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April 30, 2005 =End of Month |
Day TWO - the Golden Week. Full of WHAT for today?! Hmmm, nothing. Yep, literally nothing is planed and I don't do anything.
Maybe I should have cleaned the apartment.
Maybe I should have gone out for shopping.
Maybe I should have watched a movie like "Shall We Dance" or "Aviator."
Maybe I should have picked MacOS X 10.4 package up.
Maybe I should ask some gal out to spend time together <BANG!Hehehe.
Yeah, it is early morning for me again. Pretty much normal. At 6:30am - Oops, earlier than usual... I get up and I make a stop at usual cafe for breakfast. Read some newspaper there.
On the way back to apartment, I picked up some foods for lunch and snack. Entire this mirrors that of yesterday!
Well, I am going to duplicate one more day like today... Isn't that waste of time?! This is all because I am currently out of any spare money?!
What about MoonFlower?! What is she doing, being so much away?! Oh gee, whatever she does for now, it is not of my knowledge. She has things to do for sure... for her own sake.
22:55
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April 29, 2005 =Last Emperor's Birthday |
Wake up around 6:30am with a call from MoonFlower. She does so as I ask her to. Yeah, I get up like a monk! Yeah, life comes along with disciplain. Haha, funny!
April 29th... is the birthday for last emperor of Japan. In fact, it's big promotional day for Apple! It starts selling Mac OS X 10.4. So-called TIGER is on sale today! Do you grab a packet yet?!
Well, I go out twice for the day. First time is in the morning when I get something to eat for breakfast. Last time is, no doubt, at night for supper! <BANG!
What a simple life it is, huh! Aren't you agree?! You cannot agree anymore, can you?! Hahaha.
This is it for the day one of the Golden Week. Nothing is accomplished... Yeah, I were living in the monk. Not much TV, either!
During the day, I receive several personal messages from (mostly female) friends. THANKS for your concern about someone like me not having planned any for the holidays!
Friend Kack emails me... I should reply!
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April 28, 2005 =Big Holiday Season |
Yeah, finally the day before the holidays to which everyone has been looking forward. Just ahead. For me, 10 consecutive days off are coming. WOW!
However, no plans <BANG! No money, either <BANG! Too bad... too unfortunate.
Last working day turns out to be serious and I have to deal with one thing to another. Time quickly flies... Well, I do all that I have to do for today and I can leave at normal time... Yep, it's holiday time! Awesome.
Well, whever you go for thease holidays, be careful out there! Enjoy as much as you possibly can!!! Don't do anything bad or dangerous!
Yes, I promise that I stay home and quiet not to get anyone else in trouble!
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April 27, 2005 =One More Day |
As previously informed you of my coming holidays, tomorrow is last working day before the holidays called Golden Week. I am going to have full vacation of, let's see... 10 days.
Ha?! You heard that from me millions of time and I don't need to remind you any farther?! Okay, okay, okay.
Today I am busy with lots of paper work. Oh, I even send a message via email to my boss... I intend to pass my word indicating my current need for better understanding of whole picture of business. I recently took over his work partially. Well, it lacks lots of explanation and logics to manage the tasks. Therefore, I have felt so uneasy to deal with the tasks. No big boo-boos at this point; however, it can happen at any time. Therefore, I send my boss a request for procedure manual to be given. In fact, there is no such... so I mean that he is ought to make one for me.
Sounds too demanding?! Well, I know that I could have gone with different approach. Maybe the way I went along is one of bitter way for boss. He isn't upset... so I feel a little relief. I don't intend to make anyone feel upset by all means. I just want to bring an improvement to the work.
My to-do list for tomorrow seems endless at this point and I do all I can so that I have no onerous issues to leave undone before my departure for the holidays.
Yesterday, I said that the number of deaths was around 70's... today it is 90's and there is an expectation that the number will exceed 100 at the end. Hmmm, too bad.
My low back pain is under control while I am still so careful about what to carry.
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April 26, 2005 =No Up's? |
Search and rescue of survivors and victims are still continual at this moment at the site of tragedy occurred yesterday. The number of deaths in this incident is unfortunately goes up to 74 currently. Hmmm.
For my day, there is nothing really special. Am busy dealing with multiple tasks because they have to be wrapped up before Thursday since the Golden Week - super national holidays of straight 10 days is just ahead. Yeah, it is the Golden Week.
Just finish watching a TV program. Sort documentary. It is of current logistic business in Japan and DHL comes to the light as part of the program. DHL is aggressively looking into Japan's market as huge potential. Along with the opening of NGO airport back in February, DHL gathers and brings its capital to invest the market for NGO. Unfortunately, DHL is a tad behind and looks at the back of FedEx, the biggest competitor in overall worldwide market because DHL still doesn't fly directly in to NGO yet. At this point, DHL keeps contract with Cathy Pacific which have flight slot at NGO for cargo space allocation. While FedEx has direct flights in and out there with own bonded facility within the airport premise.
Wait a minute. Where is UPS?!
Unfortunate for UPSers and its fans... UPS is way behind the two biggest giants in that region. DHL is quite serious about Japan since I heard that DHL recruited so aggressively in job market and now develops big promotion. I even receive an unique direct mail about the service and DHL even award you a tote bag with DHL logo on it.
Sounds like GAP or Nike, huh! Anyway, that's what DHL is doing right now.
I can even share funny story... when I came to this job from UPS, (literally) all people around did recognized both FedEx and DHL instantly but UPS. Now some of coworkers do recognize of UPS because of... ME. Oh for your information, my present work place heavily relies on DHL services for small packages.
Back to the talk about TV program I see tonight. Nothing is my surprise from entire show. However, there is some pity feeling for me because there is no presence of UPS in that show. There is, however, no doubt that UPS emerges as one of key players sooner or later even in Japan's market. Probably a matter of when.
Recently read an article that even in US market UPS dropped its share by misleading itself focusing on wrong market in last quarter of 2004. Will be back for sure, though. Anyhow, I really love to see how all three giants fight over entire world share.
Anyway, the show on TV is somewhat educational for me. Fruitful hour for me.
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April 25, 2005 =BD! |
First for today, I have to have a prayer... Horrible train accident happens in this morning and so far 54 people are killed and hundreds are injured. This seems to be the worst train accident in history. Look at below pictures. One of three car is literally totaled!
Whenever this kind of devastating mishap occurs, one word is always in my mind. It is "destiny." Among hundreds of victimized people in those car trains involved in the accident, I am sure that there are some people are usually NOT in that train. "Just happened to be" kind of thing for them. And those come to be part of the big disaster.
Contrary to that say, am sure that there are also many people with opposite case as "happened NOT to be in that train; usually do" kind of thing. You know what I mean?! You know, we cannot control such luck or whatever...
It is "flail," isn't it?
All right, let's change the subject. Toward happy one!
It is no doubt... my 32nd birthday. Another year just begins! Am making all possible efforts to make this coming year better than before - at least immediate previous one.
I thank y'all for messages. Come to find out that 90 percent of senders are female. Maybe I can conclude that I still remain available in the market for you! <BANG
From Mexico, US, Greece (!), and many parts of Japan. THANKS!
This picture shows of my BD dinner. Really special?! Definitely not. Today, everything doesn't turn to be special at all but remain ordinary. No cake?! Well, I have single wish that I grab a cake in this town's most popular bakery. This wish doesn't come to be part of my birthday.
Anyway, cake plan is just postponed! Hahaha.
What about the present for myself?! Oh, it's been in use! I told you before that it was iPod Shuffle! Great present with great satisfaction.
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April 24, 2005 =Waste of Time? |
Perfect weather for outing... or whatever you do with your friends or loved ones. For me?! Nothing happens... let me rephrase that... "I don't make anything happen." Rather, I choose to stay in and stay quiet.
It is the 365th day of 31st year of my life. In other words, it is "Tak's birthday eve." Yeah, tomorrow I am to be 32 years old... unless I choose to go backward <BANG! Yeah, surely I welcome your massage for my birthday tomorrow. Hey, time is ticking!!! Hurry to send one for me! You didn't know of my birthday before?! Hey you DO now! Here is your reminder!!!
Yeah, write it down to your calendar, will you?!
Back hurts. More than all before. Do go to get a massage in this morning and I am told that I am quite broken. Plus, am told to come to get massage more often. Oh boy!
Maybe, I should reduce amount of typing! Hehehe.
4 working days remain. Only a matter of four days before super holidays which begins coming Friday for 10 days STRAIGHT! Well, my crunch time is coming up then (what?).
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April 23, 2005 =In 2 Days |
Hi, folks... today, it is the 364th day of the 31st year for me to live. In 2 days... I come to add 1 year to my age. Good or bad?! Well, you tell me.
USFS golf gathering takes place today at Matsuo Golf Club. Well, I am not there to be with folks. Yep, I have to cancel it and I stay here. No go, no good. This semi-annual event is coming in Fall after this... so I will make it!
ex-Boss Ito makes it?! I doubt it... don't think he drives all the way from Hamamatsu to the golf club for 18 holes... Hmmm, doesn't happen.
This is bought today. "Silicone Jacket" for iPod Shuffle. 2,100 yen or about 20 dollars. Great fit and looks cool. Well, I already dropped my iPod once and made a scratch to one corner of it. So the cover is a must to have!
I almost ordered this item over Internet before... but didn't finish the shopping. Today finally I buy this. Good choice I think and there is no other scratch to my precious Shuffle!
Look for DVD "School of Rock." It is sold out. Don't place an order... Rather, will wait.
Coworker Ogose gets me being in the convenience store. Man, he must have been tailing me! Hahaha. He tells me that I should go to car wash... Yeah, I agree <BANG!
Stiff neck worsens today compared to previous day. It kills me.
Tired. Even though nothing is really accomplished... Something must have done... because I feel great fatigue! Hahaha.
"Sex and the City" is on TV right now. Crazy!
Speaking of accomplishment, I come to the day 150 today! For "Healthya" drinks... I don't miss a day drinking a bottle. Isn't that something?! This can be a proof that I can do anything when I seriously commit myself to. Please consider this as a proof that I am serious person. Hehehe.
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April 22, 2005 =What Is This? |
Annually takes place. It is the "periodical raise." With a receipt (show below), I come to see my "figure of fiscal year 2005." At the same time, I also receive a slip of statement for April pay. Yeah, pay day is just ahead! Surely, new figure is reflected.
Satisfactory?! Far from it! I still cannot figure out that it is flat rate of increase for all employees ("traditional") or performance basis ("meritocracy") - or maybe (least likely) combined. I intend to find it out. No one around myself could answer my simplest question! Boy.
No one else cares much, but I do! I am financially challenged!
Hey! Did you get a notice of your raise yet?! Hope it turns out to be good for you...
For now, I have to add numbers to see if I still can manage my life 2005 well or not. Am still calculating... even though I got Ds and Fs in Math... STILL TRYING.
Back pain?! Still somewhat... under control, though. Plus, I am not up to carrying heavy stuff at all. Am very cautious. Stiff neck is more troublesome that other pain from which I have been suffering.
There is an internal conference for newly developed products. One presentation to another... I finally get to the place when the conference is close to the end. Am interested in one product only that relates to my business assignment.
First time to hear the voice of founder of the company - old but wise man who made a big fortune with this business. He just steps up to the podium and makes a remark of today's session. Interesting. It is obvious that he has great focus and particular preference toward engineering over getting goods sold. Hahaha.
13:10+1
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April 21, 2005 =Beat! |
Hello, y'all! Well, let me tell you... that I AM BEAT! Long day. I go to get massage before going to work. Yesterday I told and asked Boss Miura for a consent that I go and get massage before coming in by taking advantage of flexible work hours. Well, practically didn't need his consent because I am qualified to that program... though, I just wanted to be polite and informed the boss about my next day plan.
At clinic, I don't have to wait for my turn for too long. Just a matter of 15 minutes. There are so many elders at clinic in this morning. Probably same very morning. During the massage, I am told that my body is really tensed. Well, I know so! (That is the reason I come to get a massage, isn't it?!)
Around 9:35am, come to my desk. Check emails. Not many for me. GREAT! Hahaha. It is so great because I have one day business trip and don't want to leave any concern behind. With two other gentlemen from the same office, I go out for afternoon appointment. Long drive into Gunma Pref.
Nice weather, perfect to fall to a sleep while driving <BANG! Well, too good to motivate myself for work. Plus, the subject for the meeting is far from making us pleasant. Truly. In car heading to the client's site, some discussion among three of us, how to resolve the situation with customer for today, takes place time to time. Final answer?! Hey, three of us aren't that smart to get the answer from quick thinking. At least, we gather some clues to inform customer to see his reaction and we take necessary steps from there... THAT BECOMES THE PLAN! (What a plan!)
Eat lunch at a restaurant. Japanese deep-fried pork ("TONKATSU").
1:40pm, meeting begins. Closes at 3:10pm. Not the longest in my career. Hahaha. Productive?! Well, let me put this way that we succeed to move forward even though we are not up to opt for any further work on same issue. In other words, we still have to stick with same issue for a while. Though, still different direction compared to that before the meeting. So I put "move forward" in the phrase. Understand?!
Same road... less traffic on the way back. Arrive at the office at 5:30pm. TIRED. Do drive both ways myself.
Still no serious issues waits for my return. Good. Am in hurry to wrap things up to come home for rest! Eventually, leave the office for the day at 7:30pm.
One more day to go, y'all!
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April 20, 2005 =TBD - Now Determined? |
Hi, folks. Late.. very late already and much later than usual to kick off this update! Hmmm, what happens to my daily schedule?! Totally out of control!
Today, I come to find one thing. As you know, this year's resolution - which I am supposed to accomplish something that I can be proud... So far, TBD status. Now I can change it to target mode.
I think I have mentioned... For the first time in my entire life, I take a popular English proficiency exam called TOEIC - Test of English for International Communication. Since my company holds exam session for its employees for free of charge!
Usually, taking this particular exam costs about 70 dollars...
Hence, I push myself to take such advantage. It is official test and score, whatever I make, is to be in the record.
Without having slightest idea, it is unique test experience. However, milieu isn't such perfect for me. One fellow sitting next must have had cold... and coughs one a while... That sound is louder than that of question coming out of the speakers. Hmmm. There are two hundred questions and listening comprehension and reading questions... 100 of them each. Total 1000 points since single question is value of 5 points.
Fellow next to me coughs - I miss parts of questions for listening... LOSE ONE QUESTION completely.
He does it again... LOSE ANOTHER ONE.
He does again... GIVE UP ON ANOTHER ONE.
If am not mistaken, at least three questions are dropped... And I really look into one picture of a woman in GREAT SHAPE - Hmmm, I pay too much attention and FORGET about the question. Yeah there, I miss one more question. <BANG!
Well, rest of questions, I did all my best - so I believe. Will see how the score turns out to be. My target is 760 - LEVEL B. I should be okay to make it. Hopefully more.
No women while taking any kind of exam, PLEASE!
1:04+1
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April 19, 2005 =No Money |
No dinero - folks. I am in definite poverty right now. With 1,000 yen in my pocket, I have to manage my financial needs until immediate pay day, which is on coming 25h. In other words, I have to do all possible saving to last till next Monday. What do you think?! With this little money, is it all possible?! Well, will see.
Work is work.
For entire afternoon, single meeting is the center of my time and it depletes my energy at the end! Plus, I am assigned to some project to do. Hmmm, must be lacking the luck of the day?! Hahaha.
Somewhat this weeks, I have so many meetings scheduled. Tomorrow, I have two. For Wednesday, I have make-up meeting from last Friday, so on.
Nikkei made full come back from sluggish session yesterday... NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH! Gains 130 points or so... We lost more than 400 yesterday! My prediction for the result of today's session is 150... Man, I overestimated.
MoonFlower calls and we talk for a while until now. She makes me laugh. Laugh hard. I don't laugh that much for a long time and it is quite good relief from stress or pain... THANKS!
Oh, she complaints that my diary, here, doesn't reflect the truth compared to the "image" created by me. Well folks, it is super idea that your girlfriend never knows of your personal journal on Internet in case you have one!
Agree?
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April 18, 2005 =Stood Up? |
Back to normal?! Hardly so at this point. Yes, I have to admit that my physical strength hasn't been back to normal level yet even after a complete weekend with full rest. Unfortunate.
I am so eased to see my desk where there aren't many notes or fax papers... It means that I am not that behind even though I didn't come to work at all back on Friday. So my start for new week is rather quiet.
How's my pain in my back?! Well, under control. While working all day long, I don't mind much about having such pain. Oh however, it causes some minor headache.
Worst part of the day is of afternoon appointment. Engineer Ogose (male) and I go up to some customer's sight after one-hour drive. Then, I come to find that person whom we are supposed to see for the meeting isn't in the office. There is a miscommunication and we are not aware of that last minute change!
One hour for go and another one for back. We waste more than two hours for NOTHING!
Well, spending such time to waste isn't that big deal for today's me... However, there is something more crucial about all it happen. I drive for two hours... literally without rest. The sitting position bears some burden to my back. Certainly, not in good condition. So I feel more pain from driving. Hope this will like to more pain later on.
Leave early. I cannot last and I decide to come home early in order to rest more than usual. 7:30pm, I am home. No massage at clinic today. I should get it tomorrow.
Nikkei follows NYSE so badly... Big plunge today! More than 400 points gone!
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April 17, 2005 =Nada |
Pain still somewhat remains and I stay home not to worsen this pain any further. Wake up around 9am and talk to MoonFlower over the phone for a half hour or so. She is disappointed with this incident that results no activity for us to get together. Maybe, she is extremely happy about this, since she gets some extra time for herself, even though she sounds unhappy... Hahaha.
Go out for massage afterward. I am told that the cause, left lower back, seems better than yesterday, WHILE the other side gets hardened causing some new pain... OH BOY!
I guess, I was careful not to feel much pain while doing something and that related to extra burden on to the other side of lower back. Yeah, it must have happened.
Well as presuming the heath scale out of 100, Friday was 5, yesterday (Saturday) 20, and today around 25.
All day long, pretty much watch TV and am literally glued to it. So glad to see Sakura Yokomine's 1st career victory in golf! Yeah, I want her to win more!
No activities. No Internet shopping, either! <BANG
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April 16, 2005 =Quiet |
Last night, went to bad around 10pm, the earliest in my life! <BANG Well, not perfect sleep... but at least needed. Time to time, pain wakes me up... Still under control, compared to previous night.
At 10am, same clinic for massage. Feel good. Then, I make a detour for food. To "Denny's" on Route 16. I sit down... and find that there are so many people in the place... Among those people, I see someone very familiar... I find Boss Miura and his wife Susan (English lady)... at 2 tables down from mine.
Thus, I walk over and speak to them. Boss Miura is sort surprised. Then, I join them for breakfast. Good talk and I tell them all about yesterday.
After Denny's, come home and stay home, calmly.
Lastly, I thank you for those who send me get-well messages.
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April 15, 2005 =Almost "Ambulance?" |
So difficult for me to lie down... I couldn't lie down and stay still. Pain kept hurting me and kept me awake! Last night... literally I couldn't sleep.
http://nakahama-clinic.com/english/index.html
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April 14, 2005 =Pain |
Rain stops... and pain starts! What a day... My morning begins with pain. Well, I guess, I was in dream of pain and then I am found in the pain of reality!
No kidding. Pain is exactly with me... over lower back. Hmmm what did I do last night?! Didn't carry any heavy stuff around at all... so I recall. Why?! Well, speaking of carrying heavy thing... I did so on Monday. Back on Monday, everyone in sales had to move many things from the place where they were to new location. I remember that I carried several heavy bags... 25 kilo each.
Is that why pain is with me FOR NOW?! This delay?! It means that I become so old?!
Please let me beg... I do never want to admit such FOOL! Am still okay and NOT old yet. I swear!
However, pain is certainly bad enough to affect all actions that I take for today. I even cannot laugh hard. True!!!
Besides pain, it is pretty normal. Oh, I enjoy a ride of Nissan Cube Cubic. It is company car that coworker Mimura drives around and we get together for the same meeting. It's a little fancy automobile for families and youngsters. It doesn't suit Mimura for sure! Hahaha. Well, he used to be my mentor for this business when I come to Nifco... For a quite long time, we never had a business together in terms of facing clients for new business. It happens today. Interesting.
That meeting takes place at 5pm. Latest meeting ever in my career at this place. Hahaha. Lasts for an hour or a tad more. It is 7:30pm when we are back in the office. Eventually, I come to leave office for the day around 9pm.
Shorter time to spare for me tonight... Too bad. So far, no touch of remote. TV has never been turned on at all since my return.
Just take a shower. Then, use some backrub for my pain over lower back. Hope, the pain is to be eased by tomorrow morning. I want to have easy wake-up tomorrow morning! Hahaha.
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April 13, 2005 =Talkative Customer |
Happen to see new customer and that person is very talkative... He talks so much for so long time, giving away various information. Surely, he doesn't annoy me much. Just matter of time! Hahaha. Though, I receive surprisingly enough information to have my deal (new potential) move forward.
I guess, I can conceive it as productive meeting. For now I hope that my people (team from engineering to production) can bring all efforts together to be competitive enough to retain the business. BIG business (at least for me).
For 2 days in a row... yesterday and today, I haven't even touched the remote. Wow! No sounds of TV in this apartment room for last 48 hours! Hahaha. Hay, my TV is okay! NOT broken down. Needless to say, my remote has two AA batteries... still works! Hahaha.
Single doughnut really attracts me and I have lacked the sugar to my body! Even though I am STILL on diet, I have to break the chain of self-constraint. Too bad that extra sugar is taken! Of course, I will skip to step on the scale tomorrow morning... which I usually do so every morning.
For supper, I make a stop at Chinese restaurant down the road from the apartment. Some vegetable dish should help deficiency of my nutrition... I hope.
Just in. Good news. MoonFlower gets two tickets for some popular musical. I really thought that we had given up on it since it has been and still is so popular around. How does she get those tickets?! By luck?! Don't think so. Some kind of connection?! Could be. Anyhow, this is great and wonderful news since I, more than she herself, want to go to that spectacular.
Called "Man of La Mancha." Have you heard of it?
Now I start concerning about the price of ticket. Must be expensive. More than 100 bucks. Hmmm, that's negative side effect. Huh? Good thing costs in proportion? That's true. I should learn that.
Delivery personnel of Nippon Express, on behalf of Amazon.com, misses me for today. He should attempt second delivery tomorrow. What did I order? Hmmm, let me check<BANG!
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April 12, 2005 =German Black Belt |
Hello- Still continual rain here. Bad... though, not bad enough because I should not complain of this rain since it takes place during the week rather than weekend.
For today, majority of time is dedicated for single meeting. Coworker Mimura has some visitor from Germany and I then become heavily involved. To be honest with you, I didn't expect the meeting to take up much time at the beginning.
Introduction that German guest gives is a hint. He is from purchasing department; he, though, holds "Six Sigma" black belt. Wow, he must be strong physically?! WRONG. He is certified in practicing and/or promoting Six Sigma philosophies. Yeah, he is tough in all negotiation today!
Too bad that I don't rig any lethal weapon to fight back. I were sort bare-handed or even naked then. Certainly, that gentleman is smart...
Black belt... maybe I should study Six Sigma then?
Since most of my day time is spent for the meeting, all regular works get behind... At night, I have to catch up with all that are supposed to be done during the day time. Somewhat busy.
Oh, just see a news... Mitsubishi Motors reports the recall on "Galant." Friend Harahira drives this mode around. Just send an message to his cellular phone and say that his auto has to go to the shop for some repair.
Oops, Harahira himself has to go to "shop" (i.e. hospital) for some treatment as well! Truly, he schedules some minor operation at local hospital soon.
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April 11, 2005 =Okay for Now? |
My concern doesn't turn to be concern today. What do I mean?! Well, I had some unsolved issue from previous week and I hope, over this weekend, that the situation for the issue will not aggravate this week. Well, this issue unlikely looks to develop in negative way... so I feel more confident to deal with it. Therefore, I can say - so far so good!
Still cough. Annoying!
Oh definitely my bad... I emailed MoonFlower and said, "Did you cause this morning's temblor?" Hahaha. She sounds so disguised. Oops.
Oh, this afternoon's meeting is also an event for me. I call that meeting because there is a need for me to see a tentative schedule of new product item. It should be more commercial issue - schedule... however, it turns out to be more technical... Everyone in that meeting talks about product design, etc.
Anyhow, tentative schedule is agreed by all who come to that meeting and now I can include that into my very next proposal to the customer.
Oh, there are 15 or more new faces in the office for training. Those youngsters are graduates of colleges... and employed. Hope that they will come to like this place to work. The work place is maybe totally different from what they previously pictured. Well, it doesn't take much time to distinguish between reality and imagination. Hehehe.
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April 10, 2005 =Spring Wind |
Hi folks... great spring day today it is... No complaints. Make it early for the day and washing machine becomes so busy for entire morning because there is a plenty of clothes to take care!
Well, don't miss the breakfast though. I leave washing machine working, go out for coffee, and come home quickly. Futon is put up to the sun... I haven't done it for a quite time. Yeah, I have been so lazy.
MoonFlower calls me up after her YOGA session. She wants to see some cherry blossoms and I have no choice then. I not disobey but merely obey her! Hahaha. I pick her up at Tama Center Station and I drive my car around for her to look around. It is great weather to see around! (However, I would have been home for whole afternoon if I received no call from MoonFlower!)
For late lunch, we made a stop at Denny's. I choose French toast dish while MoonFlower orders white asparagus plate. Wow! We both take healthy dish so suddenly? Hahaha.
Another surprise follows... she doesn't say anything about extra plate... precisely, "desserts." What's going on with her?
Then, we go to outlet mall in Minami Osawa. No particular item in our minds at all... and I come to pick a shirt of 30 dollars... so that parking fee is to be waived! Hahaha. Of course, shirt is one of categories that I need to buy more for my outfit.
Uh, no movie.
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April 9, 2005 =So Rare to Buy |
F, fff finally, I buy this CD... I really want this for a very long time. Jennifer Lopez's "Rebirth" music CD. Yeah, since the purchase of iPod Shuffle, there are more and more attentions toward music!
Current music (from PowerBook) - "Get Right" by Jennifer Lopez
By now, Ron should be in flight back to Atlanta... Delta?!
Today's Tak... starts late. I wake up around 11am. Don't miss favorite radio show, though. I just don't get up until 11am... surely I am awake for the show around 8am.
Go out for dry cleaning and car wash. Lady at dry cleaning tells me that this type of clothing is very popular this year when I turn my tie, from Hugo Boss, which is wrinkle-fabricated. Really? I don't know that... I keep that tie in my possession for the longer than 5 years! So I have been so AHEAD?! Hehehe.
Car wash... man, I haven't done so for a long time. My bad.
For more than several hours from 3pm through 8pm... I am in a cage for some study. Difficult? Well, it is difficult because I am not smart enough. Hahaha. For what study? Well, just a matter of numbers.
Current song: "Hold You Down" - Oh, I saw this video clip on MTV the other day!
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April 8, 2005 =Welcome Back |
He is back!!!
Ron from Atlanta comes back to Japan... Yeah, he used to work in Japan and it is first time to see him in almost two years. Great to see you, man! He looks great and seems to have too much fun almost to go home... His flight is scheduled tomorrow.
This time, he took advantage of Asian business tip. He already went to Singapore and completed his mission in Japan. Then, some vacation time in Japan... How nice!
Anyway, full of ex-coworkers of mine to join him and it is good reunion for me there. So many of them are surprised with a fact that I have lost weight... Maybe I look more handsome than ever?!
Too much drinks.
More pictures are taken. Will show y'all more later.
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April 7, 2005 =Almost Weekend |
Long drive I have... Hey, NOT the one in driving range! I mean that I drive company car for a long time to come up for an appointment... Under beautiful weather, that driving is such pleasure. I see so many cherry blossoms around. Perfect scene for spring fest!
Yeah, I need to lark it up! Hahaha. I will... maybe tomorrow night.
No tough deals in appointment and I feel very easy about the results. Plus, no big issues behind... No serious claim from my other clients while am outside the office. That's another good aspect of today.
Watch out where you're going! My assistant fall from stairs yesterday and went to hospital for treatment. Today she is absent because of the injury. She didn't hold anything to disturb herself from the direction she wanted to go (down). Hmmm, she was then careless... maybe.
Anyhow, please! Watch your steps!
Oh, some other thing. One of coworker was caught yesterday. For speeding. Hmmm. It must have been bad luck for all of us... That speeding is of 20 km/h over the limit. He went on at 80 over 60. How much did this cost to the gentleman? 15,000 yen. Yeah, about 140 dollars. Big buck, isn't it?
Today, I carefully drive... I pay keen attention to speed signs!!! Good job.
Tomorrow, my to-do list becomes very long... big quote to prepare, hand-work application to send, and material for the meeting to gather... and so on. Yeah, will be busy... busier than today!
Cough remains. Same sore throat, still.
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April 6, 2005 =So Blank |
So sorry... seemly worse than yesterday is my cold symptom... After full attending to visitors from the US, I am exhausted!
Truly, hardness and difficulty throughout this afternoon's meeting with three clients (visitors) deplete ALL energy that I have. Surely, I have to give in to them. Yep, I hail them! Hahaha.
One of three is extremely smart and wise. With good practice, I really admire that the person's professionalism. He doesn't make us feel so bad or doesn't agitate things at all. Practically, he really goes down to the point... Even wants to distinguish between concern / issue and preference. Surely, wants all technical back-up.
His say, "Why?" is really tough for me to deal because the word comes with some pressure that he already knows where he likes to go from there.
No wonder that I feel so tired. Certainly am so.
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April 5, 2005 =Where's Foyer? |
Gee, coughing... I cough more frequently than did I yesterday! Must be getting worse... and, down the road, I will be indeed sick?! Hmmm, hopefully NOT.
Tokyo Giants - the most popular pro-baseball team - came to a big slump. From the first game of the season till tonight's game - Giants come to the record of 4 losing streak. Worst in team's history! Wow! Means that Manager Horiuchi, whom I don't think is capable for leading the team, may come to be under threat if several more losses to be added to the current streak?
Sure hope so! There are so many good candidates to replace Horiuchi! I really like to see him go!
While Giants suffer, my Dragons enjoy the third victory out of four games! Great!
Hmmm, still coughing...
True story... I call up some sales person to come to see me in this afternoon. So he shows. I previously knew him only by name and never met him until today. So we exchange business cards and talk about some business that I award that young fellow.
Besides the business talk, he informs that his last name soon changes. Question him whether it's because of marriage and he replies with yes. However, he's been married! How does this paradox come to resolve?!
The answer is that he made mistake on his marriage registration and his current name is married name, not his maiden name. Therefore, his near-future change to another name merely means that his name is to be brought back to the maiden one. Funny enough? Yet, true story.
I guess, I carefully fill the marriage registration when filling in and submitting to the local government.
What else for today? Hmmm.
Uh. I were like a lost kid in "Wal-Mart" or "Mall of America." I go up to see some client whom I have never met before. Therefore, I wait in a meeting point that I describe to that gentleman on the phone... The sight of client is large place and I keep waiting. For 20 minutes or so I stay there STILL.
Suddenly, "Paging Mr. Ogaki-jin. Please come to the check-in lobby to meet our personnel!" out of speaker located EVERYWHERE! Hmmm, that must be an announcement for lost kid! Yeah, it is of me!!!
What a day... HUH! Tomorrow, it is going to be brand new day! Hehehe.
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April 4, 2005 =Swollen Tonsils |
Swollen tonsils of mine really annoys... more and worse than yesterday! My voice will eventually turn to be gruff. It means that I will turn to be ugly for all surrounding ladies! What a shock! I have to prevent such a theory to be true!
Unless ladies "avalanche" to me with that kind of voice, which could be considered sexy! <BANG!!!
Work is quite flat. Less troublesome that I previously expected for this Monday. You know why?! It is because that I start taking over issues unsolved. From Boss Miura or Mimura... things keep coming! So my "to-do" list gets filled quickly. Yeah, I depict that I soon get swamped and even scream at work place!
Oops, for that, I used to someone yelling or telling things in hard way to others at work place... Yeah, that kind of scene of action resembles my old days! It really does!
Music, from iTunes, is on. Side effect from the purchase of iPod Shuffle. More frequently I listen to music. I try jazz and, maybe, classic later on!
Coughing... I suffer from cough for now, too. Hmmm, bad sign.
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?) Update. Looks better, huh!
The concerns I have from the list above... are of weight control and of accomplishment. Obviously, I can hold the range of my weight somewhere between 150 and 152 lbs, which is good result. However, am not perfectly content with the range. Rather, I still prefer the range between 148 and 150 lbs. Hence, let me keep working on it.
As for the gold of some achievement, I should set something that I aim for. What would be appropriate then?! Hmmm, that question makes me think to answer. There is not single answer yet. Should try English test like TOEIC? Oh, maybe BAR EXAM! <BANG!
Just kidding.
All right. That's for today. Let me hit the sack for rest. Hope I can regain strength for health soon.
Oh, one more thing to share. More readers get tricked with my April Fool joke! Too easy, y'all! Hahaha. Got ya!
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April 3, 2005 =Sore Throat Day II |
Just like this... the dish comes along with orange juice and coffee. 610 yen.
Of course, my PowerBook is a great company all the time... while in restaurant. From Net surfing to checking some personal data in Excel and Word, the computer fully functions upon my needs and input.
Spend two hours or so?! Hmmm, quite long time! Am sure that restaurant manager annoyed with the fact that I occupied a table for whole two hours during busy time.
After such event in Denny's <BANG! --- nothing happens... really.
Just finish chatting with MoonFlower - I was supposed to see her in the afternoon... though, doesn't happen as planned. Well, it is because of my condition... I think it is necessary to stay home calm. Certainly never want the cold to develop any farther!
Therefore, chatting (including video image via iSight) is part of my make-up to her. Using the iSight for the first time in how long??? Must be a few months or so!
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April 2, 2005 =Sore Throat |
At least I amuse or entertain someone out there... RIGHT?!
Oh, music sessions take place today. Not playing any music, I mean. Music for iPod Shuffle. From Shania (Twain) to JE-LO (Jennifer Lopez), music of the more than several CDs is gone into iPod. So this tiny small gadget is my great company to take train to Tokyo or Yokohama.
For that, I have to schedule either to see MoonFlower or other gals! <BANG! Contrary to my such immoral wish (!), I have no plans for this entire April! Nope, am not foolish... but serious!
By the way... let me ask... DO YOU HAVE SPARE TIME FOR ME? <BANG!
Hmmm, still hold a symptom of cold. Particularly, sore throat. Worse than yesterday! Brrr.
Buddy Charlie is now back to Japan! As of yesterday, he made safe back... so I heard. However, single bad news is there. He goes into mourning because his father just passed away.
I, Takashi Yamada, hereby express deep feeling of sympathy for your such loss to my friend.
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April 1, 2005 =April What? |
April FOOL-ing Day! Yeah, I set Japanese site with single message that "The site has been closed due to the observation of newly-effective personal info protection law."
Hahaha, funny enough?
Truly, new law to protect personal information comes into effect as of today. It can mean untrue?! Hahaha, probably (definitely?) not.
Usual Friday for me. No appointments and lots of domestic affair to face. Oh, morning meeting for ISO and QS was very interesting to me. Plus in that meeting, the main theme is about learning something we don't know. Contrary to the original intent, the issue goes far from it and entire meeting becomes argumentative. Hahaha, what an irony!
I have no words throughout the meeting. No wish to participate in such argument. No perfect peace there.
At night, after work, around 9pm, I join three other coworkers at nearby tavern. Some drinks, not fully. Eat quite.
With Harahira, Takeishi, and Izumi - all male. No female companionship! (very unlikely to happen!)
Well, fooling day is OVER! Let's be serious! (for what?)