Out of it...

I watched the Academy Awards Monday night on TV. It was live on WOWOW Monday morning but I had to work. So no chance. I came home Monday night and found it would be on again. So I was happy to watch it. I can`t believe now how much I have missed as far as the movie scene in the US. I didn`t know any of the movies that were up for an award. It surprised me. Man!! Where have I been?? I guess Japan is really behind when it comes to a lot of movies. I think Japan pretty much gets the large blockbusters but not the average show I guess. Anyway, I was a little disappointed I didn`t know anything about the movies. So I have a lot of catching up to do when I get back to America.

I may go back to the U.S. in a couple weeks so I hope to see some. The problem is I may have to go with a Japanese colleague here. So that sucks because although I would go back to Utah and stay at my house, I would still have to baby sit him and take care of him. He is the type of guy that will just expect me to take care of him over the weekend. I have lots of family and friends and a few people I need to see during that time but I guess I will have to drag him along.... my ball and chain I guess!!

Lately I have been so frustrated at doing business here. I think now more than ever I am really understanding the different approaches Japanese and American`s take in business. It frustrates me to have to have so many long detailed discussions to solve a problem. American`s generally just do something and go from there. But here everything has to be drawn on a white board and discussed then get someone elses approval and discuss and then another persons approval and discuss before any action is taken. A 4 hour discussion would be over in 20 minutes in America. I am not saying thats wrong. I am only saying from my perspective as an American it frustrates me. Still I see a lot of merit in how business is approached here. Still it just frustrates me a little. But I guess when in Rome......

It snowed over the weekend here in Nagoya. I was really surprised to see the snow. Its the first time I have seen it snow here and it snowed all day. It gave me a good chance to just stay home, relax, and get caught up on some things. But wasn`t able to catch up on everything.

While it snowed all day Saturday, Sunday was sunny and by Sunday late afternoon it was almost all melted. So that was a quick winter..... Meanwhile, back home in Utah I hear they are having the winter from hell. I think this is the most snow they have had on record. I heard even some ski resorts had to close because of too much snow... Thats hard to believe but I guess its true. I picked a bad year to be here. I think skiing must be the best its ever been.

Anyway, once Feburary starts I am always getting ready for spring. I don`t really like the spring but like the warmer weather and being able to go outside without a coat. Especially after Valentines day. After Valentines I feel like winter is really over and spring is on its way. In another 4 weeks maybe the weather will be a little warmer and people will be a little brighter as well.... including me! But now its tax time and this year is a pain doing taxes from Japan. So once thats over I will really be ready for spring.

Deathbed...

I have been on my deathbed now for the past few days. I have been so sick. I guess I got the flu. I thought I was doing good but nope..... Anyway... finally today I am feeling a little better. I guess I was so busy last week and this week I never really had time to rest and get better.

Anyway... so I am really far behind on everything. My job, my emails, my work I do from home, my homepage, my life...hehe. Now I guess I get to try and start catching up. Man its been crazy!

So I watched some of the elections today on TV. Its getting interesting. I am kind of an Obama guy. People have been asking who I like. Well so far him. He is fresh and the US really needs some fresh air!! So we will see how it goes. But I like watching the election races. Today is super tuesday. I think someone on the republican side may take it. But the democrates are still up in the air.

I guess I can get up now and start catching up...