Sunday, March 25, 2007

Dragons:

I went to a Japanese professional baseball game today. The Chunichi Dragons vs. the Bay Stars. Score was 5-0 and the Dragons won.

It was a good game and VERY interesting compared to the major league in the United States. A few things I found to be different.

- Japanese fans continue to cheer during the while game. It sounded like there were basically 3 songs or cheers they did. I couldn't`t believe it was during the whole game. In the United States usually its quiet until a big play happens. However, there are songs and cheers we do as well. But its not every minute of the game.... So maybe tonight I am going to still hear these cheers during my sleep.

- Americans drink more beer at baseball games. I saw a lot of beer. BUT the drinks in the US are bigger and it seems people at games in the US drink a lot more beer....hehe.

- The Nagoya dome was really clean!! The last major league game I went to was the New York Yankees last year in August. People eat a lot of peanuts at games in the US. The floor is usually dirty with peanut shells and beer.

- Between innings there really wasn`t a lot going on at the game today. Usually in the US between innings there are songs for the fans and quick competitions for fans on the field. Its fun to watch. But today at Nagoya it was basically just baseball. So while the fans at Nagoya cheer and cheer for their team... I feel that the fans in the US are being more entertained by different things.

Anyway, it was fun and I had a good time. I guess I will go again when I get a chance. I like watching sports. Any sports is almost good for me. I like to watch anything with a ball...hehe.

Well its Sunday night. I do not want to go to work tomorrow. But life goes on. I have to just hang in there. I guess many people feel the same way on Sunday nights...

Good night,

Monday, March 12, 2007

Well well well......

Well its Monday night. Glad to have this day over. Not to bad of a day. Just a little long. I think I am finally getting used to this schedule and starting to understand a little about exactly what I am supposed to be doing here. Its been kind of a rough few weeks. Starting any new responsibility at any new office is tough. Funny thing is that its the same company but the atmosphere at this office is very different than my office in the United States. But I think there are very good things and not so good things about both offices.

Today I had oden for lunch. Its been a long time since I had oden. When I lived in Otaru I used to have oden all the time. It was so good. I decided thats what I will have tomorrow too...hehe... and of coarse a diet coke and some chocolate. No day is complete without chocolate.

Well the day is over... ahhh... time to relax. I would love to have the ball in the video above in my office. I wonder if anyone would notice.... This video is from my favorite tv show called "The Office". I miss that show but will try to watch it online or at least get the DVDs while I am here in Japan. If you have a chance you should check it out. Its a little different than the average tv drama but very interesting. Especially if you work in an office!!

Sunday, March 04, 2007

I know its only March but yesterday was Christmas for me and the NTT guy who came to my house to set up my internet was just like Santa Clause. Its been forever!!! I can`t believe how long it took. I have tried to keep up with emails from my cell phone and work internet. But its been impossible.

I have been here in Nagoya for a little over 3 weeks now. My job has been killing me and the business Japanese is really really stressing my out. So I have picked up the books again and decided I needed to take another step up with my Japanese as quick as possible. I am surprised how little English many of my contacts here speak. Even though we all work in a global environment they speak little or very poor English and basically want me to speak Japanese. That is fine. I mean this is Japan so its my responsibility. But when they call the US or Europe its their responsibility. I am just surprised at the low level of English from many people who spend half of their time speaking to people other than Japanese. But its difficult. I completely understand. The hours are killing me too. I think I am basically used to this schedule now. But the first couple of weeks killed me. Some people in my office would just live there all day and night if they could. I think they really want to go home at a good time the office culture and politics puts pressure on them to stay. I saw this at Sumitomo when I worked there. It sucks!

Anyway, I guess I am used it all this now and my schedule isn`t too bad. It could be worse. The food of coarse is good and Nagoya is warm compared to Utah. So thats good. All in all its been good and busy. The last 3 weeks I had to go shopping for furniture, shopping for a car, shopping for things for my house like TV, fridge, computer, sofa, table, heaters, bed, and all these things that are needed to at least be comfortable. So I am finally feeling comfortable now and ready to really settle in and learn as much as I can for the next few years.

Well its Sunday night. The worst time of the week for me. But I got to watch K-1 so my night is complete. I was happy to watch that. Its been a long time.