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March 31, 2005 =End... |
Now March ends... Time really flies! Well, Almost April and it is time for me to think about summer plan...
By the way... I have a cold! Yeah, I slept OUTSIDE the futon last night. In fact, I had a nap after watching the soccer game on TV and that nap turned to be a serious sleep... till this morning. Very unusual for me to do thing like that.
Must have been very exhausted and couldn't be helped then.
Since this morning, am under medication. Hope I can feel better by tomorrow.
The cold medicine that was given at work seems very strong kind and it brings hard sleepiness... from time to time. In fact, I feel so sleepy while having meeting with customer in the afternoon. Yeah, am serious it happens! Oh boy, I have to take either care for myself or care for business! Hahaha.
Hence, am going to bed early... earlier than usual.
Tomorrow, opening day for baseball... of the Central League. Yeah, my Dragons are really looking into another pennant... Am sure that they are very confident and will come to the top once again!
23:50
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March 30, 2005 =Saved by the Assistance |
Gee. 1-0 - Japan is saved by an assistance of Bahrain. The captain of Barhain endowed an own goal to Japan at 30 minutes passed for the second half. In other words, he could be the savior of the road to Germany for Japan?! Hehehe.
No one doubts that he did so unintentionally... it happened from his best efforts.
Anyway, the game is far from impressive and I still hold a big doubt that Japan can really survive through after this... World Cup preliminary is now half way and 1 home games and 2 away games remain. Unlike Mexico leading the regional competition, Japan has to, at least, hold two victories from competitors among Iran, Bahrain, and North Korea.
As for me, am tired and sleep immediately after that soccer game. That is the reason that you come to see this update MUCH later than do you usually. Hahaha.
Foyer, a buddy from Atlanta, must be in town... though must be busy as well. No contacts so far even though we are all supposed to get together... Probably not this time?! Hope he can grab some spare time for us who are most delighted to come up to see this wonderful friend.
Now almost first quarter of the year comes to an end... the second one follows immediately. Hmmm, what's my plan? April is the serious moment for me to steer my direction, isn't it? Certain investment is already paid out and now action is merely requisite! No time to stop or to rest. One last chance remaining.
At work, announcement for annual promotion result. Well, this time I am no concern. Some are happy with such result after going through several internal exams and some others are so unhappy to see others to get promoted. Hmmm, this is the life.
Anyhow, those who get promoted... CONGRATS!
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March 29, 2005 =Bad End... Blow It All Off |
Enjoying myself with iPod Shuffle?! Not quite yet since I don't take that small thing with me when going for work. Tomorrow, it may be the first day that I take this new gadget with me for work. I know I can listen to some music in iPod Shuffle over lunch hour.
Two appointments keep me out of the office for a long time... In fact, I have to stay away from the office for longer hour since I am late to the first appointment and a meeting with that appointment lasts MUCH longer than expected.
Good working day?! Well, I have to admit that it was okay until the last minute. Turns all upside down then. Don't expect to... though, it happens. Whose fault?! No one. Due to regular practices set by the company's norms, the result is rather spontaneous. Just a matter of disagreement that I have from such bitter experience earned today!
Do you see what I mean?! I can consider this outdated system because current way of carrying thing out is not as quick as should be. The demand of customers is certainly upward with shorter lead time than ever before. In other words, we have to do things in better quality within shorter period of time in order to meet such demand with pertinent satisfaction out of our service. Agree?
Contrary to forecast, cool temperature today. Doesn't affect me much. What does more is of my sleepiness as well as fatigue from it. Hahaha.
Coworker Hirano (male) happens to see my old photos from past diary here. He is astonished by my look in the past... I was so FAT... even though I was still handsome <BANG! He certainly recommends me to continue the diet practice. Well, I'll try.
1:15+1
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March 28, 2005 =Continuing from Yesterday |
New week... new story. Turns out to be good and yet productive for me?! Well I at least try things for that way! Sometimes, it does work well with cooperation of coworkers and sometimes doesn't work at all due to the constraints under current working environment.
Remember that I received a package yesterday?!
This is an iPod Shuffle! New gadget arrives!!! Wow!
Surprise, surprise! There are so many readers out there who have an expectation that I will buy either iPod mini or even Mac mini... all are wrong! The truth is that I buy an iPod Shuffle! It is the smallest in the iPod family.
Which type?! This time I chose 1 gig iPod Shuffle over 512 mb one.
Do I listen to music that often as I need such gadget?! Hmmm, good point! Well, more than half of a reason is dominated by using this as memory for my PowerBook. So far, I didn't have any flash memory for my personal use while I am given one by company. It's so convenient. Therefore, iPod Shuffle is the perfect fit to my needs right now!
Hmmm, 150 dollars are spent on this one. Hmmm another big purchase... it makes me to be broken even deeply. Regret?! Well, please ask that question much later... For right now, I rather feel well about welcoming new stuff to my item list to carry around!
0:30+1
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March 27, 2005 =Secret Action |
Early morning it is... Eat breakfast in my cafe and run into station for Tokyo. Secret?! NOT quite... but tell you of my day by showing those photos... different approach for you today.
New shirt put on. How do I look? No smile, huh... somehow.
Kanda, Tokyo - for what purpose?
Large bookstore... I kill much time there... check dozens of book for my reference.
JR train... to (almost miss that train because try to take this picture!)
Shibuya! For what then?! Stop by an Excelsior Cafe for lunch.
Back in town... Popular "Min-Min" BBQ restaurant has a long line. Certainly, deter my running-in.
Hmmm, package already here. What a luck!
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March 26, 2005 =Inventory Taking |
Second half of inventory event today. I DRIVE my car up to work... yeah, I want to limit sparing time right after work and to go out for some errands. For that, it is my convenient to move my car to the parking lot at work! (even though I am supposed NOT to) Since many coworkers are expected no show today, highest availability of empty parking space is presumed. Hahaha.
Work... strictly data collection and counting. Fun? Well, am so used to all this since this is the third time for me to be a part of same event. Hence, there is nothing pretty much new today. Rather, what I did yesterday is still something that I hadn't done in my experience from past participation.
New guy to know through the event. Seshimo (male) is new to us from this month. He and I did some work together in this afternoon. Good guy. Older than me. First question popped by him against me is, "How come not yet married?! Can't find a girl around?" Hmmm. He got me.
New gadget - purchased already and now in mail toward me!
Can you see what exactly it is? Hehehe.
Well, shorter - the shortest weekend is just beginning and what shall I do tomorrow?! Well, full (still brief?) report may come tomorrow for you. For whole day tomorrow, am expected to be out. Don't come and knock my door, please!
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March 25, 2005 =Inventory Taking |
Yeah, previously-informed event - inventory taking begins today. It is a two-day session. Full of work... from 9am through 6pm, completely. Therefore, I feel exhaust and ready for bed right now.
Yes, am really beat.
Good thing, while I am away from my desk or even my regular task, is that no customers really want to harass me all day long. There are some phone inquiries from first-time customer and coworkers take care of those business information. Thanks. Thus, it is completely peace around my desk while I am in contracted warehouse to count all inventories!
Lots of dusks... definitely dirty place where we put all products which is, presumably, ready for ship to customers... <BANG! Why "presumably?" That is because we should keep goods clean if they are really for such submission. Don't you agree? Hahaha.
At least, am the customer who has no hesitation to refuse the item with full of dust. So are you... right?!
Who said that good expectation on Sailor's stock?! Well, comes to a big slump on today's dealing. Rose by 30 points yesterday and declines by 19 points today. Well, you can say that there is still 11 points in gain... Though, not satisfactory yet.
Are you planning to "stop by" and see the Expo in Aichi (near Ogaki)?
EXPO 2005 Aichi
http://www.expo2005.or.jp/Pay day. Yes, get paid. Thanks.
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March 24, 2005 =Try and Error? |
Supposed to be for sale from 26th... Yet I come to grab a bottle today somehow. Today, I drink a brand new Healthy drink... still differs from what I drink everyday. Ordinary one is in green... and new is in gold.
"Kay Healthya Oiling Tea." Still, there is exactly same efficacy reducing body fat.
Well, my first trial on this drink come to be determined as "no good" right away.
Awful taste! I know, there is an old say, "Good medicine is bitter to the mouth." Though, this is WAY more than the say really tells! Hahaha.
Even though I am so used to the taste of ordinary green bottle, which so many people cannot stand the bitterness, the taste of this new bottle is different and is WORSE!
Good try leads to an error this time. Bad choice. I will stick with green bottle hereon.
Do you want me to send you one? Green or gold?! Hahaha.
Speaking of concerns for body fat and weight, my condition seems going back to normal range. After this past weekend with full of great foods, weight concern is raised and I surely watch it out. Today, the concern is lowered with the fact that my weight is within regular range.
As for work, there is a tough negotiation with client about the contract that has to be renewed due to change of the policy at client company. I have to raise an issue of our concern for the mention in contract since old contract was never completely understood. In fact, the past contract was left unsolved with such concern. Am sure that entire this of new story is to follow the same path from now on.
Hmmm. Bad sign.
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March 23, 2005 =Rain |
Cold rain outside and the warm inside... This warmness leads no comfort; it really creates atmosphere that no one wants to work there. Today, I have such feeling in entire afternoon.
No appointments today. Rather, I stick with domestic issues from some defect problem to overdue drawings. Hahaha.
In fact, I am called upon urgent gathering... It turns to be serious meeting for one item that I involve at a time of sales. Yeah, I find more than several messages in my in-box of E-mail software at the same time. Both internal and external communication for very same issue. Yeah, must be REALLY urgent.
Initially think that it is going to be done soon. Then I find it wrong. Lasts until almost lunch time and I have to leave all to-do's of the same morning behind. No choice I have then. Bottleneck of the issue is complex and we come to no immediate solution. However, we narrow issue down to several factors that derives such problematic situation. So we assign everyone to do some part of job toward single solution and action plans are then set.
By now - after today's working session, at least a few inputs from each investigation should be available for further analysis.
What else... Oh I come to find one truth. Both on Friday and Saturday of this week, I participate the inventory taking which is the semi-annual event of the company. What's the truth?! Well, I am told that I am the only one employee participating both sessions. In other words, I am the worker with most numerous free time in the office?! Yeah, must be so!!! Hahaha. Totally untrue.
Though, it is definitely fact that I am assigned to be part of the event for two days! You know what? I like doing that.
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March 22, 2005 =Good Smell? |
Just come out of the shower. It makes me feel that it's all over for today. The work seems hectic for me after long weekend and I am sure that it would be same to anyone in such condition.
Oh, one new item from that extended weekend. Bought this bottle - Grape Seed Body Lotion - at BodyShop for myself. Just use it... Dry skin has annoyed me for such a long time and I finally seek a solution. Well, I need to stop scratching my body constantly. I know, scratching isn't the solution, rather affects badly.
So far so good. Like this! Although, the price was HIGH. No doubt that it's more expensive than same product in different country. This one is priced at 18 dollars.
Hmmm, at least good smell so far. Efficacy?! It should be obvious... hopefully soon! Final solution?! Surely, it is the fact that I can get rid of entire dry skin problem.
Lunch at work: Chinese dish
Dinner: Ramen noodle with Boss MiuraCome home around 8:30pm. Don't watch much TV tonight yet. Will catch up! Hehehe.
Nikkei rests a little today, being "wait-and-see" status because of tomorrow's FOMC meeting. Will see how the result of meeting affect both NYSE and Nikkei thereon. Rating for Apple and Intel is raised... so the mood should be in upward swing?! Hope so.
Today's study: Opportunity Cost and Sunk Cost - learned. However, my regular practices are opposed to what this theory tells. Yep, I have to drop the concept of initial cost (investment) that is never redeemable or recovered! Too bad that I have been in wrong direction. How do I change this way of thinking?!
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March 21, 2005 =Sugar Sugar and still Sugar |
This extended weekend comes to an end with full of sugar!!! Yeah, MoonFlower and I decide to go to "Dessert Buffet" in the same hotel. Yeah, the event is called "Very Very Strawberry." It means that plenty of desserts with strawberries is there. Hahaha.
You may wonder how much we both spend for this longer version of weekend to enjoy?! Well, let me add all up to see... Oh boy! It is almost one grand! Yep, it is about 1,000 dollars including hotel charges. Must be really big weekend, huh! I know so.
Opens this weekend: "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason"
Tak's rating: B-
Pretty humorous and MoonFlower keeps laughing even though she had no clue of predecessor since no watch. However, she enjoys herself watching this movie as much as do I who has watched first movie of the story.
Yes, this is definitely "must-see" movie. Recommended for your laugh and health!
Lastly... one shot of ME! Wearing my pink shirt that everyone is not that fond of... unfortunately. What would you think? How do I look to you?
Still for now, I have an upset my stomach... Must be from the dishes with tons of sugar!
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March 20, 2005 =Spring Day! |
Great day! Great weather and perfect for us to go out in order to appreciate the nature! MoonFlower wants to walk around and we chose to go to Hamarikyu Park. Great to see flowers and trees around!
Good shots, aren't they?
There is a tea room in the park and, of course, we make a brief stop for this!
Japanese GREEN (very green, isn't it?) tea and sweet.
Lots of visitors to this park...
You can tell that this park were Central Park in Manhattan...
Park is located just around the urban area.After the walk through the park... go shopping to the Ginza area. MoonFlower finally (?) gives me a very late Christmas present (back!).
Shirt by Takeo Kikuchi
It takes us more than an hour to pick THIS shirt. Problem?! Well, first it is pricey. Second I still prefer "Paul Smith" to "Takeo Kikuchi." Though, same kind of shirt at Paul Smith is even more expensive. So we both have to compromise and we happily decide to take this.
MoonFlower, thank you!
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March 19, 2005 =Tokyo! |
Asakasa Prince Hotel
http://www.princehotels.co.jp/english/index1.html
MoonFlower and I stay in room 2546... it's on 25th floor!
Very large room it is... Internet connection charge: 20 dollars per day!
No wonder that I give up on that one.
View... looking the big city down!
Busy Akasaka area here.MoonFlower and I get together in Aoyama and come to this hotel to spend for this entire weekend. This is truly luxury hotel and this is going to be costly time for ME! Well, I should suck it up whatsoever...
Eat pasta for lunch in Aoyama and look around from shop to shop. Late afternoon, we do check-in and dinner is at nearby restaurant. 50 dollars for each?! Man, this is not part of plan... Oh boy, what's next to happen?!
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March 18, 2005 =Whose Gadget? |
Done before me?! Hi, folks. How are y'all? Am not disguised but rather envious... of someone who grabbed a brand new iPod Shuffle. It is Coworker Yoshida (male) - he just told me in the middle of our conversation regarding to some business issue in common between us. Hmmm.
Obviously, he did an intensive research of my taste... He knew that I would show my interest immediately after his say. He's right! He has a 512MB iPod Shuffle and comments that this smaller version is good enough for his use.
iPod Shuffle... is very attractive and provocative to me! Yeah certainly, it's listed in my shopping list. That list is of "immediate needs" rather than of "Christmas shopping." Hahaha.
Work. A piece of cake. However, I come to a bad news that requested drawings... actually five of them are due today and engineering folks cannot make that deadline due to overwhelming workload. Gee. What shall I do then?! Entire schedule, from drawing, tooling to production of samples, is quite tight and no delay can be allowed.
Well, what I can do for now is nothing but to keep my fingers crossed... Maybe I should yell to those who are behind?! Hahaha, just kidding.
Long weekend is beginning... I take a day off on Monday. In fact, it is substitute holiday of one day from last April. Had business trip and worked on Sunday then. Eventually (late enough?), my day is given back. For other folks, coming Monday is ordinary national holiday.
Big plan is there? Oh well.
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March 17, 2005 =Fall? |
Big sales meeting takes place in the A meeting room at headquarter building. Boss Miura and I drive down there for that meeting which begins immediately after the lunch. In fact, we are late by a few minutes since we go wrong way for a while and lose ourselves.
Anyway, one of top management presides the meeting and three parties... different branch representatives come to the spot light for presentation of current business environment and strategy.
Nagoya Branch presentation - Tak gets bored. Surely, the presentation covers very serious issues with some technology problems that Tak ought to know. Yet, Tak lacks his attention.
Utsunomiya Branch presentation - Tak even falls to a sleep. This is caused by last night's stay-up late; Tak watches some TV up to 3am or so.
Boss Miura talks on behalf of our team. No doubts that he does a good job. Thus, Tak feels 120% confidence and leaves all in Miura's hand so that he can continue his nap time. <BANG!
True?! Yeah. I am exhausted and have not much energy left for the meeting. Rather, I am then so eager to gain some strength from the nap! Hahaha.
In other words, the sleep is caught up for entire meeting period of 4 or 5 hours?! Not exactly. In a matter of the fact, I speak a little. Give some input from my limited information. Don't know if that contribution is really appreciated.
It is late like 8pm when I come back to the office. Then, wrap-up for the day begins and I finish it all up within 60 minutes since don't want to miss 9pm drama - last episode - on TV.
Long weekend is ahead. Take a day off on Monday (still national holiday) for pleasure! In fact, am taking advantage of substitute holiday before that privilege is to expire. Good thinking!
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March 16, 2005 =Lost? |
For the game of winning "Nippon Radio Broadcasting" between Livedoor and Fuji Television, am, at this point, totally lost of which contender is ahead of another. It seems to me that Livedoor does slightly hold the lead. Don't you think?
The game should be over soon, anyway.
My day starts with wrap-up of past few days. I was not that much behind... though, certainly some stuff were still not yet completed. Hence, I start my day with wrap-up operation. Hahaha. Two appointments in the afternoon. Immediately after 1st one, I see coworker Yoshida in very same hallway of customer's building. He must visit some different client in charge of different items (from mine) of same company.
Since we both have some time till next to-do... we sit down at the table and have some chat for a while. It turns to be very interesting. We both are close-age like within the same generation (well, admit that am a little older!) and happen to have opinions and thoughts in common. Yeah, it can be said that we have good motives toward current work to understand each other.
Therefore, that short conversation of two of us is very productive for me. Good time.
Hmmm, I have to inform that I am unable to make next USFS Golf Gathering scheduled on April 23rd. I really wanted to go; I cannot make it due to some other prior engagement. Man, what a luck! (don't have any!!!) Organizer Nakajima (ex-coworker of mine) sends me a message with disappointment that I am absent to that gathering. Me too.
Oh, terrible start for the day as a matter of fact. I just recall what happens in this morning. FIGHT. Big fight with MoonFlower. My fault?! Hmmm.
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March 15, 2005 =Forget It! |
Lots of work... there are for me today. Why? Hahaha. Don't ask. One day business trip made my day so short. At least it really made me feel that way. A meeting after meeting. Busy?! Well, yeah. Good business?! Rather, lots of homework that I have to work on from tomorrow!
Well, I feel as I have finished this week... Since major events are now done.
There is an English class tonight. My day to do something for those who come to study... I share my experience and tell of school system to folks. I guess, I don't do great job to let them fully understand. I should've carefully planned and organized of doing it. So I regret.
Well, I do better job some other time.
Mitsui Chemical +10@620 - reaches to my target today. Oh boy! Merrill Lynch sets new target at 780 on this brand. 780? Gotta be kidding!
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March 14, 2005 =White Day |
Yes, it is called "White Day" or "El Dia Blanco..." whatever. Hahaha. It is traditional that those male who received a chocolates with love message from loved ones (of course, female) send something in return TODAY.
Of course, don't miss to do my JOB. (Hey, be careful to phrase like that even though it is TRUE <BANG!)
Surely, sweet message (ugly one?) goes along with the gift... Hahaha. It is for my assistant at work. For MoonFlower? Well, I skip all this... and plan to do something bigger than just mere gift for her. Yep, such event is going to happen soon.
Work. There is a meeting with personnel of Production Control at client's sight. He concerns of the part that I bring up to. He has no other concerns like documentation regarding to the product. I ask that gentleman several questions for it... and there are no clear answers since he cares only about what he sees up front. He needs parts to keep the line going...
Relevant documents are of someone else's concern even within the factory. Oh gee... It happens... I know.
Hectic. The phrase "Please discuss this issue internally at your end" never works!!! Nobody really talks to anybody unless I have to speak out to many people who actually involve!
Hmmmm, hectic is it.
Tomorrow a morning appointment really makes my day start early as I have to leave home / office around 7am. Yep, really early is it! Please give me a wake-up call around 6am! (Hey, don't ask a reader for a call!)
Stay home along AGAIN. Yeah, must be addicted to the monitor screen. Stick with Internet all day long for NOTHING!
Sailor tumbled for two days in a row... SHOCKING.
Look at this picture... They are unusual amount of grocery, don't you think? It is true that I don't buy this much. How come so different today? Good point.
