|
April 30, 2004 =130,000th Hit by Whom? |
Oh my god... I know, probably not appropriate to say God here... but I have to. Today, I saw that access counter on Japanese page reached 130,000... in total. As you know, I send some gift, a symbol of appreciation for reader's patronage, to whoever gets and sends me a copy of the page showing 130,000 of the counter.
Naohiko Tasei - my ex-coworker... got this memorable indication. Well, the reason I had to say, "GOSH!" is very simple... he gets this AGAIN. He was also the winner of "123,456th" hit. Man, he must have hit return button a lot within single day to get those!!!
He's already sent me a proof with bunch of excuses that he just happened to be the winner once again. Yeah right! I have to carefully investigate that his access was legitimate along with my policy (where no reload button to come to the record). Will see.
Anyway, besides that... I am so thankful for those who keep coming back to read all about ME! I must be great resource to be part of your daily chores? Hahaha, must be.
No movies... and back in town. I perhaps see one more movie during this vacation time. Candidate? "Cold Mountain"... maybe? Not determined yet as a matter of fact.
BBQ for supper. "Min-Min" was the name of BBQ restaurant. Very smoky place! (bad air circulation inside) Man, I ate and ate... to be fat (hey, already fat enough, moron!). More than I could... I ate! No wonder that I went out to batting gauge afterward for a little immediate shape-up.
I am still (even several hours after the big dinner) full. Hehehe.
0:01+1
|
April 29, 2004 =Still in School? |
GW begins! Yes! Since came home late last night like 12am or even later... Had very slow morning. Difficult to get up even though I didn't have any hangover! (I've never had one in my entire life! - I swear!)
Went out... down to Kisarazu to see MoonFlower... and decided to attend the "School of Rock." It was premiere show... Full of laugh... man, that movie really reminded me of "Sister Act" kind of movies. Fun movie...
School of Rock: B+
I can give... well, I would say, B+. Since kids in that movie... weren't that impressive to me... While Jack Black was awesome!!! Best performance ever done in his career? Maybe. Unfortunately(?) ...overall I didn't come to give straight A for it. Plus in the end, There was sort question remaining in my mind... that those kids and fake teacher started up a (real) school of rock... in different state... somewhere up north (so I thought from some state tag in the scene). Well, I did see that most of the story took place in school... located in North Carolina. How come made such difference? Didn't get it.
Anyhow, worth to see for fun. Don't miss it.
23:31+1
|
April 28, 2004 =Day Before |
About time for recess? Sure! Day before... just one day (now less than 24 hours) before the Golden Week. Yeah, time to lit all up for fun! (What do I mean by this?)
Day before the vacation is quite special... though, all of us at work made this particular day even more special. BONUS! Since company recorded history high of revenue... has decided to award bonus to each employee (including me!) and it was the day to get some extra (petty) cash!
Well, for me, it was "PETTY" as most suitable word... though for some others, it was QUITE bit of amount. So I heard.
Therefore, we had employee meeting in the morning. More people than usual Monday meeting... somehow. You know, Monday meeting is always mandatory... but somehow not 100% all the time.
We spent 15 minutes or so... hearing about the remark by president. It was okay... not that interesting to me.
Hey, did I get some cash as bonuses at previous work last year? Yeah, I did. 2 extra bonus don't hurt much, do they? Hehehe. Good for me. I will surely save it up! (for what? - probably iPod mini or other new coming gadget!)
Work was rather easy since everyone had "time-to-get-out" in mind... nothing was really serious for me. Left work around 7pm... Harahira and Matsubara were always in usual tavern with drinks... So I caught up with them and spent rest of night with drinks and full of business talk. Definitely more productive than at work all day long! Hahaha.
|
April 27, 2004 =Almost Vacation! |
Remember of Japan's unique holiday season called "Golden Week?" Begins with Green Day... that used to be (last) Emperor's birthday. GW (so we make this short and refer to Golden Week) is, as calendar goes, up to May 5th... Children's Day. Though, on 6th and 7th... some companies out there like major manufacturing companies extend the off time to make 11 consecutive days of big holiday!
Bigger than Christmas, huh! I know-
For me? MOI? Unfortunately, not that lucky... though, 7 days of a vacation starting Thursday!
Went out in the afternoon for some meeting with customer that I first met. I was not in the center of talk... so things were sort boring to me and almost (did?) made me fell asleep! Hehehe. Why boring? Because the entire talk was about discount. You know, no one wants to sell cheaper than it is for now! Sure, no doubt. Period.
Plus, rain... really hard. Pouring! Wind blew hard, too. On the way back to office, I was driving along... but though to drive under such severe condition. So many other sales people had hard time as well.
|
April 26, 2004 =2nd Day |
Even though Friend Israel in Mexico wrote me that I wouldn't be as good looking as he in his birthday message to me... I am okay. Being 31 years old... became a little wiser and more patient. Yeah, I am! Hahaha.
Anyway, be nice to me, will ya! Hahaha.
Good to hear from so many friends... I can hereby name some... Kelly, Takka, Kack, yk110, Michael, Jay, Kit, and more. For last couple of days, I maintain good contact with them... emails back and forth. Wao, I do a great job to keep in touch with friends from old days! Friendship is certainly something you cannot obtain right away. I certainly will catch up to ya'll!
Throughout talks with those friends... lots of up-to-date about old friends... Stan, Bob, Keith, Kristi, Paige, Nikki, who else... TOO MANY names passed by so quickly. Great to hear such!
Today's Ogakijin music... "Up!" by Shania Twain.
Today's work... relatively easy... (still said "relatively, okay!) since my "mentor" Mimura was out for some meeting and didn't come back till time I left work. He left me some work to do and I believe that I have completed. Don't know for sure if I have done things as he would like or not. I will figure it out tomorrow. Hmmm, this may stick to my head and I may not have good night sleep? Surely, not.
After work, went out for some withdrawal to make at nearest ATM in convenience store... and I saw friend Hirano riding on bike... on the street. I went to a rental video store for two CD's to return. He came in after me! We talked into going to dine together. So we went out. Some Japanese dish in casual restaurant. Most of all, he bought me a dish. THANKS MILLION!
Woke up around 6:00am, no wonder I feel extremely sleepy. Most notably, didn't take any nap while work... that's why! (Hey, do I take naps everyday then?)
In fact, am drinking a little home. Very weird. Just wanted to.
Good night. Two more days to go for vacation of a week! Called Golden Week in Japan. Did you ever know?
|
April 25, 2004 =31st Annual Event |
April 25th... The 31st Annual Event...
More famous than Mexico's Cinco de Mayo
A little less famous than Christmas Day, Jesus' birthdaySame kind of celebration for Yankees' World Champion
No boo like Bush stays in Oval Office next 4 years...
Tak Yamada - AKA "Ogaki-jin" - turned 31 today!
Thank you for those who really keep their patronage and even sent me ecards! I'm very honored and happy... Make sure that you send SOME CASH for next birthday of mine! < BANG!
Today's own celebration... went out to Shinjuku to see this:
Kill Bill Vol. 2 - Tak's rating: B
"Am going to kill Bill" thing. Have you seen the first (half) story yet?
At least in Japan, DVD on vol. 1 is now out on sale. Grab copy or run into "Tsutaya" (or "Blockbuster") for rental immediately!My most favorite part... first indication of real (true) name of "The Bride" in the story - classroom scene popped up and female teacher checked attendance and The Bride raised hand and said "HERE!" upon her name - (forgot the real name) - called.
I laughed hard then.
Birthday dinner took place in Aoyama with MoonFlower. Dinner didn't go flat... not foods but after-dinner talk. Didn't induct any fight... just accidentally. No one's fault. Anyway, here they are...
Anyway, please keep your fingers crossed on me to have another great year to come!
|
April 24, 2004 =Limpia! |
Normal Saturday began around 9am. Woke up 8:30am... still had difficult to get up... getting out of futon soon. Rather, great to procrastinate in side futon... still turning TV on and perfectly awakening. Then, hit the shower... put clothes on (including underwear, of course!).
Went out and made the first stop at gas station (full service). Wanted to fill up the gas and for car wash. Spent about 6,300 yen for all served. This was 1st gas-filling in this month. Haven't driven much, have I? I know so.
Aha! I outbid on some book... Yahoo! Auctions. Good deal.
Anyway... back to story (sorry for that interruption!)- car got very clean and shinny! Great to see! Don't drive much around and don't get a chance to wash car much... My fault. Doesn't mean I don't like driving or car. Sometimes, better off going for public transportation depending upon final destination.
You know, I don't drive to Tokyo. Too much hassle to do!
Oh... out of line again, huh. What's wrong with me? Hahaha.
Stopped by several shops like car shop, book store, etc. At 12:30pm, Tama Center. Met Friend Amy there... so that I could pass video tape that the other day I recorded her favorite (?) TV drama. Then lunch.
Ramen "Saikai." 650 yen.
I went that unfamiliar place for noodles... On the way up to see that friend, I saw so many people in line before the place... It really got me and made me move toward that direction after the event with her. Waited for 20 minutes after sign-in...
Choice to eat in there... was definitely right. I can come back to that place... only 20 minutes of drive from home.
Went home... for NAP! Yeah, did. At 4:30pm, dentist. Cleaning started... may have some bad teeth. In fact, two in question. Hmmm.
|
April 23, 2004 =Event Ends |
Finally, sent off two visitors from US back to the country! Man, I shouldn't word it like that? I know- I mean, they returned home today. Things went all okay... not too much worse than expected. I should conclude the event so. What would you think (if you are one of us... my coworker)?
In the afternoon... soon as 1pm, big meeting held... gathering more than 15 people in a place. Biggest I have ever had on this job... interdepartmental meeting. Lots of arguments?! Well... to me, it was SLOW process... and some people were in and out... the topic was on and off... depending on who was at the table for suitable issues. No wonder I felt like it would last like forever.
Wrapped up around 4pm. Though, some small meeting took place afterward... no participation of myself to that.
Typical Friday night after all? I had lots of things to do tonight and that's why (!) you didn't see this update in (usual) reasonable timely manner. I didn't mean to skip or delay by all means... Just happened.
Received an inquiry via email from my father... asking me if I would come home for coming-up Golden Week starting next Wednesday. The answer? Nope, negative. No plans going home this year (again). No money to get on the bullet train for home. Costs me too much for travel... this year, I have to concentrate not to spend on any unnecessary stuff. Did you remember of my 2004 resolutions? Yep, that's it.
Plus, I don't have any trouble to spend time along... I've got (good) freedom of move with automobile. Agree? Sure.
|
April 22, 2004 =Hakone |
Carryover of fatigue... Time for rest...
Last day of the audit session was today and became easiest of all in the schedule. "Inspection" by third party (i.e. customer in this case) didn't last too long since issue for today was rather minor (compared to all others up to yesterday).
Certainly, there were some "problems" that we took as homework. Hahaha. Never be "no-problem" condition whatsoever! Even after point-out of some issue, people started arguing behind... since customers couldn't understand Japanese, didn't matter much then... though, it was so pitiful to me.
Anyhow, things were wrapped up within the morning and Mimura and I took customers out for last-minute extra-curriculum activity... Went to Hakone to see Mt. Fuji and other great views.
at Hakone Shrine... they are the visitors for this audit. Donna and Pat.
You know, I fell asleep in the car... driving up and down to the place. Couldn't help it at all... Definitely, I carried over everything, including sleepiness, from yesterday or even the beginning of entire event started last Sunday. Plus, very HOT today. Mid-80's... hot enough at this time of year!
Tough trip back and forth from and to Hakone...
|
April 21, 2004 =First Time! |
Nice weather, wasn't it? And I didn't know that it would become very special day to myself while at work... didn't do much translation... Certainly, was part of the entire meeting with customers from US.
Why special?
Well, went to dinner with customers in Machida... and then, eventually I ended up in a place... cabaret-club type place where drinks were served with chatting to ladies... Night entertainment, I would call. First time ever in my life... you know how serious I am! Didn't spend my own money for such...
Hell of an experience! Yeah, baby!!! Total 4 girls came to next to me for chat... they never let my glasses empty... Some of them were really good at talk with endless topics... some others weren't that great. Age? 21, 20, 21, and 22. Names? Forgot.
Hey, NO SEXUAL. Strictly verbal communication with alcoholic beverage. I told those ladies of my age... in a matter of fact that I am turning to 31 next week. All of them were so surprised and thought that I would be much younger like around 28.
That's why I couldn't answer the phone from friend tonight and no email messages replied! Hahaha. My bad. I then came to catch last train for the day and came home by taxi. What a night!
How was the work today? Well, I guess there were plenty of issues need to be solved. Whose fault? Cannot tell... am not at liberty to say.
Yes, made a reservation to a dentist near apartment for Saturday. 4:30pm.
Anyhow, very late... passing 1:30am. Good night!
|
April 20, 2004 =Back In Town |
Am BACK!!! Came home very tired and sleepy. No doubt... it was long time from Sunday till now. Lots of work for sure... Plus, suddenly summer was here today! Hot and humid!!! Didn't expect this much change for me who just came back from upper north of Japan where the temperature was still rather mild...
5:30am... I got up and hit the shower right away... 6:30am was the time to meet other folks in hotel lobby since the train we reserved seats for was scheduled to depart at 7:11am. Very early, huh.
Everything went okay and we got back in town - Sagamihara right before noon. Perfectly planned! You know, maybe I spoke too much English as interpreting for those two Americans... I even started speaking that language to lady in Italian restaurant where we stopped by for lunch. I lost control, huh... just lost sense of my switch which language to speak.
In the afternoon session... another (serious) audit took place and I wasn't in the primary roll for translation!!! Thank God!!! I needed a break and relief... and I got them! Still, did some translation while Boss Miura was out for smoking... (he was assigned for translation today).
The session was wrapped up around 6:30pm and I was released, upon that, immediately.
Came home... and should've had relaxing night... Though, it wasn't that way... much. Studied a little (actually 2 hours). Somehow, I opened the algebra book again. My mistake that I did so and brought myself into the feeling that I should study at least a little tonight.
Now, chatting with MoonFlower... who sees me over Internet... she receives images from iSight via Yahoo Messenger. For your information, she hasn't made her mind up about getting that 400-buck darn expensive (luxuary?) bag or not. I bet that she eventually will. Is she rich? You know...
Anyway, still streak tough business time is expected to last another couple of days... Wish me luck.
Need to call dentist for appointment tomorrow. Really need to see dentist!
|
April 19, 2004 =Another Long Day |
Hi, folks. Too tired to type things for you tonight. At least, I can share that things in today's audit went quite well... better than I thought... and I know, I did survive through the difficulty of engineering terms spoken in there. Good for me. It's been while since I did last translation stuff... did take me a while to get such sense kicked in.
Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata
View from the room window... this morning!
That's all! Let me go to bed!!! Need to get up around 5:45am to catch a train... very early morning to deal with, huh! I know... another long day today and even longer... tomorrow.
Today's word: soup stock, tote, what else...
23:29
|
April 18, 2004 =Long Day |
Longest trip... I made. Now am in hotel room and BEAT!!! I give you summary of my move made... to let you see how tough it was...
Left home 12:00pm
Tamasakai Station 12:20pm
Keio Tama Center Station 12:35pm
Airport Shuttle Bus 12:50pm
Narita Airport 3:05pm
Customer arrival 5:35pm
Narita Express (train) 6:45pm
Tokyo Station 8:15pm
Yamagata Station 11:25pm
Hotel Check-in 11:35pmHmmmm, sleepy. Good night!
Serious work begins tomorrow! Serious (very detail?) process audit for next 4 days. 2 guests seemed very serious, too.
Luggage of 4 people...
|
April 17, 2004 =1st Game in This Season |
Good evening, ladies and gens! Already, Sunday!!! Man, where have you been?! Me? Just came home from Jingu... yeah, Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Anyhow, started at 8am... when I woke up. Then, went to Tokyo Station to meet MoonFlower for today's date. Still on? Yeah, I know, somehow... somewhat... definitely under HER control, don't you think? What's great about it is what I am not really aware that am under control... Hahaha.
She wanted to stop by the Flower Arrangement Show in Daimaru department store which was located within Tokyo Station. So we went.
Many were showcased and some were really fascinating!
Some else... that I could do same (or even better) job right away! Hahaha.Soba noodles for lunch. 900 yen. Place was packed and we were NICELY asked to leave after foods.
Shopping in Aoyama area... MoonFlower reserved some bag... worth 400 bucks or so... Man, more than my monthly spending on my stuff!!! What would you think? This is part of true world that women spend more (actually, MOST!)??? I bet it is.
I wanted new bag, too. For work? Sure.
2nd-time visit in my life time.
Supper... along with beer can.
Yakult Swallows vs. Hanshin Tigers
MoonFlower got 2 free tickets for this game and that was why we made it. Tigers edged Swallows and game was rather longer!!! Slow game... not much scores, either. After we left in the middle of top 9th, Game moved a lot... according to the sports broadcast on TV.
Good thing... no game result changed even with that big move. Well, we needed to leave then because I didn't want her to miss her last train. Anyway, she had fun in seeing that game... she didn't have much understanding how to enjoy baseball game besides hitting and pitching. With my explanation, she seemed to see things better in the game. Good for her.
Updated: Personal Movie page.
|
April 16, 2004 =Hostages Released |
3 Japanese hostages to some bad Iraqi criminals... finally released. There had been very much criticisms about why their families let them go to Iraq where Japanese government did lay strict guideline warning people not to go. While the hostage case was still on, their families came up to the media, so many times, and said that Japan should have task force currently in that area come home as criminals' demand.
First of all, Japanese task force went there to help... working on necessary infrastructure... and medical assistance, etc.
In my opinion, this was too unfortunate... and no one should've been criticizes... Only one I can raise... toward parents of one hostage... aged 18. He just graduated from high school and he's already been involved in such beyond parents supervision? This is questionable.
Anyway, this case is no longer to our attention. Rather, we have to care about other 2 hostages with no information at this point.
My day? Keyword is "FX" - is that really popular in US auto market? Certainly it was full-size SUV... How much is it? Man, V8 version is around 45k? Wow, every expensive!!!
I was in that production line... Hey, not for labor... just to observe. I had some assignment to see something within the process line. For that I spent most of the day!
Came back to the office, after all, around 6pm. Then worked on quotation and some sketch that I had to pass on to other department as a request to issue purchase order. Finally, left work at 8:30pm.
Ramen noodle for supper at "Rokkakudo." 600 yen. It was pretty good... but did it again. My tongue was burned with hot soup.
As mentioned previously, I will be back in Yamagata at Sunday night. Leaving for Narita Airport for guest pick-up in early afternoon that day. So this weekend is very short like I have free time only for tomorrow.
|
April 15, 2004 =Yamagata |
Got up at 5am. Let me say that again, 5 o'clock in the morning! I heard famous show called "All Night Nippon" from the radio... Man, this must be still "midnight" rather than "early morning." I should consider this as that I started working from yesterday for this business trip. You know what I mean?!
5:30am, surely taking shower and put clothes on, hit the road to Tamasakai Station... 7am arrived at Tokyo Station. Got ticket for Bullet Train "Tsubasa" departing at 7:36am (10:20am arrival in Yamagata). No reserved seats available then (too bad!). So quered (i.e. lined up) for non-reserved seats on the platform. Found Tozaki Director in the same spot and we sat together in the car.
On-time arrival and today's work began... Oh, we've seen cherry blossoms were in full bloom still there!!! How nice to see!!!
Took us quite bit and we stayed there, a 300-worker factory, for sort internal audit... part of preparation for "real" (external / serious) audit next Monday.
Today's shot... found in that factory.
Says, "Daily Improvement Activity Chart." Pretty neat, I thought.
I did participated in internal audit... lady working very hard then... before us!
In that factory... so many coworkers on different assignments. Tozaki, Tada, Yamaguchi, and Takano got there with me by same train today and, additionally, Mitsui, Hara, and Makino were there... since spending a night there for today.
Mitsui and Tada are still remaining there tonight. Man, so much to do?
My dinner... "bento" or meal box...
With famous Yamagata beef!!!900 yen (a little over 10 bucks)
Hmmm, did you see a beer can next to the meal? Please check your eyes with doctor immediately! I never ever do such thing... Hahaha, I know, it is truly beer. Just one, though. JUST ONE CAN!!! No more, Mommy! I swear!!!
Caught 6:36pm Tsubasa to be way back. In Tokyo, 9:30pm. 10pm, express train out of Shinjuku... Got home (safely, thank God) at 10:50pm. It's over! Long day for sure, don't you think? It was.
|
April 14, 2004 =Ready? |
Finally, time has come... my time for business trip... Did I tell you that?! Well, sometimes I do in Japanese version and don't here... my bad. Sometime... totally opposite to happen, too.
Anyway, trip to Yamagata is scheduled tomorrow and another one starting on Sunday with 2-night-stay. Yamagata is long (maybe WRONG?) way to go... Takes me about 4 hours from here... by train. No convenient flight into the region... so very far in time wise like I said.
Leaving home for early train around 5:50am or so... Yeah, indeed! This is killing... I am NEVER good at getting up so early for job! (for pleasure, exception) Though, I try and will make that happen. At least I get paid for it! (regardless to amount, though)
I guess, I will be home around 11pm or could be much later than that. Will see.
Therefore, I have to cut this update short since I have to go to bed soon as possible... Maybe wasting my time in doing this right now?! I never would think so... though, yes, am in hurry to wrap it all up for today.
In fact, set-up meeting for arrangement in Yamagata took place from 5:30pm... finished around 8pm. Things are really boiling down for the event beginning from Monday. So tomorrow's trip is part of (still?) preparation.
Already received and started using company cellular phone... Will share the picture with you shortly. Don't get a chance to yet. I attached the neck strap to the phone... the strap has comapany's logo on it... though, I have selected such "Tacky" color... that doesn't match to any other color of strap...
Yes, I do admit... "I did it again!"
Good night.
|
April 13, 2004 =Busy Doing What? |
Chauffeur... very important roll to play for me today? Hahaha, it was! I was asked to help Mimura about picking up 7 people from client company and I drove a car following his to Atsugi City.
Took me about 50 minutes to get up there... so I spent somewhat around 2 hours in driving. Fun? Actually, I was very sleepy! Even giving a ride to them, I almost (did?) fell asleep!
Didn't have lunch in the office... In fact, at cafeteria in customer's site. Curry over rice. 800 yen.
Had to stick with some paper work up to 7:20pm or so... Well, I actually missed the timing to leave the office... I could have left there 30 minutes earlier. I wanted to go home quick for sure!
Because of English class tonight.
There were usual faces in class... with new, first-comer. He said didn't want to participate much... just to observe the class for tonight. And then, he left us early... He made a comment that his level of the language wasn't even match to everyone else's in class and he wanted to take time to study more to be qualified. Nothing really tells he was disqualified in everyone's opinion. I guess, he didn't comfort much himself in being with us...
Or maybe I spoke too much (again?) to frighten some old man?
Went to bed around 2am last night... no wonder am already sleepy... Zzz.
|
April 12, 2004 =Easy Monday?! |
New week... same Monday! Hahaha, what is same is that I had so tough time to get up! You know, I show up to work on Monday around 8:15am... about 30 minutes or so earlier than "usual" cycle. THAT 30 minutes seemed so tough to manage! You know what I mean.
Now watching "All the President's Men." Yeah, 2nd time. Didn't catch some part of the story. Are you familiar with Watergate conspiracy story?! People like at my age - around 30 or younger should find it difficult to get it all... Specially non-American viewers. Yep, like me.
When was Nixon resigned from the Office? Hmmm, 1974...
Getting back to my story of the day.
For entire morning, a meeting for whole sales staff members of the department was held. Seems, that was monthly basis... Things covered in there were from sales result of last fiscal year to rotation for trash. I thought that the meeting wouldn't be to last quite bid... Contrary to my initial expectation, entire time in the morning was merely devoted for it. Was there any serious discussion?! Actually not. Hahaha.
Lots of laughs, instead. Just for your information.
Left work for the day around 7:30pm. Came home and ate supper quick. No TV much tonight. From 9pm, started reading... and on and on... Done eventually around 11:30pm. Lots of reading?! Somehow, it got me. About what?! "Liner Algebra" and "Statistics." Least favorite subjects in the universe for me, right?! Sure, it WAS... Maybe no more?
Math and its related subjects... all were Robyn's (my sister) famorites, weren't they?
I bet, everything started off the "deviation" or "histogram" learnt in training stage at this new work.
No video chat tonight. Bad sign?
|
April 11, 2004 =Nothing Really? |
Not done anything at all. Literally so. Means I have nothing for you, unfortunately... enough. Thanks for stopping by, though. I woke up around 9am... and you know what? Didn't even step out of the apartment room!
Life with great (?) self-sufficiency. Taking advantage of foods in storage and some drinks (coke, this time) were in fridge. More than several movies to see like "All the President's Men."
Lunch was short pasta called penne and dinner I ate rice. Good enough? Yeah. And tea and coffee.
Oh you know what? Next year, famous Swedish furniture brand... finally (!) arriving. Called "IKEA." Man, I should apply for a job as opening staff... Hahaha, just kidding.
http://www.ikea.jpIn the afternoon, read some book and surfed Internet for some wanted information. Otherwise, took a short nap... Half laundry is done in late afternoon. Somehow, didn't do the other half. Maybe tomorrow.
No calls... no visitors... Oh newspaper guy stopped and tried to have me subscribe... all in vain, so instantly. Didn't even open my door for him. Sorry, am not that easy. Am salesman, TOO!!! Hahaha.
|
April 10, 2004 =Exhibition |
Man, it was a wonderful Saturday... wasn't it?! Truly, couldn't have been finer! Left home for fun... in Tokyo around 9am. Early? Hey, I got up around 7-ish... not bad, huh!
First - to Kanamachi - northern suburb of Tokyo. To see friend "Acky" and annual ceramic art exhibition she participated.
Image in vague?! Click the image to see one in large (better) scale.
Kanamachi - close to Shibamata. Famous Japanese movie, "Tora-san's" location.
So went to see the area... very much up for sightseeing there.
Stopped by the Tora-san Museum, too.
Went on to Ginza - Today's (5th in this year) movie was "Intolerable Cruelty."
http://www.intolerablecruelty.com/Actually, tried on "In the Cut." The timing wasn't that right for me then. Changed mind to rather this movie... Turned out to be good to see?! Sure! I can give B- as my rating.
Surely, Katherine (Zeta-Jones) did look damn sexy! No one (not only Clooney) could EVER resist someone like her!!! I can throw all I have for that woman... I do not have anything valuable... by the way! Hahaha.
Nagoya's famous restaurant "Yabaton"... for deep-fried pork with special MISO sauce.
Very large dish I had... to fatten myself! Am most certain that did wonderful choice to make that happen!This place open in Ginza back in early March or so... So after one month... still the place seemed to be packed with people coming and going. Very popular among Tokyo people.
That's all for now. Enjoyed reading?! Found it interesting out of my (actual) life? Sure hope so-
|
April 9, 2004 =Haircut |
Finally? You can tell, "It is about time." I know- I eventually got haircut today. This evening, I showed up to some new place for that. First time to get it done in this new city since January. As you may notice that I find it difficult to rely on some new (unknown) place for something like haircut or dental treatment...
Thank God, no longer have wisdom teeth!!! Hahaha. Though, I know I should get my teeth clean soon. I haven't been to any dentist for a little over half year now. I used to be very strict that timing... because of very solid mind that I don't want to receive any pain from any kind of cavity whatsoever! You know what I mean.
Just in someone else's writing in English, by Japanese fellow - the term (word) used in it and I paid quite attention is "inertia." Sentence was of his unchanging mind... coming along with even some difficulty because of his inertia or so... so I read. Do you use this term like that?! Man, this isn't often-to-see, right?! Am not saying that it was wrong word or anything... just wonder how commonly people can utilize such BIG word.
In fact, the writer of the sentence seems elder... way older than me like mid-50's or so.
Oh getting back to the original story of the day... Miss Murakami, one of female assistants at work, told me that I didn't look too bad with long hair... when I told her that I was in rush to barber after work. She didn't think that it was quite necessary like I would be in hurry. Well, she doesn't know of me being always short hair...
Before ---> After
So what do you think? Better? Couldn't be more handsome, right?! Well, didn't cut too short like usual... guy at the barber told me that I should wait till real summer to come. He just recommended me to stick with how they are... at least he trimmed. Do I like it? Well, I have to ask MoonFlower tomorrow about it before forming "Final Answer." (by REGIS PHILBIN)
No study tonight.
After haircut, stopped over at noodle shop... At that time, I didn't know I would come to worst ramen noodle ever had... and I did! Worst scenario, huh... I know, the worst. Never ever even conceive of the location when I pass by!!! Not a chance!
One last thing.
Coworker Takano owns Ferrari... man! Must be really nice to have one like that!!!
Good night! Let's take it easy!
|
April 8, 2004 =Root? What? |
Only Friday to go for now!!! Ready for weekend?! I am. Most definitely.
I saw Tommy in the office... too bad that I missed to say good-bye to him who left a little after lunch. He will be on "grace period," for a complete week (!!!), to prepare and move to new place - Utsunomiya. There is no doubt that he will be able to do all he wants and eventually accomplish something remarkable! What I want to say is nothing but he is very talented with great potential.
Oh, speaking of which... He told me that he was now one reader of this website. He even went to Internet Cafe type place to see this page... since he didn't have his computer with Internet connection. Man, he must be the first one, that I have ever been informed spending some cash to check this place out!
Hey, if you've got such extra bucks (or even pennies), please PAY ME for this. Hahaha, just kidding (or maybe damn serious).
Busy... pretty much. Meeting after meeting. Somewhat I found it interesting... I felt like I would like to involve more... Still lack of knowledge... still very far from "expertise," certainly I keep going (forward, I hope). Like Duracell!
Too bad that I missed an occasion for drink tonight. Harahira and Matsubara must have went out for it after work... my timing wasn't so perfect up to it. Unfortunate.
Oh, I was part of teleconference in early afternoon with Canadian fellow - still customer. All done in English (sure!). I was just listening... and Boss Miura did speak on our behalf. He spoke with British accents! Man, haven't heard such for a long time... Japanese guy speaks "Shakespeare's tongue." Amusing enough. He spent quite time in UK - in the past.
Sr. Manager Tozaki (still different department) talked me into joining biz trip to Yamagata next week... Did talk to Mimura and Boss Miura about the possibility... no objections by return. In fact, one after next weekend, I have to be in Yamagata with customer from Anderson, SC. So then, I will make two trips to Yamagata within 15 days! What would you think?
By the way, I have never been to Yamagata. Good for me! Wait... this IS NOT pleasure... strictly business-related. Got it?
Oops, I should hit my sack early... early enough to get to work early tomorrow... I have to be in around 8am. Good night!
Tonight's study: ROOT (Algebra, tomorrow!)
|
April 7, 2004 =LCM? What? |
Good evening... folks. I have to share with these photos today.
Mail bomb? Out-of date or "Edsel," (e.g. old unpopuplar Ford car) huh...
It was... (finally) iSight! One of items on Tak's wish list got crossed off today!
So brand new?! Yep. How then?Just happened to outbid it on Yahoo! Auctions. Didn't plan to win it instantly!
Not used?! Surely brand new? Yes, most definitely.
First set-up. Looks neat?
See?
Man, handsome man still needs a haircut!
This is pretty much raw data... pretty clear, don't you think?Headache... still bothers me a little... soon as I came back home from work (it wasn't so late yet then), took some pain killer. So now seems okay... under control.
Work? What about it? Oh yeah, did go to Gunma... long trip taking up pretty much whole day! What did I learn then? Hmmm, don't ask.
Made a reservation for haircut... to be on Friday. Finally, huh... FIRST OF ALL, I cannot be MORE HANDSOME than am... you know!
LCM... my study topic for tonight. Suddenly so Mathematics? Sure. My ONLY con... Dealt with Least Common Multiple, remembering of old time that I was a bad boy! (still am, right?)
|
April 6, 2004 =Surprise? |
Folks, do not misunderstand! Since yesterday when I informed you that I was getting a cold... there are few readers stopping by! I know, I may have some virus... could be contagious... NEVER EVER OVER THE INTERNET, though!!!
MY kind of virus is nothing but real... not virtual one like toasting your hard drive or sending multi-messages to others.
Feel better?! A little bit as a result of medicine and some energy drink.
Worked normal... stayed in all day long... nothing but meeting!
10:00am till noon: 1st meeting
1:00pm to 3:40pm: 2nd meeting
between 4:30pm and 8:00pm: final meetingReally tired. In fact, I was very sleepy time to time... since I didn't really catch up with everything YET. I just faced up to others... mostly from managerial positions. About strategy toward one particular client in US.
Came home about 8:45pm. Finally (about time?), I paid phone bill. While, I received a big shock with power bill. Showed amount from March... that I was expecting a big decline from prior month... I was wrong! Gee, this was shocking.
Tomorrow, will be outside... going up to some customer in Gunma Prefecture.
So what's this for?
|
April 5, 2004 =Bad... Cold? |
Hello. I feel bad... I guess, I am about to catch a cold! From last night, I have sore throat... must be from cold! I should excuse myself from writing so much for today. Agree? I bet.
"Yatsuhashi" - famous sweets from Kyoto
Thanks to Hirano who went to Kyoto over this weekend... he brought it up to me. Thank you!!!
Man, little energy left... still having some headache and aching joints. Good night.
|
April 4, 2004 =Clean Up! |
Hi, Mommy... I have to make a confession. My room was extremely dirty and not really organized. I know, this wasn't the way supposed to be... You always taught me to organize things and keep room clean. Today, I did regret and had some work done.
Started around 8am, caring of mess. Look!
See, I thought it would be a good idea to send you some photos about my room... after clean-up.
You know, I have filled two trash bags up with dust and things to be discarded. I think I did a great job in this morning for this. You should come here to take a look at this TO BE PROUD OF YOUR SON!!!
By the way, remember that I talked you before that I bought a brand new printer... I use it almost everyday like this:
Mostly for information from web.
Somehow... all in English. Oh yes, can print out in Japanese, too.
Have I ever shown this plate to you before?! Don't remember somehow.
|
April 3, 2004 =Did Make It Early? |
"Let's make it early" - by Thomas Crown (from movie "The Thomas Crown Affair") Yes, I did!
Got up at 6am... with help from MoonFlower... called me up then. With this assistance, I had a little extra time in very early morning like having coffee and printing out the diagram I just made last night.
10am, in Shibuya... just like previous Saturday. Did receive some guidance in some subject that I was interested. Then, went on to Shinjuku. Had lunch then... exactly same route as last week... but not the same place to eat!
Japanese noodle - UDON in "Itteki Hassenya" restaurant.
This was a great choice!!! Want to visit once again... 850 yen. Not bad at all. Hot noodle?! (i.e. warm soup) - nope... this one was with cold (mild-temperature) soup.
Came back home... and took a NAP... didn't mean to... but became long one... up to almost 6pm. Hmmm, I wasted my time in this afternoon, didn't I? Hahaha.
Went out for light supper and coffee... Man, my Saturday is now over. What do you think of this?!
|
April 2, 2004 =Farewell Tommy |
Great Friday?! Well, I was really gone crazy with something totally unfamiliar with. I made the first visit to customer... In fact, I just followed Mimura visiting a customer in Atsugi City.
He made introduction of lots of things like how to get that place and other customer's site, etc. Man, I was PANICed with all of them! While in the meeting session, I wasn't bored at all... too much new stuff flew into my brain which had so much less capacity to accept all once!
Well, just the matter of a day, right?! Beginner's level for now... nothing to worry about?! Will get used to... I hope.
While difficult thing in daytime, easy thing at night.
Beef / carne - Korean BBQ
As per Tommy's wish, those who were close to hime while on his (and stll my) training period held a little gathering for that young man leaving this place for Utsunomiya very soon.
First visit to this restaurant near Hashimoto Station... seemed very expensive. Everyone started being concerned as soon as looking at the menu given. What was the name of the place?! Man, I didn't do my job at all, huh? My bad. Will catch up to how used to be!
Only gentleman in suits... Tommy (Tomioka).
Tak (Ogaki-jin) in orange cloth... long hair... time for haircut, I know. Who else? (L-R) Tak, Nakajima, Hirano (my neighbor), Tommy, Matsubara, and Harahira (how come not smiling?)
All of them became first to be informed of "Website Ogaki-jin." Disclosure, to coworkers, is to be accelerated?! You bet.
|
April 1, 2004 =New Working Attire! |
New day... I mean, 1st day of new month... and also 1st day for me to be salesperson for this new job. Remember, the training session is now over! (up to yesterday)
You may recall of a choice (not mine!) between 3 possibilities... (actually 4 then). I will belong to "Fuel System." The company is going to start up new division with that product line... to have bright (er?) future for its own. There are only 3 sales stuff in that new division and I am an additional sales force to them.
While, Tommy is to be relocated to Utsunomiya Branch. Big surprise!!! (no April Fooling here)
For me there are (more than) tons of things to learn!!! Not only the shapes of goods or their functionality... but also all measurements and inspection standards. Oh boy! I should've had studied MORE in Physics or so!
This kind of "uneasiness" may not that good to my mental health. So... had this:
Kagome Tomato Juice
I do believe that "V8" - very famous brand in that category is available in Japan... though, I stick with Japanese brand. Still have two more in my fridge. Should consume them soon. Wait... when did I buy them?! Bet it was a long time ago!
Too much chocolates... for tonight. I cannot be sweeter than this!!! Hahaha. Only a matter of FAT for now, right? Yeah, I know. I should watch it out.
Today's attire... definitely in suits and tie. Navy-colored suits and Dunhill tie (light blue). Everyone who became familiar with me over the training... didn't expect me to look that way today... I was told, "Good on you!" - was that straight say or some cynical one? Hmmm... let's take it as good one.
Work hard?! May, I have to admit that I hardly worked. Read some files for a long time... MILLIONS of terms that I had to catch up... actually still not followed yet. I tried and will keep trying!
"Rounders" on TV (my DVD).
My "virtual" bed seemed to be in wrong way... VERY wrong way. Lost some (more than some!) points and ranking is indeed downward. Ranked at 46 out of 50! Hmmm... sounds like I am big fat failure, huh! It was 20 yesterday... Thank God, this is matter of "presumed world" and I have NO (real) money lost at all. Means, I am merely flawed in virtual world. Never know in real world!!! (great excuse I cam up, isn't it?)
