Better Days...!?

Looooong Time

2005-04-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I haven't written on this blog for a long time...
I've been pretty busy since I've started working from January.
I know that it's not a good justification, but it's truth.

a month...

2005-02-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a month and a little since I've started to work.
It's been so busy and I feel like it's the fastest month I've ever experienced.

2005

2004-12-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

A HAPPAY NEW YEAR!!!

Almost...

2004-12-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

My chatterbox on the right of the page was almost deleted again...

Finally...

2004-11-26T03:23:00.000-08:00

I made it.
I got a phone call from a company, which I went to the final interview yesterday, and it told me that I was accepted.
I'm going to have meeting with them next week.

My job hunting took so long time, but it was finished!!!

Ron Artest

2004-11-21T05:50:00.000-08:00

He is the worst basketball player I've ever seen.

More...

2004-11-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

I went to Tokyo again to participate a seminar and to have an interview today.
I think the interview went pretty well, I hope.
It's been almost 10 months since I came back to Japan, and I haven't found any job yet...
Too bad.

I'll be in Tokyo again on next Thursday to have the final interview of another company.
I hope it'll go well too, and I'll be able to start working from the beginning of 2005.

?????

2004-11-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

BUSH WAS REELECTED.
I have no idea who will be the next target!?

"WHO'S NEXT???"

Coming Soon...

2004-11-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

WAKE UP!! AMERICANS!!!

KO!

2004-10-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

I was knocked out again...

More Job Hunting

2004-10-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

I went to Tokyo today to take an interview.
The interview was taken by two interviewers with me.
I talked with them about 45 minutes, and I think it went pretty well.
After the interview, they gave me a little essay exam with 30 minutes.
I tried to write as much as possible, but I have no idea I did well or not.
They'll send me the result within a week, and I hope I passed it.
If I passed this one, I'll have to go one more time to take the final interview with the president of the company.

HITS-TORY

2004-10-02T02:43:00.000-07:00

In Seattle, Ichiro Suzuki tied George Sisler's record in his fist at bat, and broke the Major League hit record in his second at bat.
Also, he made his 259th hit in his fourth at bat...
What a number he made!!!

UNDERDOG

2004-09-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

It is the best definition of myself...

Wait...

2004-09-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

I went to Tokyo to participate a seminar and an interview about a week ago.
I've been still waiting for the response from the company...
It's not that good feeling that I have to wait quite a long time.

It's been 8 months has gone after I came back to Japan, but I've not found a place to work yet!?
I'm almost a "freeter."

9・11

2004-09-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

It's been passed three years from the tragedy.
I'll never forget the day.

I don't think the US has changed and I can't agree 100% for the media coverage about it.
However, it's a truth that nearly 3000 innocent people were killed.

I hope there won't be any kinds of violence no metter the reason is.
Peace!!!

1000...

2004-09-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

More than 1000 Americans have died in Iraq since March 2003.
Who expected the huge amount of death WITHOUT finding weapons of mass destruction.

However, GW still leads Kerry in the campaign!?
What the heck the Americans are thinking about???
Why the person, who has killed more than 20,000 people in Iraq and Afganistan, is taking a lead in the campaign???
Wake up people!!!

"US GONE WILD"

"Ecchiro"

2004-09-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is how Ichiro is called in the U.S.
He has been tremendous in this season, but the Mariners is a door mat in the AL West...
He has to make 34 more hits in 27 games to tie the 257-hit Major League record.
I think he is going to break the record.
He'll be the leading hitter in this season for sure, he is .379 now.
Today, he was 5 for 5 against Chicago White Sox, and after he made his 5th hit in the 9th inning, the White Sox fans gave him a standing ovation.

What a great player he is!!!

"Fahrenheit 911"

2004-08-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

I went to see Michael Moore's latest documentary movie, "Fahrenheit 911," which has started on August 21 in Japan.
I think it was a pretty interesting movie, but I don't think that it was a propaganda and it won't affect directly to the election in November.
I think pretty much information around President Bush was NOT that shocking because the people would know, if they carefully watched news or read newspapers.
It didn't surprise me a lot...like the election in 2000, relationship between the Bush family and the Bin Laden family, or Vice President "Dick" Cheney and Halliburton.

In my point of view, the movie was focused not only about GW, but also about "WAR" and the society.
I think it's more important than what GW did or has been doing.
Michael Moore gives the people to "discuss" about the issues, which he showed in the movie, not criticizing about GW.

Again!?

2004-08-22T04:36:00.000-07:00

The US men's basketball team lost again 90-94 over Lithuania!?
I didn't expect them to win, so it didn't make surprise me that much...
Before the NBA players participated in 1992, the US played 11 Olympics and they lost only twice.
However, they've already lost twice only in this Olympics with the NBA players.
What a "milestone" they've made!?

As a result of their second defeat, they'll have to win against Angola to advance the quarter finals.
It's going to be really tough for them...

A Narrow Victory!?

2004-08-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

The US men's basketball team was victorious 77-71 over Greece.
It's NOT an easy victory for the US as you can see the score of the game.
They're able to make only 4 for 21 from downtown, which was only 19%.
On the other hand, Greece made 8 for 19 from downtown, which was 42%.
I think Greece had a very well-organized zone defense, and the US couldn't handle well because of it.
Also, the players of the US were still struggling between the international rule and the NBA rule.
Tim Duncan was fouled out, and the last foul he made wasn't a foul in the NBA in my point of view.
They'll play against Australia on 19th, and I hope they'll be able to play better than last two games.

See!!

2004-08-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

USA men's basketball team lost 73-92 over Puerto Rico!!?
They were totally collapsed by Puerto Rico's well-organized defense.
24 consecutive victories in the Olympics since Barcelona in 1992 stopped at this game.
Also, it's the lowest score in the history of the USA men's basketball team.
Furthermore, it's the first defeat since they've started the "Dream Team" in 1992.

I think they're very optimistic to participate the Olympics.
They have to realize the situation in the "world," and they have to give up their ego as NBA players.
The United States of America isn't the "world" anymore.

Athens Olympic Games!

2004-08-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Athens Olympic Games are coming soon!
I'm looking forward to watch men's basketball games.
I'm still curious that the United States will be able to get the gold medal!?
I think the 2003 USA team in the Qualifying Tournament was A LOT better than the 2004 team.
Everybody thinks that, I guess...
Only Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, Richard Jefferson remain in the 2004 team, and the rest of the players are relatively young.
I think that if the 2003 team plays in the Olympics, they would definitely win the gold medal.
However, the 2004 team is NOT the best members.
Kobe, T-Mac, Jason Kidd, Shaq, KG, and others are not in the team.
Today, the level of basketball in the world has been getting higher, so it's not easy to win the gold medal even for the USA team.
In fact, they were in the 6th place in the World Championship Games last year.
What happened to them!?!?!?
In addition, the 2004 team lost over Italy 78-95 in the Training Tour.
It's going to be really tough for them to win.

What do you guys think who will win??

My New Blog...

2004-08-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've started my new blog!
It's in the Links on the right, "My Way."
It's written only in Japanese, so the readers will be limited.
However, I'll write both of my blogs as much as possible.

It's Over!!!

2004-08-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

I got a mail yesterday from the last company, and it told me that I was failed in the 2nd interview.
I have nothing to say about it...
It told me that my job hunting about six months was completely collapsed.
I think that I've been trying to do as much as I could, but nobody accepted me to work.

I totally lost my confidence, and I don't know what I'll have to do from now...

Shock!!!

2004-08-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

July 31 was the trade deadline of the MLB.
Nomar Garciaparra was traded to the Chicago Cubs...
It's one of the most shocking news in 2004.
My favorite team is the Red Sox and my favorite player is Nomar.
However, it's divided now...
I still can't imagine that Nomar's wearing Cubs' blue and white uniform!?
I hope the Red Sox and the Cubs will play in the World Series.
It'll be between the curse of Bambino and goat!?

It's Over!?

2004-07-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

I went to Tokyo to take an interview yesterday.
This company is the last TV production company, which I've applied.
If I was cut by the company, I'll have to give up and find a new area.
The interview went pretty well, I guess...
However, the interviewer asked me a strange question at the end of the interview.
He said, "If you're failed, what are you going to do? Because many companies have already finished their recruitment."
I told him that I have no idea because I'm trying to do my best now and I don't think anything about failing.
At the same time, I thought that he indirectly told me that I was failed, but I still don't know the meaning of the question.
They'll send me a letter within a week, so I have to wait until I got it.
Wait and see...

Uncountable Failures!?

2004-07-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

I think I was failed once again...
I took one interview on July 9 in Tokyo.
Before I had the interview, I participated a seminar of the company in the morning.
However, they told me that they would start an interview with me from 1:00 pm, when the seminar was finished around noon because I came from pretty far from Tokyo, and they didn't want me to come Tokyo again from a country side.
Also, they told me that I should come back about 12:55 pm.
Finally, they gave me a few sheets of survey to fill out until the interview starts when I left the room.
I went to down stairs and bought a cup of coffee about 12:10 pm.
I spent most of the time to fill out the survey, and I didn't have enough time to prepare for the interview.
However, I think I enjoyed talking with a guy who interviewed me, and the interview went pretty well.
At the end of the interview, he told me that they would send me email about 10 days later if I passed it.
Today is July 22...and I haven't got email from them, so I'm sure I was failed.
Actually, I appreciated their kindness to have a seminar and an interview in the same day, but it's NOT good to me because I was going to take the interview next week and I haven't finished to prepare for it.
I know that's not a good excuse...

A Little Advance...

2004-07-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

I got a mail from another company today.
It told me that I've passed the first interview.
I'm going to take the second interview about 10 days later in Tokyo.
Even if I passed the second one, I'll have to take one more interview to get accepted.
I'll have to keep motivated until I got accepted.
What a long process...

Much More Failures!?

2004-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

I got a mail from one company today.
It told me that I was cut at the first interview!?
What the heck!!!

Wait!!!

2004-07-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for the results of three interviews that I took them in Tokyo in last two weeks.
It makes me feel a little anxious and nervous.
Two of the results will be mailed, and one of them will be emailed.
It's kind of scary to click the icon of the Outlook Express, and open the mailbox on the first floor of my apartment.
All of them was the first interviews, so if I passed all of them, I'll have to take two more interviews for each company.
I hope I'll be able to write good news here as soon as possible...

MLB All-Star Game is Coming!!!

2004-07-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

2004 MLB All-Star Game is coming in July 13 in Houston, TX.
It's going be really fun!!!
Ken Griffey Jr. is coming after his long-time injury.
Also, Ichiro Suzuki was selected as a starter four consecutive years, although the Mariners have been struggling in this season.

I think it's going to be kind of "senior" All-Stars, especially in the NL roster.
This list shows the players, who are older than 35.

American League
-Kenny Rogers (TEX) 38 yo
-Curt Schilling (BOS) 37 yo
-Tom Gordon (NYY) 36 yo

National League
-Barry Bonds (SF) 39 yo
-Sammy Sosa (CHC) 35 yo
-Roger Clemens (HOU) 41 yo
-Tom Glavine (NYM) 38 yo
-Randy Johnson (ARI) 40 yo
-Barry Larkin (CIN) 40 yo
-Moises Alou (CHC) 38 yo

However, the youngest player in the roster is Miguel Cabrera, who is only? 21 years old.
I hope Hideki Matsui will be elected in the Final Vote, and see him in the All-Star Game again.

More Failure!?

2004-06-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

I got a mail today and it told me that I was failed the exam, which I took last Thursday in Tokyo.
I expected that failure because I thought I didn't do well on it after I finished.
I have studied to prepare for exams, but I think it's nothing.
I'll have to fight against the worthless studying until I was hired.
I'm kinda fed up with it...
I don't know what makes me to keep motivated for it.

Failed (again)!?

2004-06-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

I think I was failed the interview that I took it last Saturday.
They didn't send me a mail for the next interview.
I thought it went pretty well, but I wasn't the person who they liked.
I don't know what was wrong!?
I have to switch my mind for two more exams tomorrow and Friday.

I'll never give up!!!
Time will tell!!!

Interview

2004-06-19T02:19:00.000-07:00

I went to a job interview in Tokyo today.
It's my second 2nd job interview.
I wasn't that nervous, and I think it went pretty well.
They will send a mail next week for only people who passed it.
Even if I passed it, I'll have to go two more interviews.

Also, I'm going to have two more examinations and TOEIC next week in Tokyo.
I've been studying for both the exams and TOEIC, and hopefully I'll be able to do well all of them.
I feel like I've been walking in a dark tunnel and I haven't seen any lights yet!?

Congrats!!!

2004-06-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Pistons are NBA champions in 2003-2004 season!!!
What a wonderful moment!!!
I'm really glad that the Pistons broke down the Western Conference domination after the Bulls won the championship in 1998.

The Pistons beat the Lakers 100-87 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Chaucey Billups was selected for the MVP of the series.
It's the first time that the team won all three of home games in the middle of the series, which are Game 3,4, and 5, in the history of the NBA.
All five starters of the Pistons scored double figures in the game.
Ben Wallace added 18 points, 22 rebounds, and 3 steals.
However, Kobe Bryant got 24 points, he was able to score 7 for 21 from the field.
Also, Karl Malone wasn't able to play in this game because of knee injury.
Interestingly enough, the Lakers made only 38 points in the paint, although they have Shaq.
I think that the Lakers is the most talented team in the NBA, but the Pistons is the most integrated and balanced team in the NBA.

Congratulations for the Pistons and all the Pistons' fans!!!
It's a great ending of 2003-2004 season.

Awesome!!!

2004-06-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

The Pistons won again today in Game 4 of the NBA Finals!!!
They lead the series 3-1, and need one more win in 3 games to be the champions.
Rasheed Wallece had 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Chaucey Billups added 23 points for the Pistons.
Shaquille O'Neal was the only man who worked pretty well for the Lakers.
He played 47 minutes, and got 36 points and 20 rebounds.
Kobe Bryant added 20 points, but he was able to score only 8 for 25 from the field.
I think Tayshuan Prince has guarded Kobe very hard and well, and I remembered that Kobe wasn't able to play well in the Western Conference Semi-Finals last year when he was being guarded by Bruce Bowen of the Spurs.
In addition, Karl Malone played only 20 minutes.
The Lakers made only 11 for 22 from the line!?
50%...What a terrible free-throws!?
I think everyone know that because of shaq's free-throws, he made only 4 for 11!?

I hope the Pistons will also win Game 5, and I want them to be the champions in Detroit!!!

Wow!!!

2004-06-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

The Pistons beat the Lakers for 88-68 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals!!!
What a great game!!!
The pistons dominated most of the game.
Richard Hamilton added 31 points, and Chauncey Billups got 19 for the Pistons.
However, Kobe Bryant was 4 for 13 from the field, although he played 45 minutes.
Also, Shaquille O'Neal added only 14 points, and Gary Payton and Karl Malone still have been struggling in this series.
I really hope the Pistons will beat the Lakers with an excellent defense in Game 4 and 5 in Detroit.

Sucks!!!

2004-06-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Lakers won the Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
What a terrible game...
I hope the Pintons will beat the Lakers in Game 3, 4, and 5 in Detroit.
I was Karl Malone fan when he played at Utah Jazz, but no more!!!
I don't like him with yellow jersey!!!
NO MORE SHAQ & KOBE!!!
AND PHIL JACKSON DOESN'T NEED TO GET MORE CHAMPION RINGS!!!
HE'S GOT 9 ALREADY!!!

"Beat LA!!!"

2004-06-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Pistons beat the Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angels.
Pistons' defense bottled up the Lakers' offense.
Only Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal scored double-digit and the Lakers had only 4 fast break points.
Also, Gary Payton and Karl Malone combined only 7 points.
However, 4 players of the Pistons scored double-digit and they got 50% of 3-point shoot.

I hope the Pistons will beat the Lakers in Game 2, which is also held in LA, and they will be able to play in Detroit in Game 3,4, and 5.
So, if the Pistons beat the Lakers in Game 2, they would possibly be the champions.
GO PISTONS!!!

Nightmare...

2004-06-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

The Lakers won with 96-90 over the Timberwolves in the Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals.
I lost my words when I saw the news...
It was a complete nightmare that my hope was broken by the most hated team in the NBA.
I hope that the Pistons will beat both the Pacers and the Lakers.
NO MORE LAKERS!!!

Yes!!!

2004-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Timberwolves beat the Lakers!!!
However, they must win two more games, Game 6 in LA and Game 7 in Minneapolis.
GO WOLVES!!!

Lost...

2004-05-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Japan men's volleyball team lost against Canada 0-3, and the tonight's defeat told them that they won't be able to go to the Athens Olympics.
In my point of view, they lacked concentration for the game and they made too much mistakes, such as serves, blocks, etc...
Also, they were not able to bring their home court advantage to play.
Or did it make them to put more pressure!?

In this volleyball competition, I'm really tired of an idol? group called NEWS...
They are called the "Special Supporter" for both the Japan men's and women's volleyball teams!?
They sing a song before the Japan's games start, and many women scream at them, not at the volleyball team!?
I thought that many people(women) in the stadium went there to see NEWS, not a volleyball game.
Every time I watch sports events on TV, there is a person or people who doesn't have any relationships with the sports.
I think the fans' level of Japan is really childish, and I believe it won't grow the level of sports neither.

Another lost...
The Timberwolves were beaten again by the Lakers in the Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
They were taken a 1-3 lead in the best-of-seven series, so they have to win all remaining games to go to the NBA Finals.
It's going to be tough, but I still believe the Wolves will beat the Lakers.
I really want Kevin Gernett to play at the NBA Finals.
Also, I think many NBA fans don't want to see the Lakers win like the New York Yankees in the MLB.
GO WOLVES!!!

Medical Checkup

2004-05-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today, I went to the hospital near my apartment to get my health certificate.
I need to send it to some companies to apply with my resume and essay in June.
I'm wondering that my health will be included to their part of selection, but I have to send it because they require for all candidates.

There is no big problem of my health except my weight!?
I've gained my weight a lot...
I think I've been taking care of my diet pretty well, especially since I came back to Japan.
I have to plan of my diet, and at least I need to lose 5 kg.

Estoy gordo!!

Crisis!?

2004-05-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ah...Money.
I don't like to talk about money too much, but I have to think about it.
Usually, I work three days a week and I spend the rest of the time for job hunting, etc...
Probably, The Etc is the problem.
You guys can imagine what the etc is, can't you?
Sometimes, I wonder that what my first priority is.
I guess...I understand that in my head, but it's hard to do exactly what I have to do.
I feel like I got lost in a forest with a heavy fog.

From Tokyo

2004-05-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm at an internet cafe in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
I've been waiting for one of my friends who will provide a place to stay tonight.
I'm going to a career seminar tomorrow close to Ikebukuro tomorrow.
Only TV production companies are participating the seminar.
Hopefully, I'll be able to write good news here after the seminar.

By the way, I completely moved from the old house to the new apartment on the 7th floor this week.
It's pretty comfortable, but I haven't got an internet connection there because I changed my ISP from ADSL to cable.
I think the person from the ISP will bring a new modem until the end of next week.

Chaito!!

Bye! Bye! GW!?

2004-05-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

Finally, the GW had gone...
I worked five days in a row and I got pretty tired both physically and mentally.
I had to face selfish and insane customers, especially mid-age women.
I've worked as a sales person before, but I re-confirmed how the people are selfish.
The GW had gone, but I'll have to prepare to move on next Tuesday.
I think I'm pretty much done of it, but there are some kind of huge stuff like a bed, and a few drawers.
After the moving, I'm going to go to Tokyo on Saturday and Sunday to look for a full-time job.
I've felt a little nervous that I can find a job or not, but I'm pretty excited to see my friends in Tokyo!!

Failed Again...

2004-04-28T00:17:00.000-07:00

I got a mail from a company, which I've sent my resume and a short essay about a few weeks ago, and it told me that I've failed.
I've been recruiting since I came back to Japan, but I haven't got any good news yet.
It's pretty stressful that I have to face the reality and I'd never experienced it when the good old days as a student.

But I won't give up!!!

TOEIC

2004-04-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

I got my TOEIC score yesterday.
It wasn't bad, but I think I could (should?) have got better score, especially for the reading section.
As a result of the exam, I've decided that I'm going to take the TOEIC LPI (Language Proficiency Interview), which measures my speaking skill, in June.
The only people who got more than 730 for the TOEIC can take the TOEIC LPI.
I assume that my speaking is much better than my reading and writing, so I hope I'll do well.
Also, I'll take the TOEIC exam again in July, and I hope I'll be able to get more than last time.
I'll study harder!!!

More Than 10 Days!!!

2004-04-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for my blog more than 10 days.
I'm NOT that lazy, but I had a chance to get online only a few times last week.
My family will have to move to the other place next month and we've been packing a lot, but haven't done yet.
Moving from a house to a small apartment is really hard...
Everything will be smaller like a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room etc...
I've thrown a lot of stuff, which I won't use them again.

In addition, I worked 5 days last week, and had to meet with my gf 3 times etc...
I'm kind of tired, but I'm going to work about 2 hours later.
At the first part of next month will be pretty busy because of the "Golden Week" in Japan.
After the GW, I'm going to go to Tokyo to participate one of the recruit seminars.
I hope I'll be able to find a company, which will hire me next year.

Working

2004-04-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start a part-time job tomorrow.
I'll work about three days a week at a souvenir shop in front of the Nxxxxx Station.
Like I wrote before, my first priority is find a full-time job, hopefully in Tokyo, NOT a part-time job, but I need money...

I was failed all the TV stations, which I applied, so I have to find another areas that I want to try.
I felt very disappointed when I faced the reality, but I have no time to feel down.
Also, I feel a little hurry because I want to feel relief as soon as I can and I'll be 24 within a half year.
iSoy nuevo!

Coming Back Soon...

2004-03-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

I've got an estimated cost to fix my digital camera from the Fuji Film.
They told me that it would be 7,000 yen including shiping fee.
I think the price sounds good.
I hope they'll fix and send it and I'll be able to use it again soon.

My parents will go to the 2nd game of the MLB Opening Series at the Big Egg in Tokyo.
My father hopes the Yankees will win because he is crazy about A-Rod, NOT Matsui.

for a while...

2004-03-26T06:51:00.000-08:00

I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow, and I won't be able to write for my blog about a week.
On Sunday, I'm taking the TOEIC exam, which measures my English ability.
I was failed all of the TV stations in Tokyo, and I have to seek another areas that I want to work as my career.
Hopefully, I'll do well on the exam, and my score will help for my recruiting process.

Fixed!!!

2004-03-24T00:30:00.000-08:00

At last, an internet in my home was fixed and I don't have to go to an internet cafe anymore.
It's really nice that I can use it anytime and as long as I want.
At the same time, I wonder that I depend too much on the technologies.
I can't imagine when all of them are gone. (like bombing by the U.S.!?)

Tomorrow, one TV station will let me know the result of my resume and essays.
If I passed it, I'll have to take the first interview and an exam next week in Tokyo.
I hope I did well on that, but I feel a little nervous.

iDemonios!

2004-03-17T00:41:00.000-08:00

An internet in my home has NOT been working for about ten days.
I called my ISP and asked them what happened.
They sent me a new modem, but it didn't work...
It's really inconvenient that I have to go to an internet cafe every time I want to do.
Also, I use internet to find a job.
I hope they'll fix it next week and I'll be able to use it in my home freely.

Finally...

2004-03-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Finally, I was failed the interview, which I took it on March 10 in Tokyo.
I checked the website of the company yesterday and they told me that I failed.
I was a little sad when I read it, but I think it's almost miracle that I passed the essays and the exam.
Also, I re-confirmed that how hard the competition is.
The competition is long and very stressful, but I'll continue to fight it!!!

Special Olympics

2004-03-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in February 2005 in my hometown.
I wanted to tell you guys who didn't know about it before.
Personally, it would be a great experience working as a volunteer.
I didn't work anything for the Winter Olympics in my hometown 6 years ago, and it's one of my regrets.

If you guys are interested in the event, please check the link and see what it is.

Holy Cow!!!

2004-03-05T05:12:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly, I passed the exam.
I felt a little weird because I thought I obviously failed the exam, but I did pass!?
I really was surprised more than I was happy.
I assume that taking an exam is the hardest part of the recruiting process because I'd escaped from the Real World for three and a half years.
I have to make a reservation for the first interview on next week in Tokyo.
I think I have to learn the "Japanese style" of job interviews!?

Summary of the Exam

2004-03-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

I took the exam on Tuesday, March 2.
It was 90-minute exam and was pretty hard, especially the Japanese part.
There were a lot of difficult Chinese characters, which the people rarely use.
Tomorrow, result of the exam will be announced and I have to check a website of the company.
I have no idea that I did well or not!?
I think it would be a good experience to me, even if I failed.
However, the exam made me tired mentally, not physically...
I think I have to learn how to handle it better.

I stayed in Tokyo for only two days, but I enjoyed staying there.
I'm going to go there again in the last week of March.
I'm looking forward to see more friends and have fun.
I sent an application postcard for a free ticket of the MLB opening game in the Tokyo Dome, and I hope I'll be able to go there too!!

Feel Nervous and Excited!?

2004-02-29T05:20:00.000-08:00

I feel a little nervous because I'm taking an exam of one TV station in Tokyo on Tuesday.
It's going to be pretty hard, but I'll do my best.
However, I feel very excited to go to Tokyo to see my friends.
It'll be just a night, but I'm sure that they'll reduce my stress.

The Judgment

2004-02-26T22:53:00.000-08:00

Today, Chizuo Matsumoto, aka Shoko Asahara, was given a sentence of death.
He was a founder of the Aum Shinrikyo and had 13 charges with murder of 27 people.
The prosecutors described him like, "most vicious criminal in Japanese history."
I thought that the trial was toooooooo long, it took about 7 years, and the government should fix the trial system in Japan.

In my point of view, I thought that the Japanese people think about it as a social problem.
I don't think it's a social problem, it's a problem of the national security.
I was staying in the United States when the 9-11 happened.
It really surprised and shocked me, even if I wasn't an American.
I don't think the Japanese people have to be crazily patriotic like the Americans, but they have to think about it as their security.
It isn't a matter of a crazy religious group, it is a matter of the crisis management or national security of Japan.
Important things are giving an effort for protecting the people from atrocious crimes and it shouldn't happen again in the future.

iEstoy Gordo!

2004-02-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've gained my weight a lot.
My weight is quite different before I left Japan in May 2000.
I bought a new suit about two years ago and I tried it on last night because I'll have to wear it next week.
I was still able to wear it, but it's pretty tight...
I was kind of shocked that I became a FAT man again.
One of the reasons was because I'd been surrounded "unhealthy" American food for three and a half years.
I think I had too much fries, pizza, and pop.
(People in the Midwest call "pop" instead of "soda")
However, that was my responsibility, I could have chosen healthier food.
I think I have to lose my weight because I don't want to waste my clothes, pants, stuff like that, and I'll be back to my proper weight.

iVaya!

2004-02-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

I passed the first step of a recruiting process of one TV station.
I didn't expect to pass even the first step, so I feel pretty happy.
I'm going to Tokyo and taking an exam of the company a week from today.
I hope I'll do well and be able to go to the next step.

I've been thinking about new essays for two more TV stations.
I think I'm getting use to write Japanese essays and improve gradually, but it's still hard.
My vocabulary is very poor both Japanese and English and "kanji" makes me crazy.
I look up a dictionary all the time...

Anyways, I got to go and study hard!!!
Chaito!!!

Time flies...

2004-02-20T21:23:00.000-08:00

Almost a month has passed since I came back from the United States.
I received all the boxes, which I sent from DBQ via surface mail.
I opened all of them and some stuff makes me remember the days in the States...still feel pretty sad.

As I wrote before, I've sent my essays to two TV stations in Tokyo.
I got email one of them yesterday, and they told me that I failed.
However, I didn't feel sad!?
I didn't expect to pass because I thought my essays were almost BS.
I'll send another essays to two more TV stations, so hopefully I'll be able to write better essays.

I went to a bookstore yesterday to buy a book for TOEIC exam.
I'm taking the exam about a month later in Tokyo.
I think I need to prepare how to deal with the exam, not practicing English.
I've taken the exam before, but it was about six years ago and I remember just a part of the exam.
I think that TOEIC is easier than TOEFL, especially a listening part, but I'm not sure.
I'll start studying from today!!!

The Biggest Trade Since Babe Ruth

2004-02-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

I haven't watched the NBA All-Star game yet.
I taped the game, but I didn't have time to watch it yesterday.
Also, I didn't have time to write my blog.

The NBA All-Star game could have been a big news, but there was much bigger news.
Alex Rodriguez, a short stop of the Texas Rangers and aka A-Rod, was traded to the New York Yankees.
The Rangers got Alfonso Soriano, and one minor league player who will announce later.
The Yankees got Kenny Lofton and Gary Sheffield this post season.
What a strong batting lineup!!!

However, Roger Clemens, aka The Rocket, and Andy Pettitte moved to the Houston Astros, and David Wells moved to his hometown San Diego.
Mike Mussina is the only pitcher who played at the Yankees as a starter last season.

Anyways, I'm not a Yankee fan, so I'll stop here.
I better go now because I have to write more essays to two more TV stations and the dues are coming soon...

2004 NBA All-Star Weekend!!!

2004-02-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

2004 NBA All-Star Weekend is coming in this weekend at the Staples Center in Los Angeles!!!
Superstars play together for only one game a year on Sunday, February 15.
Also, on Staurday, there will be more events, such as Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk, Foot Locker 3-pt Shootout, 989 Sports Skills Challege, RadioShack Shooting Stars, and got milk? Rookie Challenge.

NBA has been becoming more international, and I think it's good.
Those players will play at the All-Star Game.
They are just a part of the players and there are more non-American players in the NBA.

-Tim Duncan (U.S. Virgin Islands)
-Yao Ming (China)
-Andrei Kirilenko (Russia)
-Dirk Nowitzki (Germany)
-Peja Stojakovic (Serbia-Montenegro)

Also, I want to mention some players who didn't go to a college or university.
I'm not a big fan of high-school graduated players, but it's been getting popular as well.
25 yer-old, Kobe Bryant has already got three champion rings,　and 27 year-old, Kevin Gernett has the highest annual salary in the NBA.

-Jermaine O'Neal
-Tracy McGrady
-Kevin Garnett
-Kobe Bryant

Draft No.1 pick, LeBron James, won't play at the All-Star Game, but he'll play at the got milk? Rookie Challenge.
If you want to see his pictures, please click here.
He had a $90 million in seven years with Nike, which is unbelievable.
I want to see his combinations with Carmelo Anthony who is the 3rd pick player this year.
Three non-American players will play at the Rookie Challenge, such as Emanuel Ginobili from Argentina, Marko Jaric from Serbia-Montenegro, and Nene from Brazil.

It'll be fun nights, and I'm really looking forward to see the events!!!
NFL Super Bowl was over!!!
Let's watch NBA!!!

Recruiting...

2004-02-13T04:52:00.000-08:00

(sighs)...
I finally sent essays to two of the TV stations, which I've applied so far, by using internet.
My eyes, neck, and shoulders hurt a little bit...
Overall, it's pretty hard because I haven't written essays in Japanese.
It made me feel kind of disappointed about "illiteracy" of my native language.

I realized that I have to learn how to deal with the huge "competition" in Japan.
Most of the college students in Japan start recruiting from their junior year, even from sophomore year, I'm not sure.
Also, the academic years between Japan and the United States are different.
I think it's hard for the Japanese students, who are studying out of Japan.
However, I've heard that some of the Japanese students in the U.S. stop out the schools to start recruiting in Japan.
It's unbelievable, isn't it??

Before I became a senior, I was thinking that I wanted to go to a graduate school, but I decided not to go.
After that, I've started recruiting last summer in Japan while I was staying my home, but I wasn't able to find jobs.
Since the last summer, I've tried to read information about recruiting in Japan from internet, but the last semester, Fall 2003, was the busiest semester in my college life.
Finally, very fortunately, I finished about 25 pages of my senior thesis with a pretty good grade and got a Bachelor of Arts degree, of course I got my diploma.

I don't know what's going to happen in my future career...
I feel a lot pressure on myself, but I have to win the competition!!!

Oops!!!

2004-02-11T04:20:00.000-08:00

Today, I found my digital camera was broken down when I left home.
I have no idea how the heck it happened...!?
I was going to take some pictures to update my fotopages, but I couldn't do it.
My camera is about three years old, and I've been thinking that I would buy a new one or not.
However, unfortunately, I don't have enough money to buy a new one now.
My cell-phone has a camera, but it's too small to put into a computer, I guess.
I hope it'll be cheap to fix it.

Anyways, I have to send some essays to the TV stations in Tokyo, which I applied as my full-time job, by this Friday.....

iOrale!

2004-02-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I post my blog. I'm not a good writer, but I'll do my best. If you think my English is odd, please just ignore it...