Somewhere in this world...: September 2005 Archives

I wet my pants.

By Shigeki on September 30, 2005 8:00 PM | 7 Comments

My life has become boring again. It's the last day of September and Friday but I am still here in the office doing some things. I am sure many people are having fun and getting drunk right now.... Well, I don't really complain. I am going to need some more money in order to enjoy things next year. As usual, I went to the bathroom in the morning and did number 1 there. (By the way, what's up with a guy who does number 1 in the stall instead of in front of the toilet for #1 because he is pee shy?) I looked at myself in the mirror while washing hands to check if there is anything unpleasant on my face or hair. While checking, I accidentally spilled some water on my pants. It really looked like I wet my pants really bad. If I came out of the bathroom, everybody would go "ew" even if it was water...... I had to dry my pants. So I vigorously rubbed my pants with the paper towel to dry them. I am certain I looked so stupid. My coworker made a joke and said I was having an "erection' problem and had to see if my thing was still responsive.... darn... my thing works alright. Thank you.... Well, make sure you don't wet your pants while washing your hands! I just took this photo on my way back from the gym. The color of the sky even tells me it's autumn. How sentimental. :-) You guys have a wonderful Friday!!

Rescue me from this hell....

By Shigeki on September 29, 2005 8:08 PM | 9 Comments

Today was the first day at work after the vacation. I felt so not ready before I came in here though. The first thing I was told by my manager was a new project assignment. I cannot go into details but I will have to cut down the size of our team and at least I have let 5 people go by the end of this year. I have to "help" them move and get fired... It sounds such an awful thing to do... I have never done that before. I wish there was somebody who could do that… I don’t like my current company's strategy and I am so ready to leave but I guess I will stay here for another six months…Also, I have two major security projects that must be complete by the end of this year. It looks like I will have to be a workaholic once more. Do I get any day off in October, November??? Have you ever fired anybody? How do you feel? I don’t want to be one of those evils…. To be honest, after hearing this stuff, I couldn’t really eat anything for lunch because I was really suffering this heartache. This is extremely disturbing but I guess I should do this as long as I get paid here…. On the bright side, I got a TOEIC (test of English as International Communication) result back. I got 950 points. Which means I won’t have to go to an English language school after work to keep doing my work. That’s so great. But seriously, getting 860 points or more doesn’t mean I am fluent. I go "um......." quite a lot during conference calls. This test is so overrated…… Anyway, it's been pretty awaful and I am still here at work. On the other hand, I hope you guys have a great Thursday!

Lazy Wednesday

By Shigeki on September 28, 2005 5:03 PM | 7 Comments

My vacation ended....so I changed things back to normal on this blog. I have 2 links to add. I was supposed to do this like many days ago but I was on vacation. Sorry. I added the very first link to Gregg from Boston, U.S.A., a straight guy. Yeah! He is super talented. He is a total computer geek (but sophisticated) and writes things brilliantly. Too pitty he is straight. I have another link to Mark from Manila, The Philippines. He is in the early 20s. I know I was in them before but that's like a long time ago. Mark, you should enjoy a lot of youth ~~stupid~~ things before you turn 30 :-)

When I left from Amsterdam yesterday, (well, the day before yesterday if I talk about things in Japan Standard Time) I e-mailed to my manager that I "missed" my flight and could not make it to work today. I am taking a quiet day. I'd been tempted to buy iPod nano for some time. But on my way to Tokyo yesterday, I read this article on the Times. There is not the same article online but the similar article is here. After reading it, I decided not to buy one of those and stick with my current Pink iPod Mini. You see it's not always good to buy a brand new product right after its release. But it's so cute...huh.... I walked around the downtown area of Tokyo. I think I walked like for 5 hours to find something new. It's pretty gray and cool today. I had a soup for lunch at Soup Stock Tokyo with a friend. I gave him something naughty from the Neterlands as a souvenir. Anyway, I wish there were these soup stores in your area, too. Their soups are really great. I had San-la-tan. (Sour and Hot soup). ahhhh... the crazy work life is about to start soon... I don't wanna work to be honest. :-) You have a pleasant Wednesday!

Sweet home Tokyo Japan.

By Shigeki on September 27, 2005 7:46 PM | 8 Comments

I didn't realize I had a direct flight from Amsterdam booked. I arrived earlier than I expected. Left from the Netherlands at 3p.m. Monday and got to Tokyo at 8:30a.m. Tuesday. 10 hour 30 min flight. A sniffer dog for illegal substances at the airport was sniffing my luggage a lot! The dog even ruined a part of my suitcase with its drool but it was adorable... I should forgive that stupid dog... My jacket smelled weedy a little. That's why this dog was obsessed with my luggage. But I am not under arrest. :-) I mean they had to search for my luggage and I made a confession that I did weed. They obviously gave me a look but hey. :-P

I usually (can only) take a week long vacation instead of longer which some people like many of you take for instance. :-P It was great. If I took a two week long vacation, I'd be seriously broke for October. :-) So it's all good. I don't want to know how much I spent on this whole thing and I think I will just pay for the credit card bills from my "emergency saving account"... Being gay is probably expensive but that's a stereotypical statement so I take that back. Well, it's alright as long as I don't file bankkruptcy. :-) Anyway, I am so glad to be back here in Tokyo. My sweet home. :-) It's a little crowdy but I am amazed how cool it has become. It's autumn here baby! Happy Monday! I am off to drinking. I am pretty sure I can only drink little tonight.

travelling.

By Shigeki on September 26, 2005 11:11 AM | 32 Comments

I am here at Schiphol Airport. If you ever come to Amsterdam, I'd recommend you to check in at Schiphol three hours before the flight. That's because this airport is amazing when it comes to shopping. You will enjoy it even if you don't buy anything. I think this is my favorite airport in Europe. Anyway, I was pretty much stoned but went to a club with my ex. Danced like a fool. But it was fun. This morning at 8 while I was asleep, I got a call from the reception asking me if I was able to assist them. I was so lost what they were talking about. The gentleman from Tokyo at the hotel lost his passport so they wanted me to assist them. Don't they have a Japanese speaker at all? huh.... I assisted him. I've destroyed my passport when I was in Fremont, CA last year. So I am pretty much familiar with the procedure. I am sure he can go back to Japan tomorrow as planned. (^_^) Anyway, my vacation is almost over. I am taking a flight to Paris and then go to Tokyo. I've been really busy because of the short version of Vacation but I really enjoyed it.. Now, I am ready to go back to work. (well, I wish I didn't have to....) Off to Tokyo.... Happy Monday!
P.S. Many of you are using blogspot for blogging but I cannot leave a comment here... I shall do that when I am back in tokyo! Thanks.

Do you judge me?

By Shigeki on September 25, 2005 9:30 PM | 9 Comments

I am back in Amsterdam. I met my ex this morning at the airport when I flew from London earlier this morning. He once kissed me again in public.... damn. Anyway, we did non-exciting stuff like talking, coffee, walking, going to museums... Then, he had to go back to his home to feed his dog. ~~Seriously? can't he wait??~~ He offered me to go to Rotterdam together but I wanted to be here. We agreeed to meet 3 hours later. Then, the first thing i did was "trying to have fun with a guy". I mean yeah, that kind of fun. I am not giving you any details because I am not gonna! But let's just say I might have to get tested for STDs when I get home.... It was bad....

I was grumpy so I headed to my usual visit coffeeshop to make my time better. Weed time. I am high still. This time, I feel like there are tons of bubbles you see in carbonated water going up and coming out of my every pore. It's awesome. Some people go "how bad" but I take my responsibility and don't do that in where it's illegal. (Well, it's not completely legal here in Amsterdam..but... close enough). My parents know this and they are cool about it even though they don't really like the idea. It's not an evil thing, really. But I am not gonna be an advocate, either. Anyway, the whole 2 hours passed by quickly, and I was still high but tried to act cool with it because my ex detests weed. But I am having a great time!

Pre-Research in London

By Shigeki on September 24, 2005 8:32 PM | 6 Comments

I flew from Edinburgh today. Thank God, it's easier for me to understand what people say here. It's been a very beauitiful day here. My stay here is less than 24 hours. I did all the touristy stuff before. I came here to see a friend of mine whom I haven't seen for 5 years since he moved out of Tokyo. ~~He looked older. I am sure I do, too.~~ We talked and talked and talked over a Tofu Vege Burger. (I have a reason why I am a vegetarian while I am on vacation) The one thing I had always wanted to do was ride London Eye. My friend made an arrangement for my belated b-day present. It was awesome.

If you plan to ride it, I'd strongly recommend you to get a fast track ticket even if it costs twice as much. We only waited for 10 mins while the regular queue was almost an hour. A private capsule is 375 pounds = US $667. I think if I get married in London, I'd like this. But music and champagne should come along, too. I did preliminary research for how I could make my honeymoon in London great. Anyone?? Well, I can keep dreaming but I am sure I would be willing to plan out the great honeymoon trip. Now, I am going to slut myself up and go to SOHO where fags are playing around :-) Happy Saturday!

So tempting....

By Shigeki on September 23, 2005 9:09 PM | 3 Comments

First of all, visitors to Tokyo sometimes say "It's the most expensive city" That's not true! My money ran out of my wallet quicker than I expected. I have no idea.... I did some more sightseeing in Edinburgh. It was such a beautiful day. When I left Japan, the weather here would be really bad according to the forecase but I am always blessed with weather. Is there any word in English? A man who's blessed with weather is called "Hareotoko".... Anyway, it was a pleasant visit to Edinburgh. The hotel I picked was really amazing. I really appreciate people who were friendly to me. My solo travel got much more exciting because of them.

Continue reading So tempting.....

Water of Life

By Shigeki on September 22, 2005 11:59 PM | 36 Comments

Water of life. That's how people often say about Scotch Whiskey... It occurred to me I have no specific reason why I chose Edinburgh for my vacation. I am not a big fan of Whisky but I don't hate it. I walked around the city. Sometimes, it's really difficult for me to understand what some people say with Scottish Dialect. I really have to focus like I do when I take a listening test for a different language. I took a tour of Whisky at this place to study. It was irritating because they only got us one tasting opportunity while I wanted more!! So I went to this bar after "studying" and tried 7 whiskies that the bar person recommended. I think I am beginning to like Whisky after all. It's nice. :-)

I walked around to go to touristy places. Interesting... Every building I see looks like a haunted mansion at Disneyland... I am saying this in a good way though... After walking around for about 6 hours, I took a nap a little bit and went to a bar alone, of course. One lady came to me and started talking to me. She thought I was at the same age as hers....20.... darn... I am not sure if I should be grateful for that or sad. I THINK I understood 70% of what she said to me..... huh.... difficult... Anyway, it was a slow day and I really enjoyed it though no more drinky tonight as I will have to do some sightseeing. :-)

confused on the first day.

By Shigeki on September 21, 2005 8:35 PM | 16 Comments

Well, taking an Air France flight doesn't mean the destination is France, dear. :-) I am here in Amsterdam. I am glad it was warmer than I expected. I should probably tell you that I lived here for some time and I am not here for sightseeing this time obviously. I should also probably tell you that I had this longest relationship ever in my life after graduating from college with this guy from the Netherlands. It was not constant. We were on a break for some time and got back together. We officially broke up earlier this year. We met at school. He is dutch. I am Japanese. I even took a job in Amsterdam just to be with him. When my contract ended, he moved to Japan for me. But we broke up. It's a long story. I am not going into details as it's fucking looooong. My ex now lives in Rotterdam and he is not acting as himself after coming back from Japan according to his mom. She asked me to talk to him in person when I am in Europe. I wasn't certain that was a good idea.

Continue reading confused on the first day..

Vacation has begun

By Shigeki on September 21, 2005 10:49 AM | 21 Comments

Hi guys. How are you doing? I won't probably be able to post my entry by midnight here in local time so here it is. (I will change the time zone to the destination's on this blog during my vacation). I am here at New Tokyo International airport. I seriously hate coming here. Especially morning....as I had to get up at 5. This airport is deadly far from my apartment. The airport is not even in Tokyo!!! I am taking several days off from work. I wanted to go to the United States to see my old friends. But nice officers there usually take me to the immigration office room and ask me tons of questions as if I committed some crime. Since I've been there three times this year already, I decided not to take a risk of being questioned like "You are looking for a job in the State?" (Excuse me, I have a fantabulous job!!) "Do you have a girlfriend in America?" (Wow, a long distance thingy would be really hard. oh, did I tell you I am a fag?), "Why do you come here (Honolulu) if your final destination is Seattle?" (I usually take a flight to Honolulu as the evening flight only goes to Honolulu) blah blah blah, and they search my luggage. (Filthy hands touch my undies!!!). Anyway, to avoid those, I am going somewhere else. I wanted to go somewhere I haven't been to. I am excited. I will travel alone except that I am going to meet a friend in one city and another friend in another city.... 12 hours... It's a long flight. but I will probably read books I just bought. Oh, I've been waiting for this day so badly. Now, I am off to vacation! Sorry I haven't replied to the comments in the previous entry but I shall do that when I get there. :-) You guys have a fantabulous day/night!

Singing & cleaning.

By Shigeki on September 20, 2005 9:20 PM | 8 Comments

I pretended to work so hard at work as usual while all I did was count how many hours left..(for the record, I did stuff I was supposed to do.). It's only a three day week here in Japan for most of us. However, this was the only day I had to work for this week since I am taking "summer paid vacation" days. I had to use them. Otherwise, they will expire by the end of this month. I hit the gym and ran a little bit as I didn't run this morning. Then, I went to this snobby store to pick up the suit I ordered a week ago. I am going to wear this for my cousin's wedding. You never know whom you could run into. Catholic weddings can be a great place to meet undecided sexually confused boys. :-) I want to look good. After little shopping, I am here at home doing nothing special. I cleaned my kitchen as I was too bored and I sang as usual while I was at it. "I love you always forever.." by Donna Lewis... and it occurred to me I am nowhere near being this happy like "the stupidly happy lady" in the song. I mean it would be cool if I could sing like her.
"I love you always forever near and far closer together, everywhere I will be with you...."
damn it. But I kept singing this ridiculously happy song anyway while cleaning the kitchen..... Now I am done with the cleaning and have this bottle of vodka in front of me.... I shouldn't have some as I will have to get up really early tomorrow.... very tempting.... I am still looking at the bottle......this red bastard unconciously tells me "Drink me, drink me" ......huh.....
You have a great Tuesday!

Late "summer" cafe

By Shigeki on September 19, 2005 9:35 PM | 6 Comments

It's Monday but a holiday here in Japan. Respect for senior citizens day. There are way too many senior citizens here in Japan. Japan is rapidly aging because of too many homos and straight people without children? I paid a little visit to my grandmother with my baked apple cake. Her talk gets longer day by day. I mean I have no idea how many things she should talk about with me. I am just glad I was able to get out of her place before noon..... I had to work today because I had been really really lazy...and I've gotta finish this thing before I do something else. (^_^)V On my way back, I ran into a friend of mine. It's been kinda hot here today so I only wore a sleeveless shirt, and this friend of mine who is straight thought I was too gay to wear it without any jacket on. Okay, he should get over that "gay" thing as a lot of straight dudes wear it, too... Anyway, we went to this cafe. By the way, this cafe is all "Blue" lights, dishes, coffee cups, wallpaper, everything. Because of their decorations, every customer in there looks pale automatically. We talked and talked. By the by, some friends of mine go "I can't have coffee in the evening because I won't be able to sleep." On the other hand, I drink coffee regularly in the evening but can fall asleep in a minute....My body must be something wrong..... Another by the way, You have a fantabulous week!

Low Life

By Shigeki on September 18, 2005 11:44 PM | 10 Comments

I did something really I hadn't done before. Well.... I've done so many stupid things during college years because you know you are supposed to do that during those years anyways. :-) However, I am 30 years old.... Here's a little story that happened to me earlier today...

It's lame but this is the only thing I can share for today's post. Fantabulous Sunday!

Auf Wiedersehen!

By Shigeki on September 17, 2005 11:02 PM | 8 Comments

Auf Wiedersehen! means "goodbye" in German. I didn't know until recently that it was the year of Germany here in Japan, this year. I wonder if it is the year of Japan in Germany... Anyway, according to them, there are many events related to Germany throughout this year in Japan. I have never been to any of them... To be honest, when I think of Germany, all I come up with is the bitter memory I had back in Dusseldolf when I was 10 years old as I had to live there for 2 years. I am glad I was able to come back here. Anyway, I drove around to feel the cool air in autumn in Tokyo. I always think it's too tacky to drive with the roof down in the convertible because it's not really cool and too TV show. But I did that today. (-_-;) I am not going into the details but I have a prius and this kickass car. :-) But I assure you that I am not rich and don't have a sugar daddy. Anyway, I really love this car but my contract for the double parking spots in my apartment building will expire by the end of this month. I already decided to sell this car a month ago. Today was that. I bought this when I got promoted at my current work. Oh well. I guess I will have to live on a budget from now on. I will miss this car and even miss more as it was stolen one time....Auf Wiedersehen! If I post this photo, some may think I am a snobby and am only after money or something but please I just liked that model. that's all. Nothing more. Nothing less. Please do not judge me even if that's what we always do. :-)

It's designed that way

By Shigeki on September 16, 2005 11:30 PM | 5 Comments

This is a three day weekend but one of three has to be sacrificed for work as I couldn't finish my assignment. I left work at 7p.m. and headed for the usual late night Italian cafe to have drinks with friends. It had been awhile since I had a drinking night. It's Friday baby. I deserve that. One of my friends who was there at the cafe broke up with his boyfriend. We became good listners and amazing cheerleaders for her. Damn it, we seem to be rushing things faster than ever since we became 30 years old but there is a plenty of time left for us (hopefully). By the way, she couldn't finish her strong vodka martini, I took over her drink as I am a drink whore. It tasted very cosmetic because her lipstick mark was almost invisible but definitely was there on the edge of the cocktail glass. I know this may sound weird but it tasted kinda funny and interesting. I didn't bring that up when I found that out as I would ruin the serious atomsphere but had to share this with you. Indirect kissing with a girl. :-) How 5th grade am I! I tried to focus on being a cheerleader for her anyway. (possibly with pom-poms.) On my way back, I walked her home. It's too sad that the autumn evening air is cool and this season makes you sentimental automatically by design. We need to get away to somewhere warmer for not being sentimental. Yup, I believe autumn is designed that way. Break-ups in autumn aren't especially great... I looked up the sky and the sky was even autumn. Cool air and too white clouds because of the moonlight coming throguh. I like autumn despite the fact of sentimental feelings. I am single but am too drunk to be sentimental right now. :-) Happy weekend!

Less Pretty...

By Shigeki on September 15, 2005 7:57 PM | 11 Comments

On my lunch break today, I had to go back home to get something I forgot. Anyway, I drove back home (Nope, I didn't take subway nor taxi today) and had lunch alone there. (How sad can my life get?). Since I won't drink any adult beverages tonight due to the deadline I have to meet for the assignment, I decided to drove back to work again. I parked my car at the usual parking lot and got off. Three people came to me. One of them had a microphone that looked like an electric pole and another person had a huge TV camera on his shoulder. Each of them had an armband with the logo of the TV station. Did I become a celebrity? To be honest, I freaked out because I didn't know what to expect. The reporter then started talking to me and asked me if it was alright for her to interview me about the gas prices for the evening news show. As of today, it is 141 Yen (1.04 Euros) per litter/ 4.87 U.S. Dollars per gallon. The problem is that I don't look pretty today... I didn't have enough time this morning. As a result, I have dark circles around my eyes and a way too thick 5 o'clock shadow as I didn't shave this morning... I am obviously having a bad hair day, too. On the bright side, I wore a suit for a meeting today so I didn’t have to look cheap. I really didn't care about how I responded to the question even if I didn't sound smart at all. But all in all, I wanted to look prettier than I do now. 30 mins ago, I got a call from a friend of mine because she saw me talking on the news segment..... Bad coincidence....She asked me if my life was fading out!! Damn it. HOW NICE OF HER!!! Apparently, they used my interview part. TV people, please make sure I get a three hour notice next time.... (T_T) The photo for today is unrelated but I went to this department store and took a photo of Matsutake Mushrooms in response to a question by AJ. 15000yen = 136 U.S. Dollars = 111 Euros per basket!!! If you slice one of these, it would look like a circumcised wiener. :-) I will take a photo when I have them this autumn. I mean, real mushrooms. \(*_*)/

Red, Yellow, light blue.

By Shigeki on September 14, 2005 8:34 PM | 22 Comments

It's a work week which means I have to work 5 days a week. Nothing unusual. Really. Though we have three day weekend this week (Respect for senior citizens day on the 19th) and another three day weekend next week (Autumnal Equinox Day on the 23rd). There is an old saying in Japanese and if I translate it right, Summer heat or winter cold doesn't last after the equinox. Which means this humid (I didn't even realize how dry it was here in Tokyo until I came back from Kyoto though) weather only lasts for another week or so. Then, the official autumn comes in. When I run in the morning, I feel this weird mixture of the air. The warm summer breeze and the dry cool autumn breeze. I could really feel autumn is on its way. I am trying to bear down and finish my assignment due on Friday so I don't get to go outside in the daytime at all. But I decided to take a long break and went to work out at the gym. By the way, The freaky nuts hitting guy was there unfortunatelly and asked me for drinks but you know... "hell no!" On my way back, I decided to go up to the top floor of the building and took a photo. I only have a window facing North in my office so I cannot look at the beautiful sunset from there. Anyway, the sky looks autumn as well. It's pretty cool. Baked sweet potatoes, Matsutake (pine) mushrooms, Pacific Saury, ginkgo nuts, what else, what else..... I am getting hungry....Oh yeah, Autumn...... Happy Autumn for people in the north hemisphere...happy Spring for people in the south hemisphere!

Ridiculous, yet required.

By Shigeki on September 13, 2005 12:48 PM | 10 Comments

HR department announced some time ago that employees who travel abroad for business / interact with people in the headquarters have to take a TOEIC Test of English for International Communicationexam to prove they are competent in English to do their work. That's so Japanese and bizarre. I got scheduled to take it. The last time I took was 2 years ago. TOEIC is so overrated. Getting high scores doesn't mean you are fluent in English. But I have to get more than 860 points in order to be able to do my work. If I don't, I will have to go to an English language school for six months and will not be allowed to go on a foreign biz trip (I only have one scheduled for the next 6 months though) As I really don't want to study any more (Yes, I used to be one of those students sitting at the far back and not to care about the class at all), I decided to pick up some books called "Power idioms for TOEIC" and memorize 5 idioms a day. I am not sure if this helps but I will try anyway. I hope my writing on this blog will be better when I finish this. ugh... I thought my studying was all done when I graduated from college but I am wrong. (T_T) I will bite the bullet and learn things from these books. Please do not force me to go to an English language school. I need some time for some other fun things instead. :-) Happy studying if you have to... (^_^)

Japanese shrimp...

By Shigeki on September 12, 2005 11:57 PM | 14 Comments

It was a slow day at work today. I got a message on my cellular phone this afternoon that he wanted to set up the last minute blind date for me. I really didn't feel like it because you know, the last date was a freak. But since I've become 30 years old, I thought the bad date phase was already over. I agreeed and met up with a friend of mine who was insanely excited about this date. My "type" is rather a very wide range. He can be Japanese, He can be an asian. He can be a caucasian. This time, the date was a british. Anyway, my friend parted after I met him nicely and we went to this Japanese restaurant. His accent was not as thick as I thought it would be......okay, I am skipping all the dinner details including how he looked. I will cut right to the chase. We had incredible shrimps as shown in the photo. (funnily, I took the photo of them) But the taste was a little funny. It turned out he wanted to invite me over to his place after the dinner. I am not sure if I want to share the details here but I shall. In his bedroom, he wanted to lick my ass so I let him. (It's not as kinky as you might think.) But from out of nowhere, I farted while he was still at it. And the smell was really disgusting. EW. I could "ew" myself! It must have been very "ew" for him as he was down there. The moment was over right there. I was embarrassed as hell and quickly got dressed and fucked out of there. I don't even remember what I said to him before I left. At least, he could've appreciated that I didn't poop. I'd like to think that funny taste shrimp made me do that. I hope this british guy would not share the story with the rest of the world. I so wanna cry. Please make sure you don't do that. it'd be embarrassing as hell. I am sharing this because I thought it'd make me less embarrassed. Not really. It doesn't help... I want to die now.

Back in Tokyo

By Shigeki on September 11, 2005 11:59 PM | 7 Comments

Today was the last day in Kyoto. It had been very humid. I yesterday wore Yukata but it wasn't really pleasant at all. However, I had to do that to feel "Japanese". There are way too many historical buildings and temples to visit in Kyoto. I don't remember how many times I'd been there but it's not enough yet and never will be. The foods are delicious. They got vegetables and other things that aren't really available in Tokyo. One thing that is very common about the foods there is that they do not use a lot of spices. They use a lot of Dashi. Dashi is a soup made from seeweed or fish. I am not sure if I have any Kansai (Western Part of Japan) blood in me but I always like light tasted food with a lot of Dashi. I am pretty much happy with the foods they offer. Many people in this world like Kyoto. It's a very unique city. 2 and a half hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. However, I don't suggest you to go there in summer between July and September. It's way too hot! You'd sweat more than you can imagine. It's nasty. (T_T)Now I am back in Tokyo. Although I enjoyed my short weekend trip, I am very relieved that I am back here.Tokyo is a great city but if you haven't been to Japan, Kyoto should be your first destination.I guarantee you won't regret it. Though I am a Tokyo native and love Tokyo more than anything, I have to say Kyoto is more attractive for visiting. not for living. Oooohhh, I will have to go back to work tomorrow. But I can get to do a lot of gay things as well. (Not that I do "gay stuff" frequently when I am here and I honestly have no idea what gay things are. (0_0))

Neo-Japanese all the way.

By Shigeki on September 10, 2005 11:59 PM | 4 Comments

I am still here in Kyoto. This trip's theme is to explore something Kyoto People would do or eat in every day life. No touristy places. But I went to one of tourist places I hadn't been to. It was "Kokedera" (Moss Temple") which features four and a half acres of garden with 22 types of moss under dark trees. The garden was conceived aid contemplation, an earthly rendition of paradise surrounding Buddha. You know there are many meanings behind how the garden at each temple is designed. It's difficult to even understand it but I wore Yukata and went there. It helped me understand why the distance of each stepping stone is closer to others. It helps people walk over them comfortably even if you wear Japanese traditional sandles. Anyway, it was really cool. However, I so do not want to live here because of too many unwritten rules you are supposed to follow and people don't really tell them to you. It's very conservative and different indeed. :-)

I really like Kyoto very much but I once again realized this city wasn't for me to live. The culture is very different and cuter boys in Tokyo. :_) I walked like 25 kilometers today. My feet really hurt...

Pre-Vacation

By Shigeki on September 9, 2005 10:01 PM | 5 Comments

I am taking a day off today. I have another vacation later this month so this is a short version. :-) My best friend got married last year and moved to Kyoto. Kyoto is the most popular tourist destination in Japan. It's very old and traditional and 2 hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. I've come here more than 20 times in my life but I can't get it enough! Kyoto is also known for the Kyoto Protocol that some countries didn't agree with. It's a very environmental concious city. This time, I decided not to go to a lot of touristy places. Since my friend can show me something very local, I want to experience something very close to what Kyoto people do and eat. :-)

Kyoto is very much different from Tokyo. The dialect, vegetables, foods, and culture. The most prominent thing is that they tend to be indirect when it comes to talking. I hear it's very conservative and hard to deal for outsiders.

Continue reading Pre-Vacation.

Driving, singing and driving.

By Shigeki on September 8, 2005 8:22 PM | 15 Comments

A friend of mine from Seattle has been visiting. Today was his last day in Tokyo. He said he had a great time. I am glad. It was some times challenging to explain things about Japan because my being Japanese doesn't mean I know everything about Japan. But I tried my best. I hope I provided valid appropriate information. I left work earlier than usual and drove him to the airport. Wow, I keep saying this forever but this airport is ridiculously far! One hour drive, and I was speeding like a maniac. It's very rural. It's not even in Tokyo. Funnily, it's called "New Tokyo International Airport". If you live in a city where is close to an international airport, you are lucky... (Well, the domestic airport isn't far at all though) After arriving there, he checked in, and we had last coffee talk. I was a little sad to say good-bye to him but am relieved that I no longer have to breathe through my mouth in the bathroom. He hugged me. Even a straight guy hugs. That's great. We, Japanese, should do that more often!! I like hugging. But is it just me when I get hugged by a straight guy, I kinda have butterflies in my tummy and worry if I am acting too gay.... like (Am I not touching anywhere inappropriate? or is this too much?).... weird. Anyway, I hope his flight is very smooth and he won't get jet lagged too much. On the way back, there was a major traffic jam. It took me 2 hours to go back home... I sang all the way. It was a virtual Karaoke night for me. There weren't any audiences present which was actually good as I could be a fool. If you see a crazy driver singing and shaking his head as if he was a bad vocalist in a rock band, that's probably me. :-) You have a pleasant Thursday!

Non-exciting Wednesday

By Shigeki on September 7, 2005 8:50 PM | 7 Comments

When I went to work this morning, I was asked to be a translator at the last minute for the IT thingy.... Of course, I said "stuff", "that", "kind of", "something like that" a lot. These should not have been used according to "Translator 101". Da kiwi guy was there but he didn't help me much. Thanks very much, bastard. I worked about 20 extra hours for the last two days. It's pity I cannot tell what I was doing to other coworkers. I was able to capture illegal activities by targetted employees and I submitted the report. Don't get me wrong. I was requested to do this. I am not a deep throat ~~even though I sometimes do deepthroating for a great guy. haven't done that quite a long time....~~ My considerate boss gave me an afternoon off.

I hit the gym and worked out and swam. After that, I went to the shower room and took off a speedo , hang it and a towel on the shower curtain rail. After taking it, the speedo was gone even though a towel was there. I looked everywhere but didn't find it. Some freak definitely stole mine! I liked that because it was non-agressive slutty kind. Damn it.

I had late lunch with a friend of mine who doesn't do 9-5 work and went iceskating. He was a serious hockey player. I really suck at it but it was fun... It was like a date even though he is a typical straight jock. Now I am here at the cafe right now and trying to finish the book "Night of Milky Way Railway" I've read many masterpieces during high school years as we were forced to for college entrance exams. I now actually read them for fun. The photo was from my favorite Japanese store at where I picked up a new autumn jacket for "Well done for the very late night work" gift for myself. :-) Anyway you have a great wednesday!

It's just me...

By Shigeki on September 6, 2005 10:30 PM | 7 Comments

I have added a link to GaijinGirl. She is an English teacher in Japan. "Gaijin" means foreigners in Japanese not in a good way. But as long as she can go by it, that's alright, isn't it? I hesitate to use this word... Anyway, yay for the first link from my country!! ..... It's raining. Very raining. I had tons of meetings and I am still here at work. It's almost 10:30p.m. It looks like another "oh-after-midnight-gotta-walk-back-home-with-a-beer-in-hand" night. Some friends of mine go "oooh, poor Shigeki" but I don't really feel sad about it. I get to learn something new, and it's always challenging. If this doesn't go on forever, I am happy as I can get paid for overtime. (^_^)V So I am not going "oh, poor me" cliche here. I decided to take a loong dinner break. I called two of my friends to meet up at the closest broiled meat place. I am not a big fan of broiled/grilled beef though I went there to get energized for the rest of the work for today. I some times need to treat myself for being a good boy. (Okay,I say it for myself and that's why I am a freaky 30 year old guy.) Now, I smell garlic all over me. My breath is really gralicky. You know the situation in a soap opera or something that some hunk would go "Do you smell something really good? Did you change the cologne?" and some foxy lady would say "no, it's just me." ..... One of my coworkers said "Do you smell something garlicky?" to another coworker so I had to say "It's very me....sorry. I am garlicky now...".. how not romantic. Anyway I guess I will have to run extra 2 kilometers tomorrow for this heavy meal. But I am happy even though I am very garlicky now. Happy meal, everybody! Back to work. :-)

mumbling3...

By Shigeki on September 5, 2005 11:59 PM | 11 Comments

I am sorry. I almost forgot to post my today's entry. I didn't take any photo today and don't come up with anything to write so here it is. I haven't spoken English today so it's not good but I hope most of the thing I said here would be understandable for you. Thank you for visiting my site and you have a great day!

Confessions

By Shigeki on September 4, 2005 11:13 PM | 16 Comments

I still do this family traditional thing with my family even though I don't live with them. It gets annoying every once in a while but I put up with it. Going to a mass service at church, praying some things at a temple, and a family lunch at a snobby place. Today was that. When I went to the church, this morning, the old friendly looking priest approached me and said "You haven't made confessions lately. Why don't you come in and do that?"Okay, I thought I made things crystal clear to him 5 years ago that I didn't go to church anymore.. So I told him in the little confession booth and said "I am a homo but don't think I am filthy that's my confession" To be honest, I really didn't care. Maybe, it's because I didn't see my friend today there... so here are real confessions I should've made exclusive for tokiobleu.com.

01. I always scan phone messages even if I am present.
02. I had grilled lamb a month ago right next to where they were getting slaughtered. The additional sauce on the grilled thing was their "Scream".
03. I sometimes say "let's do this again" at the end of the date even if I don't wanna.
04. I am envious who can fake "cum" because guys have to have evidence for that.
05. When I talk to expats in my office, I greet them in Japanese first to make them feel guilty not speaking Japanese.
06. I'd pretend to know nothing SOMETIMES even if I did to make myself cute.

I am going to hell anyway according to their terms. :-P Have a fabulous week!

Tokyo Tour

By Shigeki on September 3, 2005 10:11 PM | 4 Comments

First of all, thank you very much for all the warm-hearted comments about my birthday. I think the reason why I can still keep blogging every day is because I have regular visitors like yourself. I really appreciate that. It was very nice of you to say things that made my b-day more delightful :-)

On a different note, I got some money from my grandmother, parents, and other relatives for my birthday. It's not uncommon to receive some money for b-day. I spent a half of it for American Red Cross Hurricane Relief through Amazon.com. (I am sorry I need another half for myself) I hope the donation made by many people will be used efficiently to save lives there in the area. I've been seeing the unbelievable scenes that I cannot really believe. Why do they not get enough help in their own country? It's United States, right? I hope their relief efforts will get better than they are now. If you haven't donated and can donate, please do.

I have a friend visiting from Seattle. We went to college together there and he is a great straight understanding buddy of mine. He minored in Japanese there so he speaks Japanese brilliantly. Therefore, I don't have to be his translator or personal assistant at all. However, he could be nasty. I mean it's been awhile since I lived with somebody. I almost passed out when I went to the bathroom. I think we should lay down the rule that he should not do #2 before I get in there in the morning. Or light some scented candle while he is at it though I am not sure if a straight guy knows how to light the "scented" romantic candle. :-P It's very nasty....

Continue reading Tokyo Tour.

Off the cliff

By Shigeki on September 2, 2005 9:12 AM | 14 Comments

I have added a link to Jon from New York, U.S.A. It's interesting that I have more blog friends from the east coast while I don't have friends on the East Coast in real life. :-) Jon is an addict. Yes. baby. China Town Addict. :-) I won't come back home before midnight today so it's posted earlier than usual. It's Friday and I don't have to work tomorrow so I should be happy... One friend who went to high school together messaged me at midnight saying "Oh, you are now officialy old". Another one said "Don't act like you are 20 anymore.". Are these supposed to celebrate me in any way? For the last few weeks, I really tried to hang onto the edge of the cliff named 20s. I must admit I was a little scared of my being 30 myself a month ago. On the bright side, I am still 29 in some parts of this world. :-) Anyhow, I am over that 30 something fear crap. I am now feeling pretty damn well about it. Oddly, I am not sad nor am I in denial like so many people when they turn 30. I just wish I could have achieved so many things before today. I will have to value next 10 years more than I did in my 20s. Okay, I today turned 30 years old. There, I said it. I have no worries. My skin tone isn't as great as it used to be but I am feeling fabulous after all. My friends set up this little celebration at my usual drinking place. I hope no one is going to bullshit me with that old joke "oh you are old!" I will MAKE MY 30s FABULOUS!!! Okay, off to work. Have a fabulous weekend, guys!

Don't leave 'em on the table!

By Shigeki on September 1, 2005 4:24 PM | 10 Comments

First of all, I have added a link to Freddie from the Netherlands. I like every detailed thing there like printed letters and combinations of colors they use for posters and signs. I remember going to Albert Heijn, the local supermarket, a lot just to see the guy I had a crush on. Good old times... Second of all, it's September already!! Wow, we got only 4 more months for the year 2005. Time flies by quickly... Third, a friend of mine from Seattle, U.S.A. is visiting for a week. I took him to lunch with my friends earlier today as I had an afternoon off. One of my friends was amazed and said to this Seattle friend "Oh, you can use chopsticks!" and he went "You are able to use a fork and a knife!" with no smile (geez, a jet lagged grumpy straight guy...) It's not really surprising for non-Asians to be able to use chopsticks. Really. This made me realize something. Since I was very bored after lunch, I took photos and created this presentation. When you go out, you might go to an Asian restaurant. You might use disposable chopsticks there. You could get them when you do Bento take-out even. Where do you put those chopsticks when you need to leave your table for the restroom? You don't hold your chopsticks in your hand forever, do ya? Here's something you could do to impress your friends. I always do this when I have disposable chopsticks even though they aren't really environmentally friendly... It's cool and fun! I apologize in advance that I am not good at explaining things in English. I got a C- in English 101 for your info. Click the photo! (You need to have Flash player installed. If you prefer to keep this movie as a file, please click this for Windows and this for Mac. Give yourself a try! Happy dinner! I am off to grocery shopping.

September 2005 Archives