At Hanako's suggestion we went to the Edo Museum in Tokyo on Saturday morning before heading to the airport for our flight to Singapore. The museum showed the history of the city of Tokyo back about 400 years ago during the Shogun era when it was known as Edo.
We requested an English speaking guide to show us around and were assigned Keiko - pictured here in the middle - who turned out to be great fun and shared with us some of the more 'adult' aspects of life in Edo. For example, when showing us some old painted screens from the era she pointed out the city baths that, she pointed out, would turn in to the pleasure district during the evenings. And, at Hanako's request I might say, she pointed out some couples hiding behind buildings and 'making out' in one of the city models. Oh, and she would frequently tell us off, with a little giggle, if we asked questions about things that she was about to fill us in on anyway. The museum was great in itself but Keiko's input made it all the better.
After we left there we went to the Tonkatsu restaurant in the building next to the NetSuite office, ate a great lunch and then had to say goodbye to Hanako to head for the airport.
Sayonara Tokyo!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Massage Preparation
First, here's how I got here...
We arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday evening after getting the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and then jumping in a cab to the hotel in Akasaka. And that is where my problems started...
As I got into the cab I guess I twisted funny and felt a twinge in my lower back that I shrugged off at the time but which became sorer and sorer over the course of the evening. I went to bed and at about 3am attempted to go to the bathroom only to collapse from the pain and found myself unable to get up again. Michelle found me in that position a little while later and had to help me stand and then get back into the bed where I lay for 3 hours unable to get to sleep due to the discomfort I was in. I've never experienced anything quite like that before - not only was it extremely painful in the region of my back but I had strange shooting sensations down my right leg. And not in a good way either.
After dosing myself up with Alleve (4 pills in 3 hours vs. 1 every 8 hours as recommended) I was able to get myself to the NetSuite Japan office and attend a couple of hours of meetings wherein one our local partners recommended a great massage place that his family use. I made an appointment and went there just after lunch for a pretty painful session of shiatsu massage. Fortunately, at the end of that I was feeling alot better and could at least walk upright again. So, with instructions on how to take a bath, not to eat lunch the next day so they could complete the therapy and packed with heat pads on my feet and back they sent me on my way.
So, here I am pictured again at the massage place today at noon, having changed into the obligatory pyjamas and with my feet soaking in a bucket of hot water. This was the beginning of a 4 hour, yes 4 hour, massage session with a very strong woman and the 'Sensei of Pain' himself - an elderly Japanese man who you would probably offer to carry shopping for but whom is clearly amazingly strong - who were able to make me grimace with pain and almost cry as they proceeded to double team me in a shiatsu sandwich with a side helping of agony salad.
Once again though, it is the results that matter and although I physically beaten, bruised and drained at this point, it is clear that they know exactly what they are doing. And just in time, too - we have another 7 hour flight on to Singapore tomorrow. Wish me luck!
We arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday evening after getting the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and then jumping in a cab to the hotel in Akasaka. And that is where my problems started...
As I got into the cab I guess I twisted funny and felt a twinge in my lower back that I shrugged off at the time but which became sorer and sorer over the course of the evening. I went to bed and at about 3am attempted to go to the bathroom only to collapse from the pain and found myself unable to get up again. Michelle found me in that position a little while later and had to help me stand and then get back into the bed where I lay for 3 hours unable to get to sleep due to the discomfort I was in. I've never experienced anything quite like that before - not only was it extremely painful in the region of my back but I had strange shooting sensations down my right leg. And not in a good way either.
After dosing myself up with Alleve (4 pills in 3 hours vs. 1 every 8 hours as recommended) I was able to get myself to the NetSuite Japan office and attend a couple of hours of meetings wherein one our local partners recommended a great massage place that his family use. I made an appointment and went there just after lunch for a pretty painful session of shiatsu massage. Fortunately, at the end of that I was feeling alot better and could at least walk upright again. So, with instructions on how to take a bath, not to eat lunch the next day so they could complete the therapy and packed with heat pads on my feet and back they sent me on my way.
So, here I am pictured again at the massage place today at noon, having changed into the obligatory pyjamas and with my feet soaking in a bucket of hot water. This was the beginning of a 4 hour, yes 4 hour, massage session with a very strong woman and the 'Sensei of Pain' himself - an elderly Japanese man who you would probably offer to carry shopping for but whom is clearly amazingly strong - who were able to make me grimace with pain and almost cry as they proceeded to double team me in a shiatsu sandwich with a side helping of agony salad.
Once again though, it is the results that matter and although I physically beaten, bruised and drained at this point, it is clear that they know exactly what they are doing. And just in time, too - we have another 7 hour flight on to Singapore tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Tiny Beer or Giant Person?
We went out for Tempura in restaurant recommended by a colleague here in Tokyo last night and had a great time. I think Michelle was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't all fish and raw meat and found herself commenting on how good a meal it was. During the course of the meal we discovered that she likes beaf steak plant, lotus root, diced radish and fish sauce but managed to attract the attention of our personal chef when she tried to secretly transfer over a mushroom to my plate halfway through the meal.
This was at the end of our first full day in Tokyo in which Michelle chilled out, watched some Japanese tv commercials, and avoided the humidity while I attended some meetings and found a shiatsu massage place to help with my excruciating back ache/trapped nerve problem. More on that in the next post.
This was at the end of our first full day in Tokyo in which Michelle chilled out, watched some Japanese tv commercials, and avoided the humidity while I attended some meetings and found a shiatsu massage place to help with my excruciating back ache/trapped nerve problem. More on that in the next post.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Father's Day
I admit to being a little behind in posting this picture as I managed to forget my camera cable when travelling to the UK this past week. However, now that I'm back home I felt it important that the world get to see this.
Upon arriving in at around 7am in London last Sunday, Dad came and picked me up and whisked me back to Bicester for a Father's Day brunch with Neil, Maya, Reece, Ellie, Mum and himself. It was a pretty nice day as it happens and we sat outside to eat and drink some coffee. Maya was playing that old 'I'm 9 months pregnant and really can't carry anything' card and so we had to rely on Reece to transport the serving plates between the two tables. I chose not to let her attitude ruin Father's Day for Dad though. ;)
After brunch Ellie went and got her Fisher Price drawing board and proceeded to teach her the game that we invented in Dinuba a couple of years ago where you draw the body of something on the board and then hold it up under people's faces. We did a fish, a ballerina, a buxom girl in a bikini (that was Neil's contribution) and then the frog that you can see here. Unfortunately for Neil, rather than looking funny I think you'll agree he actually looks quite good as a frog.
Upon arriving in at around 7am in London last Sunday, Dad came and picked me up and whisked me back to Bicester for a Father's Day brunch with Neil, Maya, Reece, Ellie, Mum and himself. It was a pretty nice day as it happens and we sat outside to eat and drink some coffee. Maya was playing that old 'I'm 9 months pregnant and really can't carry anything' card and so we had to rely on Reece to transport the serving plates between the two tables. I chose not to let her attitude ruin Father's Day for Dad though. ;)
After brunch Ellie went and got her Fisher Price drawing board and proceeded to teach her the game that we invented in Dinuba a couple of years ago where you draw the body of something on the board and then hold it up under people's faces. We did a fish, a ballerina, a buxom girl in a bikini (that was Neil's contribution) and then the frog that you can see here. Unfortunately for Neil, rather than looking funny I think you'll agree he actually looks quite good as a frog.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
June 19. 2007
Busy day today.
I started off the morning with a 9am appointment at Trumpers, the closest Barber's Shop to the Metropolitan Hotel here in London. It turned out not only to be the most expensive haircut and shave that I have ever had, but also by far the best. I feel special for having experienced it. I will forever return there on future trips to London.
In any case, the reason for my visit was that I needed to get some new PR photos taken for use in UK publications. The previous one I had was both awful and with my old haircut - not a great combination. However, I also realised today that in the course of the next year or so I will have to have the PR photo taken that I will likely use for the rest of my career - the one where I still have some hair that isn't grey and were I don't look like a totally middle-aged guy. The good news is that I got these taken while I am still 35. At least barely.
Tomorrow is the big NetSuite launch event and after my last press interview of the day we worked on refining the demo and presentation for tomorrow. This is the first event of my professional career that my Dad will be attending. If the 300+ crowd and the CEO of NetSuite wasn't enough pressure!
Still, I will be able to think back to the (perhaps not) Robin fledging activities of last week and know that whatever happens tomorrow is not as close to being life or death as what happened last Thursday. It's all rosey from where I (and the robin chicks) am standing. At least, there aren't any swimming pools between me and my personal safety. ;)
I started off the morning with a 9am appointment at Trumpers, the closest Barber's Shop to the Metropolitan Hotel here in London. It turned out not only to be the most expensive haircut and shave that I have ever had, but also by far the best. I feel special for having experienced it. I will forever return there on future trips to London.
In any case, the reason for my visit was that I needed to get some new PR photos taken for use in UK publications. The previous one I had was both awful and with my old haircut - not a great combination. However, I also realised today that in the course of the next year or so I will have to have the PR photo taken that I will likely use for the rest of my career - the one where I still have some hair that isn't grey and were I don't look like a totally middle-aged guy. The good news is that I got these taken while I am still 35. At least barely.
Tomorrow is the big NetSuite launch event and after my last press interview of the day we worked on refining the demo and presentation for tomorrow. This is the first event of my professional career that my Dad will be attending. If the 300+ crowd and the CEO of NetSuite wasn't enough pressure!
Still, I will be able to think back to the (perhaps not) Robin fledging activities of last week and know that whatever happens tomorrow is not as close to being life or death as what happened last Thursday. It's all rosey from where I (and the robin chicks) am standing. At least, there aren't any swimming pools between me and my personal safety. ;)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Teacher of the Year!
I am very proud to announce that Michelle was been voted Teacher of the Year at Fowler High School this year.
Being that this award is one that is voted on by ones peers at the school - Michelle insists she didn't vote for herself - it is, at least in my opinion, better than receiving an Oscar.
In any case, as I told Michelle at dinner last night, she is my teacher of the year not just this year, but every year.
Congratulations Honey!
Being that this award is one that is voted on by ones peers at the school - Michelle insists she didn't vote for herself - it is, at least in my opinion, better than receiving an Oscar.
In any case, as I told Michelle at dinner last night, she is my teacher of the year not just this year, but every year.
Congratulations Honey!
Friday, June 15, 2007
And then there was 1
It's been a relatively unexciting day in (possibly) Robin land, except that one-by-one they appear to be disappearing.
The one we rescued and put back in the nest was still there this morning waiting to be fed when we got up. And they were all still there at lunchtime too. However, as of the time of writing we are now done to just one remaining in the nest.
I did just disturb one of the escapees as I went outside to check on them such that it hopped over the planter and then made a crazy, all-out dash across the pool to the back fence where it was met and fed by its father. Very cool. We like to think that that is the one we helped last night and that what it had learned from the experience led to its success today.
Anyway, unless something amazing happens before sunset tonight this may well be the last of the posts on the Robins as I am heading out of town again in the morning. We wish them well!
The one we rescued and put back in the nest was still there this morning waiting to be fed when we got up. And they were all still there at lunchtime too. However, as of the time of writing we are now done to just one remaining in the nest.
I did just disturb one of the escapees as I went outside to check on them such that it hopped over the planter and then made a crazy, all-out dash across the pool to the back fence where it was met and fed by its father. Very cool. We like to think that that is the one we helped last night and that what it had learned from the experience led to its success today.
Anyway, unless something amazing happens before sunset tonight this may well be the last of the posts on the Robins as I am heading out of town again in the morning. We wish them well!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Robin Chicks - Take 2, Day 13
Well, what a day of (maybe not) Robin activities!
We were very excited to notice that one of the chicks had taken the plunge (almost literally) and left the nest to explore the big wide world this afternoon. Michelle noticed it sat on the ground by the outside fridge and was initially worried that it had hurt itself. It became clear after a little while that it was just overwhelmed with its new surroundings and was waiting to build its confidence up before exploring; helped I am sure by frequent encouraging visits by both parents after it also figured out how to 'cheep' for the first time to get their attention.
And therein began its troubles. We were fascinated to watch how the adult birds would demonstrate how to fly by take short hops on to objects and then fly back down to try and get it to do the same thing. The only problem was that they got a bit carried away and demonstrated flying over the swimming pool. Sure enough, the chick tried to do the same thing and fell in. I hadn't even considered the pool as a potential hazard for a young bird but nevertheless found myself dashing out to rescue it with the pool net and brought it back to the safety of the porch to dry off.
No sooner had I done that and returned inside did we watch another chick spread its wings for the first time and manage a controlled descent to the porch. This one wasted no time in having a go at the proper flying thing and yes, no more than 5 minutes after its adventurous sibling found itself swimming in the far side of the pool. Cue another rescue. The picture above was taken a little while after the second rescue - it still has some ruffled feathers that aren't quite dried off yet.
But that's not all... a bit later on the cats were demanding to be let out to do their business so we let them out the front and kept on eye whether they snuck round the back. Sure enough, we spot Cornflake lurking in the porch and grab her to bring her in. Miko, however, was a bit smarter and crept around behind the plans at the back of the garden and all we saw was her darting across at the back of the pool with something in her mouth. Yep, she had caught one of the chicks! Michelle and I jumped up and ran outside, cornered Miko and got her to drop the bird. We were relieved to see that although clearly petrified it was not actually injured. I brought it back and sat it in the porch where it proceeded to sit very still as the evening got darker and darker.
Finally, we felt sorry for it and hatched a plan to pick it up and place it back in the nest so that it can get a good night's sleep before having another go at the flying thing tomorrow.
It's nerve-wracking stuff this bird rearing game. The cats are sleeping in a locked garage tonight.
We were very excited to notice that one of the chicks had taken the plunge (almost literally) and left the nest to explore the big wide world this afternoon. Michelle noticed it sat on the ground by the outside fridge and was initially worried that it had hurt itself. It became clear after a little while that it was just overwhelmed with its new surroundings and was waiting to build its confidence up before exploring; helped I am sure by frequent encouraging visits by both parents after it also figured out how to 'cheep' for the first time to get their attention.
And therein began its troubles. We were fascinated to watch how the adult birds would demonstrate how to fly by take short hops on to objects and then fly back down to try and get it to do the same thing. The only problem was that they got a bit carried away and demonstrated flying over the swimming pool. Sure enough, the chick tried to do the same thing and fell in. I hadn't even considered the pool as a potential hazard for a young bird but nevertheless found myself dashing out to rescue it with the pool net and brought it back to the safety of the porch to dry off.
No sooner had I done that and returned inside did we watch another chick spread its wings for the first time and manage a controlled descent to the porch. This one wasted no time in having a go at the proper flying thing and yes, no more than 5 minutes after its adventurous sibling found itself swimming in the far side of the pool. Cue another rescue. The picture above was taken a little while after the second rescue - it still has some ruffled feathers that aren't quite dried off yet.
But that's not all... a bit later on the cats were demanding to be let out to do their business so we let them out the front and kept on eye whether they snuck round the back. Sure enough, we spot Cornflake lurking in the porch and grab her to bring her in. Miko, however, was a bit smarter and crept around behind the plans at the back of the garden and all we saw was her darting across at the back of the pool with something in her mouth. Yep, she had caught one of the chicks! Michelle and I jumped up and ran outside, cornered Miko and got her to drop the bird. We were relieved to see that although clearly petrified it was not actually injured. I brought it back and sat it in the porch where it proceeded to sit very still as the evening got darker and darker.
Finally, we felt sorry for it and hatched a plan to pick it up and place it back in the nest so that it can get a good night's sleep before having another go at the flying thing tomorrow.
It's nerve-wracking stuff this bird rearing game. The cats are sleeping in a locked garage tonight.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Robin Chicks - Take 2, Day 12
Here's a pic of the second batch of Robin (?) chicks as of this morning - Wed June 13th - which by my calculations makes them approximately 12 days old.
Over the past couple of days they have grown alot, aquired a good coat of proper feathers and been to toilet a bit more. Yep - that white and black stuff covering the outside of the nest is their poo and wee. Kind of gross from our human perspective, but at least they are keeping the interior of the nest clean and tidy.
We're expecting them to start to wander outside of the nest any day now so we are keeping a close eye on Mico and Cornflake this time around. Finger crossed...
Over the past couple of days they have grown alot, aquired a good coat of proper feathers and been to toilet a bit more. Yep - that white and black stuff covering the outside of the nest is their poo and wee. Kind of gross from our human perspective, but at least they are keeping the interior of the nest clean and tidy.
We're expecting them to start to wander outside of the nest any day now so we are keeping a close eye on Mico and Cornflake this time around. Finger crossed...
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Lupe G Ulloa
Lupe passed away peacefully on Sunday June 3rd.
Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and kind wishes.
She will be missed.
Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and kind wishes.
She will be missed.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
They're Back!
Nervously, I can report today that the (not) Robins are having another go at raising a family beneath our porch.
I am hoping for their sake that they have developed a new strategy for avoiding the ruthlessly carniverous monsters the prowl beneath their nest. I haven't seen the male around at all since I got back from my trip so I can only assume he is either rounding up a posse of his bird friends in order to make a frenzied attach should the cats corner the chicks, or he didn't agree with them returning to that particular nest and is off sulking somewhere.
In any case, I am hoping to be around long enough this time to offer some protection when the chicks get ready to head out into the world.
I am hoping for their sake that they have developed a new strategy for avoiding the ruthlessly carniverous monsters the prowl beneath their nest. I haven't seen the male around at all since I got back from my trip so I can only assume he is either rounding up a posse of his bird friends in order to make a frenzied attach should the cats corner the chicks, or he didn't agree with them returning to that particular nest and is off sulking somewhere.
In any case, I am hoping to be around long enough this time to offer some protection when the chicks get ready to head out into the world.
Warming Up
We stopped by Meleena's softball game last night and watched her in action. She has a pretty good swing and can hit the ball pretty good but needs to work on the running part of her game.
Girl softball teams sing lots of songs.
Girl softball teams sing lots of songs.
Would you disturb her?
It's been a bit of a rough few weeks in Kingsburg and neither Michelle nor I have been around much to give our cats the attention they crave. I'm convinced they are becoming ferral as they don't seem to want to hang out with us in the evening when we are there any more. Or perhaps they are just punishing us.
This is a picture of Miko in a rare inside moment. She's actually not supposed to be on the table as it leaves cat hair on the runner but, well, look how comfy she is.
Now, if it were Cornflake... Just kidding Michelle! ;)
This is a picture of Miko in a rare inside moment. She's actually not supposed to be on the table as it leaves cat hair on the runner but, well, look how comfy she is.
Now, if it were Cornflake... Just kidding Michelle! ;)
Hanako's Monkey
I spent most of this week in San Mateo hosting some visitors from our Japanese partner, MJS. Hanako is my Japan Product Manager and she was in town helping with the cultural, linguistic and boring product-y stuff that we get up to at NetSuite.
Anyway, as part of the 'California Experience' we arranged for our guests - we went to the Oakland A's game the night before - we took them to Celia's Mexican restaurant and ordered the requisite Margaritas and other traditional fare. Just as we were wrapping up the meal, this teenage kid (along with his mother!) came over and asked if we would like to contribute to his college fund by having him make us a baloon animal. He himself was wearing a crown with a Monkey on it. Of course, in the interests of global peace and harmony and stronger business relationships with our Japanese partners, I immediately announced that it was Hanako's 21st birthday and that I would like to get her one of those. It took him forever and much laughter ensued as he entertained us with his balloon blowing and manipulation prowess.
Anyway, here's Hanako in the office the next day proudly displaying her Monkey-crown-balloon-hat-thingy.
Anyway, as part of the 'California Experience' we arranged for our guests - we went to the Oakland A's game the night before - we took them to Celia's Mexican restaurant and ordered the requisite Margaritas and other traditional fare. Just as we were wrapping up the meal, this teenage kid (along with his mother!) came over and asked if we would like to contribute to his college fund by having him make us a baloon animal. He himself was wearing a crown with a Monkey on it. Of course, in the interests of global peace and harmony and stronger business relationships with our Japanese partners, I immediately announced that it was Hanako's 21st birthday and that I would like to get her one of those. It took him forever and much laughter ensued as he entertained us with his balloon blowing and manipulation prowess.
Anyway, here's Hanako in the office the next day proudly displaying her Monkey-crown-balloon-hat-thingy.