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August 31, 2004 =End of Summer? |
At least, end of August. Ready for fall? Well, didn't seem it was last day of August... Very hot and humid! No one could stand... Well, I was smart enough to stay "cool" inside. Mostly dealing with documents to prepare for new business.
Someone got to have 140,000th visitor position... In Japanese version today. Thank you for reading! I guess, you know, by now, how hard this is to keep everything on line everyday... but worth doing it for me. How come?! At least I can keep in touch with multiple friends in the world and have some potentiality to attract some new people out there. Plus, so great to keep everything in record. My personal record.
Imagine... 140,000 visitors for Japanese end, plus another 14,000 to English page. Must be something, right? So many people interest in ME! Must be friends or enemies? Hahaha. I know, mostly people read this because either they want to find their names or totally opposite. Whatever.
Anyway, who is the winner of prize?! Please come forward.
What was my lunch? Cannot remember.
English lesson from 7:45pm. 1st time for three weeks? I missed last several classes... so I felt kind new to the class. Fun? No plans in session. It was free talk and one of us planed to go to NYC and SFO this month. Man, must be nice. I talked about some economics. How come so serious? My bad. Could have been able to choose something easy.
Some interesting name to recall. "Cracker Barrel" --- yeah, "Cracker Barrel Old Country Store" restaurant. My favorite. I miss it much. Great food... breakfast. Hmmm, yum yum.
Man, made me hungry. Now late and I shouldn't eat. Notably, didn't get much to eat for tonight. Some kind of extreme diet. Bad one, huh. Anyhow, let's stop talking about foods!
23:09
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August 30, 2004 =Olympic Is Over! |
Very windy... influence from Typhoon No. 16.... currently staying around southern part of Japan. Is that coming up (north)??? So I heard... Not directly to where I live... Though somewhat coming near tomorrow (or tonight).
Very windy outside.
Final week of August and beginning of FALL are here together. What would you think? Those who are currently on summer vacation must be ready by now to get back to real world. Those who have some special thing in mind should begin that project. Time for harvest.
Tak's week started as extremely normal besides one annoying (!) fellow kept calling. Definitely of business and he was a prospective customer... though he wasn't much appreciated. Problem was simply that he didn't come to me with full of information. He comes back and forth every time he has questions or problems.
How many times have I received calls from that fellow on single day?! More than several... more than 5 times... In fact, it was like 7-10 times. Plus, he sent me email messages as well.
Sounds like some kind of jerk or, say, stalker? Hahaha.
Usual Monday morning conference for all employees... Manager Kimisawa was up front and talked. His topic was of new project and its schedule. Though, everything he said was based upon "if okayed by top management." Means nothing is really true YET. All as expected and we all don't know every single thing mentioned then would be really happening hereon. Will... I guess. What matters is simply when all that happen. New project affect to my position or description of work?! Could be!
I received a message from Robyn... referring me to a master of BS... WOW! You know, I may seem very talkative person to you... sometimes I say something very VIVID... though, I don't mean "BSing" to any of you! Hahaha. Why do I laugh?! Hmmm, am serious! Hehehe <BAM
Came home around 8:30pm. Lots of reading after that. Information needed. What kind?! "Educational."
23:50
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August 29, 2004 =Celsius 9-1-1? |
Celsius or Fahrenheit? Well, today's event was of some "documentary" movie by famous and trouble maker Michael Moore. Yeah, it is "Fahrenheit 9/11." No more Bush! No more Bush! Yep, it was all about THAT.
Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11"I know and everyone knows that it was of George W. Bush criticism by Democrats with Michael Moore's view points. The movie was simply well-done! Good ENTERTAINMENT. Though, we ought NOT to cite this movie as resource utilizing a decision making process for next presidential election in this winter. As far as we keep that in mind... it was worth to see!
Tak's rate for "Fahrenheit 9/11" --- a solid B.
I thought that this movie would attract young people... like me... I was wrong. SO wrong. So many older people like mid-40's and above were there in the same theater. Notably almost packed!
We all should be wondering what Michael Moore would do after this masterpiece... especially after Bush couldn't hold the Office for next 4 years. He may not produce something awesome any longer?! Plus, he should stick with such documentary-base film?
Well, for now there is one thing in my mind... that I should go and grab a copy of "Bowling for Columbine." For that I haven't see... by any chance yet. I know I should have.
Besides this movie... it was not typical Sunday. Yeah, movie-going is apart typical. Last night after LONG chatting with darling Robyn (in Columbia) over the net... for the first time in months, went to bed around 1:30am. Somehow something got to me and something kept me awake. I stayed in Futon... didn't sleep. Decided to watch movie on video from 3am... Saw "Rush Hour." Then, sun started rising... around 5am. Yeah, finally I fell to a sleep from 6am or so. Got up from Futon by 10am. Very bizarre.
I should hit my sack early to be good enough for Monday.
Key phrase: acceptance before confirmation. " Knocking Tak off his pedestal" soon?
21:29
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August 28, 2004 =Tak in Hospital? |
Got up LATE. Yeah, I wanted to have breakfast at usual coffee house... I missed it. My bad. Though, ended up sleeping quite much... more than 10 hours of single sleep. Not bad, huh!
In the afternoon, I had some engagement with coworkers from Quality Control. Visiting a hospital was a deal. Went to work first to meet them... 7 of us and get a ride together. To Kyorin University Hospital.
For whom? Remember, friend-slush-coworker Harahira has been in hospital due to some disease. So we went up there to see him for getting well.
Took us more than one and half hour... to get there. Traffic jam... heavy one. Anyhow, finally arrived at hospital around 3:30pm. Very large hospital it was. We almost (did instantly?) lost ourselves. When elevator door was open, HE WAS THERE for us... Without calling or anything, he just happened to be there... Even though he expected us to visit, it would be difficult to meet someone in large place.
Then, we spent longer than an hour... with him who was supposedly sick... though, he didn't sound sickened at all! In fact, we didn't see him being in bed... We went outside for SMOKE and then went in the cafe for coffee. Doesn't sound like happening in hospital does it?! It was true.
Some kind of difficult disease... along with symptom that he loses memory... Though, he has no such symptom at all. Doctor is still procrastinating to determine how to treat him yet... Therefore, he has maximum freedom in that place besides IV's (intravenous drip) three times a day. He is allowed to smoke. According to him, doctors hold him in the bed for another week where all testing take place.
Anyhow, hope he gets well and back to work with us from bottom of my heart.
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August 27, 2004 =Good Friday? |
Continuously SLEEPY. This is serious. Some kind of sick is it? Well, lacking sleep may cause so much trouble... well, so far there is nothing... besides what I have knocked a nod at my desk... in the late morning. Yeah, it was tough to keep my eyes open.
Yes, I admit... I did knocked a nod then. Was anyone just behind me to observe?
In the afternoon, I was sort in to prepare quotations... and almost (literally almost) forgot about the meeting that I would come to preside. Yeah, I called that small meeting with 4 others internally... and one from Quality Control was absent due to some critical issue at subcontracted factory outside the town.
Well, with his absent, it was easy and smooth meeting I held because we all could decide that it would be all his responsibility. <BAM
Late to home tonight?! Left work around 8pm. Went to McDonald's for meal. Happy meal as usual. Since I've got 2-dollar-off coupon with me, such choice was simply determined. Big deal for someone who is currently challenging financially... It's me!
Will sleep tight to gain the energy.
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August 26, 2004 =Banker? Market Researcher? |
Day before Friday... yeah, almost weekend. Fine day outside and I had difficult time... Had ISO meeting for entire morning period and I couldn't hold my eyes open then.
Over lunch, Nakajima told me that he knew that I was asleep! Man, he got me.
For afternoon, had to go up to see some customer and the drive was around an hour. You know, I was so sleepy while driving... Almost make a collision to the car before me. Man, should've been careful. All those happening were simply and merely no accidents.
Lack of sleep... Yeah, truly I have lacked the sleep for today. What time did I go to bed?! Around 3am. No wonder why!
Still sleepy for now.
Tonight after work around 8pm, I got a ride to BMW compatible. Wow, what kind of woman could come around for me?! Who was she?! Question rises... where there is no exciting answer for it. It was HE and buddy Tyson came around and we went out for eat. And had coffee thereon.
Nikkei didn't hold good number at the end of day. Man, too much trouble?
Received a greeting card from Mochizuki in Shimizu... Thank you! Will stay in touch!
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August 25, 2004 =Pago... Pagado! |
Yeah, getting paid... and did get paid! Thanks bunch! However, bills come after me... Made a payment to my creditor... with 700 dollars like said yesterday. Man, all my spending for a month from today is gone so instantly!
Today, main event wasn't of that payment to make. Rather, some business... serious issue. Visitors of three showed up around 1pm and that was the beginning of long story. Well, at least it wasn't WRONG story at the end... so I guess I better say that it was productive afternoon... or peaceful time.
Process (on-site) audit it was. Two new products that those gentlemen had in their minds. Both were in similar way of process and we didn't have much difficulty to lead those customers to understanding. Good explanation there for them, too. Me?! I was certainly one of those who mainly concerned. I sometimes jumped in to the discussion or explained some situation... but didn't (want to) take entire initiative for process flow show.
I had some bad news.
Friend-slush-coworker Harahira is in hospital. Some bad cold he had... and I heard that he would remain in hospital bed for rest of the week. Man, hope he gets well sooner than doctor said.
Japan's baseball team called "All Best Pro" to the Athens championship... did end up with BLONDE. After Cuba and Aussie. No more excitement in Olympic Games?! Almost over, right?!
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August 24, 2004 =Day Before What? |
Day before what?! It must be pay day, right?! What would you think?
Anyhow, I had to call in this morning to report that I take a day off. Not off sick but something personal. Yep, I was busy all day long. Lots of thinking.
Yep, it is pay day tomorrow. I have to log in to my back web account to see how much left (short?). And hopefully, I could reserve some extra?! WRONG! I had received two bills from credit card companies... telling me that I was in great debt. NO WAY! No way to keep my life going! Hmmmm.
How much?! At least 700 dollars due tomorrow. <BAM
Since no work today, I know pretty much that I would be dead meat by end of tomorrow --- nope, I mean "dead beat." I expect 4 visitors to the office in the afternoon and that will be tough (and very severe?) on-site audit. By customer it is. I would be shaking in having the feeling that it may not go peacefully. Preparation? At least I spent more than 5 hours with folks involving in the issues for it and all that may NOT be good enough?
Verdict is to be made tomorrow afternoon with 4 gentlemen. Let's see what to be and keep your fingers crossed for me!
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August 23, 2004 =Where Have They Gone? |
Back to normal... whether you like it or not... we have to work... FOR checks! Yeah, pay day is just around the corner and I cannot afford much to any luxury... so I went to work. (make sense?)
Missing... WHO? More than a few... In fact, about 40% of sales staff members were missing. Some were sick? Some others were slept in? Some others... watched TV - the Olympic Games all night and couldn't make work this morning?
You know, this Olympic Games... Japan so far holds so many gold medals... 3rd best results in the history at this point... with still potential to come to the best. In hammer throwing, everyone's favorite, Kouji Murofushi came to the competition this early morning in Japan Time and many of nations got glued to the TV screen to cheer him up.
He missed the gold by inches... So unlucky! Am sure that he would go to Beijing (following Games) for the gold!
Oh for your information, I didn't stay up that late for it... Like I said, I couldn't afford to any luxury. Hehehe.
Very cool temperature today. No one should catch a cold! Be careful out there!
Japanese compositions of 6 pages... Like my thesis? For what purpose?
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August 22, 2004 =Jazz Jazz Jazz |
The 35th Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest
For entire afternoon, I was in the concert hall for jazz. Yeah, that was of college jazz orchestra competition. Annual event and I got a free ticket to see. In fact, Yamano company was my ex-client and that's the reason that I received such treat.
From Tokyo University to Chuo University... more than 30 educational institutions sent their representing jazz team for the championship. Plus, fun was not only the college students performance itself. Moreover, there was a guest performer... "Tropical Jazz Orchestra."
Man, that performance was awesome! Superior! Beautiful sounds with vivid expression in that music. Yep, that pro performance was worth to see.
Did have great time! Yep, I do like jazz. Should check some jazz live performance to see over weekends.
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August 21, 2004 =E-1 Grand Prix |
K-1 Grand Prix is of hard fight championship.
M-1 Grand Prix is the comedy competition.
And then, E-1 Grand Prix is for great performance of play?This afternoon, went out for E-1 Grand Prix. 4 groups competed on the stage and I was one of the judging committees. Yeah, those who came to the theater for the championship were automatically privileged to vote in order to determine the winner.
Two groups from Okayama, and one from Fukuoka. Another from Sapporo and one last from Nagoya.
I thought that it would be of some serious play performance... However, the fact was the contrary. Many gimmicks and and jokes. There were even some actions in the plays. I was sort surprised. And most notably, I didn't understand much of such plays... at least three out of four short plays... Gave me little clue to understand the scenarios.
Who won at the end? Group from Nagoya - called "Test-Tube Baby" won the thing. The performance by that group was the only one that I fully understood from the beginning to the end.
I was in the theater from 2pm through 4pm. I enjoyed about a quarter of the time. Hehehe.
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August 20, 2004 =Tyson is BACK! |
Let's not talk about work today... I had to cut it out just on time at 6pm... Never mind about a call from customer. Never mind coworkers who may dislike to see me leaving on time. Never mind WHATSOEVER!
I had to hurry to Shinjuku for festivity.
As previously mentioned, I was the organizer for tonight's gathering. In the reflection of our friend Tyson's great character and personality, 9 people were there for him to welcome his back from Atlanta for this summer. 1st time in half year?! So I thought.
Tama-chan, Tyson, and Sonoko (whom I first met today = Tyson's friend)
Plenty of food to keep up... with barrels of alcohol while dozens of topics to cover with this great friend of ours... You know the time of a half year counts so many eventful matters for all of us... like I started new job, Charlie (who was absent due to his trip to US) bought a new house, etc.
Another good thing was that 2 more members (female!!!) jointed us tonight and both of ladies seemed, at least to me, having great time with us. Emi #2 and Sonoko - WELCOME to the club!
Oh, before showing the group picture, there was a very interesting comparison... with single pair of sunglasses, you can tell how 4 men could look differently.
Left) ORIGINAL combination - glasses and Tyson. Looks good, huh.
Right) Aikawa put them on. Not bad. Cool.
Left) Kirk tried them on. Better than good. Great.
Right) Tak RECKLESSLY tried... in vain!!!DO NOT LAUGH! Do not laugh HARD!
At that scene, I was laughed at... SO HARD. So sad!!!
I know, compared to those three folks, I was LEAST handsome...
Today's members...back row: Sonoko - yk110 - Aikawa - Kirk - Emi #1
front row: Tama-chan - Tyson - Emi #2There were two Emi's there. Both wore black shirts. First meeting each other. Ladies named such have same fashion favor?! Hmmm. Or maybe, just sheer coincidence?
Charlie, YOU HAVE BEEN MISSED!
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August 19, 2004 =Time to PASS |
Man, again!!! My bad cannot-stop habit is back... so-called "WANTING EVERYTHING NEW." Remember? I always keep my eyes on all new gadgets coming out... especially digital goods like digital camera, Apple Macintosh, and so on.
Recently that kind of trend started having a change... I admit. I guess, pretty much satisfactory on digital media... Rather, my attention has moved on to fashion... MY kind of fashion.
Shouldn't be that difficult to recognize all new items around... for last half year. Red wallet (July), Tsumori Chisato shirt (May), Burberry bag (March?), etc. I have to add Mikli (Italian) glasses... that was back in December or so.
Somehow... am dying to have this Mikli red color glasses.
Cool huh? Yeah, you cannot disagree!!! That frame is "so-called" new arrival! Came out from the brand for this season. How about the price?! I know, Mikli doesn't come around CHEAP. A little less than 700 dollars. I mean just FRAME only. Additionally you have to pay (more!) for lenses.
It is extremely usual that I always want something TOP OF THE LINE... or simply the BEST! For glasses category, I have to push Mikli to the top! Like Rolex in watch... and Mac for computing.
Today I will (really?) start some saving plan for that pair of glasses! (Am I serious?)
For tomorrow night, double-booking is no longer existed. The one party which I am organizing is still as scheduled. While, another one with friends like Amy and Takashi was eventually cancelled due that everyone had different engagements respectively.
So what will be happening tomorrow night with folks like Kirk and others? Will see.
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August 18, 2004 =Time to Decide? |
Sharp pain... hit directly to my stomach. "Estomago" (stomach in Spanish). What happened? Well, had no idea. Bad stuff eaten? Didn't think at all. Anyway, for that stomachache, had to spent quite amount of time away from my desk. (you know to where I went...)
Last night... Yeah, let the clock wind backward... there was a severe (so hard!) thunderstorm here... around 1am through 2am or so. Do you know thunder?! Well, I DO! I like to see lightening... too bad that it was very inconvenient time to see... it was way passed my bed time then. Anyhow, really loud enough to keep me awake anyhow...
Always do enjoy seeing such nature scene and did so last night. What left? Lack of sleep.. for all day long today! Hmmm.
Went in 8:50am and left 7:59pm. Usual working day? Pretty much so. No trouble? I was the trouble!!! Yeah, cannot resist to be trouble-maker.
Japan has beaten Cuba last night?! How wonderful! Great job!!! Means Japan has no objections on the way to gold medal... At least every single nation in Japan thought so until this evening... when finding the result following game in elimination round.
Japan lost against "underdog" Australia! What a shock!
Time to decide for me... TGS or else? Hmmm, sounds like life-time choice? No way!!! Hahaha.
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August 17, 2004 =Yield to Fax Traffic |
You know me... Tak isn't that strong or powerful. Neither smart. Neither handsome. Today, I found myself yielding to something artificial. I was supposed to receive some fax from customer. I became knowing about it when receiving first three pages. Three out of 15 pages... on the top of a sheet said.
On and on... I waited for the fax machine to complete the receiving session. Never completed 15 pages somehow... sooner or later I received a call from the client claiming that fax didn't go through.
What way to take for me?! Decided to "fetch" the original copies from that female customer. Hmmm NOT because it was SHE but simply wasn't that trouble for me since scheduling to make a stop over the sight for this afternoon! Hahaha. Got ya!
Had a brief talk with her boss when picking up those docs. NOT her. In fact, I have never met her before and EVER!
That talk brought me to the attention that those documents were a regard of some quotation inquiry. TOUGH one for me... you know plenty of technical matters in them... where I had no idea whatsoever... Hmmm.
Tonight... originally English lesson scheduled... and cancelled at last minute and I didn't know! I made some (?) efforts to make it and did so... Just in vain?! Well, just lacking a little luck tonight.
I may stay up late... since ball game Japan - Cuba. Big game. Practically, that match is deciding which way the gold medal directs. Well this 1st match is still within elimination round. They will face each other once again in final round - the tournament.
Oops! I have been double-booked?! For Friday - am the organizer for Tyson and friends to get together. While, Takashi Moriya and friends will get together on same day. If later one takes place in same Shinjuku as Tyson's gathering, I would be able to make them both. What would you think?
Tak Yamada cannot be "everyone's friend?!" Hehehe.
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August 16, 2004 =Back... |
Yep, I am back... really back to the reality. Severe world that someone else will win if I won't. You know, ZERO-sume game is always there... someone wins while someone else loses. Yep, that's it.
Big news hit the media today. Vice President of NTT Docomo decided to take position in Vodafone. Yeah, biggest rival company for NTT Docomo. That gentleman worked for 30 years or so for NTT Docomo and now decided to become President of Vodafone Japan. Finally, new market emerged even in Japan!!!
It means, those who have management skills with great background can move wherever position available. Japan has been and still is leaning on not skill-wise but on seniority or so-called royalty. NTT Docomo was even used to be owned by government... and that is typical place for such importance as authentic (and traditional) Japanese management. Better say "conservative way of management in Japan."
That gentleman (forgot his name) leaving NTT Docomo made a vivid remark that Western way of management is now here... I really admire of his such decision and hope he would do a good job... even though everyone knows that Vodafone is having great difficulty to gain shares from the rival Docomo who still enjoy the dominance in the market.
What about work? Quiet! First day of returning to work wasn't that bad at all... Quite light. Left work around 7pm.
Buddy Tyson is back in country and I just sent out an email message including party schedule for this Friday. Too many female fans for him... somehow somewhat. How come he is SO popular and I AM NOT? Hmmmm... what a difference between us? For Friday, I will find out such difference...
Would you like to come?! Friday, 20th, 7:30pm in Shinjuku. Be there!
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August 15, 2004 =End of Summer 2004 |
It's about time... things which once started always come to an end. No exception to this time... Tak's summer off 2004. Week with friends and full of drinks is now over!!! Too bad... and too sad.
Didn't plan any... I wanted this day as resting time... and I practically followed that thought.
Woke up around 11am. First time... and I was gone out of control in bed (still by myself!!! - unfortunately <BAM). Went on and one sleeping!
Time finally went out of bed... 5pm! Yeah, spent entire afternoon ALREADY! My bad.
I must have been so exhausted like that... Good one, though... plenty of fun as you know upon reading here!
I have to close this short... Have to prepare (not physically but mentally) that I work tomorrow and on. Killing me.
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August 14, 2004 =Tokyo Dome |
Woke up around 10am... after long day... (entertainment only, though). Spent 4 or 5 hours in Arata's place for nap... Yeah, I shouldn't call it as "sleep" since it wasn't anything usual. Better say, "morning nap." Hahaha.
Enjoyed the Bento Box <BAM. In fact, went to Tokyo Dome.Tokyo Giants vs. Yokohama Bay Stars, Bay Stars edged Giants... at the end.
We sat in the 7th row from the front. Very great view of the stadium from where we sat.
Masumi Kuwata - left the mound after accident. Injured.
Too bad for MoonFlower... since Kuwata was her favorite.
Hiroshi Yamada - from Ogaki. Same age as me!
He came up to the mound to set the game up. Did a good job!2nd time for ball game this year?! Good thing... that Giants came to a loss while leading Dragons secured a victory. Must be the year for Dragons... coming to the pennant in September!!! (my wish becoming true soon)
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August 13, 2004 =Hamamatsu Off Event |
As scheduled, I made a stop-over in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka.
Boss Ito gathers this many (folks) for me!
L-C-R> Yoshitake, Miss Aizawa, Arata, Junya, "Ogaki-jin," Miss Naruse, and Boss Ito
Yeah, my face turned red as usual... out of control? Not that bad...
Arata - It was first time for me in five years to catch up... Great to see you, man!
Late show-up, Ms. Bando.
----->
"Matchan" accelerated so much and felt bad later?
Miss Bando came later on. Though, great to have you, lady!
2nd stage... K A R A O K E.
Miss Inagaki joined us from the 2nd stage... and spent rest of the time with us!
Yeah, too much fun... that I couldn't resist... too much.
Arata witnessed what?!?!
(please click the image for detail)
My Rolex ticking over 2am... still going on and on...
Literally "ENDLESS" or "ALL NIGHT."
Last shot for the day... at 5:20am!
Yeah, call us CRAZY if you will. I have to thank every one in there... I owed big to Boss Ito.
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August 12, 2004 =Friend from the Time in America |
Remainder from yesterday... addition to mention. I went out to see "Thunderbirds." Yeah, THAT movie.
The story in this movie shouldn't have come this early... the story would have been more understanding or would have made sense more if in "Thunderbirds 2" or even "Thunderbirds 3." NOT in the first movie edition.
Why?! Because kids got attention... not directly the team of "International Rescue" itself. Story was the adventure of kids dying to grow up in order to join the members of the Team. Was okay to me... however I doubt that big Thunderbirds fans would like to see in positive way...
I can give only C+ to this movie. NOT bad... just not good enough.
Famous noodles in Nagoya - I came to eat for lunch. In Nagoya Station,
FAMOUS Yamamoto's Miso Noodles
Saw Takashi Moriya - soon to be DR. Moriya. His girlfriend came along. I, until meeting this young lady, didn't know that she was the reader of this page... She was so interested in meeting REAL Ogaki-jin. I bet that it was great curiosity. I did give a good impression?! I tried my best!!!
They were, in the talk, so eager to proceed their career to the goals set... and I was quite moved with such talk. It was great reunion with old friend (and his girlfriend) like this.
After that, I looked around in Takashiyama Department Store. No luck on Regal shoes.
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August 11, 2004 =High School Buddies |
Folks... promise is promise and I don't let any of promises made go!!! After all quiet period about give-away on this website. Naohiko Tasei was the winner on visitor counter 123,456th and today he received some package from Website Ogaki-jin. Here's the report from his end about the celebration:
"Prize on 123, 456th Visit to Website Ogaki-jin"
"Thank you, Ogaki-jin!"And, what you see on left - package in brown is the one sent from Ogaki-jin.
Naohiko Tasei in the middle - the winner with TWO ladies aside?!
Miss Ogawa (left) and Miss Omori (right).
The guy with MISCHIEVOUS look isn't Japanese Yakuza or anything... yet, Yoshiteru Tsuyukubo - old coworker of mine! Hey, man!
and tasting time... Tasty?!
Good food (fish!!!) and some game at night with some OLD fellows... NOT age-wise BUT from "old" time like high school.
Three guys got together for me and four of us had plenty of drinks with darts game on and on... Yep, too much drink and I couldn't take after so much! Hahaha.
Guy in black shirt - Tomoyuki Kawase who I hadn't seen for years since our high school graduation.
Fellow in business attire with tie - Katsunori Nakai.
and usual buddy - Yasunori Takagi on right.Thanks guys! I had great time with ya'll!!!
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August 10, 2004 =Scenary |
Well, I take you to a little tour over Ogaki - my ONLY hometown that everyone in the City is so proud of. As a result happening in near future, this city is expected to be the place with population 0.3 million. Surprise?!
L-R> City Hall, HQ of Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank, and Ogaki Castle
L-R> Statue "Lord Toda" and scenes from castle property
L-R> Ogaki Station, scenes from station area
Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank building is OLD symbol and NEW one is this:
Softpia Japan main building.
Best and renown sweets from Ogaki, "Mizu-Manju" or Water Sweets.
For supper, Friend ChanKen came to pick me up.
Went out for good noodles... in Gifu City - not in town here. Hmmmm.Good stuff. Good stuff.
How did you like about Ogaki then?!
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August 9, 2004 =No Events |
Typical summer day in Ogaki today. 1st day... with no planned events. Oh, better say that I had planned to stay home for nothing... just to relax.
Woke up around 8am and ate breakfast. Such privilage in being home...was that I ALWAYS get fed SO WELL like gaining some weight when leaving home for the " reality." No exception this time... ate much... as I could eat! Hehehe. Blissed-out time here for me.
Went out a little in the afternoon. Just drove around in town. Came to see so many changes... big supermakets were changed to new chain store, new apartment buildings submerged, so many closed shops on main street, etc.
Watched a baseball game on TV. My brother's high (called "Ken-Gifusho") went to Koshien (name of the stadium) in where national championship is currently open. Miserable result... didn't make it to 2nd round. 3-6... lack of good strategies.
Wanted to find Regal shoe store in town... My Mom told me to check one place out... but didn't have luck then with me. Will find such shop in somewhere else later. What do I want? I want blue leather shoe from the brand. Another wasting-money stuff? So sue me!
Just finalized the entire plan for this week. Will see ChanKen tomorrow and buddies from high school, Yasunori and Katsuhide will entertain me Wednesday night. Busy?! Not that bad...
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August 8, 2004 =Back in Ogaki |
Yep, time for Ogaki! Got up around 9am in Charlie's place. No hangover. Yeah, let me say it again... NO HANGOVER! Got it?
Back to my apartment around 11am and I became quite busy to fix things in order to leave for Ogaki. My plan to leave that place was around 2pm and, until then, I had to do laundry and other chore things. Quickly. Oh... plus, I had to return rental videos back to the shop.
Gas was full and grabbed something to eat (some bread) with drink (non-alcohol!!!)... ready to hit the road (to Ogaki)!
Made a quick stop at Ashigara Service Area for shopping. I wanted to buy something for my parents. Picked up some cookies, etc.
At Ashigara Service Area - only stop I made on the trip.
Smooth driving... FAST enough? at 128km/h?!?! Wow, I were speeding, huh!
(Actually did... a little)The trip calculated was of a little over 5 hours... Left the apartment at 2pm....so should have come to Ogaki around 7pm. In fact, I arrived at 6:30pm... Pretty good trip! No traffic jams or any slowdowns.
Being home... I will be as lazy as possible! DO NOT even think about disturbing me on any stuff!!! If you have a problem... SOLVE it by yourself! Hehehe.
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August 7, 2004 =Charlie's New Home |
Visiting Charlie at his new home! He recently bought a new place (large apartment room) in Toda Koen area. Plus, he quitted the job he worked for 12 years... and now looking into new (totally different) bright future on his own. Needless to say, wherever he goes, we all remain good buddies. That's solid thing... unchangeable.
Very cool place and I totally FORGOT to take pictures of the place since I was so impressed with foods and great view where we came to see fireworks at night. Wonderful night!
Plenty of foods really help and pushed me to drink more and more!
Fireworks... since Charlie's place is top floor of 13-story-apartment... No tall buildings around and he will enjoy such every year from now on. We should visit him on such event day every year! Hahaha.
