Back

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Are you in costumes at work today?! I wish you were. There is no trick-or-treating in this country and I miss it!!!

We say in Japanese like "Fool don't catch cold" - because fool doesn't have any sensitivity. Unlikely, I wasn't one! Like you know from yesterday, I did get cold and kept coughing all night long last night. Even for now, still under medication.

And still yet, I went to work... felt much better today. I kept my work load low for today and asked Boss Ito for an off tomorrow. He said that he would decline it if I were okay... In fact, he asked me to check in with him tomorrow morning after confirming how I would feel then.

I told him... that I was begging for a paid off tomorrow, NOT just sick day! Hahaha. He said he would take a look at it once filed on Intranet. Yeah, our company, all petitions are filed electronically. So I did. That was first for me to do in the morning. What else, you think!

Lorrianne, thank you for your message with care for me.

MoonFlower, thank you for your "caring kit" about some energizing stuff, etc.

Boss Ito came back with me and said, "You know, we will come to extended weekend with National Holiday on Monday." Yeah, I wanted to have EXTRA extended weekend - Yeah I had known all about it. Look, I wasn't that slow... and I planned all in like that before coming up to him. Hehehe.

He laughed and smiled... and gave me an okay... AS FAR AS I DON'T TURN CELLULAR PHONE OFF all day long tomorrow. Oh sure, no doubt and you bet!

Wait, not that fast, since it is end of month - I have to submit all sales figure of the month due tomorrow. Oh, that's hectic to do... still I like to stay home! Am sure that you would agree with me.

I believe that I had been working quite bit... and no tardy... no vacations. So I just wanted to slow down a little bit in order to refresh up my feeling to regain energy to work hard or harder. So this weekend should be 100% pure work-free (at least I try so).

If you concern about reaching me tomorrow?! Don't worry, I still stay in touch regardless of status whether I am off or not... whether I have girlfriend or not... whether I have money in my pocket or not... whatever. Hahaha.

Have fun on your trick-or-treating!

23:19

Seriously sickened... and this really sucks! My day was awful! Spent a day quickly because I was busy taking care of my running nose! Hahaha. No wonder that I couldn't be productive at all whatsoever.

Though, went out for an appointment. Long way. Took a train and rode for more than 2 hours! Man, it was quite bit and you know what went worse than that?! I went to such country side where no phone signal detected to my laptop. Mean, I was out of communication loop... man I didn't mean to.

Coughing... hard. Finally took medication - too late?

Japan Government tonight made an announcement on its Deflation Package... is that going to be a good impact to our slowed-down economy? Won't be that good to Stock Exchange. Will see how this come to be though tomorrow's activity. My guess... not much.

Gee, now having headache.

Japan Series became shortest one. Just 4 games to take place in reality and Giants sent Lions out of the Series and seemed that was such easy job for them to do. 4 games with 4 victories. Wao-

So special sales celebrating Giants' championship from tomorrow will be there. Are you going to shop anything with good deal?! You should.

22:35

Hello.... how're you? Same question for me... different answer from yours. Am sick! Man, it was quite cold in the morning and when I work up... I instantly know that I was same to yesterday or any of recent days. No wonder that I feel fatigue and it was tough to move my body!

Gee, am sick now. Fever... definitely cold!

Did I stay home?! Man, I couldn't do so. 2 appointments for today and I surely did complete them. With good result?! Well, lack of concentration?! Maybe. It went okay. I mean both of them.

Came home earlier than planned. Didn't want to be in work to spend all energy left. Rather came home and stayed quiet with laptop... still I was working. So no one would get in trouble because of my absence.

Tomorrow, will be in Ibaragi... for what?! Still some business to take care. Hahaha. I may be busier tomorrow than today!? Could be. Then, I should go to bed NOW.

Wait, having girlfriend and being sick... this bad... and STILL no one come around to take care of me?! Oh poor thing. Hahaha.

Good night.

21:44

New week... Suito Ogaki Half Marathon took place in my hometown... did you run? Me? No way. Am quite lazy and, other than golf, I won't do any physical! Hahaha.

Tak's Monday became easy?! Well, I'd have better say that it was so-so. Had some appointment with new prospective client in Koshigaya-City... in Saitama. Quite far away. And it was pretty long one... since person I met had millions of questions. Hmmmm, I wanted to come back to the office much earlier!

Angels came to the World Champ?! Man, that little boy in Giants... became quite popular... but couldn't become the lucky to bring such luck to the team, huh.

Japan Series - no fight tonight.

Lunch - bento box ... with fried chicken.

Dinner - just some bread ... not healthy?

You know what? Quite sleepy already. You know what? I woke up late this morning and was almost late to work. Hey, I don't want to be tardy to work or any appointment. Even coming up to see gal or whoever... Hahaha. Anyway, I was quite close to be so... thank God, I was safe. Just on time.

22:52

In Lala Port Shopping Mall all day long. First time for me to ever visit to such a big mall there. I knew that there was one there... though, never got a chance to. It was quite close to where I lived. Though, it was way too big and easy to lose myself in the place.

Talking about word "chance" --- started seeing someone. Yeah, new way of life?! Sort of. Do I have to admit this or openly make this big deal?! When coming to an end like last relationship, it took lots of guts to say so.

Just new relationship, okay!

In the mall, saw new movie... "Bad Company" - funny combination between Chris Rock and Anthony Hopkins. Inter-racial set up like that must be really hot... Remember "Rush Hour?" I guess this kind of set up really amuses the audience and quite secure to hold certain level of popularity. Don't you agree?! Sure!

"Bad Company" - Tak's rating: B+, easy fun for everyone.

Man, Angels made the World Series tied to Giants... wow, I just realized that World Series... "world" means just state of California?!?! Hahaha, so funny.

Japan Series, contrary to World Series --- Giants made another victory theirs and seemed well pushing Lions away! In fact, I predicted last night about tonight's victory to Giants. Was enough to see that through 1st game... quite obvious.

Good night.

0:28+1

1st (golf) swing made... 1st time for almost 2 years! This is history... do you think that I missed it? Not quite. First shot was with 9-I and it went quite well... I mean straight. I bet that my physical strength isn't that bad... even though aging?! Hahaha.

Photo was done by Charlie... I know, that isn't wonderful and not that clear... though, I am just intending that I do get some exercise like that... not often... but still.

And I have some great instructor for lesson... do you know who?! Don't you remember that I have some great buddy... always accompanying with me for golfing?! Never recall anyone?! Well, I show then:

He was quietly sitting in the chair and wait for time to give Tak some ideas for better shots.

His name?! "Ogaki-Ken." -- KEN means DOG in Japanese.

So "Ogaki-Dog."

Do you like a little change in this website for Halloween? Hope you do!

See you tomorrow... I will go shopping (just window shopping).

22:44

Less than a week for Halloween? Ready for "Trick or Treat?!" I bet. Tak's Friday was easy and ready for next week, already?! Hahaha. I wish. Anyway, I left work about a little after 6pm... quite early, huh. For certain reason... no wonder.

See MoonFlower for dinner. She came up to Tokyo from her hometown for this. I really thanked about her efforts. Not close?! In fact, quite far away.

Went out to Chinese dish and then some drinks. Man, I need to be honest with you... that my budget wasn't that big for tonight and I have to keep eyes on my spending hereon.

"XYZ" --- the magic word for tonight. Yeah, name of cocktail that I have chosen for my taste. Bitter taste, hahaha. Time was bitter too?! Maybe or maybe not.

Finally weekend. I should be out for some golf swing with friend Charlie tomorrow. Weather won't be that good, though.

Oh one more thing. I bought a book. "Using Photoshop 7" - yep, now am serious about learning such professional-use software. Will be so beneficial that I can have full "literacy" of software such as "Photoshop" or "GoLive." Aren't you agree?

Yeah, I never stop learning. Lean from anything out there... around myself.

22:37+1

Man, damn tired and quite DRUNK! How come?! Well, 4 buddies of ours got together for the 1st time in what... more than several years. Wonderful reunion between Tak, Foyer (Michael), Kirk, and Charlie. Man, those 4 men get together... no women needed for our time with endless conversation where we never run out of topics!

No wonder that Charlie and I almost missed the train for the day. We barely made it. Thank God. You can tell that we enjoyed too much and forgot about time. Really so. Thursday night was just too exciting and I wish it were Friday or weekend night when no concern of following day. Don't you agree?

Anyhow, good thing was... nice reunion and not coming home by taxi on my own. Notably, it was all Foyer's treat. That should matter in the 1st place. Hahaha. Thanks, my friend!

Came home about a half passed midnight.

Now you can tell how much drunk I was?! (Kirk is in back).

And what Foyer treated us for...

SUSHI! (sounded by Katherine Kelly played by Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail.")

Sending emails for work from home and chatted with cyber friends for a while at the same time. One in English and the other done in English Am good or what?! Must be GREAT! Hahaha.

Gathering: 4 watches to be mine in future?!

Especially about green / gold one... by Foyer. That gotta be mine in near future! I can die for it. It's not Omega or Rolex. Rather, "EBEL." Man, my dream brand of watch! I swear!

Zzzzzzzzz, am tired - now I admit. Work is done and ready for sleep. Oh boy, I have to update Japanese page as well. Good night.

1:41+1

Tired... there is no way for me to come home early anymore. Annoying list of 300 clients is stuck to my ass. What happens is that three sales staff, including myself, have to complete all customer profiles, 300 of them!!! Due tomorrow! We were assigned so like back on last Friday. What would you think?

Still some appointments to catch... and yet have to remain in the office for such desk work... huuuuuuh. Not fair.

That appointment... only one for today. Shibuya around 10:30 in the morning. With Boss Ito. Funny thing was that we met some new customer and she had very thick make-up. I kept attention to that... rather than business talk. Man, my fault. I cannot concentrate.

A little early lunch with boss. Deep fried pork "Tonkatsu."

Stayed in the office up to 8:30pm, an hour earlier than yesterday. Though, was quite tired.

Getting cooler and cooler day by day... I should be ready for winter in clothing! In the morning when going up to office and at night coming home, I feel like "oh chilly." How come still do wear so light stuff? Hmmmm. Maybe no sense about season? Hahaha.

Well, wish me luck about completing the list by tomorrow and I can see Foyer for dinner. Foyer, Kirk, Charlie, and I will get together for 1st time in 3 years to face all each other like that. Cannot wait!

23:05

Well, I have a good news... Friend Emi Takahashi who quite and left out work place finally got a new job confirmed today! Congratulations! Am so happy for you. In fact, I had been worried.

Just coincident?! I saw her today for lunch. Since I had to go to Shinbuya for some collection from a client, she and I decided to have lunch together. She seemed so fine with such wonderful news.

It was Thai food. It was pretty good.

And today... another event within single day. Big pay day?! Not quite. It was of reimbursement. Remember about trip to Atlanta?! I have spent quite (?) for work and now money back was made payable to Tak Yamada. The amount was exceeding $1,000!!! Did I make a little money out of it?! Well, it was some reimbursement with some work benefit thing. So yeah, some extra...

Though, I am NOT going to throw any party! Maybe a good dinner with friend?! Could be.

Stayed at work up to 10pm... and came home late as you can see.

I wasn't happy going to see some client at 4pm today... that appointment was about some problem to solve and I was guessing that customer was quite angry. Wasn't quite bit. And I was saved from the hell! Hahaha.

So the World Series now come in the mid-term... and about time for Japan Series from this Saturday! So exciting and I cannot wait. Lions vs. Giants. I, without hesitation, take Lions. Will see.

I may not that lucky to getting another air tickets next month on job. See what much luck I have for myself.

Tired... coming home so late and just ate sandwiches for supper. Otherwise, just updating this webpage and hitting the sack. Good night!

23:44

Usual Monday? Well, I got soaked... rained so hard in the morning and early afternoon when I had to go up to see some customer in Fukagawa.

NHK - the National Channel sends me a bill of $30?! Hey, I haven't turned that channel... much. Should I still owe the subscription? Hmmmm.

Now new Delta SkyMiles member card. In fact, it was a replacement. I had misplaced last card long time ago and didn't have any since then. Though, technology now can help some user like me... and I could order the replacement via Internet. Cool, huh.

Having such membership, like frequent flyer miles, what should I do?! Just fly?! To where? (hint, hint!)

Boss Ito got hang-over?! Man, he enjoyed too much this weekend. I wish I would followed him for some party?! Hahaha. For me, there was no alcohol.... wait, I lied. Did have some. Just a little, though.

2 appointments and had lunch in McDonald's. Left work around 9pm. Working hard?! Or just for over time?! No way... I don't want to stay much in office for nothing. Still some problems and issues to be solved from the time when I went out of country. Remember?!

Tomorrow another 2 appointments... in fact one more. So means, I will busier than today!

Bye, ya'll!

23:29

Definitely fine woman... my favorite? Cannot resist. It was J-Lo... Jennifer Lopez. Am sure who I am talking about. I went up to see movie... "Angel Eyes." Somewhat I felt like I had seen that movie in US before coming home.

Though, I just checked that this movie was released in May 2001. At that time, I was here in Japan. Hmmmm.

Did I like that movie?! It was some bad traffic accident where a father lost his wife and son... and some dysfunctional family... which daughter was hated and she believed that she was right about domestic violence.

Tak's rate for this movie, "Angel Eyes" --- a solid B.

It gave me a mixed feeling about family matter. Wasn't that healthy stuff for me.

I was with friend MoonFlower... it was fun to spend time with her. We were in Ikspiari... and primary purpose was to see that movie. So mission was complete.

Well, weekend is over... already. So how about the start of this week for Tokyo Stock Exchange?! Dow Jones did pretty well at last session on Friday. So should Nikkei (Tokyo Stock Exchange) tomorrow.

Friend Foyer will return to Japan... did return already?! My appointment with him is to be on 24th?! Yeah, I indeed open up that night for him to get together. That's exciting thing to happen this week. Otherwise?! I feel a little hectic on job issue. Some customers are upsetting.

Good night.

23:19

Rain... sucks, doesn't it. I wanted to feel rather refreshed with nice sunny kind of weather... didn't come true for this weekend... Anyway, became quite typical Saturday for me.

Means what?! Stayed in. Yeah, as told you so before. Needed some rest and did so. Difference was that I woke up and went up to nearby restaurant for breakfast. With PowerBook and "Business Week" which I bought before flight back to Japan from Atlanta.

Business Week October 21 issue "The Best B School." Am I interested? Sure. Though there are so many problems for me to go on. Hmmmm.

Spent about several hours in there... eating breakfast, reading magazine, and updating website. Yeah, it were like my personal space. Am sure that I wasn't most favorite customer at that moment. I was annoying that restaurant staff? How many cups of coffee then since free refill?

"Killing Me Softly." Cute and nice nude by Heather Graham... one of my favorites?! Very sexy too! Cannot resist, can I?! Hahaha.

"Rat Race." I do think that I prefer this to "Killing-" Of course, I did like nudity part in such movie... though, I still take funny parts from Rat Race. Ending was quite smart and well-finished. Have you seen this movie?! You can kill time with this kind of movie. Humorous. And typical American stupidity in it too.

So watching two movies in a row... missed time for lunch. I guess I made my efforts to breakfast became in vain since I skipped lunch. What was I thinking?!

Will go to see REAL movie tomorrow. Laundry is done (already!) and I should do something fun before weekend is over!

9:49+1

So what do you think what happened afterward about my rejected report about my recent business trip over Atlanta? Man, that is NEVER logical. I ended up fix another report consisted from 4 pages! How come?! I had to explain all... about business history with such client and status of sales activity and the structure of our sales force, etc. Man, hectic.

Do you think that I have to care MORE about inside people (i.e. management) rather than client?! That shouldn't be right, don't you agree?

Sometimes, people cannot stand that they realize not being paid attention or not knowing all details. Hahaha. That's very likely human.

Anyway, my Friday wasn't that flat. Still things piled up on my desk from that trip were there for me to solve... some emails were never replied. You know what I mean. Therefore, I left work about 10pm.

Hey, let's take a look at bright side. Facing a weekend. Since I didn't have full weekend last week except joyful reunion with friends in Atlanta, now I can ease myself and become LAZY for full 2 days, Saturday and Sunday!

Weather won't be that good. Rains. Well, doesn't affect much since I think to stay in and no outing. Maybe some movie. "Minority Report" yet in Japan? Have you seen that movie?! Where is Bond?!

You too have good weekend, folks!

10:34+1

Man, my business trip report was REJECTED. I've got a straight okay from boss Ito... not so fast! Didn't go thru at the upper management thereon.

Gee, Ito and I got annoyed! Do we have to explain all from A to Z?! Hmmmm, that must be waste of time!

Anyway, I will solve that issue within tomorrow. I am not happy to... but have to. Yeah, I need to retain my job!

One activity for today. Went up to Makuhari for "Logis-Tech Tokyo 2002." It was the International Material Handling, Storage and Distribution Exhibition. Yeah, really about my concern?! Well, I didn't have any particular assignment for that... though, I just took time to look around. Very interesting... lots of unique hardware to maximum output with minimum input for better productivity.

Took about an hour or so in that exhibition hall. Many business people... with few gals.

As far as I recall, I was up until around 2am... definitely lack of sleep for today. Made me so sleepy and didn't think much about working to be the best. Hahaha. Just lazy?! You know that's always for me.

One more day to go for weekend. Cannot wait since I didn't have any spare time, except having fun with old friends in Atlanta, last weekend. Specially I lost big on transit. Yield to time difference, right?!

I should plan big for weekend or just stay inside for rest.

Good night. Zzzzzzzz.

23:19

Busy today?! Well, it was so-so and... though, I came home about 9:30pm... wow, I must have been busy?! I did finish my business trip with 4 page long report.

1st page - all description of in-flight meals and movies. Duty Free catalogue attached.

2nd page - expense report... how much I spent for souvenirs

3rd page - ice hockey game detail

final page - all description of single female friends I saw with possibility of becoming my girlfriend

Yeah, I must be insane. Hahaha. Well, true that my report is 4 page long!

No going out for customers. I got more than several hot issues to solve and called probably more than a dozen of customers for single day.

Thank you! More than 80,000 visitors to Japanese page! Man, it's pretty damn good!

More photo to come?! Another addition for today's update. The title?!

"Three dead bodies."

Dead Body 1 = Tak (Ogaki-jin)
Dead Body 2 = Alabamian (Tyson)
Dead Body 3 = Yuko Hamada

Hmmmmm... who was the spy took a shot like this?! And how come this picture was put up in some other web page?! Man, I should be careful about what I would do or do not.

This photo was taken about Sunday morning... around 5am or almost 6am... just right before hitting to airport to catch flight to Japan.

22:39

"Oh you did go somewhere, didn't you?!" - That was the phrase repeatedly heard all day today. No one really cared about me?! Of course, not. Busy country, busy work place... anyone can really afford almost no attention?! Hahaha.

Forgot to add one more photo from the trip.

Tak's one more accomplishment while in US... first step ever made into Apple Store. One in the Lenox Square. Man, it was really cool and exciting experience. Did I buy?! Nope, I was broke... still am.

Back to work... slow today?! Busy and tough?! Well, it was okay. I tried not to push myself hard to do all within single day. I was wise, huh?

"Reese's" were quite popular among coworkers. Great! I like them, too.

22:32

Back to Japan... arrived in Narita Int'l Airport around 1:30pm. Yeah after lost a day on time change, my weekend doesn't exist. Meanwhile, Japan and ya'll have enjoyed three day weekend, up to Monday.

US = Columbus Day & Japan = Sports Day ... Must be nice!

While in flight, I slept like a baby! For a long time. It was 13 hour flight or so and I slept more than 10 for sure! Why?! Because didn't sleep almost at all for last 2 days.

Friday night --- I was up from 2am and didn't get to sleep at all.

Saturday night --- surely up until 4:30am and some NAP taken... but was in the airport to catch the flight around 8 o'clock!

One of Delta ladies told me that I slept pretty well. Surely I was because like that.

This guy - new friend of mine "Aki!"

being drunk and talked much!

Those who came to the Game with me!

Thank ya'll! Tyson and Tom2bwu, thanks for all arrangements!

And for the same game, another friend from Southern Georgia - Madam came up to see me! I haven't seen her for more than 3 years... so great to see you!

Man, it was such wonderful time after serious work! For your note, all part with my friends... was strictly addition to my business trip to Atlanta. Thanks for your good understanding and no rumors!

Friend Emi Takashi showed up in the airport to see me upon my arrival and missed me?! Man, thank you. Too bad that we missed each other. Really appreciated about coming up. She intended to surprise me. Man. Nice friend.

22:39

Currently on board to Delta Flight 55 ATL-NRT. Will lose one day here due to time difference. Please acknowledge that there is no update since such circumstances.

Time really did fly and already on the way back... oh boy. Wish I could stop the clock! Hahaha.

22:09+1

Working in the morning and that is the wrap-up of this business occasion. Yeah, now it's done deal! Great! At least, it went as least expected. Means, didn't go worse than thought.

Lunch time, saw Kack and Nicky... yeah my USUAL friends in Atlanta.

Kack (L) and Nicky (R)

We met each other in front of Rich's in the Lenox Squore. Had lunch and went on shopping. Big shopping day for them. I followed them with such wish that they would get me something. Man, in vain. Anyway, they shopped fast and many! Gee, I saw the real part of woman's life like typical one. Hmmmm.

After they left that place, I started my own shopping. Hahaha.

At evening... fun festivity in downtown!

^{Good picture, huh! From Philips Area}

Atlanta Thrashers vs. Florida Panthers

Thrashers lost... bad. 4-5 in over time. Sucks. Though, it was first time ever seen ice hockey in my life. Good and neat to see!

22:19+2

Difficulty to get along with some customer?! Well, meeting is over and things are moving forward. It was rather positive ending... big face-off wasn't that bad at all in the end. I was certainly worried and nervous. Well prepared - didn't mean any sometimes. It was a human deal... cannot expect all to happen.

Like this meeting wasn't that far fetched. Started off with some presentation by customer pointing out of our service failures. We had to clear up with issues concern and the condition that we need to apply in order to serve better.

I didn't do much... Dawn did take care of most of the concerns. Thank you! I always count on someone in my trust. She is, needless to say, one of them. Me?! Hey, you know, I don't work hard... always "hardly" working. I depend on someone else! Hahaha.

Meeting was done by 3pm and we all were happy campers from there on!

Dinner with customer in Chinese restaurant on Buford Hwy and it was relaxing kind of time in such atmosphere. My stress is now eased and ready for weekend?! Sure!

Tired. Worn out. Beat...

4:09+1

Visiting UPS Freight Services Atlanta Office... first time after changing the name of company from Fritz Companies, Inc. Still found lots of familiar faces! They do remember of me! Ha - my happiest moment.

It is always so wonderful and moving to see old friends... specially so many of then at a time like this. So great and really miss this place for sure.

Now about 150 people working in the facility and I probably know about 50 or a little more. LeighAnn, Dawn, Jackie, Rebecca, Paul, Tim, Matt, Dan, Brenda, who else... David, Mona, Jay, Todd, Calvin, you name it.

Maybe I should come back for good... as everyone told me.

"Are you finally back for good?!" "When you coming back... not just trip like this?" "Don't you miss us at all?" --- similar phrases... I heard more than 3 million times within first 30 minutes in the office.

Man, there is no softball team in UPS-FS?! Shame on them! Was that my fault?!

All day long... had a meeting with Dawn... to prepare all for tomorrow. Seemed that we should be under control. I feel much more comfortable than when leaving Japan. So that was good and productive. Agenda is set and strategy is aware... understanding of customer's needs is the target. We are sure that we're in the same page for same direction. Pretty good!

Customers (4 of them) arrived in the airport around 9:30pm... one hour later than scheduled. Well, time for serious business.

3:49+2

Arrived in Hotlanta! ("Hot Atlanta") --- Gee, it's pretty cool... a little cold here. I read some part of information about the temperature in this town?! I thought it would be around mid- or low-80's. When I got here... it was 60's. A big difference. Didn't bring thick kind of clothes.

Mistake. Or just unlucky?

Flight DL56 was smooth with no delay. I made to Narita Airport safely. Came to a thought that I really closed the window and locked the apartment?! Don't remember. Didn't bring much cash with me... holding onto one VISA plastic. (not Platinum - since being broke!)

Staying where while this trip? Marriott?! DaysInn? Hyatt? or what!?

Swissotel - now part of Raffles. Pretty damn nice! $170 per night with breakfast. Wow! Am I suddenly rich and such an executive?! Not so fast.

Nice room, huh!

Didn't need that many pillows... no one would sleep next to me.

Just lucky.

Came to the hotel via MARTA - subway transit. See, am still peon! It was about 4:30pm when checked in.

Then, called several friends including Andrea... who has a baby girl Zoy and Kitty not married yet... and who else?! I chatted with many friends... and that's so wonderful to keep the track with such many friends. Am thankful... that people do remember of me.

For dinner, friend Tyson and Tom2bwu showed up for my pickup and went up to a restaurant in Miami Circle. The "Eclipse de Luna" - one of favorite restaurant in Atlanta for me.

New friend (Tyson's one of girls...) Yuko came up along with us too. She was funny person... hitting back to Japan at the end of year and looking for a job in Tokyo. Hmmm, interesting (about what?).

3:31+2

Ready for trip?! Today can be last day in Japan... if I decide NOT to come back?! Hahaha. I certainly will be back!

Wow, Braves out of season... got defeated by SFO Giants?! Hmmmm, I didn't expect so.

Will be tough stuff in Atlanta to solve some issues... at least trying not to lower everyone's expectation and not to lose any trust from them. I am the only one going to Atlanta for this event and everyone is in good faith to me for reasonable outcome?! Well, that's tough to manage.

Okay, okay, okay, I try.

Plan for work and for some free time is pretty much set. Still able to see some friends... of course, it's all after work! Means, I get some reward about having good time as a result of working and dedicating myself for some business?! I surely want to believe that.

I may be able to see Atlanta Thrashers... if behaved?! Hahaha. I have never ever seen any ice hockey. It might be great fun. I see how this plan would go... coming true or not.

Have I ever packed yet? I told you nope yesterday and I still give negative response for now. Nothing really got done so far. When to pack?! Good question. Let me think about it.

About this trip --- when there is a cost (for this trip, for instance) - management do expect some RETURN! Like when you go out with your date, you pay everything... and you must do expect some from him/her for return. Correct?! At least like friendship or, possibly, love?!

Folks in Atlanta - will see you soon.

0:02+1

Who is smarter or wise?! Money in bank or into any financial market? Like millions of Americans lost money in 401k plans... due to severe plunge in Bond and Stock Markets... today, Japan's stock market, Nikkei, hit the record low in 10 years.

Seemed German one is hitting bottom in 6 years. Oh boy! Really bad cycle around the globe.

This kind of time, question is rather simple... smart to invest?! Or maybe smart enough NOT to invest.

What kind of morning was it?! Raining hard... everyone, including myself, was soaked! And it didn't last too long. By the noon, it was fine and lots of sunshine. Hmmm.

Received an email asking me if I was ready for trip yet. To be honest, not quite. I canceled a domestic trip on biz to Gifu - near my hometown - tomorrow. Too much to do for other stuff. Kuboki will cover my responsibility (do I have any?) tomorrow. Thanks!

Came home late... left work around 10pm. Yeah, pretty late. Though, it was good work... with good concentration after other people went home. Sometimes... better be most of times... working alone in the office is better for me to be more productive compared to working home. You know, working home isn't that simple sometimes... because lots of others really tell me not to work but to do something easy and fun... like Internet, radio, or TV.

My trip to Atlanta is becoming challenging. Originally, one more person from the management is coming with me to organize the meeting with client. Now I have to go by myself. Means, I have to preside the entire event and to take initiative coming to a solution. Not that easy to do, huh! What do you think? Am I getting paid well to do that all?! Hahaha.

Have I done packing?! No kidding... you gotta be. Nothing really done yet, man.

23:39

Having something accomplished for this weekend?! If so, good for you! My weekend is, as well as yours, is coming to an end and it was fun!

I, first time ever, met a new friend Moon Flower. She was the winner of 77,777th hit on Japanese page. We were happened to talk about meeting each other this afternoon and we did.

Place was still in Ginza just like yesterday. Lunch and coffee... it was fun time for me... Surely don't know about hers. Hope she had fun with me.

Am quite thankful about confirming such dedicated reader of my web page. Lots of feedback were provided and I learned much from the talk.

Lunch - Indian curry. Coffee with NO sweets.

Bought her that lunch... as the prize. Thank you, Moon Flower!

2 days... I've got for the preparation for the trip. Is that good enough?! Negative. Though, I will manage it.

21:44

Good fine Saturday. It should be only sunshine for this weekend. Good weather won't get lasted that long... not even up to tomorrow afternoon.

Holding shopping list for the trip to Atlanta... so I went out.

Japanese doll, music CDs, perfume, and etc. Most of them are now completed after spending entire day for the list to fulfill.

Having a coffee and cake with Amy - I haven't seen her for a long time. She was surely surprised at the news announced yesterday. Well, what would happen really happened. Hahaha. No regrets.

Good place where we had such good time for a talk in the afternoon. Don't remember the name. Didn't even check to.

It was Ginza... where I was looking for perfume and CDs... Amy was certainly good help. Then, I went up to Asakusa to seek Japanese dolls... after she went home.

In Asakusa... it was a little after 7pm and almost all shops closed already then. Man, I didn't know that they would close that early... but still only a few shops remained open. So lucky to find out something I was looking for.

Yep, except a perfume, all in the list complete! Good job, Tak!

Got haircut. Ready for trip?! Pretty much. Except the preparation for the meeting! (Gee)

Lots of email messages received. Most of them commenting about my recent (yesterday!) break-up. Many were thinking that it was going well. Lowered your expectation?! Sorry, folks.

0:09+1

Good Friday! Man, my weekend will be busy for shopping to prepare coming trip to Atlanta. Please note that this is strictly business purpose... I won't take a large suitcase with full of gifts for you! Hahaha.

Anyway.

Official announcement. Back to the old days! Resume to normal condition. Broke the chain today. Person I kept referring as "Lucky" is to become my ex-... joining some others in the same criteria. Both finally agreed to break up. Good for her and bad for me!? I could tell that she was good person... just not "Miss Right." This break-up was done in peace (I believe!).

Reason?! That word is very next thing coming out of your mouth... or coming up to the top of your head, huh!

It was all about the balance of my checking and saving account! Hahaha. Just kidding. Just a difference in thoughts toward each other and we didn't make coming to same or common perspective for the relationship.

Better understood?!

Dinner was served... hosted by Mr. Tom Kagawa. He is the advisor to our company and old man... though VERY VERY ENERGETIC!!! Unbelievably! He is more like aggressive sales person. To where?! Since he is quite Americanized, he invited three of us, Mori, Yasuko, and myself to the Lawry's. Famous steak restaurant from Los Angeles! Don't you know of this brand for salt, pepper, etc? Restaurant chain in more than several locations in US and now in Singapore and one more in Asia... now in Tokyo. Very expensive.

Great prime ribs! So great! Made me fat! And server was cute.

He used to live in L.A. for a long time. So we talked mixing both English and Japanese! Quite funny.

Man, am drunk. Too much wine - opened and finished two bottles.

13:09+1

Late, again. Shoot. Tired. Well, I have some good news for you. My petition has been granted. Yes, I will come to Atlanta... NEXT WEEK! So sudden?! Yep, no choice whatsoever.

date	schedule	note
9th	Tokyo to Atlanta	Delta
10th	pre-meeting
11th	meeting with client T	(tough)
12th	some work / free time	shopping?
13th	Leave Atlanta	Delta
14th	Back to Japan	National Holiday

Will buy air tickets tomorrow. Seat has been reserved. NOT business class... even though this is definitely business occasion.

Too bad that I don't have much free time?! Well, depending on how you look at this. I know, not much. Though, I will make up some time for friends! Too bad --- I won't be able to make North Carolina to see Mom. I miss her and I will come back, some other time, just for her!

I looked pale today. Due to lack of sleep? Due to heavy work load?! And what else...

"anteojos" finally got picked up! Will make an intro soon. You might want to look up that word. Yeah, you know, eyeglasses! How many pairs do I have?! Hmmm. More than several?!

Good night.

0:25+1

Came home late... passing midnight and no trains left for me! Yeah, I missed last train for the day. Means TAXI... to hike! Yep, did so. No choice.

Why working that late?! Man, lots of reporting... in order to fulfill all requirements for next week's event. Yeah, coming to see someone like you in US... To be more precise, to Atlanta!

Used to be easy to request for permission for me to go overseas. Now way more difficult. No kidding. More complicated reporting system for a single okay!

Monthly update from September is now out to public. My figures?! About 30% of budget completed. Good or bad?! Depending on how you take a look at it. For me, pretty confident. Might turn out to be easy fiscal year?! Not so fast.

Will answer all emails to those who sent to me with lots of questions about itinerary about next week. Not officially approved yet. Please note. Will answer more tomorrow!

Lots of emails... since notifying many friends there. Am I popular?! Hahaha.

I wish I could be more popular among gals... Yeah, I wish.

Good night. Tired. Sleepy. Still work to do.

0:49+1

Today's music: album "Breathe" by Faith Hill

Today's phrase: Oh please don't tell me like you don't wanna see me... like next week.

What does it mean?! How do you want to solve this puzzle?! You may have good clue about it. Something done back in February... and now once again.

Will advise the final deal later on. Yeah just liken an announcement.

Typhoon came by. Most of us were released by companies for home earlier... make sure that our umbrellas not to be broken. Hahaha. Came home around 7pm. Pretty good!? Not so fast. I brought my laptop back home and still worked thereafter.

Yeah like serious professional. Almost.

New friend - leveled up from mere reader of my web page - Moon Flower seemed be very cool person. Good friend then!

First time ever used "iChat" - didn't do any chatting over Internet for such a long time. Man, now chatting is much better with functions and cool graphics! Man, I enjoyed myself. Lots of typing... made me worn out fast. Voice chat should've been the choice!

I've got to go to a doctor's check up tomorrow...

Good night!

23:34