own brand of railroad company called "Japan Railways (JR)?!"

-"Gifu Hashima" station-

Toooooo bad - that I have missed a Company Party - "Year-End Party" tonight. Since I took off on 2 last working days of the year. Though, I did ask Kuboki to take some pictures from the party... so that I can put them up here to show ya'll. Hope he will.

And came home.

Definitely happy to see my mother... who has been sick and still sort of. And am NEVER ashamed to admit of myself being such Mother's Baby... I am always so.

I haven't determined when to go back up to Tokyo after these holidays... probably I will join my brother, coming back to Ogaki on New Year's Eve, to be back in town... maybe on 4th of January?!

Well, that's my vacation! I will be lazy and stay away from all DVD's and Internet. Just like you on vacation.

15:19+1

Boxing Day -

No many emails from US or other regions of the world... so the job was supposed to be light for the day. And it was LAST WORKING DAY of the year for Tak! Wow! Who knew this, huh?!

Clean desk - Tak's.

Ready for holidays?! Yeah, Christmas ain't much celebration here... but NEW YEAR's!!!

And tomorrow afternoon, hitting back to Ogaki... oh I have to clean up my apartment room before departure. Oh boy, that's tough to deal with.

Yoshio Iimura (male) is quitting?! He has been great friend of mine... not just merely coworker of mine. His leaving is at the end of January... that was surely a big surprise.

And who else?! Maybe more surprises coming up?!

Will write you from Ogaki tomorrow night and thereafter.

What shall I buy for Mom as souvenir?

Better not forget to mention... when I was cleaning my desk... it was about 9pm - after work done - Big Boss Takashima just dropped by and unloaded one phrase,

"Tak, are you (too) quitting?!" --- oh he wished! Hahaha, he must have been kidding. Am sure was.

Or maybe... lots of people love to get rid of me?!

Then maybe... after this long holiday, my desk wouldn't be in place?!

Will find it out. Later.

9:22+1

Hohoho - true Christmas!

Just wanted to share my Christmas spirit... with colleagues. Then,

Cakes!

I bought them... on the way back to office in late afternoon... just for all female workers in the department.

There was a good saying to give Tak a compliment... as "Wow, it was best day of the year!" and

otherwise, "What's wrong with you, Tak! Wrong medication?!"

or "Oh, I realized that your good side (of personality?!) came up, huh!"

or "Mmmm, I should be nice to you just for today... because of free cake."

I should have shut up about all. I now know that I haven't been considered a nice person among those ladies. Oh boy.

Am shocked. They must LOVE to pick on me... same like the other side of globe?!?!

Dr. Carlson of Virginia Wesleyan College... my Political Science Professor... the toughest one in my college years... passed away on 12/24. He was way too serious and tough on every single student around. Though, I liked him very much... Amen.

Maybe I might have his picture somewhere around.

23:52

Happy Christmas Eve!!! It is a little bid cold at night, but was fine winter day today.

Today was holiday carried over from yesterday - the national holiday of Japan on Emperor's birthday. And more importantly, was and still is Christmas Eve!!!

Let's review "typical" Christmas Eve for youngsters in Japan:

<Usual case>

Early afternoon: meet your girlfriend/boyfriend

Thru afternoon: outing, shopping, even movies (romantic ones, better!)

Around 6 or 7pm: at FANCY (expensive) restaurant for dinner

After that: move on to hotel (fancy ones called "Love Hotels") to make love and spend night together

<Tak's case>

Early afternoon: finally out of futon bed and ramen noodle for lunch

Thru afternoon: staying home, watching TV, no eating junk foods, though!

Around 6 or 7pm: dinner bought at nearby McDonald's ("Happy Meal")

After that: updating personal web page and go to bed, no sex

In fact, sex hasn't been part of my life for a long long time... like I don't remember when it was part of my life. Oh boy.

Anyway, funny enough?! Sure hope so. And let me close here by saying this:

=== MERRY CHRISTMAS! ===

22:17

Noting I was doing all day long --- besides sleeping in and laundry.

Oh yeah, did watching TV and Arima Memorial Horse Race - final race of Grade 1 Level horse racing in the year. Oh of course, I wasn't betting. I don't gamble (much).

Around 5:30pm... about the time finishing up laundry, my cellular phone rang. The caller ID showed a number that wasn't recognizable for me. Answered the phone... was Arata Yamamoto, colleague and the winner of 44,444th hit prize the other day (remember?).

Ended up at a party... just three of us, Tajima, Yamamoto, and myself... all work together.

L-R >> Yamamoto and Tajima

L-R >> Yamamoto and Tak

What we talked about... work, money, gals (no doubt), this Internet thing, what else...

Common for those guys... none of them have planned anything on Christmas Eve and Day. Why?! No girlfriends --- period. Hahaha... supposed to be funny... actually not.

Tomorrow, one extra day off right before the end of year AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, it is Christmas Eve!!!

No cake, no dinning-out, nothing, though.

12:38+1

Home alone. Best way to save your money! Best way to feel LONELY.

Slept in. Really did so. Ramen noodle was only food for me today. Oh plus, some doughnuts.

Found something new to drink (NOT alcohol) -

The one in the middle - Itoen's "So Ko Tea" with 8 kinds of herbs blended

Teste like a medicine... Will never try that again! Good medicine testes bad, huh!

Received a Christmas Card from friend Kack in Atlanta! Thanks, young lady!!!

My PowerBook G3 upgraded to "MacOS X 10.1.2."

23:00

As mentioned before... this (coming) weekend is long one up to Monday ---

Today was tough day for me... since I wanted to clear as much as can before leaving the office. Man, I didn't do that much since I brought laptop home. You know what I mean.

a pair of gold/silver candle

They were given by a single customer of mine. Told me to wish me great Christmas! Wow, that was sweet. Though, I have no idea if using them or not... since my Christmas, this year again, won't be that significant... I will be spending home alone.

Saturday, 22nd : no plan

Sunday, 23rd : still no plan

Monday, 24th : even Christmas Eve - nothing scheduled

Mmmmmmm.

22:51+1

That's all I need to show for today.

It is yes... Mr. Toru Abe - having such great fun.

Was that really for customer? Or just rather for himself?!

I have to ask that question to myself... yet no right answer.

0:25+1

One word can make a whole world so different!

I truly learned that from my OWN experience. That isn't healthy... especially about losing such trust from someone close or you like, etc.

Today, I did so. And now I am found... all "roller coaster" thing began with a single phone call and solved with another call. Though, the time between them is actually up to more than a half day.

My feeling had been suffered.

I don't want to fail any part of biz. I know, I cannot be Mr. Perfect - though, I want to be. Then, failure... total failure was merged with reality. Sad. And upset some coworker who, I thought, was in great trust with quality of my work (up to that time).

Good experience. Almost big loss. I care.

Feel much better... now I indeed feel fatigue from huge concern in thought like that. Thank God.

Another problem... on my family - seemed getting better. That's another good one for me.

23:40

Bad news after bad news... today's world sucked!

I have been upset throughout all day today... and I cannot fresh up this feeling with such stress.

I should cut all bad out.

It's time to renew registration on ogaki.net domain at the end of year... 2 years ago when I first time reserved the domain... who had ever thought that I would come to keep this prospering homepage like this?! Hahaha.

I am tired. Let me go off line.

0:14+1

Wow - finally... it was way back! It was in the middle of October... when Japanese version made 44,444th hit and Arata Yamamoto was the winner of memorial prize!

Today, finally given. Man, what have I done for a long time?! Just seeking something unique?!
Remember of previous prize on 40,000th hit for Tetsuji Fukui? It was a Barbie doll.

Now going in "FIGURE" series... after Barbie... NOT Skipper! Hahaha.

Figure - Famous animation character ATOM.

It's legend in Japanese animation history. Made by Osamu Tezuka. This doll is black and white... in fact, limited edition!!!

http://www.tezuka.co.jp

Budget? Don't worry. It wasn't that bad (i.e. inexpensive).

Arata Yamamoto - Shy guy? Pretended to.

Hope he would like it!

23:39

Being Americanized?! Is that what you thought that I was?!

Here's a proof:

Pizza from Domino's!!!

Hahaha, I had to eat something FATTENING >>> like that! Now I have to admit that I am no longer usual, or better say, not 100%-pure Japanese...

Why? Just because having eaten Domino's pizza?! NOT exactly.

The reason I have to say so --- is because I wanted to drink COKE after eating pizza... now you see why so, huh! Hahaha.

No movies.

Just watched some episodes of Ally McBeal - that was it.

No laundry done. Oops. Being totally lazy!!!

Gee, weekend is over. Already?! Then, Christmas is really right ahead of us!

23:30+1

To meet friend "Lindo" in Ebisu - I showed up in early evening. Precisely, 7pm.

I haven't seen her for too long time... though, she seemed very well and being quite busy on job. Good for her. And where we went... was some neat restaurant, of course - it was her pick, called "Nuestra Casa." Man, food was pretty good.

I have never tried this dish:

Pasta --- Sepia Pasta! YUM!

Didn't look too good... though, taste was no doubt. First time ever tasted sepia... though, neat to eat something unique like that. It's totally Italian.

And... she's Palm VX user... purple one!

I did have great time... how much? Total $40 each... dinner and coffee afterward.

Christmas tree in front of Ebisu Station wasn't that good... no picture taken then.

23:22+1

Friend Charlie in NYC sends me photos... you better take a look at them:

The No. 1 Famous Christmas Tree in Whole World!

and lose look...

I just wonder if Charlie himself has taken those wonderful pictures or not... I really doubt. The quality of picture... angle of shot and everything is superior... super!

Anyway, for Tak's day - I did succeed to exchange Visor Edge. Why do I have to say that way?! Well because, things in Japan, about exchanging purchased goods, are different from ones in US.

Why?! - Because the sales are usually final here in Japan.

I guess that is due to different policy in handling goods on sales between retailers and manufacturers. So what would consumers need to do when finding goods were defects after purchase?! Go to manufacturers with warranty came along with merchandise.

So many coworkers of mine, today, told me, "Tak, are you really going back to the store sold that toy to you for exchange!?" and I said, "Yeah, why?! Is that bad idea?!" Some were optimistic and some others were definitely NOT. Ratio was probably about 50:50.

Came back to Sofmap - big discount retailers in Yurakucho - Ginza area.

Did tell one of personnel of what the problem was... even demonstrated it to him. He said, "Would you like to exchange?!" and I said, "Yeah." Though afterwards, I asked if I still could get screen protection sheet along with new Visor not. I made that purchase on initial occasion for Visor Edge... did utilized it. Upon returning, I had to remove it from the screen... since it's one-time only product, no more useful... all adhesive thing was gone. Did explain so to him, as well. Was about $5 thing... and I, without hesitation, asked for another one (FREE - as part of exchange).

Then, that fellow told me not to exchange. "Sir, let's return all goods for cash back. Then you can buy anything from scratch." Oh boy - what makes a difference? I guess, that was less troublesome for him - exchanging is dealt with another department... and canceling purchase could be done within his department.

So I succeeded all I wanted to deal. Good, huh! Well, better than good, GREAT!

Thanks, Sofmap.

16:00+1

A half month to go?! And New Year is just around the corner!!!

I am sure that ya'll in US or other foreign countries where Christmas celebration takes place cannot wait any longer about opening your Christmas presents!!! Yeah, I wish I were in US too!

These days, I receive more than several messages about "Pen Pal Wanted." I will try to catch up with all!!! Since I've got new gadget to take anywhere with me... I should have a good responsiveness...

And still I can write and read all in Spanish, too!

Wait, my Visor Edge seemed defect. What?! Power button seemed not functioning well and that is irritating! I want an exchange! NOT just RETURN.

Otherwise, my new machine (better say, gadget) is neat and "must-have" for me.

Three appointments - last one was not really about having new biz or anything... rather it was a lecture. About how to deal international business. Most of "listeners" were not young, from late-40's to upper 50's. Man, I couldn't teach English terms, like incoterms, easily to them... who didn't speak English at all. Was interesting experience, though. Hope this won't be in vain.

Wow, it's Friday tomorrow - already. No plans on weekend... though, I can sleep as long as I want! That's a big plus... am sure that it's all same for ya'll!

I kept telling that I am poor and how come I could have afforded a new toy like that?! (question by friend "Foyer") - hey, what's wrong about spending $200 just for myself on Christmas?! To be honest with ya, the amount, $200, was all I could do for spending freely. So I used it all for once.

23:25

Almost a year from December 16, 2001 - when I bought a new PowerBook (G3). Today, once again... I've done! What?! Guess... I've got a new budget. I couldn't have held any longer.

So here's what I've got...

This is how the box looks like... oh it's "Visor" -

Then box was open...

Wow! New Visor Edge!

Together with "old" Visor Deluxe (not so deluxe anymore!).

From last picture... I can tell that my device was switched from "for kids" to "for adult" - so I certainly getting being grown? Or just merely getting older?!

So thin... and light. Very much convenient to take it with me to anywhere...

This is the third Palm device for Tak in history... Palm III, Visor Deluxe, and this Visor Edge. I must have been drawn to Palm OS machines, huh!

Blue, Silver, and Red... how come red? Hey, don't forget --- red, orange, even PINK are still my colors! (hahaha) Though, please note that I am NOT and never will be a gay!

If you don't have to stick to Visor series, I recommend to go for Sony Clie. Still expensive... though, worth to pay that much to hold single machine for every way of use.

Anyway, SO HAPPY with new stuff... as always for "MR. GADGET" Tak!!!

23:38

Hello - it's me, Tak --- who have been out of love... not even close to good friendship around. Hahaha. Plus, he's suffering from not selling business that well.

Anyway, today - happened to touch brand new Sony Clie (Palm) device. Wow, that seemed super nice. Very small and thin. Still memory stick?! Oh well. Anyway, that is neat device and I had to put it together to Visor Edge. They are almost identical in size.

Man, now I really want Visor Edge... before Handspring to merge to Palm. Is it (really going to merge)?! Anyway, I am REALLY going to get one... I promise.

Lunch - free and was rice ball.

Dinner - chicken. $13.

Hahaha, I keep laughing at Ally McBeal. That is STILL and YET so awesome.

People at work laughed and still asked me why I went out to NOVA to see some classes... they think that I don't have to study any further of that language. That's not true, boy!

Though, super duper expensive! What shall I do?! Do I want to add more to my debt list?!

Oh I shouldn't forget to write Kack.

Gee, passed the midnight. Still Wednesday today?! Oh boy.

Good night.

0:15+1

Tak hasn't bought any of "Year End Jumbo Lottery" yet... planning to.

Biggest prize of it is 3 million dollars. Wow, that would be super enough for me to get out of stressful world... at least for a while, huh.

Am watching a story of Immigration Officer on TV... lots of foreigners illegally staying in Japan are up... and I just realized that most of them are in better living condition than MYSELF! Gee.

I should be richer than this?! Being educated in America with fluency in three language... what went wrong?! Hehehe. Maybe being Americanized isn't much advancing my life because I am so Southern?! Hahaha.

In fact, I went to Nova today. Nova is famous nationwide language institution for foreign languages. I listened to an introduction of school and I was particularly interested in English as well as Spanish courses.

Am I going to take some?! NOT so sure yet.

Business - not so well... shouldn't think too much about it.

I should watch "Ally McBeal" to laugh some.

Friend / coworker Iimura (male) moved to downstairs... to the 2nd floor from the 4th. He's been reassigned to a new position on ocean export from air export. Good luck to him... am sure that friendship won't fades out that easily.

I have been in serious consideration - if I should send Christmas cards in mail or not. I feel like I should not for this year... I should switch to eCards. Am sure that I will have full understanding from my family and friends. Don't you think?

How about presents?! Since my American family won't be in usual Waynesville, I should hold all presents until my trip to American next year. Right?

I should email darling sister Robyn. Haven't heard from her and written to her, either. That's my fault. I have some news to tell her... (that, doesn't mean I have got a girlfriend!!!)

Good night, folks.

22:05

Weekend was done with big spending.

Almost 200 bucks... for what?! Yeah, there was some "must" to get for my own entertainment. Best kind of it. What?! No doubt... it was Ally McBeal DVDs - 6 of them. Entire set of 2nd season - the best sitcom that I have ever seen!

And I added Cat's Eye #4 DVD in the same shopping basket.

To buy those stuff... did go to Ginza. Somehow, I don't know the reason... but the main street was turned into "pedestrians' paradise" - am not sure this is how to express. I just looked it up in dictionary.

And found a big one... huge Christmas tree - lots of people were taking photos in front of tree. Must be nice. I wish I had someone (cute or beautiful) with me... so that I can take picture of that cutie. Hahaha.

Anyway, here it is:

How about that?!

From my shopping list... Visor Edge was off the list, at least, for today.

iPod... was just temporarily removed from the list, also. Hmmmm.

Anyway, the biggest spending day - shopping day of the year is now over. Hahaha.

23:03

Thoughts over thoughts?! Things told last night were stuck to top of my head... about how come I keep failing to secure a single love. Mmmm... They told the way I made an approach was not really wise way. Means, I just don't know how to handle love or even my feeling like liking someone.

I probably have been missing out those signs from secret admirers?!

So - I must be NOT good at love. That's the problem making myself so alone. I should compromise with current situation more than ever! Like no complaints?

All right, leave me alone! (just kidding)

Was planning to go home Ogaki this weekend... didn't do so. I will do so at the end of year anyway. So that shouldn't make any difference.

Didn't do much for today, though. Got out late (i.e. sleep-in) and did laundry as well as vacuuming the room. Otherwise, watched TV and kept surfing the Net. I should go out to spend some big bucks... for stress-relief, don't you think?! Hahaha.

Getting colder and colder day by day... finally turned on the heat today.

21:06

Hi. It was me... who left work on time or a little after... and went on. Why? Of course, I did have some plan! And... went to Shinjuku for dinner with some friends.

Amy, and "Heidi" (nickname) - and "Joseph" (still nickname) --- yeah, I was with 3 female friends.

No bad, huh!

Amy is friend for a long time... and other 2 ladies... were totally new to me. So it was "Fan Appreciation by Ogaki-jin." They were web page readers. Hahaha.

What we talked about?! - They were so curious how come I open up so much about my personal... total privacy to the public throughout Internet. Good question! Many of you know... this is like personal bulletin - enables all my friends around the globe can catch up with my up-to-date.

So they can know where I am, what I do, and how I am doing. Plus more information long with my life.

No pictures taken... actually not allowed.

All was in Mexican restaurant, "El Trito."

Next topic after my web site... was nothing but "how come Tak stays no-girlfriend." Gee, we went that deep in the conversation upon first-meeting?! Anyway, I did have fun talking to those ladies... and they seemed very nice. For your information, 2 out of 3... had boyfriends. Only one left... was "Heidi." Though, no promise or anything to meeting again. Was it my fault?! Maybe.

Bonus, bonus, bonus! Yep, did get paid. Maybe because of my poor performance, the figure was slightly lower than I personal calculated. Oh boy.

Check showed a little more than $100 for party of 4. Wasn't bad at all.

Coffee after that?! Nope, we stayed in that restaurant from 7pm or so to almost 11pm. Yeah, time to catch last train or so. We all went home.

20:54+1

Tired of working for such long hours! No more staying in the office like up to 8pm or even later. Now I wants my personal time... more and more to see what I want to do or what I want to THINK.

Business is okay - not going that well like I keep telling you... though, my life isn't that all.

I've worn pink tie for today. My very usual color in my tie selection.

So left office around 7pm... Supervisor Kuboki left the same time as myself... so we went to drink?! Not really. We just had cups of coffee... to talk about business, especially our personal sale figures up to date.

Am I doing a good job on budget?! What do you think? Working like this - in the hell - substituting my health!!! Oh boy.

Since postponed my trip to US... means my vacation itself postponed?! Hmmmm, to be honest with you, I am not sure how to do with this. I feel like I need a vacation.

If taking vacation NOW or soon, I just would go back to hometown Ogaki to see Mom. No other options.

Perhaps, I should do that.

Tomorrow... the bonus day! Average 2.5 month of regular monthly salary amount is due!!! Though, please do not misunderstand that all workers in Japan are receiving such privilege. Some companies out there cannot afford such thing because of bad performance. My company's figure is of 2.5 months of salary - some others with higher score... some lowers out there also.

I will save that money for future. Of course! Oh I should get out of debt first. Hahaha.

Tomorrow night... I will have a small party! Not exactly. I should have some fun with friends. That's what planned. What food?! Heard that it would be Mexican. That's my favorite!

Good night.

22:48

Good news on biz?! Sorry, fellas... not so fast.

Tak was to pay $80 for a single dinner with Abe - Sales Manager... how come I had to pay for the dinner of two?! Hmmmm, what was I thinking?!

Must be some kind of extortion?! Hahaha, not really.

I just agreed to pay since he was desperate to drink! I was kind enough to make that happen! Wait, was I that easy?! Don't think so - surely not. That means ... I certainly do expect RETURN. Sure I do!

So let's name it as "initial investment." No bad, huh.

Well, I could do so since the seasonal bonus... for Winter 2001 is due... due on Friday! So I do expect some extra money with open arms.

Excel, Word, PowerPoint... you all must know... for Macintosh - especially for MacOS X - Office v. X Japanese version will be available in early next year... and Virtual PC to run Windows and its applications on Mac... soon. Cool, all killer applications are due up!

So now I have to wisely manage my budget... from tomorrow on.

0:44+1

Man, I left work for home (of course, I have nowhere else to go!) quite early... was at 6:30pm.

How come?! Usually, the period after 5pm is to catch up all desk work... today wasn't?! NOT really. NO appointments. No go-out, either. I stuck in the office all day long. Was first time for such a long time. Was I productive as I wanted to?! So-so.

I have been surviving - coworkers, Odabi and Sato (females), kept picking on me. Man, they are tough to deal with!!! Hahaha, I will pay back to them.

My "fatigue" still remain and I don't feel much up to do anything. That's a bad cycle.

Anyway, I will rest. I should.

Received another postcard from Kagumi, ex-coworker. She should be finally home... I mean, back to Japan. The last postcard was mailed in Nice, Italy. Man, so beautiful! She spent what... more or less of 3 months! Man, I wish I could have done the same... with or without her!

For today - I have some family matter that I worry for all day. I hope that good result comes out of it.

What else, what else. I feel like tired enough to have another weekend right away. Don't you? Don't work so hard out there... hard working is definitely killing.

Today's tie... purple tie. Yellowish color shirt with it.

Lunch: hot soba noodle and rice bowl with tuna (still raw)

Dinner: rice with egg and chicken

How much did I spent? $3.50 for morning SNACK, $8 for lunch, $7.50 to eat supper. Less than $20 - that's under the budget. Pretty good.

Oops, forgot to take my umbrella back to home from work.

20:59

This (past) weekend, a new movie... "Harry Potter" hit theaters everywhere... Lots of people did go in there... so no wonder that the movie secured the this weekend #1 spot.

Am I going to see it?! Since no interest even in reading the book - I least likely will.

Today's Tak - finally named as Web Publisher. Am now responsible for department's web page over company's intranet site. Oh boy! I have two sites to take care of for now?!

I mean,

- www.ogaki.net site that I update everyday (don't you enjoy this?)

- Intranet site for department's update

Ah, that's hell out of work for single (innocent) person like MOI!!! That will be killing! Or I should get paid more like doubled?! I wish.

Monday wasn't that bad to me. Fairly busy. Some complaints and some problem to fix right away. Over all, it was pretty okay.

Japanese site of this "Ogaki-jin" now shows more than 50,000 visitors since its foundation! Yeah, baby! I am glad to have made another milestone for this part of my history... and I promise that I will maintain the web site, like this, as long as possibly I can to let you know how I do, think, and live.

Hope you don't delete the information of this web site from your Favorite Folders. Hahaha.

22:04

Hi, fellas!

Where was Tak for today?! He was found in the center of Tokyo. Center of Tokyo means "Imperial Palace" - where the center of present celebration - on new born baby of Imperial Family of Japan.

Definitely this autumn is around... and almost ending...

and he found a long line...

Around the exit of the Palace...

They came out from the Palace... they did sign the book of celebration to Emperor. Did Tak do so too?! He intended... though, the registration period was cut early by an hour... too late for Tak to send his greeting to the Imperial Family.

Too bad!

The movie "Negotiator" is on TV... man, this is really good. I've seen it in theatre... I remember so. Anyway, man, this is awesome.

23:20

First half of weekend is almost over.

Good new to the Nation (not personal one for Tak) - you might have seen this on CNN or other media source...

Princess Masako gave a birth this afternoon. Baby girl. If were boy, that means he would be the Emperor in the future. Though, it was a girl. So far... Imperial Family doesn't get any boy - among all 3 grandchildren.

It was 1st born baby for Masako - so he would receive even more pressure from now on... about having baby boy next time.

Media, everywhere, talk about good influence to this bad economy, at least for a while. I surely hope that happen, too.

Today's Tak... finally got out of bed around 3pm! Mmmmm, I slept in quite bit. What's wrong with that?! I have been suffered with stiff neck and other stuff all over my body... I should have needed rest... good one, I mean. So I feel much better, not completely fine yet. I should not type my diary like this... I must stay away from here... Hahaha.

Laundry is in process. Should be done for another 30 minutes.

Ah, did got haircut. No Christmas shopping yet.

1st day of every month is Movie Day - everyone can see movie with only 1,000 yen (reg. price 1,800 yen). And rare in weekend... so movie theaters should have been really packed. Though, I didn't go. With whom? I should get more friends for movie-watching.

Finished all Trilogy of Star Wars. I liked it much. However, I don't know how the Episode I or even II (just I saw the preview) are going to connect to the story. I should ask for advise to some fan with expertise!

Good night.

21:32