May 2001:

Happy Birthday Ryan

Week 36: May 1 - 5

Well, we got back safe and sound from our Golden Week Trip. I'll be putting a synopsis online in a couple of days, as well as some photos. Yes, we had a great time.

My Distance Education course arrived on the 1st. I'm taking an accounting course now to make my next school term a little easier. Also I need something to occupy myself with on weekday evenings.

Yes, I know the website has been down for a couple of days. We've been having trouble since day one. I guess you get what you pay for (nothing).

Week 37: May 6 - 12

Not much interesting going on this week. I've been working on my Distance Ed course and hoping my boss will give me some work to do.

There's a company party planned for Friday night to welcome the new employees hired. They're right out of university and still haven't had their wills broken by the rat-race. It won't take long.

Week 38: May 12 - 19

Sunday was Ryan's birthday. We celebrated by taking him out to a yakiniku restaurant. We dined on various kinds of grilled animals and all-you-can-eat dessert. For a gift, we gave him a Japanese-style pyjama/robe set. He made the kind of face parents make when presented with a freshly made mud-pie from their 4 year-old. "Oh, thanks... No really, you shouldn't have".

Monday I went back to the hospital. I was told there had been no improvement since last week and to come back in 2 weeks. I was also told that since the break was so close to the joint, I may lose some ability in that finger. Swell.

Ok, typing up the Golden Week synopsis is taking a while, so I hope this will tide you all over until I get it done. Sorry, it's hard to type with a broken hand (fishing for sympathy). I'll have some great pics up soon too.

Well it's official: August 30, 2001 is my return date. I can't believe I only have 3 months left. Before I come home John, Guillaume and I are planning a trip to the mainland. Not sure where yet, maybe China or South Korea. Either way it will be an adventure.

OK, I know it's been a while since I've written. But honestly, I've been a little pressed for time. If you want proof, just look at this pie chart. As you can see, I'm a busy man. Nonetheless, I've been using a little of the proverbial "elbow grease" and updated some stuff on this site. Click here to see some photos from when Guillaume and I went to the Tokyo Game Show last month, ostensibly because we're interested in technology. I'm currently writing a detailed description of that trip, including the part where I was interviewed by a Tokyo television crew.

My birthday was on Sunday, and I'm now 23. I realized with a start the other day that when the 2008 Olympics occur, I'll be in my 30's... Anyway, what Chris didn't tell you about my "birthday pajamas" was that they're covered in pictures of Doraemon, the "Cat-Type Robot from the 22nd Century of the future." He (Doraemon) is allegedly Japan's most lovable cat-type robot.

I redid some parts of the website. If anything is broken let me know. Hope you like it. I even put some new springtime photos up for your viewing pleasure.

Saturday John, Ryan and I went to a BBQ with some fellow AISoft employees. We ate yakiniku and yakisoba. We also played soccer and tennis (I didn't play tennis because of my hand). It rained on and off all day, but we managed to have a good time anyway.

Week 39: May 20 - 26

Ok, it's up! Chris and Ryan's Golden Week Trip. Enjoy.

John and I decided to take advantage of a special JAS (Japan Air System) deal and take a trip in June. I know what you're thinking: "But Chris, didn't you just get back from a trip?" Well, technically, yes. But this is a really good deal. Our destination: Okinawa. For those of you who don't know, Okinawa is a small island halfway between Kyushu (southern main island of Japan) and Taiwan. It was the site of the only land battle of the Pacific War between the Japanese and the Americans. It also has tropical beaches and girls wearing bikinis. The trip is planned for June 21-25. Yes, I'll take lots of pictures.

I "borrowed" a scanner at A.I.Soft this week and scanned in some of my new photos, and also updated the Image Gallery. Usually we get Guillaume to do the scanning for us over at Epson, because he isn't man enough to say no, but this week my conscience got the better of me. Also, my French correspondence course just arrived from Waterloo and I want to stay on Guillaume's good side. (I'll probably need his help.)

It's been raining for three days straight now, and it's not even Rainy Season (slated for June 2001 in a South-East Asian country near you!) John and I met the new Canadian co-op. Hilory is a UW grad who's here for a year, replacing Miranda. We should be having a big party to welcome her soon. It looks like Paul is not getting replaced, I mean who can replace Paul?

Saturday we had a welcome dinner for Hilory. We forced her to eat strange raw Japanese foods like sashimi and basashi. Then off to karaoke, where I was told I had the voice of a young Freddie Mercury (but with better taste in women).

Week 40: May 27 - 31

Went to the hospital on Monday. The doctor told me I had to keep the splint on for another 3 weeks, and he would look at it again on the 18th of June. That's 3 days before my trip to Okinawa! The splint had better come off. I don't want to be at the beach, trying to snorkel with a plastic bag on my hand.