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November 30, 2005 =Party #2 |
Like last night, another party took place tonight for me. Yeah, my farewell. Coworker Harahira and Take took me to drink. Yeah, two nights in a row... Over dinner, talked about business... and business... and still yet business! Ha!
From 7pm through midnight... yeah, it was long. Ate much and drank much. I may have a hangover tomorrow?! You bet! Hehehe.
Sure, went to work today to recover all that remained unsolved from yesterday. NOT much though. Oh, there was an upset customer... didn't come to me, but to other coworker. I guess, we have to deal with this crazy fellow... before my departure. Yeah, face-off.
Gee, I am SO sure that I have gained much. Yeah, I must be heavy-weight champion by the end of this year! So many parties are so far scheduled. NOT tomorrow but there is one on Friday! Some in next week! Hmmm, totally out of control!
Well, today it is the end of November... Well, there are only two weeks remaining for me to work here... three weeks remaining for me to move out of this place! Man, not even starting packing! Would you come to help me out for that?!
8:01+1
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November 29, 2005 =Off |
It's about time to close the year... Tonight, I had first year-end party among friends. Particularly tonight, those who participate the English class three times a month called such party... including my farewell.
I thank every single one of them for their warm kindness... This party was great!
Surely, we didn't finish the talk... and went on to second location to finish up the stories! Hahaha!
Main dish was... KOREAN spicy bowl... It was good, though.
Wow! Who's this beautiful lady?! Have I ever known such nice lady around?!
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November 28, 2005 =Plan is OUT! |
Swamped... today. Didn't expect to. Had to be every corner of the office to talk to different people in different departments. Oh, today I finally made an announcement of my plan for 2006. Everybody (almost everyone) got really surprised with such announcement of mine. Though, most of them gave me words of encouragement. Thank you!
So many coworkers recommended me NOT to come back after graduation. They really told me to look for better plan. Hahaha! Yep, I am not quitting this time. Company allows me the leave for a whole year or whatever long I finish and graduate from T-bird. No pay, though. It is truly my risk for all! So what?! This is the risk I like to take for my life. Any objection?!
Recently purchased: "tsumori chisato" purple shirt
Forgot to put up this picture, right?! Y'all must have been so anxious of how the new shirt looked like. Here it is! You like this?! Is purple your favorite color?! Hahaha.
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November 27, 2005 =Big Trash! |
DATA: Ogakijin
Yeah, just finished watching TV - 2005 Test the Nation on Asahi TV. 80 questions there were. Made 64 of them right and above shown is what I got as result.
I should be comedian rather than pay check player like this?! Hmmm. Interesting, huh!
IQ-wise, it was 117... 5 points up from previous testing done in 2003. Means that I am still GROWING?!
What did I do for the day?! Well, not much. I created a big trash... I made three trash bags filled! What were they in the bags?! From daily-waste products to old suits... Yeah, suits. You know, I used to be very big person (weight-wise). Now I am thinner compared to 5 or 10 years ago. Therefore, there were still some suits that I bought when I was bigger... It means that those suits were oversized. Today because of my move to US, I decided to throw them away!
Moving is always the time for me to decide what to keep and not to. Same to you?! If you have never been to face the opportunity of moving, you have no idea how hectic to deal with such event!
Yesterday, I saw someone very familiar... ex-girlfriend to be exact. In the shopping mall. I was quite sure because of her look and the way she appeared... though, I just found that it was WRONG! Hmmm.
How did I find it out?! Well, just asked and got answer back.
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November 26, 2005 =Curry |
MoonFlower and I originally intended to see a movie today. Turned out to be no movie. We both realized that there was no such good movie to see and passed the plan.
Met each other in Tokyo Station and had lunch in McDonald's. New menu - seasonal one was what MoonFlower wanted to have. Croquette (deep-fried potato) hamburger was the one. Yeah, she loved it (as usual).
Walked around the area and made a stop at Tully's coffee shop for rest and net-surfing. There was one computer hooked to the net and 30 minutes of surfing the next are allowed for every user. MoonFlower and I were there... total one whole hour?! Hahaha.
Anyway, we checked several travel agency sites for our next plan. Since I have to save every penny available for next year at T-bird, the travel plan has to come along with tight budget... unless MoonFlower pays it all! (this does NEVER happen).
"KONAYA" - famous Udon noodles with curry soup. 1,540 yen! (expensive)
Noodles were the supper. I particularly selected this. MoonFlower didn't mind of my selection; though, she seemed to want something else. No shopping today. Oh I bought a refill for my ballpoint pen by CROSS.
When is Pelikan due?! (i.e. new fountain pen for me from MoonFlower).
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November 25, 2005 =Long Drive |
Long day today. Yeah, I've got an appointment with a customer far away. Boss Miura kept me company and I had to drive a long way. Almost fell to a sleep! <BANG
Just drinking jasmine tea... bottled drink (shown). Yeah, this is my favorite. Smells good to me in addition to taste.
I had to stay at work late tonight. Yeah since I came back in the office around 6pm, things were just piled up. Contrary to my expectation, I had to deal with many of them before calling the day for weekend.
Oh finally, my up-to-date (of going to T-bird next year) is shared with many coworkers. Officially, HR okayed me to share. Hmmm, beforehand, I'd already shared with y'all here, huh! Well, nothing bad... it is.
Pay day. More important than any event of the day! Hahaha.
Well-paid?! Well, I can at least manage my life for another month or so. Yeah, just a matter of month... ha! Hehehe.
Just heard from Mom in NC... she's going to see Robyn in Columbia. Meanwhile, my Christmas plan has to be changed. I will create whole new plan for it. My departure for US?! Will be in January. Ticket?! I will get it soon. Cheaper ticket than one in December, I hope.
9pm, it's over... Left work and came home straight. No intension to go out to do something. Tired.
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November 24, 2005 =Finally? |
Happy Thanksgiving Day! Lots of you have an extended weekend with this celebration, right?! Good for you! Then, Christmas season is officially on from tomorrow, huh! Man, nice.
Turkey, right! I miss homemade dessert on Thanksgiving or even Christmas.
Today, I come to the one year milestone that I keep drinking a bottle of "Healthya" everyday! Since November 25, 2004, it has been a whole year! Wow! I originally started with an intention to continue for three months. Eventually did it for whole year! Impressed?!
Was out for a meeting starting from 2:30pm. Not that difficult one. Didn't take too long, either. Good business? Well, so-so. Then I had to rush and drive back to the office. Because there was an internal meeting from 5pm and I was the one in leading role, I had to SPEED a little bit. Hehehe. Not that bad, though... in my opinion <BANG!
Meeting was over around 7pm. Good outcome?! Yeah, way better than I really thought it would.
Well, I come to have some beer tonight. Didn't expect to. Good surprise, huh. Most importantly, free food. Yeah, boss bought me supper. Pretty good deal, huh! Yeah, there was a serious talk about business! (truly)
Lots of foods, too. Ate much. Overeaten!!!
Wow, it's Friday... and PAY DAY! Thank God! Oh, day trip tomorrow. Drive for a long time.
Michelle Wie made her debut in Japan today! She participates in Casio World Golf... men's tournament and she challenges!
Well, she isn't that much attractive to me, though...
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November 23, 2005 =Day After |
Yeah, yesterday I was totally away from work. Then, today it all became a truly nightmare. Things were just piled up while I was off! Man, that was not something that I expected to happen. Well, I had to suck it up, huh.
Long day then? Negative. Merely, tense. Urgent stuff to do.
Oh, I have to worry about New Year's greeting cards. I should get started to deal with them early... so that I don't have to worry that. You know, December is surely going to be hectic as I prepare my departure for US. I have to be out of this apartment and care of all personal belongings. House in Ogaki where parents live has limited capacity for storage.
Do I have that many stuff?! Well, don't think so. Though, still worry somewhat.
When do I start moving?! Well, my last day at work is scheduled on 15th of the month. I should be out in a week or so.
I may have been sick, already. NOT bird flu, though!!! Yeah, this might be cold... should take medicine before going to bed tonight. Hmmm, done!
Let me close and call the day so that I can rest. God night!
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November 22, 2005 =Interview |
Yeah, started very early today. For what?! I had to apply the visa to the US Embassy. 8:45am appointment. I arrived at the gate of facility about 5 minutes late. Well, there was a line of 15 people proceeding the entry. So my lateness wasn't even recorded.
After passing the gate, I had to get checked all documents before entering the building. Two young Japanese checked documents... they were very detailed! I didn't pass on first TWO challenge. I even had to retake a portrait picture (well, there was an automated camera booth). Cost me 1,000 yen. Totally unexpected.
Finally, they let me go through and I went through the security. Guard took my cellular phones away and gave me a number to exchange later.
It was 9:10am when I came to the lobby area for interview. There were 10 windows. First two for immigrant interview and they were closed. All rest eight windows were for non-immigrant interview.
Window #3 - Asian lady (middle-age)
Window #4 - Blonde lady (cute)
Window #5 - Half Japanese female
Window #6 - While male
Window #7 - Blonde lady (cute and great Japanese pronunciation!)
Window #10 - Asian American maleNo doubt that my picks were #4 and #6... Would love to talk to one of those ladies for interview. I was quite confident that I could crack them up instantly!
"Mr. Ogakijin!" - so I was called. From Window #5. She instructed me how to submit my fingerprints (both hands). So did. Didn't take too long. Then, I went back to waiting area.
So I really bet on either 4 and 6 for interview...
"Mr. Ogakijin!" - called from Window #6! Male, male, male... I have no business with any man there!!! Too bad.
He didn't ask me much... another applicant before me got big trouble with that male because she wanted to go to some language school and questions were a little complicated. Like she had to relate the study and her future career plan. Oh boy!
For me, it was just nothing. He said, "You work or study..." I told, "I used to study and work in US and now back to study to advance the career." He replied, "Oh you go to Thunderbird... good school. Wow, expensive (while looking at the statement). Who pays for it?"
"You, I wish." Hahaha, good try, huh! He laughed. Well I rephrased, "myself, sir."
By 9:50am, I was out of the compound. Piece of cake.
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November 21, 2005 =Day Before |
Yeah, was busy for last couple of hours! Paperwork, folks! I have an appointment at US Embassy tomorrow and I had to finish up the paper work. Application for F-1 student visa.
Finally around noon, about half hour ago, all were set. Man, tough work! Well, hope I can give a good impression in interview. Is that going to be typical interview!? Don't know. Will see.
Received a notice from my bank in US - Wachovia. It announce that it launches new interface of online service. Cool!
I just got communication with someone online. She was a MBA holder and very pessimistic about my plan for MBA. She said that studying in MBA program for several years wasn't good and long enough to master English. She had three year experience before entering MBA program and was confident when she came out of the program. Though, she had very tough time to find a job. She warns me because there are so much better alternatives like part-time MBA within Japan, etc.
What do you think?!
Yeah, I do agree with this fellow... not all though. She mentions of risk about entering MBA for a long time away from the reality. Good point. That's why I wanted to minimize the length and chose one-year program.
No jobs on post-MBA?! Well, I already secure some options. Good to know, huh! Though, I will have to take a look at those factors she advised as risk... and try to do all possible to prevent any kind of disadvantage. Smart move to make, right?!
Work. Spend most of time in afternoon for single meeting. Serious meeting. Good ending, though.
Will be off tomorrow for the appointment. Hope it can be done by noon... Probably not.
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November 20, 2005 =Run! Win! |
As mentioned yesterday, no plans today. Well, I planned to stay all day long! I did exactly what I planned.
Slept in. Yeah, luxury morning, huh! I know.
Since I had breakfast in usual cafe yesterday morning, I couldn't go to the same place for two days in a row. That's my policy, okay! Hehehe. So no breakfast this morning.
Kept watching TV from late morning. Watched marathon, golf, and others. Great to see Q Takahashi grabbed the first place in the marathon. Great run! Tiger Woods won the Dunlop, huh! He's just super!
Took care of laundry, put up the futon to the sun, and installed Office to my "TyGold" (Windows machine).
That's all for the day! Ha!
This week, I won't be at work on Tuesday. Got to go to US Embassy for appointment. Yeah, I have to apply the visa then.
Last off-line meeting for 2005 is scheduled on Saturday, December 2nd. Don't know how many of us are going to be there... will see. I don't have clue about location we all are going to meet. Maybe in Akihabara?!
Sony brings brand new Walkman called "A series."
Looking good?! Well, no future.
They're NOT going to be iPod killer, unfortunately.
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November 19, 2005 =New Stuff |
Spending big bucks for dinner of three last night, such trend didn't have its end last night. Obviously, it was continuous. At least till today! I came to spend another big bucks today with MoonFlower. She must feel so good about all what she got today! Hehehe.
We met and started tour from "SPIRAL" where art museum, restaurant, shops, etc. were located. In the lobby, there was a fair of calendar sales. Special event and that place carries quite good varieties. MoonFlower picked one up... very small paper-craft calendar with bird shape. While she went to the bathroom, I picked one in blue color and bought it for her. Not big bucks... though, it was rare for me to buy her something.
Found a restaurant in basement of "SPIRAL." Asian cuisine. Reasonable... but, pretty good.
"Shosaikan" - famous fountain pen store in Aoyama became the place for our 2nd stop. I wanted to see Pelikan pen... Well, particular model that I wanted to see and write was out of stock. Darn it! Out of luck, I guess.
"tsumori chisato" is our usual boutique to stop by. "Usual" clerk was there and found us dropping by with big smile on her face. Well, we spent more than an hour to see around. The longer time we spend in that store, the higher percentage we buy things from the store. No exception today. She picked up a winter sweater and I chose a shirt in purple which she gave me her consent for me to buy.
Hmmm, I bought them all!!! 200 for mine and 300 for hers. Gee, I spent that much?! Yeah, did (darn it!).
In fact, I have to tell you the truth. I had postponed birthday present for her since July... Well, she had nothing particular in her mind as birthday present from me. This time, I complete the duty! Hehehe. Well, 100 dollars over the budget, though... Shhh.
Yesterday, I paid 150 bucks for dinner... For two days, I spent all that I had in my pocket, right?! Hey, paid them all with American Express. Thank God.
Tomorrow, will stay home all day long not to spend any penny! Hehehe.
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November 18, 2005 =Big Dinner |
Yeah, I start with two pictures from tonight's dinner. Yeah, BIG dinner. Literally so! Tonight, I took two (younger) coworkers out to eat together. Since those youngsters have been good friends of mine at work and I wanted to treat them a little.
"Kisoji" Japanese restaurant on Route 16. Nabe (i.e. big bowl as seen above) dinner. Japanese beef. Very rare for me to eat... though, it was just special occasion with friends!
Good talk with lots of laughs. Had great time with great friends. They are Ogose and Hirano - both are product designers.
They, behind my back, ordered SUPREME Japanese beef... They look so good, don't they?!
Youngsters are shy and don't smile?! Hmmm. Thanks, buddies!
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November 17, 2005 =1st Thing |
You know, usually the first thing to do on your very new computer (besides installation of software), is like game, word processing, and the like. For me, DVD was loaded and played some music... AYAYA! Yep, Japan's super idol Aya ("Ayaya") Matsuura!
The DVD is of her 2005 concert tour in Japan.
So many people may think that this purchase was risky since this type of laptop is available only over Internet. True! Though, I think that I have just overcome such risk. You know what?! This is pretty darn good stuff! The thinness of the computer is quite fascinating and am sure that you would love it.
This was good buy for 2005! Yeah, I probably conclude so at the end of year!
Long talk. Took about more than two hours... I had a review talk with Boss Miura from 6pm. Yeah, it was almost 9pm when we were done. Good talk?! NOT bad at all! Very productive?! Think so. Well, review talk wasn't so strict about my current performance since I am going to be absent throughout next year due to attending at T-bird.
Well, some lousy customer called and changed the plan that I made a proposal about. You know, that was totally unacceptable! I wasn't upset; I was merely disappointed. The change that I have to make is something difficult and the schedule of making that happen is very tight. Hmmm, I should've rejected such plan... Well, there was no choice then.
More things flow in and I cannot have easy last day at work before leaving for US. Hmmm. Who's fault then?!
Friend Tomomi in Atlanta just wrote in and let me know of her marriage! Congratulations! She married to some famous guitarist named Chris Duarte.
http://www.chrisduartegroupfans.org/Wow... what a marriage! What about mine?! <BANG!
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November 16, 2005 =Just Arrived! |
Just arrived!
Yeah, the name of this GOLD stuff is "Epson Endeavor NT350." Brand new for sure. This is my 1st Windows-based computer ever purchased! Yeah, really. Better than Mac?! Well, after operating this computer for several hours tonight, Macintosh computer still outperforms the Windows. The biggest advance in Operating System is of the look. Really. Trust me on this one.
Very simple-look GOLD computer.
So here is a question. Which one to take with me to the desert?! The answer?! BOTH! Hahaha. Simple, huh! Got ya! Anyhow, I will keep this Windows computer for a quite while from now on. I will install as many software which are available only for Windows as possible! Like Google Earth, etc. Google Earth is just too heavy within Virtual PC running on PowerBook.
Unfair comparison... my PowerBook is 3 years old... is compared with brand new computer like that. Totally unfair. Surprise is that I still have solid mind sticking with Macintosh over Windows.
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November 15, 2005 =Read It! |
Read it if you can... It says, "Just out of town... to US -Tak"
(My handwriting)About time to disclose it all for y'all?! I guess so. Less than one month or two, am going (BACK!) to US. Yeah, finally after 5 complete years in Japan. Not for work, though. It is strictly on my own for my interest. For what?!
To school throughout the year of 2006!
Yes, degree-seek basis. Master of Business Administration from Thunderbird. This school is my first and only choice since this school carries entire qualities, costs, and conditions met to my all criteria. 2 years?! Negative. I won't have easy summer vacation at all; will stick with desk and professors for lectures.
Up to this last moment, there were too many hints and clues to conclude this! Am sure that many of you had realized at least one or few... so I presume.
"I-20" is the official document to prove the holder/applicant to be at US educational institute and to be required for F-1 student visa.
"Desert Project" since Thunderbird is located in Arizona... state of desert.
New laptop discussion... between expensive and cheap notebook computers - MBA program requires student to bring own computer. Apple isn't the one. I had no choice for Windows-base computer. Hehehe. Hence from now on, whenever I mention things as part of or for "Desert Project," I mean that it is really for my 2006 academic year in US. Got it?!
Paid 100 bucks to Ambassador Schieffer for visa application. Not exactly to Ambassador... precisely to SEVIS. 100 dollars are required to pay prior to application to submit. I will process the visa application next Tuesday - a week from today. I already got an appointment at Embassy in Tokyo.
When to be in US? - Hopefully around Christmas.
Where in US? - Phoenix, Arizona
How long in US? - Around the whole year of 2006!
What about current work?! - Take a full year leave like maternity leave! Hehehe
What about thing with MoonFlower?! - YOU TELL ME!All right. Enough, right?! That's it for today. Just single, still yet big announcement!
22:29
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November 14, 2005 =Heavy Duty Labor |
No surprise for me today... that I had to work on collecting samples and packing them to dispatch. Yeah, today's heavy task was just like that. That was because there were some production events scheduled later this week and my customer expects me to send such products including prototype ones today. No later than today.
Some goods weren't clean at all and I later realized that my both hands turned so black as no one would like to touch. I sort had to work in the dust!
Plus, serious communication was initiated by me to UK and US office for budget and schedule issue. Oh, I asked the customer expecting above-mentioned goods with a question of some other item due next week. No answer yet. Well, I guess that the matter wasn't urgent at this moment. Am sure that I would get a call or Email message when that gentleman realized that it was urgent.
You know how things go, right?! Hahaha.
Left work around 8pm. A bit later than I wanted to. No plans to eat out. Fix some stuff home and ate... by 9pm I was ready to do something. Tonight, had to work on computer and some paperwork. No reading tonight.
Finally, remote printing was set via Apple AirPort. Since installation of OSX10.4, hadn't set it up. Now it works great. Didn't take a while to complete the task. Paperwork is of my Desert Project along with I-20. Had to proceed the application to fill in and print those documents out. Not entirely completed yet. Though, the goal (complete the task) can be expected very near future. Under control.
Epson sends me a message that it's about to ship IT out. IT IT?! Hehehe. Cannot wait.
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November 13, 2005 =Shop Nothing?! |
Yeah, long day with early finish. You see what I mean?! Well, it was 11am when MoonFlower and I met in Ginza. Yeah, early start. Then, we went in to Ramen noodle shop called "TOKEIDAI" in the area... where I hadn't been to for a quite some time. Then, we found out that it was a little too early... not even open yet.
We couldn't wait longer. So we changed the plan. "Goemon" past place, instead. It had new seasonal menu and we both chose such. Mine is here:
Yeah, they were pretty good.
Then, walked through the area and ended up in "Oazo" shopping building. Yeah, I wanted to come here... to Maruzen bookstore. Straight to the 4th floor. Yeah, I wanted to see fountain pens. This place had bunch...
Checked out more than several pens mostly from Pelikan. Yeah, that German brand carried superior quality and I really liked it. Well, almost bought... almost.
Then, had coffee in the same building... at the basement. This iced coffee was great. Yeah, she chose red stuff... Cranberry tea. I liked that too.
Saw several books, too. "Nomura Note" appeared very interesting. Nomura is one of the most talented baseball manager... and is going to take new managerial position at Tohoku Rakuten Eagles from next season. The Note is about all his baseball (and life) philosophy. Yeah, really cool thing to read all about baseball and player's mind. Almost bought a copy.
Famous business consultant Kenichi Omae's "the Professional" is also good to read. Skimmed through a little bit and I was almost into the book. Yeah, best-selling book for sure.
Then, MoonFlower and I rushed to close the day between us. She had some previous engagement. Had appointment with her beauty salon. Hence, I let her go around 5pm. Yeah, no dinner (saved big money?!).
Came back in town all the way from Tokyo and picked up my dry cleaning. Plus, something to eat as supper. That's all for today. Yeah, I came home early to relax myself. Oh, watched a ball game between Japan and Korea. Quite interesting. Japan won, of course!
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November 12, 2005 =Sleepy Head |
Because of long day yesterday, I had to give many hours of the day for resting. Precisely, I had to sleep pretty much all day long. When I was out of my Futon, it was about 5pm. Yeah, no kidding; this is absolutely true.
Then, hit the shower, got dressed, and then went out for errands. Dry cleaner and I had to make a stop at some "alteration" shop. Yeah, I had to ask for some repair of my trousers. Some threads were loose.
310 yen for the service. Had to wait until 15th, though. Easier than thought.
Chose Udon noodles for supper at "Hanamaru" restaurant. Yeah like a fast food restaurant. 710 yen. Then, coffee for 380 yen. Spent two hours in the cafe since I stuck with reading! What to read?!
"The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" written by Stephen R. Covey
Just translated, for Japanese edition, simply as "Seven Habits."
Yeah, best-seller book, so I heard. Friend gave me this book. Yeah, so far, very interesting. 500 page long... I just come around one-tenth of the length. Will keep reading all about it.
Came home around 10pm. That's all for the day. Nothing more, nothing less. Why not with MoonFlower today?! She was busy today?! Not. She just didn't feel well as almost sick... so we decided not to. Though, will get together tomorrow.
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November 11, 2005 =Tell Me If... |
Assume that I cut the work early and left the work... for drinks and Karaoke... then spent quite some time like up to 2am or so... what would you think?!
Any problem?!
Well, that is the reality for the day! Hehehe.
TOOO much of drinks tonight. Many songs I sang... Yeah, not so good at singing... though I could enjoy myself.
Came home around 2:30am. Way passed my bed time; though, I didn't feel much sleepiness then. I could go extra hours or so! Hehehe.
0:20+2
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November 10, 2005 =X'mas Shopping? |
Cheap Epson laptop or super expensive fancy Panasonic "Let's Note" computer?! I am really between those two models in choosing a laptop computer to buy. Yeah, first Windows computer to buy ever in my entire life.
Epson laptop - not available in many (most) places since it's web-direct merchandise. Priced around 1,150 dollars.
"Let's Note" from Panasonic, the most popular laptop computer... super LIGHT computer. Around 2,400 dollars.This is for my desert project 2006. Yeah, "DESERT" project which is soon to be announced to y'all.
Is this so that I am going to drop my Macintosh and change to be a Windows user from then on?! Well, that's another factor in the consideration. I still prefer Mac to Windows for sure. Though, I'll be still okay with Windows. That's a reason that I cannot make up my mind soon. What is your opinion?
Well, still money issue remains... <BANG!
For work. Had single appointment in the afternoon. Other than that, I was busy for two different urgent project and I went back and forth within the office to deal with those two issues. So many problems to be solved within the day. Yeah, I had to talk to many people with different tasks for the same projects. All were, as a result, under control. Those issues must be solved and taken care of by the end of year... end of next month! Well, I do make all possible efforts of mine into them till end of THIS month, though.
Left work around 9pm. One day to go. There are already some homework to do from today to tomorrow. Plus, I have to run in to customer's place for delivery tomorrow morning. Hmmm, quite busy tomorrow?! Most likely...
Please send me a check for 3,000 dollars payable to me so that I can drop all thoughts and buy a new computer right away! <BANG
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November 9, 2005 =In and Out |
You know, furniture superstore called "IKEA" from Europe is quite famous in US... I know that there is one location of Ikea in Atlanta. That particular place opened AFTER I left that place. I really waited long!!! I always saw the catalogue of Ikea and wanted so many things from that store. Though still until today, I have NEVER been to any store yet.
No stores in Japan?! NOPE. However...
According to media, IKEA recently established its subsidiary in Japan and is getting ready to open new store in Japan next year. Yeah, finally. Well, this is not first time for it to be in Japan. Long time ago... like 20-some years ago (so I heard), Ikea was here... not popular and left the country.
Anyway, yeah, finally here next year! Wait. Ikea comes to Atlanta after my leave from the same place. What about this time?! Is that going to be same again?! Hmmm. Hehehe.
Urgent issue really tied me up pretty much entire morning. So I had to postpone some stuff to do to the afternoon. So my day plan changed a little from my original intention which was made first thing in the morning.
There was a peace in the afternoon. I had to pack some samples to dispatch for new business... Made more than several phone calls to confirm things around. Plus, I had to submit some paperwork to HR. HR?! Yep. NOT resignation, though!!!
Left work around 8pm. Went out for drinks. Yeah, free food and drinks for me! Yeah, that's best part?! Nope. Best part was the conversation made between coworkers and I. Very interesting. Well, too bad that I cannot disclose such in details... because... you know.
Two days to go. Should plan some for weekend with MoonFlower. Time is limited.
Healthya: 350 days!
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November 8, 2005 =Who's Fault? |
"You guys are ALWAYS late." First phrase of customer at this morning's meeting was a hard punch... Well, not my fault. It was because that one of three of us got overslept. He came in to work about 30 minutes late.
Another one of us... Boss Miura had some bad memory about the same customer about having business meeting later than scheduled in the past... so I was the only one, in that meeting, thinking nothing about what went wrong, etc.
Meeting was shorter than expected. Easier than I previously thought. Piece of cake?! Hey, not that easy.
I asked single question to one of workers in production control. I knew theoretical answer before then... though, I wanted to do so because I intended to see what kind of operation policy existed within operation.
"Why and what purpose do we people make efforts to lower the inventory level?!"
Those who are asked seemed to be sort surprised because of such damn question. Very fundamental. Though, I wanted to know from the bottom line of such activity. Surely, it involved in cost... No one mentioned of cash flow... but at least they had reasonable answer. Then, "How do you control and why not lower much?" I upset them even more.
"That's where our frustration lays."
According to them, the operation is based upon three-month forecast. Though, not all customer information are accurate. Some are good and some others aren't at all. Plus, these people receive urgent orders like "due tomorrow" stuff. Well, the conclusion from that discussion, entire experience and guess are the primary resource to control the inventory.
Yep, that was interesting. They make tremendous amount of efforts for this project. Any better way?!
I kicked off two toolings today. Urgent ones. Man, I thought that last kick-off was the last one for the year... I was wrong.
Took English class tonight. More than 10 people showed.
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November 7, 2005 =Back to Work |
Ordinary working day with single meeting at client's site. Expectation, prior to the meeting, wasn't that positive... rather, we were all up to FIGHT! Three of us attended to the meeting and we all had different roll to play. One was to get upset by customer's claim. Another one was to be quiet. And last one was to stay cool until the conclusion and to state what we really wanted. Yeah, it was out strategy toward the meeting.
I indeed expected ugly meeting. Didn't turn out to be so too much. Though, the meeting lacked the leadership... Product designer had to take primary roll to lead the project... somehow he stayed quite all the time. How come?! Lacked interest in this issue?! He was the one to grab the immediate solution. So everyone involved knows!
Well, the meeting got its end within one hour and half. Way shorter than the length what we had in mind. Hahaha. Well, this nightmare is still continuous. What to do next?!
Internal meeting was on when I returned to the office around 6pm. I had to join since this one deals with different urgency. Oh boy! How in the world everything is to get tight toward the end of year! Well, that's natural cause, huh. Nobody ever wants to pass any problem over next year. I would think so if I were the one dealing with any problem.
Relatively long day. Left work around 9pm. Yeah, late for me.
Tonight, I worked on Virtual PC software running on my PowerBook... VPC enables Mac to run Windows OS and its application. Still SO slow, though. Well, installed Google Earth, MS Office 2000, etc. Yeah, preparation for survival in desert! Yeah, key word is "desert." I have to fight against scorpion from next year for a year. (hint, hint!)
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November 6, 2005 =Beef |
Hi, folks. The first weekend of the month is just over. Any accomplishment?! Yeah, just ate up the big plate of steak. Somehow, MoonFlower and I decided to go in and eat at Planet Hollywood restaurant. Very rare for both of us to choose JUNK food for supper. Hahaha.
Yeah, rib-eye steak was expensive... but tasty, though.
Woke up around 9am... just like yesterday. Then, took my PowerBook with me to nearby Doutor coffee shop. Chose medium-size coffee and hotdog for breakfast.
Some young gentlemen sat not too far from where I sat. They brought several books with them... Must be study for college entrance exam. One of them is student and the other is his tutor. This teacher tells things in loud voice and it was obvious that they studied English... reading comprehension. Student was eager to study... though, it is notable that teacher had impressive English skill. Seemed still quite young as the student was. Though, had good pronunciation (better than I do) and told things in detail to his student.
Man, I should study hard... so that I can catch up with those who study hard and hone the skills they have.
Then, caught a train to Tokyo district and met MoonFlower in Maihama Station. We went to Ikspiari for movie today. Yeah, movies... two days in a row!
"Yet Dangerous Cop" - direct translation from "Mada Mada Abunai Deka." Japanese movie. Famous TV cop drama turned to be a movie. It's old drama like was on TV 7 or 8 years ago. Those two "crazy" cops are now much older... they have to realize that the time has passed quite...
MoonFlower laughed time to time. I may have laughed more than she did. Fun movie... no that boring. Good to kill your spare time!
MoonFlower wanted to stop by the bakery called "Paul" located within the same mall... and she bought more than several different breads... and gave me some for my breakfast.
But she didn't get taken a picture... at least TODAY!
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November 5, 2005 =Z |
Got up around 9am and rushed into two places... totally normal routine for me. Dry cleaning... since I had no free time last weekend, I had piled up the dirty shirts... 11 shirts to be exact. I dropped them at usual place for cleaning and proceeded to regular place for breakfast.
Only one newspaper while having coffee this morning. Why?! Well, I stuck with some serious reading... since the book called "The Goal" is borrowed from a friend and I have to read it all and return to that gentleman.
The story is really easy-to-ready and fun to see how the story develops. NOT new book like you may know already. This is old best-seller in business category. I just didn't have time to grab it in any bookstore (my excuse!).
Then, arrived in Shinjuku (again?). Yeah, had an appointment to meet a friend of mine. Takashi Moriya (m)... came up from Nagoya for this weekend and he called me up for lunch. One of the smartest friends... Duke alumnus. Yeah, very smart man. Is now in course for Ph. D. Yeah, way to go, man!
Anyway, he called me up because he wanted to congratulate me on new move that I am about to make. (hint, hint!)
Lots of things to talk between him and me. Yeah, serious topics, mostly for business. Key word for that?! Definitely, CASH. Whatever you want to do, having plenty cash to survive is the first step... or the like. Fun to talk. Man, whatever he told... he reminded me how much smart he was... There is no doubt that he is very talented... he will come to a big fortune! (Should I follow him?)
After Chinese dish for lunch and coffee, we said goodbye to each other. Went in to Yodobashi Camera to look for hard disk case... Old hard disk taken out from my PowerBook has to be reused for backup. So a case is needed. For 40 dollars - the cheapest, I grabbed one for such use.
Movie. Finally, I made it! Once again Japanese animation. "Z Gundam II" tonight. Three-episode movie... and I saw the first one back in spring. Last concluding story of the movie is expected in next March... when I am NOT around... Oops.
Z Gundam is originally broadcasted on TV. Well, I didn't see it all... and everything is new to me in that movie. Oh, even though this movie is from TV series... some "new translation" is added to the story.
Wait. Am about behind the schedule... This is the 15th movie to see this year... and there is ALMOST no way for me to see 23 movies before 2006. It's November, you know! Hmmm. That's bad. Really bad.
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November 4, 2005 =Just Missed? |
Big day turned out to be easy day?! Well, big (sort) presentation took place in the middle of afternoon in Tokyo. I faced top management to see how we can come to single agreement. Well, the result (their answer to my proposal) didn't go as far as I wanted it to. Though, I feel like that I have accomplished something at least. This opportunity was just what I needed even though I didn't get 100% positive response and support.
Some points made by the management was right and I am sure that I made several other points that impressed them from my perspective.
The meeting lasted for an hour and half. I felt like much much longer than the fact then. Anyway, the way that I take is set for now and I am proceeding into next phase... For what?! Oh, have you come to an idea of I-20 that I recently mentioned?! Yeah, you're right if you know what it is. Hehehe.
NO drinks in Tokyo after the meeting. Made a stop in Shinjuku area for supper. Went to "Santoka" ramen shop. My favorite. I am going to miss this taste for a while.... like a year or so. Hmmm.
Long day... I felt exhausted and that is why I fell to a sleep while I was in the train on the way back home. Yeah, I almost missed the stop where I was supposed to get off the train.
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November 3, 2005 =Still Holiday |
It is holiday today, yet I as usual work all day long for NOTHING! <BANG
Well, nothing special... that's what I meant. Well, I've got BIG (huge!) presentation to top management tomorrow; therefore, I spent most of time for today to study and set words in the presentation. Is that so big?! Well, it's worth lots of money! Hehehe.
I am not that great at presentation. I know I can talk. Though, I have to speak softly with good expression of appeal. Well, more than gathering words in the presentation, I spent most of time to study who and who they are. Who are they? Am talking about those who are at top management and ones to whom I speak tomorrow.
You need to understand of people you deal with in order to acquire the best possible result (outcome), right?! Hehehe.
Am not that optimistic toward positive and favorable result because the aim of goal is simply too high and no one has ever achieved in this organization throughout its long history. Something totally new to this company... So, I have to overcome something no one has ever done before. Sounds interesting, huh? It's challenging... though, I like to try!
No upsetting customer today. Hehehe. No yelling or claim. Calm day today. Left work for the day early, too. I wanted to come home to rest since I have lacked the sleep. I felt tired... quite.
Watching Je-Lo... on DVD. Yeah, "Shall We Dance?" DVD just arrived and I straight played the DVD... didn't stop in the middle of story... I saw it through without stopping. Cool story.
Several members of my English class (actually, two ladies) gave births for last two days! Congratulations, folks! Man, so great. Actually, there are two more to go! Hmmm, interesting phenomenon, right?! Just coincidence.
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November 2, 2005 =Set to Go? |
I-20 arrived today. Yeah, time to set the clock counting down. For what?! Well, if you don't know what I-20 is... sorry, no hope for you to see what to be happening soon. Well, there are some hits within this entire website if you carefully see every single page of the site! Yeah, takes time to find out such clue, huh! More than one hits, though.
Oh, please DO NOT conduct any search for the word via such popular search engines as Yahoo! or others. That's a cheat! Hehehe.
Since I bought coffee beans last night, it is my habit to drink coffee at night and in the morning. Good routine.
Business is not that bad... though, some upset client called in and kept asking me questions. Well, he was just in bad mood because he encountered some inconvenience... However, there was little I could do. Well, I tried to help, though. Yeah, I strictly stuck with professionalism.
Boss Ito told me that he would call me... long time ago! He doesn't call in yet. What happens?
Tomorrow, everyone is off but me! It's national holiday... Culture Day. No serious business meeting for me... I plan to stick with Power Point to create some slides for my very next presentation. At least I can do some brain storming. Hahaha. Oh, I should be strategic for that goal.
Supper home. Some pasta. No desserts. Oh, laundry is done.
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November 1, 2005 =2 Months Remaining |
FedEx and Yamato packages are awaiting for me from this past weekend?! Yeah, must be important, huh? Well, I know of the all contents. Some are important and urgent and some others are fun! Hehehe.
Long day?! Rather, hectic for me. The story which developed today wasn't something that I really had meant. Some management are sort upset or irritated because of wrong message received from his subordinate. Too bad. Why single simple message, sort request for consideration, doesn't pass as it is?! Wrong way to pass such message?! Obviously, some people in middle management do not carry such capability to understand things correctly and put that in word accurately... RIGHT?! Hahaha.
I should be quiet about it.
Buddy Israel from Puebla, Mexico emails me from VWC, Virginia Wesleyan College, my college in Virginia?! Well, I knew that his sister Osmara was there for study during this semester... Why is he there?! According to his message, he was there to celebrate his sister's birthday and would remain for another THREE weeks to celebrate the Thanksgiving. Man, must be nice.
How in the world can one take three-week vacation as he can?! I can't for sure.
What was the supper?! Oh, I ate some light meal outside... since I made English class around 8pm. Good practice?! Sure. Today's game was of imagination... am I good at it?! Probably not.
Big jump in Nikkei today. Wow! Soared more than everyone expected.
Dirty clothes have been piled up... I will take care of those tomorrow night.