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About time?! A guy --- 68 years old finally leaving us for his retirement. Still energetic, though. Tom Kagawa had his last day at work today.

Tom receiving farewell flowers from Yasuko.

He has been with us for 9 months and certainly he was treacher-like figure to us. Well, good job, Tom!!!

Sales team... front> Tom: back L-R> Yasuko, Tak, and Mori.

I showed up to a convention. Golf, this time. Yeah, tomorrow is my golf day... even though weather won't be too cooperative. So that's why I showed?! No. All for business. Anyway, it was interesting and surely it was all for business calls. Not for personal or fun. Really. Trust me on this one!

Well, I have to cut out this update short. Since I have to prepare all for tomorrow's golf. Wish me luck about having some so-so scores. Will fully report in Saturday edition for sure.

Man! Finally weekend! So exciting.

0:25+1

My computer (personal one) sounds funny... from hard drive. Gee, I should be prepared some case like this might stop all the sudden. Well, I thought too much about what to buy to replace this, huh. I realize that it was a bad thought.

Woke up LATE. Seriously. It was 7:55am and this was too late compared to usual time cycle everyday. 7:55am... usually I leave the apartment and almost get to the commuter train at Urayasu. This morning, happened to be bad one since slept in and got hurry to the station. Not running though.

Oh surely, I hit the shower and shaved. All done as usual. I just made smart and quick move to get ready to hit the road.

8:21am finally got on the train. Thank God, I caught Rapid train. Skipped 3 stations... yeah, helped me a lot. Big short cut. So I was lucky enough to make the office safe. No tardy!

So I should have gone to bed by now... I have to get up at normal time tomorrow, too. And still am up at this late (0:35am). Man, I didn't learn any from my recent experience. I know-

You know what I have found?! Eyeglasses of Aki Takahashi's (Director) are same as mine. Different color, though. His is in dark brown. Mine is purple... like you know. Is this a good sign or the contrary?! We will see.

"Godzilla" Matsui of Yankee is going to make his debut in spring training exhibition game. Well, hope he will come to gain some confident to be a Major Leaguer with several homers. Entire Japan is with lots of hopes about he would follow some legacy like Ichiro made his debut in US.

Today - all assignments and agendas were done with Japan Team - sales force from west coast. Was it all productive?! I hope so.

Tomorrow - Friday. Yeah, about time to have another weekend. Am ready for it. About time to rest!!! Oh, weather might be not that clear for Saturday when playing golf for me... hope this is mistaken. Now just checked weather forecast... unchanged expectation. Gee.

0:41+1

Hi, folks. Already asleep? Not me!!! Now almost 1am and still facing to the screen of computer. Yeah, I admit that you can call me moron... sticking myself to do all on computer like this. Hahaha.

Busy day?! So-so. Finally I had a good meeting with some client "KE" starting imports next month. The person in charge hadn't had time for me to deal with him for a long time... and finally we sat to the same table.

Meet Japan Team. Like I said, there was a group of sales force from west coast... and I was part of the schedule today. Will be so too tomorrow.

Party took place in "Nihonbashi-tei." Near Hamamatsucho.

You can find some "familiar faces."

Yasuko Ishiyama, Tetsuji Fukui... Boss Ito, Mori...

Wow, did you see?! Tanabe (m) on most right!!! 1st appearance!
Congrats, Tanabe-san!!!

Haru-san (m) in blue-stripe shirt next to Tanabe - from Seattle.

Miho-san (f) smiled with Yasuko up front - lives in San Diego.

3 missed from previous shot> Kamei (1st apprarance!) Takako Kobayashi from US, and Arahata.

Takako-san enjoys sun shine and mild weather of Los Angeles everyday!

Extra shot of Boss Ito... for about 35 fans out there!!!
(How did I ever count?!)

By the way, please note that he was OUT OF CONTROL tonight.
(Please stop him if you can!)

And yes of course, I was well-mannered as usual... both behavior-wise and verbal-wise. Do you believe this?! Hahaha.

Drunk? Not me, tonight. Did eat enough?! Most certainly! Big Boss Nakabayashi didn't want to come into the picture and he hid himself... though, yelled at us that we had to eat what we ordered. Yeah, promise was kept, I thought. Tons of foods?! You bet! Really did help someone like me with NO refrigerator home (you know, already).

Yasuko's new word for the day: "astigmatism" (hope she remembers)

Way passed my bed time. Need a beauty sleep! Good night. Zzzzz.

1:09+1

Tuesday - finally done. I had been waiting for this day to be over! Now it is!!! Whoa! (Hahaha) This morning, I went in work around 9am... didn't make any mistake. No mistakes. Yeah, I knew that I could come to work 10am... as my flexible schedule on Tuesday. Though, different story. All were due to mandatory meeting taking place such early morning. Yeah, company wanted me to stay working!

Aki Takahashi in lead of the meeting and Yasuko and other sales staff members were already there! Gee, I was late. About a couple of minutes! Though, no blame on me for such tardiness.

Visitors from US and all sales members got together to confirm today and tomorrow's schedule. That was it. Simple, huh. For that matter of 5 or 10 minutes, I had to be there early? Too bad, don't you think? I know-

Then, hit the road for 10:30 appointment. Some prospect wanted to meet me. From Shanghai. Not Chinese, still Japanese. Though, the talk was about bringing some new businesses to Tokyo and I could be of his help. Wonderful deal... must be my day today!

Oops, I shouldn't have forgotten that another appointment for today was nothing but what I ought to be apologetic. No choice there. Hmmmm.

Anyway, morning session was rather easier for me and, of course, the evening didn't come much flat as I hoped. Anyway, it's done! Let's take a look at bright side.

Oh, the guy I met... from China... no longer lives in Japan... but he's millionaire having succeeded in China, in stead of motherland Japan. What would you think?! Very smart, huh. I should have done sort that kind of path to be alike?! Hahaha.

Boss Ito and Supervisor Mori - no show to the office. Busy in Narita office.

Old machine - PowerBook2400c no longer the one for backups.

Some drinks tonight?! Let you guess.

23:46

A day before pay day.... usually all things are easy-basis. Not this time. From a problem to another, I was just after solutions. Made several calls for clues and ideas to where I should go to get out of all bad conditions where confused or upset customers stand.

Left work finally after 10pm. Yeah, long day.

Realized some visitors to our work today. From west coast. Several Japanese staff members for sales. There is some new strategy might be settle for further sales... hope this all will turn out good for us. Well, who knows what to expect. As you know, I am not much looking into west coast business much. Rather concentrate on somewhere else...

Certainly, lots of changes going on around.

Still the chaos isn't only mine. Boss Ito and Mori weren't certainly in good mood and difficult for me to approach to. Yeah, leave them alone! So I did. Smart way to deal with people annoyed with problems. Yeah, really.

At night... particularly after 7pm... started working on single letter due to submit to customer tomorrow. Yeah, I can call it as "sorry, man! letter" (never "David Letterman"). Not my fault. Just a little human error and customer was upset and overwhelmed. Well, I will go and tell how much sorry I am to such valued customer tomorrow. So letter is drafted. Takashima will check on it... hope I can finalize the letter be noon.

Busy... and very light meals for lunch and supper. "Calorie Mate" - energy bar is my lunch. Good or bad?! Don't know. At least I ate something. Curry over rice - I ate around 11pm. Yeah, not good to eat late like that. Not overeating, though.

Anonymous reader sent me a gift... since scheduled to play golf this weekend:

Top Flite Strata -1 dozen

Hey, be nice! Do you even think that I would hit that many OB's?! Gotta be kidding! Well, hope not.

Good night. Tired. Zzzzzz.

0:44+1

I wanted to make this day easy and for some work undone to be taken care. Well, turned out that I had a hard time to get out of my futon bed. Gee, I was lazy or what?! Just from severe fatigue?

Watching movies (on DVD's bought yesterday) is good part. Not going to get haircut was bad one. Eating right?! Probably not.

You know what?! Yesterday in Yodobashi while shopping, there was a discussion about whether I should get a new laptop between MoonFlower and myself. She told me, "How about your saving?! Not enough money yet." True. Though, I insisted "Well, saving is not enough... then, this will be my debt that I am very used to." Yeah, if bought one computer then, saving column would change to debt information. Simple huh! Well, she was smart and persuade me not.

At least I've got 2 ears to listen to. No waste then. Though, still a little spending was made for 3 movies.

Oh you have a question?! May many DVD's in collection!? Let me go for count. It is.... (now counting) thirty-eight (38). Wow, that's a lot. Didn't know.

Pay day --- day after tomorrow.

19:08

Because of my hard work and or unfortunate incidents occurred this week, some kind of stress relief was in demand... so I thought. Girlfriend ("MoonFlower") and I went out usual Chiba.

Supposedly, movie to see was part of plan. Though, timing wasn't quite right and we gave up on like "Lord of the Rings." Well, I am sure that I won't miss that movie for too long.

Instead, shopping was part of time spending there. In Yodobashi Camera super discount shop, I ended up picking several items from the DVD shelf.

3 DVD's bought once. Yeah, very unusual, huh. I know. "Austin Powers Goldmember" - newly released and 2 DVD's of Star Wars. Yeah, pretty good choice, I thought. All together, how much?! JPY10,185 - US$85.00 in today's exchange rate. Expensive, huh!

Oh I should've mentioned that I was in a restaurant with laptop for breakfast and some work to be done. Started early.

18:49+1

Biz trip to Hamamatsu. Got up a little earlier than usual. It was just before 6am and took the 7:51am train at Urayasu station. Got "Kodama Super Express #447" bound for Nagoya.

Annoying short and short duration of laptop battery... better performance I can get from my own PowerBook which lasts more than 2 hours even after more than 2 years in use. While, the work machine doesn't even last an hour or so and battery is newly bought like a while back.

I should report and ask for a replacement. If work wants me to perform better in communication! Hahaha.

Seemed all were in hell for today. Not only on myself... but for entire department of mine. No kidding. Everyone had tough time due to some issues remained unsolved. Didn't talk to either Mori or Boss Ito at all for a day and cannot describe exactly how it went. Though, am sure that this doesn't look good at all.

Arrived about 11am to the office in Hamamatsu and meeting kicked in right away. Then, main even meeting a customer around 2pm. It went okay. Not really anything argumentative, which is good, I presume. Meeting at the warehouse of client's was wrapped up around 4:30pm and hit road back to the office in Hamamatsu (about 30-minute-ride). Recap as internal meeting was held and I was finally released around 8pm. Yeah, long day huh!

Boss Sugimoto of Hamamatsu branch took me back to station and, while waiting for final train to Tokyo, we ate.

Hamamatsu is located facing ocean and fish are fresh, so to be known. Eels are famous, too. So my lunch was really good tasty eels with rice and dinner was about sushi, etc. Yum yum!

Tired. Am sure that all colleagues of mine in Tokyo had hard day, too.

18:34+2

Good evening, folks. Finally came home. Already Friday - yeah, baby, yeah! (by Austin Powers)

In fact, I am tired. Quite beat, you know. And still face a biz trip to Hamamatsu tomorrow. My train at Tokyo station departs 8:30am and I have to make there before then. Yeah, a little early morning. Then still updating this web page this late (now passing midnight) - I must be out of mind? No, don't call me that. Just say, "dedicated."

2 appointments. 1 in Shibuya and the other was somewhere I had to take a train for over an hour. You can tell how busy I was. Well, if you're not too familiar with geographic situation which I go to places by train, might be difficult to imagine how hectic schedule can be to complete just 2 appointments.

Anyway, those weren't that difficult. "Homework" was rather something kept me busier than deals with customers. "Homework" is something Boss Ito asked us to do and all due today. Yeah, suddenly boss brings something that has to be done so soon.

Like I said, I will go on a trip... though, some more homework is there for me on road. Gee, how much do I need to work?! Got paid well enough to do all?! Hmmmm, question is always unanswered.

Tonight, some break kicked in. With Takashima (ex Big Boss), Sakai (m, IT dept.), and Murata (f, Accounting dept.), there was a little gathering and it was quite new atmosphere for me because of unfamiliar faces (still colleagues, though). It was fun, though.

Came home and just update this web page?! No so fast. I opened my work laptop and sent out several messages to Atlanta and Milwaukee. Yeah, busiest, huh.

Saving for new PowerBook is now record high!

0:39+1

Already bought the issue "Sports Illustrated 2003 Swimsuits Edition" yet? If not, get one extra for me when buying for yourself.

the Race "February Stakes" is just around the corner. 1st Grade-I horse race is scheduled on Sunday. Am I going to bet?! So far I think so... since I need to hit something BIG! In bad economy - hopeless deflation continues, I have to take different way (some people call or refer as "short-cut") to make it (make what?).

This week is least likely meant to be good for me. God is maybe trying to give me a hard time just before start enjoying something great due next after. I wish so. I previously scheduled 2 appointments for today and could be possible to add one more. Though, ended up just 2 appointments. Both were okay. Though while being out for sales calls, other ("outrageous") customers of mine kept ringing to me. Checking out if I would be available to meet on unsolved issues.

"Sorry, that day is fully booked already."

Don't want to appear bad to those who have been upset with services. Though, certainly there is something I really cannot miss. Like business trip or other stuff that I have to take initiative.

At this point, I am pretty much booked until end of next week. Don't know this is good sign or not. Just think that I have to sit and do same work to care about ongoing businesses. Well, I will make all up to catch up.

Tired tonight. Sales meeting among Boss Ito, Mori, and Ishiyama started around 7:30pm and finally adjourned at 10pm. Yeah, really. So I came home about just midnight. Date has been forwarded.

Curry over rice was the dish for tonight. On the way home, Mori, Ishiyama and I stopped by. All my treat! Can you believe it?! Youngest of all, poorest among 3 of us... still paid all in full by myself. What would you think?! No reason...

Good night.

0:49+1

"Outrageous" - one word tells it all! Description of all happenings for today. I survived through with it out of customers. Lots of them were just too outrageous demanding all like wanting me to make a miracle happen.

Folks... sorry, am not Harry (Potter).

As you can see, today was very very very stressful day for me and I REFUSE to work any harder!

I understand that people get in trouble when something unexpected happened on business and we always have to blame all for someone else... and seemed all came to me once. Please note that I am human - easily lose temper or patience.

Too busy solving one issue to another... and I forgot that I was still sick or no longer so... then came home and realized that my stomach wasn't still okay yet. Ran for medicine.

Lunch was just before 3pm appointment. Came home around 10pm.

I really should go out and spend some money for fun! Shopping would be very nice. For what?! Well, PowerBook 15" may come out soon?! I read some article telling about it. Yeah, 12" isn't interesting enough... compared to 15". So I look forward 15" screen laptop to replace current machine.

Gee, look at this figure. Amount of saving is still around JPY18,000. Target?! JPY250,000!!!

Message for Boss Ito whom I didn't see from lunch time: I won't come in the office tomorrow morning. Straight to the 1st appointment. Thanks.

Good night.

After long weekend from Friday - since being out sick, this Monday wasn't that flat for me. Not much left behind like unsolved from previous week since colleagues of mine did help situation lots without my presence, although still some issues I had to face and deal with for today.

Specially about some bad weather took place in eastern part of US... right, folks! Are you in snow?! Hahaha.

Some of customers were really coming onto me ugly... like "bad weather should be expected... and your service isn't satisfactory." Oh boy, everyone knows that it wasn't my fault... personally. It was all about company's way of doing business problem... agree?

Though, there were many apologies I submitted today. How many clients?! I don't remember... let's say quite few!

So have I started feeling better?! Not so fast. In fact, I had some addition today. It was a headache. Gee, didn't expect to. Surely under medication.

Like I say (yesterday) - all come from food poisoning... Really hope that this isn't coming from something like flu. There is a really bad flu epidemic going on all over the country... so let's not.

Came home around 8pm. Soon as being here... headache is gone so instantly. Obviously, don't like working much. Hahaha.

Almost no appetite. Ate very light.

22:19

Sickened 3rd day today. Finally running into help in medication. Yeah, now under medicine. I was told that it was from food poisoning. I ate something bad --- in that Chinese restaurant?! I don't intend to raise any conspiracy here... though, that is the only possibility for now from all I can think of.

Then how come all other coworkers of mine who were at that restaurant with me didn't get sick like me?!

What did I eat for lunch on Thursday - before Chinese?! Oh, it was Italian... though, timing isn't right about the time I started feeling bad.

Rainy and cold day. Some snow, also. Smart to being home... I didn't have much choice either, anyway!

More than 40 million people around the globe went out for No War parade, huh. Biggest ever in history... so UK and US have got ears to listening to them?! Will see.

23:14

Being sick... unchanged. Gee, didn't expect to. See that's why I kept telling before... becoming sick should take place on Monday or at least Tuesday! Never anytime toward weekend! Man, I didn't come along with my theory this time. Yeah, I know, my fault.

Went out just once for shopping. Otherwise, I stayed home and slept quite. Somewhat I feel better compared to yesterday... though, still obviously sick.

Documentary about Michael Jackson... broadcast in UK and US already is today announced of its coming to Japan. On Monday, 24th. Hope I get a chance to see it.

US Box Office - "How to lose Tak in 10 days?!" Man, I need to see to prevent that! Hahaha.

23:04+1

Still Friday - however, I decided to stay home. No improvement from last night. OUT SICK! First time ever taking such out since I came back to Japan. Stomach really isn't normal. Still not yet. There was an appointment in the morning and called up that customer to postpone to next week.

So stayed home all day long. Did do some work done, too. Started with some apology letter in email to some upset customer. Then, quotation to submit... then had to persuade some other customer about new business of next week. Man, worked quite bit... didn't expect to... but I couldn't be covered fully by someone else in the team. Yeah, am special, huh!

Anyway, I still don't feel well.

You know, today - St. Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's! Not happy for myself, though. Hmmmm.

No flowers. No gifts. No dinner. Just stay home.

21:31

Hi folks - the party was thrown for James since it was last day for him to stay with us. He, after a little vacation, will fly back to his place, Hawaii.

"Aloha" - that's the word we learned this time.

Was in the usual Chinese place and I ate... as usual. You know what? I started feeling bad. Sort upsetting stomach. Gee, didn't want to be like that. On the way home it all was like a hell to me! No throw-up's, though.

21:20+1

Some people question on me about having different area for my sales activity... since I show up anywhere... not only within Tokyo area... but far away also. Today - just like that... I went up to Kazusa Ichinomiya. Very far away from the office. Usually takes about one hour and half. Really!

Man, I must be addicted to field trips, huh! Or maybe not serious job at all?! Just for fun?! Hmmmm.

Picture on right: Kazusa Ichinomiya Station (am sure that you have no idea whatsoever...)

Very countryside. Indeed! You cannot miss any in this town... some shops (surfing shops, mostly), a very few restaurants, no cafe --- this really troubled me! Between 1st and 2nd appointment, there was quite time to kill. Man, didn't know such inconvenience would come up. Finally (thank God) - there was a place to stay and I opened my laptop and worked for a while.

Both appointments went without any issue or problem. Though, nothing really interested me much, either. The town was very boring for me. If you are a surfer or ocean-lover, it would be whole different story then.

Came home about a little after 6pm... then, today my weekly sales report due! Yeah, didn't forget... just didn't have time to do and send to boss! Tonight, I spent quite time to write the report! Hmmm, busy still home, huh. I know.

Two more days! You know what?! St. Valentine's Day is just ahead. Are you ready? Have you arranged sending flowers to your loved ones?! Me?! What would you think?! I can give you a hint. Am broke. Quite so.

Good night.

23:09

National Founding Day. Yeah, national holiday. Rainy day... unfortunately. Girlfriend MoonFlower and I went out for a movie... we chose "The Transporter." I thought it was French movie... though, all were in English. Poorly done my homework, huh - I know.

Very neat action movie. Lots of car stunt... if you like this kind of stuff, don't miss this out. Some scene was quite unreal and I said to myself, "No way!" - I really did at some particular scene of the movie.

The girl - actress named Shu Qi appeared so tempting! Yeah, her legs... killing me. I thought she was from Hong Kong... not quite sure, though.

The transporter was carrying anything... any package... anyone to anywhere with contract. The contract is to be strictly kept regardless to any condition. The guy on this job does hell of a job... though, he came to make a mistake. While carrying some package, he comes to break one of rules he set to himself. Opening the package. Then, he realizes that he is in a trouble... big trouble.

Over all, I like it quite bit. Very strong character - who is the transporter. Though, he isn't as cool as my James... James Bond.

Tak's review: B (pretty good)

Of course, I didn't leave my work issues behind. In the morning, certainly did check all emails. Thank God --- because of my announcement yesterday, not many people did try to contact me. Smart choice! Very sweet. Very. So I didn't have to spend quite time for reading and replying. Therefore, I promise I won't bother you much like after hours or over weekends. Hahaha.

Lunch - pasta
Dinner - some fish dish

Oops, a little more saving added today. Good for me.

23:29

Good day?! Yeah, quite bit. Since tomorrow is off in observation of "National Foundation Day." Hey, those who are my colleagues overseas, DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER THAT I GET BACK WITH YOU WITHIN SINGLE DAY! Yes, I will be off tomorrow. Like many others... millions out there!!!

Still the big rearrangement of this web page is undergo. Please understand of such inconveniences.

Managing Director Ishii has been hit by car this weekend. Won't stay in hospital. Though, I heard that he has a couple of broken bones. Gee, what an accident.

Not only that...

Boss Ito is under severe pain from lower back. He skipped morning session and then, he came in around mid-afternoon. Seemed very hurting much. He barely walked then. Finally, he checked things around with us and left for home! Good choice. He had to, I believe.

He must have thrown out his back? Don't think that came from lots of bangs... Hehehe.

At dinner - four of us went out... last four remaining the office in the department. Went out to "usual" Chinese. Mori (male), Ishiyama (female), Arahata (male) and Tak. It was all on Mori! Sort I forced him to. Gee, bad boy with bad mouth made that possible to happen. $120 for all of us and Mori paid it all!

Thank you! I can say at loud that I am extremely thankful! Seriously am! I promise that I will be nice to you, Mori.

I put up another person information here. My current saving status for new PowerBook to buy. So far, 4.4% complete.

12:04+1

Now all LEAST done. You can read recent update both in Japanese and English. This website used to be made with different software called HomePage Pro. Then I switched to GoLive. This is where the problem lays out this time.

This change doesn't allow me to have proper script using about pop-up that didn't work yesterday. Now it does. Since I rewrote all in GoLive file... it wasn't good enough that HomePage file opened by GoLive.

This means --- renewal requires that I have to rewrite all pages in GoLive...

So please forgive me that you don't have any access to PAST DIARY yet. Will be able to sooner or later. I'll let you know soon as finishing all and upload them to the server.

GoLive is really cool software and lots of my diary tasks can be done automatically. Negative impact is that my machine, PowerBook G3, isn't powerful enough with GoLive. Machine really slows done!!!

Maybe I should be really serious about getting a PowerBookG4 (12") sooner than I thought! Hahaha.

How do you like new Top page?! Liked those jokes?

23:46

Gee, trouble. Really tough to solve for me. As you can see, top-right corner... I put up some "pop-up" so that you can jump to different page of my website. Like to Japanese or Top page. Though, doesn't work! Why not?

I carefully read the book over and over. No answer for it. I seemed to have done all I needed. Though, result doesn't come along. So finally, I went to software manufacturer's page for help.

Adobe didn't have any information in FAQ's. So I posted my problem in the User Forum Session. See who can help me with this.

I guess, the renewal intension doesn't come easy for me! Man, sucks!

23:34+1

After work, I showed up to some party where I don't know many people there. Hahaha, it was competitor's gathering and I broke in there... with lots of noise from my mouth?!

It was fun to meet new people and quite interesting to see how other (competitors) in the industry does deal with clients or businesses. Definitely the way approaching was different and I learned something then.

From today on, I really go in to the renewal session of this website. I now read the reference on software GoLive and will add and delete some files in the server... so you might encounter to some sites with no links. Please pardon then.

23:35+2

Good evening... very late, huh. You might want to know why you didn't see my update yesterday... and now you know if reading yesterday's update. Internet connect was not up running all day long then. Bad, huh. Really was.

I have to close today's short because passed the midnight. Passed my bed time! Anyway...

L-R> Big Boss Nakabayashi, James from Hawaii, and Boss Ito

L-R> Ishiyama, Tak, Arahata, and Mori.

You know what? I enjoyed a free LUNCH and DINNER. What luck I had?! Yeah, I cannot disagree. Though, it is true that lunch of Chinese dish was treated by Mori - who usually doesn't serve me or Ishiyama like that... some kind of new change or adjustment?! Maybe some cover-up from something?! Hahaha... he was just kind. Am sure.

And dinner... was the welcome party for the guest of honor. James - seemed perfect Japanese... came to us on business from Hawaii today and we all (as in pictures) went out for dinner.

Restaurant information: Korean Table in Shibadaimon 1-16-1, Minatoku, Tokyo - tel 03 3434-5489

It was Korean BBQ.

Was all about serious work issues?! Hey, we had more than couple of beer and some mixed drinks! You know what I mean. However (I should emphasize), there were certainly some issues to discuss between us at the time.

Received a long email message from my darling sister Robyn from Columbia. Will reply to her tomorrow or so.... I've got millions of things to talk about! Miss her much.

Good night.

0:37+1

Hi folks. How's it going? Parent company of mine is now seeking Japanese sales rep in Atlanta area and am I possibly the candidate?! Folks, not so fast. As far as I am not mistaken, that position has been open for a quite while and no one has really interested in that much. Unfortunately. Is that good position?! Maybe. Do I want to raise my hand?! Probably not.

Although if that is not the story what I know, then decision may vary. Hahaha!

Gee, connection to the Internet from this apartment is currently down... Means I cannot put this update up to my server... so when can you really read this?!

Boss Ito was out. All day long!!! He went to Narita office for a full-day meeting. Hope it went easy on sales stuff like me! Do NOT even plan to blame me on low gross sales!

I told that it was possible some snow... man, forecast man was wrong! Not my fault. Was cold... no snow. No accumulation.

This morning, urgent phone call that I had to make. To Chicago office. I just found some mistake done in local operation and I wanted to fix it... at least tried to make a difference. Talked to guy named Roy - he was very kind and nice to me over the phone and listened to me very carefully. Upon my input in explaining the situation and description of mistake, he took time pulling file of the concern and even calling up to manager to see what he possibly could do then.

At end, we both came to know that it was all in vain. Too late. Though I was at least very thankful about his efforts and eagerness. So at the early evening, I showed up to my customer... brought full of apology that instructions issued weren't fully followed. Customer was relatively upset and told me of no more mistakes in future or all will be gone.

Hmmmm, reality is tough sometimes.

Tomorrow some guest (visitor) from overseas expected. From where? Hawaii? Back from vacation or something?! Hahaha. I will be a little bit busier for rest of week and beginning of next week.

Today's purchase. Bought a book "Adobe GoLive 6.0 Master Book for Macintosh & Windows." Priced at 18 dollars. I liked it quite a lot and will use it as good reference to improve this web page. Hope you can see many "good changes" here --- soon!

Talk to you later!

22:25

Tonight... even over Tokyo area snow is expected. Well, some accumulation is also expected. Maybe tomorrow morning commute up to work places will be a big deal to many of us.

A inch or two?! Hope not that bad.

Cold weather like almost snowing today really made myself uncomfortable to go out to see any customer! I mean ANY KIND OF customer... whether I like or not (hahaha).

So you can say that I was wise staying in. Kept myself warm. Though, please note that I didn't take a nap. Hahaha. And I had to solve lots of domestic issues.

Some reader writes me that I shouldn't put up many hearts here... because I look like a little girly man. Hmmmm, doesn't mean to that way. I just want to share a little atmosphere of St. Valentine's with you. Obviously, I do NEVER mean that I would ask you for presents on such event. (In Japan, girls give boys some presents with expression of their feeling - contrary to what you see in your country.)

But, doesn't mean I will refuse all!

Gee, Minister of Finance told the media that he just bought National Treasury Bond of 10 years for 30 grand! He should've spent same amount, or at lease some, to stock market or some other investment to show that it's safe enough to invest with risk. So everyone now buys such Bonds... and now all sold out!

Me? I wish I had some extra bucks to buy even one!!!

Godzilla left country. Hit New York and gets set to conquer the US in baseball! (i.e. Hideki Matsui of New York Yankees)

Lunch: deep-fried port (lunch box)
Supper: chicken salad with sandwich

22:34

As you might know, new PowerBook G4 (12") is now out to the public. Did you buy one?! Man, I wish I would have one. Yet, I am still having problem raising fund for it. Yeah, I don't have money, being quite broke.

Today's work. Not as bad as one like last week. Just one appointment which didn't go easy. Man, I didn't like much about that company I visited. Seemed cash and credit problem lays down just out there. And you know what? Old American who spoke quite bit of Japanese told me as:

Old man) How old are you?

Tak) 29.

Old man) Okay, I have been in this business for 30 years.

So what? He was trying to persuade so that he could get discount. Not so fast, old man! I didn't allow that right away. He said that business discussed wasn't and wouldn't be quite often to occur. Probably 3 times a year.

3 times?! Gotta be kidding! I would have been happy to work with him in whatever condition he wanted if were 3 times per week! He came by to me with wrong figure. Get out of my way! - Hehehe, I wasn't that mean. I told him that he could set the business up different way to avoid charges he didn't want to pay.

So this may, may not, be new business of mine. Hey, this will NOT be a big impact to sales figure of mine!

Speaking of sales number, Boss Ito pushed three of us, Mori, Ishiyama, and Tak, to collect all sales information like revenue, profit, and some other stuff. Did I do a good job for first month of 2003 fiscal year?! Well, I should put up comment here. You can imagine... if I do good job or not.

Lunch: Wendy's.

Supper: salad and snack.

23:04

Please see the above graph. You can see how my cost of living went for 2002. Obviously, spending for telephone (mostly via cellular phone) was the biggest pain to my (really tight) budget.

Other than that, almost all went minimum... so I did pretty much good job about living with least amount of cost. Yeah, don't you agree?

Well, I did have a big nightmare. Hadn't had such for a long time... and am sure that this is the first time this year. You know the detail? My (female) friend in US got lost her head and the head showed up to me and she warned something to me... don't remember much about what she said. This nightmare wasn't of myself in danger at that time... though, that message from her must be something.

Yeah, all in English.

No reference in here (http://www.tarot.mull.com/Dreams.htm). Too bad. I should go to Burns and Noble for some purchase (i.e. books) to do.

Even today my WORK cellular phone rang. Another issue. Though, it was likely NOT of my deal!!!

Speaking of books, I went to 3 different bookstores near the Urayasu station. I was seeking some reference books on GoLive - the computer software that I used for this website design. Yes, I would like to make this website a little more (even more?) comprehensive! Would you like that?

Though, all search done for today went in vain. There were only 3 books in the shelf... but none seemed to be what I really liked.

Well, weekend is over! Hope this week is to be a little easy... Oh wait, we have some visitor overseas. From Hawaii?

22:09

Got a call to my WORK cellular phone in the morning. This really changed entire atmosphere about having day off. You knot what I mean. My customer (new one) obviously called me up. I heard a comment remarked by him that he would have hard time to deal with company having Saturday off. Gee, I didn't even hear like that from that client while in the meeting.

Man, work isn't that easy. Rather difficult like lost in a maze...

So I had to work a little bit and went out to eat. Surely no foods home!!! Quite good weather out there. I should have planned something...

Ate some rice for lunch and stopped by a place called NOVA. Famous English lesson place. For what?! I was just curious what kind of classes offered. Plus, some of friends recently asked me which school is better to take... between NOVA and AEON. They are in a big competition nationwide.

In this country, learning English at such school is a big deal with big tuition! You're looking at around 1,000 dollars up to 5,000 dollars. Yeah, no kidding.

Anyway, NOVA was pretty well organized. Very flexible about class schedule. A little easy atmosphere.

Had a coffee. Yeah, a little break. Read some newspaper and also checked my email (yes, PowerBook with me).

Then on the way back home, checked in to AEON. Yeah, both institutions have local office in Urayasu. AEON office was much smaller and it was really small operation. I got a chance to meet one of instructors named Ryan to interview about what AEON can do for students. Well, his point was like my personal skill to improve. I wanted to know more about general.

It was interesting experience going to two different schools for the same purpose. And another big gift was that I came to know that there were so many people out there learning desperately something everyday.... even paid lots of money as for investment to themselves. I should motivate myself more to learn or do something. Learning is life time work to accomplish --- as you know.

10:04+1