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There is a prefecture (like state or province) called Ibaragi. Quite far from Tokyo. I had sort field trip to dead town Ryugasaki. Well, how come did I tell like dead? Maybe not really nice of myself saying so.

Maybe just a picture of parking lot.

Though in fact, this is front area of Ryugasaki (main) Station!

Maybe that traffic lights aren't necessary at all? No cars and no people!

-Ryugasaki Railways-

Just single-car train! (oh boy!)

You see, this is the time table.

Two departures per hour?! Man!

I went in the office in the morning at usual time. Then, I was planning to sit back relaxed. Though, suddenly hot run came up. Tom Kagawa asked me to move up today's appointment in Ryugasaki (mentioned place) quick. Another words, we had to leave the office promptly. We did.

More than an hour and half... and still with taxi ride. We made to the meeting place just a little after noon. We neither customer himself had lunch before meeting and we went into "serious discussion mode." Meeting was very deep and productive. So this trip became quite worthy. Hope this turns out good for me on job. Yeah, somebody tells me "Good job!" PLEASE!

2nd meeting was rather tougher. So as expected, though. Did last long enough like from 5pm through 7pm. Then, I had to bring that up to counterpart in US - my friend Dawn in Atlanta (remember of my buddy in softball team?). In fact, now I am in contact with her and some other colleagues as well for now. Yeah, two computers, in front of myself, are on and both connected to the network. Yeah, what a night huh! Specially about Friday evening...

I was supposed to (should?) go out for fun or a couple shots of Tequila --- maybe.

Oops, passing midnight. More than an hour working already. Should quit soonest. I will. Tired. Long enough for today... actually for this week. Happened all once and quickly.

0:09+1

Long day today. Came home just now - 10:30pm. Late, huh. Not so fast, I still have to download all emails for work and I am supposed to call US for some confirmation about this weekend plan!

Workaholic? Could be.

Stock market goes out of faith from investors now. Man, where does the world economy go? Any worse or better?

Stiffed shoulders aren't much here anymore. Not really bothering. I don't get exercise much YET... though, I do stretching every night before going to bed. It helps a lot. You should try if you have same problem.

How many visits did I make within single working day?! 5 or 6... don't remember anymore. I should stay at work - I mean the office. I just STOPPED BY the office to see fax messages as well as wait for some other colleague to go out for following appointment.

One of visits today, I spent only 5 or 6 minutes... seemed being refused to talk about getting business. Man, it happens and just happened. Oh boy.

Dinner - BBQ with Hiroki Kuboki. Pretty good!

Last meeting for the day... was over dinner. SUSHI! With lots of SAKE. Since it was working dinner, I couldn't afford myself to get information of restaurant. Location was in Ningyocho. Pretty neat place with great food. About 50 dollars per person? I thought so.

On the way to the restaurant, I asked Linda Golemme a question. "Do you know Hideki Matsui?" - she didn't know. Though, she did recognize by his nickname "Godzilla." Yeah, really!

Ted Turner now resigns from Vice President of AOL? Wow, big deal. AOL is already under restructuring? Cutting all executives like that?!

So am sleepy. Zzzzz.

Gee, wait. I need to talk to colleague overseas tonight. I should call her up first.

23:04

Mucho trabajo- (lots of work)

Severe winter all over Japan... no snow in Tokyo tough. Very early morning for me. I was in the train to Yamato, Kanagawa. It was like still 7:30am! That kind of timing... I usually still in shower or so!

Took me almost two hours to get that place and I was wise left home for an appointment early enough. And the meeting from 10:30am went okay... not great... but just okay.

Hurry back to the office where internal meeting waiting for me! I was supposed to join Special Account Team as well as Linda Golemme from New York. She showed up to the office yesterday.

My English was really back. Very instantly. Entire meeting was with full of English. Good for me. Yeah, still good sense of humor around myself. I could be brighter in English! Hahaha.

Had to skip lunch --- good for diet?! Great for my budget? Hmmmm.

Left work finally around 8:30pm. Gee, I worked for more than 12 hours! I should get paid MORE! I need to emphasize that to the management!!!

According to forecast, it may snow here in this weekend. Wow, tough to stay warm?

So how did you like Bush's State of the Union?

I am very thankful to share this great news with you! With every one of ya! This English version of "Website Ogaki-jin" now has more than 10,000 visitors ever! Great! Awesome!!! Thank you!!!

22:54

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, tonight --- Tuesday night, you will come to see Pres. Bush coming to give his State of the Union.

Means he declares the war against Iraq... possibly against North Korea too? Oh boy, hope not. He should talk more about world peace... having peace without war. In my opinion, it's making more and big appeal to the Nation and rest of the world that he can settle issues down with Iraq in different way.

North Korea thing is in the whole different ball game. Japan, China, South Korea and even Taiwan concern. So United Nations should come to involve much much more.

Anyway, interesting enough to see Bush to give a big speech of the year. You know what? I remember when I was still student in US... always almost all professors asked us to see and review it for some Brownie points - helped my grades a lot in fact. Hahaha.

Tetsuji Fukui and I showed up to the morning meeting with client in Shinjuku. We were easily shot down by the person met in the meeting. No kidding. Neither of us did find the way to get along with him. Not quite easy... not easy at all. Worst meeting of the year?! Wait, sure enough it was since January hasn't ended yet. Hehehe.

Busy afterword. Weekly (sales) report was due. Hmmmm, I hate doing that. Leave me alone! I like what I do at my pace!!! I know what I do. Don't disturb. But, I don't want to skip next pay day (2/25) - so I was nice little boy to take care of some writing.

After last appointment in the late afternoon... I was almost going in to the Ebisu Station. Some lady - seemed aged about early 30's - ran into me! Wait, I didn't do any wrong doing like touching her butt!

She started - "Excuse me." Then explained of her company... trying to held a big party for singles to meet new people. Yeah, very common events for young single adults. She said that I was handsome enough to join the selected men teach for it. Added that I didn't have to involve any activity... I could even be there to observe.

Made a comment that she should look for somewhere else since lots of other handsome people out there.. not really me. She replied that I was still good enough.

I passed. Couldn't trust all what she said. Could be true... though no guarantee to have good thing. Many risks.

What I wanted to tell you here... is just not only what really merely happened... also, HEY! - I am still GOOD! Good enough in the market!!!

Please note that this is NOT made-up. Really happened. If you doubt, please come around Ebisu station and find people who were there around 4:30pm today!!! Hahaha.

22:43

Easy Monday?! Not so fast. First thing for a new week was the visit to government office for import permit. First time ever done for myself. It was interesting... didn't take long as expected.

Stayed in from 11pm thru 3pm... had lunch at my desk. Since coworker Arahata mentioned that there was a glitch in my recent quote to customers... so I spent quite some time trying to find them out. Though, they were all okay... Arahata thought something wrong... though, actually weren't so at all.

Gee.

Then another appointment in Yokohama. Spent about hour and a half... definitely bored. Really! You know why? Because person I had a meeting with didn't know what he wanted me to do for him. He first-hand didn't know what to tell me about current situation. So what was I doing then?! Just listening to him for nothing?! Really was... indeed all in vain.

SUPER BOWL 2002-3 - Bucs... Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to the top of the world! Wow!

Started own saving for new (future) PowerBook to replace current model in use. Starting amount is 2,000 yen. The goal is somewhere around 250,000 yen. Yeah, long way to go, huh. I know.

Came home about 7:30pm directly from the appointment in late afternoon. Though, still had to work and made several calls on job, etc. Finally became free about an hour later. Though, not so heavy.

Shiho Takahashi - female coworker in different department on 2nd floor now quitting. Her name was in the announcement and everyone was surprised! Gee, why does she quit. You might have good clue?! Well, expectation was that she didn't get along with management. Yeah, makes sense.

23:09

Up to Chiba - this weekend's movie was "The Bourne Identity." Famous Matt Damon plays primary roll... who lost his memory of being spy from CIA.

You know what? I expected more than it was. Story wasn't that complicated didn't deliver any big moment to viewers. Although I can tell that being spy speaks different languages with great Martial Arts skills hurting whoever coming to attack him, main theme that this character was in search of his lost memory...

His memory was lost because he failed a mission. Though, CIA has to kill the men with single fail? Must be tough job then! Well, a big exaggeration in understanding?! Hmmmm.

Tak's rate on "The Bourne Identity": C!

Maybe I should've seen "K-19" instead. Hahaha.

Besides movie, stopped by Yodobashi discount chain store. For what?! I finally met new PowerBook G4 12" first-hand. From yesterday, selected locations have that new machine in the show case! Yeah, I touched it.

Did I like it?! To be honest with you, NOPE. It was neat small machine with great speed. Definitely good buy for all users around. Though, I didn't like much about its design. Could be better.

So here it is: Tak is NOT going to buy one. I decided to wait for different model coming up to move me. Good or not, I will stick with this black-box machine (still not IBM!) for a while hereafter as well. Meanwhile, I start and continue saving all pennies.

Friend ChanKen recently came out of hospital... finally. Thank God. Glad to know that he was recovering after all. I today receive a note from him via email that he was working on rehabilitation and this may take a while... though, he is now fine. Great! Hope he completes all soon as possible and am looking forward to having good time together again!

Good luck! May God be with you, my friend.

22:54

Right after getting paid (i.e. yesterday) - a friendly party took place with familiar faces:

Charlie (left) and Kirk (right)

Surely good start with a bottle of Chile wine

"Cafe Restaurant Arles"

13-4-2 Meikai Urayasu-City
Chiba Japan, tel 047 380-3733

Yummy?

4 of us... Charlie, Kirk, Tak and who else?! Then, MoonFlower was part of the party. She didn't speak up much; seemed enjoying herself about how the conversation carried out between 3 friends. Hahaha, good thinking!

Before this dinner, those gentlemen went out golfing... the scores didn't matter much since we drank all!!!

While, MoonFlower and I went out shopping... I (finally) bought a winter coat. Did you expect that to happen?! It was good shopping for me... still hurting my budget quite bit. Then, spent quite bit on tonight dishes?! Hmmmm, I cannot give you any further comment then.

You can tell how much drink we had:

->

Kirk, before and after drinks!

0:46+1

As of January 1, 2003, Boss Ito got another boss above him. Sort replacing Big Boss Takashima - who now holds different responsibility in different department still within the same company.

In fact, position Takashima held was vacant for a while like 3 months or so.

Big Boss Nakabayashi

Had dinner with him and some others... did offer a chance to be introduced online like this!!! He certainly didn't want to come up here with his portrait - so his hand shades his face. Well, it won't be too long far future for me to catch his snap shot. Hahaha, I will.

This festivity took place in "usual" Chinese restaurant and "usual" girl was, as always, working. Too bad that Yasuko Ishiyama wasn't one of companies tonight since different stuff came up for her.

Came home late. Like by last train for the day. Almost missed. Thank God, I didn't have to spend extra money for urgency. I mean, almost had to take taxi to come home.

01:30+2

Issue about possibility to lose money from my bank accounts in US... I have received some more information from FirstUnion/Wachovia Bank.

Response was with account number... which I cannot recognize right away... definitely differs from all that I have for now - which visible via Internet to myself. Came to know that it was my OLD account while being student at Virginia Wesleyan. Yeah, must be.

Account balance... just about only 1 dollar!

The response said that such a little balance will be transferred to one of those being still active. Well, not big deal, huh! Hahaha. Good to know.

And that's why:

Snowed today. In fact, only snow flurries in Tokyo around the office... but I went up to Higashi Murayama City - still west part of Tokyo Prefecture. Then, I found such accumulation of snow... a inch or two. Man, what luck I had. Didn't prepare myself for such condition...

Gee.

Very cold and I will take more clothes to wear tomorrow! I was so cold all day long.

Came home very early! Left work around 6:15pm and told and asked my boss Ito for an okay to "release" the hostage (i.e. me) - I insisted that I wanted to go home early ONCE A WEEK! So being accepted right away.

Mean, I don't take much time to write all here. Let's close this nice and easy... ready for bed.

22:19

Still Wednesday, huh... another 2 more days for weekend, folks. Hang in there!!! Wait, you just enjoyed MLK over there... right?! This week should be easy for you, then.

My money is to be taken away?! I received a letter from Wachovia saying that my accounts (in US) were now under consideration as "abandoned" since no transactions taken for a long time - as long as I lived in Japan (for now). So how about that money? According to the letter, If I don't take any action soon enough, all money in those accounts will be given to the state (i.e. State of North Carolina). How come my money is to be someone else's?! Well, that's how the law tells, huh.

Well, some action taken online today. This may, may not be good enough to keep my accounts undisturbed.

Mom in NC wrote me with warning and I am quite thankful of her. Really appreciate it. I will double-check with bank people about what I shall do next to prevent situation losing my (even a little) money! You bet.

Started to see some lady of existing customer. First time to meet her since she took over some duty dealing with imports. Well, she wasn't that nice... seemed to be a rather "snob." Hahaha, really. Maybe she didn't like me at all... Or maybe she hits on me! Hehehe.

Stopped by the office around lunch time. NOT for time to eat in... just to printing out some docs for following appointment. Yeah, quotation. Then, I completed two appointments in the afternoon. Busy, huh? Well, it was okay. I wish I can carry not my work computer but my PowerBook... then I wouldn't have to deal with work related messages... and just maintained my website for fun! I know, that is really much better off! Don't you think?

Though, mine is much heavier... man, I really should buy new PowerBook G4 (coming soon!) - weighs about 4 pounds!

Came back to office about 5:30pm. Then, lots of domestic affairs going on and I have to jump in. Hmmm, no wonder why I had to stay at work up to 9pm. Another night at work... yep, one more time.

Tomorrow, I promise that I am planning to come home early! Friday night won't be that easy to do so... like you might know.

23:39

I was in the Narita Office for work all day long today. Narita - may not much familiar name of town for you... though, this city is the gateway of the country... When flying to Japan - I mean Tokyo - you see the airport code as NRT. Short for NARITA.

Yeah, Tokyo airport means Narita International Airport, you moron! Hahaha, just kidding.

With customer... 5 people from single account. Tour over the facility as well as some operational meeting. It went okay. I was very sleepy in the 1st part... some airport official was giving a tour for us. Yeah, I went bed very late. That's why.

Thanks - coworker and manager - Akira Yamazaki bought me lunch. Good saving for me. And as you know, 4 more days to next pay day!

How did you spend on MLK? Hope the weather was nice for doing BBQ! Oh wait, that's too early!

On the way home, I stopped by to see some good friend of mine.

Most Wanted: Kirk Mizukoshi

It was just say-hello to my darling friend. Haven't seen him for a month or two. Great to see, my friend! We talked about throwing some party for drinks among good friends. Yeah, let's make that happen!

Tired. Came home about 11pm. Wanted to rest. Busy tomorrow, too.

23:26

All over the media... everyone talks about Takanohana - the 65th Yokozuna (highest ranked) Sumo wrestler. He announced his retirement today in the middle of the Hatsubasho (1st Championship of Year). 9th day today (last for 15 days).

Greatness of Sumo: Takanohana

Aged 30 - same as mine. He won 22 championships and the fact he is ranked at 4th in all time in history of Sumo. Can you imagine... there are only 6 games ever year and he won 22! Like Carl Luis in Fields and Tracks or "Boss" Bruce Springsteen in Rocks or maybe "Big Unit" Randy Johnson in MLB.

Great job, Takanohana!

Thanks millions, folks! My Japanese page has more than 90,000 visitors in total! Wow, my work should be really great! Though, I haven't see any declaration of prize winning on the memorial hit just at 90,000th. Are you the one? Anyway, wonderful. This really makes me motivated to write more and more day by day... telling you all story of what happens throughout my life.

How do you like this, huh?

Lots of "domestic" issues to take care of... and mostly I sat in. Since I will be out of office all day long, I decided to take care of as many issues as possible within today. Smart, huh.

Left work around 9pm. Late. I wanted to come home easily... I mean early. Boss Ito now showed his interest to fix this situation... which sales persons were constantly busy and stayed late... Contrary to this fact, Customer Service staff members go home much earlier. Not really balancing out the work a month per personnel. You should have same kind of complaint at work when you feel working too hard compared to another staff busy chatting or just sits next to you for nothing.

Who am I talking about? Just a thought! Hehehe.

For supper, I bought 500cc milk bottle with sandwiches. Usually don't drink milk... since my stomach cannot take it much well. Though, I felt like to.

Now passing 11pm. Time for bed.

Oh, MLK today in US, right?! Martin Luther King Jr's birthday. Though, you must be at work unless you work for government or public service.

23:09

You must have heard a song sung by "Las Ketchup" - called "Asereje" - in Spanish. Another name of the song is as "Hey Hah" or "Las Ketchup Song." Have you danced along with this interesting music?! Well, I like it a lot. Tried to teach my girlfriend how to dance for the song and I seemed being so stupid to her. Hahaha. Must be.

If not knowing any of what I said, you should check following link out:

http://www.columbiarecords.com/lasketchup/

Three Spanish ladies (actually sisters) sing a little crazy song "Asereje" - no meaning. They made it up. Ketchup was named because their father was unique singer (also) under name "Tomato." All about some kind of joke?! Could be. Though, the song is even on Japan's top 20! Surely, in the hit chart in Latin America and Europe.

Cold weather... I believe that it is raining now. Could be changing to snow tonight.

Didn't go out at all. No plans. I knew that it wouldn't be the day for outing. Watching rental video - "Legally Blonde" fun movie. I wish I could go Law School like that. Hahaha.

No prizes wining for me on New Year greeting cards by Postal Ministry. Too bad. You could win like video camera, personal computer, and other stuff. No cash, though.

Changed the decoration a little toward St. Valentine's Day. How do you like this?! Hope it's okay.

Charlie went skiing, like I said, it must be perfect time to do so and no doubt that he had good time... on not only skiing but (possibly) on girl hunting?!

22:09

Fine (and still a little) cold today. Date with MoonFlower to Ginza. New movie open this weekend - "The Rookie" was part of our agenda. Japanese title is "Old Rookie."

This movie was showed in US last year. 35 years old high school Science teacher made the Major League debut at that age - the story was based upon the truth. Was great story. I liked it much and cried a little since I was moved about the family value and togetherness of being sharing in family.

Tak's rating: A-

I wish I would want to see a little more about how well he did in the big league.

Besides the movie watching, it was all for her. Went on from a department to another. Started from Printemp Giza, then Seibu, and finally Hankyu. I thought she had done her shopping --- seemed shopping list of her is like no end? Could be.

But, she didn't buy anything... just checked what she wanted out... I guess. (I mean, not quite sure)

Lunch: curry over rice, mine with vegetables

Some desserts: Strawberry cake by Ginza Akebono
This was free brought-in by MoonFlower for me. Thanks!

See a red box on table in 1 picture of 3 above? Red box with green single thread! Yeah, looks like a strawberry. Cool, huh! I liked it.

Keep having fun out there!

18:29+1

Some friend of coworker Atsuko Ishii thinks that I look cool. Be flattered? Probably not.

So Friday - are you taking all easy out there? If not, you should! I wanted to... take the same way... though, I had to start up my Friday with urgent phone call to office in Phoenix, AZ. Man, things like this really make me nervous like what to expect next (problem), etc. You know what I mean. Good thing was that didn't turn out that bad thereafter.

called "Roll(ed) Cabbage" in Japanese
should be as "Meat-stuffed Cabbage."

Yum Yum.

This was my BIG lunch in Ebisu. After 1st appointment on job for the day. Restaurant called "Tsubame Grill." This dish is one of most popular in this chain restaurant. Pretty good. With plate of rice, $12.00. A little over budget.

You know why? Because I wasn't with any female. In fact, Tetsuji Fukui was with me and he insisted as "Tak, something really good... good food." So we ended up in that place. I had other (much much cheaper) choice in mind... all in vain.

Hey, that is pretty good shot that I did. Don't you agree?

And finally... I will hereby show and share with ya'll... Tak's Resolution for 2003!

"Seeking more of my self-esteem" - for future planning as well as to expand my world with more knowledge and deeper understanding of things.

I know, there is no such vivid saying like numbers or figures for my goal. Because I cannot express things that well for this kind of stuff sticking to my head. Though, all for better preparation toward my near and far future, I would like to have better management of myself and things around. Begin all possible to have even a little better way of life.

In other words, I will carefully think what I should do for myself time to time.

Didn't sound like someone's resolution? If so, pardon!

Oh, I just turned Charlie down going skiing Sunday. Not because didn't want to. Just I am not good at all and the cost was way off my planned budget. Really.

0:39+1

How's it going, folks?! It was cold today... and I should have worn a winter coat to keep myself warm. I was wrong... and didn't do so. All my bad and I felt like getting a cold again!

Godzilla is back to country, already. He is more celebrity than mere ball payer.

Work was okay... some troubles were taken care. Had an appointment to Meguro and that meeting was lasting quite some time... over an hour and half! Gee, didn't plan to. That person I met told me at beginning that he wouldn't be able to take long time to see me.

Then, how come he spent that long time with me?! Anyhow, it was turning out (a little) positive result.

Not really planned for this weekend yet. I know some new movie - "Old Rookie" is due up. What else out there? Last weekend's movie (for me) "T.R.Y." is ranked top 2 after "Minority Report." Can "The Rookie" be that good?! Hope so. At least I liked the preview seen in the theater.

Oh, I should plan to go to driving range for hitting some balls. I want to be better in golf!

You know what? I have some concern (still) on job and might need to make a call to US to see how things are going over there. Hope things are turning out okay.

My laptop at work is now out of my reach. Has been having some malfunctions about having access to local network. Both wireless and wired. So IT people now plan to upgrade system software to Windows 2000 from 98. Hope that is to solve the problems existed. Meanwhile, I have to stick my butt to large desktop computer. Mow-cow Gateway computer. No more Gateway in this country!

Yeah, 2 years ago, Gateway decided not to invade Japan's market anymore.

My laptop should be returned to me within tomorrow. Hope so. Otherwise, what do you want me to do over weekend for all urgent tasks?

By the way, I haven't even shared my New Year resolutions at all yet, have I? In fact, I cannot really narrown down to a few or so... having too many in various categories! What shall I do? Write a big term paper in here? Hahaha.

23:29

Today's Music - CD: "Hits" by Phil Collins. Pretty good!

Hideki Matsui - you have to remember of this guy... aka "Godzilla" from Japan's pro-baseball. Now a Yankee! Was he already that famous?! No kidding?! He was on Late Show with David Letterman?!

WOW, look at this! (in case you missed the show last night)

Why signed with Yankees?! Cuz' Jeter told him to hook him up! Oh cool, man!

Not only to the Late Show - he was busy from the morning. He appeared on "Live! With Regis and Kelly" also. Wow, he is already big celebrity in US without hitting his 1st homer in US! Hahaha.

Oh, you know --- no more Kathie Lee, please. Past time. Long time ago. I liked her, though.

Okay, okay, okay, in case (most likely?) you missed the top ten list with him --- here it is:

Top Ten Reasons I, Hideki Matsui, Signed With The New York Yankees

10. Tokyo was fine, but I'm more of a big city guy 9. I want to see "Cats" at least once before it closes 8. I fell in love with a woman from Manhattan who I thought was a rich socialite but it turns out she's a maid 7. Yankee Stadium -- nachos don't come any cheesier 6. Jeter said he'd hook me up 5. On days off, I can hang by TRL's Times Square studio 4. Every Japanese child knows the legend of Jorge Posada 3. In New York, there's no pressure to speak English 2. I wanted to meet Regis 1. Dude, this city never sleeps!

Good, huh! Liked about 9, 3, 2 --- still 6 is the best! (and my favorite!)

22:39

As you can imagine, not really willing to get back to work after extended weekend when spent time for movie or driving range. Especially Kirk and Charlie scored 99 and 103 on Monday round. Gee, better than my usual (score). Hmmm, I should have been with them!

2 appointments and first one really freaked me out since person-in-charge was my least favorite. Because of his personality... that I can describe as short-temper... You know what I mean. Anyway, I somewhat made and wrapped the issue up.

2nd appointment was rather easy. 3 people showed up to a meeting with me and mostly I talked. New customer and I hope they would come to decide to stay.

Location for 2nd appointment was near Yushima Tenjin Shrine. Decided to stop by. This shrine is famous for academic success. Wait, what kind of wish did I need to make there for Japanese God?! Oh boy, I came to wrong place?! Hahaha, not quite.
intro of Yushima Tenjin Shrine: http://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/eng-page/english2.htm

Learning should be endless. Am still learning in everyday life. Are you not?! This year, I wanted to take time to learn something new. Really.

Wanted to leave work for home as usual... didn't go that flat and stayed at work up to 8pm. Gee, maybe I can do better job tomorrow. Came home tired. Already?! Just after single working day?! Yeah, I know.

Japan's Godzilla is to be "Yankee" tonight. Wow, exciting!

Attack on Iraq may be delayed due to unpreparedness of US boys?! Hope not really attacking... and solve all diplomatically.

23:19

Actor Yuji Oda in Japanese movie "T.R.Y."

Movie... 1st movie to see this year. Started with Japanese movie... which doesn't go to US. It might be heading to China and other Asian markets. Never be to US for sure.

Thought this would be great to see... not as much as expected. Not as much hoped.

It was rather all about Yuji Oda - top actor in Japan. Very handsome like me, huh! (just kidding)

I can only give C for this movie. Story was quite cheap. Ending wasn't that good.

22:54

Good shot, Charlie.

It was my friend Charlie to go out for today. 1st shot for 2003! Since I planed to play some golf this year... totally contrary to previous year. Charlie and Kirk... all my GOLF BUDDIES around. We all should take advantage of the fact... which we all are now in the same place again like the past when in Atlanta!

So where was Kirk?! How come he didn't join us even for practice? Oh he just called in and told me that he was at work today. Then Charlie and Kirk will go out tomorrow for a round! Gee, without me! Practice is better than going to actually play?! Well, I don't want a big number like over 100! Hahaha.

Charlie came to pick me up; now he knows exactly where I live. About 20 minutes by car from his place to mine. Within the same city (Urayasu). Just the other side of town, that's it.

So practice today like I said. Charlie carried over some fatigue from yesterday when went up for swimming... he wasn't in best condition to bring up some super shots... Rather he sort messed up his swing. Oh boy.

Unlike that friend, I was pretty good then. Somewhat... somehow. Don't know why. Though, something still lacking. Yeah, good driver shot.

See, I still miss, in hitting, the sweet spot - where the best shot can be created. Need more practice for sure.

Though, certainly fan time with him. You know what?! I may be seen "dubious" in such public place... since taking many pictures of something else rather than activity itself. Took pictures of clubs, balls, signs, etc. Hmmmm.

We both use same brand - PING.
Mine: Ping I-2
His: Ping I-3 (newer)

I like his BETTER!!!

After practice, ended up in Charlie's place. Found:

Meiji Jingu Shrine

To make a wish for 2003! Was quite important to go there for me. With girlfriend. What kind of wishes?! Well, basically all about health. Yeah, I have a big concern on it... nothing wrong with myself... though, I really want to maintain healthy life. That's first for me. So I asked for it.

Not that crowded.

Someone just got married in the Shrine.
Very Japanese style, right?! Beautiful.

How come I took pictures?! Wedding of someone else's?! Definitely no idea who it was. Just happened to be there happening. Hahaha. It's okay... just nice scene of wedding ceremony.

In fact, there was another one (different couple, of course) taking place at the same time.

And next main event for day:

In Harajuku - not too far from the Shrine.

"Kyushu Jangara Ramen-noodle." Very famous. US$10.

Lots of walk today. From the Shrine... walked up to Shibuya. Tired. Was that some kind of exercise?! Didn't plan to. Hmmmm, have to get mucsleache by tomorrow.

And didn't know that I came to have stomachache thereafter. Cold air hit my stomach.

Girlfriend MoonFlower was very satisfied since she bought something she wanted. Scarf. Seemed very nice and fitting on her.

12:09+1

Yep, first Friday after resuming to work. 10th day of year. How's it going so far for ya?! Hope all well. For me?! Okay somewhat. Hahaha, really.

Okay, today's Tak. Maybe a little stylish?!

Funny thing. I ended up to same Chinese restaurant for dinner... 2 days in a row! I wasn't thinking well?! Or I was just after some girl working in that place?!

In fact, that (girl) is Yasuko Funabashi's favorite. She insisted to go there again. With Yui Yamada and myself... three of us were last at the office to leave for weekend.

Name: Aligh Shu (not sure of spelling)
Age: 26
Sex: female
Live: within Minato-ku, Tokyo
Work: Chinese restaurant near Hamamatsu-cho

She came to Japan for study purpose originally. Now she doesn't do any schooling... just working in that place for day and night. Otherwise working, she said she slept and went Karaoke with her friends. Not to Roppongi or Ginza since very expensive. Accommodation is provided by the restaurant.

Forgot to mention, she has long --- nice legs.

Hmmmm, interesting, huh. Her photo?! Maybe next time.

10:29+1

Man, new PowerBook sticks to my head all the time! I cannot resist myself buying that new machine! Gee, what shall I do about myself being so crazy about this?! Please tell me.

Coworker Kiguchi from Nagoya Office was the guest for the day. He showed up in Tokyo in order to attend some internal meeting in this afternoon. He and I stopped by some customer to say hello in the morning. He has become daddy like other coworker Kuboki... three of us used to belong to same department. They left and I stay on.

Anyway, it was so funny and lovely about having a baby to the family. Very envious. I should get one without having wife or getting married?! That would be good idea. Though, who can give a birth for me?! Hmmmm. That might be a big headache then.

No iPod... with Tetsuji Fukui today. He went up to Big P-Kan, a large retailer in Ginza. No iPod... was out of stock! He said that there were only 20GB version. So he wanted either 10GB or 5GB version... so maybe this weekend?

Speaking of this coming weekend, it is to be long. Up to Monday. Monday is national holiday observing Adult Day which celebrates all those who turn 20 this year... as to be recognized as adults. Lots of local government like cities and towns hold a meeting for them as part of celebration as well as official recognition.

So long weekend... cannot wait!

Toyota Corolla is no longer top selling car in Japan. It has been so for 33 years! Though, last year didn't go flat for Toyota people. New number one --- Honda Fit ranked top! Wow! Fit isn't available in US market.

23:25

Never ever expected. Must be good surprise and must be something for me!

Apple made an announcement last night that additional 12" and 17" screen PowerBook G4 to the lineup! Mine should be 12"... I really look for a better mobility. Yeah, it must be mine! How much? 2k? Oh not big deal!!! (a lie)

I promise... starting from today, I save as much pennies possible! Ha!

You can see how much I can be serious about this. Bet ya!

As expected, visitor counter on Japanese page indicates more than 89,000 hits... who made 88,888th?! So far no one has ever claimed himself/herself for a prize yet. Hmmmm.

The time it was made must be around noon today in Japan time. Please come forward! You cannot imagine big kind of present... at least something!

Wow, Apple site is slow... must be lots of people wanting to check those laptops out!

Tetsuji Fukui was on the way to shop after work today. He said of "iPod." Man, he might have bought one! I wish I were him. I know, I always want something... like all gadgets. Like toys. Huh.

Work?! How about that?! No attention paid for today! I was busy thinking about future laptop! No phone calls from single client. Good for me! Yeah, leave me alone! Hahaha.

For lunch - instant noodles for less than a dollar.

Dinner - cheap dinner box at nearby supermarket. About 3 dollars. Big saving. You know why.

21:21

So finally Italy (office in Milan) resumes to normal operation after a long weekend. So now my problem is raised in their operation and I have some input (i.e. answer) for my customer tonight. Thank God!

I was quite worried. Must be 1st concern of the year on job. Yeah, quite bit. Some upset customer was there waiting for me. In other words, I was scared, huh. Call me chicken!

Other than that, it was simple working day. Not that bad.

Man, now government is in consideration to raise percentage of Consumption Tax?! (like your Sales Tax) Currently 5%... maybe toward 8 or 10%? Gee, hope not.

Before raising any tax, we need to see some GOOD aspects of booming economy. Yeah, need to get some hope, first!

Friend ChanKen is now in hospital for more than a month! His homepage has been no updated for that long. Hope really he gets well soonest and back to us for another entertainment!

Apple might announce new gadget exclusively for me tonight?! Some called iPod II. Well, who knows what to come up. Though, this is certainly exciting. I should get up early and check Apple site to see what to expect. Right?! Well, I should also start saving pennies for whatever to be.

Last night, went to bed around 10pm... got up this morning around 8:30am. Lots of sleep... yet didn't make myself quite ready for work this morning then. I feel fatigue from sickness as well as stress?! Anyway, I am quite far from being perfectly fine.

In Japanese version, the visitor counter is expected to reach 88,888th hit sometime tonight or early tomorrow. Another milestone to make, huh! Cannot wait! Who is to be the winner of prize?! Please forward a message to me with proof that you hit that point on the counter!

Emailed Mom of my fountain pen / ballpoint pen left home. Totally forgot of those precious items of mine! Asked her to put them in mail. Cannot do good job without them. Can you imagine that I have used same pen over a decade?! Yeah, really so!

Good night.

22:08

Resume to normal business life from today. Disappointing, huh. Yeah, really to myself.

Lots of people seemed suffering from cold and Yasuko Funabashi was the worst among all. Gee, get away from me! She coughs more than me and sounded horrible. She should have stayed home today!

4 new comers to work. Joined us. Welcome a board!

2 were men... no attention paid. The other 2... were female. Well, both of them appeared about same age as me. Good looking?! Well, I didn't think much. Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone.

Outside it seemed too cold and I decided to stay in. Smart, huh. And unfortunately, I had some issue with several clients already. Yeah, I know, even 1st day at work for 2003 didn't go flat at all. Just like my life, huh. Yep, it is mine.

Disappointing.

Left work around 7pm. Early. Wanted to. Needed to. Still I do need a rest. Good sleep without worrying about next business day.

This year's resolution... I intend to gain strength and pushing all stress back! How about that!

21:21

Still coughing hard. Man, I am sick and tired of this... truly sickened, huh. What an irony.

Finally today was the last part of entire Samurai program. Yeah, I watched more than 20 hours on the series! Man, have I learned that much from it?! Or just all in vain?! Who knows.

Seemed much warmer than yesterday... at least seemed so. Well, didn't know and still don't know the truth. No intension to do anything outside. Yeah, am smart.

So am I ready for work?! Resuming all to normal from tomorrow. Gee, already?! Yep, holiday time is now all over! That quick... and too bad that I wasn't in good shape... much. I spent time with this sickness... just that... nothing else.

Good part was that I spent time and talked a lot with my darling mother. Good foods and easy time were nice add-ons then.

22:31

Sickness really made me stay home. All day long. Stayed warm. Watching TV. Samurai series really keep my attention. Good program and I like history more than ever! Even makes me want to read books! That is usually coming last! Hahaha.

Yeah, don't like much about reading. Oh I thought that you did know...

Here is some reference you might want to check out:

http://www.samurai-archives.com/index.html

Covers all famous Shogun - from Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, to Ieyasu Tokugawa.

22:22+1

Wow, already?! Yep. By Shinkansen this evening, I came back in town. For what?! Well, because I wanted to be ready for new beginning of work for 2003. Yeah, I am self-motivated for work!

Hahaha, just kidding.

Gee, it was snowing in Ogaki and just rain in Tokyo. Thank God! Same time last year, it was heavy snow in Ogaki. History record then. This year, didn't go that bad. So I made back in town without any problem.

Though, it is quite cold here. Gee, I cannot go out for fun. I will stay. Stay warm for 1st weekend.

Will miss Mommy big.

22:10+3

Surely getting fed so well and definitely I keep myself to 3 meals for the holidays. Certainly gaining... very quickly.

Mom's foods specially prepared for New Year come with huge variety and no wonder that my chopsticks seemed doesn't know where else to go other than keep hitting back to my mouth.

Other than eating... I just sit back and relax myself... and watching TV. Big samurai drama was on TV for more than several hours. History figure from 1600's. Yeah, I was really glued to the program. Certainly learning, right?! Hahaha.

My sickness doesn't go away easily... Hmmmm. Still taking medication.

22:08+3

Folks, hope this year is to be more fruitful to every single one of you reading here. Surely, I will continue write of my daily happenings here for you. Please keep logging in!

First dream of the year didn't come along with lucky factors. We normally say that either Mt. Fuji, hawk, or eggplant in the dream is to bring big luck time to the dreamer. Well, mine didn't get even close to any of them... Hahaha. already out of luck.

Just saw Boss Ito in the dream and talked about going to play golf. That was it. Means, at least I can get along with boss well for this year! Hahaha. Otherwise, what then?

21:58+4

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