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How nice... updating from brand new and fast machine available in current market... PowerBookG4! Yeah, finally and from today, I use this new machine as main tool and update this website everyday as always.

Much much nicer --- better be nicest computing environment here. GoLive software functions as smooth as it should!

Today - something different. Boss Ito was missing. How come?! He was suffering from low back pain? Or his "usual" stomach convulsion? - We didn't know. He seemed going to hospital for check-up or something. Though at the end of day, he had NO SHOW. Must be quite bad. Hope he gets well soonest. Boss Ito, you have been missed!

Baseball season here. I have to predict as usual.

Central League	#	Pacific League
Chunichi Dragons	1	Daiei Hawks
Yomiuri Giants	2	Seibu Lions
Yakult Swallows	3	Nippon Ham Fighters
Hanshin Tigers	4	Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes
Yokohama Baystars	5	Chiba Lotte Marines
Hiroshima Carp	6	Orix Bluewave

How would you think about Japan's baseball?

Tak was with 2 customers in the afternoon. Not that bad... rather sort courtesy calls. Yeah, pretty easy start of new whole week.

Lunch: McDonald's hamburger set.
Supper: salad with some rice balls.

22:54

Late showing up here. Well, I was quite busy with new PowerBookG4! Yeah, I know.

Plus, I finally got a chance to see "Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers." Yeah, I waited too long, huh.

Tak's rating on Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: A- (pretty damn good!)

Long... very much so. 200 minutes?! Yeah, I took nap over several times within the movie... Yeah, some parts not matter much, don't you agree?! Anyway, it was pretty good! Cannot wait the final part of long series. Next year?!

Recommended if not seen yet.

0:04+1

Finally arrived. Well, would say, "finally did buy."

Cool box, huh. How do you like this look?!

Little comparison... in size between old and new machine (right).
Safely, booting up. No defect.

So now I am in debt. Oh gee, this is the only trouble I found after this big purchase.

23:59+1

My appearance of the day. How many of you think that this is just too colorful?! If you know me in reality, you know this isn't that bad... I would go much much more than this.

I just received some remark from customer today... not really surprisingly. Though, I just thought that it wasn't that much. Oh maybe I haven't been Japanese quite yet... as a result of 2 years to spend in this country! Hahaha.

By the way, this tie... is from Hugo Boss... one of favorite brands for myself.

Long day. At the end of day, my place had to be evacuated. Yeah, toward new desk... in the middle of everyone on the same floor. Yea, from next week, I will be sitting in the middle of all chaos going day to day. Oh boy.

23:50+2

Yep, party time. Just came home and I barely made the final train of the day. Thank God.

At usual Chinese restaurant... everyone in the department attended.

Then new intro... new comers. Today's beauty?! Shono (left) and fresh boy? Omori (right)

Staff members to be relocated - Ishii (in the center of left picture) and Kono (most right in right picture)...
and Saito (in the middle in right picture) will come to last day tomorrow.

There is some other leaving us tomorrow, too.

Sato (female) worked for 5 years and contract is up tomorrow.
Her picture was definitely prohibited... she doesn't need EXTRA popularity out of Internet!

Good night. Tired.

0:54+1

Hi. Time has come?! About to reveal the secret... huh!

"Detail of Your Order"

Yeah, last Sunday I placed some order... at Yodobashi Camera. M9139J/A --- "PBG4" --- what does this mean?! PB... PowerBook? Oh boy!

Work... was okay. Went out for some appointment. No yelling for today! Ha!

Godzilla Matsui of Yankee is making his Major debut on the opening game of the season with starting at 5th in lineup. Hope he will come to create a sensation like Ichiro did about 2 years ago. Am sure that it will be so.

Came home late and a little bit drunk. Good kind. It was fun stuff having drinks with close friends. Though, I have to remind myself that I have to get up early to make work before 9am! Gee, I forgot...

0:04+1

"So what is your job then? Huh! Shut the fuck up, moron!" --- then, BANG! Smashed the phone to the desk HARD. It was done by boss Ito... good wake-up call? Oh well.

He was obviously upset. With internal phone call... thank God, wasn't to the customer!

Then you know what?! I had to be in similar situation later afternoon. Had to yell a little bit to some lady at the operation who didn't know what she should have done about some assignment that related to my customer. Man, I didn't mean to follow boss like that, though. Just happened to be. Yeah, just happened to be.

Boring day today?! Well, lots of HECTIC stuff to deal with. so-so productive, I would rate. Some quotations were done and inquiries were replied. Good for me. Yeah, PAY DAY! Blue envelop handed by that boss to me. Good job!

External PC card drive?! Home come?

As you know, my current machine is PowerBookG3 (Pismo) 400Mhz... with 1 PC card slot. No necessary to have such external drive... Why bought? Hint, hint!

For some kind of preparation toward new environment? You guess...

Suffering from sore throat from last night. Really taking cold medicine. No wants to be sick!

23:49

Almost 80 degrees out there! Just fine day like spring had come. First working day after such extended weekend with full of fun and relaxing time, it was rather hard to adjust to any kind of serious circumstance.

And I was no exception. Since I received a tough message from one of clients over weekend --- some claim to our service failure. Well, it wasn't out fault and I had to show up to that customer for explanation. Yeah, I did. It was long way... taking about two hours by train. Long way, huh.

Meeting was rather simple. I seemed having succeeded to maintain the faith from that customer. Well, one issue was just cleared away. Yeah, way to go, man. Came home straight after that... and opened the laptop and read all remaining messages that couldn't read for whole afternoon.

You know what?! Another message with a big issue. Of course, not the same customer, but different one. Yeah, I have to face up to such challenge! How long can I possibly last?! You can try to guess...

Fine day... weather wise. Work wise?! Well, seemed very clouded... before storm to come?

At least, pay day is tomorrow.

23:10

Well, long weekend is now over. How would you feel about it?! Let's put this way... you have to go to work sometime so soon. How about that!

Well, I read lots of emails came to my work address. One of then... talking about some reconsideration of getting MY service. Oh boy, am I in big trouble once again?! Obviously, am!

(L) "Oyako-don" (R) Pasta with egg and others

Wait, I ate Oyako-don for lunch and pasta on supper. Both eggs involved. I should watch out what I eat. So far, weight is under control... though, I cannot oversee it, don't you agree?

No movies. Just good food like those and coffee... from Starbucks.

Where was I? I was in Chiba... again. So usual, huh. Yes, did stop by Yodobashi Camera and checked out something... will tell you tomorrow or so. Maybe big news to share. Hint: big shopping day?! (not that fast, though)

Yes, am broke. Quite bit. Cannot afford a movie to see today. Yeah, that was the true story today. Those good stuff weren't that expensive, either. Spending patterns were really watched, surely.

For your note, pay day is scheduled on 25th of the month.

0:19+1

Hi, folks. Sorry to show up here LATE. Just weekend is going by... quick. Anyway, I started this day with this:

Full of sandwiches... made by MoonFlower!

Yeah, she is like PRO... well, she really is! (making money from doing it) And, man, they were much better than ones around from bakery in this area. No doubt. She should have made more for me then! So I could hang outside to sell all! Hehehe.

So after filling up my stomach... quite comfortably... I didn't want to wait too long. Yeah, movie, baby.

Tak's rating: B+
^{http://www.dreamworks.com/catchthem/}

Since MoonFlower was (still is!) crazy about some guy with fancy face... don't remember of his name quite bit... It was like Leo --- something. I guess, he was in this movie, that's why she didn't hesitate to pick this... too much.

"Catch me if you can" - very interesting movie... never thought that it was based upon some truth in the past. Wow, I wish I could be like having lots of money like that... legally or illegally (no matter what, huh!).

Don't miss this movie. Oh sure, she was quite content to see this movie!!!

0:09+2

Went to bed like late last night. It was like 2am. No wonder I was SO sleepy when got up this morning. Out of control. Stayed in the bed... like forever. In fact, I didn't get out of bed until 4pm. You can see how lazy I was! Hehehe.

Surely, TV was on even while I was in the bed. All media with Iraq War stuff.

Finally ate noodles around 6pm... first food for today and then, staying online since then. I chatted with Yoriko in Los Angeles for the 1st time ever since I left US! She sounded fine to me. Great to talk to you, Yoriko-san.

We used to work together.

Talked about work, study, and war... and MARRIAGE. I thought she may have been married... though, she wasn't so yet.

"007 Goldeneye" is on TV tonight.

Don't know when I can go to bed at normal time like midnight or so... I may not be able to sleep at all tonight?! Well, two more days to go... I can be relaxed.

23:04

Today - as most of you have expected - a war over Iraq began. Terrible thing. Non-stoppable, though. Hope this comes to an end shortly. Not like Vietnam or even WWII again.

And certainly, US brings all peace and stability back to entire world. That's least to do for that country.

US Bombing

About 65% of nation in Japan still does not approve what US has initiated in Middle-East. Bush is sort considered another way of dictatorship - still differed from Saddam. I guess, that is very much spontaneous since Japan must remain as peace keeper as only country ever suffered with atomic bomb over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I have no objections to such statistics.

Personally, I told that "seemed no other way around at this point." Had to approve this... since US had been centered among all nations around the world. Not only about peace and security issue, but also we all now depend on US about every single aspect of everyday life... economy, politics, whatever may be. So US has elected Bush to preside in the power. US must live with him.

For now, let's pray. Just wish least damage would be in this war. And hope Iraq will give all up soonest!

Last day of week. There is no Friday this week for us to WORK! Yeah, long weekend. Did this Thursday go by easily?! So-so. Appointment in the morning... Boss Ito mostly handled it and I didn't have to speak much. In the afternoon, the sales meeting took place. Sort boring to me.

Beef for dinner. Very unusual. I should really watch out what to eat. Doesn't go through easy in myself. Am Chicken or Pork eater... never beef anymore (used to be okay with beef).

Let's take it easy for long weekend. No plan, much. Some movie? Maybe.

Boss Ito's grandfather passed away yesterday. Amen.

22:29+1

About time, huh. 48 hours aren't that long and about time! Pres. Bush set this about a day and half ago... and Iraq and US are going into a war. Sure thing.

We are coming to an extended weekend starting from Friday. Probably, I will see full of news with video from war sights. Really hope that this won't last much.

Came home about 8:30pm. Did see a little of re-run TV drama "Oshin." I was so moved and cried!

You know what?! I went to bed about 1:30am... did call Boston and Atlanta office. Talked to Jeff in Boston and to Atlanta with LeighAnn and Mona. LeighAnn... I found that she now rides on Harley Davidson. Gee, how cool! She previously owned SAAB and now drives Lexus. Still rides on Harley?! What luxury she has! Very envious of her!

Work was done nicely... with those phone calls then. Though, tough part was that I went to bed so late like that.

No wonder that I was like sleepyhead. (not quite that, though!)

Tomorrow, one appointment in the morning with Boss Ito and then, there is a big sales meeting for whole afternoon. Means shortened working day?! Hope so!

Oh, there is another new temp --- female one to our department. Forgot her name already. Just heard once. Will check her out.

22:25

New face didn't like me... so hateful to him already?! It was the 2nd day for Omori - new male comer to our department and I nicely asked him whether he wanted to have lunch together or not. Previously asked Mori to go out with me along with new fellow. Gee, I was refused! Hmmmm.

Funny, huh. He already knew that I was tough guy at work?!

He is younger than any of us who are regular personnel. Aged 26. Married already?! Well, I don't care since he is MAN. Of course, I will be most concerned about new female comer if any.

Forgot to report:

As of last week, someone made the memorial 95,000th hit in my Japanese page. Yeah, who was it?! Curiosity was raised and now solved.

Who raised hand?! It was my friend --- Amy. She made this once again after 66,666th hit. 2nd time to get prize from me?! Wow, she must have hit "reload" button so many times?! Must be!

Anyway, congratulations!

At work... late afternoon, some familiar face showed up before me. Who? It was my old boss Kazu Suzuki. He made biz trip up to Tokyo today. And you know what?! He just got new assignment and will be coming to Tokyo like next month or so! Wow, what a change. His office is next building from my office. My old days are back?! Not so fast. Am not working for him at all.

Anyway, welcome to the club!

Busy tonight... not because of this website update... just because I have to call Atlanta and Boston to check something out. Busier than usual?! Oh well... so-so.

Better quit tonight. Let me go. See you later.

23:29

"The Moment of Truth" is just there... about time!

Everyone is now asked to say which side he or she takes... whether supporting expected war over Iraq or not. I guess, just too late to count on something out of United Nations. It failed to unite the world... the primary mission.

Prime Minister of Japan told that Japanese government does support Bush Administrations and USA going to war with or without consent from other countries or U.N. (i.e. U.N. Security Council)

How about me?!

Well, I usually don't support anything like war. Though at this point, I feel it's necessary to LET America to go to a war and fix up the situation as quickly as possible. I mean, all it takes should remain minimum and move on the next stage soonest--- that is the best I want to see hereafter.

If you think that US is moron in thinking of war all the times... I think you're not right. As far as the country like US has chosen its leader like Bush. That's the time when country go to any direction. War, if really occurs, is just one of consequences. Like Japan, everyone blames for past Prime Ministers about wrong policies driven the country down to such bad economy.

If US puts itself in the bad position among other nations about economy or politics in a result of the war, US should take whole responsibility... that's it. Iraq isn't cooperative to anyone anyway.

Well, let's take the bad apple out. I know it's just matter of time. Let Bush handle it... and finish it up SOON!

22:51

Tonight's episode of the most popular TV drama for now, "Good Luck," is now just over. And next Sunday, it will be final episode. Oh boy, will miss it. You know what?! I haven't missed even single episode! Yeah, I have been glued to this. Cute girls (i.e. actress) in there?! Well, not like that... though, I like it much.

Gee, 85,000 downed to 70,000. Talking about the saving indicator for new computer. Deficit just came up. Cannot be helped.

Rain... didn't have umbrella with me. Went to Shinjuku --- checked most of discount store for electronics like Yodobashi Camera, Big P-kan, Sofmap, etc.

No laundry is done! Gee, lazy. Well, this week is rather shorter, though. Friday is National Holiday. Mean, just 4 days to go! Wow, how nice.

Heard from my father home. I didn't welcome much. He had trouble with computer and wanted me to solve issue right away. Not a chance. Cannot tell what went wrong in the 1st place.

23:44

Tough to decide... about whether buying a new computer or not. Really tough to make up my mind! I usually don't take this much time for my such consideration. You should decide it for me!

Spending about 2500 bucks is quite something, you know. Am sure that you can agree. Plus, you know, there is an indicator how much I have saved so far for this new purchase. Well, not quite there yet. Hahaha.

Went out to Chiba to see MoonFlower. Nothing really like going to see any movie. Just ate Japanese foods with Sake and Starbucks' coffee. That was it.

Work seemed okay today. Read all incoming emails and found some good result in there. Lucky me!

23:35+1

White Day - You know what it is by now... Typical Japanese made-up day. A month later from St. Valentine's Day, time for men to return some "faith" and "gratitude" to ladies who gave some gifts a month ago.

Tak's pick: chocolate cakes with strawberries

Boss Nakabayashi, Boss Ito, Mori, Arahata --- they all asked me to deal with selection of gift for all female in the department. Would you like one?! Yeah, I wanted one then, too!

I didn't tell female coworkers that cakes were from all of us... so I wanted to pretend that it was all from myself! I failed. Miserably. Boss Ito asked me whether I mentioned to them about thank-you from men. Gee, he found out my secret right away!

Gee, I was bad.

Anyway, there are 2 days in a year --- I really get flattered by female. Christmas Day and White Day (today)... when I choose some for ladies. I guess, I am at least popular for a several hours then... whenever something to be given to them. Very limited circumstances though. Such complement lasts for a few hours... or sometimes shorter (like today)!

At night, another festivity. For Tom Kagawa... on his recent retirement.

Tom seemed so fine and still missing working... selling business! Wow, what a guy he is! It was great festivity all organized by Mori. For such great man, we gathered 8 people from work. We cut out the work tonight and showed up to this restaurant to have drinks with him.

Speaking of in and out... the temp lady that started from this week... while I couldn't memorize of her name at all... Boss Ito kicked her out! Not really qualified to work required - which was use of English. She couldn't handle that language at all. Oh boy.

14:19+1

Having tough customer - I promised yesterday about an update from Atlanta to be given within this morning. You know what?! Remember, I just said "MORNING." The customer was upset with me because my report reached to him at 10:30am. He considered this as late report. Wait a minute. Do you want me to beg?!

Did give my apology. No choice at my end, unfortunately. Tough job I have, huh.

Tough Thursday. PERIOD. At that moment, I didn't know at all that I would come to another (difficult) customer to talk to.

Lots of stress... you bet.

Nowadays, to be honest with you, I have really lowered sort motivation to work harder. I realized that I didn't paid well to work that much. I mean that it is all necessary to work as much other coworkers do. Not really vital to bring extremely good numbers. You know, do more work to do, much more should be paid off. Correct?!

Maybe I have been too Americanized. (don't agree there... still holding Japanese passport.)

Left work around 8:15pm. Was originally planning to leave around 6pm! What went wrong?! Too many email messages. Few phone call, though.

Hey, who out there has won the prize on 95,000th hit in Japanese page here?! Someone made it tonight... or early evening. So far no claim for a prize.

Tomorrow night, I won't come home straight. There is farewell party on Tom's retirement. He left us at the end of February. Will be some fun tomorrow night. From 7pm? I thought so.

23:01

Hi, folks. How's it going?! Well for me, it was nice and easy up to late evening. Then, bad news kicked in. As usual, I would say.

Two more days to go... til this weekend. No plans in particular... as always. Maybe going to see "Lord of the Rings 2" or some other movie for fun.

Yeah, I still rather want to go shopping... buying PowerBookG4! - I know. Budget still hasn't opened up that much yet. It will. I guess that X day for such excitement is to be on my birthday?! Good idea! Do you know when it is?! Guess.

Have nothing really to tell ya about my Wednesday. New gal at work - I talked about her yesterday - I still have no way to deal with anything to her. So no name found out yet. No chance even speaking to her! This month... lots of in's and out's on our department.

There was a girl left 2 weeks ago... and from this week, above-mentioned gal is her. Next week, a GUY is to be up. Heard that he would be younger (and somehow married). Then, Sato (female) is leaving at the end of month due to contract expiration. See!

End of March... very typical moving season since lots of companies relocate stuff members... as well as new academic year starts in April... Lots of things for new comers are, like I said, going on.

Me?! Going to Atlanta? No so fast!

23:09

Mucho trabajo? (lots of work?) - Nope, not that bad at all. Stayed inside. Because... it was cold outside, silly! And I had to deal with lots of domestic issues... and I were like suffering from piles since sat in all day long! Hahaha.

Kelly - mother of Audrey responded quick... and called me "too funny." At the same time, heard from another buddy Kack... didn't get in touch with her for a long time like almost a half year?! Good to hear from ya, girlfriend.

Finally added old diaries of "August" and "September" from last year... Tak's Milestone. You can scroll down all the way to see the list which you can check out my PAST instantly. Took me to do this and still need a while to complete all the PAST.

There is a girl to our department since yesterday. Still don't know of her name yet. Too shy. Seemed around same age as mine and do you think she's cute enough? Hahaha... quality of work comes before the look. Will find out more about who she is and how she is... full report is due shortly.

Lots of coworkers were surprised by my presence at the desk all day... "Wow, you're here today." Words were different with same meaning from a guest to another to my place. Maybe it is good for people around that I don't stay much in their sight. I should be careful whether stay or go!

What are domestic deals?! Well, one of key issues was that I checked with clients who showed "over-due" in our system. Practically 4 of them existed. 3 were clean. Still checking last one.

No appointments for tomorrow, either. Good for me to take all easy?! Let's see.

22:39

Happy Monday?! Easy Monday?! Well, I cannot tell things that way at least for today. I showed up to customer had been upset quite because of some miscommunication dealt with my coworker. So I had to be apologetic... too much.

Likely things are getting settled and worst scenario was taken out from the equation. So good work of MINE?! Sure.

First Name: Audrey
Middle Name: LeeAnn
Last Name: Sudgen

Born: March 6, 2003

Oh girl (because it is she!), she isn't mine. Am I sure?! Yeah, at least last ten months... I wasn't in US. Wait, Yeah I was. I was in Atlanta back in October. Gee, I might be guilty?! Nope. Please note that I don't involve any part of this newly born baby event.

Audrey is baby girl of Kelly (Roy) Sudgen - friend of mine in Atlanta. Wow, cute baby. It's a GIRL! Kelly, congratulations!

Doesn't look half-Japanese, does she?! Surely not! (Quite it, Tak).

Working late. Left work around 9pm. Came home hungry and ready for bed.

23:31

Serious problem... PowerBook crushed. Any data lost?! Well, I didn't have that bad luck... though, issue is still serious. Problem was unknown. Surely for 30 minutes or a little longer, the system had been not booting. System failure, it said. Not out of hard drive. Should have meant that motherboard was overheated. That's all I can think of.

Already about time to be out dated?! Or finally, I should say?! Now taking seriously all into consideration about buying new... just in case that life of this old machine comes to an end.

Now I have to count up all bills to see how much I have in my pocket instantly. I will ask the same question to bank.

Work was part of day here by a little bit. Talked to coworkers in Narita to confirm several matters of single operation took place tonight for my customer. Thanks, folks!

Lunch: Ramen noodle
Supper: Curry over rice (in Royal Host restaurant)

Men, already end of weekend... what have I done?! Nothing really. Oh just except some entertainment from Bond girl.

23:39

"Please make this (drink) not stirred! Just shake it." (by James Bond)

I am sure that this is quite old story for ya'll in US... though, my pleasure seeing one of favorite movies was made today. Yeah, James Bond is back... today it was opening day... latest movie of the series, "Die Another Day."

Touch was quite different from all other 19 movies in history... as you know (if you have seen it). James was expelled from M6 since he was taken prisoner in North Korea... for over a year. Then, he got back on right track to get himself back in. He made it.

Best scene in the movie?! In Iceland, American agent Jinx (played by sexy Halle Berry) arrived with Ford Thunderbird... wonderful contrast with British Aston Martin that James drove then. Very maniac point of view?! Well, I like that part very much, though.

There was "very usual" theory... millions of gun shots toward James... none ever made. Obvious development in story was also hitting "Oh, this is Bond movie" keeping fascinating millions of fans around the globe. Another M6 spy (forgot her name) wasn't truly faithful from the beginning when Lady M (James' boss) was giving that lady an interview about the assignment. So easy to figure it all out. You know!

I still do miss old "Q" in there, though. New Q didn't got me much yet.

Hey, I cannot resist too much. Love that movie. Cheap story?! So what?! Can be raw model of my life?! Maybe not. (better say "least likely not?!")

Tak's rating on "007 Die Another Day" --- I give a B-. Not bad at all... great if you like such easy fan with some humor like I have!

10:29+1

Usually this blue envelop is distributed to each one of us... on 25th of the month. Yeah, this should mean "money" in my bank account. So what on this one?! Called "Special Bonus." Due to good financial performance we had contributed on very last fiscal year.

Then, this could have been meant as "SPECIAL" amount?! I wish. It was rather called petty cash. Really. Still somewhat thankful, though! I know many of you at work had been excited to share such joy... up to the moment receiving this envelop to confirm the amount. I know, that were all in vain and we came down to the reality.

Tonight, there was some gathering. My old boss Nishigaya ("Nishi) and his staff members... Akahori (male) and Hirao (male) were my companies to newly-opened restaurant in Omotesando.

"Asian Breeze" (tel 03 3400-1021) - Tofu (bean curd) Bar.

Special Shot: Mrs. and Mr. Akahori

Wife of Akahori happened to be around and her friend and she joined us. Neither Nishigaya or Hirao had met Akahori's wife ever before. So it was unique meeting even to me. Yeah, I was totally guest there, too.

2 watches - Frank Muller's (left) and famous Rolex's (right)

Here I give you an question... are these real?! Lots of fakes are out there in Tokyo....
Anyway, just checking of Akahori and Hirao's wrist watches. One is real and the other... you know.

Tired. Now passing 1am... Gee, where has my beauty sleep gone?! This weekend, finally "Die Another Day" is due up. Shall I check it out?! Sure, I shall... Will decide plan in detail by tomorrow noon.

Oops, no photos of great foods! Lots of drinks?! So-so. Well, thank you very much for your treat, Nishi. Will get together sooner.

1:17+1

Yesterday, all tough work was done and I was ready for EASY day today. Went up to Ueno for an appointment with prospected customer importing some apparels from all over the world.

Meeting was okay; I just found that there was not my best interest in the talk just made there. Maybe some other time. Hahaha.

Then hit the way down to Narita airport. Yeah, some operational meetings (both internal and external) were scheduled and I rushed to the express train bounded for the airport. Rid on the train for a little more than hour. Didn't sleep well. Not really good at taking nap in the train. I should get trained for it.

Then, arrived at the destination. Checked emails as soon as setting up my BROKEN laptop. Yeah, two parts not functional anymore. Ethernet adaptor and track pad. About time to buy new or at least to repair. I know-. I complained this to Boss Ito yesterday.

Anyway, one of emails received... bought up a really bad news. Customer was extremely upset. Out of control... seemed so in the message. I called him up right away... then, confirmed he was REALLY upset. Not usual sound he normally had over the phone with me. Man, extra worry got me since then. Two meetings were smoothly done and somewhat productive.

So tomorrow, I am expecting to get busier than originally planned... collecting all information which caused that customer upset and setting up the corrective actions which, hopefully, leads him to settle the situation with us. Very tiring kind of job to do.

Left finally work at 8pm. Got back home around 10:30pm... long way from the airport to my apartment. Yeah, really long.

23:44

Left work a little after 10pm. Yeah, I was the last one leaving the floor. Was I too slow working to finish all to-do's up for today?! I was with customer for whole afternoon and came back in the office around 6pm. Then, meeting with Boss Ito and others kicked in.

At the end of that meeting, Boss Ito told us that our sales figure report of February would be due tomorrow morning.

Wait a minute, I will go out for an appointment then. I won't have time for such calculations then. What would I need to do?! Simple to answer. It was as "do all before leaving for home tonight." See, that's why I had to stay that late.

Tired. (No doubt, huh)

Tomorrow, my schedule is pretty much tight. Like I said, there is an appointment in the morning. Then, I will have to go to Narita. Actually, airport (I maybe see Kirk then). Serious and tough meeting is set there. Hopefully, tomorrow won't be as bad as tonight. Yeah, I wish I can come home early to rest enough to be ready for work load of following day! Do I murmur too much?

Lunch - pasta.

Supper - just snack. Passing 10pm means I don't eat anything heavy. Watch out your diet!

Supermarket company DAIEI, currently under restructuring, announced of new strategy. It is under 3 year "revival" plan and result on 1st year wasn't as good as expected. So, for rest 2 years, Daiei will focus on grocery sales only and will bring all resources into one direction to regain the trust and profits from consumers.

Hope this really goes well. Daiei is one of companies I really want come to prime once again.

Den Fujita - owner of Japan McDonald's will leave company soon. This company showed 1st loss of single fiscal year for more than 20 years. Maybe he's taking full responsibility... though, McDonald's might lose a big leader with direction?! Like General Electric after Jack Welch's leaving?!

23:54

I am currently dealing with a sickness... not physical... rather mental. Sickness - the symptom is very obvious... I do want to buy new gadgets! Particularly new computer (i.e. PowerBook G4) and digital camera (by FujiFilm). I know, I don't have such luxury to afford both at the same time. No way to make them happily and simultaneously.

Though, wanting seemed be not really stoppable. What should I do? Should call for a help?! Or buy them all without thinking and straight into bankruptcy?!

Speaking of which... today wasn't my day. My client "R" filed bankrupcy yesterday. Seriously. Debts of US$3.4 millions. Never had expected to. This was bad. Really bad. Only the good thing was that there was no damage to my end. Though, lost the touch to person in charge. My contact is now gone out of my reach.

Domestic day for me... busy drawing in blue and red?! Sure!

March 4th... My best friend Tyson Nakayama's birthday! Happy birthday, Tyson! Being quite while that we had communicated last. Am sure that you do all fine and certainly know which path to take your life to --- reaching to your goal. How old are you now?! 28? I thought so.

Godzilla (Matsui of Yankee) is now more popular than Ichiro of Mariner?! Matsui hit 2nd homer in spring training. Wow! More than expected, huh.

22:54

New week... whole new ball game. It was rather domestic for me today. As instructed, caring existing customers is in priority and lowered expectation, from management, about securing new businesses around.

So what is the definition of sales?! Well, the job description I have for my current position, the meaning has both ways... keeping customers happy staying with us and fascinating new people in the market for our services.

Some part of fax received from new customer.
Says "Mr. Chief Yamada"

Wow! This is surprise... why some people out there thought that I were a "chief?!" In fact, this sender had received my business card and he could have been mistaken. Though, he was! Don't know why. This customer called after this fax and asked who answered "Could I speak to Mr. Chief?" - oh boy.

Maybe, this is some kind of prediction about getting me promoted due to fantastic work I have done?! What would you think?

Stopping by new place for lunch with Tetsuji Fukui

Ramen noodle place called "Kohmen." 720 yen.
Did I like it?! Sure! I will go back there.

Lots of new digital cameras are revealed and will come to the market from April to May. FujiFilm, Nikon, Casio, Olympus, etc. Am quite looking forward to meeting new FujiFilm FinePix F600. Should be priced around 500 - 500 dollars. Cannot wait. Yeah, not only computer itself, but also I want to get new digital camera.

Cannot decide that priority will be upon computer or camera... tough to make such decision.

Old friend Michiru now in contact with me Woo - glad to see she's doing well. See, this is the definite advantage that I maintain my personal website on the Net - so everyone can come by and see how I am... anytime from anywhere. Certainly, did response her message right away.

22:52

Played golf yesterday - this means I would have to have muscle-ache today. And I did! Not that bad... though certainly, dull pain all over both shoulders.

Stayed in bed up to noon and finally got in move to get haircut. Not very short... somewhat still short. Yeah. Did I like it?! Okay. Paid 20 bucks. Stopped by for grocery. Bought 5 boxes of "Calorie Mate" for usual breakfast at work. 157 yen (a little over a dollar) for piece... Usually, I pay for 200 yen (dollar and 75/100 or so) at the convenience store called "ampm." Smart buy?! Well, I have to be smart.

Surviving with tight budget. Getting harder and harder to manage MY life. Yours, okay?

Windy today. I saw that some billboard was "forced" down by such strong wind. Sun was up and should have been warm... though, this wind blew it away. Still not spring-like weekend. Originally, rain was expected today.

No movies and didn't go out at all besides such errands. Next weekend, "Die Another Day" is finally due up.

23:39

Central Golf Club J.T. Course in Ibaragi (tel. 0299-73-0077)

You may remember... I hadn't played golf for a long time. Practically since November, 2000. Yeah, a little more than 2 years!! Then, started the round without having any practice shot before then.

Today's member: Charlie (Tak's buddy), Ikeshita (new friend), Tamai (new friend), and myself.

Name	Out (1-9)	In (10-18)	Total
Tak	54	53	107
Charlie	55	61	116
Ikeshita	48	40	88
Tamai	63	65	128

< 5637 yards, Par 72 >

Not bad at all for Tak!!! Made one burdie on #5 Par-4. Two par's. Pretty good on one side and the other (dark) side, I have contributed more than several balls into pond and lake. Very generous, don't you think? At least I do! (hahaha)

Of course, Ogaki-jin pet "Ogaki Dog" as observer!

Lunch: Teriyaki chicken over rice - priced at 1200 yen! $10! (expensive)

(L) Ikeshita - made his best record in his life! Congratulations!
(R) Tamai - rushed to his work after golf. Take it easy!!

Thanks, guys, letting me to join ya'll! It was pleasure to meet you both.

Weather - cloudy and some rain... though, didn't rain bad enough to force us quit... so it was okay.

(L) Charlie and (R) Tak - still am crazy?! (Don't give your nod here, please)

Last topic of the day.

Left picture - literally says "Please take your shoes off before entrance." Very usual sign at the entrance of any place like restaurant or hospital... as far as the place's set up as Japanese way coordinating interior.

For dinner, except Tamai who had to go up to his work to cover his project over tonight, three of us went up to Korean BBQ place near Ikeshita's residence.

I saw the sign. It was so obvious to see such set-up. Too obvious. Surely enough, Ikeshita did all quite same. Saw the sign, and then took shoes off.

Charlie didn't come to do same. He must be so Americanized. Didn't see the sign and moved on. Stepped on the different floor level where we don't get up with shoes on. He did! Saw so unusual thing before Ikeshita and myself. Man, he previously spent his time in Atlanta and New York... and he came back with memory loss about how we act in this country. Hahaha. Maybe I am bad about having such say here... though, his attitude is quite unpredictable. So it turned out so funny which we gave a big laugh at him.

He's very funny. Agreed?

0:24+1