今年もあと１日。

今年もあと１日ですね。日本はすでに大晦日。昨日は家に戻ってきたのが１１時頃だったので、今朝は８時頃までゴロゴロ。９時には起きて家を掃除して、年末の買い出しに行きました。早目にと思ってお昼前に日系のスーパーに行ったのですが、駐車場はめちゃ混み！？！あらためて混んでる所は嫌いだ・・・と思いました。

I can't believe there is just one more day to go for 2007. Since I got home late last night... I slept in until 8am and I got up and start cleaning the house. We had to do some grocery shopping since we were out of town for a while and the Japanese Super Market was packed!?! I tried to make the shopping as quickly as I can which did not make my wife happy....I think I had enough of waiting in cashier line for Christmas Shopping.

夜は寒いのでお家で蟹すき鍋。子供が居るのでカウンターで立ち喰いスタイル。最近流行りとはいえ、やっぱり座って食べる方が落ち着きますね。ではでは、日本に居る皆さん、良い年を迎えて下さい！！今年も一年間応援有り難うございました！！

Just had dinner at home. We had Crab ShabuX2 for dinner. It was pretty good although we had to leave the pot on the counter and eat standing since we were afraid that our son my touch the hot pot. The food was still great and I am looking forward to tomorrow's new year eve!!

無事に帰宅

さっき無事に帰宅しました。今日はスクール最終日。自分が講師をしていたクラスは無事に終了していたのですが、違うカリキュラムを行っていたクラスでちょっとしたアクシデントがあり、スクールが終わってから長いミーティング。早く帰れると思ったのに残念・・・。けっきょくLAに戻ってきたのは１０時。妻＆息子を連れててそのまま韓国料理店に行き夕飯を食べてさっき帰ってきました。めちゃ疲れました。今年もあとちょっとですね・・・。

Just got home...I thought we were going to have an early day today but unfortunately there was a minor incident on other class and all the instructor had to stay extra 20min for a quick meeting. I was back in LA by 10pm, but my wife and I decided to eat in K-Town since we didn't have the energy to cook and I finally just got home. It was a long day...happy to be home though! There is two more day for 2007...I can't believe the year is ending!?!

スクール２日目

今日はスクール２日目。今朝も６時起き。天気予報では雨の予定でしたが、とりあえず雨も降る事もなく順調にスクールも終了。相変わらず寒いですが・・・。明日で家族の小旅行も終了。息子と妻は水族館に行ったみたいで、自分も行きたかったな・・・。とりあえず、明日は仕事納めって感じです。気合いを入れて仕事をしてきます！！

2nd day working at the school today. I got up at 6am as usual and was at the track by 7am. The forecast was rain but fortunately it was dry all day. It was still cold out there though... Tomorrow will be the last day and I will be driving home with my family, It would be the last day at work for me this year so I am looking forward to it. I wished if I could have joined my wife and son at the aquarium today but seems like they enjoyed their time there.

スクール初日

今日はスクール初日。朝起きたらメチャ寒っ！！サーキットに着いたら氷点下だったので、ビックリ！？！天気が良かったのが唯一の救いですが、明日は雨みたいでちょっとブルー。仕事は順調に終わり、これから妻と子供と夕食です。モントレー＆カーメルには可愛らしいレストランがたくさんあるので、食べに行くのが楽しみです。普段は一人でいけないので・・・。

It was the first day of the school today. I couldn't believe how cold it was this morning...it was freezing when I got to the track. At least the weather was nice and it was good day at work although it's supposed to rain tomorrow which I am not looking forward to at all!?! I just got done with work and just about to go to dinner with my family. There are quite of few great restaurants here in town and I am enjoying the time with my family. Usually I don't eat at good restaurants when I'm here working by my self so at least I get to enjoy my private time here in Monterey with my family!!

小旅行

今日は午前１０時に家を出発して先程モントレーに到着。明日から自分はスキップバーバーでのお仕事がありますが、家族を一緒に連れてきて子供と妻はモントレー＆カーメルエリアで小旅行。自分も日中は一緒に水族館に連れて行きたいのですが、自分はしっかりお仕事。が、普段は一人でするロングドライブも家族が一緒だったのでぜんぜん苦痛ではありませんでした。しかも、途中でメチャメチャ吹雪いてビックリ！！今日は無事に到着できて何よりって感じですかね！？！

I left the house at about 10am today to get to Monterey. I will be working for the next 3days, by decided to take my family up there so they can spend some time in Monterey and Carmel. I wished if I can join them at the aquarium...but I will have to work all three days. Nevertheless, they kept me a companied for the boring long hour drive today. At one point, it started to snow really hard and got me worried for a second. Well, it's good to be here and I'm sure we will enjoy it here for the next 3days!!

ついにiPhoneゲット！

ちょっと遅らせながら、ついにプレゼントでiPhoneをゲット！前から欲しかったので、めちゃ嬉しいです。以前使っていた携帯もしっかりと使い切ったって感じなので！！この電話は大事に使わないと。落としたらすぐに壊れそうだから・・・。

I finally got the iPhone for my Christmas Present! I have wanted to get this phone for a while...and I was just waiting to use up my old phone which was just about to break. I really need to take care of this iPhone since I don't think it's durably especially if I drop it every week like I used to with my old phone....

しかし、時代は進化しますね〜！！このiPhoneはメチャ使いやすいし、機能はシンプルでルックスも良くてお薦めです。日本ではまだ発売されてないみたいですが、発売したら売れそうです。

I must say that this phone is really sweet! It's easy to use and it has everything you need from a phone!! I don't think iPhone is not out yet in Japan so it will certainly be a show off product when I get back there after the new year.

メリークリスマス

今日はクリスマス・イブ。日本ではクリスマス（とくにイブ）は盛り上がりますが、こちらでは完全に家族とマッタリ過ごすと言う感じなので、街はかなり静かです。こっちのクリスマスは日本で言う年越しみたいな感じですね。

I can't believe it's already Christmas Eve. This year went by so fast...and I am not sure if I am ready to celebrate. Well...unlike being in Japan, I like the Christmas here in US because it is more quite. For some reason, Christmas in Japan is a huge function for the couples...and it really is a pain in the rear to arrange the restaurant reservation and etc.

明日になると町中は休みになってしまうので、今日中にスーパーやターゲットで買い物。クリスマスショッパーでかなり混雑してましたが、道がすいてたのが唯一のすくいです。今夜は妻と息子と３人で家出食事をしてユックリと過ごしま〜す！メリクリ！！

I was out today finishing the last minute shopping. Obviously the store was busy but at least there was no traffic getting to places. Tonight I will be having a dinner with my wife and son at home. It should be a quite and peaceful dinner...may be not with my son though!?!

フライドターキー

昨晩は以前ルームメートをしていたカズさんの家でクリスマスパーティーがあったので、親子＆ピットも参加。大勢の人がきてわいわいがやがや！プレゼント交換もして楽しい夜でした！皆がちょっとずつ食事＆ドリンクを持ち込み食べて飲んで騒ぎまくりです。

I went out last nigh for a Christmas Party at my friend's house who used to be my room mate. A lot of people came to the party and I had a great time there. We all brought some food and drinks and were there past midnight.

夕飯のメインディッシュはフライドターキー。ターキーは普通ThanksGivingDayに食べるのですが、今年は友達で集まって食べれなかったのであえて、クリスマスに食べました。普通はオーブン焼きなのですが、素揚げの方がターキーのパサパサ感がなくてメチャ美味しいです！！かなり大きい鍋が必要ですが、実際には４０分でやけるし特に味付けの必要はないので、ある意味オーブン焼きよりも楽かも。ぜひトライしてみて下さい。

The main dish for the night was Fried Turkey. It is kind of odd to have turkey for Christmas...but we figured Turkey would be the best to feed more people. Normally, Turkey is cooked in the oven but we have tried the Fried Turkey last year and it tasted so good that we opted to do that again. It will take a large pot to deep fry the turkey...but it certainly is worth it. It's actually easier to fry the turkey since you just have to drop the bird in the oil and done with it in 40 min!! For those of you who never had Fried Turkey...it's definitely worth a try!

自家製ピザ

今日は妻が美容院に行くので、自分は子供のお守り。妻はカット＆カラーをすると４時間コースなので、今日は家で子供と一緒に遊ぶ事にしました。が、一人でいるとお腹がすいてもランチを作る事ができないので大変・・・。子供が寝てすきに、昨日の夜の前菜で妻が作ったピザの生地の残りを使って、手作りピザを作りました！！

Since my wife was getting her hair done today at the beauty salon...which usually takes her about 4hr for her hair cut and color... I decided to stay home with my son. I was getting hungry before lunch but I had to wait until my son was at sleep. He decided to take his routine nap at 12pm...so I was at work in the Kitchen making pizza from the left over dough that my wife made last night.

けっこう奇麗に円く＆薄くするの大変なんですよね・・・。オーブンで約より石釜で焼いた方がやっぱり美味しい気がしますが、自家製として考えれば上出来！トマトソース、モッツァレラチーズ、にバジルをたっぷり入れて食べちゃいました！！美味っ〜〜！！

It certainly is really difficult to make the dough completely round and thin like the Italian Pizza...but I think I did a pretty good job. Well, at least the oven did!?! I put tomato sauce, Mozzarella, and basil to make it simple Margherita Pizza. I must say that it turned out pretty good!!

クリスマス休み

今日はクリスマス休みに入り前の最後の金曜日。街は既にクリスマスモードで家の近所のビジネス街はなんだか殺風景。自分は休みに入る前に色々とPCで仕事を終わらせたり、デスクの整理。

Since it was the last day before the Christmas Week End...the office building around my apt was pretty quite. I figured most people were rushing into store trying to do the last minute Christmas Shopping. I was at home making sure getting all the work done, and cleaned up my computer desk.

明日は妻が美容院に行くので自分は息子のお守りです。夜は友達の家にパーティーに行くので少し楽しみ！！ではでは、皆さんも良い週末を！！

Tomorrow, I am going to be baby sitting my son all day since my wife is going to beauty salon. I guess she needs some time for her...and I am actual thinking to go somewhere with my son. I am embarrassed to say that I have never been out just with my son so tomorrow would be a good day to do so. We also are going to a party at my friend's house which I am really looking forward to!!

大掃除

今日は家の大掃除をしました。一年分の汚れをしっかりとらないと・・・。クリスマス後はSkipBarberの仕事でまたモントレーに行かなくてはいけないので、今日のうちにやっておこうと思って。やはり部屋が奇麗になるとすっきりしますね！！これで、しっかりと年明けを迎えれます！！

I spent all morning cleaning the house today. It's a Japanese tradition to dust off your house before the new year, and since I will be going to Monterey after Christmas...I decided to get it done today. It certainly feels great when the house is clean and I hope to stay this way!?! Well...may be not so long with my son making a mess everywhere!?!

仕事が終わってからはお仕事。ん〜週末前に終わらせたい物がたくさんあるので、かなりドタバタです。クリスマスが楽しみだな〜〜！？！

After getting the house clean, I spent the whole day in front of my computer getting a lot of work done. Tomorrow will be the final day before the holidays and will definitely need to get things done before that!!

Crocs

今日は午前中はお家で記事を書き、お昼直前にサンタモニカで妻とクリスマスショッピング。息子にはベビーシートを購入して、妻は洋服をちょこちょこゲット。自分はいまさら・・・ですが、部屋用にクロックスをゲットしました！冬バージョンで中の素材は温くていい感じです！！

Woke up early again so I decided to write the article that I needed to get done by the 25th. Than went to Christmas Shopping with my wife to Santa Monica. Since I have already bought a preset for Leica, my wife wanted to get some cloth and I wanted to get a pair of Crocs. I found a pair that would be perfect for my in house needs!!

しかし、街は完璧にクリスマス気分ですね〜。皆もショッピングに必死。自分は今年は節約モードなのでおとなしくしてま〜す・・・。（泣）

Well...just couple of days away from Christmas, people are definitely trying to rush in to the store to get the last minute shopping done. Since I am in the saving mode this year...it certainly is not a fun time for me!?!

今日ゲットしたCrocsです。
The Crocs I bought today...

久しぶりに登場のピット君です！
Pit was not happy about the rain since he couldn't go to the park today...

ランエボ VS STI

今日はRoad&Trackのお仕事で、LA郊外にあるWillowSpringsRacewayでMITSUBISHIランエボVSスバルインプレッサSTIの走行をしてきました！ランエボは先週サーキットで乗ったのですが、STIはどんな走りをするのが楽しみでした。結果は雑誌が発売されるまで言えませんが、どっちも良い車です。個人的にはランエボのSSTのギヤはかなりお気に入りです！！

I was out at Willow Springs today working for Road & Track magazine. We were testing the new Mitsubishi Lance Evo and the Subaru Impreza STI. I had a chance to drive the Evo on track last week but I was looking forward to see how the STI would do against the Evo on track. I can't say and write much until the Road & Track issue is out...but I can definitely say that the new Evo's SST gearbox is fantastic!! They are both sweet cars!!

帰ってきたらもう１０時近く・・・。まだ仕事がいっぱいあるのに。しかも懐が寒い中、明日は妻とクリスマスショッピングにいかないと・・・。

I just got home and it is already 10pm... I have lot to get done...and apparently I have to do some last minute Christmas shopping with my wife...which I am not looking forward to at all!?!

年末に向けてラストスパート

いよいよ年末ですね〜！週末はユックリできた事だし、仕事を全力疾走で頑張らないと！！ここ数週間は色々と頑張ったかいがあって、話はだいぶ進んでます。やはり今週の金曜までに具体化しないと、もうクリスマスになってしまいますからね・・・。年末までに記事も何個か書かないといけないし。

I can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner. I was able to relax during the week end and now it is time to work flat out before the holidays! Things are definitely moving forward and I am hoping to have some ideas by this week end for the program for next season. I am keeping my finger crossed.... I also have to write up couple of articles from the car road test so that will also keep me busy!!

明日はWillowSpringsに行ってRoad&Trackの試乗テストでSubaru Impreza STI VS MitsubishiエボⅩです！サーキット走行で真っ向対決！ちょっと楽しみです。

Tomorrow, I will be out at Willow Springs Raceway to do a test on Subaru Impreza STI VS Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. I am really looking forward and definitely any kind of track time is important for me during the off season to keep me sharp!!

体調回復

昨日からの風邪はだいぶ良くなりましたが、今日は安静の為に家でおとなしくしてました・・・。妻と息子は友人の家に遊びに行ったので、自分は一人でピットとのびのび。子供が産まれてから家はずっと騒がしかったのに、なんだか変な感じです。

Trying to recover from the cold...I stayed quite today at home. Since my wife and my son was out visiting friend's, I had the house all by my self...well actually with Pit. Since my son was born, the house was always noisy...but it certainly was peaceful today.

さてさて、クリスマスまであと２週間。来週はラストスパートって感じで気合いをいれて頑張らないと！！

Well...I rested well and I will need to really get on it this week trying to get a lot of work done before Christmas!!

風邪だ〜。

今日はお昼過ぎから体調が絶不調。仕事の方が一段落した所でついに、気が抜けて風邪をひいったっぽいです・・・。喉も痛くて身体もしびれる・・・。今夜と明日はユックリ寝る事にしときます。

I am not feeling so well today. After being able to get a lot of work done this past week, I will finally be able to get some good rest this week end, but seems like I caught a cold. Well, if anything it may be a good time to get the cold out of the way since I will have a lot more things happening before Christmas!!

インプSTI&S2000CRを試乗

今日ももの凄く忙しい一日でした。朝一で来年のスポンサーシップの件に関してのミーティング。５００歩くらい進んだ気がするので少しは一安心。方向性は見えてきたのであと一息です。

Another real busy day for me... Got up really early and had a early morning meeting for next year's sponsorship program. I think I was able to make a big stride today and I am very happy with everything. We certainly have more work to do...but at least I feel that we have got the platform covered to get our work done!!

１０時頃はニューポートビーチに行き、スバルインプレッサSTIを試乗とHONDAS2000CRを試乗＆撮影。色々とやっていたらあっと言う間に夕方になってしまい、一日も終わってしまいました。話が落ち着いてきて少しは安心しできますが、最近はジムにろくにいけてなくてイライラ・・・。明日は絶対に行ってやる！！

At 10am, I was at Newport Beach doing the test drive for the Subaru Impreza STI and the Honda S2000CR. It turned out to be a longer day than I thought...and I just came home. I am pretty frustrated not being able to get to the gym the last two days since I was really busy...but I definitely need to get back to my regular training regime starting tomorrow...especially if I want to celebrate during the holiday season!?!

忙しい〜。

今日は早目に起床。動画を撮る仕事があったので、朝一で髪の毛をカットに行ってきました。かなりのびててイメージ的にも良くないと思ったので、短くしてサッパリ！何時もと同じショートカットですが。

Got up early this morning since I wanted get my hair cut done before taping a 20sec comment video that I needed to get done. I was getting frustrated with my funky hair...and it wasn't looking professional so it was time for a hair cut!!I had my usual cut done but I certainly didn't pick the right day for it because it is really chilly today and short hair doesn't help the situation...

お昼過ぎには撮影現場に行って、凡そ２０秒のコメントを日本語＆英語で撮影。帰ってきてからは色々と溜まっているお仕事。スポンサーとの交渉に関しては順調。しか〜し、日本からの以来で色々と頼まれてる商品の取引のトラブルがあって大変。いい事があったり、悪い事があったり・・・。が、何よりも本業のレースの話が前向きなので何よりです！！

After lunch, I went out to film the 20sec comment in English and Japanese. I had to do several re-takes but I am so glad that I am not an actor. Everything is going well in regards to the sponsor negotiations for next season, but had some small issues that I had to take care of in regards to other business that I am consulting for. For me, main thing is to make sure that racing part is going well and so far everything is moving forward as planned!! I think it's matter of time to be able to have all the deals squared out and being focused 100% back to racing!!!

ようやく帰宅

本当は昨日の夜中に帰宅する予定が、昨日の天気が悪くてあまり良い写真が撮れなかったので今日は居残りで車の撮影。朝一で現場に行って、撮影をすませて９時にはフェニックスを出発。途中で一回給油して、LAまで直行。凡そ５時間のドライブでしたね。帰り際に一緒に同行したカメラマンをアメリカHONDAの本社にドロップ。金曜はHONDAS2000CRを試乗するので車をピックアップ。

I was supposed to get home last night, but since we couldn't get great pict of the car yesterday because of the rain, we decided to stay overnight and take more still shots of the car this morning. Luckily, the weather was great and our photographer was able to get what he needed. We left the sight at about 9am and headed home. Made a quick stop for fuel and was able to get back to LA with in 5hr. Not bad as a drive but would have been bad if I was alone!?! On the way home, I needed to drop off the Photographer at Honda US HQ to pick up a S2000CR for the test drive and shoot on Fri.

今日はやっと家に戻って来れたのでとりあえず、これから息子と遊んでリラックスです。が、仕事が山のようにたまってる・・・。来季の交渉もあるし、休み暇はないな。

Finally got home and I hope to have some time to relax and play with my son. Unfortunately, I have ton of work to catch up with and probably won't be able to get any rest tonight...

MITSUBISHIランサー・エボ

今日はフェニックス郊外にある、ファイヤーバードレースウェイで新型MITSUBISHIランサー・エボルーションの試乗会。朝一から車の説明を聞いてお昼前からサーキット走行。あいにく天気が悪く午後から雨は降ってしまいましたが、サーキット走行は無事に終了。想像していた以上にSSTと言われる6MTの２ペダルミッションの性能が良くてビックリ。本当は今日の夜に帰る予定が、午後は雨が降ってしまったので今夜は居残りで明日の朝一にまた車の撮影をして帰ります。ん〜早くお家に帰りたい・・・。

I was at the media preview day at the Firebird Raceway just out side of Phoenix today for the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The day started early and we got the details of the car info in the morning...and off to track by 10am. The new Evo was certainly impressive especially with the new SST transmission that they came out with which is a 2 pedal 6MT. I was supposed to go home tonight...but since the weather was not so cooperative this morning, we will have to stay another night for more photo shoot tomorrow morning. I am really looking forward to getting home tomorrow.

フェニックスに到着

今日は午前中は銀行に行ったり、色々とドタバタ。お昼前にフェニックスに向けて出発。夕食会に間に合わなくてはいけなかったので、ちょっと飛ばしてフェニックスに到着。５時間半のドライブだったのでボチボチ。

Pretty busy day today. Before heading to Phoenix for the Mitsubishi Evo media day, I had to do some running around to the bank and etc...Since I was a bit behind for the dinner, so I had to make it out to Phoenix with in 5hr...which I successful did.

今回はMITSUBISHIのランサー・エボの試乗会できてるので泊まりはScottsdaleにあるValley Ho Hotel。ちょっとはやりのブティックのホテルに滞在。超高級モーテルって感じで個人的に嫌いではないです。が、さっき皆と飲んでてルームサービスでシャンパンを頼んだら“２０分以内で宅配します”って自信を持って言われてなんだかビックリ！？！ピザ屋じゃないんだからダッシュで持ってきてよ〜〜〜ってねごっちゃいました・・・！？！（笑）

Since I am here for the Mitsubishi Lance Evo preview, I am staying at the Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale. It is an old school boutique motel...kind of like The Standard in LA. Not bad as a room but I was really surprised when I called for room service...they told me it will take up to 20min for a bottle of Champaign. Well...I don't have anything to celebrate about, but it' still funny when the service guys give you a time reference kind of like the pizza delivery man...!?!

明日からフェニックス

今日は日曜日。明日からフェニックスに行ってMITSUBISHIランサー・エボの試乗会があります。ずっと前から乗ってみたかったのでちょっと楽しみです。一昨日から少し風邪気味の息子から移されたのか自分もちょっと喉が痛くてだるい・・・。ん〜ここは気合いで乗り越えないとな〜〜！！ではでは、明日からも頑張るぞ〜！！

Nothing exiting today since it was Sun. I will have to go to Phoenix tomorrow for media day of the New Mitsubishi Lancer Evo which I am looking forward to drive. I have heard great thing about the car especially the gearbox. Other than that, I tried to stay quite today as my son was trying to recover from his cold...I think he managed to pass it on to me.... Well I better get better for tomorrow since I will have a 6hr drive to AZ.

子供が風邪気味

なんだかLAはここ２日間でメチャ寒っ。って言っても日本程ではないと思いますが・・・。息子は鼻水をたらして、少し風邪気味っぽいので午前中は子供の看病。あっと言う間に午後になってしまい、子供が寝てる間にジムでトレーニング。今日はみっちり走り込んできました！自分も少し風邪気味かな・・・って弱気モードに入ってしまったので気合いを入れ直したら体調は絶好調！！

It's been pretty cold last two days here in LA. I'm sure it's colder in Japan or places in Mid-West...but this is all I can handle!?! My son is sneezing and have runny nose so I went to the pharmacy this morning to get him some medicine. I spent majority of the AM with my son since he was not happy with the runny nose.... Well once he finally got to nap for couple of hours, I went running for 1hr to catch up with my training as well. I was almost not feeling so well either...but after 1hr run, I think I fought off all the cold that was just about to hit me!?!

同時に昨日のミーティング内容を色々とまとめてグッヅ関連に関しても早めに話を進行できる様に動いたりしたらあっと言う間に一日が終わってしまいました。なんとか２０日前後までに色々と決めて行かないと、年末になるとなかなか話が進まなくなってしまいますからね。ではでは、皆さん良い週末を！！

Well...in the afternoon, I reviewed all the e-mails and stuffs for next season's merchandise plan. Thinking about time line and trying to back track everything...I will definitely need to have a good idea by sometime next week and have things pretty much locked up by the 20th since once we go past that, everything will slow down for the Holidays. I am finally done working today and I hope to enjoy my rest of the week end!!

スポンサーと交渉

今日は朝からミーティング。来季の話がいよいよ具体化してきたのでグッヅ制作などに関してミーティングをしていたらあっと言う間に午後になってしまいました。同時に来季に向けてのスポンサーと交渉している所から連絡が入りかなり大忙し。茂木の話も具体化してきたなか、こういう時に限って色んな所から興味のある話が舞い込んでくるので人生って不思議ですよね・・・。が、メインは１カ所としか契約できないので、今まで話を続けてきた会社との交渉を続行。早く話が決まるといいな〜と思いつつ、グッヅ選びも集中できない・・！？！しかし、作るならイケてるグッヅを作るぞと気合いをいれなおして、夕方までミーティング。

It was a real busy day with various meeting through out the day. I had to meet up to discuss about the merchandising items for next year and I really think we are going to have great line up. I can't wait to see the actual sample. Meanwhile, I received a call from a prospect sponsor for next year who is interested to joining our program. I must say life is weird since finding a sponsor is kind of like when you are searching for a "girlfriend".You can never find one that you are looking for when you are single...but than you come across many opportunity when you are locked in with someone else....life is a challenge!?! The good news is, there are interests out there and I have to maximize this opportunity since you don't get many chances like this!!

これからジムに行ってランニングです！！いや〜今日は忙しい・・・。

Well...I've got to hit the gym now while my kid is at sleep!!

サミ〜

今日のLAはなんだか寒い一日でした。午前中はジムに行ってみっちりトレーニング。この数日間は原稿の記事だったり来季の交渉でなんだかちゃんとトレーニングをできてなかったので、今日はがっちりやっときました！夕方は家でお仕事。今週末は家にいれますが、来週の月曜はフェニックスに移動して、火曜日に試乗会。試乗してその日の夕方に原稿を書かなくてはいけないので、心の準備をしておかないと！？！ん〜早くレースする事だけを考える生活に戻りたいな・・・！？！

It was a pretty cold day here in LA. I guess it's supposed to rain tomorrow... Since I haven't had time to do proper training past couple of days with overloaded work writing car impression article as well as trying to get all the deals done for next year, I spent quality time at the gym today. I still had to get home and work on couple of things in the afternoon since I will be out of town again next week heading to Phoenix. I will be test driving the new Lancer Evo which I am looking forward to...but I will have to write up an article that night which means I better be ready for that!! Things are definitely moving forward but I really hope I can get to a stage where I am focused on just racing rather than trying to figure out the numbers to go racing....

子供のイタズラ

今日は一日中お家でお仕事。一生懸命に集中して仕事をしようとするのですが、息子のいたずらが凄くて、５分おきに中断・・・。これじゃ〜仕事が進まないって子供のせいにするのも良くはありませんが・・・。しかし、雑誌をグッシャX２にしたり、電気のコードをいじったり、危なくて目が離せません。最近はイタズラがもの凄くエスカレートした気がして本当に大変です。ま〜自分が出張で出かけてる時に、妻が子供と二人きりになる時の大変さを実感する一日でした！？！

Was at home all day getting some work done. I am trying to focus getting all the articles done...but my son will come in to my room every five minutes and make a disaster throwing the magazines everywhere and playing with the electronic cords... Obviously I can't take my eyes off from him so I can't get any work done, and need to make most out of the 1hr nap time he usually gets every 3hr. Well...I can't blame my son for not getting all the work done, but it definitely made me realize how tough it was for my wife to be home just with him when I am out of town!?! I certainly need to appreciate more for my wife's support...

HONDAアコードを試乗

日曜日に突然HONDAアコードの記事の以来があったので、今日はトーランスに行きアコードのセダンとクーペを借りて試乗。２週間前にセダンの３．５Lを乗ったのですが、一応２．４Lとクーペも試乗したかったので、突然のお願いに応えてくれて米HONDA広報部に感謝です。やっぱり記事はしっかり乗ってみないと実際に書こうと思うとなかなか書く事が頭に浮かびませんからね。ただでさえ、最近はボキャブラが減ってますから・・・。（笑）

Since I got a request to write about the new Honda Accord, I went to test drive the new sedan as well as the coupe. I definitely liked the coupe especially with the 3.5l engine. Real nice car. I certainly appreciate the Honda guys for getting the car on such a short notice!! I think I will have more to write about now that I have driven all the Accord models.

家に戻ってきてからは来季の件に関して電話で打ち合わせ。色々とスポンサーとの話もかなり具体化してきて良いニュース！ちかい将来には発表できると思うので楽しみに待ってて下さいね！！そうそう、自分の中にはさらに驚きのニュース。まだ、しっかり立てませんが、今日抱っこから子供を降ろした時に数秒だけど自力で立ちました！歩き始めるのも時間の問題ですね！！

I got home and worked on things for next season. Had a great news from our prospect sponsor today and we are definitely moving forward with everything. I am hoping to be able to announce the deal in the very near future. I also have a big news today! Well...at least for me... My son was able to stand on his own for couple of seconds! Well...it will be a race between me putting the deals together or my son starting to walk!?!I hope I win..

クリスマスまで３週間

昨日はなんだか夜あまり寝れなくて、今日はちょっと寝不足・・・。しかし、最近は息子のイタズラが凄すぎて家を片付けてもすぐに散らかす・・・。なんなんでしょうね、子供の心理。とりあえずDVDとか出しまくって散らかすと満足そうに何処か違うものを探しに行く姿を見ると、怒りたくなるのですが可愛くてなんだか許しちゃいます。

Couldn't sleep well last night and my brain is not functioning well today. My son woke me up bright and early this morning...and I really would mind a nap now. My son is definitely turning in to a monster lately...and although he can't drive a race car yet...he is definitely driving me and my wife crazy already!?!

さてさて、今日は朝から色々と記事を書いたりのお仕事。最近は色々と書いてきたので少しは書き慣れてきたのかなと調子にのってるのも束の間でボキャブラーリーの少なさに最近は苦戦中・・・。が、来季のレース活動の件に関してのスポンサー活動の方面では前向きに進んでます。よく考えたらあと３週間でクリスマス。その前に話を決めないと！！

I got some work done this morning and had a quick meeting after lunch. I had to write some article in Japan and I feel like I'm getting in to the groove for writing in Japanese but at the same time I quickly found out that I am running out for the vocabulary that I can use...!?! The racing side is moving forward and we also got some good news from our prospect sponsors today. I can't believe it's 3weeks away till Christmas and that means I still need to work flat out to keep things moving forward!!

さむいなー

なんだか、最近は寒くて風邪引きそうです・・・。今日はなんだか忙しい一日でした。本当は今週中に１週間くらい日本に帰りたいなと思っていたのが、色んな仕事が増えてしまって難しそうです。（泣）でも、仕事が増えるのはいい事！来年の話も進めなくてはいけないので、今が執念場ですね！しかし、明日は車の記事を幾つか書かなくてはいけなさそうなので、また忙しくなりそうです。

It's getting cold out here...and I am not feeling too well. I was thinking about going back to Japan this week but unfortunately I will have to stay in US and get a lot of work done. I guess I can always go back there if I wanted so for now I should focus on getting the deal done for next year. The good news is...I am getting a lot of request to test drive a road car and write an article in Japanese Media.

Evil Knievel

昨日はアメリカでショッキングなニュースがありました。スタントマンとして世界的にも有名なイーブル・クニーブル氏が亡くなってしまいました・・・。ある意味アメリカンヒーローだったので、こっちではかなり大きなニュースになってます。ドキュメンタリー等をやってて、最後のジャンプをした後に引退を表明して、足の骨等を折ってるのにも関わらず、グランドスタンドに昇ってファンの声援に応えたいと言う映像を見た時は本当に感動しました！！自分もファンの皆さんの声援にしっかり応えれる様に頑張らないとって感じです。その為には早く話を決めないとって感じです！！

Bad news yesterday about the death of Evil Knievel. He certainly was an American Hero and he certainly showed a way of the meaning of "No Fear". I was watching his documentary today and I certainly was moved when he announced his retirement but still walking up to the grand stand with broken leg to see his fans cheering at him. That is a true Hero to me!! Rest in Peace...

コンピューターが・・・。

今朝はPCを開いて色々とピコピコしていたら突然、画面が真っ暗になりビックリ・・・。ACアダプターをつけてなかったのですが、バッテリーはそこそこ残ってたのにおかしいな・・・と恐れ恐れ電源を出して立ち上げたら何とかコンピューターは立ち上がり一安心。が、そんな事がありちょっとビビって色んなファイルのバックアップ。

Woke up in the morning and was online when the computer just went dark...I have no idea what happened and the battery was supposed to be good to operate...but I had a feeling if I connected the power cable it will turn back on. My guess was right and the computer is just working fine now...however, I went to back up all my file on .mac just in case if something happens in near future. Good to be safe than to regret later...

ここ数日間にあった色んなミーティングで来季の話は確実に前進してます。しかし、営業活動は常に１歩進んで２０歩下がるって感じなので、まだ安心はできません。とにかく早く話を決めて発表ができるといいなと思う今日この頃です。

Well, the good news is that we had several great meeting during last several days in regards to next year's program and I feel like we did take big couple of steps forward. Having said that, it's always 2steps forward and 3steps backwards...but at least we are moving along in the right direction! I just wished if I can get all this out of the way and focus on my training and getting ready to be back in the car again but with no surprise this is the worst part of being a race car driver....