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Tak's Milestone: July, 2003

July 31, 2003 =July Ends

It is the end of month! Already. Serious summer is just ahead... though, Tokyo area hasn't been out of rainy season yet. Way too long of the period compared to average year. Well, end of that season should be declared tomorrow (most likely).

End of month, difficult day to hold appointments with clients. Accounting's closing day, so...

In the morning, showed up to Uchisaiwaicho... for governmental approve. Yeah, usual stuff that I do about 10 times a month. Easy work... no brain is required to get done. Then another appointment for serious work took place in the afternoon. Plus, Boss Ito wanted me to gather all my sales record for July within limited time. You know, boss calls upon you for something at very last minute. Always you have to suffer and get pressured between thing boss wants and something else that required immediate attention and action. Hmmmm.

As previously announced, Ron Hubbard is to leave Japan upon closing his assignment at my work. Only a thing he would like to get rid of... is XBOX. Yeah, "green stuff" that he has. Who wants to buy it!?

Remember, Xbox is considered part of "gadget." You know how much crazy I would be about such deal. He holds about 10 games along with the unit and, notably, that box has become unique since he installed some "magic" chip in it and made the machine workable for games from both US and Japanese (or even anywhere in the world!) How much has he spent on entire series of equipment on his ultimate entertainment?! Probably somewhere around 500 to 600 bucks.

While, I still own PlayStation2. Old (one of early stage model which not with expansion bay in it), though. As you know, am NOT such big fan of video game. Any absolute needs on another equipment like that?! Probably (definitely?) negative. Though, I still offered Ron 100 bucks for entire line-up.

Good deal?! Well, this contract has special phrase of a promise, too. If Ron comes back on some occasion and in case he wants them back, he still reserves right to do so from me with 100 bucks! Interesting, huh. In other way to express situation is like:

Ron leaves me 100 dollars as for deposit to keep entire stuff until when he gets back here. Am I right?!

So sooner or later, I come to have another great entertainment out of Xbox!!!

23:21

July 30, 2003 =Long Meeting

Hello. Just came home. Came home LATE. Already passed midnight... and my BED TIME!!! Man, I go nuts.

Tired. Had a long day. Didn't even have time for eat... around lunch time. Almost skipped. Almost. Finally came to something to eat around 3:30pm... when I was waiting for other members to a meeting. Thereafter, all went unexpected. 4:30pm appointment was prolonged. Longer than I thought. Serious issue?! Sure, the deal about more than quarter-million-dollar deal! Damn serious, right?! Yep, it was.

Foyer noticed and sent me a message. In those pictures of Ron's golf swing (posted the other day), Ron was hitting from the ground near the red tee. Foyer asked me if Ron missed the tee shot or something. Really right!

Indeed, Ron had really asked me before whether I could take that part out of pictures or not! Hahaha. He wished! Neat stuff is that he made beautiful swing out there... still near the ladies tee. Good stuff and bad one... side by side.

Busy! Hell yeah! Still skimming incoming messages for work. Still after midnight. Very dedicated for a little pay! Hmmmm. You know what?! I even have to call office in US from now... if not seen any response soon. Some urgent stuff is with me! Bugging!

Let me finish up the work for the day and better hit my sack... quick!

0:26+1

July 29, 2003 =Pro-Ball Game!

Hi, folks. Am quite happy after all... went to ball game today! 1st professional baseball game to see this year! (In fact, no games last year!) Means 1st time in two years! Wow, big deal wasn't it?! You bet.

Destination?! Of course, Tokyo Giants' home ground "Tokyo Dome." Nicknamed "Big Egg."

Giants vs. "MY" Dragons

Very quick game. Lasted only for less than 3 hours. Shorter than an average game for sure!

Giants' "HOPE" - rookie pitcher Kisanuki shut out Dragons' line up. Very smooth pitch and no one in Dragons could shoot him down within 9 innings today. This became Kisanuki's first career shut-out. Wow, what a game! Score?! 3-0.

Wait, let's get back to the time before game. How come I came to see a game like that?! Indeed, I hadn't mentioned of going at all?! Yeah, I know.

So, the question is "how come I came to grab this ticket..."

Well, this is a little insight here. At 5:30pm... I was walking back to office from near Daimon station and my work phone rang. Picked up and talked. It was a client. Client I is also frequent reader of this page EVERYDAY (I bet!). He was then looking for a mate going to see the game. He was given two tickets for the game this morning and finally reached someone who was always bored. ME!

Yeah, no objection. Always reply as "Yeah, why not!" --- So I showed up at the game of Tokyo Dome at 6pm.

Need to less to mention, I had enjoyed myself much more than my customer himself! Man, I totally forgot that it was part of business with single client.

Surely, Boss Ito gave me some remark how come some one like me could be taking advantage of "customer's request." Hehehe. What's wrong?! NONE! Though, this doesn't happen all the time! (unlikely)

23:02

July 28, 2003 =Monday - Serious Work

Hi, folks. Baseball is everywhere. High school championships. Currently all states (prefectural-level) hold championships and then, annual event of nation... national championship tournament is coming up next month. All games are to be broadcast by national channel of Japan called NHK... that's why I call it as "EVENT of NATION."

Gifu (where Ogaki belongs to) - having quarter final. Man, my high school didn't make that far. Probably next year! Hahaha.

Today's word... was "legitimate." I wanted to teach Yasuko Ishiyama who were annoyed with an answer sent from Italy office. She asked me how to prase as counterattack. I just told her that she should gather all information and show all to them and ask for "legitimate reasons" how come happened so.

Yasuko didn't know the word legitimate. I kept giving her this word verbally... so she couldn't pronounce it well... and didn't come to know how to spell it out. Well, it was Tak's instant English lesson. After a while, she finally looked it up in dictionary and the word became "hers." Took a while, really... though am sure that she won't forget... for a while (too!).

Forgot to tell her that I would charge her for that. Tak's lesson AIN'T cheap, man!

Nikkei 225 once again arose today. Good for it. How come?! Well, we have to watch out how NYSE and Nasdaq come around. And now the probability of going into general election later this year or early next in Japan is higher day by day. Presidential Election of LDP (Democratic Liberal Party of Japan) is to take place in September. President of LDP is often to be prime minister when LDP gains the power of majority in Diet. After the election, LDP is going to hold general election to freshen up the Diet (as well as the Cabinet?).

And oppositions are preparing hard about election to take place, also.

So would you see upwards from such uncertainty?! Or opposite?! It would be fun game to guess.

Left work around 7pm. Just called office and found out that Kyoko Fukami was last person to leave the floor... it was 10:30pm! Man, young lady like her stayed at work that late... something wrong with this picture for sure. No man to escort her to home?!?!

Drink called "GOKURI" fruits and vegetables-mixed juice. Has become my favorite.

23:13

July 27, 2003 =Easy Sunday

Nice sunshine... out there. Means almost rainy season is to come to an end?! Sure! Most likely, it is to be announced so tomorrow. Temperature is definitely upward! Hmmm, sweaty and humid condition is just ahead.

1st cup from Urayasu shop of Starbuck's Coffee. It was late afternoon and not really crowded at all. Though, not really well-organized... place is new and I bet that staff members are still somehow green and not to handle all in proper way. Mine was out for me after a quite while. Came along with a little apology about serving so late.

"Returner" - the Japanese movie. Seen on video. Too bad that it ain't available in your (i.e. US) market. This is pretty good movie with fun and laugh... still some computer graphics are to impress you.

Some headache and sneeze... I may start having a cold. Like said so yesterday, this might be a serious one. Good appetite, though. Ate pasta for late lunch and Chinese dish for supper. Ate too much and gained some for sure!

NHK - Japanese national channel - collection came to my place for fee. Hmmmm, unexpected payment to make! Gee.

Notice letter at my door. Apartment management warns all residents not to make deposits or month payment to other party... who recently sent letters to many of residents about "management has been taken over." Must be some kind of swindle. Wow, not only about break-in but another stuff to come up... Plenty of traps around! Anyhow, didn't received such letter to myself, though.

Sony's new Clie (just announced): PEG-UX50

This might be the next one for me?! After HandSpring Visor Edge (red)?!?! Current model in use has been with me since December, 2001. Time for new to replace one that I have?! That's what I think... without thinking how much I have and can afford to buy one. Man, not wise, right?! As always. How much?! Don't know yet. This Clie has just been announced to be out on August 8... in two weeks. Though, I may like this very much.

Please note that I am still Apple fan. Not Sony. Don't have many Sony products around. Besides alarm clock, cannot find any Sony stuff.

Man, my "usual" sickness - wanting all new gadgets around - is now showing up again! Please rescue me from this!

22:35

July 26, 2003 =Boring Saturday

Not much done for today. Really. Slept in... and took a nap... what else... just staring at TV screen for rest of time today. Oh, at least laundry is done at 1am (midnight, huh!).

Didn't know toll movie broadcast "Star Channel" was open to public for free today. Yeah, I watched two movies. "Born on July 4th" and something else (not recalling the name).

No appetite much. Seems I am catching a cold or something. I should be careful. Taking some medication just in case.

You know what?! Summer Fireworks in Urayasu (where I live) was TODAY! No wonder that there were so many people around the train station! Man, I didn't know about it at all. Means, I have missed the biggest summer event in town?! Yeah, indeed.

13:06+1

July 25, 2003 =PAY DAY OFF?!

Another weekend to begin. Mine already has begun since last night! Hahaha.

Golf... as scheduled. No rain and no sunshine. No high temperature, either. Great condition for shots! Well, that's why I made so many shots and putts?! Yeah, I must have been so! (this is already part of my excuse for today).

Ron Hubbard and Ryuji Takashima (ex-Big Boss) were my companies for today's pleasure. Place was same as last course for company's competition. La Vista Golf Resort.

name
out (front 9)
in (back 9)
total
Tak "Ogaki-jin"
56
55
111
Ryuji Takashima
48
47
95
Ron Hubbard
48
48
96

Man, didn't go as I wished. Glitch in my swing?! Certainly! Lack of experience in course management?! That, too. You know, in the front 9, I was doing okay up to Hole 7. After finishing that hole, I was just at 39. Including 2 pars. Last two holes, #8 and #9, didn't know that I would come to shoot 7 and 10, respectively, total 17!!! How about that?! "Tak was mess."

Sequential photographs: Ron's golf swing

He even got an EAGLE! Man, that was so great!

With such score, I had to give up myself losing all bets with two gentlemen. SHOCKING! Paid Ron 2,800 yen for that and still owe Ryuji about 1,000 yen. Gee. Extra and sudden spending... out of my balance sheet (i.e. "OFF-BALANCE").

Play Fee: 10,460 yen in total (still plus, 3,800 yen to be "WHACKED OUT.")

Tak's Golf Page updated.

0:11+1

July 24, 2003 =Ready for Another Weekend?!

Well, all I can tell is that I am heading to long weekend once again. Starting TOMORROW! As having announced so already, am ready for just one more time of three day weekend. Most of customers are notified so (well, there may be some exceptions... falling out of the list!).

Let's wrap up my day easily here.

NO break-in to my place (i.e. small apartment room)! 2 days in a row! Good for me! (Sure, that should happen that way indefinitely!)

Only 650 yen left in my bank account at Sakura Bank! Pay day is just tomorrow!

There were 131 email messages I dealt with for single working day! (Many?)

There were just more than several people in line at the governmental agency which was the same place I stayed in line for more than an hour yesterday!

2 coffee while seeing clients and 2 cups of iced tea (green tea) with meals today. Visited 3 sights today! Man,

6am - I have to get up tomorrow for GOLF! You know, this year I played 3 times already. Tomorrow it will be the 4th. First two, I played at same course and shot 107 and 121. Last time and this time (tomorrow) place is exactly same and shot 107 last time. This means, I am going to have another nightmare-like round with 121?! No way! Hope not.

Man, I should turn my PlayStation2 on and practice my swing! Do you think this will affect positively to real me?! DON'T THINK SO!

Lunch I ate noodles... rare to buy instant cup noodle on the way back to office and ate inside. Very unusual. Normally, don't eat stuff like that... normal noodles served in restaurants, yeah I do! Not the one in cup. Because too much chemicals, right?!

Came home straight from last appointment in Nishi Kasai. It was about 7:30pm... still worked home thereafter, though. What do you know!!!

Now I have to pack for my golf trip... let's make it early!

Tomorrow, you work. Work really hard! And I will enjoy being on the green! Will feel greenly! Hahaha.

23:14

July 23, 2003 =Missed My Mouth

11:30am, showed up to the governmental agency for some permit on behalf of customer A. I come to this place about 5-6 times a month. Usually there is a line of 5 to 10 people. I usually go in there around this time because the line was short (after the busy period.)

So I thought of same thing to happy today. Well, "Estuvo equivocado hoy." - Was mistaken today. Longest line ever seen! I've got a ticket reserving my turn. The number was 37! Yeah, I obviously didn't know to wait there for more than an hour! Gee.

So decided to go downstairs for rest. Grabbed a cup of coffee at Tully's. Who would cover that charge?! Out of my own pocket?! Unfortunately. Spent there for 20 minutes... just drinking and taking some notes about my previous sales activities. 260 yen for single cup.

Went back to the office right after I've got approval stamp on my document... was already 1:20pm! Gee, I've got an appointment in 2:30pm! Man, I just ate a sandwich... not the good one... one like you buy from vending machine in your office!

The appointment was at a new customer sight. Not big business... not even qualified as small. Smallest! Hmmmm, have wasted my time?! Could have.

Couldn't schedule any more for today. Didn't meet the quote set by Boss Ito... 3 appointments a day. Just made 2. Shhhhh, let me be quiet about it. Will do better tomorrow!

Worked until 9pm today. Later than usual. Several quotations done and sent more than several urgent messages to US. Hope all are to be responded by tomorrow. Yeah, keep my fingers crossed. Some are seriously urgent. After work, grabbed beer. Joining to selected coworkers for Ron's farewell. He's leaving for Atlanta early next month. He's been part of our organization for just about a year.

In that dinner, I missed my mouth... means "Tak was mess!" Not that obviously. But certainly food missed mouth came down to my lap. Man, my pants... need to go to dry cleaning right away! URGENT! Though, it is Wednesday night and my dry cleaner is off on Thursday! Gee, I have to wait until Friday. Hmmmm.

Please note --- I, Tak Yamada, age 30 still missed my mouth. What's wrong with this picture?! Still like a boy?! Young, you mean, right?!

0:26+1

July 22, 2003 =MoonFlower's Birth Day!

Still cannot figure out what planet she comes from... although, today, it is MoonFlower's birthday! Happy birthday, baby girl! Man, you're still younger than me. Probably about the same time in next year you WILL BE OLDER than me! (how?)

Special dinner for her tonight?! Well, not that smooth for me. Hey, remember that we live in different places... so far away from each other. So sort like pushed back toward end of this weekend. I have to think to where I will take her for what food. Hmmmm, tough to decide.

Busy today?! New policy, visiting 3 customers a day, gets in effect and I failed on the 1st day. Had only two appointments in the afternoon.

Today's episode to share with you... about the incident about almost break-in stuff.

I told so many coworkers the same thing as... "I had to report to police this weekend about a break-in case at my place! Man, I really had thought that it would happen to someone else... I was simply wrong. Ya'll should be careful!"

All reactions taken as:

Case One: by Yasuko Funabashi (female), "Really?! What damage you've got?! Really scary!"

Well, this is quite normal response... don't you think?!

Case Two: by Akiyoshi Mori (male), "Oh really?! Wow."

Shy guy didn't speak much... but I still can categorize this into same as Case One.

Cast Three: by Hiroshi Kuboki (male), "Gee, sorry to hear that... though, was a theft out of mind?! Didn't investigate that Tak didn't have any valuables... must be waste of time, right?!"

A little irony, right?! Then,

Case Four: by Kenichi Eto (male living very close to my place), "Oh, thank you for telling me."

He doesn't care what happened at all. No interest. Man, he was busy on something else and didn't pay attention?! Hmmmm.

Friday (25th) - confirmed of tee time. Yep, will be off. Still paid vacation. Weather won't be that good, though.

Friend from old Atlanta time, Jay emailed me that he was fine and started working on big corporate. Congratulations! Didn't know that he had received MBA! Wow! Great to advance his life! Good for him! I should consider the same way, don't you think?! Hmmmm.

22:52

July 21, 2003 =Police Came To Me!

"Picking" - That's everyone calls this. One of the methods to unlock the door key (of course) illegally. Means, I was victimized?! You know what? Better say, "ALMOST."

Reported police as well as apartment management. Officer came about 30 minutes after my call. No finger prints... You want to see the sight?! Here it is:

Can you see an "almost-hole-to-be." Just next to door lock.

Officer just told me, next door was already victimized last Friday. Personal computer and other valuables were taken. Man, this area is NO LONGER safe! He added, "Lucky you." Somehow theft decided not to or quit the process and left. That's why whole was not made completely. I should consider myself to be lucky about this incident.

Apartment management informed me to fix the door right away. Most likely to replace door entirely. Yeah, this looks bad like am still target, huh.

For you information, Mr. Theft, I have nothing to give you like valuables... watch is always worn with me and computers are no good for you. Notably, I am still in debts! Oh, maybe you were smart enough not to break in my apartment since you have smelled no money or valuables to cash in there?! If so, good for you! Thanks.

Happy birthday, my friend, Kirk!!!

20:27

July 20, 2003 =Asakusa Sightseeing?

Went out to Asakusa. How come?! Just for sightseeing?! You bet. Just wanted to go out to somewhere unusual. Asakusa was one of best Tokyo sightseeing destinations. You might want to know that.

Being hungry... first priority was to fill this empty stomach keep sounding! Hahaha.

Restaurant Daikoku. Started with saute eggplants and egg dish.

You know what?! Eggplants are my favorite and this dish was SO good. I should go back to this place just for this! Seriously! 500 yen for that single dish, though. It's worthy!

And entree came short after finishing those dishes.

Deep-fried shrimps over rice! This is what this restaurant is so famous for!

1800 yen! (WAO)

Tak... had no doubt to finish all up... even though this bowl was such big one!
Now I have to watch what and how much I ate as well as how much to spend! Hmmm.

MoonFlower couldn't finish like I did. Means she wanted to be girly?! Hahaha!

Then, we stopped by to play called "Smart Ball." Used to play every year at Ogaki Festival.

Couldn't believe that MoonFlower hadn't known at all about this Smart Ball. How come?!
Was she born on different planet?!

Batting practice in gauge?! Must be for next golf round, right?! Hahaha.
Plus, pitching session?! " Struck-Out" - missed 2 corners! Hmmmm, suddenly good pitch with wild arm?!

Japanese traditional towel "Tenugui." Today's boots.

Walking around quite bit and I became easily worn out. Beat. Came home for rest... tired especially I had so much difficulty to sleep at previous night.

20:11+1

July 19, 2003 =Chiba

Man, Tiger (Woods) is just under control of entire tournament?! British Open is to be his once again?! Seems, so far, he gains good strength and ready to take off to his SOLO tour with huge lead!

Went out to Chiba. Rained a little but didn't disturb me much. "T3" became the main event for today! MoonFlower had NEVER seen any of the series. Got to be kidding! No "I Will Be Back" thing at all?! Where had she been?! Was she awake or what?! Hmmmm.

Anyway, I decided to go on to see that movie...


Terminator 3

To be honest with you, I barely remember how all went within story up to preceding movie. Although, the name, "John Conner" was sure thing. How did I like about this one?! It was done pretty good... especially, I found very interesting in where an "AP" watch was found in a pickup truck. No way! How come such luxury watch called "Audemars Piguet" found in a truck?! No way! This doesn't happen like that. Am sure that you have no idea how expensive this watch can be!

Have I paid my attention to wrong stuff in the story?! Could have!

Action was very limited... at least I thought so. I thought that it would be tons of destruction... more than it was in it. Overall, I like how it developed, though. I can give about B+ for this movie. If not seen any of the series, please do your homework first! Then, hit the road to a theater nearby.

Other than a movie, I was merely bag-holder for MoonFlower who went on shopping mode. She was done a great job about checking out so many different things on single day and succeeded to have me follow her all day long! Hehehe.

0:53+1

July 18, 2003 =Long Weekend Just Ahead!

Hi, folks! Ready to take off to a long weekend lasting up to Monday?! Monday is a national holiday. Called "Ocean Day." As well as Kirk's birthday! Ha!

Last working day before such relaxing time of 3 days turned to be okay to me. Except a sales meeting took place at late afternoon. Was from 5pm or so and started with Akiyoshi Mori, Yasuko Ishiyama, and myself. Yeah, usual "3 faces." Then about at 6:50pm, Yasuko took off for a drinking session with a client then. We were almost wrapping up and ready to finish up all for today. Not so fast, Boss Ito finally jumped in and took entire lead of the meeting.

What previously discussed within ourselves (3 of us, not with Boss Ito) was easily (very instantly!) Overwritten with different policy that we have to follow from next week. Some quote to meet. Now requires us to visit 60 customers every month (originally set as 40 by Akiyoshi). Means 3 appointments a day! Not because of low record of sales... but just because that Boss Ito feels "necessary." Just to prepare for the future.

Boy, I have to get busier!

Let's leave this issue in the office and I will have another moment to think about it AFTER this weekend. Sure you would agree.

1:09+2

July 17, 2003 =Sleepy Head

Hi, folks. Thanks for stopping by... as always like everyday, right?! Hahaha, I wish.

2 appointments and both went fine. Two days in a row without any yelling or humiliation. Hahaha, good for me. On 2nd appointment, I exchanged business cards with new person just became in charge. She was brand new... right after college. Man, she was so new and didn't know much about how to deliver in business conversation.

Was she cute?! Sure! MY customer, you know!

Busy?! So-so. I had to deal with some internal issues... after appointments. The amount I am talking about in this regard (referred as "internal issues") was approximately 40,000,000 yen in total. How much in dollar?! Well, 330,000 dollars. That is the total receivable from 3 customers of mine.

Company asked me to turn in full report about business forecast with those 3 customers in particular... and then, it will decide how much the credit line should be set to. Well, tough report to write for me! No makeups but still cannot underestimate, either.

Most difficult part in reporting about this issue... how reasonable I could be in limit setting to have Boss Ito to agree with my view point. Is he usually that difficult?! Well, the answer is yes and no. Depends. Sometimes, he was easy... and sometimes he was stubborn and stuck with his own thought. Am never saying that he was moody or anything... but, for this kind of issue, I have to be really careful how to close my report with what information. You know what I mean...

Boss Ito left work before me. He had bad headache. Sort of migraine?

Lunch - curry (hot one) over rice. 700 yen.
Supper - ate a little of rice. No much appetite.

23:06

July 16, 2003 =Tak Yamada Was On Air!

Good to tell you for the first thing today. Came home late and tired... though, I don't care. Remember about I sent an e-mail to radio station about "morning service" along with coffee in my hometown area?!

It was AIRED! Yeah... cool, huh.

It was 8am... thank God, it was my late morning... starting at 10am in office. So I had time to listen whole program and made sure that my letter was read on air and it really was! According to the host, there were so many e-mails for the same regard... Lots of different reports about such service. However, there were only 3 letters read in the show! Mine was the first one!

That was good side of the story. Sad thing was that I didn't come to the prize... given only one out of three. NOT ME! (some other time, huh) What prize?! It was 10,000 yen! (85 dollars in cash!) UNLUCKY ME!

My work?! So-so. 2 appointments and all were fine. You know, I almost missed my lunch... didn't have much time to, either. So I ran into nearby McDonald's... Gee, 2 meals in a row at same chain restaurant?! Bad for me! Bad for my health. I should watch that out.

Wow, you know what happened to me just now?! I saw a message from radio station. It tells me that my report was read off on air and it would like to send me some small appreciation if I return the message with mailing address. NOT cash... though, still something. Would be nice, wouldn't it?! Yep.

Made my day!

Late... came home late. Gave some English lesson to Yasuko Ishiyama after work. Man, I should get paid there! Hehehe.

23:55

July 15, 2003 =Funeral

Funeral from 1pm. Kyoko Fukami and Yui Yamada came along with me. Arrived at the site where the funeral was to take place on time. Man, it was very sad atmosphere for sure. Found out that deceased was just 55 years old. Wife of Norio Nishimura. Norio briefed about her battle against a cancer. Cancer invaded her body a little by a little... from 5 years ago. Started in breast... then, moved to brain. Showed up in lung and still reached to spinal cord. Took 5 years to have her life come to an end. How sad!

Difficult to face up to a daughter of Norio... she kept crying time to time and I had big sympathy with her. I still cannot imagine to lose my mother just like that. In fact, my mother is still 61... not much difference from her case... would be hardest to accept such fact if happened same to me!

Lots of tears... and sobbing. I had tough time to hold myself to be fine.

Besides this funeral, I have nothing much to tell you. Oh, I should tell this. To that funeral Big Boss Nakabayashi came, too. Kyoko, Yui, Boss and I decided to take late lunch about 3pm. We didn't have even a minute to take for food!

"GUSTO" was the restaurant we went in. Nakabayashi decided to buy us lunch... though at the same time, he kept asking... "they would take credit cards, right?!" Of course, I had no doubt... they would. We made an approach to cashier to check out... Nakabayashi kept looking around... he must be seeking "VISA" or "Master" signs. Seemed not finding any. So he told me, "Tak, you stay with me!" Man, I was like a hostage... getting humiliated?!

To be honest with you, I seriously had no doubt that credit cards were to be accepted. Wait, this ain't America? Hahaha.

So his turn to take care of a bill. BOO BOO!!! I was wrong. No plastics, please! Big Boss Nakabayashi was almost cash-hungry and he had to ask me to pull some cash out of my pocket! Gee, he makes big bucks, right?! How come he didn't have money! Hmmm.

So he borrowed my 5,000 yen instantly. Isn't it ironic that big boss (making huge money) asked his staff (precisely Tak) who suffers from month to month with many bills. I should ask him for interest. Hahaha.

One more story to share tonight. In my favorite morning show on radio, there was a talk about how fancy the morning service along with coffee in the area... my hometown! Yeah, tonight I sent an e-mail message with details how come so service was famous and part of culture...

Hope my contribution is to be aired tomorrow (if lucky enough)!

Good night.

23:56

July 14, 2003 =Work in Gifu (STILL in Biz Trip)

Back to work, folks! Still in Gifu today. Had 3 different meetings taking place in the area. Busy, huh. Thank God --- it was calm in Tokyo. I mean things around for me in Tokyo... while out of town. Good start for new week?! I can say so... as "so far, so good." Who knows what to happen next, though.

Hiroshi Kuboki and Takashi Kiguchi were my companies for biz and it was good time to spend all together. Lots of serious issues and fun talk among us.

Finally got train back to Tokyo around 5:30pm. Arrived in Tokyo station just around 7pm. All scheduled for today were done.

My day... adjourned! (yeah, am beat)

0:00+1

July 13, 2003 =Chan Ken

First time being home since New Year! Wow, good for Tak! Spending time and chatting with my mother is "PRICELESS" (by MasterCard). Yeah, it was so nice to be home to be with her (more than girlfriend?!) - hahaha! You know, what I mean, right?

Woke up quite early as Saturday. Up around 9am. Why?! Mother was planning to go out (she already had some previous engagement since my trip back to home was made so sudden at last minute). So we decided to go out for coffee before she was taking off.

Ogaki and surrounding area are famous for over service on coffee... in the morning. Yeah, no extra and you get lots of stuff to eat coming along with coffee. Price is no change and you get so much like:

Egg, small salad, banana, bread... came with coffee. How about that?!
Price?! Still 300 yen. Same as for just coffee.

Called "Morning Set" and only up to 11am to get served like that.

Long time no see... it was my friend ChanKen. Same age. Haven't seen for about whole year. He was suffered from some nerve issue and I really hope that he gets full strength soonest possible. He can live like normal with still some cautiousness not to hurt himself who cannot feel much about temperature.

ChanKen

No girlfriends?! What happened?! - He must hide some fact?!

Spent whole afternoon in his house... watching DVD's from Episode II to Pulp Fiction. I was quite impressed about the all equipment he owned... super speakers and largest TV! Flat screen like 70' large?! Don't know exact specification... but certainly sort luxury! Which I cannot ever afford to. Lucky him!

Dinner was treated. Italian. Man, I should have watched out my weight. I forgot.

23:50+1

July 12, 2003 =Breaking News While Hitting Home Town

Breaking news to share with you tonight. This is first here. Norio Nishimura - manager in Ocean department is a friend and sincere coworker of mine. Well, long time ago we played golf together. Tonight I have to tell you that his wife was passed away. Cancer.

We in the work place all knew that she had been surviving with such sickness and lasted long till today. Well, I hereby hope that she would come to a sleep in peach. Very sad and tragic. How come someone decent and innocent, like her, had to face such mortality this early? She was still in 40's! We all know that the world is NEVER fair and we seem to accept the fact. Though, this kind of stuff is just too hard on someone...

Amen. Death always does call sadness. Not too long time ago, I lost Mac (Robyn's brother) with such hard feeling. We all hate cancer or other fatal diseases or sickness.

Today's Tak.

Got up about 8:30am. Felt like slept in and late to my usual barber shop. You know why?! Because that place is extremely popular over weekends and there is always a line of men wanting to look smart and handsome (this theory doesn't apply to me, though). So I jumped out of my bed (no bed, but FUTON) and ran to the place. There were 2 men outside.

I thought, "Gee, that long!? Already?!" - Then I found myself wrong. Shop was about to open at 9am. Lucky me! I was the third and just stood for 30 seconds outside... then, my session started. Good start, wasn't it?

In 30 minutes, all things were done and I got haircut by some lady there. Not by the mid-50 old guy who I really don't appreciate much (not like much about the way he did in the past). You know, this place is cheap for service... no right to choose whom for service.

Laundry was so busy like crazy... I had to wait until 4:30pm from the noon. Gee, everyone stays home on Saturday?! Not usual. And I encountered to speak to one of residents in the apartment. First time ever! You might want to guess it was female. WRONG! It was a man from India (as country, NOT Indiana, moron!)

His name was "Komur" working in software company. His room was 111 on 1st floor. Hey, I didn't ask him to tell me such detail... he just told me. Seemed nice guy.

Anyway, laundry was finally complete at 7pm and it was time for me to leave! Yeah, train at Tokyo station is to depart 8:40pm. Had to be there about a little after 8pm! So packing was done... put minimum stuff into a bag and took it with me on the way! I was in rush! Didn't want to miss that train... because that was the last train for the bound today!

Hikari 243 bounds for Shin Osaka. Currently am in the train, writing this. Car #13. Seat 8E (window). Not many passengers. There is a cute girl in a seat just ahead of me. Didn't peak to her... yet.

21:20

July 11, 2003 =Visitor from West Coast

Happy Friday?! It was for me. Not that tough on me and easy closure toward weekend! Good for moi!

Saw a client in the morning and another in afternoon. No issues to take note about and smile was just needed then. Everything was under control.. at least for those customers. Yeah, I mean "at least." That's the key... there is NO 100% perfection on human-providing services. Like everyone says (mostly for as their excuse) "People do mistake" or "Human error." Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Anyway, there is no negative side of it for my Friday!

Visitor from West Coast. Means from Los Angeles. Referred as "LAX." June Kanai (Japanese female) is the counterpart in LAX and she was on vacation and brave enough (?) to show up before me! Hahaha. First time ever meeting her for me. You know what?! She came to me with single phrase. "Tak, do not be tough on me with business issues. This is my vacation."

Obviously, she had known who I would be facing up to her. Yeah, full of complaints about some service issues... Hahaha.

So then, I didn't have to take everything seriously and let (most) issues go while meeting her. How nice of me?! Was very patient?! Can you tell?

You know what?! I might be very extreme about how straight and how tight the all transactions to be taken care. In other words, I may be "perfectionist?" Some coworkers told me, on different occasion, that so many people in the office really got scary impression on me because I always would come up with right theory and made others be nothing but feel sorry. No other way around in talking about any serious issue with me.

Too strict - would be the best description?!

I knew that there were some coworkers feel uneasy to deal biz with me since my requirement or goal of business weren't be to easy-targeted or piece-of-cake work. I, many times, set the goal as " achievement." Also wanting full customer satisfaction. Since I do believe in that comfort to dealing with us is primary factor to continue the business. Not shot-term profit or any other kind. You know what I mean.

Maybe I am too young or inexperienced about motivate others. I should take some moment to rethinkg about it. I put priority on customers' want rather (more?) than what coworkers can do in service. Hmmmm, difficult to balance them out.

Getting back to the story with Visitor June from West Coast.

Had a small session about exchanging current business situation and expectation toward better service. Took about over an hour. After that... small "welcoming" time for her and unexpected man to join us. Tom! Tom Kagawa showed up for 1st time after his retirement.

Drinking spree in Chinese restaurant. Akiyoshi Mori, Kaori Hanaki, Norio Omori, and Yasuko, Ishiyama were other hosts along with me. Drunk?! Tom was! Really. He was almost GONE then.

BTW, decided to go home. Tomorrow. Will be updaing my diary from Ogaki tomorrow night. See you then. Will see long-time-no-see friend ChanKen in hometown.

14:28+1

July 10, 2003 =Difficult Time?

New people... new way of managing the organization. This is exactly where we are. My company. Many of us are happier than ever?! Maybe some. Not everyone, though. Lots of frustrations?! Could be (yeah, truly?).

Good thing... we just face up to tomorrow for another weekend. After tomorrow, all should be fine. All problems can be put aside... until following Monday. Hahaha, that's how I would do.

Suddenly (Susan? - Too old!) - another biz trip is to be scheduled. For Monday. Nagoya is the destination and now I wonder if I should go home in Ogaki for this weekend and catch up with client from home in Ogaki on Monday. Good idea?! Well, still in consideration... no clear decision here yet.

Am I not wanting to go home?! Well, sure. Though, I won't have such luxury about being myself for anything I would like to do! Privacy would be very limited... and most importantly, I don't get along with my father (as you may know). Irritating about thinking whether going home or not. Gee, really gets me a headache!

1 appointment in the afternoon. Expected to be tough one for such big (biggest?) opportunity. Though, turned out to be simple and rather short meeting. About 30 minutes or so. Akira Yamazaki of Narita Branch came along and was surprised that we had such reluctant result from the meeting. How come?! Well, because not much productive?! Yeah. Though, we are not too sure, still now, that we secure the biz for real or not. Sounds so and we should be content... not 100% until when we really do the biz with this client. In shortly, I hope.

DJIA - going down today, too... Below 9000 level...

Watching one of favorite movies, "Wall Street." I know, this is old movie. Even before when I was born (no way!). I like the scene...

"He's using you, kid. He's got your prick in his back pocket, but you're too blind to see it." Have you seen this movie before?! If not, you should. One of the best! Trust me on this one.

One coworker is expected to leave... leaving the country for good. Back to his origin... Atlanta, Georgia. Ron-san is now decided to go home early next month. Big farewell to be.

23:45

July 9, 2003 =Seven?! Not Five for Sure?!

Hi, folks. Tak is happy camper for today! Received an e-mail from darling sister today. Hadn't had heard from her for too long time and made him so curious or dying to get in touch with her!!! Yeah, this is serious, darling (hope you read here)!!!

Glad to see you were fine, baby!

Seven-story tower in the middle of large shopping complex

Busy today. More than yesterday. Started an appointment with Boss Ito who didn't want to see that customer for some reason. Although we (maybe I myself?) wanted to cut that meeting as short as possible, still talkative customer didn't get along with our (my?) wish. Did last about 45 minutes... made me feel like FOREVER!

Lunch with boss... full of serious issues encountered to our job situation. Gee. What shall I comment about them?!

Anyway, getting back to a story that I saw that crazy tall building. You can count up to seven. Yeah, seven stories. Highest (real) building from ancient time in that fashion (type of building) is 5 stories in Nara or Kyoto areas. How come 7 in the middle of nowhere.

Please called Ebina, Kanagawa.

I just made a little research... since I didn't have time to check all about that building at sight... in fact, I was running into afternoon appointments. NO TIME FOR SHOPPING! Hehehe. Result of my study?! Well, this place (Ebina) has some historic sight and study tells that there used to be a seven-story tower in the area... highest in Japan's history. So that's why such monument was there as a symbol. Got it.

How about business session with clients in the afternoon?! Well, I thought too much about why big tower was there... no significant delivery at the end of day. How come did I come this far?! (about two hours away from the office!)

Well, tomorrow is a new day!

23:15

July 8, 2003 =Must be Female?

I told you before that I had a new neighbor... literally "next door." Well, I have even seen who it is yet. In fact, I have no solid information... but I can tell. I have a hunch that it is SHE! Yeah, I do have female neighbor!

So what?! Does matter much?! Any effect to my life?! That way, there is no such thing. I just tell you what's new around.

Why telling so today?! Well, cooking. Smell pretty good. Yes, I open up my window fully and smell really kicks in to me. Must be really good cook.

Let's get back to what's up with me today. Boss Ito was out for whole day. Means easy for all of us?! So-so. Had a little meeting with a client in the morning. Went back to the office once and prepared for following meeting with client N.

Demanding customer with an answer even prepared prior to the meeting with me. Setting to the table for a talk, things had been settled in client. Gee. I wasted my time?! I don't want to think that way. Though, I had to face that I lost some business. NOT whole sum... just partially. What matters is that I haven't lost any biz before me just like that. Oh boy, what a day!

It was just end of my day. With such bad news, right?! Yeah, I know. Report was made immediately. Not to Boss Ito who was absent then?! Nope. It was not of our department. I sold biz out of different service menu for other department on behalf. So doesn't hurt much. Precisely, no effects to my sales budget whatsoever.

Anyway, STILL don't like lost a bit. Keep winning is a minimum! Yeah, you know that I live in such meritocracy. Would you concur?

Came home about 7:45pm. Ate supper here by myself. Watched TV. Now start playing DVD - "Episode II."

Good night.

23:01

July 7, 2003 =Water Splash over the Desk?

How did you finish your July 4th weekend?! Hope you had good one with your family and loved ones. Me?! Hey, I am still in Japan and there is NO holiday here.

Humidity was irritating to anyone and somehow I came to enjoy some water splash?! And that happened in the office?! How?! Man, it was rather water hazard!!! While I was on the phone with client, I realized that my left arm was wet. First I thought I was bleeding since I wore blue shirt and couldn't tell what color it was to myself.

Yeah, I really asked myself how come I was bleeding so hard.

After a second, I became calm and saw what was going on. It was water... dripping from the ceiling. Precisely, from air conditioner attached to the ceiling. Man, I was a victim... no one else in the office. Lucky me!

No more water... my desk was protected with vinyl sheet all over!

Looks like a murder scene, doesn't it?

Maintenance people were in rush to this accident site. Laughed and smiled a little to see situation was rather minor (to them, not to me!). They came with some items to clear all up. Check the attic to make sure that no more water to be dripping soon. Well, my pain and concern were relieved. Thank you, folks! (2 old men worked about 15 minutes on this case.)

Other than this happening, didn't have any other stuff to tell in particular! Easy day for me since all ya'll didn't work and not many email messages with requests to take care for me!

Laundry in progress.

22:41

July 6, 2003 =Big Fight?!

Well, funny movie "My Big Fat Wedding" is coming up in Japan's movie market. Though, what really took place in Tak's world was similar but still different. Significantly. "My Big Fight" got in this morning. Sounds bad, doesn't it?

Fight was lasted quite long. Longer than I thought. Though, came down to an end with clam solution. "Will be kind to each other to work all out." Sounds fuzzy?! It was okay in that way at that point. It happens, right?! With whom in this fight?! For what? Don't be silly.

After all, it was nothing really for me. Had late lunch and had coffee in cafe. Read several newspapers there for all news missed. Then, working on my website... yeah this site you're looking. Some new addition came. Please see if you have a spare minute right this moment.

Ogaki-jin's Golf page.

Otherwise, working on Webcam with PowerBook 2400c. Not work on Yahoo Messenger somehow. Still don't know what really interrupts the program. While, with other (standard) webcam software, works just fine.

PowerBook2400c with Connectix QuickCam

Remember that I bought this QuickCam from eBay long time ago?! Man, this was way far deep side of my closet and found recently. Now hooked to 2400c and still work with mediocre image (in colors!). For what should I use?! At least there is no way to connect to current G4 machine, though. This is bad side.

No laundry done. Postponed toward tomorrow.

Giants vs. Dragons (pro-baseball) - this game was really great! (still going on) TV broadcasting was over and now I have to watch on Net. Not live cam thing... just checking scoreboard. Extended to 12th inning right now, tied at 3-3. 8 pitchers from Dragons went on the mound to secure a victory... not succeeded yet. Hope they will. Yeah, Tak is big Dragons supporter.

22:34

July 5, 2003 =Easy Saturday?

Woke up around 9am. It was not that great sleep. Anyway, just weekend started. Called up MoonFlower and I wanted to wake her up... though, she didn't answer. Man, my plan wasn't carried out as planned.

Later on, we got together and went to Ginza. I hadn't been there for a long time and still didn't have any particular reason to go there. Anyway, went to eat Sushi for late lunch around 3pm and walked around in the area.

No movies.

MoonFlower checked so many things in difference places. Bought some cosmetic stuff in Sony Plaza. So many clothes she wanted... they were priced at like 60000 yen or higher. Man, what kind of price range she usually can afford?

Dinner in Chinese restaurant. Yummy.

No plans tomorrow. Will sleep in.

0:29+1

July 4, 2003 =Tak's Independence Day

No work for you today, huh! How nice! Me?! Usual. Means being lazy and very good at (almost perfect) faking how hard I was working. Yeah, good act it was.

Showed up to the governmental agency for some proof and didn't take me much time there to get documents signed by officer. Then, I started walking back to the office. Found some golf shop holding big sale.

Here are the boots!

3 new pairs of socks... purple, sky blue, and dark blue ones.

On top tag attached to each pair... says 1000 yet. Means purchase of 3000 yen so instantly?! Out of my pocket like that?! Doesn't seem to be the way I decide a buy, huh! Don't you think? Was I desperate about bringing new socks in order to replace old ones coming along with a big hole?! (more than several in them, right?)

Well, they are NOT for work... for your information. Yeah, I admit that I was used to put colorful pairs like ones in green, pink, or whatever you name. Not anymore. Getting along with everyone's habit and norms, I am normal for now. I can prove that I am no longer color blind.

Now problem was price, right?! Surely, no way to be able to afford 3000 yen... so you have to guess how much really they were.

Yasuko Ishiyama thought that they were about 450 yen each (pair). Means, spent 1350 yen for all? WRONG.

Boss Ito came out with some theory. Discount place selling socks often price at 100 - 300 yen each. Since I made a purchase so easily, he told me that they were 100 yen each. BINGO! Good for him. "Boss knows it all?"

Yeah, spent just 300 yen for all. Made a great buy!

0:06+2

July 3, 2003 =Long Way to See Customer with WRONG INFORMATION?

Business trip today. Tochigi Prefecture. Have NEVER been to. I went up with Akira Yamazaki from Narita Brunch. He came along with some potential toward new business. That was the main purpose (target?) for today.

1st appointment was nothing but courtesy call to existing account. No one has ever called this office in person before due to long distance from our office and there was no convenience to have such opportunity to see this (small!) client. It was in Oyama City. You don't know about this place at all and neither do I! Who cares!!! Hahaha.

Took train on and came to THE appointment of the day. You know what?! We came out with a little disappointment. Way far difficult to break the chain to current provider from that customer. Yamazaki really thought that it would be a piece of cake and this turned out - speechless for him. We all should know that there is NO such thing (cake!) anywhere.

What a day!

Just bring two photos here. No traffic at all?! Seemed to be! Very countryside?! Perfect isolation?! Dead town, huh. Called "Ishibashi." Still major railway by JR is passing through the town.

You might want to ask me how I took such pictures without anyone or any car in the scenes, huh! Well, it was easy. Really easy. Just I walked out there and took pictures! It was about 4pm and still some shops were open then.

Came home about 7:30pm. Tired. Long way for nothing (i.e. no good news to report to). While being so away from office and everything was under control? That's all what I know and am informed. Will see this would be correct or not tomorrow morning. Hope no customers would scream or yell at me then.

22:34

July 2, 2003 =Ready for Biz Trip?

Am quite beat! Ready for bed, already.

Man, more than 300 points up on Nikkei 225 (stock market) today! What happened then?! Big surprise and lots of big share holders gets such privilege from bulge of the market index. Have I? Definitely not.

Prepared more than several quotations for customers in the morning. Not for my department, though. It was like volunteer... all for OTHER departments. Sometimes, I have to be just like a peon. Hey, actually am (don't I forget already?).

Hiroshi Kuboki was supposed to show up to me for an appointment and he was late. I wondered if he misunderstood of the time and if he wouldn't show. Well, it was just about 15 minutes of delay and we went up to see customer (still were late to the appointment, too). Then, this change made whole plan of my day thereafter. had 4:30pm appointment in the office and I made back at 5pm. Thank God, Kyoko Fukami took initiative about what to be done with visitor then. I was relieved and thankful.

Tomorrow, biz trip is planned and I had to stay at work late. Like up to 9pm. Have to bring up the sales result from June and, you know what? - it was okay in figure for me. Not great... but not bad at all. Means, I won't get fired in next 30 days or so. Hahaha.

Where in the world do I go tomorrow?! NOT overseas. it is to be Tochigi prefecture. Far from here... like a little more than several hours by train. 2 customers to see tomorrow.

Friend in Atlanta, Tom2bwu went up to NYC? Even saw Godzilla Matsui's 2nd grand slum in Major League?! Man, good for her! (yeah, Tom is a gal)

In the past, I was so desperate about seeing Nomo to pitch against Braves. Yeah, I remember just like were yesterday. I even went to ball park two days in a row then! (true story)

Gotta be kidding! I just saw news from Fuji Film. Long-waited new digital camera "FinePix F700" was originally due in May. Postponed once to "Summer 2003." Then now, will go on sale in October. Hey, I may stop being the patron of Fuji!!! As you may know (may not?) - my current and last camera were from Fuji. Yeah, big fan of Fuji's camera series. Now ready to move on to Casio or Pentax.

Shocking, though. I am ready to replace my current camera! (and saving pennies for new purchase)

Good night.

23:28

July 1, 2003 =First Half of Year Done Already?!

So apparently, 2nd half of year gets started today. Good start?! Probably not. I started off with many nightmares. No kidding! 10am, in the office. Immediately, Boss Ito, Mori, Ishiyama and I were sat down to a meeting with another sales representative, Yashiro, about some business reviews. He had a mission to Europe and we had lots of tell him before his trip. Of course, I brought my laptop in to the table and carefully downloaded all unread messages. You know what the?

Received several email messages with upsetting voice of customers. Man, screaming!

Client A, N, T, and what else... Oh big client J, too. I was stuck then. Badly.

Meeting was over before noon and had a meeting which was set even two weeks ago... with client A (not the same to previously mentioned). Full of complaints. "Lack of professionalism" was the phrase repeated over and over by a customer. Complaints came out because of poorly served by my colleague. Well, I had no words against such hard attack. Had to listen on and on. Lasted about an hour... and finally I came out from the meeting with my own phrase... "Only I can promise for today is that we will bring up some improvement on next occasion." If fail next time?! Then I will run away right away!!! Hehehe.

You know, tough to make all customers happy... at a time. Don't you know a phrase, "Ain't your day!" thing. Haha, sure you know about it.

Anyway, bad start already. Couldn't go any worse for sure. Maybe tomorrow is my kind day!

Came home around 9pm. No Yahoo Auctions tonight. No adult sites, either! Hehehe. Hey, please know that I don't usually go to such places on Net... (some exception?).

No work home tonight?! Already dispatched more than several messages. What do you think?! This is so-called workaholic?! Please determine. Well, know for sure that I cannot afford any failure like discovered more than a few within single working day from tomorrow on.

23:37

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