Marry Christmas, y'all!
How's your Christmas? Received several holiday seasons greetings with thanks.

In Japan, Christmas day is not holiday and it was ordinary working day.
Thus, MoonFlower had to go to work. Me? Still jobless. Hahaha.

Yes, Mr. Santa has obviously stopped by this place, also. Thank you!



He gave me a dress shirt for work. Hahaha ironic… I have to work harder now.
This blue shirt looks very nice. This will be my pick for 1st day at new work.



Another shirt… this is what I bought for myself.
I guess, this new shirt is my pick on New Year's Day. Hehehe.
2013 is going to be a new and fun year for sure.



New Year greeting cards are on the way!!!
Just dropped those cards at local post office this morning.
I still have to write a couple more.

In the afternoon, a little hobby time for me.
Yeah, typical Christmas day, isn't it??? Hehehe.



Worked on the model to build.



Here we go!
This is called "Zaku II" from animation called GUNDAM.
Pretty good, huh! I am proud of myself.

This is absolutely 1st time in 20 years??? Longer?
Never made such model since I was in elementary school.
Good hobby time for sure. It was fun.

Okay, less than a week is now remaining in this year. Please enjoy!
Do whatever you need to do without carrying over into new year, please!
Talk to you later.

Finally, Christmas' Eve! Ready for Mr. Santa's visit? Sure, why not.

Went to Mitsui Outlet Park in this afternoon for our Christmas shopping.



I wanted to see new pair of suits and some shirts.
MoonFlower wants new pants to replace her favorite one which was about wearing-out.

Didn't take too long… sun went down quite quickly.
We saw some illumination that was catching many shoppers' attention.



Huge Christmas tree!



Now time for cake! Sounds very Japanese Christmas. Hahaha.
Not home-made.
MoonFlower ordered this cake made by her teacher. Limited quantity.

Maybe from next year, MoonFlower starts baking her own for family? Hahaha.



Nice decoration on top of the cake. Fancy!



Labrador Retriever "Love" got tired after playing with me.
This is MoonFlower's pet and favorite.
Huge but cute!

Long day - spent quite time at mother-in-law's place. But fun.
Tons of food for sure. Now my belly is huge and I better watch out what to eat and how much to eat now.
Diet is another concern of mine. Hehehe.

Hi folks. Turned out to be a big Tuesday night party!!!
Showed up to Ginza area… for meeting friends.



Channel & Cartier - fancy electric decorations. So cool.



Not eager to cross the street to take a closer shot to the huge Christmas tree.



Tonight's venue. Italian restaurant called CENTO ANNI.
I have used this place over half dozen of times, already. Like this place so much.









Kirk and Charlie… got together.
Of course, Yoko also with us tonight.



Plenty of wine for four of us.



Yoko, me, Charlie and Kirk (L-R)
Charlie had to go home after that restaurant.
Three of us continued. Hahaha.



To Shinbashi area.
Stand bar - Cash on delivery style.
Yoko comes this particular tavern often??? So true.





Pretty good home-made style dishes. Perfect.



With drunk Yoko. Hahaha. So fun!
Let's do it again soon!

Hi folks.
Main part of the day came very late.
Usually during the office hour, right? Hahaha.

It came after 5pm.

I showed up to Shinjuku area... to see a friend of mine.
Actually he is my ex-boss.
Yeah, usual secret meeting over dinner. Get it?



Before going into the main theme of day - it was crazy weather.
Tokyo climate seemed out of control.
Very hard... pouring rain with strong wind at noon.

Made all of us get stuck in the office during the important lunch hour.



Some time afterward, I see clouds moving very fast.
I even stopped typing and stared at some clouds. Interesting.
Where is the world climate going then???




Okay, now back to the story.
1st place was 82 Ale House - tavern.
A little halloween decoration. Nice.

Just had 1st drink with my friend who came a bit after me.







Moved on to Japanese dinner. Still tavern.
Place called "Tomi Kyu." Very classic tavern rarely found!
Yeah, it was my first visit.

Large plate with ready-to-eat stuff on the counter.
Typical classic style.
I was the youngest among other customers. Hahaha.

That even made it all more authentic. Right?







Then last place for the night.
Bar called "SMOKE." Not cigar bar, though.
Yeah as you know, I do not (never!) smoke.

My friend sort knew of this place... just idea. Never been there.
So we tried.
It was crazy old rock and roll music bar.

COOL!!!







Stayed for several hours... until the time almsot for the last train.
Talk was definitely endless.
From work to personal... I cannot even share any of them with you!!!

That is why secret. Hehehe. Told ya.

Great time passes really fast. So it did.
Thanks to my friend. Yeah, so much!

Wait. 2 nights in a row.
Yeah, I will be quiet tomorrow night for sure.
I will rest my liver, too.

Talk to you tomorrow!

Tokyo Dome - Tokyo Giants' franchise.
MoonFlower and I went for watching a game.
Big game.

Giants vs. (my) Drangons.
Game #5 Climax Series!
Giants won the penant and Dragons came 2nd.

Now post season game before Japan Series.

Close game it was... and Dragons missed by 1 run.







































One last thing...
MoonFlower and I had same taste about pretty gal found in the stadium.
She was so cute and smiled to all directions.

Sold beer VERY FAST!!! Hahaha.
Though, so cute!!!

Perfect Autumn day today!
Since MoonFower was busy... and out of home,
I enjoyed myself for day with no plans! Hahaha.

Went to library on foot.
Wanted to borrow some business-related book.
Read some wine magazine for short period time.







Then stayed (stuck?) in the cafe for reading.
Pretty good time.
You know, I am kind of person enjoying time alone.

iPad, kobo, and some books... perfect company.
And (importantly) spent little. Only 250 yen for coffee.
Quality time!

MoonFlower came home after being stucked to the heavy traffic jam.
We decided to open a red wine for supper.
It was her favorite, Cote du Rhone Villages.

2009 - I thought it could be young... but it was pretty good!
Just wondering how MoonFlower can (easily?) grab such good one.
She must have a good connection for wine selection. Hahaha.



















Ate too much after all.
My bad.
Too sweet - the pudding at the end.

"Special Pudding II" - the big name... with lots of sugar! Hahaha.

Pay day! Thank God!!!
Now I can withdraw some money from bank.
Need cash right away! Hehehe.

Today's work was quite nothing.
Let me rephrase... as I had no serious issue at work.
Quite peaceful!

After work - 5:30pm to be precise.
Wait. Official time out of work is 6pm.
How come it was all possible???

Anyhow, coworkers and I went out for cooling down.
Cooling down at bar. Hahaha.
Went to "Bar Mar."

Quite productive compared to day before.
I finally went to Ricoh Service Center to fix my camera.
It wasn't that bad...







Took me about 2 hours to complete the service.

Convenient in Tokyo, right??? Really!
Yesterday, I mentioned that I had to use Canon for a while.
Not anymore.

Though, Canon should generate much better picture.
I should use it more often... not letting sit in my room.

Had to read this book for work.

"Handbook for Bonded Area Management"
Issued by governmental agency.
Particularly on chapter two. Yes, finished reading.

Part of the work? Absolutely.

Another good news just in...
iPhone 5 that I placed an order online... came to respond.
It will shipt to me tomorrow, arriving on day after.

YES!!!

Then, I can really keep up with the rest of the gadget world!
Actually, I expected to get one for myself within this month...
Not bad... much better than I really thought.

Good stuff!

Called my American monther via Skype for chitchat.
Checking out whether it is going to be a big Thanksgiving coming up or not.
For that, details were not even finalized yet.

However, seemed everyone in Western North Caroline doing very well.
Including 91-year-old Nanny. Good for her!
Robyn, my darling sister, passed the 2nd exam for becoming a doctor...

Darling, good luck on the final exam that takes place next year!

Lots of news... made me realize that I have been missing so much stuff out there.
I should keep eyes on that part of the globe much more often.
My fault...

Tomorrow it is STILL Thursday?
Oh I've got a dentist appointment. Darn it. Hahaha.
See ya!

Today's my plan didn't come around easily.
In fact, I had to submit the all expenses and other (misc!) information to the firm for month-end closing.
Well, the system didn't allow me to.

Hate such a disturbance.

Had to rely on the system support who didn't come back in ideal cycle.
All this resulted that I had to stay in... all day long. Hahaha.

That really happens, right? It just did.

As a matter of fact, I had (still do) a long list of To-Do's.
Within today, finished almost nothing.
Too bad.

What kind of stuff on the list? Is that your question?
Want to:

-Fix the Ricoh camera
-Read some books related to work
-Haircut
etc.

Got it?
Well, I postpone all those for tomorrow onwards.

Right, I have to see my dentist as well.

For a while I have to use Canon camera that I used to use a lot...
It is Canon Kiss Digital X.
Yeah, 1st generation!



Now the 5th generation out there... darn old, huh! True.

While in Thunderbird (MBA), I was "official" photographer then.
Every single event on or off campus, I went out there to shoot.
No money to replace this old piece... have to stick to it.

While Ricoh compact camera is away, I will use this instead.

Wait. Where is the battery charger??? Don't find it around.
I may have discard it by mistake??? Cannot find it, indeed.
Hmm.

Laugh that.

One more stuff for today.
Piece that was on sale... I picked it up somewhere online...
PC case for my MacBook Pro.



Too late since I finished everything in Bangkok? Maybe. Hahaha.
Just wanted to buy something like that for my computer...
However, such things which were imported were quite expensive in Thailand.

Much much cheaper in Japan!

Alright, that is it for today.
See you tomorrow then. Have a good one!

Finally, my life in Japan resumes... or totally new life begins?
Hahaha.
Will see how different things are going to be.

Today it was my day off...

Though, are you impressed the fact that I woke up at 6am or so?
Had plenty of different "plans" which turned out to be in vain.
However, I felt like I should complete something within today.

So I cleaned things in my wall shelf up.
Tons of unnecessary documents and paper work discarded.
Now I have more space there!

"School Wars" - very old TV drama. High school rugby team drama.
Happened to air all 26 episodes in a row!
I was quite glued to that.

Though, I had to give up watching around 1:30am!
Watched up to the episode #11 or so.
Meaning 11 hours? Episode lasts around 40-45 mins for sure.

Must be fun watching! Surely it was.

That continues into tomorrow... I probably check it out tomorrow morning then.
Probably...
Most likely...

Received some envelop from ANA or All Nippon Airways.
It notified me that I am now qualified to upper membership.



Cool!
Though, too late???
No more BKK planned at this point.

Even if did, won't be that long like the past.
That's okay. I am not that mileage conscious. Hehehe.

Supper is ready.



Wow!!! Thai food at home here. Surprise, surprise!
MoonFlower had fresh basil and fixed this for tonight.
Yummy!

Already missed Thailand??? Sure thing.

New Commute and New Office

Hello from hot summer Japan!!!
Worse than Bangkok for sure. Higher humidity as well.
Today, first commute to Tokyo Office in the month.

Not only of first time... but first time to new office.
Yes, the firm has bee relocated into brand new building!
Much better location, too!!!

Located in Akasawa area... fancy shopping and dining area.
Lots of corporate offices, too.
Very convenient.

New office facilitated with brand new furniture. Not bad.
There is "down" area with sofa in the center of entire floor.
I haven't got a chance to lay down yet. Hahaha.

Hmm, let me see...

Fancy office with big sofa...
Office located in the center of shopping / dining district.
Meaning...

I do not have to work much.
Rather, I can go out for having fun.
Then... notably, I can spend night if I missed the last train for the day.

Really?
That would be cool.
Saving some money for hotel room.

Who was such smart and generous guy out there for such wonderful courtesy!!!

I am quite thankful.



New office is now located in the brand new building...



Maybe next thing that I should concern...
I should work well to generate good performance so that my employment is to be retained?
Hahaha. Sure hope so!



Dinner was served!

Almost went to see "The Dark Knight Rises" once again… since nothing to do.
Though, one disturbance… heavy rain.







The rain really kept me inside. Never wanted to get wet.
I have only small umbrella… useless to this kind of heavy rain.
I don't have to get wet, unnecessarily. Hahaha.

Instead of going out, I watched TV and video home.
I even opened the bottle of Maker's Mark and poured some into glass.
Yeah, made me feel relaxed with some drinks.

After work - automatically dropped by at this place…
new shopping mall open near the project site.

Called "Ekkamai Gateway" targeting Japanese customers?!

Lots of Japanese taste and atmosphere for sure.
Like this:





Ramen shop chain Korakuen opens its 1st shop in Thailand here.



Taste was just like one in Japan. Pretty good!
I like this… I definitely come back here soon. So soon. Hahaha.



N'Tity gave me this key holder.
Beautiful hand-made by herself.
Thank you!

Looks like me??? Hahaha.

Hi folks. Weekend is now coming to an end… ALREADY!
I should not bit about it, right? Darn right…
Today I have some photos outlying the environment of my Bangkok life.

Are you interested? Hahaha.
I assume you are…

This is where I live:



If you are familiar with Bangkok… this building is obvious to indicate where it is… right?



View from my apartment room located at 5th floor.



The house right ahead is Philippines Embassy.
Security seems not too tight. Hahaha.



Inside the room.
Long couch for me to lay down. Hehehe.



Small but still LCD screen TV.
Can view three Japanese TV channels from this place.
Good enough? Sure.

I somehow do not watch TV much, though.

This TV can be routed to the other side… facing to the bed.
Pretty convenient as one TV can be viewed from bed room and living room.
Occasionally, I watch TV from the bed.



Bed room… King size bed with two pillows.
Hmm, too large for me.
I have NO COMPANY to my room whatsoever. No hired wife or any kind… Hahaha.

Usually stay at the edge of the bed for sleep.





And Sukhumvit Road - the entrance of the apartment property.

Oh today's only update except above… is of movie that I saw in the afternoon.

"Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter."



Hmmm… not type of movie that I like. Hahaha. It was okay.
I should've paid more attention - "Vampire" stuff isn't my favorite. Hahaha.

Maybe I expect more fun out of "Magic Mike." That movie looks fun for sure.
I am going to watch that next week. Hehehe.

Usually Saturday - went to learn Thai again!



My teach thought that I looked so tired or even looked stressed.
Maybe because of work?

Maybe because of last night's loss??? Hahaha.

No movie today…

Oh went to a restaurant that I have never been to.
It was Thai.
Unusual for me to eat Thai during the weekend! Hahaha.



Pad Thai it was.
Pretty good!
Darn cheap! Only 45 Baht. Gosh… I usually pay over 200 Baht per meal!

Really…

I may come back to this restaurant again.

At night… home drinking…
Started with wine cooler and followed by bourbon whiskey - I go with straight. Hehehe.
Getting drunk by myself??? Hahaha!

Weekend is now coming to an end…
Not much accomplished today. Except that I went to see a movie.



The Amazing Spiderman.
Amazing, right? It should have been.

Though, story wasn't that exciting and amazing to me.
Maybe because I saw it in 2D instead of 3D.
Value of entertainment was different, I guess.

Though, I feel like if Peter Parker didn't do anything…
Nothing really happened. Nobody was really killed. Hahaha.
I've said enough.



Lamborghini was in the showcase at the mall where I watched the movie.
Wow, someone happened to be come by and would buy this???
I do not think so!

If rich person crazy about super car like that, he would have to know of such great car in the mall for other shopping purpose.
At least good promotion, right? Hahaha.



I'd better tell those who run this promotion…
CHANGE the carpet to other color… red or yellow… whatever!
Black body on black carpet… NO CONTRAST!

Too bad...

Yes, now Season 6 is here.
Already "6" indeed. How many to go? Hahaha.



Narita Airport… I was there at 9am already for flight at noon.
More than enough.



Same as last time, I somehow ordered sweets in addition to coffee.
New habit?



Flight was EASY! Look, not many people on board.
Probably around 10-15% of the capacity. Really.



Had 2 cups of wine… they really knocked me down. Easily.



Watch for Season 6 - is this one. Changed from Season 5.



In-flight meal was chicken curry. Not that tasty… I didn't even finished the dish.



After arrival, had business meeting and dinner followed.



Looks like pure Japanese tavern.



Total atmosphere were Japanese. Really.



Name badge on staff is yet in Japanese. Amazing…
Not 100% of customers were Japanese.

Thai people has very open mind…

My only weekend in Japan for June is over!!! Already? Yeah, already.
Hahaha.

Better start with shopping update from yesterday.



Bought a new porch for my use. Will be bag-in-bag style.
The fabric is French-made. I somehow like this brand for a long time.
Not expensive… reasonable and I like it!

Today - late start… but went down to Chiba.
Open-Air Wine Bar was the destination.



Special event took place in a park.







I've got 3 glasses.

White - French
White - German (!) and
Red - Italian

2nd one was pretty good! Still like the 3rd one.



Indian Nan bread.





Canned fish…
They were perfect to wine… made me continue drinking! Hahaha.
Then,



Ended up at "Ichiran" noodle shop. Hahaha.





Ramen "Concentration System" - you have to be in a "cell" to concentrate on what you get!
Cannot see anyone… not even any shop personnel.





Pretty good!

Eat a lot and drank a lot. Hahaha.
Like yesterday, another day with full of good foods!

Yes, Season 5 is over and hit the road back to Japan today!



Airport - came late and took some time in emigration process… hahaha.
So hungry… quickly grabbed something to eat. No shopping.

TG flight for Narita… seated at 32C today.



Wrong choice… this dish was not good at all. Too bad.



"This Means War" was available… watched.

Finally came back to Japan. Arrived at Narita around 4pm.
MIssed the bus for the hour and I waited for next one at 5pm.

Finally home a little before 7pm. Tired.

MoonFlower had to work overtime today and came home at 9pm.
Then, I came to supper, finally. Hahaha.



Sashimi dish for tonight. SO GOOD!
Fresh fish is something i usually cannot come to in Bangkok.
Good stuff.

Some beer came along. Even perfect. Hehehe.
Tomorrow, I most likely stay at home for relax… resume working on Friday.

Last day in Bangkok as far as Season 5 goes. Hahaha.
Surprise really hit the project room this morning.



Jackets provided by the client… with project name on them.
I personally didn't expect it to happen… but it did! Hahaha.

Lots of DOs for today… and I was quite busy like yesterday.
Though, time really ran out very quickly. Hahaha.
Yes, am going back to Japan tomorrow.

After work, I went to Thai class.
I met new teacher today… 2nd teacher for me.
Now I should push my study back on track… like used to be.

Thus, I try to have more opportunities… periodically.
So from Season 6, 2 teachers for me to learn Thai language.
Good deal? Hope so.



Last site for me to go in the Season was Terminal 21.



Supper was at Chabuton… for ramen noodles.
Too bad… this is kind of the taste l like.
Too bad…

Now all things for Season 5 are done… and packed for returning to Japan.

Thank you for everything in Bangkok.

Today's destination - Central World.
Yeah, went down there for some shopping.

Not wanted to… but had to… hahaha.



Went to...



Uniqlo - Japanese retailer.
Went to shop there for buying inner wear and under wear.
Spent like 1,500 baht.

Gee, overspending already!



I didn't know that this ice skating link is permanent…
Really thought that it was short time event. I was so wrong.





2 CDs bought.

Maroon 5 - last album called "Hands All Over"

Plus

Madonna - latest album called "MDNA" featuring my favorite single "Girl Gone Wild."

Pretty darn good!
Perfect accompany with my new speaker!!!



K-pop is also popular here.
Wanted to buy T-ara's album… cannot find any.
Is there any T-ara's album released???

I actually do not know. Hahaha.



ic berlin! eye ware is also available in Bangkok.
Bet they are quite expensive. Price is almost same to Japan's market.



Finally, stopped by the McDonald's for meal.
Cheeseburger deluxe set was my choice.
Of course, I stuck with surfing the net with iPad so much.

I then missed the time for movie. Hahaha.
Maybe next week.

Hi folks. What's up? Just done Tuesday… another 4 days to go. Oh boy.
Couple of things really irritated me today… but okay… some stress, though.
All day long… different kinds of meetings took place. Thank God, all were okay.

For dinner, I went out along with colleagues because we had some guests from Japan.
I was kind of late due to work and one was already gone back to the airport. Gosh! I wanted to see her!

Anyhow, showed up to Vienchan Kitchen located in Tong Lo area.



Restaurant with entertainment stage… obviously for tourists' place.
In fact, this was 2nd time visit for me. My friend took me over here long time ago.
Now I know where this place is. Hahaha.



Dance.



Khun Yasu surely joined. He couldn't resist… raised his hand for participation. Hahaha.



Aajan Hosoya followed. He had to get the touch of exotic Thai taste since teaching Thai students. Hahaha.



Finally, this fellow. Shiro.
He widely smiled since holding cute girl's hands like that.. Indeed joy.
Hahaha.

Good dinner… seemed a bit expensive. But I was treated! Thank you!

Today - good thing is that I didn't have major hangover. Hahaha.
Usual Saturday morning… probably more organized than usual.
Hit down to Shiodome with MoonFlower.

Our purpose - checking out the kitchen shelf (to be installed).
Panasonic has good line-ups and we wanted to get quotation.
Everything was smooth… didn't have to wait too long.

Initially I was told to wait for 60 mins. Turned out to be 6 mins. Pretty darn good! Hahah.
Shelf design and material used are determined. Quotation will be in mail to us in a matter of a couple of days.
Good dela.

MoonFlower has right to respond as final answer. Hahah.



Late lunch - at Tully's.



Walked down to Giza ward.
Went to Cartier for ordering something for me.
Yeah, my watch - Santos 100 XL Chronograph - I ordered replacing the leather belt.

Paid some money --- quite expensive… but within the expected range.

Surprise was that the goods is due in 3-4 months. Gosh, that long! Hahaha.
It's okay, that doesn't bother me much.
You know, I am not going to wear that Cartier watch for a while since I will be gone to Thailand for a while (again).



One last dinner with MoonFlower.
Wine bottle was open.
One is quite expensive… picked up in Bangkok a while ago.



Saint Henri Shiraz - Australian wine.
Surely different from usual French or even Italian wine.
Good experience.

Probably more fitting to winter season. Hahaha.





The dinner was closed with pizza delivered by Domino. Yeah, Domino Pizza.
It was pretty good!
Ate quite bit tonight. It's okay… I won't get another chance to dine with my darling wife until 2nd half of next month.

Now everything… all events scheduled are completed!
Ready for another Bangkok? Sure thing. No problem. Hahaha.
Next update - is definitely coming from Bangkok. See you folks then.

What's up? How's it going?
I heard that it is ordinary working day in Japan today… did you work? Or did you take a day off?
Whichever it was for you, hope things were okay with you all!

Woke up at normal time… it was holiday (wan yut) in Thailand! Yes, "Labor Day."
No project work today.
Thank God.

Lack of sleep for sure because went to bed late like 3am and woke up around 8am.
It's still okay… am enjoying my life as much!
Went to au bon pain for breakfast as usual like weekend.

Found who?



My friend was already held a seat for me! Hahaha.
He seemed to be kicked out from his apartment room because of maid service for cleaning.
Look at him, he still wearing pajamas-like.

Please take shower and get dress before going out to anywhere! Hehehe.



Took BTS train for movie!
It was quite important day because the opening of "the Avengers."
Yeah, long-waited American hero movie! Hahaha.



Since it was "wan yut (holiday)" here in Bangkok… tons of people came to theatre before me!!!
Long line it was for getting ticket.
Timing-wise, we selected normal movie, not 3-D version. I do not care much.

Do you?



"The Avengers" was fantastic American entertainment for sure.
However, if Iron Man were not part of the team, it would be not fun as much for sure.

I wouldn't even come to see that movie. Would you? Hahaha.

This movie seems to be only the beginning of the series because more than half of the movie spent "team building" among heroes. It means there is more to come.

Also, missing someone??? From Marvel???
Yeah, Spiderman. Will he be part of this??? Will see.

Also am wondering that there is no continuation of "Iron Man (3)" anywhere?
If no more, I'll get disappointed very much.
Anyway, fun day with fun entertainment. Just good for me.

Now I need to get back to work.
Tong ni phom tham gaan mak mak na…

See ya!

Hi folks!
I finally spent some time on Facebook, sending thank you to those sent me the BD messages.
I received more than 50 messages! Wao, thank you!



Wow,
Uniqlo is now coming to Mega Bangna… new mall to be open on May 5th.
Where is it by the way??? Hahaha



No more expensive Starbuck??? Yesterday and today, I started stopping by the new cafe nearby the project site.



Asian interior - the cafe



Will I even come to be able to read even headline of the newspaper???
Tough question to answer… since I have no clue.
Wait. Today's lesson (3rd time in this week), aacan Si (Teacher whose name is Si) gave me the table of Thai script.

Meaning, I will start learning the Thai writing in addition to current alphabetical expression?

Oh, that can bring me to another phase. Can be interesting (naa son jai)



Another shot from the scene that I go through everyday from project site to Ekkamai Station.
Cannot read them except figures.

I know I should hold on to 50 baht bill so that things can be taken care of.
Though, I should be able to read those handwriting!!!
Will see if I ever come to that phase or not.

What's up, folks!
It is my birthday… yes it was my 39th.
Wait. Am I truly 39 years old now?

I feel like I turned around toward becoming younger!
Let's say, I were about 35 years old! (big difference?)

I received so many HBD messages from different media including mixi, Facebook, and other social network.
Of course, direct emails and special phone calls… I thank you for that. Truly.
I am quite delighted!

Yesterday, I shared with you the story about some surprise the client threw for me.
Today another story here.
I came to a big cake again! This time, sweet cake! (khanonkheek)



I feel like I were a kid because this kind of celebration never took plea for a long time!!!
You know what I mean. Whole cake, candles, and blow on my own!



The party took place at "Soi 8" Irish Bar.
It was my first visit even though rest of project members have been there more than several times!
Hmm, why not me… until today??? Hahaha





Shiro~ Thanks for neat party, bro.





"Irish" Pub still serves Thai food. Interesting (nan khao jai)



Big cake, huh!



Lastly, we played the pool.
First time in long time for me. Since Thunderbird???
I did play it okay. Everyone won once and break even among three of us.

Peace.

Last even for the night was the massage.
Body oil massage in Phrom Phom.
I have been to foot massage once in February or March… none other than that.

Kind of hesitation to the oil and entire body to be massaged.
It was not bad at all.
Though, I felt a bit awkward about the fact that I had to be naked… entirely. Oops.

hahaha (555 in Thai numeric expression)

Oh, one more thing… I cannot forget about it.



BD present from MoonFlower. It was a bangle. Cool huh!
Remember that blue is best fitting color to me? Yeah, perfect fit, huh.

Anyway, happy 39th birthday for myself! Hehehe.
Good night!

Oops, I'd better call my mother… who has the birthday same as mine… TODAY!
Happy birthday, Mom!

Hi folks. I have another 366 days to go… in order for me to turn to be Big 4.
Oops, that joke has been used already. My bad!!!
Anyhow, it was my last day as being 38 years old…

Yes, I am becoming oldER. Leave me alone.
I get more grey hair and come to short memory… That's okay.
SPONTANEOUS!

Today it was quite consultant-like day.
Meetings and some "quiet" hours for thinking. Another deliverable template has been come up.
Good deal.

As one day before my birthday, I came to some surprises.

I was called upon to be one on one with some client.
The secretary came to our project room and I was told to come with her ALONE.
I had to sit in the middle of nowhere… totally intimidated by surrounding.

"Happy Birthday---" song sung by IT Team.

Gosh… what a surprise! It was quite scary. Hahaha. I truly held my note pad with pen for serious meeting.
Yes, you all really got me!
Plus, they brought a nice ice cream cake.

Another one.
Had another Thai lesson tonight. Yes, 2 nights in a row.
After the session, my Thai teacher Si gave me a card and some gift. It was a nice wallet.

Cool!

Wait. Was I ever been popular or treated that well before? In Japan? In US?
Probably (must be?) Thailand is now my most favorite place of all??? Hehehe.
Good stuff. I really appreciate.

No Thai class tomorrow after work.
I should plan something for myself??? Maybe...

On the way to new apartment… new place.
I have to call it new even though the facility itself is not quite new. Hahaha
So ironic.

Anyhow, took the picture of premise. Can you see it well?
Probably not.



Anyhow, good night and see ya tomorrow!

How's it going? Hope everything is okay and each of you spent nice weekend.
Oops, US hasn't even finished the weekend, huh.

Anyhow.

1st night spent at new apartment. Was okay. Not much occurrence. Hehehe.
All boxes are finally unpacked.
Not perfectly organized. Though, things are handy around me now.

Good enough!

Late afternoon, I went outside. Under very hot weather.



Now I have to walk this road every morning for work and study…
I have to get sweat so much while walking because of the location of the apartment.
Not so close to any BTS station.

Oh boy… this is very discouraging… indeed.

Went to nearby shopping mall called Emporium. First visit. Very luxurious place. Everything was expensive.

Went in to the Cartier shop for asking of the leather band for my watch.
No stock in Thailand.

"Please buy when visiting either Singapore or Hong Kong."

I was literally told that by shop clerk. Really? Really!
Interesting way of doing the businesses here.
SIngapore or Hong Kong… they are another countries!

Probably for Thai people, it is common to say so??? That easy to get those places??? Hmmm.

Okay, adjourned!
See you tomorrow, folks!

Weekend in Japan is NOW HERE!!!
I waited MoonFlower to be back home from school where she learns baking.

It was about 2pm… late for lunch. So we rushed.



Restaurant called "NEGISHI" - famous chain for beef and chicken.
I love this place! A bit expensive, but perfect place for a nice lunch.
MF didn't mind me picking this up. Hahaha.

After such satisfactory food, we went to part near Kinshicho to see some cherry blossoms.
This weekend is the time for seeing them for sure.



Look! So beautiful!





Bunch of people came out with something to eat… so-called "Hanami."
(literally, flower watching - meaning people do have some drinks under cherry blossoms every spring).



We just walked though the park and really appreciated the beauty of the nature.
Am so glad that I didn't miss this - nicely planned to be back in Japan! Hahaha.

Then checked some stuff in nearby department store - Marui.
Bought some stuff for myself… though no major ones.

For supper, it was MoonFlower's turn to choose.
She wanted to go to "Aida" where we used to go to.
That restaurant is located near the place I used to live right before getting married.

She and I used to go there quite sometime.
Since having moved to the other side of town, not much chance to.
We decided to take a long walk tonight!



Aida is yakitori place.
Good food as always is.





Side menu not much changed. Hahaha.



Man, ate too much! Both of us! Hahaha.
Was perfect day and night… cannot complain too much.
Agree?

One last dinner with MoonFlower and mother-in-law tonight.
They came by my apartment for some purpose… hahaha.
Entire living environment is checked out by them!

One last fun to do in Bangkok with them is… going to fancy dinner!
We did! Literally, fancy one.

The restaurant located on the 65th floor - the top of building, looking down the BKK.



Cool, huh!





Night view was awesome, too!



Let's not forget… food was SUPER DUPER expensive but SO DELICIOUS!
Costed more than anything else on this trip…
More than I usually pay in Japan!!!

Though, worth it for sure. You should try!

Restaurant is called "Mezza Luna" - the Half Moon.
Great chef and good service for sure.

Today's agenda… traveling to Ayutthaya!!!











Then, MoonFlower and I decided to ride an elephant!
It was heck of experience for sure.

Have never ridden on elephant? Come to Thailand!!!

Became really tourist today!
Went to Kanchanaburi and Erawan Water Fall.





Can you see a train still on track (coming or going?)



Ogakijin with Tendence watch on right wrist.
Why right? I know, used to be left.



Erawan Water Fall



Good shot, isn't it?

Fun day it really was!

Tableware Festival was toad's final destination for both of us, MoonFlower and I.
Last year, we went there… this year, too!















Testing for 1,000 yen (13 dollars).
Could choose the glass I want and I drank a glass of Champagne.



My choice was this. Lobmeyr's Champagne glass.
MoonFlower and I ended up buying a pair of those glasses for home.

Good discount given upon our purchase. Great deal!



Dinner was at home. Opened a bottle of wine.
Red one.







Variety of cheese came along with wine. Great selection.
I slowly kept the pace… between cheese and wine.



Other dish, too.



Chicken was the main dish tonight. Good food.
Good dinner lasted long… MoonFlower and I sat at the dinner table and talked to each other for hours.
It was quite late… when finished. It was almost 2am after family festivity.

Report about the shopping made for myself in Bangkok…
Thai silk product for me. Blue… was my choice.
It was 50% off… "MUST BUY."





How do I look?
Since yesterday's haircut, my hair is now short version. Hahaha.

MoonFlower and I went to Kameido for prayer for the 1st time in this year.



You can see new Tokyo's symbol - Tokyo Sky Tree.
The highest TV tower in the world!



Kameido Tenjin Shrine was the destination.
Prayed for health, work, and peace for family...



Fortune teller was not that bad… much better than one in 2011!!!
This is really good news!

Dessert at famous Funabashi-ya for Japanese sweet.





"Kuzu-mochi." Perfect company with Japanese tea. Loved them!

Well, the weekend is already over… one last week in Japan… am expected to be busy… will see how it all would go for me.

Study hard and play hard… right?
Good phrase. Perfect for me at least today!





Mos Burger was the place for me to have lunch and study before "roong-rian" or school.



Taste like real Japan's Mos Burger - Teriyaki Chicken.
129 Baht for the set.

Surely attended a class for 1 hour and a half. Learned a lot.
Lots of Thai words studied for this week. I need to review all those… for memorizing!



Sirocco Restaurant… with great view!
This is one of the restaurants that I want to check out.
It will be a great night view… don't you think?



Checked another restaurant downstairs.



Another great view is here.



See?



So the question is… who in the world would I bring with me??? (BANG!)



No word… just have a look!



Also checked out Shangri-La Hotel.
Great facility and service! Super high price as well.



River-side… must be nice!



Lots of Europeans there.



Still thinking who to be the best company of mine… Hahaha.



Foot massage!



Good service provided. I may go back soon.



Very expensive dish in Japan… much much reasonable in Bangkok...



It was shirk fin!!!
Ate a lot!

Finally, came to a bar.



Actually, pub.



Very modern interior. Not bad, huh!



Took a seat at riverside. Pretty cool and nice breeze!
Man, I really have to get a good company to enjoy myself at such place like this! Hahaha.

Bangkok…. such a wonderful place it is!
I'd better lean this language quickly! (rew rew = fast / quickly)

Had a lunch at nearby cafe and on the way back to the office… came to this scene.



It was a bit late for me to take the camera out to shoot… They seemed to be some models because there were more than several professional-like photographers taking pictures of those gals.

See it was LATE… they finished the posing, already!

Though, the background of this photo is nothing really interesting… why that place? Hmmm.
I wish I could speak Thai language.

Come to think of it… I am (more than seriously) considering to take some Thai language lessons.
Not cheap… but I think it is worth doing so. Don't you think? Will see.