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January 31, 2005 =Month End |
Man, already 31st day of the year... 1st month is just passing by. Too quick for everyone? Sure it is for me. You know, one twelfth of a year is over! Have I accomplished something during the period? Don't think so. Have I ever settled any plan for the year?! Not, either!
Congrats friend ChanKen in Ogaki for his brand new digital camera. Some sample shots on his website and are GREAT! No doubt that he is good photographer... and now camera with his technique brings even better quality. For me, yes, there is a wish that I buy new digital camera for professional use like ChanKen's new gadget. However at the same time, it is vain that I buy such high end camera for this website update.
You know, I have to admit that all photos I take are primarily for this page, no other way to use! Do you want to see great picture with fancy technique in it? You want more HUMOROUS scene, right?! I got it.
Coworker Sugimoto (famous guy - sales person still not wearing tie!) told that he would still look in better shape... than me! In that comparison, he must want to have some relief from weight concern. He did check on me and asked me of weight. Yep, I weigh slightly more than he does. Hmmm.
In kilogram, his number is around 65 or 66... and mine around 68. I know, the difference of three remains big to me! (tell me about it!) Well, All efforts will bring all together to make this figure go down... as deep as possible!!!
Work was somewhat funny... I was back and forth between departments. This was rare to happen. Had to see one person another... on and on. I was seeking consent from multiple departments on single item that I want to submit to client tomorrow. Well, some issue was raised and didn't get straight okay from everyone. However, the orientation for negotiation with the client for this parts is now determined and I will follow that path tomorrow.
Coworker Osawa of Assemble Department came to his last day at Nifco. Good job and good luck!
23:30
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January 30, 2005 =Adrew's Power |
Great remember of time I was in London. Long time ago over a decade!!! Surely, "The Phantom of the Opera" was one of theaters that I went between classes and/or work while I stayed in London.
Whole story of my international experience got kicked off there for sure. London is the place where I started managing my life on my own! Right after the high school graduation. Great songs along with the splendid performance in Her Majesty's Theatre... were and still are part of my memory.
3 times, I saw in London and once in Atlanta. Today, another time in movie theater.
And today, the opening of this movie... MoonFlower picked this memorable movie to see:
The Phantom of the Opera: Tak's rating A-There was no doubt about all songs - beautiful songs! This time I had better clue in lyrics of those songs... because of better capability of English language than was in London long time ago.
Somehow, the theater was PACKED for this movie. I guess, the name of movie carries lots of respects and popularity from the public in general.
With MoonFlower - 1st time to see her for last half month. No quarrel. Hahaha. She was just interested in "Fire King" antique and some famous rug from Middle East.
Famous "Senbikiya" Fruits Parlor's dish for dessert. Strawberry stuff. JPY1,150.
Certainly helpful to keep her mood on right track for me!!! It really helped. Am sure that she had good time... to look around!
Oh, almost forgot to mention. She showed up to me, wearing black shirt by "chisato tsumori." Hmmm, certainly same design shirt that I have from the same store! She bought the same stuff to make ourselves look in the same way!
Good thing was that I DIDN'T wear that shirt for the date today. She was VERY disappointed and I was relieved!!! Hahaha.
"Pair look" isn't something about my style!
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January 29, 2005 =Fix - Big Repair? |
Breakfast at usual cafe as I read through two newspapers and one magazine! Very wise to spend time like that?! Well, I am always information-hungry!!! (oh, cash-hungry, too!)
Nothing really for today besides dentist appointment. Very painful!!! Anesthesia was somewhat onerous since that effect keep reminding me "if I were in pain." You know what I mean? Virtually no pain... but I imagine of pain I would have! Hahaha.
Other than that painful time at my dentist, computer screen was my friend for whole afternoon and night. For what? Not net surfing. I had to fix past diary of this page. Just for August and September 2003... took me too much time!
You know, those two pages were big and heavy enough to fix... with so many photo images and links!!! You know how much work I have done for this entire site!!! I never imagined of this heavy workload to do things like this.
Anyway, now it's all done (finally). So tired and I got stiff neck already! Am sure that this will worsen by tomorrow.
Heard from Dawn in Atlanta. Since I asked her for help and she didn't turn me down at all... it was quick and so simple that she said that she would help me out... I OWE HER SO BIG! Someday, I will repay her for whatever... Thanks, Dawn!
23:40
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January 28, 2005 =Fin de Semana |
New place in the city for me to stop by to eat - all for Ramen noodles!!! This becomes a habit for every Friday?! Hahaha.
"Ikkokudo" Miso-base Ramen noodles.
This wasn't the place in my mind for tonight. Though, happened to stop by. Since my first pick was closed due that soup was gone. Man, this is 2nd time!!! I guess, that place never welcomes me!
Anyway, this "Ikkokudo" was okay- Not so bad... I guess, "mediocrity."
For work?! Well, it's over! Now what we need to think about is nothing but this weekend! At least, Saturday will be warm... while Sunday will be severely cold. It's up to you (and me) how to spend time for 2 days!
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January 27, 2005 =Should Rest? |
Didn't go out for any appointment today. Rather, I stuck with phone and spoke more than several customers for different issues. Busy? !Yeah, somewhat. Though, the concern was outside of the business. I felt a little bid dizzy in the afternoon. Some headache hit me as well. Then lastly, stomachache occurred. Bad one?! Well, I can say so.
So this pain resulted my early leave for the day. I guess, it was meant to be so today.
Pain is gone? NOT YET. Feel much better, though. NO headache for now. I should be fine by tomorrow; however, I left a map to my apartment from work place with my team assistant in case that I am sick tomorrow. For what? Surely, she comes by and takes care of me! <BANG!
This may be so-called POWER HARASSMENT? Wait, I don't have any power over her whatsoever! Hahaha.
She just laughed and smiled. I can translate that she got my joke well.
Yeah, am sure that I have no problem to work tomorrow. It's Friday anyway!!! Oh, I have to go out for appointments. I may be busier tomorrow than today.
Had online chat with ChanKen and with Dr. Moriya, respectively. Doc spent only few seconds with me... he just said, "Hi."
Well, stomach is still irritated... Why?!
Today's appearance?! Soft-shirt with sky blue Versace tie. Some coworkers complimented for that. Cool, huh!
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January 26, 2005 =Worth |
Turned out to be... GOOD CHOICE. Talking about the coffee since it ran out last night. So what brand this time?! Look:
In fact, "Caffe Latte"
Yeah, I chose this at nearby coffee shop rather than some grocery store to go for tonight. Yeah, it was cold and I really hesitated to go out just for coffee. However, turned out to be good choice. Like this taste. Really good!
I guess, I have to plead that my spending pattern has to be tailored to suit what I make. Hahaha. American Express sends me a big bill today. Yeah, literally BIG. Is this some kind of lark?! Hahaha.
I know, the use of credit card is very convenient and I fall under the allure of such power the card gives. I also know that I cannot let myself forgo the card to live!!! What a mess... Anyway, I will get the HANG of using such power and my financial setting will be under control sooner or later.
Wait, that means that you can construe that money stuff will NEVER be under control?
But, I promise I won't give in to Amex... Neither to Master or whoever!!! Hahaha.
Some coworkers gave me an ironic phrase, "Man, you're always lucky." That means that someone had to take care of my DEMANDING customer while am out of office! It happened today AGAIN. Therefore, the event resulted to let coworkers speak to me like that. Got it?
Well, I may have devil's luck... <BANG! It all went well and normal to me! Hehehe.
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January 25, 2005 =PAGADO |
Hello- Well, this might be a surprise for you. Tonight once again,
is expected and supposes to last till tomorrow morning like our commute hour. So far, no snow has been confirmed yet. I guess, sooner or later it will. Hope it won't be too bad.
Good sign?! Obviously, onerous night for me. I received three different calls from three different women. How come all together?! I wish that they would have split over three different nights so that I could enjoy conversation more than I did tonight. Hahaha. I am bad, huh! It was just a coincident that three different friends checked on me since last communication.
Pay day; however, I haven't checked my account to see the amount yet. Wait, same amount every month! No need to do such action.
Just read some guy's BLOG and learned new term. "Quick and Dirty." What precisely does this mean?! Sounds like "easy set-up basis" or "frankly," etc. That blogger explained that this term was used for some recap of previous session at the beginning of class. COMPRENDE?
Did you see all nominations for Oscar 2005?! "The Aviator" is going to be another "Titanic?" Well this movie in particular does not come to Japan yet. Hence, there is no Tak's rating yet. Am sure that I will come to see this movie since MoonFlower is fan of DeCaprio. I swear I never mind to pass this movie because of him! Hahaha. Well, since nominated, this movie shows on my "to see" list.
"EXCLUDE" is now popular term between folks assigned to new project. Yeah, that means that I am part of it. The head of project applied this term into his kick-off speech on Monday. He meant that everyone had to take this opportunity serious under company orientation. Those who cannot accommodate such will shouldn't be part of thing... so such elimination can happen to anyone.
Wow, so the day without job can come to me sooner than you expect?! Wow...
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January 24, 2005 =Missed by a Inch? |
Bummer! What a shock! Atlanta "Dirty Bird" Falcons MISSED the Super Bowl XXXIX by this close! The right to proceed to the final stage was slid out of their hands in the game against Eagles. Hmmm.
So this year's Super Bowl (XXXIX) is face-off between Patriots and Eagles. Do I care much about it?! To be honest with you, NOPE! Anyhow probably, Patriots. That's my WILD guess!
Another thing. HE is back. Really back! Tiger Woods made remarkable victory in Buick Invitational. He came to the top spot on final round. Man, his swing is solid... better than ever? So what's going to be like this entire season for this new man? Hmmm, this must be interesting.
Just a day before pay day. Received a memo (of wire transfer) with detail.
Nikkei up, all favorites down! What a mess! Or I don't have good relish in that kind market. My bad.
Company newspaper (internal only) was out for all employees. Somewhat looked so neat. Apparently better publication using better printing material. Wow, entire newspaper design did a great renewal. Everyone, around myself, was surprised while skimming through. No mention of my name whatsoever. Sure. You know, there are more than 1000 employees. So what do you think about the chance to be? Hahaha.
Visitor from Spain is expected in early next month and I have to deal with that visitor on job? No English speaking for that gentleman? Wow... I don't think I can manage things in Spanish for work. I know, I can do a little for pleasure <BANG!
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January 23, 2005 =Who Told You? |
Plus, the TV program (old one - rerun) "The reason I borrowed money from her" which I found interesting yesterday continued remaining episodes for entire afternoon. This assured the feeling that I wanted to stay in.
Yeah, I spent longer than 4 hours on single TV program. Yeah, it was longer than any version of "The Lord of the Rings." Hahaha. Surely, it was interesting story about a girl managed small loan firm with guy got money from the loan and eventually falls in love with that manager. Old drama - I don't even know when it ran on TV. Probably while I was out of the country.
It was literally "good" afternoon and lay-back time for me.
Early evening, I finally (!) took a shower. Let all stinky smell go. And then, I was ready to go out to grab something to eat for supper. Put clothes on and opened the door to get out...
WAIT A MINUTE!
Who ever told me about possible snow?! It was SNOWING! Not a flurry or anything. REALLY SNOWING! Hmmm.
So I could have decided to stay inside. However, no HEALTHYA drink home. Ran out of stock here already. Therefore, I became desperate. So I forced myself go. Originally intended to go to some restaurant to eat. Though, changed my mind. I had to. Just made the trip shortest possible. Made a short stop at nearby convenience store and put some rice stuff and drink in shopping basket. I came home so quickly.
Oh, did make a payment.
So that was it, folks. No interesting events for this weekend. You know, it happens and IT DID! I promise you that other fun stuff will come up to entertain you!!! As far as you come and read what I do.
Oh, at least I can share my "up-to-date" on my 2005 resolutions. Looks good, doesn't it? So far so good!
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January 22, 2005 =Movie Day |
Dentist appointment in the morning and nap in the afternoon. What else... oh, movie at night. Almost-missed movie, "The Terminal" is my pick for tonight. Alone? Yep. I rushed to the theater a little after 8pm. Movie started at 8:50pm.
Tak's rating "The Terminal" : CTom Hanks did great in roll of Russian. Though, story itself really lacked the reality. How in the world did a guy with no visa stay inside the terminal for 9 months or whatever long supposed to be in that story? Never happened! It looked too extreme.
Ending was sort flat. Contrary to my expectation like everyone else's, his love didn't come to happy end. Didn't see why that girl went back and could go back to a married man. She claimed that she did get rid of him. Hmmm.
Lastly, what about the huge fountain?! Hahaha.
Besides the movie, stuck with WORD application for longer than several hours for writing. For what?! Self-explanation. About what then? Hahaha, I worked on some personal essay this afternoon after nap.
Final phase in dental treatment. Received a quote. Hmmm, too big figure for me to afford! You know, three teeth were treated... So spontaneously, the figure becomes outrageous!
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January 21, 2005 =Good Try! |
Weeeekend, folks! Tonight's event was at night. Remember that I went out last Friday for Ramen noodles and I did again. With same company! Hahaha. Coworker Nakamura and newly-join Matsuyama went out for noodles with me.
Destination? Chose "Taishoken" that I have never been. Famous for dipping-in noodle style. In other words, soup is in separated bowl. Here, take a look at it.
Taishoken noodles. 1050 yen.
Never ate with Matsuyama - young fellow just graduated from college last year. Very interesting to converse new generation... Obviously, there was, still is, a big margin between his and mine! Hahaha. He first became known of this website because of outing tonight. Well, no doubt that he checks this out once a while.
Great stuff - the noodles. Actually, ordered large bowl noodles. More than I could eat then. Yeah, did eat it up... but I was very full immediately after.
For this weekend, any plan? Just one for sure. Dentist appointment. Tomorrow morning. That's it. Is it going to be cold?! So I heard from forecast. I should go to somewhere warm... like ARIZONA! Hahaha.
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January 20, 2005 =Out to be Official |
Good evening, folks. Today's update begins with announcement that comes from work. Hey, never DREAM about my personal announcement. Or keep dreaming!
New assignment effective immediately. Well, I'd better say that "same assignment under different management group." Rather, it is newly organized team for Important-A Parts or "Critical Auto Parts." Therefore, I no longer belong to 1st Sales Division. Now Sales under Critical Parts Division. Same mission with different way of management that intends to differentiate from other ordinary managerial style for regular parts.
What do I think about it? No surprise. It has been decided so... just make it to public today. That's the matter of it.
Shocking was that Boss Miura didn't get promoted like he was previously told. Well, just postponed for a while. So we all know. He was disappointed with the result a little bit. Well, hold on, sir!
MY promotion? Oh yeah, scheduled for year 2045. Hahaha, just kidding.
Tickets for comedy show in mid-February started for sale today and I sent an email to buy two of them. 20 bucks each. The show includes very popular comedian "Yoku Hata" and he is the reason that I intend to reserve those tickets. Will see... whether I can get them or not.
According to newspaper,
Nippon Express invests 40 million dollars to expand the Narita airport bonded facility in order to meet the near-future demand, which is expected to extend.
Yusen Air and Sea Service, the 3rd largest consolidator of air exports, also opens new facility in the same area and the new facility is three times as large as current warehouse in use.Wow! Source says that there was a 20 percent increase in export in 2004 from previous term. I guess, all service providers are rushing to gain better capability to secure the future growth from such increase. What about my favorite UPS? Hmmm. Just merging with Menlo Logistics?! Is that going to be good enough?
Another one. Sumitrans acquired 3PL provider in US called "ServiceCraft Logistics."
Chilly tonight. Snowing in Ogaki right now? No wonder it is cold... BRRR!
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January 19, 2005 =Trouble? |
Two things are bothering... One is that the printer doesn't function. It hooks up to the wireless LAN base and used to work fine! Just unplugged the USB cable out of the base and directly connects to the PowerBook right now. Surely works fine in this way.
Properly set - so I thought and believed. Most importantly of all, it worked before! As far as I remember... Hmmm.
The other thing is MoonFlower's cellular phone. Well, usually we communicate with each other via email. She emails to my computer and I write her back to her cellular. It is for her convenience. Well for last three days or so all email messages to her small gadget returned with an error message. Said that the server didn't accept the message from the server that message sent from. Wow.
Did try to send her message from different mail server since I have more than one account! Hahaha. Well, none worked at all. So I finally determined that it was all under her phone email setting. She looked into it and found the problem. Correction was made and now things went through between us.
Apparently, she didn't want to see my message... THAT must be the meaning behind all this?!
Today's BGM while am working on this update: "Notting Hill" Sound Track
The music was recommended by Boss Miura, BIG FAN of music. He spends much on CDs and DVDs every month. Anyhow, this sounds pretty good!
Great thing for the day. Copy of script was given. It was of some TV producer who made a presentation about his success "Project X" program on the national channel. The program focuses on those past heros who made great success but were hidden from the light of public. That producer passes great words and phrases that came out of those heros in the history and the document, speech itself, really moved me from the bottom of heart. Great stuff!
This really made my day! Worth way more than mere job I did all day long. This is true.
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January 18, 2005 =Excuse |
Hi, folks. How are ya'll out there?
Received a criticism that no events were scheduled even though the questionnaire was taken from all friends for the year-end party. Yeah, it was from friend Kirk. Please accept my apology. Surely, efforts to schedule some event for those folks were made. However, the results coming from all friends around weren't that cooperative and I admit that all preferred dates were never working for sure.
Plus, things were tight for me to squeeze such plan in to my previously-set plan. However, you can count on me to make action. Within February, some event is to be held for sure. I promise. Am sure that each of friends has something to share with other friends and vice versa. Hence, that would be a chance to share eveyone's up-to-date.
Hmmm, one regret is that Charlie still outside of the country will miss that event too is still remaining. When is Charlie coming home for time-off? Last time I heard was that he would be located in Taiwan after current project. What an international fellow he is!
Tired after the big meeting with department manager. Took me two hours for whole thing. Included review of my past half-year performance and future career planning within the organization. Plus, it was free talk with boss for whatever. To be frank, I intended to close the meeting for short period of time. Somehow, things went out of my hand and elapsed time didn't bother at all. Mostly, it was my turn to speak in the meeting.
Surely, I didn't lose my temper and things were under control. Serious issue and some funny stuff were in it. I guess, it was the first time ever taken place for such understanding between company or management and single individual. Productive? Yeah, you can summarize it so.
Other that the meeting, nothing was really important for work today! Serious?! Well, it was peaceful...
Tonight, English lesson and it was my assignment to hold a class this time. Didn't interest students much. What went wrong?! I guess, the method was not appropriate and students in class didn't get what I tried to do with them. Too difficult? Maybe so.
Late supper after all events concluded. Ate some small stuff and then I couldn't fulfill my physical want. Ate a little bit more. At the end, heartburn is occurred with me. Gee.
So many people are now back in touch with me. Nishi, Nori, Kack, Ryuji, and who else?! Gee, one email went out for cute lady - used to be my client on previous job- came back! What a shock!
0:33+1
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January 17, 2005 =NOT THAT! |
Trust me, the rumor you heard in the office is definitely untrue! I did not bring a girl from work to my stronghold tonight! It is not what it looked like. One female coworker wanted to take a look at apartment room. ANY room since she wanted to apply for moving-in to this compound. She had some domestic reason to do so and wanted to see how it looks like.
So that lady got my assistance. That's it, all right?! No more and no less. Nothing serious and nothing that you imagined in terms of such rumor ALL OVER THE WORK PLACE.
No. I did not do IT! Yeah, it IT... (like in past "Ally McBeal" episode)
For your information, she is mere coworker seeking someone's help. NOT MY TYPE at all. Comprende?!
Anyhow, SO sorry if I disappointed you with this!!!
Work was somewhat hard. Meeting after meeting. 11am meeting kept me at client site until 2:30pm without meal. So I went nuts! Boss Miura joined the 2nd half meeting and we went out for eat afterward.
For that, I wasn't aware that it will turn to be another meeting (with boss). Hahaha.
Last night, it was very difficult to sleep. As far as I remember, it was 4am and I was still awake in bed (in futon). Maybe last coffee I had was really strong and kept me awake? Something was really bothering?! Lots of concerns there were?!
MLK today! Are you at work?!
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January 16, 2005 =Catching Up? |
Okay, now my Healthya record is posted just above this update. You don't miss it, do you? As my resolution, I have to go up to 90 days for this record. 53rd day is just half way... Yeah, I can do it.
Special program reporting today's Kobe on TV... 10 years from the big earthquake in that area. Back in 10 years ago, same date as earthquake occurred, my article "From Campus in US" appeared in Gifu Newspaper. Since that date, the column lasted for a half year weekly basis. Earthquake and my article contribution are always coming together to my memory.
Woke up late... since went bed late previous night. Didn't do much. Ate in fast food restaurant Matsuya and had coffee in Sagamihara Station. That's all for today.
Nikkei is expected to continue the upswing?! Hope that trend will remain from tomorrow for a week...
Somehow, Windows computer, particularly laptop, holds my interest and I keep searching used one in Yahoo! Auction. First pick is either ThinkPad by IBM or Let's Note by Panasonic. Yeah, both are cool machine. Toshiba? Hmmm, not really for me. NEC? Forget it. HP and Dell might be good alternative.
Ranked #9 in Box Office in US? "Phantom of the Opera" isn't inspiring you with wonderful music by that English fellow? Disappointing. What about "Splangish" by Adam Sandler? Better, huh!
Bad News? or Good News? T-Bird 60 Mil
0:20+1
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January 15, 2005 =Catching Up? |
Who in the world predicted that it will
Woke up around 8am with MoonFlower's help (i.e. wake-up call). For what that early? Well, needed to make sure that it snowed then. Well, precisely snowing... NOT BAD though. Went to nearby cafe for coffee. I brought my PowerBook to do things on computer. Busy for some serious issue? Not quite.
Watching TV and surfing the Internet... that's all I did for rest. Stayed warm inside. Hahaha.
Today and tomorrow, national test for college like your SAT in US takes place. Wow! I am sure that this is very frustrating! Whenever I take test, I always think about what to do after the exams rather than concentrating about the test. Hahaha.
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January 14, 2005 =Will Be Caught? |
Ready for weekend that is going to be filled with
All radio programs were with alerts that we expect snow for weekend. Some of them even specifically mentioned that it will be worse than the case of last New Year's Eve...
(Photo: secene from 12/31/04)
Yeah, I remember that as if were yesterday!!! Heavy snow with accumulation more than some inches then. Really. So I should expect unable to go out at all for 2 days of previous and valuable off time?! I guess so.
Business trip was okay and meeting went smooth as I wished. No traffic jam for me to come back. Wrapped it up at my desk for weekend as quick and left around 8:30pm. Coworker Nakamura and I went out to fine immediately. I was planning to do so myself since preparation for weekend inconvenience was vital. You know, no one likes to spend time without foods or drinks! In fact, my refrigerator was totally empty! So I went out (with a company).
"Machidaya" Noodle Shop - first visit for both of us. Pretty good! Good dense soup with thick noodles. Typical "Yokohama" local noodle style! Enjoyed it. 700 yen. Oops, no photo.
Then, final destination after such dining was A DOLLAR store called "Shop 99." Practically, the shop sells goods at 99 yen. Nakamura wasn't used to come such places (neither do I!) and certainly amazed with varieties of stocks there. He first didn't intend to grab anything... changed his mind soon as entered! Hahaha.
Surely, I bought more than he did. Spent 20 bucks for snacks to some pre-fixed meal stuff for this weekend. SO AM READY!!! Rain, snow, hail whatever may come!!! Hehehe.
Any plan for you? Making a snowman?
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January 13, 2005 =Drunk? |
Good evening, ladies and gens... Yeah, my apology that I came to update this page LATE tonight. Just came home... very unusual, but somewhat necessary?! Well, it was about business that took me this long... so please accept my apology.
Too much drinks on tonight's entertainment. Yeah, it is true. I kept myself in low profile in the festivity since there were all upper managements there. In fact, I was the only peon there at the table! Yep, am serious. Fun? Yeah, not bad at all. Learned the rope how to get along with those who were at upper end in company's hierarchy. Hahaha. Still learning process toward people skills? I guess so-
Today, first time to wear winter coat over suits. Yeah, since I had to go out and take train for appointment. Different from usual pattern that I drive car to the destination.
Hmmm, I should go to bed soon... since tomorrow's schedule is already and obviously crowded. Have to drive quite far in early morning. Do you think I can manage that? Well, I have to. No complaints on tonight's feast that was indeed in full swing! At least I crammed. I mean, I ate and became so full.
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January 12, 2005 =Add to My Shopping List? |
You know, Steve Jobs knows how to attract his fans with his new products SO WELL. No one can stop him? He never disappoints us at all. He must be invincible in selling! iLife, Mac mini (so-called $500 iMac), and lastly... iPod Shuffle.
iLife - Apple's software pak... and since I missed original version of iLife (includes iPhoto and iMovie), I have thought that I would buy update version if comes to the market. So it is here... soon! I am up for it. Price?! 80 bucks or so.
While, Mac mini... cool piece of hardware... Around 500 dollars. Though, no keyboard and cat... I mean, MOUSE. So I went up to Apple.com to calculate package price covering all necessary for ordinary computing environment. Well, it was yet less than 800 dollars. Better than expected. Yeah, Apple can complete head-on against Dell or other contenders in the market for less-than-1000-dollar (low-price) computers.
This time, I have to pass.
iPod Shuffle - is onerous! Whether I should buy or not... how do I determine? Hmmm, to be honest with you, I have no clue at this point. Too cool! This is indeed "mondo cool." Jobs knows how to allure me with this in person! Hahaha.
There is no doubt for anyone that Apple does bolster its presence in digital music device with whole iPod product line.
So here is summary. iLife is added to my shopping list. Mac mini is object for me to observe. iPod Shuffle is so far undecided between BUY and PASS.
Deal?
Nikkei (Stock) today rested after days with positive and comfortable results. Lost about 80 points on single trade today and I don't think that this rest can hold the trend from going upward. What would you think to happen to Nikkei from tomorrow on?
Work... Yeah, I worked. What about it? <BANG.
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January 11, 2005 =Back to Work! |
Good day, folks! How are you? I did feel a little bit dizzy while working... today. Well, I have lacked the sleep for sure. As far as I recall, I went to bed around 1:30am or 2am... and I was still quite awake in futon afterwards. Don't know how long I were up like that... May be quite bit of time then... Anyhow, that's the story how I ended up with such feeling for today.
Man, I have lacked my BEAUTY sleep. I should hit sack quick tonight! Well, I unlikely will do so.
Work was work... Some tough talks I had in the afternoon. Otherwise, it was okay... I did all okay with great sleepiness. Hahaha.
A little late to my English class. 1st time this year. Well, took me a while to speak at normal speed. In fact, I was quite unable to speak distinctly! Though, it came back eventually! Ha.
Because of the class, I missed the timing to eat! Finally after class, I picked up some prepared food in grocery corner in AEON store. Light meal it was! Good for me to keep losing? This might be hardest way to control weight?!
Heard friend Ron in Atlanta could plan to come to Japan in a few months. Sounds so wonderful! Am so looking forward to seeing him... I surely make time for him anytime!!!
Correction? I phrased it as "Adult's Day" yesterday. However, I saw another way of expressing the day as "Coming-of-Age Day." I guess, both of them must be right? Or mine is wrong? Hmmm.
According to tonight's headlines, Japan fall out of world third-best country in trade volume after China. After US and Germany in order, China comes before Japan. Hmmm, here is another evidence that China really got ahead of Japan... and I guess, more data saying so is coming!
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January 10, 2005 =Adult's Day |
Today - called "Adult's Day" and we were supposed to celebrate for those who turned 20 years old this year - legal age for drinks and votes. Well, didn't do any actual celebration on my own for something since I know anyone becoming so! Hahaha. Most importantly, I live ALONE, remember? Hahaha.
Mine? Hey, it was LONG darn time ago!!! Yours too, right? <BANG!
Woke up late. Much later than I thought I would. Was around 10am. Didn't do much like yesterday... not even movie to go, either. Watched TV somewhat and read some book. Oh, I organized things on my English resume a little bit to make itself look neat. Well, I have not accomplished much anyway, so there is not much difference between before and after... <BANG!
Man, extended weekend is already over... and didn't do much besides Saturday's outing. Hmmm, no good things happened without good planning... MY BAD.
-Those who got recognized as adult today, ESPECIALLY those in Ogaki -
CONGRATULATIONS!Hey, don't limit that to Ogaki people! <BANG Should extend? Hahaha.
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January 9, 2005 =2nd Movie of the Year |
Hi, folks. 2nd day of 3-day weekend... and I didn't do much?! Weather was perfect for something to do!!! What was wrong with me?! Well, nothing really. I was fine and I could've done something, surely.
Woke up late... yet made to usual cafe for breakfast. Then stayed home afterward. For what?! I surfed the net tirelessly and took a little nap in early afternoon. No shopping today. Watched Tiger Woods playing in Mercedes Cup on TV a little. He seemed more confident than was in recent years... He might make a great and remarkable come-back this year?
At 8pm, rushed to nearby theater for this:
Mobile Suit Gundam 3 (Tak's rating: C)
Wow suddenly, this web page creator - GoLive (ver. 6) became so SLOW and SLUGGISH. How come?! Too slow to be patient right now. Hmmm. I should either upgrade this software (latest version; 7) or switch to competition software such as Dreamweaver? Hahaha.
Sure, it costs quite bit of money to do either way!!! More than 100 bucks, you know!
Breakfast: at usual cafe
Lunch: Cup noodles
Supper: two rice balls with Miso soup
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January 8, 2005 =First Prayer! |
Went to bed so late... way passed 2am then. No wonder that I slept in... and ROSE LATE! I was late to see MoonFlower for date this morning (which became this "afternoon" <BANG). My bad, my bad and my bad!!!
Famous "Santoka" Ramen noodles! (lunch)
Yushima Shrine - I came for 1st prayer of the year!
I sent my wish to God about health and peach... I mean, PEACE.
Inside the property of Yushima Shrine, there was a large Japanese plum tree
Actually blossoming this afternoon! Beautiful. Still way too early... but great to see!That's all special part for the day. Otherwise, we went down to Ginza for shopping. She bought a new pair of shoes... and I observed entire process of her shopping activity!
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January 7, 2005 =Hot! |
Hi, folks... here is my report about first shopping result for the year 2005! Hee-haw! As a matter of fact, I bought TWO new items once! Wow, good and big start, haven't I marked?! I know-
1st item of my purchase 2005 is... We Japanese call it "HOT CARPET." I have no idea you guys out there have anything like it or not. I don't think I have EVER seen even one in US... Or I have just missed it.
"Carpet with electric heater"
by Sharp: HJ-R20G (approx. 180cm x 180cm)You know, I have been annoyed by the coldness from the floor during the winter. It was killing at this time of last year. Regular heat equipped in this apartment room isn't that powerful and I finally pushed myself for this. "Hot carpet." Amazingly effective. Yes, I did the right thing! How much?! About 90 dollars.
2nd item... great reminder of "SOUTH" in this movie: "Sweet Home Alabama"
Since Yodobashi.com shopping site offered free shipping for over 100 bucks purchase... I was a little short from that... So I decided to take one step forward to accomplish part of my Resolutions 2005! Remember? Hahaha.
Retail price: 1890 yen
On-line: 1700 yen (10% off!)Both... great deals!
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January 6, 2005 =First Day at Wrok for 2005 |
Wow, I just came back from crazy party just held downstairs! Yeah, the apartment building is for all coworkers here and one of guys in the sales department threw a big New Year celebration just for ourselves. I just got invited for a bite. Wow, big bowl dish and BBQ outside. It was COLD and FREEZING! I guess, that spree was hotter than the climate!
I was called upon for last half of the party... Obviously, so many people were in and out. More than 20 people, I bet, for such a small room which is supposed to be for one occupant! No kidding!
In that big bowl... I had no clue what it was in it... whatsoever! Taste?! Well, there were lots of hot spicy stuff... so made my tongue went out of sense... Really! Now you can tell how crazy it all was?!
Anyhow, I came home even though things seemed to continue till, maybe, tomorrow morning? (Will see)
First day at work for the year?! Piece of cake. Well, I read several E-mail messages along with tough demanding requests listed... it all was flat and went by so quickly. Good!
Am sure that I will get harder and harder stuff later on... which definitely reminds me that I am back in the serious tough business world.
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January 5, 2005 =Ready for Work? |
Is this really true? Or am I still dreaming? Unfortunate enough, it is true that I came to the last day of this holiday season. Tomorrow, everything is back to normal. Yeah, too bad! Are you already back to work? Good for you! <BANG
Got up around 9am... Yeah, I was supposed to get up at normal time meant for work... I miserably FAILED! Still holiday pattern here. Delivery person of Yamato Transport really made me move. That personnel brought me my suitcase which Mom in Ogaki sent for me. All clothes that I wore while in Ogaki were in it. Yeah, couldn't bring it with me on trip... it was too heavy for me to bring with me.
Gave up on breakfast at usual cafe since there was no gas in my car. Hahaha. Rather, I chose fueling and car wash at gas station. Spent a little more than 50 bucks in total. Actually, 6,693 yen (wow!). Didn't take too long - shorter than I expected then. About 45 minutes for entire service. Then, got food for lunch in convenience store "Seven-Eleven." Spent time home afterward.
Did clean my room!!! Yeah, all dusts from last year were cleaned up! Needed to. Finally, am ready for 2005!?
Then, went out for a movie. Animation movie, "Mobile Suit Gundam II." From 3:20pm till 5:10pm. First movie in this year. I got to the theater 5 minutes before show time... I barely made it! Hahaha, I didn't want to miss first part of the movie... first movie of this year! Hahaha. If did, that would be back lack for the entire year! You know what I mean?
No hoodoo!
Anyway, the movie was pretty good... Good old movie! Did enjoy from the beginning to the end. Rated it a solid "C."
At night (surely after movie), spent time on computing. Did clean up some old files... I saw many of my OLD resumes in English. Hahaha, some version were good... some others weren't that good... I should FINALIZE and consolidate all into one?! Hahaha, might be a good idea. And shopped some book at amazon.co.jp. Delivery should be on Friday or so, I presume.
Ready for work?! Back to the real life?! Hmmm, let me think. <BANG!
Received more New Year greeting cards today. Thank you.
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January 4, 2005 =Back in Town |
Tired. Yeah, am back... back to my apartment room. Quiet and calm here. Plus, COOOOLD - Brrr. Still some snow remaining around.
The ride from Ogaki was very smooth... My brother and I left home around 6:30am and, man, the car went on so fast like no other cars could catch up. As far as I remember, the fastest speed in this trip was a little over 100 mph. Yeah, am serious. It was a little more than 180 km/h for sure. Means 112.5 mph or so. Since speed meter covered up to 180... I don't know how much faster it was from 180 then.
Who drove?! Well, let's say, I was in passenger seat, being so scared and screaming a lot.
Left home 6:30am and by 10:20am I was home! I got dropped off at Machida Station and took train to Sagamihara. Then, waited for and took a bus to this apartment. Probably (must be?), the quickest trip I have ever made from home to apartment. Surely, no traffic jams at all while on trip. I didn't drive at all.
Once got home... I felt really exhausted since I had very early morning (actually got up at 4:30am for departure).
Will do some things that haven't been taken care... Most importantly, tomorrow it is the last day of this holidays! Wow! Uhhh!
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January 3, 2005 =Last Day with Mom (this time) ! |
Yeah, my New Year's festivity with my parents is about to be over. In fact, today it was last day. Tomorrow, my brother and I will hit the road back to Tokyo in order to resume all regular life cycles. Means, we have to work! Yeah, we have to let our lives go!
I know, we all are NOT that excited about going back! Hmmm.
I am very much thankful to my parents, especially Mom... who took very good care of me! She tirelessly kept working from fixing foods to keeping me company. Yeah, I do get along with her... better than anyone in and out of family.
Will leaving Ogaki within next 24 hours. Up to my brother's schedule (and his feeling). Next update of this page will be from home in Sagamihara.
Well, there is a long list with me... all listed are what I need to do when I get back in town. Wow, there are so many things to do!
"Healthya"drink - the 40th just taken (one bottle per day). Will keep taking!
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January 2, 2005 =Nothing Really |
Lazy boy! Man, I was really so... all day long. Only the thing I did was that I went to convenience store "Lowson." Yeah, I didn't want to stop the record of drinking Healthya tea... so I had to go out to grab the bottle.
Otherwise, it was quiet and nothing. Hahaha. Too much foods for me and surely I overate!!! Forget about my weight and other physical concerns! I will take care of such later... after the New Year celebration!
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January 1, 2005 =2005 New Year Resolutions |
Hi, folks... A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope everyone is going to have great new year! For me? It was kind of hectic.
Took my brother and me SO long time to come home to our parents. Left Yokohama around 6pm... It usually takes 4-5 hours to come home by driving. Though, the time we came home was at almost 5am. Yeah, 5 AM - in the morning!
Snowed heavily yesterday and this affected and resulted Tokyo-Nagoya Highway shut-down. Shut down was down to Numazu Interchange... so more than half way of our trip was out of our trip plan. No other major highways... so we took R-246... with heavy traffic where everyone wanted to go for same direction.
Snow and somewhat icy road... SCARED the hell out of me driving through. I was driving my brother's Lexus LS... I never wanted it to get damaged while I was driving! So condition was not much favorable then. Pity on me! Anyway, we finally got back to Ogaki. Will spend a few days with parents here.
2004 New Year Resolutions: Results
Get used to new place and work... make friends with many people there Lose (another) 10 lbs! At least one round with fewer than 100 (golf) Save 5,000 bucks (too much?) No traffic accidents (safe driving) Then, for this new year...
2005 New Year Resolutions: Set-up
Keep the weight at 149-150lbs Some new accomplishment to add to my profile ZERO accident (cont'd) One flight (round-trip) to somewhere for pleasure Go to one theater performance Watch 23 movies Go to 2 (pro) baseball games Present for myself ("gadget" - maybe?) Buy 3 or more DVD discs "Healthya" drinks for 90 days (3 months) Buy sunglasses (by Alain Mikli?) Are these really what someone's "resolutions" are supposed to be?
Full of foods and everything can be arranged. Means, I keep eating and don't move at all. Like a pig in the farm! Man, I should've phrased it as "cow," right? Hahaha. Anyhow, I should watch out how much to eat for my diet.