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Delta Flight 55 for Narita touched down at 3:35pm... when my trip 2002 came to an end. Indeed, I have enjoyed so much within such limited time with some regrets that I didn't make some friends for reunion. Of course, I won't forget this and I will make all up to them.Anyway, thank you everyone!

Let's get back to the time leaving Atlanta.

I didn't sleep at all for final night and watched DVD "Pearl Harbor" - was okay... I like that air fight scene, though. Took shower and left Tyson's place on Rosewell Road about 5:50am. Yeah, flight was at 10am and I just wanted to go a little advance so that I will NEVER miss the flight no matter how much tight security would wait for me at the airport!

Driving thru downtown was nice... and very smooth right before commuting hours.

6:15am arrived and returned rental car to Avis. Delta Sky Miles' number was entered for this usage.

Took a shuttle ride to terminal and checked in at counter at 6:40am. Finally, time for passing security section. Everyone previously mentioned how tight it would be and take such a long time... I was ready.

5 minutes?! Just that was it?! I took my laptop out of my bag and scanned by X-ray - did go everything so smooth. Before 7am, I was already in the Concourse E for international departure. Well done!

A week long trip - big suitcase and computer bag for Tak

Concourse E for international flights

Everyone loves Duty Free --- nothing for Tak, didn't buy any.

Final breakfast was in the airport... provided by Starbucks Coffee.

and finally...

So Tak is now in Japan. Back to reality... really coming up! I will be at work tomorrow for Friday and do care all necessary before the weekend. Oh gee.

23:18

Tak's on board to the Delta Airlines Flight 55 for Narita. Please pardon for no update!

First and only night spending in North Carolina. It's so great to be here... where I started everything about my American life... back in 1992!

Had a breakfast with Mom... and had a little chat with her. Laundry was done within last night.

And time to leave for Atlanta... and it was final day of trip! (tomorrow morning, I have to depart)

Left home at noon... and came in Atlanta around 2:20pm... oh boy, this way was much shorter than the way up to there. Did I speed much?! Well, I let you guess.

More photos coming!

First Union Bank's Drive Thru... where my ATM card didn't get accepted.

Oops, I forgot that my accounts had been transferred to North Carolina and I did lose access to accounts for 2 business days starting today! Man, what a memory I have.

Best Buy - discount store, no music CDs bought, though.

Old Navy - next to Best Buy - no shirts bought, either!

Barnes & Noble Booksellers where you can find lots of fine women

(at least I thought so!)

Lenox Square Mall's Food Court

I came back to Lenox in order to finish up my shopping. Did I buy many?! Not quite. I think I have accomplished least requirements from the shopping list. As far as I believe... Hehehe.

I prefer Caribou Coffee to Starbucks... This coffee chain hasn't arrived in Japan!

Coffee cup and store interior; would you like it?!

After all, Kirk, Tom, and Tyson went out for dinner with me. Yeah, final one. At Chinese restaurant on Peachtree Industrial.

Which dish would you like to have?! (hahaha)

Tyson trying to wear Tak's unique glasses... does he look good with them?!

L-R> Kirk, Tom2bwu, Tak, Tama (happened to be in the same place), and Tyson

Is that it?! My trip is coming to an end?! Really? Do I want to stay on?! Did I see enough number of girls?! No new findings (i.e. gals)?!?! Well, I don't tell you all in depth. I can't! Just kidding.

Did you see Tyson and I wore the same kind of shirts?! So the cafe where we went after the restaurant, we seemed loved ones for each other?! Oh gee, I forgot that Atlanta was quite famous for gays... Hmmmm, no wonder that some other guys in the cafe kept looking upon us. Definitely, that was misunderstanding!!! I have never intended to look gay or anything similar!

Anyway, this is it about my vacation. I will get up early to go to airport. Certainly, I don't want to miss the flight. I heard that security in the airport is super tight... I should be well prepared! I will.

12:49+1

Hi, folks! Did you finally okay for me to stay on?!?! Hahaha.

Missed breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts... or Krispy Kreme!

I know, they are fattening... really.

It was perfect day to drive to North Carolina --- for 3 or 4 hours:

See! Nice warm weather! (Interstate 285)

Left Atlanta around 11:20am and drove quite fast?! Oh you know how I drive...

yep, just about 85mph! Is this speeding?! Maybe a little. Hehehe.

About 2:20pm, arrived at Waynesville, North Carolina.

Stopped by "First Union Bank" for bank robbery and was busy... changing of my accounts.

Then,

Final destination - Tak's home in America!

Reunion with Mom, Auntie, Steve, Nannie, and

Mr. Sam!

Everyone insisted that I should take Sam to mall or wherever lots of people get together so that he can get attentions from ladies... creating a chance for me to know someone new. Good plan?! Man, I would have to pay him wage, too?!

Chatting with darling sister Robyn in Columbia as well. Mom and she had a great communication over Internet and that really impressed me.

Now watching "Late Show with David Letterman." Reminds me lots about old days here in US... Cool.

12:01+1

Sugar Creek - name of the golf course (public) and this was the place for the day!

Playing with Kirk, Tom2bwu, and Tyson.

Thanks to those friends... my wish came true, playing golf while I stay. Only out of expectation was that my score didn't come along with my wish. Hahaha.

No wonder that I had a messy swing.

Plus, my eyeglasses weren't usual for golf. They are for fun on weekend thing... so what I try to say was to excuse myself from bad result. You know what?! I slept only for a few hours from the party previous night!

I can go on and on like that...

See, my ball got stuck in the mud. How you want me to hit from there?!

Tyson points out my ball... just edge of the creek. Hmmm. Only luck shot?!

<Scores>

Tak = 121

Kirk = 93

Tom2 = 124

Tyson = 151

Anyway, it was super fun. I miss playing golf much. Really.

Tyson, Tak, and Kirk, in front of Johnny Rockets

At night, I showed up in Perimeter Mall (again). This time, was for dining. Met Kitty - and we had a good time and dinner at "Gold Fish." A little loud place... but food (Gulf Red Snapper) was great!

It was great to see her after all. Photos of her?! Denied. I don't have any to show you! You know, female is shy... not only myself.

Man, weekend is over and my trip schedule is half way done already. Then, reality is coming closer and closer... what should I do?! Where do I need to escape to?! Please tell.

9:58+1

All right, folks. Well, sorry for late show-up, anyway. Was busy!!! (and sleepy, as well)

Here are more photos to come for ya:

Chevy Malibu - Tak's mobility for the Trip!

Wow! This house is where Tak used to live...

Oh gosh, Tak is... (usual, huh!)

Last stuff being left in US for over a year?!

Only Ramen noodle in Atlanta, at "Sakana-ya" Restaurant

Movie theater -- checked movies now on play and didn't interest Tak much for the moment.

Starbucks Coffee, next to Theater, seemed perfectly same as one in Japan!

CompUSA - Tak's "usual" check-point for new gadgets! Hahaha.

Tyson Nakayama - Tak's buddy and Tyson accommodates Tak for the trip. Thank you!

Georgian Auto Tages - 2 types Which one is your preference?!

Crazy store "Spencer" - Tak bought some stuff for friends. Crazy?!

Wal-Mart - last and only choice after K-mart's gone?! yep.

How small is the smallest cellular phone in US market?! About the credit card - NOT BAD.

Atlanta Off-Line Meeting 2002 - friends in Atlanta with some new faces!

We gathered in a Chinese Restaurant and had dinner all together.

All organization was done by Tyson - who thought that it was great idea with perfect timing upon my visit. Wow, this was wonderful... to get in touch with old friends as well as catching up with new ones!

"Three Dollar Cafe" - I didn't know this was the final destination for tonight and where we spent very, very long hours, like up to 3am?! Wow boy!

And a half weekend is done with full of drinks and talks. Man, I don't have to go back to Japan anymore. I should say, "Adios!" to friends over there?! Hahaha, just kidding.

10:52+1

8:20am, I was up already. Way earlier than usual. Renewal of my DL, seeing as many friends, and some work-related meeting, etc.

Lunch with friends... as like:

front L-R> Candis, Kelly (married now!), Christy, and Carrie

rear L-R> Briellen, Bob, Beth, and Ogaki-jin

and then...

Tak was coming up to see

Friend Foyer and his "Yukon" monster...

To meet someone at Lenox, and guess who?!

Tak, Nicky, and Kack... to Cheesecake Factory!

Enjoyed?! I did! Hahaha.

NOT jet lug... though, extremely tired. Too great time around and I feel so lucky. For dinner, we ended up in Cheesecake Factory - another favorite restaurant of mine! (like previous night). Man, this holiday is too good, so far, to let itself go away!

Finally, am tired... see how busy I was for today! and now sleepppppppy, zzzzz.

23:41

Finally, the day has come... Has Tak really packed all stuff needing for trip yet?! NOPE. Gotta be kidding, huh! How slow am I?! Oh you knew that I could do only slow dance... oops, I wasn't talking about dance... just packing, moron!

Anyhow, got up this morning quite early, not usual as first day of vacation or any holiday. Was at 7:30am or so. Friend/coworker Eto woke me up since we talked previous night that we would meet in front of my apartment building so that he could pass his small changes in US dollars for my spending. Since I came home late last night, we agreed to see each other such early morning! Well, for him, it was on the way to work anyway and it was good for me to have some reason in particular to get up.

After that --- started packing?! Not quite.

Started laundry. Very smart, huh!? Didn't want to leave any dirty underwear behind... would you?! Hahaha.

Laundry done at 11am and then EVENTUALLY packing was in progress. Pants, shirts, socks (NOT pink ones), etc. Oh I should put that Palm Vx box in my suitcase for Tyson. He would be very upset if I kept on.

Then suitcase became full. Then found some problem. The key lock came along with suitcase attached wasn't open because of my memory loss of 3 digits code!!! NO good indications from date of my birth... work number, personal ID numbers... even my cellular phone number!!! Damn --- What went wrong?! So lock was attached... not working since I cannot release that lock. So I decided to buy another one once I get to airport.

So took a train... toward Narita Airport. Should be an hour and half trip or less.

Transit at Katsutadai Station. There were 15 minutes or so waiting for Express Train. So crazy Tak gave another try to solve that puzzle on lock. After 5 minutes or so on that try... finally clicked me! Cool... so I didn't have to spend extra dollars in vain for nothing. Man, I shouldn't survive memory loss yet... no that age yet!

Checked in at Delta counter... told lady over the counter to put my SkyMile number for mileage. Important, huh! Then where did I go?! Office. I went out of airport on foot to see coworkers in Narita Office. 8 minute walk or so. They seemed welcoming me... some of them made a bet whether or not Tak would show up today. Hmmm, am always the toy among people?! Seems to.

Now on board to Delta Flight 56 to Atlanta. About 90% of full capacity. Man, I expected to have an easy spacious flight on this one. Was wrong. Though, took an isle seat and no one sits the other side... So not bad. Should complain.

"Rush Hour2" was on. Pretty good! Liked it. Laughed hard. Food?! First one was okay- didn't have much appetite, though.

----- end of 1st update -----

Okay - 2nd part begins... Arrived in Atlanta and rental car - no problem. Came to see my ex-coworkers in Fritz and stopped by yk110's house; and finally to Bamian's apartment where I stay for this vacation.

Departure from Narita and Delta Flight 56 to Atlanta

Meal for lunch and dinner?! Not sure which one for what meal?!

Arrived in Atlanta International Airport

L-R> Koji, Kazu, and Akiyama (forgot his first name)

Koji and Tak!

Porterhouse steak - Tak ate it all! from Palm Restaurant (my favorite)

in Swiss Hotel

NOT BAD START, huh!!!

Tired... jet lug?! Maybe, I will find it out by tomorrow.

0:01+1

Lots of different expectations for Tak's trip to Atlanta...

-Is Tak going to stay on in US?

-Is Tak going to see girlfriend to get married?

-Is Tak going to look for a job in Atlanta?

What else, what else... more that those above. I, to be honest with you, don't really remember what else out there for that kind of stuff.

Interesting, huh?! Just like some of friends asked me... "How come Atlanta?!" Simple question... still yet significant.

Then my "final answer?" --- nothing but I wanted to see old friends... who were part of my life for a long time up to recent year. It's time for Tak to come back to EEUU (i.e. USA) to catch up with other friends whom I don't have normal contacts.

Last day at work? or just last day before vacation... difference?! Hahaha.

Yesterday... I finally made a reservation to rental car to Avis. Yesterday?!

And today... I confirmed that my passport's expiration date... so it's okay!

Man, I am so slow in taking necessary actions, huh. Don't blame! Was busy on job! Didn't you know?!

"Wall Street" - one of finest movies I can find around. Keep watching over and over since it really motivates me to start up something... just like:

"Greed is great. Greed works. Greed for money, greed for knowledge, and greed for love. Greed even rescues the malfunctioning company called United States."

Oh, I like it! Greed is great to have for Tak, too!

Have I packed for the trip?! Dream on. If you came up with that question, you don't know me (much). Really, trust me. I haven't even pulled my big suitcase out for packing... YET! Hahaha.

Night, especially for tonight, is still young. I've got some work to do still. Poor me! Hehehe. Just like yesterday --- when I stayed up until 2am... working / writing up reports. Oh boy.

0:59+1

Busy?! Yeah, pretty much. I have to be well-prepared about going in vacation starting in two days. Means that I had to clear up many pending stuff and no homework to take home with me.

Schedule in Atlanta and North Carolina is now pretty much set. Some appointment with friends will be made, additionally. I will see how many people I can see while my visit... I presume from 25 people up to, maybe, 30?! I am sure that will be very content to see anyone.

Exchange market down... yen weakened.

Stock market down... disappointed with Bush who left Japan this afternoon.

Bond market down... hopeless in Japan?!

Wow, 60% of Japan's population hold cellular phones, that's higher than any other country in the world!

Tomorrow will be last day before the vacation. Means, I will be extremely busy?! Let's see.

23:33

Sick Monday?! I thought it was Presidents' Day, right?!

Boss Ito (male) and Kono (female) were out sick for today. And when coming back in the office after appointment, I found that Funabashi (female) left early. Oh gee, lots of bad virus, most likely for cold, must be around. Really close!

As per Fukami (female coworker) has requested... photos from last Friday. Remember that we went to some Asian restaurant?! Here they are:

Wow, three ladies and Tajima from Narita Office (back right)

LEFT> Arahata and Okada with roses?! RIGHT> Big Boss Takashima with flowers?!

Hand performance?! Hahaha.

Must be some secret for Funabashi with some guy?!

Well, you can laugh hard. Just like me... hahaha. Do you think I will get blamed for putting up those photos here?! Well, blame Fukami!!! She asked me to.

Today's Tak... very important appointment with a big client. Found that one of personnel in management where decisions are belonged to left that company as of last week. That incident affects to where I try to get with this client. It's whole new ball game and hope this turns out to be in favor of my side. Really. Makes a big difference for sure from now on. I have to carefully watch how this story develops from now on.

You know what?! I brought back some work home and, after this, I have to stick with Excel to do something for tomorrow. Before my vacation time, there is not much choice for me to do or not to do. "Complende?"

See you tomorrow.

21:37

"February Stakes" - race started at 3:30pm... and that was main event for Tak's today. You knew that I spent $50 for my bet, remember?! Yeah.

Result?! How should I say about it. "Maybe, it wasn't my turn." Hahaha. I wasn't holding winning ticket this time. JUST this time.

Though, it was really fun... waiting for the moment when horses got out of the gate and running in the race. I am sure that I won't bet like every weekend; I may do occasionally.

Raining from early afternoon and I, not only for that horse racing on TV, just stayed in.

I now have to remind of myself... who just stays away from big vacation time --- 3 days!

While staying in all day today, I studied in book and on Internet... about some business process called "Product Portfolio Management" developed by Boston Consulting Group. Was very interesting. Maybe next career of mine should be in marketing?!

The book recently purchased, "Logical Thinking, Know-How and Do-How" is my text book for new interest on business. It still and yet helps in my present job. It's more about definition of activity and thinking... business method as well as philosophy. That's something needing to my current way of doing business.

Still studying... on and off. Good for Tak!

Maybe MBA?! I wish!

22:27

Nice weather... a little warm, too. Perfect for outing, wasn't it?!

Had an invitation for some gathering, like mentioned yesterday, and I showed up in Shinjuku area for the evening. In fact, I did stop by JRA - Japan Racing Association to buy a bet ticket. I was thinking to spend about 30 bucks... and ended up 50!!! Way off the budget!

Anyway, what I could spend was spent... just wait for a moment to WIN! Racing is tomorrow, Sunday - around 3pm?! I think so. <- Still not familiar with how the race goes.

And this:

Bottom - female line L-R> Arisa, Orie, & Amy (you know her, don't you?)

Rear - male line L-R> Tak, Kazuma, Takashi (another Tak) & Junya

They all did study in US - and all were used to be my students (kind of). Thanks to Amy who organized all this for tonight, I came to meed old friends like that.

Place: "Asian Kitchen" in Shinjuku Musashino Building (tel 03 3350-6361)

Talked about other friends in common and present career plans, etc. Definitely great time with them for Tak... Kazuma is trying to be Ph.D. candidate... good luck, man!

Oh yeah, did go to Karaoke after that restaurant, too. Too much fun with too much " cerveza." Oh boy...

Gott ya!

23:17+1

Hi, folks. How's it going?! Had a sweet night with your loved ones?! Sure, hope so.

Tak's Friday... not much to tell ya. Work was fine and I didn't go out after work. Came straight home and got here around 9pm. Then, watching TV for a while and started working again. What was I thinking?! Then, my ex-boss Kazu called me up to my cellular phone (from Atlanta) and had a conversation for 20 minutes or so.

This was the beginning of long time with phone at that evening.

Talked to "Lindo" (female) and ex-coworker Iimura (male), finally with "Saruko" (female) - geeeee, how much money did I spent for phone charge. Certainly, I don't want to talk further.

Time-wise, spent about 3 hours or so. Hmmmmm.

Wow, my schedule in Atlanta really got mixed up with different friends. I need to straighten all up within a few days... definitely before my departure. Man, I underestimated how easy/difficult to meet friends within limited time like this trip. That is my fault, indeed.

Tomorrow, there will be a party - gathering with old friends... like I haven't seen for 7 years or so. Don't you think this is exciting?! Really is. Plus, as friend "Ne Quittez Pas. " (French sentence, huh?) told me what to buy for horse racing this weekend on "February Stake." This is to be my first bet ever on any horse racing in my life! Wish me luck!

Well, let's move on for a great weekend, folks!

10:59+2

SVD 2002 - St. Valentine's Day 2002Happy Valentine's Day!

Not big deal for Tak anyway... since there is NO love for him. As usual for a long, long, long time!

Remember of Valentine's in Japan, how things go among people?! Men do NOT do anything. Women are supposed to express their feelings toward loved ones. With chocolate. Well, that's the symbol of it.

Here they are:

5 different chocolate boxes for Tak

That means there were at least 5 people having special feeling toward Tak?! NOT exactly. There is another kind of meaning in sending those gifts. Just appreciation or friendship. We call that kind as "Superficial" chocolates... or "Giri" chocolates.

At the evening, a small party was thrown for Tajima who came up from Narita for some customer. Was fun. Quite!

1:08+1

A story ended on TV today. Remember like "Big Brothers" or "Survivor" - very famous shows.

That story was based upon two strangers, a man and woman... never met each other before. And they were assigned to see each other EVERYDAY for 25 days. They have to spend an hour together, just one hour... everyday. Then, viewers observe whether they fall in love or not.

There were 2 predetermined endings. One is that they decided to move on together after this stage for serious love. The other is that they, respectively, walk away from each other with 10,000 dollars in cash.

The story was developed with lots of ups and downs... seemed serious love born... then disappeared. Anyhow, the ending was...

Man decided to drop that money for the woman.

Women, on the other hand, decided to take MONEY! --- even though she declared that feeling toward him was quite serious. I had to question, how come NOT then?!

Tak's today wasn't much at all. Busy?! So-so.

St. Valentine's Day tomorrow. In Japan - as I wrote before, men RECEIVE chocolates, in terms of expressing love, from women! So how many can Tak get tomorrow?!

Expectation: NONE (oh gee)

23:05

True... nice days to go. Then I will be in US!

This week began with a phone call from Atlanta... it was ex-boss. Talking about my trip to US... and he was intending to see if I could join a meeting or not. Meeting?! What kind?! Yeah, was about a new business. Yeah, JOB - J, O, and B!!!

Today's Tak - one appointment. ONLY. Boss Takashima told me to take that appointment since counterpart is female manager and he thought that she would be nice and might be good to know her for me.

Interesting, huh - that 's how we carry businesses?! Don't get me wrong like that. Just SOMETIMES.

How that turned out?! Oh well, she was NOT bad at all. To be honest with you, I found her a little older than my reach. Really. I think... only I can thing since I have no way to ask her of her age --- she seemed about mid-30's. Am sure that it was okay for boss - who was almost 50 - Well, I pass this time.

Anyway, she was very professional. Tak's freaked out with that. I got shrunk.

Lunch - ate a little beef.

Dinner - pork.

21:57

Monday... not normal yet. It was a national holiday today and I didn't have to work. I mean, at least I didn't have to go to work. Difference?! Remotedly working. Several phone calls and working on laptop were required and actually done. Oh well.

Palm Vx has been purchased. It was for Tyson in Atlanta waiting for me.

No movies?! Nope. What else?!

Bombing while Olympic Games are on?! Too bad. By Israel, huh. So the Olympic Charter has been ignored, huh. That's pretty bad.

Small bomb (plastic one) has been exploded in Shinjuku?! Gee, this is not the first time... why in Japan?! Hope this isn't terrorism.

23:10

Tak's been away from Internet. Perdon!

23:01+1

"Kotatsu" --- in dictionary, defined as "fireplace with a coverlet."

Don't seem much right to me in that phrase, though, there is no such thing in US or any Western culture. I should show a picture what it's like and how we can utilize while winter.

Oh here is a good photo from Internet:

Set of "Kotatsu"

Yeah, it's table set... with Futon. You sit on Tatami (floor) and put your legs under table where the warm temperature is kept by heater. Nice huh?

And then, I've got one since I before mentioned that I wanted one in my apartment room on this web page and one of clients read that and offered me an old one from his family. Today arrived. Very nice. NOT old at all to me. Some scratches on the table board. Otherwise, perfect.

Man, this helps me to stay in all the time. Don't want to go outside anymore. Stick with PowerBook, TV, and Play Station2!

Janet Reno is going to run for Governor of Florida?! Didn't know.

And lastly, Winter Olympic Games 2002 in Salt Lake is open... how many medals for Japan?! Hopefully more than a few!

22:55

Fu... F... Friday!

Man, made me feel SO good... toward having a longer weekend, up to Monday. No doubt, huh!

And new biz started from today seemed going on well... so far, so good.

"Sakana-Ya" Tavern in Ginza, Tokyo

My rating on this place... is exceptionally GOOD. Great! Sakana means "fish" in Japanese and that place serves nothing but fish... fresh, baked, boiled... whatever you name it. Tak's given an A-!

Price wise?! Good question. No idea. Didn't pay! That mattes more than anything?! Hahaha, no wonder I feel great.

Friend in Ogaki - ChanKen went on a little vacation to NYC. Yeah, to Big Apple! Have a wonderful and safe trip! I am looking forward to hearing from him about that trip with lots of photos... I am sure that he would collect more than 200 shots within 4 or 5 days of a trip. Man.

22:31+1

How many "morons" out there for me?! I am coming to see you THIS MONTH!!! Please note and mark it BIG! So you don't get wrong on this one!!! Hahaha.

Olympic Games is just around the corner... practically this weekend, huh! Didn't know.

And I will be in Atlanta to see the Games live on TV - hope I can have time for it.

For today's Tak... I have nothing really to tell you. No excitement! Oh you know what?!

Coworker Mochizuki had a baby boy today! Congratulations!

My schedule posted on top side of the page, gets updated day by day... so you can see how my trip would go and what I would do. Man, everything, about my personal, gets wide open to the public. Smart? Probably not?!

Lady friend - Joseph (really female name? Still nickname!) has been looking for a job. Her contract with previous employer wasn't renewed and she is now available in the market... though, not easy to find a job under such severe recession. Oh boy. Good luck to you, Joseph!

After tomorrow, the weekend is LONG! (not wrong) - until Monday! What would I do? No plans - as usual.

23:33

Date	AM	Lunch	PM	Dinner
Thu 2/21/02	in-flight	in-flight	arrival	Jay Schroeder?
Fri 2/22/02	errands	Kelly Sudgen	Foyer?	Kazu Suzuki?
Sat 2/23/02	sleep-in	(undecided)	shopping?	Tyson Nakayama
Sun 2/24/02	golf?	---	golf?	(undecided)
Mon 2/25/02	errands	Kack Pha	drive to NC?	Janice Haynes
Tue 2/26/02	North Carolina	Janice Haynes	back to ATL	hotel?
Wed 2/27/02	ATL Airport	in-flight	---	---

I hereby put up my tentative schedule of my trip to Atlanta. Not final yet... of course, not. Though, seems very crowded already. Man.

I may not have even time to shop for friends in Japan?! Oh gee, that has to be avoided. Anyway, at least I am very grateful about seeing friends within such limited time on this trip.

If you haven't seen your name in that table, you need to contact me ASAP!!! (hahaha)

Today's Tak --- went up to Shin Okubo. Using train station in Shin Okubo... found one thing:

Board "Lost & Found - Monthly Pass"

Why I shot this picture?! Well, there are 4 names on the board... and all of them are NOT Japanese. Even even written in Japanese. Written in Chinese and Korean. Interesting, huh? Board to the public with foreign language. Didn't know that Shin Okubo was that international!!!

22:32

Busy day?! Yeah, mostly I had to deal with things INTERNALLY. That wasn't productive. Why?! Because that is not toward profit. Doing sales calls is first step toward it. Right?! I believe so.

System on my Visor Edge was corrupted and I was busy installing all software with information. Gee, don't know what happened to the Edge. Maybe, I had installed too many games?! Hahaha.

For a party in Atlanta, more than 10 people would gather for me?! Great! And I have another luncheon with ex-coworkers and friends, also. Wonderful, isn't it?! Two weeks to go!

That luncheon is taking place in Bennigan's near the airport?! Cool! I like that place and still remember where it's located. On Sullivan Road, wasn't it?! Man, I am sill and yet so good.

While doing sales calls today... found this:

Curry Pan (Bread) was on sale... though, said "Yokosuka Navy Curry Pan."

Curry and US Navy?! What is the connection and relation?! I don't get it. Must be famous somehow... do you know why?!

FYI - one is for JPY150 or $1.20 or so. Expensive or cheap?!

22:43

New week and new personnel? Yeah, there was. You know what? I forgot her name. She's still temp... though, I should have been supposed to check her out, correct?! Not exactly this time.

And Tak had begun this week with new shoes and new lenses of eyeware. Shoes made me tired of walk easily since that pair hasn't been the way I walk. Correct vision is now mine... after all. So this is better.

2 appointments in the afternoon. That's what I started with. Vivid difference... 1st appointment was that I met brand new client. The other one was of seeing very old customer at new company.

Wearing purple shirt with Versace's purple tie... shocked new customer and made old one smile at me. Interesting, huh! People need to get used to who Tak is and how Tak appears, don't you think?!

And that old customer asked me if I still do this update of web page... surely I do! She was very impressed of my dedication to this work. Yeah, I know - I cannot stop this anymore. Anyway, she was one of cutest among all female clients of mine. How come I have been intimidated to ask her out?! Just merely shy?! That's too! Hahaha. My fault.

I should no longer procrastinate to get what I want?! I have nothing to lose, huh?! I know-

Tired already... don't know why so. Anyway, Monday is over - 4 more days to come to another weekend.

21:41

Was quite chilly outside today. So I decided to stay in. Yeah of course, I did sleep in. Nothing wrong with that, right? Yeah hahaha.

Watched some rugby game as well as horse racing on TV. Though, not much excitement.

Oh forgot to tell ya'll... about yesterday. Right before going to see that movie "Ocean's 11," I did buy a new pair of shoes. They are for work. Since all others... old ones were worn out due to HARD WORKING. Please note!

Hahaha, I kid too much, huh?

Anyway, that pair was on sale with $100. NOT bad.

Dry cleanings were picked up and laundry was done. Boring Sunday, PERIOD.

23:00

Movie... "Ocean's 11." Was pretty cool with nice soundtrack. Really.

http://oceans11.warnerbros.com/

High expectation... since this movie was with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and still Andy Garcia... see, this was "must-see" one. Did I like it?! Yeah. It wasn't that bad. I like that classic sounds in background. Story itself wasn't that bad, either.

Tak's rating: (a solid) B - recommended.

You know what? I did see preview of "Lord of the Rings." Yeah, it's everywhere in US already... not to Japan yet at this time. Will be here next month. Cannot wait to see!

22:52+1

Remember that Friend Iimura had quit?! Yeah. And we threw a party on his farewell. Well, it was by his old department, Air Export, had a such plan and I wasn't really part of it. Though thanks to those people's generosity, I became part of it.

Iimura gets farewell gift from us... Bananas!

They were expensive. See, each one was packed up?!

He was famous in the company with bananas... since always eating one.

Who is this?! Who in the mask?!

and lastly...

Tak gets kisses from men?! Wow!

Still?!

22:39+2