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As you know, end of the month... when someone can leave old place or join to new atmosphere. From my work place, one of managers decided to leave us behind. NO good news... but, it is time for farewell to Mr. Nishimura.

Norio Nishimura - has been the Ocean manager for a long long time and he'll be really missed for sure. From tomorrow on, he will be STILL part of us... not full time. He is to be sort advisor to the department.

Farewell, Mr. Nishimura!

How come Toshiko Misoo holds Sake bottle?! Was she drunk?!

And Tak with Nishimura. Tak must be drinking a lot already.

Wait --- what time is it?! It's 1:34am... already in May! I just came home from where?! In fact, I was with my brother and came home from having dinner with him. I did work a little bit with his stuff and called Atlanta for my own stuff (talked to Kathleen Robie!) ... then stopped by at Royal Host for dinner... very late one.

NOT that good about eating that late... specially after midnight. Oh well, I've already eaten. Too late, I became FATTER. Yep, call me FAT!

Heard from darling sister Robyn. Miss her so much. She's been home sick?! Hmmm. Should come to see her brother in Japan! Hehehe. I will write her back soon. Tomorrow.

See ya!

1:37+1

Have you ever heard of "Sakura" or "Sakura II?!" - a model from famous Beanie Babies. Sakura series are exclusive from Japan... and Sakura is hard to get. I saw the price list that showed original Sakura can be sold with collectors for $100 or possibly more!

Sakura II, in the same comparison, can be around $30 - $40. Here it is:

Sakura II - brand new, just in front of me!

More Beanies! Just for Tak?! No way.

Friend Foyer in Atlanta asked me for an arrangement to get Sakura for his friend --- or maybe for his family. Anyway, I will put all Beanies in the mail toward him tomorrow or so.

Sakura II is not available alone. It has to come along with more than several friends like that 2nd picture. How much?! NOT cheap, I can say. If you are interested in buying like that, you should let me know?!

21:47

Hi, folks. How was your weekend?! Well, mine is NOT over yet! Hahaha. Still tomorrow, we will enjoy extra day off. It's used to Emperor Hirohito's birthday. Now it's Green Day. Still national holiday.

Do you know of current Emperor of Japan? Akihito - his birthday is 12/23.

Being lazy seemed no endless for Tak. Hit the shower around lunch time and then went out to Ginza for ticket - winning ticket on today's Imperial Stake, yep, horse racing. And I instantly lost the whole thing. $20 in vain. NOT bad?!

Some rental videos for tonight and tomorrow. So I can kill time... since I don't have much to do and no really phone calls except junk emails to the cellular phone. That is annoying.

Kit - thank you for your BD message!

Haven't heard from Robyn... my only sister. How in the world has she been?! Must be so busy as always. See, I don't have friends or any close figures being so free... people are always busy except myself. How come?! What's wrong with this picture, huh?

Also, all gals that I was after... were busy too. Hahaha. Just kidding.

Tomorrow is all for my domestic issues... laundry, cleaning, some shopping maybe.

Oh, cannot forget about some work on laptop. Hmmmm. I will never be away from work as far as I am in Japan? Hahaha.

23:11

Golden Week begin. Big vacation time of year after New Year's. Lots of people are now on trip to somewhere for fun or sightseeing. Like friend ChanKen - on the way to where?! Somewhere like in New Zealand?! Oh how nice! I am very very very envious.

And famous guy like Tak?! - Hahaha. I have NO plan whatsoever. Really. Truly. I woke up like usual and worked a little bit. Otherwise, just lazy Saturday.

Today's theme song, "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz.

Oh digital camera is now back in my possession. Yep, did pay about 200 bucks and once again... too soon already, am broke. Broke, broke, broke! Anyhow, good for you --- all of readers here. From now on, lots of photos would be up like before! Hehehe.

Checked lots of books and magazines... none bought, though.

23:03

Work, work, and work. Stayed outside most of the day and definitely that made me so hungry and I couldn't wait much for supper.

After work --- not exactly. As a part of time being with clients, experienced and enjoyed the taste of Monja, a famous Tokyo food, specially in Tsukishima.

Today's destination:

Monja Restaurant "Bambi 2" (tel 03 3436 6668)

Faces: Client "Ne Quittez Pas" (male), and some young ladies - Ogawa, Nakamura, and Tanaka. Nice party, huh? They did have a little cerebration on my birthday, too. Thank you!

Taste was no disappointment. Good to go to that place for fun and good food. I should go back with some friends in near future --- hope so.

Typical "Monja" on hot plate.

"Tak le dio su numero de telefono a una de las (tres) muchachitas... para conocerle mas. Entonces, que va a pasar?! Quien sabe!?" Hahaha.

Work around the midnight, even after fun like this, wasn't that bad, thank God.

22:53+1

Turning to be 29 (years old). Good or bad? Seemed no choice. Though, I really decide that I will turn this around and will be 28 next year! Hahaha. Am crazy, as usual.

wow, the server where the Ogaki.net is located is currently down?! What's wrong.

I may have to delay this update to get uploaded. As you see here...

No digital camera pickup today. Will be tomorrow for sure. Busy today?! Yeah all for desk work. I got stuck with paper work... not with customers face-to-face basis. Tomorrow, it is to be rather that way since lots of appointments. Yeah, full of them.

Oh pay day today. Thank God. I made it. I really survived. Thank goodness.

For my 29th birthday, there were several gifts... some sweets from coworkers... and what else? Oh yeah cards and eCards. Thank you, my friends!

Madam Misty asks me that, before getting too old, I should introduce my girlfriend to all friends. Yeah, good point. Though, not exactly in the bull's eye. How come?! Because I have to look for a girl first. I haven't got one to be with me. Hahaha.

Dinner with 7 people over Indian dishes. Fun. Good foods, too. A bit expensive. Didn't expect to spend that much... oh boy.

Good night.

23:57

At last, got notified that my (digital) camera was ready (for pick up). Yeah, it's about time. Need it for this website, don't you think?! I will pick it up tomorrow.

Quite busy today again. Good for me?! Good for what?! Am paycheck player... don't expect anything out of myself... like "productivity," etc. Hahaha. Must be good for my project called "diet." Since I walked to everywhere for any appointment with any kind of prospective clients.

Two days in a row... some people asked me a very same question.

"Have you lost some weight?!"

Good question and I wish I would be able to answer yea. In fact, don't know. Haven't checked weight out. I am afraid to. Don't want to encounter any bad result, don't you?! I know-

A day to go for my PERSONAL cerebration. Yeah, Tak's BD. Not big deal to anyone else... just for myself on little memorial day of my life. And as a secret, I won't keep myself that busy since I want to relax myself. Am sure that you agree with my idea, dude?! Hahaha.

Lunch - noodles

Dinner - some pork dish with rice and some vegetables

Oh you better know that we in Japan will come to a big vacation time from this weekend. My job, I hope, won't keep much busier than this while that time... seriously.

Movie Wall Street --- the Song starting like "Flying me to the moon..." Who sings this?!

21:39

Stressed?! Very much so. Busy?! Damn right! I need to do something to relieve my stress --- what shall I do?! Maybe some shopping?! Just like a girl, huh! Well, any kind of fun would be good.

New kind of technique?! Talking with cellular phone and sticking finger in mouth at the same time?!

How can coworker Kuboki talk?! Don't know.

Snap shot from the party the other night. Who has a big tummy?!

Meeeeeeeeeeeee! Hahaha.

Lunch - beef rice bowl

Dinner - carry over rice

Tired.

Tak's birthday in two day! Send me flowers and gifts!!! Who is "kareltje" with a birthday message?! Don't know of you by that name! Email me!

23:36

New word for today --- "Le Pen" this word is everywhere. We really thought that Jospin would come to the 2nd place. We were wrong. Very very wrong. Far-rightist man beats Prime Minister Jospin of France. Hmmmm, big surprise.

Le Pen places the 2nd and advanced to final part of French Presidential Election of 2002.

Tak's today... bored. Busy. Not much laugh. Some meeting. Lots of phone calls.

Wow, Ericsson is in debt now. NOT good.

Oh please note that this Thursday I turn to be 29 years old! Let's bring my "wish" list for my birthday!

• PowerBook G4 (laptop) = $3,000
• CD-RW Drive = $220
• BMW 745i = $??,???
• Large House = $???,????
• Eye glasses = $350
• Montblanc fountain pen = $250
• Summer suits (maybe 2 pairs) = $500
• Apple iPod =$500
• Alle McBeal 3rd Season DVD Set = $145

What else... I don't come up to any other for now. Surely will be more to come. Hahaha.

Oh, want a GIRLFRIEND!

Britney Spears is now in Japan... on her Japan Tour 2002!

23:57

Raining... all day long and this was the perfect reason that I stayed in and did nothing. Being lazy. Watched TV, listened to the radio, and surfing the Internet. Yeah, that is pretty much it.

Laundry and cleaning are done, too.

From yesterday in the hometown Ogaki, famous season taste was open for sale. "Mizu Manju." It's Japanese sweets - originally made in Ogaki.

"Mizu Manju" stays in water like this.

They look like this. Sorry, no large picture available. Like jelly with sweet beans in it.

Let's talk about baseball a little bit. Hiroshi Yamada - same age as me and from Ogaki as well. He's been pro for 8 years or so... didn't come up to major much. Though not this year. He is now leader in pitching result. Specially about ERA. Yeah, he is out pride!

Hiroshi Yamada, cheered with his 2nd victory for the season.

21:48

Movie "Hardball" was in US theaters back in 2001. Now this movie is in Japan. Yep, that movie was my pick and I think it was pretty good.

Keanu with kids (not necessarily Black ones) seemed a good company and even with some unfortunate situation when one of kids in the ball team got shot and died... the soul between coach and team survived. Maybe even more tightened. I admit, had to tear at the moment in funeral. The ending wasn't that clear... sort closed in vague view. Though, I can give good rate against this movie.

That was the main event for the day. In fact, it was the ONLY entertainment for myself throughout the day.

Yeah, I know, I cried in the movie.

Tak's rating on "Hardball" with Keanu Reeves: B+

1:12+1

Sudden shock - the news about my favorite sitcom from Fox Channel - Ally McBeal is coming to an end of the series... at last. I think it is about time since the show has lost its original members... who contributed most of current popularity and brought up its status to major.

Last and current seasons seemed kind lost the way to go... don't you agree?!

Well, I am sort glad to see that news... with different reason. Since I am buying all DVD series for the show, I don't have to spend much money further. There are just 5 seasons then. I've got all up to 2nd season. 3 more to buy. Hahaha. Oh, 3rd series are already out for sale - that I should go out to get.

Today - the Friday - wasn't that exception. Usual. Always busy with lots of demands to take care... maybe sickening day of week?! You guess right. Definitely not healthy and silly sometimes.

Stayed in the office up to almost 9pm. NO difference, huh. And some drinks afterwards - THAT is also no change. Hahaha. Some Chinese dishes over beer. NOT bad to let weekend begin?! Maybe.

No plan for weekend. Maybe some clean up needed in my apartment. Otherwise?! Hmmmm.

0:56+2

Too many people out there trying to drive me nuts! More than one request... I owe about 4 different quotes that come along with 10am tomorrow deadline.

Nowadays amount of overtime hours is really watched out... and like this, like I stayed at work up to 9pm?! That's not healthy and that is yet against the policy threatens me?!?! Hmmm.

Didn't know that there was a drama based upon some financial market --- I just saw for the first time and the story was really unrealistic... since one stock raised up to double within a day or so. Oh yeah, I wish I could be the stock owner to gain so much money within limited amount of time like that. Right?!

42 days away from the World Cup 2002.

I spent most of day time in Shinjuku. Two appointments. Oh did have lunch with client. Ate "tempura."

Narita (Tokyo) Airport now has 2nd run way in operation FROM TODAY. Unlike other major airports like Hartsfield in Atlanta, Japan's primary airport has been having only one run way for a long time over 2 or 3 decades! NOT anymore. Just two, though. Hahaha.

Does this make any differences?! I guess it would.

Supper? Ramen noodles... for first time in a while.

Bought newly published business magazine, "Nikkei Business Associe." Did I like it?! So-so. There are lots of famous economic figures bring their stories with unique opinions. Though, not that fascinating to me. The point of view could be more various. The concept of the publication is nothing but "trying to become popular" and the target readers must be a little older than myself!

Adios!

23:22

As expected, it was another drinking night for me. Man, didn't want to stay too late... though unfortunately, it was way later than planned. Came home after the date changed.

April 17th... my birthday (4/25) is just around the corner... and it's getting clearer that I wouldn't get any SPECIAL present for my BD from someone special... AGAIN.

Oh yeah, I of course take any kind of gift! Hahaha. Anyhow, please note of my birthday... mark your calendar!

Biz --- involved with a meeting and some customer chased after me... in calling up to my cellular phone. Oh boy. That isn't good sign.

Another bad sign was from a call from computer store. Remember that I sent my digital camera for repair?! Maybe I didn't mention so before. Well, I was told that total charge for repair will be about 200 dollars. Yeah, didn't think it would be that much. Well, I wanted to buy software GoLive version 6 for 330 dollars... and some others. Now it all won't come to reality since all cash will be the payment for camera. Hmmm.

And at night, there was a little party held by client company and my company provided the space for the time and space. So I was part of the fair. Did I eat?! Yeah, a little like Sushi, etc. Did I drink?! No doubt - beer and some mixed drinks. Oh there was Champaign, too. Did I karaoke?! Nope, just not tonight. I saved for next time.

3 winning tickets on this week Jackpot, huh! Is that you?! So split by three... from 325 million bucks... means 108 million dollars each. Wow... huge money!

Tired.

1:06+1

Warm... more than warm... like hot with nice breeze. Just like a summer day today. Is that going to be really hot and humid with "El Nino" to come after, this year?!

No outing for any appointment. Lots of domestic issues... that I needed to take care of. Good sign?! Not always. Fairly busy, though. Pain from muscle seemed settling down. Much much better today.

Whoopi Goldberg is to leave the game show, "Hollywood Square" - well, that wasn't my favorite show anyway. Not big deal. Did you or do you watch that show?!

No more wrinkles for ladies... and all ladies never age anymore?! With Botox which has been approved by FDA or Food & Drug Admin. I am sure that it will soon arrive in Japan. No doubt. Becoming popular that soon like eye-laser or "Viagra"?!?!

I am ALWAYS good at memory... at least I thought so for a long time. As reading back this update of last week, I figured out that I drank everyday. I thought I did from Tuesday on. Monday, still have several drinks that I sort forgot. Hmmm.

No wonder I feel tired and decided cut down work by a little --- came home way earlier than usual. Came home still the clock didn't come to 8 at night. Wao.

Rating on Japan's national bond was lowered and became the lowest among all industrialized countries... and Japan is even behind Italy in that rating!!! That bad in Japan's economy, huh? Who knows?! Some say, getting better or having hit the bottom in the situation --- while some others mention like could go worse.

Super rookie to Daiei Hawks (pro-baseball) - Hayato Terahara came to the mound, as a starting pitcher, for the first time after becoming the pro. Well, the result wasn't that favorable like everyone wished. Though, he pitched up to 6th inning... giving up 4 runs. Not bad!!! he's still 18 year old BOY. Way to go for him.

Tomorrow... expected some entertainment to client. Means... cerveza. Hmmm. Hahaha.

22:12

The pain - muscle ache won't go away that easy - as I hoped. Well, to admit, the thing all over my body is eased a little bit from yesterday. Still, going down stairs for subways, etc. ain't favorable to do.

Some client told me over the phone - I should be qualified as young fellow still since the muscle ache came up right next day from the heavy and yet sudden physical activity - for those who are older... the pain would come up in a few days, rather than right away like myself.

Is that good thing?! Yeah, definitely. I prefer to stay young. Don't call me an "old man!" I won't take it.

Some other client wants me to call for some information tonight. Yeah, again. It's about time to get that information from Connecticut after this update and will call him to see if he could be any happier or not! Hahaha.

Oh here's snap shot from Saturday!

Sorry, all back of ladies! Who's facing this way?! Eiko Ogawa?!

Where's Tak?!

First time to see someone's back like this, huh? You always see faces hereby... but different this time. Since I wasn't the photographer. Different angle and frame work. Interesting.

New project began - "KYB5k" @ 175.

2 appointments in the afternoon. Easy. Though, came to find lots of hectic issues upon coming back in the office afterward. Gee, bad luck. Oops, I should call to America now!

No ramen noodles for a while... as far as I recall. Good for my health and bad for my taste... ramen noodles are one of favorite dishes that I want to eat at least once a week or so. Right?!

I better call tonight off. See ya!

23:14

Yeah, Tak is still alive. Finally came back on line! Thanks for your concern. Here is my update from Friday.

Friday was last day for Hiroshi Kuboki to be with my department. From following Monday, he will be moving to downstairs, different department. Is that good news for him or what?! Oh who knows. Will know of that later... much much later.

You know last day of work or of a position in some department, there is always some gathering within coworkers in order to farewell. That night was no exception. Started from 7:30pm - it was almost endless in that "sadness" or some kind of "celebration" on him ---

Continued from the dinner with drinks in nearby tavern to Karaoke. Finally ended about 2:30am. Yeah, way after the midnight. Came home around 3:20am by taxi... went bed at almost 4 o'clock. No kidding - I was really sleepy and tired.

Saturday - following morning, got up around 7am. Very different from usual weekend! Took a train to Hamada-Yama. Yep, it's softball day! No hangover. Though, still tired from the previous night.

There were 4 games in the championship and the team I helped (it's my client) did win the whole thing. Yep, did win the championship. How about my play?! Definitely out of shape... very much away from the prime. My duty was at the 2nd in the line up and catcher. Did hit 2 homers... not bad huh!

Man, pitcher of my team was very good and almost unhittable. he was like semiprofessional. You don't want to believe how fast he could make a pitch. Perhaps, it was the main reason that that fellow on the mound did contribute the winning cup to the team. It must be so.

Another notable thing to remember... there were more than a few female companions to cheer players up. That's always needed and I did enjoy playing with "high-tone" screams from ladies. Definitely it was fun and I did play hard. Hahaha! Yes, did check out every single lady there to make myself to be friend with. Hahaha!

After that - dinner with drinks from 4pm thru the early night... like up to 8pm. Then Karaoke followed! Hmmmm, songs again and two nights in a row?! Yeah. I couldn't miss the celebration. Came home by last train for the day! Drunk.

Oh I should mention... the prize on the event was $40 gift certificates to Tak! Yes! (+ free foods/drinks)

And (finally) today - There was a scheduled dinner which I was invited by friend Kagumi Iwai (ex-coworker) and I showed up in Yachiyo-dai. I haven't seen her for a long long time, like almost a half year. Keysan and Yasuko Funabashi were also there. Man, dinner was pretty good and it was all her cook! Man, she could be really great to be in a household... when she gets married (to whoever). Good cooking is really the weapon, don't you agree? Chicken, potatoes, what else...

Ouch, big pain in all over my body... so painful to move - to make any move. Lots of, lots of muscle ache! Can I work tomorrow?! I doubt it.

Here it all of happening over weekend. It was fun. Any regrets?! Yeah, I missed buying tickets on "Satsuki Prize" (horse racing). Though, the one I wanted to win --- didn't come to the goal in the first place. So I would have lost then. Hahaha. Good for me?!

23:46

Free dinner once again. I am sure that I had been done everything so well and so right. That's very spontaneous that I come to good foods like that. No doubt.

Fatigue on myself is still and yet getting accumulated. More and more, over and over. What sign to tell ya?! - I know. I can tell. Though, the series of good and free foods for this week definitely help and become perfect aid for my physical condition.

Tonight - Italian. No business pressure much. Better than previous night.

Seems I have no choice whatsoever... client has a big softball tournament on Saturday. Intercompany championship. Then what?! Yeah, Tak will be back to the field. First time for two years! Just like one old day in Atlanta? Yeah, I know.

Surely, out of shape - I have been so. Excited? A little. Probably more?!

Tak's PowerBook has some trouble... unable to play DVD movies. How come not?! Don't know yet. I keep trying... I think last system update to OS X 10.1.3 wasn't that really stable and has corrupted system resource particularly about decoding DVD movies from the drive. Well, my laptop isn't that fun since I cannot enjoy my collection of DVDs - like "Ally McBeal" or "Charlie's Angels." Yet music CDs are okay on it.

Should patiently wait for next update to write over... huh.

Balance... of my ONLY bank account found in Sumitomo Mitsui Bank - less than 30 dollars. Next pay day is not coming yet for a while. Pay day just comes once a month - different from American system. So I guess I have poor management on my money stuff. Yep, you must be right?! Anyway, how am I going to survive through next two weeks?! You tell me!

Tyson went back to Atlanta without seeing me in Tokyo?! Gee, that was bad. He must have been so busy and didn't have much spare time even to see good friend, me?! - Hope am right about being good friends between each other. At least.

2,000 more shares for OKB tomorrow. Will be 3,000 in total.

Coco Yokota - coworker got winning ticket from last weekend's race when I lost completely. She got big money. Must be really big fan of horses as her reputation at work goes. Really. Well, I asked her of her strategy for this coming weekend's... She didn't disclose any clue for me. Man, that was mean! Hahaha. I know, not easy to share such clue leading to big bucks like lottery.

Foyer - I will order as you want; Japanese original Beanie Babies. Just bear with me for sec.

Kit - come to think of her... she never replies of my email... Hmmmm.

Israel - has he got tickets for World Cup from FIFA yet?

Good night.

23:19

Souvenir from Hamamatsu was very popular among female coworkers. How come I am not (popular among them)??? It was snack thing but I bought a box of enough quantity that everyone can enjoy well. I was smart, wasn't I? Yeah, I know.

Too smart to let others be able to catch up with my intelligence. Hahaha.

Being busy at work seemed endless --- all this week so far. Man. NOT healthy. I am very much afraid of this coming weekend thing... to be like previous one when worked almost all the time. At this point, I cannot really tell yet.

Tonight, once again, free food. This time, I mean tonight, it was entertainment dinner to some client. Did I drink a lot?! I guess, more than usual. Two days in a row... though, there were free foods for Tak!

Oh got lunch with Shinohara came up from Osaka Office. He bought me Sushi lunch! Thanks much!!! It was so funny - he carried such Osaka accent... sort of dialect. Very interesting to talk to someone unique like that. Sushi was in Tsukiji - Tokyo's Fish Market. Definitely fresh raw fish!!!

Man, too drink - I mean, too drunk. See you tomorrow.

0:30+1

One day (biz) trip to Hamamatsu in taking advantage of Japan's proud Bullet Train. Man, too fast in move to get connected to Internet from the train! Hmmmm, interesting, huh.

That means, cellular phone signals get whitewashed within the velocity. Really. Man, inconvenient.

Went up to Hamamatsu - took me about two hours from Tokyo. Busy working... writing up my weekly sales report as well as taking care of situations with some urgencies from customers. Some of them were really demanding... getting me upset. They don't want to wait and do interrupt whatever going on with me!!!

Yeah, I need to scream!

And just go back from there... date has been forwarded to next day - it was all about yesterday... not so fast. I still waiting for a returning call from customer who needs to know of my update throughout tonight... no matter how late it can be.

Knowing now or tomorrow morning... doesn't make any difference, though. What can he/she do for now upon having my information?! It's MIDNIGHT... yeah, "middle of the night."

Need a rest... though tomorrow seems to be packed once again...

Foyer (friend) - did you email me?! For your wanting stuffed animal?! Beanie Baby?! Email me again!

Kagumi is back in touch with me?! Free dinner on Sunday, right?! Wow, Tak has been invited. Who else?!

0:36+1

Easy Monday after working weekend?! Nice try, though! Hahaha. In fact, I stick with desk work. Paperwork, emailing, some phone calls to solve some problems.

Then came home early? Not so fast. I was at the bar for some drinking. Hmmm, how come?! Too much stress out there with me?! Hehehe.

At least I spent some money for good foods and drinks. About 50 bucks. Any good news?! Not quite.

Tomorrow - some field trip. With laptop, as always.

Showing my new hair-cut around... and some people told me, "not short enough." Man, guy in the barber told me that I should cut any shorter... I thought it means shortest I could go. They at work did expect way shorter than it is now... like shaving my head. Hmmmm.

0:06+1

Yep, I was still working... last working call was made at 4:30pm... yeah, I worked almost all day long, worrying about some business issue.

Was I working like crazy?! You judge that.

You know what?! I am getting a cold. Being coughing and sneezing! Zee, this doesn't look good. Maybe I should get rest tomorrow to prepare for day after when I have to go to Hamamatsu for important meeting. Hmmmm. I haven't missed any day with sickness since I came back to Japan. Impressed?! Yeah, you should.

Anyway, I may even have some favor, too.

Oh I shouldn't exclude the result of horse racing, right?! Your main interest in this update! Hahaha. It was "Arrow Carry." Yeah, that horse came in the coal at first place. Gee, lost again. Zero for three so far this year. I probably don't have good sense for betting?! Sure, am not gambling person.

So result was: 3-7. "Shining Ruby" was at the 3rd place.

While working today... I cannot go anywhere much since I have to be in the area where I can answer my cellular phone. Means, no movie! That was bad.

So renting video was the ultimate way to go. It was "Say It Isn't So." Heather Graham was in... my favorite! Movie itself?! It was wasting. Not worth to rest for ya. Definitely, "There Is Something About Mary" by Cameron was much much better off.

Then bad feeling came up. Someone (I would like to make this in anonymous) called me up and sent me an email message for some translation. Yeah, it was a LONG one with lots of technical terms and very Japanese expressions. Deadline?! Within tonight. Yeah, right! I wasn't professional at all and he should have understood.

Well, this time, I could pass. Though, won't be the same next time on. Should I charge for that?! That's his (own) business for his (own) profits - I am not involved... definitely this is nothing but being taken advantage of?! That's what I think. NOT healthy thought.

Am I that easy and helpful?! Something wrong within my personal image. Am not that kind!

Will see if the cold may develop like I have to take a sick day.

22:49

As mentioned yesterday - I was "working mode." From very early morning. Very. Started working about a little after 7 o'clock IN THE MORNING. I even received an international call into my cellular phone (not personal one, but the other provided for work) and definitely my working mode was continued up to 1pm. Yeah, very sickening. Don't you think?

Well, at least no trouble and things went smooth as I hoped. Though you know what? I wasn't really sticking to laptop all the time... I went to a restaurant for breakfast... after that - showed up in "usual" Ginza area for betting ticket on Sunday race "Oh-ka Prize." Had some lunch and got hair-cut done.

Only the difference from "regular" weekend mood --- was taking the laptop anywhere I went.

Poor thing - poor Tak.

Anyway, let's talk about my "winning" ticket - this time I spent about 20 bucks. 5 bucks each on 4 different possible winning combinations.

Combinations: 1-2, 1-4, 2-4, and 2-5

The key horses: Section1 = "Smile Tomorrow" and Section2 = "Shining Ruby" - what else?! Oh, Section4 = "Osumi Cosmo." If those horses ran fast... then good money is coming into my sight.

Odds (according to Nikkan Sports Newspaper) : 10.7, 20.3, 18.3, and 60.8

Means: $53.5, $102, $91.5, and $304.

I shouldn't dream too much at this point... but I do! Dreaming is the only way to cheer me up?! Hahaha. In fact, I still have to stick with the computer for some communication and urgent deal to take care. Oh boy.

Sniff neck killing me all day long. I know, I didn't sleep much since this morning was expected to kick off such early like said. I should rest early... since there are still some for tomorrow, right?!

And I have to win (the horse race)!!!

22:20

Working... no matter which I really wanted to support some particular customer or maybe not?! Today isn't just a day... lots of ups and downs. Specially about the afternoon. Lots of frustrations.

Sometimes, hardworking salary-man (i.e. "Paycheck Player"), like Tak, doesn't want to face a complicated issue to solve. Just about today. Hahaha.

Being logical in theory or any explanation is a key to make someone with wrong image or misunderstanding see what is really laid out there. Do not retain the upset of that person and CHANGE the pace about the talk. If kept, that would come to accelerate him/her talking into own (and still) wrong idea.

Changing the subject, even to related issue, is often effective in order to avoid worsening situation or relationship with the customer.

Today's lesson... keeping tone down is very useful and staying clam is a must.

I think I had handled the situation better than personally expected and definitely cleared up the doubt held. Not that sure though about gaining full trust. However, all better than worst scenario. That matters the most.

You know what? I ended up skipping my lunch due to that! And... I have to keep working tomorrow and even Sunday, too! Since it's emergency... no choice whatsoever.

Sunday - there is a big horse racing and I will check that out for my best pick - road to a millionaire! Hahaha.

I gotta get up early for work tomorrow morning. Gee, I shouldn't stay up too late.

Well, you have a nice weekend!!! Hope no work over weekend for ya! Hehehe.

23:16

Usual friend Foyer in Atlanta sends me this:

AMP... above for men with single switch and for Women... you don't wanna know!

Various way to interpret this picture, huh.

Very complicated control system, huh? Don't you agree with that picture?! I definitely do! Hahaha.

Today's Tak... visited Internet company, cable company, air conditioner manufacturer ... interesting variety, right?! Yeah, it was. All were Kuboki's account and now they are all mine. Good news?! Maybe not.

All appointments were taken care within the morning. Relaxing afternoon? Yeah, I planned so and I really wished that it were to come true. It DID NOT.

Lunch with Kuboki.

Dinner with Kuboki. Hmmm?! And I ate Sushi for dinner!!! Yeah, Kuboki bought me dinner and free food for poor Tak! What was it?! How come I was so lucky?! Maybe, some pity by him because of taking over his accounts?! Who knows?

Finally Friday. Still no plan for weekend, though.

23:22

New book to the bookshelf?! "Judge one's character/personality from his/her appearance." Yeah, that's the book title. Why I wanted?! I just try to prove myself being very unique with outfits?! Hahaha.

I just wanted to study some psychological analysis about people's looks.

Lunch - tempura, orthodox Japanese dish.

Dinner - not really much - some bento box from convenience store.

News... Do you know of Ikea?! I think that is Swedish... and selling furniture. According to that resource, Ikea is now in deep consideration of investing its money into Japan market and probably opens its retail stores by own brand in Japan next year or so. Currently under work about setting up affiliated office in Japan.

Ikea in Japan?! Yes!!! I like that. Too bad that there wasn't any in Southeastern of US... nearest was in Washington, D.C - so I recall. Anyway, if you don't know the Ikea taste yet - please check:

http://www.ikea.com

Cool, huh!

Next Tuesday, I will be on sort of field trip to Hamamatsu! Yeah, finally some fun on job!

On job - went to an office of some company whose logo is some animal called jaguar. Very clean and neat office. That sells some big unit with four tires. Interesting experience.

23:11

Almost all day - Tak was out for appointments. Good for me?! No - good for company and Tak's been suffered with business pressure. Haha.

Mmmm, what is that?!

200 yen Ramen (noodle)?!?! $1.50 Noodle?!

Usually a bowl of ramen noodle is priced around 650 thru 800, sometimes over 900. However, 200 yen?! You cannot even buy a "Happy Meal" in McDonald's!!! Man, what kind of meal would that be?!

Ichiro (Mariner) got great start on season #2, huh. How about that?!

My father is in town and my brother and I got together for him. Had a dinner.

What's up with this weather?! Very hot... way more than warm... Like June or July kind of climate. Is that "El Nino?" Must be.

Friend Tyson must be back in Japan... You should call me up! Yeah, I can have coffee, dinner, or time for shopping --- whatever you might need while in Japan. Give me a buzz!

0:03+1

What do you want me to tell for today?! Getting married? Having a girlfriend for such a long time and having had kept a secret?! What do you think?

No lie- and that's true that I don't have ANY (let me emphasize again, A N Y) girlfriend and don't have any (ANY!) plan yet about getting married.

And still suffer in the debt. Gee.

Today, finally I moved all back numbers (exactly, of January and of February) to different location in the server data. Now this page should be much lighter than before, yeah I know-

My digital camera is down... broken down. Time for another (new) gadget?! Not so fast, moron! I bought this camera a little over year ago. Gee, just out of manufacturer's warranty... Gee what a luck.

I know, this will cost initially 50 bucks and plus actual cost afterwards. I fixed my last camera... Yeah, usually users buys newer models when their own one won't work anymore. Though, in the comparison between the repair and buying new... still repair remains cheaper. I bet that way for myself who cannot afford any extra penny for anything. I stay in great needs to buy something more seriously wanted... like summer suits, etc. Ha!

Did you enjoy your Easter?! Hope you did.

23:17