Back

Feel much better today. Snow over Tokyo? No kidding! Wow... no snow in Ogaki, though.

I don't decorate my apartment for New Year but here this website. How do you like this?! Quite New Year, huh. At least I feel so.

Anyway, am busy celebrating coming New Year just like you. So let me close here very short and hurry to the party! Well, not really party here. Just quiet family table only. Watching Year-End TV program... typically for families. With lots of popular songs took place in this year. On national channel.

Hope my sick is getting healed by tomorrow. I feel much better for now, though.

Well, you have a very very happy New Year then! Please keep logging to read this place next year! I will keep up with ya'll here... with lots of up coming events, okay!

I already have lots of eGreetings via email. Thanks for friends! Ya'll are all awesome! Love you!

17:24

You know what?! Being relaxed isn't quite good sometimes. Like myself today. I caught a cold. Big one. Cannot move. Fever is addition to all physical pain and fatigue. Gee, so bad.

Will go to bed early.

Not much update for you today. Just being home. Eating good food. Lazy. Cold. Sickened. Sure mother will take good care of me!

So are you ready for New Year?! All dirty clothes washed and hang for drying out?!

11:45+1

Moving to Hometown Ogaki via Shinkansen Hikari from Tokyo. Trip is about 2 hours. Moving quite fast.

Busy today. Hair cut done. Bathroom was cleaned from the corner to corner. Packing was done in short time. Still yet almost late to the train. I had reserved seat for myself. Thank God, did make it.

Came home... last. Was about 8:30pm. Dinner served by mother. That's the best part of being home! Aren't you agree? Sure, why not.

It is much colder here. At least I feel so.

11:41+2

Last day in Tokyo area... since tomorrow I am hitting down to Ogaki to see mother. I haven't seen her completely one year around. I know, I was bad boy. Though, it's now quite exciting to spend some time with her.

And another big thing is that I am away from work! Since no vacation ever taken within single year at all. This is a nice little vacation.

Now I have to review what I have done. Let's see how much I have done in best buy.

Summer suits (2 of them) = C+

Apple AirPort - Wireless LAN network = A-

Cellular Phone <Docomo SH251iS> = A-

Purple frame glasses = A-

Nike sportshoes = B+

GoLive ver.6 (homepage build software) = C+

CD-R/RW drive by SmartDisk = B-

Ally McBeal IV (6 DVD's) = not rated

I guess most cost-effective best buy was of AirPort... now I am quite enjoying wireless network even within such small place like mine. Cellular phone with camera integrated brought quite different way of communication.

Purple glasses... hit another angle of my fashion. Though, limited time in putting them on. Mostly Friday and weekend. Maybe another pair next year?! Hahaha.

Suits and shoes... least necessary.

Ally McBeal DVD's weren't seen yet. Even package isn't broken up.

And the best movie of the year... from all I watched.

StarWars Episode II = defenitely given an A+!

15:01+1

Friday - this particular Friday means last working day for the year! Yes, this is the time to put all tough work aside and get ready to celebrate coming new year! How many days left toward the new beginning of time?! Just a couple of days left. What have I left things undone?! I have to check my LIST.

Lots of accomplishments?! Oh well...

I can tell that Year 2002 was much better off then previous year - 2001. I had lots of problems... Mother was sick and work was hectic... On the contrary to that in 2001, this year has been very flat and nice. Notably, I had girlfriends. More than 1! Don't know what changed in myself... but I came to a big luck like that.

Working... even on last day of work, I showed up to a client with deep apology. Some business problem and I had to clean that up before closing this year. Man, I should have been tough.

Dinner over Chinese dishes with Boss Ito, Kaori Hanaki, Yasuko Funabashi, Kyoko Fukami, and Akiyoshi Mori. Yeah, usual member from the department.

So let's forget about work... until 6th of January - when all work to be resumed.

Good night!

15:02+2

Boxing Day, huh. Well, still regular working day here. Very limited number of emails from US... where ya'll enjoyed too much about Jesus' birthday, etc. Maybe good foods and drinks along with fine tone of conversation. Man, I wish I were in that kind of situation for now. Yeah, I really wish.

After work, the big party was thrown. Called Year-End Party... for all coworkers in the same department. Believe that there were about 15 people present. Unfortunately, I was last one to show up to the tavern near by the office. How come?! Am still suffering from chaos remaining around from Tuesday. No kidding about it.

Too bad that no photos from tonight festivity. Did have camera in my bag. Just I was busy catching up with talk as well as my share of tasty stuff served. You know what much desperate I was then... trying to balance out how much I paid and I could eat. Hahaha, was smart or what!

Surprisingly, no extension of the party tonight. Like going to Karaoke. And still another working day... to go. Tomorrow is the last day of work for the year! Please note that. Don't even think about sending me any inquiries... would be busiest and not much time left for additional stuff.

Oh surely and most certainly, I didn't forget to call overseas. Talked to Mom shortly and then to Robyn. Glad to talk to darling sister. Talked about 30 minutes?! Could be a little shorter than that. Though, she was so wonderful with nice life going on even after her marriage.

And of course, she was asking me of girlfriend... whether she's the one or not. Mean like Miss Right... well, don't hold any answer at this moment. Too early to tell? Anyway, I shouldn't go any further than that. Hahaha.

Well, like I said, tomorrow is to be last working day of year! Then we all are on vacation time for New Year up to 1st weekend of New Year. Means 9 days off STRAIGHT. Good, huh.

Also, I bought train tickets for home. Leaving Tokyo on 29th and be back in town on 3rd. 5 days to stay home with Mom who I miss. 200 bucks for round tickets.

0:34+1

Let it snow - let it snow - let it snow...

No snow in my place. And couldn't afford myself to any part of celebration. Busy! Yeah, went out to see 8 customers within single day. Distribution of 2003 calendars as well. Boss Ito told us this morning that we must give away all calendars to customers... nothing to be left over. So I was even busier.

2 customers in the morning and additional 6 in the afternoon through early evening. Gee, too much work.

Have I come out of the chaos?! Not quite yet. Still far from the end of deal. Tough meeting is now scheduled on last working day of the year! What an irony.

You know what?! I should worry about seat availability on bullet train Shinkanse to go home for New Year. Man, when I check the website tonight, the request wasn't proceeded due to out of business hours. Gee.

Yeah, so far, am still planning to go home in order to see my mother. Haven't seen her since this past New Year. Long time ago, huh. Do miss her much.

Well, have you opened your presents yet?! What have you got?

Tired. Let me go to bed. I should call Robyn before doing that.

Merry Christmas, folks! Have good one!

23:35

Merry Merry Christmas! Many of you must be spending time on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day with your loved ones. Like family members or your lovers. Well, I wish I were just like you.

Too bad that I am now spending tonight alone. Yeah, A L O N E. Intentionally?! Well, work was hectic. Not really happily celebrating the event... much. Though, I tried to spread peace kind of mind for such lovely day.

Why same pictures together here?

The answer is simple. One whole box holds 9 cakes. My department is consisted from larger number of members. Mean, double needed.

Bad part... that all money for 18 cakes was really out of my small wallet... on my own spending. Too bad that I wasn't smart enough to count this into expense to be filed to company! Hahaha, I am quite bad.

And there is no doubt that I was given good reputation at work... since free cake for all girls on the floor! That means I will be less and less appreciated by female coworkers a little by little from tomorrow on. At least, I was the most popular and kindest man to be found at work place. Hahaha.

Christmas Presents 2002 from Tak

<left> for Robyn <Right> for Janice

Good job, Tak!

23:36

http://www.gangsofnewyork.com/

Finally, came to see a movie. Brand new movie... those who are big fan of Leo... this must be long-waited movie ever?! Could be. Well, new thing to know about girlfriend... I was ranked at 3rd in her preference list. Both Leonard DiCaprio and English soccer star David Beckham are ahead of me. What would you think?! Poor me.

So it was great movie to see for Girlfriend MoonFlower for sure.

How about that movie?! Well, didn't like it. Not because of someone next to me in the theater being so crazy about that handsome actor, but just poor development in the story. Not really moved me much. Lots of senseless fights. That was it.

Give a C-. Probably 15 dollars for a ticket wouldn't have been worth.

Now received a present from girlfriend.

Card case by Tumi.

Very cool stuff. Loved it much. Needed one just like that. So now in use... already. In my bag for work, already. Hehehe.

It was a national holiday. Happy Birthday, Emperor!

22:44

Maybe it was time for shopping and fun toward Christmas... time to spend QUALITY time with loved ones. Well, I was somewhat included specially for this Christmas.

Did I make sense there?! Hope I could express what I wanted to indicate.

Anyway, outing. Out to Odaiba - popular destination for young people. MoonFlower and I went up there because of some checking about what she wanted for her present.

Don't know it was right to do shopping together to choose present. It should've been secret what to have chosen for each other. Seemed she finished her shopping and my homework wasn't even took place particularly for hers. Yeah, lazy man like me... no surprise for her, I bet.

Found another HUGE tree inside near the entrance of movie theater.

Isn't it beautiful?

Inside the mall... man, this were like dream world...

No doubt that things were expensive... made me sigh... really.

Christmas gift from Tak to his girlfriend. You would like this?

Let's NOT mention how much I had to owe to Visa. Hahaha.

No movies so far on this weekend. Maybe tomorrow. Like "Gangs of New York."

22:29+1

Gee... 1st day of the long weekend didn't come in good shape. Means rain with cold temperature. Gee. besides last weekend, not great weekend in weather-wise isn't around... out of luck or what?!

Forgot to tell... Robyn's email indicated that her Mom and she had received 2 packages... my Christmas presents for them. Yeah... she told that she loved it. I bought her a scarf. Great to know! So happy to come to know that she was in US for Tim's wedding and received my stuff first hand.

Stayed home. Wisely. Being warm. Watching movies on TV... DVD player has been working almost all day. And long sleep... didn't make me feel rested much, though. Hmmmm.

Nori Nakamura - one of big Free Agent called from baseball was originally expected to sign to New York Mets... and today he made an announcement that he would stay with Kintetsu Buffaloes. Big shock to fans?! Man, that was really sudden change at last minute.

Meanwhile, "Gozilla" Matsui off the Tokyo Giants is staying on the path to New York Yankees.

Eating in McDonald's and dining in at Royal Host. Usual pattern of my typical weekend?! Hahaha.

0:41+1

Did I ever tell you that we would come to have an extended weekend once last time for this year?! Well, December 23rd is national holiday when whole nation celebrates our Emperor's birthday. Used to be on April 29th... for last Emperor Hirohito. Now called Akihito.

Tak's Friday... full of appointments. Nothing new. Just visiting more than 5 sites for distribution of 2003 calendars with last greeting. Easy, huh? Well, it wasn't that bad.

Cleaning session at dentist is called today. Once last check by dentist, nothing wrong was found and all fine with me. How's pain since the 1st visit on the session?! It's been eased, actually. Don't know why. It must be just like level of how much being tense or so. Right?! Otherwise, cannot determine what it was.

Heard from darling sister Robyn! Great! I had been looking forward to getting something from her... like an email telling me that she had been fine.

In her email message, confirmed that her cousin Tim (sure, I know of him well) is getting married to Beth. Wait, do I know her?! Not quite I can recall. She must be new to my world. Anyway, congrats, Tim!!!

0:25+2

What's up, folks?! Just came back from the trip. I had biz trip to Gifu for all day today. And you know what?!

Forgot to having submit travel request form to the management.

That could mean that I won't get paid business trip allowance. Am talking about 20 bucks or so. Gee, new rules?! Since the company is acquired by United Parcel Services, lots of new company rules kicked in and, to be honest with you, I am not really catching up with all changes.

So should I forget about 20 dollars?! I will see. (Help me, boss!)

Don't ever say that 20 dollars won't be that big deal. If you think this way... like you can buy 4 Happy Meal sets... means you can survive through 4 lunches! Or you can fill up your gas tank all the way! Or you can buy 40 cans of Wal-Mart brand coke! Hahaha.

Or still you can eat big T-bone steak in Outback Steak House! Gee, I miss it so much. I should go to Shinagawa... there is Outback there!

Anyway, trip wasn't that difficult and I didn't have to go much tense. Not much pressure. 2 meetings took place and both of them were quite long... longer than expected. Outcome?! Well, tough to say. Since part of them was of end-year greetings. So probably lack of attention? Could have been so. Anyway, we did what we needed to do.

Lunch: eels... again like the other night. Have you ever tasted it?

Took the Shinkansen (bullet train) back to Tokyo around 7pm... and finally came home around 9pm. Tired... not because of stress but simply of physical burden... moving far away back and forth.

Well, Friday is just ahead and long weekend up to Monday! That would be great news... definitely needed. Before that, I face 5 appointments tomorrow. Yeah, I said FIVE. I will be busy!

Good night.

22:54

Hello, folks. Just a week or so to go... Christmas is just ahead. Are you ready?! Done Christmas shopping yet? Is your Christmas tree up yet? All decorated? All foods now in your refrigerator?

1st appointment supposed to be first thing in the morning... cancelled at last minute. Man, this really changed entire schedule for day and I came back to office without having anything new. Then, another thing I had to face was... thing called fire drills.

After evacuation practice, there was a learning session "Extinguisher 101."

I have ever never touched fire extinguisher. Hope I don't have to hold that ever in my life hereon. Anyway, I wasn't the volunteer. See, am very shy in public!

In the afternoon, I was in some place for 2nd appointment. I knew, at the same moment, there was a big manager meeting taking place. Regarding to organization and position changes. Gee, would I be one to move my desk for another assignment?

Funny thing... I saw the email message telling that there was an update on Intranet about the change. Wait, I knew that big meeting was still in session. How come we came to know?! That's a mystery. Though at the moment, I realized that I maintained my employment within the same department and same position as I have been.

Good for me?! Well, I didn't want to go down to 2nd floor (where ocean team locates). I would never dream about it. Hahaha.

23:00

Where is my Mr. Clause? Hope he won't change his mind coming straight up to me with big white bag!

Today's Tak. Didn't go to the office in the morning... rather to Yokohama. New customer. Am I crazy or what?! Last minute of year-end... still trying to sell some businesses? Well, I must be out of mind! People think only about New Year in this country... just like you cannot wait for Christmas.

It should be really difficult to collect all attention from customers... though, I did give a presentation. It went well... didn't mean that I secured new biz right away. Though, did what I needed to do then.

You know what? I scheduled another appointment with another new customer tomorrow morning. Didn't want to. Just happened to be that way without my wish. So still after new business opportunities.

Winter bonus... like I received on first Friday of the month. Gifu Prefecture - came with average figure of payment. For manufacturing industry, the average payment was 505,000 yen... about 4,200 dollars. And people in non-manufacturing sector gets 455,000 yen... 3,700 dollars. Is that much or not much for you?

Oh, that was only about Gifu Prefecture where Ogaki is located within. How about national average? It was about 720,000 yen - equals to 6,000 dollars.

Probably your next question... how much did I get? - huh! Well, do you think I am above average or below? Am not talking about how I look, okay. In terms of how much I had been dedicating to work, all would and did determine how much I was paid. So now you know more or less! Go figure.

Well, I told you that I bought DVDs of "Ally McBeal" this weekend. It was likely Christmas present for myself. Told my girlfriend NOT to give me any... anything expensive. But sometimes like today, I felt that I really wanted to have Apple iPod... while on train to an appointment for a long time.

Man, my bad pattern again... always wanting something NEW... gadget. Hmmm.

23:41

Am sure that ya'll are ready for Christmas. For me? Well somewhat. To be honest, this must be busiest December ever since I came back to Japan. Truth is that this is 3rd December and I don't feel like getting ready to wrap up all happenings for this year and plan things toward following year.

In this December, I don't feel much to do such because lots of things (current issues to be solved) are really pulling my hair.

Tomorrow, I have to go up to Yokohama for new customer. Presentation to give. See! This ain't usual. At year-end, people don't plan such new things at work. Usual year-end is like taking all easy and relaxed. Are you so for now?! I bet. I wish I could do same.

Weekend's operation on job didn't go well and I came to see lots of problems today. From Chicago and Los Angeles, things didn't come to happen as planned. Lots of customers got annoyed with such irregularity. Sorry, just coincident. Never my bad.

So am I ready for a presentation? Not quite. I should double-check things in the file. I will open the other laptop... which I bought back home. Not typical Monday, huh. Monday night... it's a football time! Oh that is in US... not here. Though, usual Monday, I wouldn't stay at work late... and did stay late tonight. Not bringing laptop home and I still did tonight. Gee, hard Monday.

Boss Ito finally back to work! He spent more than a week in West Coast and came back.

22:59

First Sunday with good weather for 5 weeks... that was the fact for today in Tokyo and Chiba. So this weekend, everyone has done lots under such weather for both days of weekend.

Christmas tree in the park near Chiba Station

2nd part of date for weekend took place in usual Chiba. For what?! Well, today's agenda was of "Minority Report."

http://www.minorityreport.com/

Did I like it? Yeah, pretty much. Wasn't because of Cruise or famous movie director, etc. The content was easy for first half and the 2nd half came in with vague explanation. I guess, that's the only criticism. Otherwise, it was interesting movie. Is that some kind of future we would face?! Probably not... not within next 100 years, I bet.

Finally 2 sets of "Ally McBeal III" (i.e. complete 3rd season) bought. About 150 bucks!

That's all about this weekend. How was yours? Friend ChanKen still in sick?

23:10

How's it going with ya? It was okay day for me. Went out with girlfriend MoonFlower. To Shinjuku. She had a big shopping list with her for Christmas... with large open-arm budget typically after season bonus paid.

Unlike me, she was very aggressive about what she wants and gets... and buys.

Department stores... she wanted bag and winter coat. Placed surely top of the list. About bag, she came to see something really wanted in 2nd department store, Isetan. By British brand. Bag in red with pretty shape... even to me, it was perfect for her.

There was only one in display. If she buys one, that's the only one... coming with lots of scratches already there since lots of customers stopped by and picked it up for a look. Right, who wants such stuff? Female clerk told us that since it was imported, the quantity was limited and there was only one left here. Not really expected soon for next come-in's.

Oh boy... I really thought that she shouldn't go for it then. Didn't tell her to, though. It was her shopping and I wanted her to make her mind up first. Ultimately, she decided not to take it.

Took too much time on her shopping about new bag, we consumed pretty much of time. Stopped by the Sofmap for DVD's. That was my turn. I wanted to buy "Ally McBeal" DVD for 3rd season. 2 sets consisted from 6 DVD's. There wasn't 2nd half volume there in the shelf. Didn't buy any, like MoonFlower, then.

I guess, it was our day for shopping. Maybe bet on some other time.

For dinner, SUSHI! More than $70 for two. Wow, good stuff. I haven't eaten Sushi for a while.

0:49+1

Busy day? Well, turned out that it was a day coming with lots of great foods.

For lunch --- right after hectic meeting with lazy client, president of that client company showed up and went out with me for lunch. More than $30 worth food for one person! Yeah, nice foods for sure.

Then, busy in the afternoon... receiving many inquiries from customers and new business was emerging without my efforts. Means what?! My sales number is now a little upward! Wow! That's way to go. Is it some kind of Christmas luck or what?! Anyway, I should enjoy... in hope that it would come thru without any problem.

At night, it was about 9pm or so finishing work for week. Ready hitting home. Realized that some other coworkers were still remaining in the office just like me and we all decided to go out for dinner. Chinese. Kyoko Fukami, Yasuko Funabashi, and Akiyoshi Mori.

Since Kyoko passed the (Customs) broker exams. Congrats! Good for her. Takashi Kiguchi in Nagoya, too? Man, finally! Am so happy for you, man!

Some alcohol then, too. So nice kick-off for weekend.

0:29+2

Gee, my bad that it wasn't Friday yet. Hmmmm, my mistake. I was quite ready for weekend. Still am.

Started off with a meeting with client T and didn't expect to spend that much time in there. Was just stopping by to pick up some documents. Ended up in that place for more than an hour. Man, that's why the day didn't go quite as planned.

Then, stuck in the office pretty much for all afternoon. No appointments made, either. I knew that I should have spent some time for domestic issues like inquiries or quotation to prepare. So I spent my time at my desk for such issues to be taken care.

Borrowed about 300 dollars. Yeah, company fun for work issue... coming to entertain a client tonight. Japanese cuisine. Tavern called "Han" - chain tavern and the one in Shinbashi. Was it fun for me?! To be honest, pretty much NOT. How come?! Well, taking care of clients like serving drinks and talk about whatever getting along with preference... NOT my style. I know, still it is work. Though, I don't like much to yield my stile or pure personality and dedicating whole for someone I don't know if I like that person or not. Probably I am not that dedicating?! Maybe not. Well, I guess am quite stubborn or what.

Anyway, 300 bucks?! Spent it all!!!

Friend Lindo is now suffering from severe cold. Hope she makes whole recovery soonest.

Another friend Yuko whom I came to know while last visit to Atlanta is now looking for a new job in Japan... well whatever she really looking for as her career, hope she makes it.

Gee, came home late... too bad that still another day to go... Tired!

You want Christmas decor here on this web page? Well, not quite yet. I will find some good stuff to put up for decoration. Probably within this weekend. Hopefully.

0:58+1

Really cold... serious winter day here. And unfortunately, I was outside... pretty much all day long. Started in Higashi Nihonbashi. Then from there on, Shinagawa - Gotanda, etc.

One of appointments for today was cancelled... actually no show of client. Seemed having extended lunch meeting. Hmmmm, shit happen.

Lunch right after meeting in Higashi Nihonbashi. With Hiroshi Kuboki. Saw a LONG line toward entrance of restaurant. Really long... I bet there were more than 50 people waiting in line. Really. So we checked the name of restaurant. "Tamahide." Must be really good food to be served. Of course, busy businessmen like us couldn't take any time in line to wait.

Curry over rice. In Ningyocho.

Came back from all to-do's outside to my desk... it was almost 5pm. Was thinking to get out of work for home around or possibly before 7pm. I keep dreaming about it all this week so far and just think about it in vain. Never comes true!!!

And tomorrow night, I have some business dinner scheduled with a client. Yeah, drinks could (must) be involved. Hahaha. At least, it wasn't out of my pocket for all that. Simply say, "work-related."

Emailed Kirk to his cellular phone about scheduling some end-year party with Charlie. Kirk must be busy or what?! He hasn't responded. He doesn't like to? Are we friends still? Hahaha.

So 2 more days to go. I really should enjoy myself much more... while boss is away!!! He will be back next week... so we think. I should move all my stuff to his desk and occupy everything in his desk? Maybe I really should.

Another thing to tell for today. I started my Christmas shopping. Well, partially. Tonight. Here, home. Yeah, so-called net shopping. What did I buy? Well, I bought stuff to my American family in North Carolina. How much spent? About $100.

How much further do I have to go for this Christmas?! Man, I don't want to think too much about expense to celebrate the occasion. For loved ones... tough to keep them happy?! Materially, huh. Man, I sound mean and not nice.

23:53

Next day after snow day. Some said that it was still snowing in this morning, too. I didn't see it. Had rather slow morning and took train for the first appointment of the day around 9:15am.

In the train-

Got a chance to occupy a seat for myself. Sure, my lucky day! And remained seated for 2 stops... then found a lady coming to stand just in front of myself. Nice mid-30's-like lady. Pregnant? I bet... big tummy and I really thought so even though she was wearing a tick winter coat.

"Ma'am, go ahead to take here." - I said. Some kind of gentlemanship leaned while in UK in the past?

That lady seemed surprised. "For me?" and continued, "Thank you." So she sat down.

Next stop, I got off the train. Though, I cannot tell if she was glad to be asked to sit down... maybe not. She wasn't pregnant and she didn't expect some stranger, like me, to give up a seat for her. Hence, I don't have any definite answer about it was right action or not. At least I want to believe so.

In other words... cannot tell that she was truly pregnant or just merely fat! Hahaha.

Now I came to know that I wasn't only one being stressed out. Mori seemed having tough time from yesterday... got stuck with a client and cannot solve the issue right away. Probably too much burden on his shoulder while Boss Ito's absent? Maybe.

Perhaps, Atsuko Ishii - working in billing department was still not recovered well from the cold. That's why she made same mistake on two different invoice for same customer of mine? Hmmmm. That cannot be tolerated. Mistakes can be made anytime... we need system to prevent.

Still stiffed neck really annoys me much.

Lindo's PowerBook is repaired. Don't know what went wrong. Though, all installed fine and now back to be in hand of owner.

23:41

Hey! Didn't know... and came to know in this morning... SNOW! No kidding. Tons of snow. Not much accumulation, though. Snowing over Tokyo area... while it was fine in Ogaki area. Contrary to normal pattern... Ogaki should be in colder climate than Tokyo. Really.

So no doubt that commute up to work was total chaos. I saw some of ladies on heels on the street had tough time to walking... fun to watch? Not quite. Felt sorry for them... well, it might be their fault choosing such stuff to put on under today's kind of weather. Right?

Snow didn't stop until about 2pm or so. Gee, more than 100 people were injured.

Working in until 3pm and dealt with lots of domestic issues and then went out for an appointment. Came back in around 6:30pm. Finally finished work around 9pm.

Wait, not quite over yet. I will work on sales report after this. Yeah, I mean right before going to bed. Poor me. Lots of stuff to be included in the report? I wish. Not much... some good news and some bad ones.

UAL is now (and finally) filing Chapter 11? Man, lots of people will be concerned about the services. So we all are in bad shape? Japan... lots of companies have gone bankruptcy. Same in America. So Europe is the only hope besides China? What about Latin America?

Am sure that hope isn't existed in Iraq. (American) Boys are on the way!!! Be prepared!

22:22

Piece of mind for Christmas --- I should prepare the shopping list. The presents for loved ones. Have you done yours yet? I know, I haven't been even close to start it up. Hmmmm.

Back pain is now additional to toothache. Didn't expect to.

All day long, stayed in and didn't do much. Rainy outside. Not snowed, though.

Well, didn't tell but the last Friday was big pay day... not regular one but special. Season bonus. Yeah, big cash in, huh. Well, I wish. Anyway, some extra cash for sure and this really kicks off all holidays thing. Just like your Thanksgiving.

I promise that how my shopping in progress later one. For now, no clue whatsoever... buying what for whom.

Good night.

23:25

Chilly day. Quite bit. Caught up good sleep? At least I tried. How's my toothache?! Even after a little treatment, there is still... and I bet that nerve system isn't quite working right for now due to some kind of issue stays in myself.

Didn't want to, but hang around in Ginza in the afternoon. For nothing, quite.

Otherwise, nothing. Oh, cable guys showed up in the morning and fixed the terminal in my apartment room. Took about 15 minutes or so... and one of them really tried to sell service to me. $30 a month for all toll channels. It was quite fascinating to hold all cool channels from MTV to CNN, etc. Yeah, many American channels included.

I passed this time.

I cannot and I shouldn't afford any extra while not getting raised. Agree? I strongly thought that way.

That's all for today.

1:04+1

Festivity. With large client TML. Actually not mine. I was part of sales force to that particular client and that's why I was one of those who entertained members from that client company.

Main dish for tonight.

What's this? --- Eels.

Snap shots from the event.

People really had fun with themselves...

Some coworkers of mine, too.

This time, I rather choose NOT to disclose all precise descriptions of those who were in the party. It is probably wise... since many of those do read here.

Wait, this must be sexually harassing...

22:48+1

Biggest event of the day isn't seeing good client of mine or anything... just treatment by my dentist.

Dentist: How're you? So what's up?

Tak: Horrible... dull pain in a tooth! Treatment is needed right away!

Dentist: Let's see. Do you work a lot?

Tak: Sure! As much as I can... probably more.

Dentist: Do you work home, too?

Tak: Yeah. I just had to sometimes.

Dentist: Oh boy... poor thing. Must get paid well, huh.

Tak: No way! I wish. I am not like you, rich man.

Dentist: You have girlfriend?

Tak: Yes. Why?

Dentist: Just wondered. Are you good to her? Kind to her?

Tak: As far as I know... Do you have many, huh?

Dentist: Well, here it is... you DON'T have any bad tooth. The one you concerned was also fine. Like no cavities. You just need to come and see me several times more for cleaning. Pain should be coming from something else... probably from nerves. I bet that your stress amount exceeding the limit and you'd better rest yourself well.

Tak: Well, good to know about no cavities.

Dentist: Don't forget that you stay out of troubles... and be nice to friends in addition to your girlfriend. Don't worry too much about your work. You're fine!

Tak: Ok, you've talked too much!

Do you think this kind of conversation really took place ever?! What would you think? For your information, am not moron and don't talk to someone I don't know like that. Am more polite than that, also.

If this all were true, the dentist must be fake!

23:34

Gee, no kidding. Serious pain. Pain at work? Are you talking about me? Hahaha. Though, no kidding... I do have serious pain in tooth. No hesitation to call my dentist. Tomorrow night, I will get a treatment. Hope won't be bad as pain I have for now!

Gee, work is now fine and another trouble is just around? Hmmmm, this year doesn't go through easily? Probably so.

2,400 yen for water usage in November. About 28 dollars. Just only 9 cubic meters.

1,617 yen for power usage in the same month. About 20 dollars. The amount was 52 kWh.

You know what? I suddenly get more channels on TV... yeah, now watching Home Shopping Network. Interesting, huh. Now all apartment rooms in the building are to be "cable-ready." I guess, even without the fee for cable, we can get some free channels, like HSN, automatically. Cool!

Well, pain is pretty solid. I have to go. Take an aspirin? Yeah, might be.

23:09

Good day? At least I had some stress relieved since afternoon meeting went okay... More than expected. This became main event for today and my job was done then!

Angry customer... so I saw last time was clam and quiet today. So the talk was smooth. Not easy to solve all once, but somewhat I managed it. Good for me. Very rare to happen to me like that? Well, you're right.

Single appointment occupies all today with me and started the preparation and finished to taking notes as homework... toward next meeting which should take place early next week. Oh boy, means I should remain being busy like this? Oh hell no.

Now in December... means what? Gee, time to see the sales report of November. Has Tak done job well? Yasuko Funabashi and Akiyoshi Mori... did better job than Tak? Third quarter of current fiscal year is now concluded. Some of 3 may have done well and no more worry about figures in December... while, all rest have to keep themselves busy to catch up... before the end of year!

So which side does Tak take? You know which one... no doubt. You know how hard (or hardly) working Tak is.

Good question, huh.

Boss Ito will be "unseen" for a while from tomorrow on. He is going on the business tip to LA and other major west coast towns. For what? Well, some business with still some pleasure? I guess so. How long? Rest of this weekend whole next one, too! Gee, pretty long. I bet his agenda book is full of appointments and to-do's. He doesn't speak this language well like Japanese... so some hassle to deal with. Hope he will be okay... am sure he will be.

You see, boss is away from his desk... in fact, OUT OF COUNTRY. Looking pretty good, huh. Maybe I am like taking vacation even while sitting at my desk for work. Well, enjoy the trip, Boss! I will miss you much! And I promise that I will enjoy as much as you might do... or possibly more!

Hahaha. Am bad. Just like that.

23:39

Hi, folks. Ready for Christmas shopping? I bet Mom in North Carolina as well as Auntie have done theirs already. They must have. I feel like I really should do that for friends and family this year. I really did excuse myself from such big event and didn't excite myself much. I really should.

I know, am broke... quite bit; I feel like at least some kind of celebration should take place for myself.

Being stressed out... yeah I admit. Not tired... but stressed out. Totally different from being carrying over fatigue. Now am taking advantage of some special kind of power. Provided by "El Jimador." Yeah, kind tequila being in stock home!

Still Monday night and already alcohol? Well, couldn't resist much.

I don't have much good news for you today. I was amazed by number of emails received after weekend... when America enjoyed Thanksgiving holidays as well as biggest shopping day of the year! In fact, I received about 50 emails or so. More than I really thought.

You might want to ask me why I have been so much stressed out. Cannot tell you exactly by name, etc. I just got hectic businesses to deal with and lots of "politics" coming along with them. Yeah, something I cannot control. More like being controlled. So I am between pressure, demand, force, etc. You know what I mean? I wish you do.

Not much appetite, either. Just drinking for now. Bad, huh.

Oh 2nd shot now. Would you want one? Sure!

News... eMachines coming to this island. Yeah, arrived in Japan. Less than $500 per piece... I want one!!! Buy me for Christmas! Hahaha.

23:25

Holiday Season... seriously not much time left for this year. 1st day of the month, it was rainy and cold. Made me feel like I should've stayed in. So then I did so.

Ally McBeal DID was definitely good company for me to stay inside. Episode 4 through 8 of 1st season were watched.

Thinking from last week, I feel like I don't want to get back to work tomorrow. I guess, really stressed out. I do know that there are too many problems out there... already.

1 month to go. I know, not many days left. Though, I will be busier than now expecting. A little bit scary because of lots of pressure. Those are coming from tough clients or tough deals to make.

Oh, I need to put up some decoration on this page... so that you can feel like more about Christmas.

22:39