No End-Year "Jumbo" Lottery winning for me! Man, it wasn't my turn... maybe next time.
Have a wonderful New Year's!
19:25
|
December 30, 2003 =See ChanKen |
Back in Ogaki... first job to do was nothing but writing New Year Greeting Cards. Yeah, I'd bought about 25 cards for this and needed to fill names, addresses, and messages. Took me about several hours...
Mostly for coworkers... who worked with me in previous position for more than 3 years. Soon as getting all done, rushed into Post Office (Ogaki main office). Still too late... they won't be delivered on New Year's Day for sure. I guess, cards are to make on 3rd...
Then, my Mom and I went out for shopping. I wanted to buy something for my new apartment room. Sort like DIY shop and bought several things like small carpet, etc.
At night, as scheduled, I saw this guy:
As you know... friend ChanKen
Talk seemed having no end... Exchanged current up-to-date and explained the entire process of my decision making about switching jobs... Talked about future career and car, etc. Yeah, too much drink and too much talk... AS USUAL.
Of course, drinks... no driving.
ChanKen... aged 30 - still looking for future partner... definitely available in the (single) market. If you ever wish to contact such gentle fellow like him, please email me!
11:47+1
|
December 29, 2003 =Transport to Ogaki |
No train or just ride for this year. It was my driving... long way to get back in town... hometown Ogaki. Finally here.
Got up around 6am... spending night at Kirk's house. He's got work to go and I got along with his schedule. At 7am, my trip to Ogaki from Tokyo began. Long way! Longer than I really thought.
With single stop for rest and bathroom, I finally arrived at Ogaki home around 11:50am.
Rest thereafter. Zzzzz.
17:20+1
|
December 28, 2003 =Nabe Party 2003! |
Great closing! Yeah, better than great! Awesome!
Too much foods for 6 of us!!!
L-R> Kirk, yk110, Charlie, MoonFlower, Emi Takahashi
Great gathering and great talk with wonderful taste... couldn't have been better! Too much drinks?! Well, tell me about it.
17:11+2
|
December 27, 2003 =Last Day in Urayasu |
Yesterday, it was last day at work... today, it was my last day in Urayasu compound! Yeah, am on really busy and tight schedule, you know!
Man, truly empty!
Now moving is complete. Now my address is no longer in Urayasu but in Sagamihara.
17:10+3
|
December 26, 2003 =Last Day at Work! |
Hey, you cry, you laugh, you get angry... no matter what... it was my LAST day at UPS Suzuyo! Not a chance to reconsider my decision which had been made!
Forgot to put up... this was my LAST donation!
Out of my pocket money, X'mas cakes for all coworkers in the department.
I just would like to express appreciation of mine about having dedicated myself to this organization for total 7 years... all were great memories and surely it was great part of my life!
Endless night?! Didn't happen that way... you know, too many troubles at last moments... seems no end for some of coworkers. Boss Ito and some others spent night at work! Yeah, really happened.
Drunk? Yeah, I was... but I felt sickened. You know, I started drinking TOO early like around 5pm. I couldn't stay fine too long and had to cut out this last moment a little shorter than expected.
17:01+4
|
December 25, 2003 =Merry Christmas!!! |
Got good meal yet?! Sure you had or you will have... Man, I wish I could be in US or other nations celebrating such special day of the year! In Japan, nothing really took place here... Everyone went work and so did I.
TWO days to go! Yep, my last day at work is TOMORROW!
Looking around... man, so many troubles here... Boss Ito, Kaori Hanaki... everyone was swamped and problems were still remaining. Me? Well, mostly done and I have nothing to do?! Not that bad... though, partly correct. I just keep sending memos of some accounts to other staff members or write thank-you note to customers. That's pretty much it.
Presents... Christmas presents I bought for Robyn and other loved ones in my American family... I should check if the goods were delivered to home yet. I bet they did.
Let me make this update short... Already passed the midnight and ready to go to bed.
Tomorrow - isn't only of my last day at work... last working day of the year for everyone at work! Year-closing day for work. Means, big party to throw?! Will see.
0:10+1
|
December 24, 2003 =Christmas Eve |
Very Merry Christmas!!! I just saw (my) Santa dropping by. I knew he would come around to give someone hard working like me something for this special day!
Yeah, piece of paper was in my mail box. Must be telling me of some good news! Oh yeah, trust me... I was really right. BIG news. Received a BILL with HUGE amount. Yeah, literally big. About 2k... Yeah, TWO GRAND! No kidding! Yeah, I know... all description of spending was truly real!!! Golfing, new suits, new eye glasses, new pair of shoes... Sounds like a big gal called "material girl," right?! Hmmm.
Hey, what I have spent is what I have spent (make sense?). What happened was what happened... whatever! So I have to deal with it.
Speaking of new stuff... my new Mikli glasses made debut to work today! Boss Ito told me, "You might want to reconsider to put those on for your first day at new position." He wanted me to remind that other pairs may make me look softer. Wow... he could be a fashion stylist?! Anyhow, I have agreed with his some point of view in his say at that conversation.
Probably, Mikli won't be the first pick for 1st day of new work place. I would say, gold frame, by Fendi, is the one. You know, 5 pairs to choose from!
Started in Sagamihara this morning, too. Spent a night there?! Nope. I went up there from Urayasu by train. Went to City Hall for registration of my move-in and then, stopped over the police station to file address change of my driver's license. All done by 11am. Then, I've got a call from Boss Ito. He said, "Are you coming to work today right?! Where are you?! You should be here... soon, right?! Well, there is not really much you need to be at work right away... but..."
It was sort pointless. Though, he just wanted me to come to work sooner. Hahaha. Funny.
For entire afternoon, I spent time writing all sales report. With details of each business account, all (almost?) were written up. Should be very good supportive documents for those who took over from me.
Left work around 8pm. No plans for this special night (except bill thing). No fancy dinner or presents to exchange?! Nope. I should get something for MoonFlower, though.
0:10+1
|
December 23, 2003 =Whose Birthday? |
It's Emperor Akihito's birthday. National Holiday. And my busy day... to move to Sagamihara, Kanagawa. Nippon Express, the mover, showed up even before the time set for appointment.
Two men were here... and surely (no doubt?) got surprised with such small quantity of goods I had for them. Started 9:15am and finished all and left this place for Sagamihara around 9:40am. They nicely packed TV and VCR with cardboard. Looked very professional and cool to me!
After the mover left, before me, I started vacuum all dusts off in the place. Dusts... accumulated over three years... Finally, I stared the engine of car at 10:10am.
Man, hadn't driven a car for long distance... for a such long time and made me nervous. You know, I always drive a car with someone with me. I was really depending upon navigation system on the car and followed the voice guidance from the system.
Made a couple of wrong turns (still)!!!
Anyhow, I made it. In Sagamihara, I drove up to the office of new company I will start working for next year and received a key to the apartment. I thought that I would leave that place for the apartment right away... though, two guys (besides Administration personnel) showed up before me. Business cards given and identified that they were to be my (new) bosses! OH boy! I was in the middle of move and didn't put proper clothes on!!! Well, I was, of course, excused with that.
10 minutes or so, I've got a chat with two gentlemen... it was okay.
Only thing made me feel something common between old and new job. "Shinsuke" is the first name for both current (Boss Ito) and future boss!
National Holiday made my plan changed. Couldn't go to either City Hall or Police Station for registration. Such process must take place during weekdays. Well, I will try TOMORROW, instead.
Back in Urayasu around 4:30pm. Was exhausted! Man, I was truly beat. Traffic was pain and it was certainly long way for me to drive alone. Well, I get used to it sooner or later. How long from Urayasu to Sagamihara?! About one hour and half.
For dinner, I saw Charlie and he wanted to go to leisure bath in Kasai (i.e. public bath). I sort didn't expect to... and wanted to avoid such because no preparation and notably I was too tied. He insisted and we started to look for. After getting lost in the same area, we finally came to find the place for bath. Man, it was packed and so many people were there... Only 8 dollars for an adult, you can go into all bath... lots of different specialities like bubble bath, etc. So fun and relaxing!
Charlie, you were right! After heavy duty like that (i.e. moving), it was so nice to stay under hot water!!!
Thai food for supper with him thereafter. So nice to eat after good bath!!!
Now here I am... in usual Urayasu apartment room. Nothing here. No TV, No DVD, No extra blanket. Only Internet and radio here.
0:18+1
|
December 22, 2003 =New Life To Begin |
Hmmm, very busy packing all up! Well, literally not everything YET. In fact, moving is tomorrow; I will be back even after that. What happens is that Boss Ito still (yet?) expects me to show up to work... New place is just too far for me to get to work place. So I will remain where I live... Urayasu. I keep minimum amount of all needed to live in this place. Everything else is expected to move to new apartment.
Nippon Express is appointed mover for my case. Well, I am, so far, informed that 2 ton truck is to be chartered. You know, what you see in above picture is all I have! Yeah, I can move with van or something smaller than 2 ton truck.
Oh, what I just needed is passenger side of that truck. NOT rear deck! Hahaha.
Nissan Primera Wagon
First car for me in Japan. Very beautiful body --- I love it. Ride is very smooth and roomy inside. From today on, my new life style in Japan to begin. Tak's motorization in Japan! Life with automobile is back!!!
With car, I moved to a place to another. 9am, Urayasu City Hall to withdraw my record from registration. Then, Post Office (Urayasu Head Office) for notice of move. Then, Docomo retail shop to connect my P-in cellular phone for mobile computing. Couldn't have done without such mobility with in very short time like 2 hours or less.
FINALLY, new eyeware is in my pocession. About time! So happy to have another pair here!!! Made my day!
Tomorrow, mover is to show up here at 9:30am. Hope I can finish all up by 5pm or so... because I still plan to be back in town! Don't know really how long it takes to get up there... probably an hour and half?!
More snap shots from Year-End Gathering. Here they are.
23:35
|
December 21, 2003 =Ready To Move? |
Ready to move?! After last official event of company, I should be. As planned... 23rd is the day for move to new place! Remember?! Haven't I mentioned of it yet?! Anyhow, I should be in rush to pack all up!!!
What about car?! Wasn't it ready on 20th?! Didn't get it yet... right?! Finally. I've got a call from brother telling me about I can pick it up. Thanks to him, didn't have any trouble around to have such arrangement. Didn't but a car this time. It's my brother's and he lets me use it for a while... at least one whole year!
Sometimes... I am lucky!
So the result of all after today?! I packed 3 boxes and many old items like books and clothes were moved in to trash can.
Car is here. I will have full report of the car tomorrow!
0:45+1
|
December 20, 2003 =Y-E 2003 |
PARTY! (again?) Hey, it was OFFICIAL one tonight. UPS Suzuyo Freight Services, Inc. held its (first!) Year-End Gathering. Before, what we called as Kick-Off held in August... now shifted to such simple gathering. At Shiba Park Hotel in Tokyo. All even from Nagoya, Osaka, KIX Airport, Fukuoka and Narita Airport Office... about 123 people were there.
Some never-seen-on-Ogakijin faces here?! Surely so!
If you wish to know name or even contact information of someone particular from above series of pictures, please contact me! Won't be free... but I can try to minimize the cost for such hand for you! Hehehe. Sounds like I am quite bad... (of course not).
American fellow to be the President from coming February!!! Big news!
His first job was to hold draws for prizes! Good job! Hehehe.
Yellow sweater?! Like it? Oh, I won a prize!!!
Memorial Shot... with Pres. Murakami.
Prize?! Man, portable camera!!! Thank you!
0:40+2
|
December 19, 2003 =Almost There |
Finally (it's about time!), all customers of mine are notified of my departure from work. So many of them were surprised, as expected, and wowed. Yet, many of them did really cheer me up for this change and challenge. None of them were pessimistic about my decision.
Some gift...
American-made coffee maker by Bonjour
On my leave, client P sends me this... THANK YOU! I was actually thinking to buy thing like that for new place that I live. Well, good deal. Great deal.
All things in my desk drawers are empty as a result of my HOUSE KEEPING. All personal stuff are now on the desk like this. Pretty much it, huh. Yep, almost all to be taken care and almost there!
Of course, all client folders and files were passed on. Sure, don't want to see any details of business! Hahaha, just kidding.
For dinner, since it was late and still some others were working, four of us decided to eat first before going home. Ended in "Korean Table" restaurant. Yeah, I went to that place like last week or so?! Anyhow, awesome Korean meats!
Full. Lots of garlic. Hmmm (garlicky smell).
14:58+1
|
December 18, 2003 =Cansado! |
Work... no drinks. Serious work only for today! How're you, folks?! Work hard or hardly working?! My time is about to be up... sooner or later. Just only 2 appointments and I spent most afternoon in office.
Many... more than many cards. Yeah, I have collected hundreds of business cards... for 3 years or so. I have started to copying every single one of them. Yeah, I don't want to take cards... upon my departure... but just information! You know what I mean. So, I copied all and leave them there thereafter. Still many photo copies needed... Oops, I have to sort all out first.
Sending a message to all Japanese coworkers in offices overseas... told them of my leaving. Most of them were surprised and returning message with such phrase like "Tak, what happened?!" - Well, just a matter of my new interest. New endeavors, right?! Yep.
Had to look up a word... found as "peritonitis." That is what MoonFlower was diagnosed today. She felt sick and went to see a doctor. Man, what went wrong?! Hope she gets well soon!
What else?! Oh, got to tell ya. Narita Office held a year-end party for all staff members. Man, I've missed. You know, I received a call from Atsuko Ishii (female) and she started screaming soon as I answered phone. She sort yelled and asked me how come I wouldn't be there. Well, I wanted to. In fact, event for this event (dinner with Client J) was cancelled; I should've got time for that party in Narita. Yet, too far to make it. I was in the office until 9pm. Too late to hit the road to Narita.
So many of them in Narita think that it is badly outrage if I leave company for good without visit the office to see them. I know, I know... am still seeking time for that. Don't count too much... but I try my best. Truly, I would love to get up there!
Tired.
Over tonight, someone will come to mark 120,000 visitors in the counter on Japanese page. Are you the one?
23:40
|
December 17, 2003 =Wow, Tak's Farewell? |
Already?! I've got an invitation to the dinner tonight... by unexpected group of people... those who were in other department, rather than mine, and I had awesome time with them! Too much joking there, though.
This seems merely gathering of single people from work... because mostly they are. In fact, just happened to be this way, according to Mrs. Fujiwara, tonight's organizer.
Well, shouldn't disclose much about who they are... by face and name... If you know of them, yeah, they invited me over dinner. It was fun and great time.
Probably, spoke too much about Eto... he is always easy target to pick on! Really. You can try! Hahaha. You may think that I am the easiest... now I think there is someone beat me in that category. Good finding.
How do I look in (fairly new) brown suits? Will take comments of yours!
5 appointments were many enough and didn't go as scheduled much time-wise. Yeah, you don't know how much each customer would talk... one of them... specially, customer met in the morning talked like endlessly. Lots of criticism of our service... man, pain in my butt!! I was very worried to get out of that place for following place on time. Cab driver did a great job and met such time requirement. I thanked him so much. When getting to the place requested, driver said, "Hey, we made it. Good deal, huh!" He seemed having fun with me and such constraint.
Did complete all 5 appointments. Well done.
Shopping done... briefly for this Christmas. Yeah, cannot forget... every year... I want to distribute Happy Holiday feeling to those who I love. At this time, just I started... not finished all up yet. Please bear with me... I have to watch out how much to spend.
Too much drink tonight (too). Well, it's over. Thank you for those who were coming! I was grateful. Sounded like I would be most missed.
0:41+1
|
December 16, 2003 =Another FIESTA |
Good evening... ladies and gens. Well, once again... almost usual habit of mine?! Had some drinks tonight. I was with members of client for dinner and, yes, it was fun stuff for myself.
Part of end-year gathering and part of my farewell. Things were good and peachy. Even I myself had fun with conversation coming along with full sense of humor (that I had) and nice people got along so well with each other. From 6:30pm, time passed quickly and drinks kept coming on to the table. Yeah, more than usual.
Japanese authentic "NABE" dish for dinner. Typical for winter and for such gathering. No pictures?! Unfortunately. I didn't make up my mind about taking a camera with me for this event. Since it was business purpose. Nabe gets translated into "HOT DISH" in my reference. Man, easy enough... though, not describing well enough.
Client T - that I was with for almost 3 years.
Mr. S, Mr. N, Mr. M, Mr. A and Miss K - all were really congratulating me on new endeavors. Thank you! It was great working for ya'll and certainly, I will make sure of everything to be all right after my departure.
At the table, I came to listen up to one of them telling me how to expect about having new job. Specially about the industry I am about to dedicate to. I learned some... good (and yet necessary?) lessons. I will hold such understanding and expectations in mind toward time for new position. Thank you again! Good people... not difficult to listen to something difficult or complicated.
Oh, to visit this company for a meeting started, prior to this fun session, I brought a bouquet of flowers to Mrs. M - recently married. Part of my gift. You know, she was extremely surprised and seemed so glad to receive it. Well, you know, I don't hesitate much about sending flowers... unlike stereotype of Japanese male. Hahaha! Good attitude learned in Western Hemisphere (wow, is this correct)? Hehehe.
Anyhow, yep, I've done it. Good for her and good action! Good job.
Had 3 appointments (including above). Unlike today, tomorrow thing will be much tougher. How many?! Well, FIVE. Gee. Time to wrap all up for today and I should hit my sack right away... Oops, I cannot forget about Japanese page after this.
0:40+1
|
December 15, 2003 =Final WHOLE Week? |
As you know, I am leaving the company for good... at the end of year. Well, this week is actually last one that I spend in full! Next week, moving is scheduled and will be at work partially. So the process of my successor's introduction to existing customers is now coming to its peak.
Oh, I still got some pictures from the trip to show... am sure that you don't resist... too much. Hehehe.
Familiar faces?! L-R: Kyoko Fukami, Akiyoshi Mori, and Atsushi Mochizuki
Another shot... everyone were like zombies!!! Very late night... very.
You can tell how crazy it was, can't you?!Wait... Is Tak in the center?! Oh gee...
Today's Tak... Just two customers to visit. Though, one in the afternoon was in far distance... pretty much farther than any other customer on my list! Boss Ito and Toshinari Tanaka were my company for whole time. One way took us about almost 2 hours. Were like school excursion! Hehehe. It was strictly of business, though.
Both meetings with clients went quite well. Good relief.
"Macho" Eto took half day off this morning for shopping buying new cellular phone. Interesting. I thought that it would be much better way to spend such paid period of time! Hehehe. Good for him, though. Brand new model. Man, he's got money!
Tak's new (not brand new, I mean) is ready for my pick up on Saturday. About time?! Hey, have I ever mentioned of such arrangement about vehicle?! Probably not. Surprise?!
Working late. Left work right after 9:30pm. Boss Ito has gone out of work... for some party with his friends. Yasuko Ishiyama went home even earlier. She felt sick. Her face was quite pale... it was so obvious. Hope she gets well after a good night sleep.
0:09+1
|
December 14, 2003 =Endless Night |
You might not want to believe this... I was up until 5:30am... 2 hours thereafter, it was my sort NAP time before breakfast this morning. It's, as usual, always like this crazy, you know!
Karaoke began at 8pm after meal... the pictures shown in yesterday update. Just a matter of 2 hours for songs... not that many could sing... Well, surely I presented my ugly voice with no sense of rhythm. Hahaha!
Takahama - system guy.
That moment, he created new style of his own to all of us... that waving! Everyone was laughed and thought that this would be the common sign between all of us coming here. From Monday on, will do this between each other to recognize that we are in secret society?!
Too bad that I cannot show this well to you... Takahama was funny in this doing.
Karaoke was certainly for Shitanishi and Boss Ito... Oh, Mochizuki was funny, too. After Karaoke, all got together in a room for 5 and stayed... still full of foods and drinks! BBQ? Tanabe brought some fresh meat and instant BBQ took place inside. That pork was so great... like he could start up a restaurant with it.
WATER WATER WATER --- Water Hazard!
In the middle of the fun time like a little after 2am (yeah, still everyone was up then!), we came to find that flooding situation was just there for us. Water leaking and water was everywhere! Man, we were working on to take the water out... before being evacuated!
How come we've got such a challenge?! Hehehe.
Mori, on left picture, was the organizer. Well done, man! It was great job you did. On right, Sakai drove both ways and I was really thankful about it. Your car was nice and smooth. Very comfortable ride I've been given! Much cheaper than via train too.
Memorial shot - in Atagawa 2003!
23:20
|
December 13, 2003 =Trip To Atagawa |
Way to Atagawa - hot spring place in Shizuoka. Yeah, fun trip!!! I was a car-ride member... unlike almost all in mojority were via train ride. Hideaki Sakai was the driver (Nissan Stagea Wagon - pretty cool luxury wagon!). Pretty good ride and I fell in sleep on the way! Forgot that I was part of the conversation between others on same ride!
L-R> Mochizuki, Sakai, and Shitanishi - on the same car way to the hot spring!
On the way, with clear sky, it was great view of Mt. Fuji... always so nice to see this symbol of Japan once coming through this area. Place we stayed was to accomodate 17 of us for a night and reserved rooms (cottage sytle) for 5 visitors.
Who's ass?! Man, I caught Shitanishi about going in the hot bath!!! Pulled a great scoop!
All for today's event were from work and I guess, this would be last time to hang around with familiar faces from work... since I'm leaving. Anyhow, full of alcohol and lack of sleep were highly expected. No doubt for such things to come true.
22:11+1
|
December 12, 2003 =Big Meal |
Happy Friday?! Already weekend mode for me! Since I didn't go to work. Decided not to? Just not... just because I had planned to take a day off for today.
Unlike other paid day off, woke up around 6am. Left home around 7:30am. For what?! I had an appointment with Driver's License Office (like your DMV!). Took me through the all process until 1pm. I thought that I would go up to work if getting things done quick enough. I guess, it was a wise call that making up my mind not to work thereafter.
The Office has very strict order of office hours... like you won't be able to believe. If you have morning session, you have to show between 8:30am till 9am. Within that 30 minutes, you have to register. Otherwise like missed, you have to make yourself available for afternoon session like registration between 1pm and 1:30pm. A little crazy?
Well, all done and came back to Urayasu... though, didn't go home straight. Stopped over a cafe for newspaper and bitter one (not beer, moron! Just coffee, I mean).
Checked with Seiyu department store (Wal-mart's company) for shoes... not the ones for regular use... I want something cheap for rainy days. Though, all designs I saw were out dated to me! Not cool enough. Colors weren't perfect, either. Am I picky? Well... tell me about it!
Christmas shopping has not even begun yet. You know, I've seen many shopping sites... none really interests me much at all up to this point. Have you even come down a half way on your shopping list for Christmas?
I will be out of town for this weekend. NOT with MoonFlower... sorry to disappoint ya! In the matter of fact, I will be coworkers... in Atagawa - hot spring! Like a company field trip or so-called picnic... something like that. You will see many pictures soon! Crazy ones, should be.
0:38+1
|
December 11, 2003 =Big Meal |
Good and big meal I just had. Hi, folks... It's me just had so much over dinner. Free food, notably. What was it?! Korean BBQ. Was it Sushi for dinner last night?! Korean BBQ after Sushi?! Surely, my eating habit is out of control! Must be nice, huh!!!
For most certain, I wouldn't have such meals on my own. Truly someone else's TREAT! Hehehe. Really grateful. It was part of my farewell. Nice to have someone like boss... you might want to call it like big wheel?
I must be really good protege?! SURE! Hehehe.
Appointments?! Had 2 in the morning and another 3 in the afternoon. Yeah, I was really in rush to move a place to another. How many cups of coffee?! Really much... too much.
Oshimi in Export Department has resigned... man, didn't expect to. Did you know?!
Tired. Not drunk. Just drinking... with meal. Not much.
I've taken an off for tomorrow... to take care of all personal matters. Did you know?!
0:07+1
|
December 10, 2003 =Wow, I've Got Surprised! |
Sometimes, thing should come first doesn't come first. I was busy for sales calls... about letting all clients know of my departure with introduction of the successor of each business account. Like Akiyoshi Mori, Yasuko Ishiyama, or Toshinari Tanaka. Which one was yours?! Hehehe.
What happened was... when I called up a client and started talking to young lady in that company. She quickly responded... as "Oh, I knew that you had resigned. I READ IT! I was almost writing you to see what happened."
Man, this was pretty bad... like I felt ashamed. MY client came to know of my recent move in terms of reading my personal page... rather than being informed first hand by myself! Bad, huh... Ashamed to say... but it happened! SO SORRY!
Still so many customers were surprised upon my input about my own sake for 2004! Still more to come! Hehehe.
Had about 6 cups of coffee... NOT all Starbucks, though. Not even Caribou Coffee, either. I know that I had too much. Over dinner, didn't have any brown drinks... rather yellowish drink spelling B E E R. What a day! Had free dinner. Sushi. Pretty good stuff.
Oh, did inform all friends who were colleagues in Dallas and Atlanta when in US... more than 20 emails were replied with messages wishing me luck or congratulating me on new position. Almost all concluded that I ought not to forget about those friends and I seemed always welcomed back to Atlanta or Dallas.
Kazem, Rick, Noy, Mel, Tim, Michelle, Brenda, David... so many more. Thanks, my friends!
Of course, I will NEVER forget about each of ya'll.
23:30
|
December 9, 2003 =Any Question?! |
Shocking?! Surprising?! You name it. You may want to add something like "Is this for real?!" Surely, it is.
So many people I know read this update and responded like "Man, never thought this would come to happen this time of year!" or "I knew you would take that way for your life... but so surprised still."
You know, I've seen and read only POSITIVE messages. Thank you!
But probably, one question remains unsolved yet. "Why?" The reason that I decided to leave this job... You know, you read this page every day... (at least I presume so) and don't you realize that the way of my life for now... for last three years or so became steady and all things got into a RUT! Agree?! Or still disagree?!
That's why I called... like "Time is up! Time to move on! Time to make changes!"
Not the matter of I dislike what I do... or how much I make. Just seeking to prosper my life more than now took me this way. No obligation or anything... just about spontaneously concluded. Very smooth move I made.
From next year... 2004, you will come to see whole different things from here... I will start working in place, living in a new place! People coming to this page will be all new to you, too! How about that?! Very much exciting, right?! You should be.
Oh, I need a new theme song of mine!
Those who work with me --- please do not feel sorry to see me go. This is good thing and good change I make. I know, working relationship between ya'll and myself is just coming to an end... doesn't mean all friendships have to go along with it... I promise that those who are close even outside the job will be in touch with me!
23:14
|
December 8, 2003 =Resignation |
Hi, folks. Another week... still busy time for me! Just about three appointments... though, distance between an appointment to another was long enough for me like starting out in Yokohama area.
Pretty good winter day. Not windy. It's about time to tell!
Today, company announced so internally; so I can tell so here for you, too.
Tak Yamada is going to resign at the end of December. Yeah, just like a two-week notice, huh. Yes, I finally made up my mind to take another path for my own life! Please congratulate me; instead of giving me your boo! Yes, this is serious and was big decision to make. Where am I going to?! Well, as far as you keep logging in here, won't take much time to find out.
I will be in totally different industry. Yeah, spending 7 years or so in transportation biz wasn't bad at all... rather great! Made so many friends and had lots of great memories. But they are not narrowing my way to go for rest of my life. You know what I mean. Had to keep this as secret until today. Please pardon! I had to as per requested by officials from the Company.
So, I've got only two weeks in UPS Suzuyo Freight Services, Inc. Will do all possible to let my successor learn about all accounts.
Tonight, Yonekura from Narita Office, Yasuko Ishiyama, and I joined Client Y on my farewell and Year-End dinner. Man, it was so great and funny... along with full of jokes and laughs. Just about all I needed.
Shirt awarded by my client on my leave! Thank you!
Certainly, I will miss this client. Surely, I have to make such for new job!!!
Nikkei dropped more than 300?! Gee, didn't know it would! Toward the end of year, market won't be that stable?! Well, I wish at least I can have "Merry Christmas."
23:10
|
December 7, 2003 =The Last Samurai |
About time?! Yeah, I finally (!) came to see the movie... the rates by premier viewers hit everywhere... the Last Samurai. Have you seen that yet in US? Probably not at this point. Oops, I was wrong. The opening date of the movie is, according to Yahoo Movies, on December 5th. Yeah, already out, huh.
The poster of movie, seen somewhere?
Best Hollywood movie describing of Japanese history... I can tell. Am sure that you (if you know of my country's history) can tell so as well. Ken Watanabe - is no one in Hollywood... but somewhat famous here in Japan did wonderful - better say excellent job in this movie.
Actress Koyuki was wonderfully sexy! Man, this matters more than story itself to me! Hehehe.
Definitely, I give full rates... 5 stars! A+++! Only I can tell about this movie... you don't want to miss. Worth to see. 10 dollars?! 15 bucks?! Forget it. Just go out there to see this movie.
0:20+1
|
December 6, 2003 =WR? |
Tak has made a world record! Of what?! Well, merely about the length of single sleep! As far as recalling the time when I went to bed last night, it was about 1am... then the time I was out of futon was precisely at 6pm this (early) evening. WOW!
What went wrong with me?! Nothing. Lack of sleep was definitely with me... but I don't really know how come this happened. Had to happen, I believe... really good sleep and feel much better after all!
Means, I have done nothing! So nothing to share with you for today, unfortunately.
After 6pm, I decided to go out for something to eat. Chinese dish (lots of bean curds in it!) I had and stopped over at a coffee place. With single cup of coffee, I read several news paper to catch up all of the week! Seemed I hadn't missed much. Hehehe.
Oh, laundry is done. Good deal.
No call from Alain Mikli shop... I do miss having my new glasses! Where are they gone?! Hmmm. Cannot satisfied with other 4 pairs?! Well, you know, I've already paid up big money for them... do deserve to have them all! (in my strong / selfish opinion)
Friend Amy asked (invited) me to come to her church tomorrow for her performance... She joins church choir... I wish I could. I've got some plan with MoonFlower... Am sure that the event will go well... bringing lots of Christmas atmosphere to those who attend. Amy, I promise that I will have some time for you sooner or later... especially once settling all chaotic time which is now.
Good night. (still hitting to bed?!)
0:55+1
|
December 5, 2003 =Big Money? |
It's about time! Yeah, I deserve some raise! Hahaha. Yep, big pay day today. Not 25th?! Well, called season (winter) bonus 2003. Yeah, made everyone happy?! Well... at least so. No one would never smile upon having extra cash, right?! Yep, just like that.
Although, my expectation about mine (i.e. my bonus) won't be even in exist turned to be wrong one. So I grabbed extra (still) petty cash for my poor (or financially challenged) life.
Cold and rain! Man, too many rainy days... I didn't see any forecast saying of rain... all were wrong! I realized that it was low percentage of accuracy. Don't you agree?! At least, I didn't carry umbrella... and had to go out for sales calls under rain!
4 appointments. Done well all. Busy?! Yeah, pretty much.
It was UNIQUE gathering over lunch. Akiyoshi Mori, Tetsuji Fukui, Hiroshi Kuboki, and I got together in a restaurant in the middle of afternoon. Everyone missed lunch and had to have something to eat. So weird to get 4 sales staff members in single place. Not even in Tokyo... this event (?) took place in Yokohama. Interesting, huh?
We all talked about our work place... so fun to exchange serious opinions. Optimistic ones and negative (pessimistic) ones lay side by side... very spontaneous? You know, it's always same situation... in any place. Some good and some bad...
Well, forget about work and job! It's weekend... Cold and rain tomorrow. Boring...
23:12
|
December 4, 2003 =Not That Cold? |
Same time last year... power consumption was about 85kWh... for a month. This time, the number went down... to 45kWh. How come?! See, I keep all expenses like utilities... last year and this year. There is no such certain pattern about how much spent for power, water, and others.
How much?! You might be curious. 45kWh for a month is equal to 1,509 yen. About 20 dollars. Expensive? Damn cheap compared to your place?! If you don't know how much electricity you use for 30 days, go to the kitchen and ask your mama! Hehehe.
Came from not work but Chinese restaurant. (usual one!). Akiyoshi Mori, Yasuko Ishiyama, and I went that place to hang around with Tom Kagawa... Remember? Old man (ex-coworker) came up for us. 68-year-old man was (just like old days when working with us) so energetic and couldn't stop talking... His language was (as always) the mixture of Japanese and English. Hey, I won't go that bad!
Anyhow, it was so fun to hang around with someone like him for sure. All four of us made a promise that we would keep in touch even next year and on. Good drinks.
Gee, ate too much. You know, I cannot drink much without eating. So I eat... and then I can drink. I drink... than I have to eat. Means... man, overeating!!! Hey, what about my diet plan?!
Work... spent time up to 3pm in Shinjuku... then showed up in Kanda. How many companies visited? Well, 4 clients. Pretty damn good?! Man, need MORE time to complete all (complete what?).
On the way home, the train was interrupted. One of doors wasn't closed and the train made a HUGE stop... talking like forever (at least I felt so). Big delay. Wasted about 20-25 minutes there. Too bad. Everyone was upset with such disturbance.
Today's surprise: (surely) Tom Kagawa! "Shocking."
Good night.
0:31+1
|
December 3, 2003 =Good Lunch Again |
Man, being outside for sales calls... continuously... means that I had to eat out. Sometimes, I do have nice neat lunch... about recently, better than usual. Spent 1100 yen for single meal today! Wow... more than my budget for a day!
Today's Tak: Nevy-color suits, white shirts with stripes, Brooks Brothers tie in dark blue... navy socks (never PINK anymore!).
Busy?! Well, didn't receive that many email messages for work today. Only 50-some messages. Way below average!
Nikkei went down like 85-some points... man, I thought that it would follow the NYSE... I was "equivocado." (i.e. "mistaken")
Oh on job, I let Toshinari Tanaka (from different department) take over one account of mine. First time to do joint-sales. You know, it was very fresh (greenly?) and aggressive attitude. Very interesting and made me think how I was in old days! Hehehe.
Today's surprise: Dawn Lynch saying "Oh my gosh!"
22:55
|
December 2, 2003 =Surprise? |
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Just came home... later than usual... and still this will be expected to be considered as normal for this current month. You know, year-end can be really busy and things cannot be always (like 100%) good... You know there are always some "bad apples" among good ones. Like any business with many customers... you know what I mean!
Three appointments. One in the morning and two in afternoon. Some surprises for customers... but all went okay. That part was okay while some bad were going on in the office. Yeah, problem was occurring while I was outside. Always like that.
Oh, I can tell that I had a great lunch. Big one today. BBQ thing. Very heavy and still I liked it. 750 yen, pretty reasonable, too. In Ueno.
Gee, forgot that I had to watch out the calories... not only about sugar!
For last meeting... in Toritsu Daigaku - I was with Akiyoshi Mori for the sales call. You know, he works in same department and sells like I do. One thing to notice... He didn't know that "PASS-NET" card (it's a prepaid card for trains) could be used on Tokyu Line. No kidding! Pass-net is for almost all subways besides JR lines (where you can use "SUICA" card, instead) within Tokyo area...
Wait, Mori is from Japan for sure (hehehe) and lives in this area for long enough to know something like that... how come NOT? Hmmm this is the question for the day. Really. I told all coworkers in the same department after this "incident" and asked how they would think. Surely, no one would believe about it. How come Mori didn't know where to use "Pass-net" cards... this is indeed everyday use!
Wait, how can he gets to customers' sites?! JR isn't always the one for his transportation, right?! Hmmmm. This question (that he didn't know much about the Card) won't be answered for a while. Mori hasn't had any clear explanation yet.
Supper for tonight (surely, the mean at night, right?!) - very light. Since coming home late like 10pm, just snack only for me.
23:44
|
December 1, 2003 =30 Days To Go! |
Wow, last month to go! Have you accomplished all you wanted or even promised?! If not, this may be the last chance to make a move right away!
Having a big pain in my neck... from this morning. This is pretty bad... still suffering from that. Must be from wearing brand new pair of glasses yesterday. It's always like this... every time buying new pair. Hahaha. Although, I will not have that pair for a while... will be replaced. Frame paint got bald even before the purchase. Goods are now returned to be replaced.
Same item is out of inventory. So when do I come to new ones?!
Started this week with a meeting and had an appointment in the afternoon. Then, attended to a meeting where a presentation was given by visitor from Germany. Well, was that interesting enough?! Not for me... much. Well, didn't fall asleep then... but I know, "almost." Hehehe.
All done were in English. Strong Germany accents.... really bored me?! Well.
Very cold and still raining... Man, I am sick and tired of this weather. Running out of my patience somehow.
Today's surprise: Junko Kawano & Kenichi Eto
22:40