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Tak's Milestone: May, 2004

May 31, 2004 =End of May

Hmmmm... May is ending... almost half year of 2004 is almost passing by... what have I accomplished?! Doing okay in new place and job?! How's everything so far?!

Monday morning... usual mandatory meeting for all employees took place in dining area at 9am. Speaker of this morning was the turn of Ogino - one of our sales staff members. Topics normally covered in this assembly were from business forecasts, some issues needed to be solved in plant, something serious. Ogino started with very unique attempt.

"Uhh, my hobby is..."

His hobby was fishing. He fishes "sweetfish" as hobby. He made a remark that he did try and couldn't find any other employee at this work place interested in very same thing. He wanted to do promote such interesting outdoor activities to others and hoped to have some new people to join his group... Even offered to let those people coming borrow his equipment if necessary.

Wow... man, it was HIS morning of 10 minutes! Hahaha. Very relaxing and eye-catching morning. Great job, sir! What would I do if I got my turn? Hmmmm... no clue. Should tell of this website to those who have no idea what's in here?

23:10

May 30, 2004 =Summer Already?

Very hot again... Man, summer already?! We have to wait RAINY season first. According to the forecast, rain is expected to be around here from Monday night. I guess, that will be the beginning of that season which usually lasts a month or so. Time for moisture and humidity!

Woke up around 9am. Did plan to get up earlier than that. Miserable failure as usual. Hahaha.

Did cleaning in this apartment room... and put the futon up to the strong sun... and laundry of winter clothes took place... did take care of switching clothes varieties from winter to summer.

I shouldn't have stuck to TV in later morning through afternoon... but I did. Miserable failure again. I should get rid of TV?! I wish I could. I guess, that would be too much to do... but I have to agree with some mothers out there pushing their kids not to watch TV much.

Then, went out. First stop was at nearby gas station. Got serviced and moved on to Mos Burger. For fries and hamburger? Nope. Just coffee. With some book to read. Spent hour. Bookstore. Check more than DOZENS of magazines from auto, Mac, and fashion to economy. I was surprised at the scene that kinds, like elementary students, were hanging around the area where dirty magazines. No shame for them to stand in wrong place! I guess, they were very brave (?) than I was as a kid. Hahaha. To be serious, store personnel should have watched out!

Supper was picked up at McDonald's.

Tonight... self-discipline... limited TV to be on. Good try. I can do more reading and thinking! Hahaha. For what?

Just took shower... ready for new week! Are you?

Didn't wear that crazy (?) pink shrits.

23:22

May 29, 2004 =China Town

Very summer-like day! Very hot... and I was out... to Yokohama China Town.

Very expensive dim-sum for lunch. 40 dollars per person!

120% of Engel's coefficient for Tak today!

Vanilla and oolong tea flavor mixed. Will never try again! Hahaha.

Found in "World Porters" mall. Very cool. Bought yet?
I wish I could. Darn expensive.

Dinner... STEAK? Wow. 200 % of Engel's coefficient.

And at last...

Never found men's in "tsumori chisato" brand before?

Bought?! (seemed so) How much? 200 bucks?! WOW!
Shirts in PINK? Must be really TAKY as usual!!!

Cannot help it, can I?!

Straight into personal Chapter11! Wouldn't take too long...

Talk to you later!

12:59+1

May 28, 2004 =Farewell - Nozomuto!

Party after work. Started 7:30pm or so...

Today's guest of honor was Nozomoto who is leaving our department for International Logistics Department.


Mr. Nozomuto

UNIQUE character Higuchi got me!!! (poor thing!)

Boss Okada (mgr), Kinoshita, Mimura with Amano in rear, Seki - Guest of Honor - Ishizuka

Boss Miura - checking Karaoke book... and then started something he couldn't stop.

How come Higuchi sit next to Miss Omata???

Drunk? Shibuya and Nishijima. What about that beet bottle? Yoda.

Bowling after dinner? Yep.

Ogaki-jin's Team

name
1st game
2nd game
Okada
106
162
Nozomoto
145
148
Amano
90
118
Shibuya
94
97
Ogaki-jin
108
160

This time, didn't take picture of every single one of them... yet. You probably will see, down the road from here on, more pictures of other people in the department.

Tired. And most notably... drunk. Good night.

1:20+1

May 27, 2004 =Itchy?

Itchy? More than that. Actually, hurts a little bit. What? My right eye. I know, I have an astigmatic vision in right eye and whenever getting tired, I start have such irritation. Eye drops is a must for me.

Work? 1W6V was postponed till tomorrow. Hahaha, main event wasn't today!

What else? I went to bed around 1:30am and have been extremely sleepy... since this morning. You know, am still so for now!

Oh, tomorrow there is an event after work. Since coworker Nozomuto was recently assigned a new position in International Logistics Department, we're going to throw a party for him. I just heard today that we would go bowling after dinner. BOWLING? Hmmm.

Last time I went out for bowling.. BACK in February? March? I scored around 120's. Should be somewhere around that tomorrow, too - I guess. Will see how it goes... I may have long night then. May excuse myself away from this web page?

Man, still annoying... my eye!

Planning for this weekend... movie is the main subject since rainy weather is expected. "Cutie Honey" (based on famous Japanese animation) is one of choices for me... not for MoonFlower. "Troy" may be the one to pick. Most definitely, I cannot way... am dying to see "Day After Tomorrow."

23:40

May 26, 2004 =Warm? Hot!

Good (great!) sunshine... all day! Remains same until Friday? Means that not favorable weather in weekend? Hope not.

Today, my mentor Mimura didn't come to work. I guess, his daughter had been sick with some high fever... and that was because of his absent for today. Hope she will be okay... Get well!

While, I received several phone calls from customers... some were what I could handle... some others were totally unfamiliar... with what Mimura had been dealing. Man, I was back and forth between different departments to see what was going on with those issues. All solved? At least some! Hahaha.

Tomorrow, it will be sort eventful for me. Well, the keyword is "1W6V." This is the code name that I involve in the start-up. Excited? Fairly. Will see that initial products are coming out to be right (as required in specifications) or not.

Wait... tell me if am wrong. Today... still Wednesday, right?! I know so... it is still middle of the week, right?! Home come...


How come MoonFlower went to some entertainment tonight?!

Kawasemi-za's play. Puppet play. "Where Spirits and Fairies Dwell."
(Click the image for original size)

Came home around 7pm... after work and coffee on the way home. Reading some book for an hour and I just came out of the shower. Already midnight?! Got to be kidding! Time goes by too fast! Tired, too.

Good night. TWO more days! Am sure that tomorrow plenty of things will keep me busy and 8 hours of work makes me feel nothing.

0:14+1

May 25, 2004 =Money in My Bank Account!

Okay! Money is in my hand! (About time! Long time waited!) Regardless of amount (since it is TOO small!), I at least can get my life go on! Yes, am great about managing my life with such limitation (of spending, I mean).

You know, I always have some bad habit... that I keep wanting something like new gadget, etc... it's all because I don't have such luxury to spend on something extra! Hahaha. Poor thing! Poor me!

Feel (felt?) better today? Well, yeah I think so.

Sort busy... all day! Some troubles to solve... Kept calling so many different people on different issues. Some were solved instantly... some others took me quite time to get done. And I even went out for some pick-up. Yeah, some documents needed in logistic department and I did some "FETCH" for that department. Like a dog... Like your Chihuahua! Hahaha.

Hey, that fetch wasn't easy one... Drove for an hour for one way. Left office around 3:15pm and made back around 5:30pm!!!

After work, it was around 7:40pm, came home and changed (clothes) quickly. Went out to make a withdrawal at ATM. Yeah, I was (had been) quite cash-hungry and did get some cash in nearby convenience store called "ampm."

Happy camper with some (still small) cash after all!

My car (Nissan Primera) has been very very VERY dirty. Even some bird shits! Hmmm, I will do wash this coming weekend! No time whatsoever until then, unfortunately.

0:02+1

May 24, 2004 =Vote For Me?

Paper or Plastic? (very usual phrase at supermarket --- NEVER in Japan!)

Yes, all plastics in this country. Got it? Why am I saying this? I just heard that phrase over TV...

Popular show in US... "American Idol" --- have you ever voted for anyone in contestants? How come that cute Hawaiian girl didn't proceed to the final? Just heard her voice in video available on Internet... and I got disappointed. Cure both in voice and face!

Two finalists... I can let both win... both sound GREAT!
http://www.idolonfox.com/home.htm

Tak's Monday... started a little later than usual. I felt (still) sick! In a matter of fact, I got up for bathroom around 3am... Yeah, my sleep was disturbed badly and didn't have sound sleep!!! I wish I could take it back and redo!

Started later than usual doesn't refer that I was late to work. I made it all right. Just rough morning, I mean. Then, usual work... Oh new thing. I finally got a chance to go to off-site warehouse which newly started the other day. I went up there and saw many familiar faces who, while on training, told what to do everyday then. Got stuck for a little chatting after accomplishing my to-do.

Some meeting took place later morning and I found that I would come to be assigned some more customers in coming month. Some organizational change to be made... which was the main topic in the meeting. How many customers am I talking about? A little more than several (Hmmm).

Finished up and left work around 6:30pm. Not bad at all? Well, actually great!

Good rest.


Pay Check?
Nope... just a slip stating that money is to be wire-transferred to my bank account tomorrow.
Oh, of course amount as well.

23:40

May 23, 2004 =In Aoyama

Spent more than a few hours in Aoyama... near Honda Motor's head office. For what? Just about some information I just wanted to obtain. Sort lecture it was. All in English...

Still my health seems not complying good sign yet... I mean, I am not yet in such good condition. Somewhat unsteady.

For supper, I came to meet MoonFlower... I hadn't seen her for more than two weeks... since Golden Week. She went out with her (male?) friend for YOGA and visited some museum in day time... and came down to me for eat. In Takadanobaba.

So here are what I ate for today:

Fast food for lunch and pasta as supper with MoonFlower.

After dinner, went on for coffee with her... Unfortunately, I didn't last much longer afterward. I at that time have already run out of my all energy... Originally, I wasn't as healthy as usual. It means that I was quite vulnerable to whatever she may have. No arguments. I behaved so much. Hahaha.

On the way home... once again, I was privileged with taxi. I don't want to get used to such luxury... you know, it's certainly not free at all.

23:10

May 22, 2004 =Shopping? Just Looked?

Suffered from bad feeling.. not as bas as I would throw up... And then I slept longer than usual to ease such feeling. I really wanted to get out of it quickly. In fact, I woke up around 9am... decided to stay in bed (i.e. futon) thereafter. It was almost 1pm when I eventually got out of the bed. Man, a hell of sleep! Probably (most likely?) just what I needed.

Being hungry after such long rest in bed, went out to look for something to eat! Nothing in my fridge then! Hahaha. Went to Yamada Udon Restaurant and ate some vegetable dish with Udon noodle. 780 yen. After that place:

-Bookstore to check some magazines (not dirty ones!)
-"Mister Donut" --- stayed in for an hour and read some book. TWO fattening donuts (w/ coffee)!!!
-"Book Off" --- used bookstore. Bought some business-related book at 680 yen. Retail price of 1200 yen.
-"Niki Golf" --- checking stuff that I would like to put up on my shopping list. Man, I can go crazy for golf!

I feel much better after all... though, came to have a stiff neck in left shoulder. Gee... bad side effect? Hmmm.

For tonight, reading a little, watching TV a little, and sleeping quit bit?

A little chilly. Mild temperature. Long sleeves needed! Maybe tomorrow too? Better than bad weather originally expected in terms of the typhoon in the area.

9:55+1

May 21, 2004 =Good Drink or Bad One?

Good drink caused bad feeling? Hmmm.

I had after-work drink with friend in Nagayama and it was from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Only had beer and foods. Ebisu beer - famous Japanese brew from Sapporo.

How come I started having bad feeling in last half of time in the tavern. Came back to Tamasakai by train and didn't hesitate to grab a cab... very unusual for me to do so. 660 yen for a ride.

Work was fine today... very productive? Don't know... but I did all needed to be done for today. At least so I thought! Hahaha.

Hope I will feel okay tomorrow.

20:40+1

May 20, 2004 =5 Days... Probably Won't Last?

There are only a little more than 3,000 yen... (30 dollars or so) in my wallet! That's all for me in May! How should I survive?! You tell me how... I wish to know whatever way possible to handle such.

Kurt and Dan... plus two Japanese fellows... there were all for today's customers to our place and I was the one to communicate with them in English. Boss Miura has been out of country... actually to US! Well, I had to give welcome comment and translated all while on facility tour.

For their job, Kurt and Dan travel a lot to Puebla, Mexico. Spoke some Spanish.

Correction... "ultrasonic" instead of "supersonic."

I made a boo-boo on that term several times... I was laughed at. Unique impression I made on myself to them? Sure! Supersonic should be referred to such discontinued Concord, etc. Ultrasonic was the technology applied in some special machinery in our plant.

Usual "Tak's" mistake, don't you think?

Just a matter of two hours... spent in that meeting... was beat! So instantly! Ready to come home sooner than usual! (Hey, I come home early enough EVERY DARN DAY!) To be honest with you, I wanted to come home early around 6-ish in this evening. Didn't come around easily as I hoped. In fact, I remained in the office up to 8pm. Two hours more than usual.

Much stuff to do? So-so. Well, I also helped coworker's last-minite assembly from 7pm till when I left work for an hour.

Stopped by a place for coffee on the way back again. Same as yesterday. Becoming routine? Could be. Spent 400 yen on coffee and some piece of bread - that became my supper... Oops, that was exactly what happened last night. Man, I must be easily recognized by those working in that coffee place...

Spent an hour there and came home, finally. Seldom watched TV tonight. Stuck with music via iTune. Good stuff. Relaxing night. Didn't want to see news program "Hodo Station" on TV Asahi. (For that new news program) Not interesting to me.

"Probably won't last" - this is my ONLY concern at the moment. Remainder from the May budget... is around 3,000 yen and there are still more than a couple of days till immediate pay day (which is 25th). Send me some cash!

23:45

May 19, 2004 =Ready for Tomorrow?

Speaking of Tomorrow already?! Well, yeah why not! In a matter of fact, I can define today as "everything for tomorrow." Since there are 4 visitors expected for morning session... with some presentation and facility tour, I sort involved already and was part of the preparation.

Yes, I was the one calling wrong name... Dir. Koizumi (name of incumbent prime minister of Japan) instead of Dir. Imaizumi. Similar, right? I know, my bad... I didn't memorize such name well yet. Still new to that place, you know! Hahaha.

Anyhow, back to the story about tomorrow's event. Three are from US... including one Japanese sales staff... and one more from some domestic office. Yeah, all customers. For what? They're coming to verify some product currently under development and also to have better clue about the profile of our company. Big deal? Oh well... since I am not primarily involved in this new business... don't carry much knowledge of how big this deal is for us.

Anyway... reading materials over and over... to have better understanding toward what presenter would like to emphasize in his say... I was totally between Excel and PowerPoint. So much stuff around myself.

Plus, Mgr. Kimisawa ran to me for some urgent issue... he wanted me to contact a customer in Korea... I was told to call that customer up for some confirmation... but I sort hesitated instantly... It regarded to some design specification and I didn't want to get such answer verbally. I never wanted to be trouble... in middle of some unfamiliar issue afterward. Hence, I had to talk to him into having email communication. Surely, my writing... not his. Anyway, I did his favor... Took me a while to describe the situation... hope things went through okay upon message from stranger (i.e. ME) for that customer in Soul, Korea.

Left work around 7pm.

Stopped by a coffee shop... and ate some bread there with coffee. Didn't know and didn't expect that it would be my supper. Hahaha. Just happened to be so. Saved some pennies up! Repeatedly telling that I am broke, on single month budge, in May!

Typhoon No.2 is now on the way up this way? Man... when? May be hitting this area around weekend? NOOOOO!

23:11

May 18, 2004 =How Did It ... Then?

Somehow, my neighbor Suzuki (still coworker, as well) didn't have power in his room. When I came back to apartment, he was just coming out of his room. He was holding the power bill along with some warning note... told me that he didn't know that power was cut out today.

Man, sorry to hear that, man! How in the world did that happen? He made a remark as "I have never been done like that in my entire life..." Sure I hope so! Hahaha.

I was surrounded by Mimura, Hashimoto, Iwamoto, and who else... under their pressure... I presided a meeting from 1pm till 4pm. Yeah, it was certainly long... and without expertise necessary to do job well it was simply tough and stressful.

Good deal? I have say, my performance was still at around D level. Not even pass yet.

But anyhow... I can tell that meeting was over... and things supposed to cover were really covered. Good deal? Hey, I don't (shouldn't) care much about whether it was productive or not... What I needed was to go through the entire procedure to learn!

At night... English lesson. Last time for the month. Spent two hours... in talking! Man, my bad that I have spoken up much... maybe I have taken others' chance to speak up? Hmmmm.

Man, busy... from work to after-work. Typical Tuesday? I guess, it really was. Still 4 more days to go...

0:06+1

May 17, 2004 =Mmmmm

About 20 dollars spent. For what? Well, to my dentist. He did find one bad (still light, though) cavity and that was fixed in today's treatment. Man, I should not eat chocolates much... You know, I am already sweat enough... no needs for more! Hahaha.

The term "cavity" (out of tooling) is something vital for work...
While, cavity in one's mouth... my mouth... never need even one!

For dentist, I had to leave work early... precisely at 6pm... I was quite worried whether I could get to the dentist in time or not... I did... It was less traffic than I expected.

Zzz... man, am falling asleep. Must be from this weekend and some pain from the treatment in dentist... Hard Monday, it was.

Zzz Zzz Zzz.

How did you like all photos posted yesterday? Am I still handsome enough?

23:24

May 16, 2004 =Atagawa Report

One day trip is already over... and more than 50 pictures taken... Definitely, the trip was great. Because of place went... and because of friends got along. Cannot resist anything like that... too bad that I left the organization already and so are Boss Ito and A. Mochizuki.

Too many pictures, I said and you don't see much comments on each one here, okay?

Photo Album - Atagawa Trip May 2004!
farewell on Ito and Mochizuki

Please use your own imagination what really has happened in this trip!!!
At least, we didn't have any bathing suits at all.
Almost skinny-dip? I know so.

0:24+1

May 15, 2004 =No Update

My apology for your inconvenience that you will not see any update for today!

Currently on the way to Atagata resort... for a little party to be thrown for ex-Boss Ito for his departure from the current position. So it is farewell party... taking place OVER NIGHT. I know- this will be a long and a little crazy...?

Please come back tomorrow fore more than sure that you won't miss any about tonight's party among friends that ya'll know through this website.

10:00

May 14, 2004 =Excelled?

Usually, festival in my hometown Ogaki took place on 14th and 15th of May... in the past like when I was as a child. Happened even in weekdays and school was off on 15th (half day on 14th). So these days are quite special even though I don't live in hometown anymore... and the system has been changed... that Ogaki Fest is now to hold on 2nd weekend of May.

So this year's even is already over. Though, got a photo to show to ya:


Ogaki Fest 2004

Next year... I should be home for it!!! I haven't been to such for long time... longer than A DECADE! (no kidding)

"Excel" was one and only working application for me today. I dealt with data for next meeting for me to preside internally. I had to make more than several charts to be used... In fact, I have NEVER been spending that much time for charts... In previous work, never had that much use of it... PowerPoint was actually primary one (besides Words)...

Anyway, Excel was cool. Wish to learn more.

I cut out the work around 7pm and came back straight home. Coffee break and watched TV a little bit... (pro-baseball was on). Then, hit the road to nearest McDonald's for meal. Bacon-Lettuce burger meal (with fries and drink Ginger Ale). Why such meal? Just convenient... since I had to be at barber... 9pm. Late? I know - but that place okayed me to come then when I made a booking.

Good deal, it was.

Used a clip (hair clipper) and cut very short... back and side. I guess, it all went okay... not as short as I had wanted to. But, I think this remains within my okay realm. Then I had to chat with MoonFlower to show how I got haircut... via iSight... she did see all! (man, I bet Apple has never intended to design video conference feature for someone to show his new hairstyle to others over internet!!!)

That's all for today. Didn't do much reading tonight. Tired? Well, just relaxed since going into a weekend.

9:15+1

May 13, 2004 =About Time, Huh!

Breaking news... that I have to share with you at first. This website has been watched by many coworkers! Today, I confirmed that Boss Okada (manager) has become a reader... and he rated this page as "very funny."

Well, is this beginning of nightmare like I am under threat that I have to carefully choose word of my say? I cannot be no longer Taky? What would you think? Do you want me to choose job more than this unique site on Internet? Well, I don't define this page as "only gateway to friends," though. Surely, it has been very valuable channel for me (and still for ya'll) to maintain communication.

Hahaha, just kidding.

Anyhow, yes, what I just told is true and this site is getting to be recognized by more and more people over work.

Today, I had to (contrary to my wish) preside some meeting. Though, didn't handle it well... since definite lack of knowledge all over the business itself yet. You know, I am still new and required to learn more in depth. Outline is somewhat understood... but still others remain in question.

So did meeting go okay? Well, thanks to a help of Mimura, things were covered.

Thursday is over... Friday is only remaining. Made a booking for haircut tomorrow night. Yeah, I thought it was about time to get my hair trimmed. Probably shorter than one last time.

23:55

May 12, 2004 =Watch out...

What to watch out? Well, I have to disclose that my weight isn't as light as used to be. At least, I weight more than when I was a month ago... I bet that long holiday (i.e. Golden Week) did help me out to gain some, unintentionally!

Remember of my resolutions for the year (i.e my vain wish!)??? Yeah, I wanted and promised to lose some weight... Well, I can tell that there are still some time (a half year to be exact) remaining for me. I shouldn't worry that much?

For sure, I do need to watch the weight out time to time. No need sudden surprise like I found a bad cancer in my heart or something.

New word I learned for today. "Leeway." Never heard of it before. Just found that word in paragraph that I had been reading. According to the Thesaurus (even this word - I found it difficult to spell out - not spill out):

NOUN:
Suitable opportunity to accept or allow something: elbowroom, latitude, margin, play, room, scope.
See PLACE , RESTRAINT .

Hmmm, totally new.

Oh at work. Some meeting took place in the morning. Man, I regret that I had taken wrong seat... I mean wrong side of the room for the meeting... I sat very end in the room. Means, I was far from the guy in charge of meeting. So many other people were interested in chatting on related matters on and on... it was so hard for me to catch up with what was going on in the main stream. Whose fault is this?

Happened to talk to more than several ladies in the office. Very rare nowadays. Got a call from a lady inquiring me how to prepare some official documents in English... made an approach to another lady in downstairs... to ask delivery arrangement of some goods that I just had sold. Some other lady asked me to move some heavy goods for her. Didn't mind at all to give my hand to whoever needed... While helping her out with some large box to carry, a little friendly chat of how fitting in I have been to this organization, etc.

Productive? You may say so! Very fruitful, huh! Hahaha.

Some fish dish for lunch... I was late to join friends at the usual table because that (hectic) meeting was a little bit prolonged. Whose fault? Hahaha.

Supper - curry over rice. Hot... I simply needed some spice then. Not much TV tonight. Mostly reading. Surprise you if I say am reading the literature?

23:20

May 11, 2004 =Still

Coughing a little bit. Annoying! Bad sore throat.

Had to deal with hectic request for quotation and I spent quite sometime for nothing... because I didn't come to a solution... as of the end of day. Didn't even want to stay late with unsolved issue like that... to be honest with you, didn't mind at all to leave it behind. Tomorrow is a new day that I may come to a solution!

Will see how it goes tomorrow.

Left work around 6:30pm... early enough? As usual! Then, laundry took place home soon as I got back. In fact, I was literally running out of clean shirts for work... that was why. Since it was hot day... no dryer needed. Just rizzar all.

No more severe cut on Nikkei Stock Exchange? Went up a little bit to relieve so many investors' feelings.

For this evening, usual event with some friends in town outside the work... English class held. I was really between to go and not to for tonight's class since I kind wanted to stay to rest. Well, I pushed myself for the class. Yeah, I thought that opportunity would be limited... more than I think... and being tired wasn't the subject to change my mind from going. Good stuff? I thought so. Well as usual, I spoke and exchanged learning mind with those who were there tonight.

Besides me, there were three for the class today. Relatively, smaller.

Man, irritating... (lack of better word here), this sore throat... Might need some medicine to heal this.

23:55

May 10, 2004 =More than 500 Points?

Man, big... huge plunge (more than just a drop!) on Nikkei... just upon single trade session, more than 500 points dropped. I bet that so many people lost so much money on stakes... No doubt about it.

Tak's Monday was coming and going in peace. Good for me. No much trouble besides what I was so sleepy... almost fell asleep, right? Hahaha.

How about cold?! Hmmm, am still coughing... Severe sore throat. Simply because of swollen tonsils really bothering me all the time. I should see a doctor? Maybe not yet. Will see how this goes after this. May heal sooner than I think.

Coworker Sugimoto in same (sales) department was somehow wearing a tie... He is very (?) famous for not wear ties... even though, we know, he is sales person. I guess, the way he deals with business is so unique... Though, it was exception today. Asked him how come he wore... He didn't give me any specific answer back...

Later on... I saw him passing by... his tie was already taken off. He left a remark to me that it was hot and not that much comfortable. I showed neither any agreement nor disagreement to him back. You know how much I like about ties! Surely, I really don't mind... rather, I would love to put a tie on all the time! Around the year! (regardless of climate)

Today's music: "Loose Screw" by Pretenders

Boss Miura is big music fan and lets me borrow his CDs (both "Loose Screw" and "The Singles") ... by Pretenders. I like it... pretty cool.

23:01

May 9, 2004 =Rest Needed

I may have caught a cold... My body is very sore... but somehow I've got sore throat, too. Must be from cold. I may even start a fever... hope not.

Oh at least, Tak's Golf Record page is updated.

23:25

May 8, 2004 =First Golf This Year

First golf this year... finally came up. Today, went out for golf with old friends (better say, "coworkers/bosses," okay?) - definitely one of greatest days around in my life! (What do I mean "around" here?)

Location: Matsuo Golf Club... seemed very expensive! Yes, it was... since we got good deal to hold this friendly competition (better say, "gathering.") the high price wasn't of our concern. According to the price schedule, single pay is for more than 350 dollars! I know, I would've been able to if at that price.

Many pro-sport players, politicians, and celebrities often come... so I heard.

All familiar (too familiar?) faces in this gathering. Great to see each of ya!

Tak's statistics? You want to see it? Not much to surprise you...

no birdies
no pars

Good enough? Hahaha, probably not. Right?

Player
Tak
Boss Ito
R. Takashima
K. Kanegawa
in
57
70
49
45
out
56
64
48
45
total
113
134
97
90

My "usual" 110's... I know, lacking practice and needing more technical understanding to make my way of play solid and steady.

name
title
Champion
Sakae Tanaka
Sales Mgr.
2nd
Atsushi Nakajima
Ocean Import
3rd
Ken Kanegawa
Retired
4th
Kiyoshi Ishii
Managing Dir.
5th-T
Norio Nishimura
Ocean Mgr.
5th-T
Kenji Nakabayashi
Air Sales Dir.
7th
Ken Ino
VP
8th
Ryuji Takashima
Ocean Dir.
9th
Hiroaki Fukuda
Board Member
10th
Patrick Wong
(Guest)
11th
Tak Yamada
"Ogaki-jin"
12th
Takashi Kiguchi
Suzuyo Sales
13th
Mitsuhiro Murakami
ex.President
14th
Shinsuke Ito
Air Import Supervisor

Man, Sakae usually hits as many strokes as I do... and today he made a life-time record... Good for him. No wonder he won everything and took the prize for winner with him. What are they? Good question... He went home with brand new putter and 100 dollar gift certificate Sakae is in picture... he is in stripe shirt. My God!

Didn't go home straight after the golf event. Stopped by Chiba to see MoonFlower... since golf course was in her area. Ate great pizza in famous place called "Veicolo" in Chiba. If you are ever in that area, worth to check that out!

Long day... great time with long-hour drive back and forth. Tired.

Anyhow, I have to add that I deeply appreciate that those people at previous work place invited me who had already left the company... I really thank you... each one of you. I will come anytime you call upon me to join for any occasion!

23:15+1

May 7, 2004 =Ready for Weekend?

Yeah, already! Short week... so great, don't you think? I do. (oh, I am not saying for getting married YET <BANG!).

Extremely... extremely sleepy. Tired. I bet that yesterday's golf swings made me so for now. I thought that my arm was only part of body got tired then... today I found myself in medium pain all over the body. Hahaha, am OLD now, huh.

Work was work... only thing to tell is that it seems more and more people conceive of this unique web page... I bet some kind of rumor out there... behind my back?! Hahaha. Anyhow, I am not that eager to advertise around for 100% sure. Very positive.

I do believe that I have written up anything negative about work place or coworkers... right? If offended someone in a case out of million chances, sorry... and you must be TOO SERIOUS! Just kidding.

I should go to bed early enough in order to get up early tomorrow... I got quite driving from here to golf course. In Chiba... probably hour and a half away? That's my calculation... Time to meet in the club house is (hmmm... checking the information right now...) 8am. So I probably will wake up around 5-ish. Yeah, I know. Playing golf in Japan isn't that easy... along with fight against traffic and distance, etc.

If you don't mind to help me out to get up so early... just give me a call (internationally!). No collect calls, please. In your time... 4 o'clock in the afternoon! Just a snap, right? Please TRY! (hahaha, am bad.)

No math for a while... now (English) grammar... let me tell ya, you speak hell of a language! Too crazy for someone so straight like myself to keep up.

See ya! Let's have fun weekend! I will do my best to have fun and to, hopefully, come to a good number!!! <- I wish.

22:30

May 6, 2004 =Whose Birthday?

Friend Emi Takahashi turns to be 31 years old today! Great for her to catch up with me! Hahaha.

Happy birthday, girl!

Sincerely hope that she spends great time somewhere tonight. I am sure that she and (maybe?) her loved one do something very special.

1st day after big holiday time... was quite easy... Perhaps I should not phrase like that... but TRUE, man! Don't even know how much I was concentrated for work throughout a day. I really doubt if I was even trying to work hard. You know what I mean.

Coworker Murakami (female) is telling that she married over this holiday period and also disclosed that she was pregnant due on September 1st. Oh, boy... I didn't even know that she was so... I must be blind. I guess, really am.

After work... Well, I finished work up around 6pm... then stopped by a cafe to read. Yeah, I've got some book to read and spent around 30 minutes or so there for it. Came home and went out so quickly. Driving range. Yeah, I went to driving range on weekday! Man, this is very unusual... Am so sure that it would've never happened if I worked at previous job. Good change, huh.

You know, golfing is scheduled on Saturday and I just needed some swings... first hitting practice this year! Did I hit well? Well, difficult to say. Not that good... I wish I can afford money and time to practice to be better. Golf is definitely my favorite.

I hit about 100 balls tonight. 50-60 balls with (troublesome!) driver.

My right arm... is very soared. I should rest.

23:41

May 5, 2004 =It's OVER!

Really... and truly. Vacation time is OVER! No one ever wants an end yet... Though, serious time for work is ticking... minute by minute. No choice for anyone. Still a couple days remaining at this point? Lucky you! We know, some companies extend the period for vacation up to this weekend...

Last day of time off was passing by so easily! Spent quite on auto maintenance in this morning. Didn't expect that much (150 dollars)... so I stayed in quietly. No eat out at all.

Three videos watched. "Dr. T and the Women" (2000), "Mr. Deeds" (2002), and "Sweet Home Alabama" (2002). Man, they were pretty cool to me and I was glued to TV all day long. Should I have studied all day long? I should have.

I had time after those movies... what did I do then? Well. Started up old PowerBook computer and fixed some programs in it. System configuration was now cleaned up as a result of efforts made tonight. Wrong direction? Well, I admit that it was extremely difficult to take control while there were plenty of time... I should take this as lesson, don't you think? I haven't accomplished even half of what I had planned for this period of time!!! Shame on me! I know so-.

Anyhow, yes, I spent some (minimum) time for reading tonight.

Getting back to the story about three movies... (in Dr. T-) Definitely, am fan of Helen Hunt. She's great character in whatever role she may play. She has very bright smile! What about Richard? Richard who? Oh, Richard Gere... what about him? Hahaha. (in Mr. D-) Adam Sandler was usual... playing cool there, huh! (in Sweet-) Reese Witherspoon is now my favorite actress... I can tell that. I can explain with one fact that I have been looking in to buy a DVD copy of "Legally Blonde" that she played in. Maybe, this "Sweet-" could be up on my list soon. What would you think? Have you seen this movie anyway?

"Dr. T and the Women" rated "C+"
"Mr. Deeds" rated "C"
"Sweet Home Alabama" rated "B-"

You know what? I should've had a practice session in driving range this afternoon. Man, I was lazy... indeed.

At last, I give you a little summary of spending over the holidays... to compare with your pattern of spending for same period of time!

travel expenses (incl. gas): $230.00
lodging: $80.00
dining: $280.00
clothing/shoe: $120.00

Let's not sum them up, please!!! Makes me feel very complex... with empty wallet.

Today, called "Children Day." Final part of Golden Week.

Israel Morales - my "amigo loco" is now in Spain for vacation? My God! Good for him.

21:19

May 4, 2004 =Rest

You know, man while being with girlfriend usually gets tied up his time for whatever girl wants... Even while shopping, everything is supposed to be on her issue... not man's. You know the theory and you also know how it works without getting yourself (presuming you're a man) busted or troubled.

I wasn't exception. Went out shopping today... for my own sake! (i.e ALONE)

-> Golf shoes by nike @ 70 dollars
-> Spring jacket @ 100 dollars
-> casual shirt @ 65 dollars
-> Bobson jeans @ 40 dollars
-> casual leather shoes @ 95 dollars

Those were all I looked at and I deeply considered to buy at that time. You know, I didn't realize one thing in that consideration. Money. I had spent all while the time I was with girlfriend... went out for eat and pay for expensive toll for day trip, etc. (too many to list here, okay!)

So I had to keep that minimum for the day. Golf shoes. Golf outing on 8th and no shoes with me since last pair was worn out and thrown away upon moving to this new place in December.

Took advantage of the plastic for this purchase... Zip zip!

Gosh, I couldn't have made my own shopping list complete anymore.

23:09

May 3, 2004 =Way to Chigasaki

Seeing friend in Chigasaki? Yeah, got up early and drove down to that "Chigasaki..." Took me about an hour and half. I wanted to see friend and old roommate of mine, YK110. She lives with her mother in that town.

Man, shame on me, Tak!!! I didn't take any photos of hers! My bad. Though, you've seen her, as familiar faces, in this entire website for long time... right?! Yeah, you must have seen how she looked like. No doubt that she will make another appearance to my network soon enough. You don't miss much today.

A little trouble to meet her... even though my navigation system in the car functions... Man, human cannot rely too much on technology!!! Human need to keep up with whatever it may be! Agree? Use such technology... never be driven by such!

yk110, MoonFlower, and I went out and stopped by some shops which were renowned in town and MoonFlower was gone nuts then! I guess, their variety was her kind of fashion. I knew that she asked for and kept the catalogue... she must be replacing first order soon or later. You want a name?! Well, I don't remember the name of the shop. Will tell ya if I get it again.

Then, moved on for something to eat... Way passed lunch time already and went in to place called "Pacific Deli" located on the same street as that clothing store. And then, there was a talk, over the meal, with no end took place between three of us. Great time. Period. Left yk110 with single promise that we're throwing another gathering among all friends in common in June or so... then, I hit the way to Yokohama to see off MoonFlower back to the bus going her hometown. Wait, "sending off" is proper in this case?! You tell me. Hehehe.

Road was busy... probably business because of the peak season. Biggest vacation time, remember? I didn't expect to spend an hour or so in the traffic jam at that time, though. Took the way on Highway 1... along with coast side and did see so many people on the beach! Must be nice.

It was great time... Nice driving around, yet.

22:59+1

May 2, 2004 =Unwanted

Remember that I've got new pair of glasses since December? Yeah, subject pair in picture. Today, I had to turn them in... to the shop I made this purchase. You know, I did make some scratch... very tiny tiny one on it... Probably no one ever would notice unless being told so... and it was too obvious to me... who kept looking at it with regret... even though I don't know how it all happened to them.

Why submitted? Repair (i.e. fix and repaint) was requested and it will take about 3-4 weeks. Cost? Good question. I have to pay UNWANTED 50 bucks for single tiny scratch! I just own them for a little more than several months and look what happens!!!

Do you like them?! Well, I really don't care how much you may like them or not. I do, anyway... and I am fanatic about putting on different shapes of glasses... in my collection!!!

In my entire life, I started with watches... then, ties... now glasses! You know this kind of craziness seems so endless!!! I know, I cannot help it! Nobody else can for me, either! Hahaha, no one can stop me!!!

I know, this pair didn't look too kinky... unlike others I have in collection, right?! Quiet there!

22:09+2

May 1, 2004 =May Day! May Day!

Shosenkyo (Shosen Valley) was destination for the day! Left Sagamihara around 10am and got that area around lunch time. Chuo Highway wasn't jammed much... yeah there was some congestions... not bad at all.

"Shosenkyo"

Shadow Picture Museum... introduced and had an entry to 1994 version of Guinness Book for record!

Main event... to see this! (click HERE to see this in large scale)
Shadow picture by Seiji Fujishiro

=== How did you like it?!?! ===

Great view, isn't it? Called "Sengataki" (Senga Water Fall)

Never missed good foods in this region...

Left - "Houtou" pot (some thick noodles in it)
Center - Japanese
"Mitake" soba
Right - Frozen Yogurt
"Kyoho grape" flavor - (in fact, this was GREAT!)

Arakawa Dam with Mr. Handsome.

Long trip and am quite tired now... Surely it was worth it.

0:30+1


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