Just polished off a huge chunk of work... I'm expecting edits and a few additional drawings for it but, otherwise, done. These past 2 months have been pretty exhausting and I still haven't convinced myself it's Christmas Eve tomorrow, but, hey, it was fun and interesting work. Really happy I got to be a part of it.

So, been chillin' for the rest of the day. I have e-mails to reply to and people I have to see that I've been ignoring but that can wait till tomorrow. I bought Asano Inio's new book 世界の終わりと夜明け前 which, unofficially, translates to The End of the World and Before Dawn and finally got a chance to read a few chapters from it. I love his work cuz he finds the most mundane observations and interprets them into relatable and immersive subject matter. He asks a lot of questions and doesn't really answer any of them but that's his style and I like it. He often connects each independent story by leapfrogging from character to character which is really novel and refreshing to me. Anyway, I recommend it if you feel like something different.

I'm out.

TAK

Got myself a new phone! Yay!

My 2 year contract was up and my battery was on it's last legs so I decided to level up. Nothing fancy this time around. None of the new phones really had anything new actually. They all pretty much had the standard camera, tv and infrared abilities. I guess the only thing that separated them was how powerful the camera was. Anyway, I'm with AU so stuck with them and recontracted for another 2 years. The screen is bigger and the recharging cradle is shaped so you set your phone in it sideways in order to watch tv. Oh, the screen flips around too. It's amazing to think that just 2 years ago these functions were considered ground-breaking and now this shit's all average. I made sure to speak to them about getting new batteries later on since that was my main concern with my old phone. So, yeah. New phone. I'm playing and customizing all the noises and vibrations right now. It's nice to have a new toy.

The thing I've been working on like a fiend for the the last 2 months is finally coming to an end this weekend. Had my last meeting and roughed out things last night. Boy, was it a load-off. Just gotta draw everything now and get it all submitted in time between a few parties. Christmas is never REALLY Christmas here since everyone goes about their business and work like usual so I haven't really been in that mindset either. Didn't send out any cards or get any gifts. I might send something small for the folks backhome.

I've been getting up really early lately. Between 7 and 8 am and I kinda like it. I feel I get lots done especially when I get things outta the way by noon I still have the rest of the day to work or go out. How come I'm just realizing this now??

TAK

Another somewhat gloomy day in Tokyo. I've got a meeting in a few hours so I'm just chillin' till then. Had some friends from Niigata come down over the weekend and checked out the Antonio Inoki Izakaya here in Ikebukuro. Haha. It was pretty awesome. I've been wanting to go for 2 years to that place and finally had the chance to check it out. The food was pretty good but, above all, the decor! The place was plastered with pics and memorabilia of the colourful Inoki. A near life-size statue at the door, one of his championship belts and hand print in plaster. Pretty much anything you could think of to worship the man. The bar in the middle of the restaurant was set up like a wrestling ring for god-sakes. I didn't take my camera so, unfortunately, no pics but hopefully my enthusiasm transfers through this blog and into your brain. Inoki!

pic stolen off the net

C.B. Cebulski is in town so hopefully I'll have a chance to see and catch up with him. He always throws a big bash for his friends and co-workers whenever he's here. Got a Christmas party to go to this weekend and a family thing next. I haven't been really going out lately so it's a nice change of pace for me and my liver. It'll be good. Still undecided what I want to do for New Year's.

I made some Thai Green Curry last night and have plenty of leftovers for today. Man, that shit is awesome. I really need to wander around Thailand and Vietnam one of these days just to eat myself silly.

TAK

Man, it's December!? Dammit.

Just finished the Amadeus Cho thing I was talking about last time. It turned out pretty swell so I'm happy with it. Not sure when it's coming out but take a gander when it does. For me!

I haven't been able to do laundry for about a week due to all this rain. I'm running out of underwear...

So, anyway, I have a bunch of things to finish by the end of this month. Another year coming to a close and I need to start planning for next year. 2009. "9" is my lucky number, btw, so I'm hoping it's gonna be a good year. Don't have any plans for new year's yet. My options are work or get drunk so I'm leaning towards the latter. Hopefully with good people.

I've been a total nerd lately and watching Yakitate!! Japan. It's a comic and cartoon based on bread. And it's freakin' hilarious. Hill-arious!!

Okay, so, I gotta clean up after all this inking so here's another panel for you to check out. It's pretty much how I'm feeling right now after 3 all-nighters.


TAK