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April 30, 2003 =End of April |
Big jump up... it was just about Tokyo Stock Exchange... Nikkei 225. Unfortunately, not my feeling. Back to work after 4 days off for me. Not because of hectic work to do or things being piled up for me... but just because I found hardship required by work description. How do I need to get along with what's takes for success? That's the question remaining unsolved in myself.
Well, let's take a bright side of thing... it is NOT my fault. Just situation about work environment isn't being settled for all colleagues yet. Not just me victimized in such circumstance. Yeah, really.
Hey, North Korean government has no hesitation to declare that it owns a nuclear weapon and no fears against US or UN.
This means that I shouldn't concern about job!!! Better get out of Tokyo immediately! Hahaha. You know, it only takes 6 minutes once missile with nuclear warhead lunchs and then reaches to this area! Seriously!
We should think about moving to countryside to avoid all warfare if really coming to happen! Maybe too late if you move right now.
End of April, single appointment. Not big deal. Easy? So-so. In the morning downloaded more than 100 E-mail messages. More than usual... all work-related, though! Not personal greeting celebrating my 30th birthday! Hehehe.
Lunch skipped. Dinner, just sandwiches. Saved every single penny!
22:42
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April 29, 2003 =Odaiba |
Last day of 1st part of Golden Week - the biggest holiday season in Japan after New Year's Holidays. Showed up in Odaiba about 11am. Yeah, quite start huh? Shopping day. Wanted to do something besides shopping since "austerity" should have been kept. Though, didn't go that easy. Yeah, I have a girlfriend, you know? Hehehe.
MoonFlower was busy looking around. I followed. And paid!!! Worst part of the day or what!!! (teardrops)
Pizza for lunch. Dinner? Easily Ramen noodles (keep budget low, right!).
Tomorrow, as planned and expected, I will go to work! Yeah, we cannot forget about work... where I can make money. After spending, certainly some "gaining" should be taking place in my life.
23:39
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April 28, 2003 =End of Trip |
Trip now has come to an end. Drove back to town. Short, huh? That was all could be done! Stopped by several different shopping malls to see what's out there. Otherwise, nothing really done. Mostly driving.
Saw the movie. "Daredevil." Cool, movie. Cute girl with full of martial arts. Scary, baby. Be nice to someone weak like me!
Anyhow, this seems to be continuous... that you will see another episode of the series soon in theaters.http://www.daredevilmovie.com/
Ben Affleck... are you the fan?
What shall I rank this movie in my list... well, I can give a B- (pretty damn good!).
Still one more day off to come?! Good for me... have become totally lay-back.
Finally come home! Long trip or shot one? How do you think? My answer... "expensive." Yeah, spent quite much money! From tomorrow on, "austerity" is the key word for my life. You know what I mean. Pay attention to every penny out of my pocket!
23:32+1
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April 27, 2003 =Still Trip Continues |
Sun tan... I've got some. Yeah, yesterday's long drive...
This is where we stay... called "Opa Village." Neat? Still in Japan!
Remember, we just drove out of town!!!
Must be near the ocean. Not abducted for sure! Just for pleasure!
Water wasn't that cold. Clean water.
Sushi! Freshness is guaranteed since the market is just out there.
Did I like them?! Unlikely, they weren't that great like expected.
Museum. Some famous artist Shinpei Asai. Neat photos and very nice garden.
Many flowers just welcome us to stop by?!
Sweet is something cannot be missed?! Hahaha.
23:07+2
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April 26, 2003 =Out for Trip? |
Should show you full of pictures... so that you can see the happening, right? Here they are.
I've got a driver... huh (in 1st picture)... and went out to pick up strawberries.
Then, dinner... at the destination site. Took us (not only me, moron!) about a few hours from home! It was French dinner.
Appetizer, soup, fish.
Entree: roasted lamb steak (MoonFlower) and Japanese beef (Tak)
Finale: birthday cake, surprise!
22:53+2
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April 25, 2003 =Tak's 30th Birthday! |
Yep, finally came. Became 30 years old... making me feel SO OLD! Big THREE, you know!
Destination for my celebration with MoonFlower... was reserved in a restaurant of Ginza.
Japanese cuisine... actually Kyoto authentic style. Good and very neat stuff to eat.
Restaurant "Mikura" - Ginza Tokyo (tel. 03 3564-3921). You might want to make a reservation if you want to try the foods.
Full of great stuff, huh! No doubt.
Stuffed animal called "Shirotan" can be used as cushion or pillow.
Cute stuff, huh! I like it. It's quite big.22:43+3
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April 24, 2003 =Dixie Chicks in Nudity |
Thursday... no umbrella with me and, man, didn't rain while I was out. Am very thankful. Tonight, I started having 3 e-mail addresses for my own use... both personal and work-related. Good for me? Do I want to stick with what I do everyday longer hours than ever? I may have to reconsider what I am doing!
Anyway, there are 3 different addresses I manipulate. One for main personal use. Second for backup as well as non-serious issue purpose like subscribing dirty messages, and last one for work. Now I don't have to bring work laptop back home.
Wow, Dixie Chicks, huh!
What's wrong with them? Naked like that for what? Boycott, hero, traitors, Saddam's Angels? What is this all about? You might want to run to nearby Kiosk for a copy to yourself. I may check this out tomorrow.
What? Can I buy one here? Yeah, only in selected locations.
"Hey, don't be too quick to always point fingers." This is a little argumentative, isn't it? Just had some "conversation" over E-mail communication with counterpart in Atlanta. Nope, I am not that DIABOLIC. Previously, two inquires sent and I saw no answers for her staff members, I came to the edge that I really cannot hush up the case. Agree? You bet.
Man, didn't know that I came to such situation right after setting up company E-mail home. Gee, what a luck...
Free food for lunch. Yeah, customer bought me a lunch. Good hunch toward extended weekend starting from tomorrow night? Hmmmm, will see.
Now, after more than 5 E-mails took in place, case has finally been closed. Man, I lost my time for updating this Web site, huh! Hehehe.
Please note, tomorrow, my 30th birthday!
0:05+1
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April 23, 2003 =Two Days to Go? |
Just came home. Late. Almost midnight... and now date moved to Thursday already. Yeah, time for bed. Sleepy.
Rain on and off. Now quite hard... Seems that this kind of hectic weather is to continue toward end of week. Wait. My birthday (on 25th) won't be clear weather for celebration? Hey, I turn to be 30! God, please show me your power!!! Prove me!
Yeah, now time for you to check nearby shopping mall to grab stuff... and pack it up and send it via UPS! Yeah, time to mail my birthday present! Watch, money, International Money Order, common stocks of prestigious companies in US (not one in Japan!), national treasury bonds of either US or France, what else, what else.
Oh, don't mind if you send me dirty DVDs... don't send me whole bunch... just a few.
Boo-boo. Yeah, I made one within a meeting with new client. Tough to negotiate and I didn't bring him up to agreement that I could provide services. Not that fast, huh. In fact, making boo-boo was some impression I made right after standing up from the sofa I was sitting in.
I wasn't that careful about response to deliver to customer. I could have shut up... not giving whole bunch of details to each question asked. Yeah, didn't have to be in depth. I realized. Too late. But --- bright side is that customer didn't feel like overwhelmed. Just the matter of my (personal) feeling about the job I've done. I only know that I could've done much better.
Sometimes, (I know) listening and letting customer talk are more important than I persuade (not that bad... just tell or inform)! I know. I am still in learning process. I am eager to be more enthusiastic. You know!
Wait, have I been paid that well to devote myself that much? You tell me.
Zzzzz.
0:42+1
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April 22, 2003 =Modification |
How's it going?
Several modifications done tonight on this website. First, now you can see all past diary from the beginning in English. From year 2000. Finally, right? And profile page is updated. As you know, I use new computer and I should mention that in it.
Street slasher - scary, isn't it? There is a big case still unsolved in Nagoya. More than several ladies aged 20's or so being victimized. We thought that this was only about that area. NO MORE. Tonight, we had a case here in Tokyo. 21-year-old office worker was attached from back and her face and back were slashed deeply. Lady was immediately transferred to hospital right after she went in nearby doughnuts store for help.
Gee. Didn't forget to e-mail my MoonFlower for caution. Cannot be TOO cautious. Right? I bet.
Tak's day - 2 appointments in the afternoon. I happened to see some lady upon 2nd appointment. She was the key person of my 'target' business and she seemed wanting to be away from me because of something - I don't know. I spoke to her like "Ma'am, you don't have to run away from me... in fact, I've got something to pass on to you."
Is this the way (I do) in speaking to client who may / may not give me a business? Hahaha.
Overall, it was productive throughout time with clients for today. At least more than what I thought.
Do you know how many e-mail accounts I have? Today, I cannot have an access to one account that had been unused for a while. Like two weeks or so. Now I misplaced password and other necessary information to retrieve messages somewhere. Gee. Do you know that information? (Of course not!) I e-mailed service provider for help.
Another plunge hit the Tokyo market... not influential from NYSE... why?
April 25th is not only for my birthday... also of Roppongi Hills... one of major urban development in Tokyo. Business sector, residential, entertainment (shopping complex and amusement)... very large place with many high-rises. Surely, I will visit sometime and will bring photos of the area to you in here.
Wait. April 25th... could I turn to be 28 rather than Big 3? Please tell me so.
23:49
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April 21, 2003 =Tough Call |
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to my kind of world. Are you from work? GET BACK TO WORK! Hahaha. Yeah, am too funny.
Still Easter Holiday?! In Brazil, celebration is on until Monday... means I don't get some information I wanted until tomorrow. Gee, bad to know. Awful. Horrible. New customer won't be as much satisfactory as I wanted him to be. Too bad.
Started off to an appointment with client in Saitama this morning. I went in at 10am... and lady over the counter told me that I was supposed to show up at 11am, instead. Gee, jumped the gun. What was the warmer-upper? Was I that motivated for work like that? Man, I got some kind of medicine, huh. Just kidding.
Jumped the gun... sounds like true me.
Meeting was rather serious. Discussed about some money. Only about a little less than a quarter million dollars. Yeah, that much money... Sometimes, you know, I can do some serious work. (only sometimes - usually refer as "limited time only")
In the whole afternoon... a phone call to another. Seeking chances to talk to customers... some leave the work at the end of month... actually two of them. One quitting is to move on to another company. The other is planning to go to Australia for working holiday. Interesting move, right? I would like to follow! And I had to make some (new) appointments with prospective customers. More than 5 appointments scheduled as a result. Good job, Tak.
Not much appetite. Good for diet. Somehow... I came to drink HOME. Yeah, alone. For what? I just felt that I would like to.Very unusual.
22:13
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April 20, 2003 =Easter |
Happy Easter, folks! Are you having fun? Just taking it all easy home? This Sunday, things didn't cooperate and I just went out for a movie and that was it. That was the only matter of the day! Yeah, movie "Chicago."
Woke up about 9:30am. Ate some bread for meal. Went out to Myoden for the movie. Started 12:45pm. Then, looking around in the shop from book to shoe. Picked up one book. About brushing-up English thing. Paid 20 dollars. Gee, expensive.
Let's talk about this movie, dummy! (Hahaha) Have you see this movie? Men, I have to admit that this is new kind and really like about it. No wonder this has been the blockbuster in US and couldn't be complete of this year's Academy without this. No doubt. Full of songs and charms... some nonsense actions and development in story. Indeed, full of entertainment. Enjoyed.
Tak's rating: A! (rare, huh)
Most recommended. If missed, out to run into Blockbuster for rental or MediaPay for DVD or video (not released yet? - unchecked).
Dinner - Ramen noodles. Lunch - pasta.
23:02
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April 19, 2003 =Perezoso |
Ready for Easter yet? I found many of colleagues in US be off this week or early next week... Am sure that they kill off quite well over this period. How about me? Well, no plans for today. And actually woke up late. Hahaha.
Get up about noon time. Went to bed last night late... like 2am. Slept more than 10 hours though, lazy--- Yeah I know. Since no plans, I knew that I could be as much lazy as I wanted to. So I did.
No work at all. No email checking. Yeah, I just really (seriously) wanted to be away from it. I needed to.
Some book wanted. Checked more than several bookstores nearby. No luck. I found the book... however, in unacceptable condition like cover was ripped or so.
Futon was put up to the sun which didn't last. At least, I did it for the 1st time in several weeks. Sunshine was there up to 2pm or so. Later on, sun got to go and clouds moved in. Even some rain.
22:07+1
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April 18, 2003 =A Week from Pay Day |
Seems I will be in debt again.... along with current month balance. Really going in to deficit. Oh boy. Who can tame me about managing all financial needs for my everyday life? Well, I should beg girlfriend for a lesson about how NOT to spend so much money for nothing?! Hmmmm.
Currently 100 bucks in my pocket... that's all. None in my bank Sumitomo Mitsui (Hamamatsucho Branch). And I was supposed to buy monthly pass for my commute... and it is expired. Costs 110 dollars... cannot afford to.
I don't want to rock the boat about this... just describe how this is for now. Well, I do better job next month. If going worse like some urgency rising, I might come to you to borrow! Hahaha. How about the monthly pass? Soon as getting paid, I will run into train station ticket office to purchase. Until then, I will manage with petty cash (out of my pocket).
Today's Tak. Internal meeting in the morning about some case study with client... particularly about overdue receivables. I mentioned that yesterday, didn't I? Anyway, not that bad... took some notes though. Then, two appointments in the afternoon. No new business to report to.
Ramen noodles for dinner (bad for health). What was for lunch? Don't remember much... oh it was some chicken stuff with rice.
Bad weather over weekend AGAIN? Gee, cannot stand like that... want to have some fun to refresh! Movie "Chicago" is out tomorrow.
14:17+1
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April 17, 2003 =Concentration? |
RFQ - today's keyword for my work! It stands for Request For Quotes. Yeah, I was dealing with some RFQ package came from US. All day long, I opened so many Word and Excel files... reading conditions and finding all data which were provided by customer.
Tough one to come to conclusion. Spent whole afternoon with Noda from Hamamatsu. He made biz trip up to Tokyo just for this. You can see how big deal it was.
Good lunch at hotel. Just a block away from the office. Noda and I went out for late lunch and didn't want to go too far - could be waste of time. We wanted to come back to office for work quickly. Good stuff... 15 bucks meal. Very special for me. Very. It was rice bowl with teriyaki chicken along with cup of soup. Yeah, very luxury for me. I know-
So I call tell that it was all domestic. No outing. I spent very little money. Just 547 yen for dinner! (a little less than 5 dollars) Hahaha.
About time for weekend. Yeah, it is Easter for ya'll there, huh! Taking any vacation? Oh I just put up my request to Boss Ito... begging for his consent about getting off on 28th to make that weekend longer! I should remind him that I had filed my request electronically via company's Intranet.
Did you see the commercial movie of Britney Spears? Mentioned that a couple of days ago and finally today, I reached to the product that famous American gal is promoting with such heavy dancing! Hehehe. Called "G, G, Tea." It was really tea. I thought that it would be like soft drink. It was rather simple drink.
Tomorrow, I have some serious meeting in the morning. About what? I recall about overdue receivables... Yeah, I think so. And one appointment in late afternoon. Hope no troubles and then can come home early to rest.
23:36
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April 16, 2003 =Half Way in April |
Okay, not too far from Japan's Golden Week starting the final week of April. This year, not that long and convenient pattern of holidays... though, yet, off days are there for us. Cannot wait.
Tonight in Soul, Korea - there was a soccer game between Japan and Korea's national selection. Who won? Well, Japan edged Korea by 1 goal and it was neat game... so I heard.
Didn't come to see the game on TV. Since I was with Luca from Milan, Italy, and other coworkers of mine (usual faces) for dinner - I just came home a little after 11pm. Yeah, long day.
No photo of Luca over dinner. Didn't think about it.
One appointment supposedly going with Luca late afternoon was just canceled at last minute, I just saw 2 other clients. One of them I showed up to existed client in Shibuya. You know what? The client (female) is one of my best favorite. About the job I concern? Nope. About profit I enjoy with this client? Nope, either. So what then? Hey, pay attention to what I have just said. Client is female. Yeah, gal. Lady. Muchachita. Miss. What else to call?
Yeah, do enjoy talking to beautiful lady like that. Cannot resist... too much. Ha!
Two more days to go. Tomorrow, meeting with Director Takahashi in the morning. Then, to see Mr. Noda from Hamamatsu office to discuss some issues unsolved. Man, full of domestic issues to deal tomorrow. Hope I can come home early. I wish?
0:15+1
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April 15, 2003 =Day After Shock |
Hey, not to be disappointed that much. There were things ahead to do. Sun has risen and I've got to do what I had to. All tasks for today have been completed. Good for me.
Hey, this is NOT the end and I know we all are moving forward. Maybe, this won't let me come to happy ending... (don't know of future at all, right?) I just need to be "myself" as usual no matter what.
Am quite thankful to those who showed concerns on me after yesterday's update. Yeah, I know, I wasn't that bad.
There was a visitor from Italy and I was assigned to take that gentleman to see 3 clients in this afternoon. Mainly in Shibuya area. Some became good result for that Italian gentleman. I guess, it wasn't that bad.
Didn't have time for lunch. Was busy, you know.
Godzilla Matsui of the Yankee... #2 homer!
Oh, something I wanted to share with you today. There are 2 patterns of TV commercial trying to sell some tea by Kirin. Who is in those ads? Guess who after seeing this. I knew who it was from the beginning... but many people think not because "she" wouldn't be that cheap. Hey, who knows!
0:08+1
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April 14, 2003 =Worst or Similar Experience? |
Similar experience that I had back in 5 or 6 years ago... it was 1st time review I had ever received from the management at that time. I guess, I cannot be popular among people at that level. I must be unable to.
You knew or you didn't know how it ended? Well, I was to suck all it up. Now again?
This isn't the same, situation-wise. Though, I can tell that this is to be tough circumstance for anyone in my position. At least, I was told that there were lots about me whether good or bad, but what I needed to face was:
"Take it or leave it."
(Yes, management told me in English! Very clear, huh!)I didn't expect that much. Seemed no choice. What would you react then?
Things don't turn around easily for me somewhat. How come not?
Maybe I do things wrong? Don't I know how to survive and be valuable part of organization? If you know or can judget about me, please let me hear from you. This is important.
Let's wrap up what I have done and see what I can do for my life!
22:22
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April 13, 2003 =Sleepy Sunday? |
Ready for new week? Mine seems very clouded at this point. Full of appointments. I probably WILL come to next weekend quicker than I imagine.
Anyway, fine day today. Definitely better than yesterday. Even hot weather. More like summer. MoonFlower and I went out. Well, stopped by La La Port Shopping Mall. Nothing found. Just walked around. Probably made complete circle twice in there. It was okay. Like said nothing interesting found. No purchase. Ate in Subway - famous American sandwiches. You know what? There was a sign saying, "1 cup - 1 serve, please." Hey, there was always free refill in US! Policy just has changed? Subway has different approach in Japan's market? Or just a swindle?
Went down to Chiba after La La Port. Coffee and window shopping. Ate Sushi! Then in Starbucks. I fell to sleep. Yeah, once again! My fault.
Today, election day. I passed my vote (as always).
In Ogaki, 4 candidates who were expected to come to the seats of prefectural assembly. Good for them. New face Ito even made it. Good for him.
First time for decades? I turned old PowerBook2400. It worked MOSTLY. PC card drive failed. Well, no plan to repair, though. Worked with external CD drive. Means, I can use it as CD player in future? Anyway, I won't let this one go.
No movies for this weekend. Next week "Chicago" is coming to theatres. Yeah, it is on my list.
About Tax submission time in US, huh. Have you done already? I used be always last-minute person... running into Post Office. Really.
23:16
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April 12, 2003 =PowerBookG3 (PISMO) Ready? |
Rainy. All day I was inside. You too?
Let's begin this update with news from hometown. If you have ever been to Ogaki station area, you know the big department store called "Yanagen" is just there. That company is Ogaki origin. It's been in presence for a long time. Though recent years with prolonging depression covering all over the country, Yanagen is no exception. Still surviving today. Though, the company bore a little profit last fiscal year... first time since new management ever took the office along with biggest layoff and many stores closed in year 2000.
This is good! Better than before, that's important for now. Yanagen does have lots of local (in Ogaki) companies to deal business with and Yanagen as well as its vendors have to survive through in order for Ogaki itself to keep being good place to live for people! Agreed?
I know, sometimes (most of the time?) to keep going (to maintain the biz) is much harder way than just letting it all go (as bankruptcy).
PISMO, code-name of my last machine PowerBookG3 (400Mhz/320mb) is about to be ready for "fosterage" to someone. I erased all data and initialized hard drive entirely. Installed all including MacOS X 10.2.5. Almost good as brand new... Would you like to buy this neat machine?!
Some of you might have believed that I would come to keep this machine in addition to current faster G4 machine. Yeah, I would have if I could. Though, seemed to run out of choice here for myself concerning the budget. Yeah, key word is "balancing the budget." My least favorite subject. I should have taken "Math 100" and "Finance 100" in college. I must have forgotten about them.
"Gladiator" - long movie... though, it was great. Do have the DVD.
This year's Master... won't be that easily Tiger's? Least likely.
0:08+1
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April 11, 2003 =Friday - In Where? |
How are ya'll, folks? Finally coming to the end of week, right? Have been looking forward to. Just like you.
Spent a half day with client in Yokohama and the story having there turned to be good news in near future. So I thought. And the other half, I went down to Narita Office (in airport area, of course). This Friday seemed long enough to me.
Nothing really hard. Except, I had difficulty (technical one) accessing to company email. Thank God, I didn't find any message from any clients with urgency. Though you know what, I found one carrying important message from company management.
"Changing pay structure with new hierarchy of employment" is to be in effect from May. Gee, means I can be less than current position of employment status. Means below PEON? Gee, what would it be then? Details are not available yet. Individual basis, the detail in written to be handed out early next week. I hope at least I can be still around with you! Otherwise, I have to go on trip seeking for my future?! Hmmmm.
If you know by any chance about status - below the peon, please write me!!! Want to know.
23:51+1
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April 10, 2003 =Good Food - Two Nights In A Row |
Oh boy, must be lucky or what should I call this? I came to another great dinner... two nights in a row. I probably spent all luck I had for my life... already?! Man, that would be too much trouble I have then.
from very famous Kanda Kikukawa restaurant
They are... "UNAGI" or EELS in English. Yummy!Thanks to friend "Ne Quittez Pas" (handle name in French, huh) and his colleague (his boss?) - good food has reached to my mouth! Yeah, what a nice day it was.
Working side, I was busy with having a long meeting for almost whole afternoon. Well, it wasn't that bad... turned out to be or just happened to be? The fact is that I had done things right... that's why it turned to be so! Hahaha.
Too much drinks tonight... just like previous night? Man, have to watch out my diet and weight? Should.
One more day to go.
23:13
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April 9, 2003 =Dinner with Top Management? |
Must be end of my career at current position. I had a dinner with top management of company tonight. Yeah, believe me. It was Korean BBQ with both President and Executive Vice President of company. Sure there are some others, too. Though, it was not normal for me who cannot take any job seriously enough. It was serious!!!
There were two Americans in the gathering over the dinner... so mostly in English. It helps me to show true part of myself! Hahaha.
Recently more and more chances around to practice... and brush my English. More desperate I am, more chances I would come to get to speak that language. Remember of my writing on last Friday? Yeah since then, I intentionally come to read and speak more. In fact, I buy English paper everyday now.
Smart move, right? I bet. Sort investment to myself.
Came home late. Passing midnight. Ready for bed already. Beat!
Or maybe I shouldn't worry about job tomorrow. I won't even see my desk tomorrow morning because of the fact top management just found that I wasn't productive part of work? Hmmmm, won't be able to sleep much.
Now end of Wednesday. Two more days to go.
0:38
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April 8, 2003 =Quiet Tuesday? |
Hi, folks. Better than I thought. It was rather peaceful. I like it much. Stayed at work until 8pm, though. Man, NYSE didn't go up as much as speculated, huh. How come the rise was shrunk at the end of day? I saw more than 200 points gained before going to bed. What happened? Oh gee, doesn't go easy...
Had to be late to 1st appointment in the morning. I've got a call into my cellular phone and had to stick with that client for a while... in fact, I was in the train station. I had to miss more than several trains then! No wonder that my move plan didn't go as planned.
And of course, I didn't know that I would come to lose in the area where the office of client located. Overall today, 3 appointments. All were okay. No good news... but still no bad news either. I guess, this is good news!
Weekly (sales) report due and, yes, I submitted right before leaving the office. I was hungry then. Stopped by Seiyu department store. For foods as well as new umbrella. Yeah, windy today. Hard rain, too. I had to discard my umbrella which was not useful any longer after being bent by strong blow of wind in this afternoon.
Bought new umbrella... see how long this one would last.
One of new faces... Miss Ishiguro to domestic accounting department. All details and background of hers are not available with me yet (!) - though, she seemed, to me, very young like just graduated from college... I bet she is! I know, company keeps hiring new and young people... in intension to replace someone, like me, very unproductive. Hahaha.
Oh, she made her debut on this Web site already. Wow, that's the record.
23:40
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April 7, 2003 =Good Side on US to Incurs Iraq? |
Some success seems to come to US in incursion into Iraq. According to many media all over the world, US troops and allies have reached center of Baghdad today. Wow, must be quicker than expected. Wonderful deployment. What we need to see for now is nothing but just shortening the period when we are in war like this. Have to limit number of MIA's, POW's, and ultimately overall casualties of the war.
MIA = missing in action
POW = prisoners of warI came home about 8pm... relatively early. Wanted to see some special TV program... at least I thought it would be on tonight. I was wrong. It wasn't at all. Instead, I came to see many news with such US success about occupying over presidential palaces. Did you see golden toilet or some gorgeous bathroom in the buildings?! Gee, Saddam must be nothing but just dictator. Hope his regime is really coming to an end SO soon.
Not much troubles I had for today. With client in late afternoon for some issues to discuss. Otherwise, I was busy contacting more than several clients (or perspectives) about scheduling appointments upon when some sales from Milan, Italy is to visit us next week. Made 3 appointments on single day!
Hey, those who pretended falling to sleep in front of my girlfriend (see how come in yesterday's update)... you're hilarious! Really! I can give you a prize or two!!!
My company management today declares (reminds?) that we cannot utilize computers for any other use beside job-related issues. This means that I come to lose dozens of readers here?! Gee, I have to beg a special permission? I should, shouldn't I?!
This month... my budget seemed not sufficient. Will be in debt (once again!). Gee, didn't calculate well. Where has this wrong source come from and ended up driving me into debt... straight? Man, there are still more than 2 weeks to go for next pay day! Oh, I should ask some rich friends like Charlie or Israel in Mexico for some advance... right? Oh, I've got friend Foyer as well.
22:43
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April 6, 2003 =Last Cherry Blossoms Watch for the Year! |
Hey! Had a good Sunday? Wish you did. Girlfriend MoonFlower and I, as planned, went out to Tokyo to see some cherry trees. I guess, this would be the last chance in this season. Well, it turned out quite well and spent awesome time together.
She brought BENTO (lunch) box with her... am sure that she got up very early to prepare all these. Wow, they were great and I made my stomach so full within very short time once started eating.
Man, I couldn't stop eating. More attention paid to foods... not to trees to appreciate!!!
Then realized that there were so many trees. Here is some close-up. Neat, huh.
Wait, Tokyo Tower? MUST be near the office where I work.
After eating, stopped by a cafe for coffee and I just was adoze... while MoonFlower was talking. Her talk really (almost) put me in sleep... oh boy, I was almost in big trouble! You know what?! I did the same at night over dinner. Gee, some kind of magic she had then! Very scary.
Ferrari User Group gathered in Tokyo Prince Hotel. About 50 Ferrari's.
I wish someday I can own one to drive around. Yeah, I really wish!22:44
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April 5, 2003 =Rain Makes Tak Lazy |
Yeah, really true, I should say. Rain - all day long - really made myself so lazy and the fact is that I finally got out of bed around 4pm. Yeah, I said, 4pm. Late afternoon, my Saturday began.
Whole this means that I have done nothing for today. Yeah, I know.
Got up and then went out for something to eat. Then I was extremely hungry... starving to death! I ate in fast food restaurant and decided to stop by for a coffee. With new machine of mine for sure. First time ever do mobile computing. Small machine really fits to any place, I just made sure then.
After all that, came home and stick with two computers. Worked on old files and burned a couple of CD's with such data for storage. Took me quite while to do all. Reminded me with what the old machine was still capable and neat to use.
Then, came to two shots to show you... hadn't downloaded from camera to computer up to tonight. Hope you'd like them:
This is near the office. Just shrine area... and some big cherry trees with full of blossoms there. Beautiful, huh!
Tomorrow, weather is much better (in according to local forecast). Girlfriend MoonFlower and I will go out to find some more trees with blossoms. Maybe more photos to come.
0:41+1
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April 4, 2003 =What to Think Next? |
Hi, folks. How are you? I am quite beat and ready for weekend. You're too, aren't you? Let's summarize this week. Work brought lots of issues in and still some of them remain on my desk. Good stuff? Mostly negative. Though, my stress level hasn't been that high as expected. That's good part.
While work has been okay like said, I have to admit that I had some problem in sleeping. Usually I sleep about 6-7 hours every day. Going to bed between midnight to 1am. Always get up about 7am. Still disturbed by nightmare. I had one this week. Not that bad... like getting myself killed so hard. Though, I don't get any good dreams like some kind of fantasy or fun.
Another annoying fact. I truly realized that my English wasn't that good as before. Living in Japan for more than 2 years really brings lots of Japanese things in and I somewhat, without noticing, left "feelings" of being so capable of English. I know that it is different and difficult. I should take time to see what I stand about language capability of mine and seek some time to brush up English. Really.
So is my Spanish. Probably worse case here. No doubt. Am not saying that either language that I speak and understand is perfect. Do mistakes (many times in fact!). Though, I really should make efforts to keep them all in good condition (i.e. three languages - J, E, and S.)
Maybe then, I can come to a chance to advance my career? Sure! (bet so.) I indeed try and do hard about continue everyday lesson to maintain all! Hey turning to be 30 this month. Should really get to serious with keep such attention about what to do. Agreed?
Day by day, more to use my new computer, I am getting into this. So neat and great machine I've got. Truly. I spent quite bit of money for this... though, this really gives me a great comfort to keep using. I can now rate whole this as "great buy." No regrets. Maybe now looking into and nailing down when to buy new (digital) camera? That's the key I have been broke and never (seemed to) change.
Due March sales report to Boss Ito today. Mori, Ishiyama and I have submitted. Yeah, things were already in the past! Let's look at bright side of the world we face!!! Hahaha. Yeah, I know what happened is already being happened.
Being very spring day while sun was up. Now crowded and ready to rain... all day tomorrow.
17:52+1
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April 3, 2003 =Still Thursday, Huh! |
SARS --- now all over the media. I just heard this from friend Kack in Atlanta via email... and didn't know at all. Next day, NW flight got problem with some passengers seemed having SARS.
Today, Japanese government warned its nation not to travel over Hong Kong as well as China where the SARS is considered existed.
What is that standing for?! Let's see... Definitely NOT "South African Revenue Service." Moron! Looked at the wrong place! Oh believe me that still not "The Safety and Reliability Society" either!!!
Okay, it is (truly) "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome." Please note.
Came home about 8pm. A little bit earlier than yesterday. Better day?! It was calm and so-so quiet. Yeah, about time... especially toward weekend just ahead.
Just came out of chatting with friend Takashi Moriya living in Nagoya. He may come up to Tokyo for biz occasion and will spend weekend, not this one but next, in Tokyo. I may see him?
Tomorrow, I have to submit March sales report. Yes, time to submit "magic" number! Boss Ito has set the deadline as "noon tomorrow." So announced this evening! Hey, this process may take time to collect all detail information!
Will have 2 appointments tomorrow and I will wrap it all up quickly into weekend! May go out to see some (more) cherry blossoms out there! Should take camera with me!
23:50
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April 2, 2003 =Full of Apologies |
Sorry, sorry, and still am sorry. My apologies... repeatedly. No ends for today. I have more than several incidents considered as service failure. Not physically out of ourselves... some by supporting vendors, etc. Though as sales person... the counter part toward those clients, I had to submit caring and professional apologies for whatever may have been.
Interesting enough, I see and realize some differences from attitude that coworkers at the operation level take toward me. Some called me up and told me how much sorry they were. Some others were phoned by me and I explained how the customer felt. They responded, "Oh when talking to him, he wasn't upset to me, though." And there is still some more... No actions whatsoever. Never said it was their fault. Just ignored my internal message.
Very interesting about human behaviors. Got them? Sure you do.
What would you think about my say?
Started very early morning. About 6am. Had to call up liaison in Denver office. Timing was important and I didn't want to miss it. So I made a call even while still in bed! Yeah, how dedicating I was... as always to the death. Continuously after the phone call, opened laptop and started working... up to about 7:50am. Gee, I made lots of work done before getting up! This is crazy.
Yeah, call me crazy! Left work at 8pm... first one in the department, though. I wanted to leave... I was damn sleepy!
I had a little drink tonight home. Yeah, rare doing so home, huh. Yeah, I want to have good night sleep. Guess, quite tired... beat already!
Zzzzz.
22:55
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April 1, 2003 =April Fool --- ing Tak? |
In the train toward work this morning, I was really thinking about how to fool others today. You know what? No really idea crossed my mind then.
Once getting to the work, I got a several calls with service claims... so got busier than expected.
Atsuko Ishii (female) from Narita Office told me that she just found that her apartment was just next to some famous TV talent. At least she told me so. So I told her that I wanted to come up to her place... so I can see that famous guy.
Gee, turned out a lie. Yeah, "April Fools' Day."
Yasuko Ishiyama (female) told me quietly, right after 1st call from Atsuko (see above), that she just found out that Tajima (male in Narita Office - aged about mid-30) would get married.
Sucks, this was untrue. Yeah, "April Fooling Tak."
Godzilla Matsui made GREAT major debut with a single coming along with RBI. Good for him!
Lastly for today:
Great cherry blossom around here!!! Beautiful.
23:08
