Tak's Milestone: November, 2004

November 30, 2004 =Month-End

November finishes so calmly... Ready for year-end yet?

Well, tonight it is late. Very late. Already in December (to be precise). Work got done by 7:30pm and rushed to the place for usual Tuesday English class. Wow, 13 people came - the largest number ever! Good for us. Very exciting.

Somehow it was a little bit awkward for me to speak up in the class. Because I have missed several classes up to tonight? Well, I don't know. Took me a while to start feeling that I was already part of it.

Phone rang while in class. It was coworker Izumi and he and Harahira were in usual drinking place. Man, I had to show up after the class. Yeah, that's why I eventually came home... THIS LATE.

Harahira made a comment that my purple glasses DID NOT look good on me! What would you think? Hmmm.

I have to cut this short for the day in order to hit my sack soonest possible to catch my good sleep. Zzz... already?

0:59+1

November 29, 2004 =Noise?

Hi, folks. It's cold here... getting colder day by day... makes me realize that we are certainly going into winter. Maybe snow soon? Not so fast!

Received a brief message from newly married lady... Asaka... She went out of country for honeymoon today. To where? AUSTRALIA! I advised her that she must be careful about koalas claws if she ever holds one in zoo for sightseeing.

Must be nice... the sound of "honeymoon." Have you had one for yourself yet? I haven't had one... <BANG!

Today, things were still slow. Big cleaning took place for almost entire morning. Partly for expected moving. To where? Well, Sales department will not move much. Within the same floor and the location will be changed from end of building to the center of it. Product Engineering went out from the same floor and Administration, Quality Control, and Procurement department are all coming to the floor with us!

Oh, I just saw new meeting rooms. Pretty neat. High partition was set and high privacy is now kept. For what? Probably so many "PRIVATE" stuff to talk about? Hahaha. Just kidding.

Questionnaire sent out to ask friends for opinions and their free time to throw a party... not much replied yet.

First time... I taped some program on cable. Yeah, did work and worked great! For what purpose? Well, I needed to tape some COOKING program. Now you may think that I am FINALLY up for it? I know, it has been (for very long time) everyone's wish...

Hahaha. That doesn't come true yet.

Taped such program for MoonFlower who DIDN'T have recording equipment. WOW! She is needy, too? I didn't know that... Hehehe.

Also, submitted my application to enter stock option program from next month. Am I going to make much money out of it? Least likely not.

23:33

November 28, 2004 =Questionnaire Out

Just sent out one message to so many friends... A questionnaire about year-end party. Don't know how many of us are available and when to be good to set for festivity.

Will see if we can throw a party like last year.

Me? You know about my schedule, hahaha!

Today, nothing was really scheduled and I mostly stayed in. You know, I may have caught a cold. I really suffered from running nose for a long time in the morning. It was tough time for me to take care of it while in cafe for breakfast. I looked so miserable. I had no choice but took medication.

Man, I don't want to be sick... at any moment. I stay calm to get healed soonest possible.

21:15

November 27, 2004 =Nihonbashi

MoonFlower and I went out to Nihonbashi. Some place that we have never been before. "COREDO Nihonbashi." Pretty neat shopping complex near the Tokyo Station. It's almost a year since its open? We never had single chance to visit. Today, finally.

She bought a shirt. Me? I am BROKE. No money in my pocket! I just followed her all day long and watched she paid whatever she wanted for her own. Some kind of additional decoration for her walk-in closet or whatever...

One thing to share with ya:

Miss Asaka Kono became MRS. today!
Congratulations!

Her wedding took place somewhere far from here... no parties take place nearby... so no big cerebration for her... though, I sincerely wanted to say, "Great! Congrats! Have a great life with your loved one!"

So many weddings recently... Everyone really rushed for life-time decision, huh!

Yokohama Monblanc store called and informed me that my precious fountain pen was returned and ready for my pick-up. Yeah, maintenance is completed! (1st time in more than 5 years?)

6,500 yen for the fee. Do you see that as expensive?

21:40+1

November 26, 2004 =Ordinary One

Working as normal. Well, all folks in the Product Engineering were busy packing all into boxes. Over this weekend, whole department gets relocated to upstairs. Yeah, they are going to be in newly innovated space! Man, that's cool.

I had to go to get some paper work... and I drove for an hour or so to do so... and I found that document was already in mail! Wow, what was up to then? Hmmm, for nothing.

Long day for nothing? Hey, don't need to say that even though it's true <BANG!

21:59+2

November 25, 2004 =2004 TG

Once again... missing a big turkey dish!!! You know, it was my routine while in US that I stayed with Mom (Janice) and all family members like Auntie, Nannie, Sam, Robyn... Miss them a lot. I seriously hope that Sam still remembers of me! (Probably not anymore)

I should get there to let Sam know who I am... sometime soon? Hehehe. He will be surprised if he gets to know that his picture when he was a little tiny baby has been on the Internet!!! Sure, he'll get super surprised! Someday, I let him know-

Serious working day? Sure... while working, I bought them:

2004 Winter "JUMBO" Lottery tickets

Yeah, it is SERIOUS job to be a millionaire soonest possible! <BANG Well, you know, last three times or so... I bought and didn't win... So it will be my turn this time!!! When to find out of my jackpot?

-December 31st, the New Year's Eve- (remember that for me!)

You know, I needed such chance because I made payments in full... to the creditors. Yeah, about what I told you yesterday... 700 bucks or even a little more went out of my pocket. Gee.

The result from the other day's medical check-up came. Recommendation? "You should watch your weight." Hey, don't say that... I know, I know, and I know that WELL.

SIGN: "DO NOT DISTURB." Hahaha.

Pay day today! Thanks millions! And lastly...

Happy Holidays!

0:20+1

November 24, 2004 =Here is...

24th... the day before pay day. Made a big difference... HUGE! You know, I repeatedly said that I was broke... Probably not that many don't believe me much... or don't know how badly needy I am...

Here's some proof for you to clear up your mind toward my kind of poverty.

"Letter of Collection" from City Government of Sagamihara.

Under the name of the mayor, the letter reminds me that I haven't paid the 3rd term payment for city tax. Oh boy! Is that really true? Yep, I know... In fact, I realized of my failure this morning... Due was back on November 1st.

Another letter of same kind from NTT - telephone company.

Informs me that I hadn't pay the October bill out yet. I owe about $70 to NTT and immediate payment is requested.

-----

Dear Creditors,

I am hereby expressing of my apologetic feel that I have for you. Money resource is limited under current circumstance and I shall make the payments in full as soon as the condition improves.

Tak Yamada

-----

22:30

November 23, 2004 =Victim

Survived through... Yeah, I did. What happened? The entire work place was attacked by the smell of some chemical... EXACTLY, the THINNER. Since some (huge) construction in the building was under way, lots of noises and other disturbances were around. Today, wall paining must have taken place and smell... I felt so sickened while some others didn't mind it at all.

Man, I found that there were so many people who were thinner addicts! Hahaha.

Sugimoto and Miura - they were perfectly okay with it... so they said!

I usually don't go to smoking area which is on ground level. Though, did today. TWICE! I had to take some fresh breath. Good thing... both times, I didn't see anyone smoking in that area.

I lost even appetite. Unfortunately, I felt even worse after lunch. Yucky feeling in my stomach for a long time in the afternoon.

Anyway, I made two applications submitted to the management for some permits... and they were immediately granted. Asked boss to consult some issue that I try to solve with customer on Thursday. What else... Oh spent quite time on calculation - cost finding.

Some weird request from customer and I replied nicely... (not like ass, okay!). Is that true?! Yeah, I was nice...

Sent a message to Jay... whom I hadn't responded his last email message. Gee, I have to more for others... What about Robyn? (Has she ever downloaded AIM for video chat with me?) Mom in Waynesville? Dawn? Oh, she asked me for my mailing address. Should write her soon.

One more thing. In upper end, you can see the table with my December schedule. If you ever wished to share time with me, please BOOK NOW! Don't wait! Hahaha. Time is limited and all will be filled out with something sooner than you think!

Tomorrow, long way to see some customer in Gunma. Mostly out for sales calls. Serious work? Well, some engineers will do for me! <BANG! According to tomorrow's forecast, I should be able to drive under the sun. Good deal.

23:02

November 22, 2004 =Urgent?

Tiger Woods won the first title in Japan past weekend... and HUGE PLUNGE (more than 200 points on single day) for Nikkei today was just because of that?! And exchange rate went out of anyone's control?

So here is a question. Where has David Duval gone? I haven't heard his name in golf program for a quite time. Has he quit the golf?

Today's Tak... extremely normal... besides one event that some customer called and yelled for some parts on urgent need. Oh boy! Sure, I did help and filled the need right away. That was easily done!

Drove about 2 hours to delivery urgent goods right away. Do I like driving so much? I could have asked UPS or FedEx for such delivery? Hmmm.

1st time to know... just found... that I could challenge only 5 times in any 12 month period. Mean, two chances left. Spent 3 times for nothing? Nope, I don't call them failures. Just part of "progress." Yeah, good word.

For what am I talking about?! Oh, my challenge for a revenge against R-Prometric. My challenge is still to be continued. "G-M-A-T." Now at 5.1.0. Ain't enough at all... and fully understand that preparation isn't nearly sufficient to score higher than that.

Keep studying! I will.

Tomorrow... National holiday? For what? Well, doesn't matter. Got to work anyway... as usual.

0:20+1

November 21, 2004 =Boring? Just Needed

Lazy Boy - exactly about me!

No cleaning, no vacuuming, no dusting... JUST one laundry. That's only the thing got done. Yeah, that's it. What else? Nothing... nada, zipped! Truly I am telling you the truth! No lies. That's all happened for last 24 hours or so... (besides sleep).

Zzz.

Another week to begin? Wait... has all weekend been over yet? I feel like there is still some time to go... I guess I am wrong.

Watched "Sex and the City," "The Practice," and so forth on TV.

23:49

November 20, 2004 =Surprise? NOT iPod

I thought of iPod... though, that thought didn't remain in my head too long. Then, my thought became clear. I went straight to portable hard disk drive. Yeah... cheapest possible, of course! Budget wasn't meant to cover such from the beginning.

"Adtec 20gig hard drive" for 120 dollars

Yeah, now my PowerBook works funny sometimes and such backup plan is inevitable for now. So here it is... My concern should be eased by this. iPod could be an alternative... Surely good addition, music, to my life. Wait. Simple question pops up.

"Do I regularly buy (music) CDs?"

The answer was no and I usually don't buy any. I do like music... I just don't invest for my own sake of pleasure. Such investment will bring no return to my life in my opinion. So what would iPod be for then? See!

If I bought one... I would start buying music (CDs) around. The cost of buying one iPod will be apparently more than its cost... and will lead further investment. Cannot afford all like that. iPod must be the key to open the door of money-hungry life!!!

MoonFlower and I were in Yokohama... for that shopping all afternoon. Lots of walk today. Beat!!!

Oh, one more thing. Just on the way to meet MoonFlower, I was yelled at by stranger in Shin Yokohama station. Wow, how come? How could someone find me in the middle of crowded place? Did I look that obvious in many people? I guess, whatever the reason was... I could be found in crowds. Remember that! (for what?)

It was Akihiko Takahashi. My ex-ex-Boss. First time to see him for almost a year! What a surprise!!! Good to see you, Takahashi-san. Even though we have very short chat with each other, he seemed fine and remained so busy everyday.

23:40+1

November 19, 2004 =Long Day - Still Friday?

Hey, Friday --- I don't know much of your usual Fridays... though, mine at usual level is always easy and stress-free. Today, it was an exception. Like said yesterday, I was assigned to some inventory-taking and, for that, I was out all day long.

My (special) Friday began at 6am. Woke up at 5am (thanks to MoonFlower's wake-up call).

Since the leader of my group couldn't drive the company car... his license was suspended... I got to drive. Left the office at 6am and got the destination just at 9am. NO traffic jams at all... (my deeds must be right as always!).

Then, inventory activity initiated. You know, things were much easier than expected and, at 5pm, it was all done! That means that we could be home by 8pm!

Negative. Wrong answer. Due to the delay caused with other team in different site, my team was asked to back it up... We went to 2nd site to do same... Didn't take too long for that... still, it took quite while to get there! Hmmm. So entire thing was over at 7pm.

Driving back was not bad at all... Well, better say that it were like this morning. In fact, I didn't have to drive at all... HOWEVER, I somehow had a hard time to fell sleep in the car. Two young members of team drove the car... half way each. Thanks.

Came home a little after 10pm. Adjourned.

Lastly...

"Abekawa-mochi" - Shizuoka's proud...
They are rice cakes. Tonight's sweets for me to be even sweeter! <BANG

0:10+1

November 18, 2004 =Speaking of Luck

Good luck?! Or shall I call this bad luck? Special assignment for tomorrow. I have to go to one of key suppliers of parts for tooling inventory. So I am expected to miss working day for normal job tomorrow.

In fact, I have to get up very early since I, with three other young gentlemen, travel for several hours to get the destination. I have to show at work around 6am! Worst part is that heavy road construction is on and big traffic jam is most likely to occur while on trip.

Pre-inventory meeting took place at 3pm and lasted for a while... more than an hour, I believe. So many things were covered and I did a good job not to fall sleep then! Well, am NOT the leader of group. Rather, am sub-leader. Means that I don't have to take any, by all means, initiative to complete task for tomorrow.

Hmmm, that doesn't mean that I am lazy! Hehehe.

When I came home, going out to grab some foods for supper crossed my mind. Yeah, I really planned to. Though, I quit. Rain... pouring and really hesitated myself to push the plan. Checked my food inventory and found some ramen noodle... I know, still bad for health... though, I compromised with that bag of noodles. That's the only and last food I get.

Extreme diet it was... ha! Hey, I know that I keep disappointing ya'll and most notably me for diet. I haven't succeeded any diet... Clearly remember that diet was one of those listed on my 2004 New Year's resolutions.

There are only 40 days or so remaining for the year 2004... what have I done?!

Ex-coworker Fukami is taking a year off?! Wow! What happens then? She infromed me of her plan and she would go to study abroad. What a wonderful challange!!! I admire of her independence... Am sure that, after her return from whatever the study program, she will be very solid career woman. Good luck!

23:30

November 17, 2004 =Interesting Move

Fire drill took place in the afternoon. Were we taking it serious enough? Hey, there were so many laughs and smiles... no one really ran to escape from the site at all! Were we bad?! I am sure that some people (many of us?) did have fun in that activity.

I found some others did take advantage of the action in escaping from the site as extended meaning. To leave the office even before the drill it was. Smart, huh? I should've followed them.

Well according to the management, the drill, which was observed by (real) officers from fire department, was successful. Good job!

My shirts for work got dry clean as rarity.

You know, I really don't mind ironing... In fact, I do iron one shirt and pocket-handkerchief EVERY MORNING. So it is so rare that my shirts for work get dry clean. 120 yen for each to do so at my regular shop (i.e. dry cleaner). Just a dollar per shirt.

You know, you can see the collection of ties in this site... You however can see all shirts at a glance like that... so it must be first time to show it off in this place. How do you like them?

From light blue to purple, and yellow... some pink... WHAT ABOUT WHITE?

The answer? NONE. I know, I don't have any white shirts at all at present. Used to have some... which were worn out and discarded long time ago. Yes, I do admit that it is necessary to reserve one or a few shirts for some formal occasion. What about the budget for such purchase? Hmmm, good question.

Please remit your generous check payable to Tak Yamada (NEVER "ogaki-jin," please!) and, at the same time, ask me for mailing address!!! <BANG!

0:10+1

November 16, 2004 =Different Plan?

Decided no show to tonight's class... I considered that it was necessary to put priority on health rather than study for tonight. I guess, it is right and wise decision.

Some minor headache now emerges... Painkiller is taken to heal it. Not right... it is not to heal, right? Just makes my nerve dull not to sense such pain... Well, sore throat (from a cold) is here also... Man, looks bad...

Work was fine... no goods news... While, no bad news either. Hahaha. Oh, I will be out of office mostly on Friday since I am assigned to help some inventory taking. This time, not of parts but of toolings. Will be on sort trip.

Two parties now almost get set. Yeah, about time to deal with year-end! Sales Department now plans to throw one for all members and the group to which I belong can held another one. So two occasions in total!

Well of course, I will not drink so much in whatever occasion. You know, doctors told me that I wasn't that capable for alcohol.

Famous animation "Touch" in on cable TV and I spent quite time on the program. That animation is popular while I was in school... Yeah, 20 years ago or even longer! Don't think this went to US or other countries. Am sure that all Japanese around my age do recognize this production.

What else for today... You know, I lacked resources to tell... You know, it happens.

0:20+1

November 15, 2004 =Going Down?

Contrary to my wish that he would miss the station where he was supposed to get off and would stay in the train up to Shin Osaka, Boss Ito didn't miss it at all and went home as planned with no mistake. What a shock!

Ha? Am I bad person?

There is a symptom... I may (definitely?) have a cold for now. I caught it while on trip? Or it must be from my sleep last night? Not that good sleep - so I recall. It was cold night then.

Yeah, not from work... but from the condition of last night sleep.

In my back, I have some pain... part of the typical symptom of cold. Yeah, typical initial symptom... such muscle pain along with some running nose. Oh boy! Could be serious. I should take a rest for night soonest possible.

Work was steady and quiet. Not much concentration because of the cold (or whatever I suffer from).

Since all sales staff members, besides myself, in the group I belong to were out for meetings, I had very quiet time in the office. Plus, there were no calls from clients for anything. Man, this could be last easy working day for the year?

How did you like those photos from the trip? Yeah, lots of work for sure.... though, I tried to be as entertaining as possible for you though my life... That's my creed on this page. Hahaha.

22:55

November 14, 2004 =Izu Kogen #2

Sakae Tanaka took much along with ladies?!
Sure he did!

Survival game for all of us... lasted 2 hours.
Penalty? A shot of... whatever available...

On right, Kondo wanted to show the ring on his finger?! Or just drank a lot and out of control?

He - Yagishita - took the funniest roll in the game.

All didn't know how funny he was... He's known as quiet.

Anyway, the trip seemed very short... great fun we all had! 4 hours of sleep or even shorter don't matter much... I will catch up my sleep tonight or so...

Most important of all, I am truly honored with this invitation... I felt like I were still part of the group... and I sincerely hope that this kind of relationship will last from now on.

One extra.

Tak wearing the jacket with ice cream... Looks tired and lacking the sleep! If you pay close attention to one of pictures in yesterday's update... you see Tak wearing the PINK shirt... that everyone did criticize as I were gay... Hmmm.

21:09

November 13, 2004 =Izu Kogen #1

Not entire group yet... just those who took trains to Izu Kogen.

Back row, L-R: Hara, Ishiyama, Hanaki, Mori, Arashida, Tanabe
Front row, L-R: Suzuki, Masuda, Takahashi, Arahata, Sakai

When just arrived at the station...

Usual faces... with some new faces?! Yep... USFS keeps hiring after my leave!
Wow, great surprise! Boss Ito joined us!

And dinner... everyone ate enough?

Most DRUNK... Tanabe-san.

Wow, cute? Beautiful? Lacking suitable words to describe them...

THAT many empty beer bottles?! Means huge extra (charge)!!!
Too late... we drank it all, didn't we?!

And rice balls - some made by Boss Ito -
DANGEROUS rice ball that you never knew what's in them.

We all didn't miss the bath (hot spring)!!!

And endless night still continued...

Actually, went to bed around 4:30am... though, there were so many others didn't sleep at all!!! Aren't we so crazy?

20:40+1

November 12, 2004 =Facing Weekend

It's about time, folks! Finally, a period of five working days is over! Am I tired? Well, would've better say, "so-so." I should reserve some energy for this weekend so that I can use it up for some festivity. For what?!

Oops, I received some friend in US who told me that there is no up-to-date of mine! Hey, look at here!!! Hahaha. Well, I should write her back with my contact information (because she updates her address book).

Oh, coming toward the end of year... about time to concern and prepare the Christmas cards as well as New Year's greeting cards. Yeah, the former is indeed for friends overseas and the latter, sending such greeting cards on New Year's Day, is part of our tradition in Japan.

For work. 2 appointments in the afternoon and I drove around for them. Supposedly, it would be clear after last night's precipitation. Though, somehow I kept up with such clouds and I drove under rain on and off... Particularly for 1st appointment, it was pouring... BAD LUCK I had then.

This must be from my usual (bad) deeds --- you know what I mean?

Back to the office around 6pm and I was hurry to wrap it all up to leave the work quickly. For what? Well even though Harahira called me up to join him for drinks, I had to decline without hesitation. In fact, had a haircut... at 8:30pm. Did I tell before? (assume did)

Haircut... made me handsome... Wait, I thought I couldn't be any more handsome than am for now... WRONG or what? Hehehe.

Well speaking of festivity for this weekend, I am going to join folks from previous work (once again? - SURE!) on the trip to... WHERE? I forgot. I joined them in Yokohama Station and train takes us to the destination. New place for me... and lots of drinks and KARAOKE... it all could be sleepless night?!

Will see. Full report and pictures are expected? Sure, sure.

9:40+1

November 11, 2004 =Lacked What?

I have lacked... nutritions, health, laughs, smiles, knowledge, intelligence, money, happiness, and (eventually) affection?! <Bang! Well, this is truth that I have lacked the sleep. Since that, I had to fight sleepiness all day long. Pretty much.

What I have to be careful about is that I drive under sleepiness. Once a while, I do that... I know, it's not right. And... is that illegal?

Anyway, first thing in the morning, received a call from client... who just brought a good news in for me. Right after that call, I was back and forth in the office to let people know of the news... the permit by client for process change. This is a big deal because this will ease our concern that we have been over capacity.

Good stuff, huh. I know so.

In the early afternoon right before I went out, different call brought a concern to me. I had to talk to several people in the office to ensure that my information, from some customer that I didn't know, was correct and accurate. Well, this could've been a serious stuff... Though before the end of day, I confirmed with that client that we were not in that jeopardy.

Anyway for tomorrow, I will spend my time to solve the issue while this problem remains minor. You know, this may provoke some big to us... so I should take care of it sooner than later.

Two Korean trainees went home today. I didn't talk to them much... but hope that they had good time here. And two new others from offices in Korea are expected at the end of month. Will see how I get along with them upon their arrival.

In: 8:55am
Out: 7:25pm

Lastly... let me show an image of new belt recently bought. Belt was priced at 2,000 yen... Incredibly great buy! Right?

Good night!

23:55

November 10, 2004 =Mid-Week

Today's word... that everyone in the office wanted to see what it meant. The term SGA stands for... Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses... At that time, someone needed that translation. I wasn't part of the group who wanted such... though, I jumped in and told what it was.

Good move?! Well, don't know. Some conservative people don't like someone suddenly shows up to tell something that those looked for a long time. Apparently, they took quite time for this.

I wasn't that patient to see they still looked everywhere for the meaning... Hahaha.

One meeting took in the office. Some offer from subcontract company... though, I had to decline it (not right away, a little after the moment for consideration). Not a chance then. Specifications were way tougher than we could meet. Tiny adjustment in production in order to fulfill such high-level quality is hectic and totally unfamiliar to workers in production... hence it was wise and right that we made up our mind to say no.

Tonight after coming home, I thought that there was a plenty of time for me to do something... First of all, watched some favorite show on TV and I was ready to start reading some book... though at the same time, I felt so tired and wanted to sleep for tonight.

At 11pm, unusually early, went to bed. Yeah, nothing was done tonight and postpone all to tomorrow or even later. What a night! I didn't mean to be lazy... Oh boy.

The showcase for item #3 from Ralph Lauren will be introduced tomorrow. It's belt.

7:59+1

November 9, 2004 =Flat Tire?

Well, what a day, what a day... I was totally bored with job for today. Had a big meeting at customer's site and that meeting was supposedly important. Though, the result was rather disappointing to me. Why? Well, I faced up to very large organization where the decision-making process easily slows down...

Didn't get the response that I really sought before tomorrow. Unfortunately, I didn't get what I wanted. I should be patient and I ought to stay calm.

Frustration... lots of it.

Yeah, drove more than 2 hours for nothing... What a day!

Attended to English class tonight. Prior to the session, I was told that there would be three to be there... Turned out to be wrong information. More than three... actually there were SEVEN or more there. Didn't cover many topics. Though, some of us really had some issue in learning English. It was about making mistakes. We, Japanese, tend to feel ashamed to make mistakes. That person really cared about such.

I had to speak up... really needed to tell that people did make mistakes and that's part of process in learning. Agree? Well, whatever you want to learn... JUST KEEP DOING it... That's what I do! I keep trying... and doing whatever interests me.

Dark blue shirt

That is item #2 from this weekend's sale. Dark blue, huh.

Hmmm, I had a FLAT TIRE! On the way back from the lesson. Made to Suzuyo Service Station to get thing fixed. Guy at that gas station told me that he would take care of it as exception. Normally, wouldn't. Man, thank God... made my day!

0:30+1

November 8, 2004 =Now BROWN?

Hey, neither for eBay nor for Yahoo! Auctions - I bought that for myself. I had sought something like that... Since I had two heavy leather jackets (two of them), what I have really looked for was something light.

Unusual color for Tak?! Yeah, it is BROWN.

Even though I no longer work for BROWN company (hahahah!), decided to take BROWN over black. Yep, certainly there was one in black. New taste?! You may call so.

Oh, this is about my purchase made this weekend in Ralph Lauren special sell. How great was this buy? Well, here is the fact.

Original Price: 25,200 yen (said so in tag)
Actually bought at: 17,000 yen

Can you calculate how much money saved?! Need a calculator? Well, let me do that job for you... FOR CHIRST'S SAKE! Hahaha.

It was about 24% off!

Hey, STILL NOT DHL... NEVER FedEx... UPS - as always!

0:23+1

November 7, 2004 =Collateral

Showed up in Shikiba - for big sales by Ralph Lauren. Invitation only (sorry, folks). MoonFlower and I came here about one year ago... and missed one after that... in spring. This time, yep, we came.

Jacket... belt, jeans (pants), and casual shirts. Total over 300 dollars. Well, at least 15 percent off from retail price... Jacket and shirts - 15% off and belts and jeans with higher percentage. Wow!

Too many good buys and I had tough time to control my will that I wanted to buy EVERYTHING. Hahaha.

From 11am till almost 4pm... spent PLENTY of time for both of us to shop. I bought more (in quantitative terms as well as in total amount paid out of the pocket) than did MoonFlower. Wow! Unusual.

Then, we decided to see above movie... She wanted, particularly. Tom was great as usual. He was bad guy like everyone knows from the preview broadcasted everywhere.

Too much shopping... means I have to save somemoney somewhere... so we ate less. <BANG!

0:40+1

November 6, 2004 =Good Stuff?

Bad thought, huh. Immediately after dental care, already had some sweet mind! Hahaha.

It was excellent stuff. Want one more!

0:32+2

November 5, 2004 =True Bill?

Copy of my receipt... 5,880 yen for what?

For GAS, --- for Christ's sake! Paid over 60 dollars for single pump-up! Too darn expensive.

112 yen for one liter - which is equivalent to a quarter gallon. 112 yen?! Well, it's about 1 dollar and 20 cents. For a quarter gallon? Precisely! Hahaha.

0:40+3

November 4, 2004 =Bush for Another 4 Years!

Well, America chose Bush for 4 more years! Well, did you vote for him? If you did... you must have voted for:

"The TWINS"
= Women remain in power! =

Right? You meant to vote for those young legs... (of FIRST TWINS). Well, I don't blame you at all if you're old enough to vote for their mother instead. Hahaha. You must be REALLY OLD then.

For that I would do so... if I ever got eligibility for a vote.

Today, I suffered from stiffed neck all day long. Really annoying. Had to take pain killers. No headache much, though. Hmmm, should rest with not much typing here.

Anyway, keep staring at that picture! Really LONG aren't they? <BANG!

As far as I recall, Chelsea didn't have that long... Neither did Monica! So, Bush still beats even Clinton?

0:40+1

November 3, 2004 =Holiday

National Holiday called "Culture Day" today. Well, my kind of business for now, auto parts industry, is no such holidays... Therefore today, everything was seemed and yet truly was normal.

No appointments. Instead, I was in the meeting for 2 hours or so in the afternoon. Very interesting topic... with which I am familiar the most - LOGISTICS. I guess my boss and people around really wanted my kind of contribution from my (past?) expertise.

Wait, do I still remember such stuff to exercise?! Hahaha. Surely, I do... I have to. I didn't mean to leave things in the past behind by all means... You know, I certainly wanted and still want to build something on the past deeds!!!

Meeting was productive?! My answer is yes and no. There are lots of different opinions from people of different department. I from time to time really thought that we all lost in many thoughts and ideas... Probably no one really did keep the original purpose and the goal calculated from the purpose in his mind at all. "Cost reduction" was merely the one raised as topic for the meeting.

Besides the cost, things such as function, responsibility, communication, organization were all brought out. Interesting, huh. I know, all were connected... Though, too many issues could and did lose the focus of talk. So it was somewhat difficult process to close the meeting with a plan of next step.

Presidential Election is still on? Kerry doesn't give it up yet? Wow... Ohio is the place of mess after Florida?! Well, whatever number of not-yet-counted ballots (i.e. provisional ballots) in Ohio... or in general over US itself, the result is obvious! Let's give it up for Bush!

You know so many American voters believe that result of election is controlled as well as that their votes don't get counted legitimately. So according to that fact, everything is wrong... Means nothing's wrong and this is all meant to be! Hehehe. Bush is Bush and Kerry is STILL Bush.

Do you see what I mean? Try --- try hard.

WOW!!! Big jump for NYSE! See! Everything is for Bush.

23:45

November 2, 2004 =True Winner?

Rakuten (Internet shopping giant) or Livedoor (major Internet service provider)?!

The verdict came out late afternoon today. JPB or Japan Pro-Baseball Association made an announcement that it was Rakuten to be recognized and allowed to join Pacific League from next season. Allowing new team to the League is first time in 50 years... Very historic.

So JPB made Rakuten to be winner of the nomination race... Though, mere question still remains. Is Rakuten TRUE winner of whole thing?! Its biggest rivalry in the industry (because both are multi-corporation giants on Internet) is now very known and people at large prefers Livedoor to be appointed since it first raised its hand. Rakuten appeared to made its move after Livedoor since Rakuten didn't want Livedoor to do anything like having a pro-baseball team at early stage of the race.

The race were like a fight between kids... who were distinctively different in where they came from. Rakuten were like smart one... well-behaved. While, Livedoor were as wild sort-dropout not respecting old ways.

The result was so obvious from the beginning. Since the members of committee were old and very conservative Japanese, unfortunately not typical baseball fans, the preference coming out of such people must tend to lean on Rakuten for sure. It did. Up to this point, Rakuten is the winner. NOT SO FAST. Pacific League isn't as popular as Central League and all 6 teams in Pacific record debt year to year. Millions of dollars (or yen, whatever). Rakuten did claim that it would expect and would support whatever the cost could be.

On the other hand, Livedoor who didn't secure the nomination and lost the race to Rakuten DID secure the popularity among the nations and DID get recognized. The stock price made a upward curve because of this race. So many business and economic experts said that this was great propaganda for Livedoor. I guess, either way - win or lose the race - Livedoor knew what to get and not.

Kid not behaving well grows and becomes great man in future?! Is that what exactly Livedoor depict in advance?!

It is really interesting to observe how each company is going to do from here. Could be a big turning point for both. Can Rakuten hit a grand slam or even solo homer, financially, in terms of having a team in Sendai?!?!

My original expectation - Rakuten and G.W. Bush. So let's see-

23:16

November 1, 2004 =2 Months to Go

2 months or just 60 days remaining in this year. Have you accomplished something you thought you would in this year as your new year resolution?

For me... not quite yet. I have to initiate "final (last-minute?) spurt" to whatever the goal is. Precisely what? Well... still in the secret. Hehehe.

1st time in 20 years... new THREE BILLS are out to public. 1,000 yen, 5,000yen, and 10,000 yen bills, respectively. Oh, that order is from bottom to top in right picture. New designs with new portraits (except remaining same for 10,000 yen) and latest technology to prevent me from duplicating <BANG!

New week... I started with single concern. Well, I felt like I didn't want to push myself too much for it... though, the answer to solve that issue was rather easy. I made several calls internally and asked for opinions as well as some helps. I guess, I made such move in right timing, nothing was really objection to my will.

From Global Production Engineering to Quality Control department, I acquired full supports for single but still onerous problem. Good start, today!

Some quotations were prepared, reports submitted to Boss Miura, joined some task force to do some handwork (which is continuous from last Friday), and what else... Done for today by 7pm. Pretty smooth.

Supper - fixed some curry over rice. Quite hungry then... and ate it all so quickly. Coffee? No coffee tonight. Just tea.

I thought that I would come to catch a cold... because so many coworkers around keep having such sickness and keep coughing... still. I am very careful to sense whether I feel anything different from normal. Did take medication this afternoon just in case. I should be fine.

How did you spend on your Halloween?

23:35

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