/mike

Aren't the costumes with fake muscles great? Here's a kid Spiderman than came through work on Friday.

Went to Old Town today. The best costume had to be at King Taco, where the cashier looked like she had a hand being shoved through her face. Four fingers came out of her forehead and a thumb was coming through her cheek. She had bloodied teeth and hair too. Thankfully, no picture link here.

-----

Cindy has put together her 300-picture photo album of our trip. I'm still working on mine. I spent all last night cropping my digital shots into 4x6 dimensions. They were submitted this afternoon and should be ready by Wednesday.

One of the best things about Tokyo is the sheer density of the area. I loved wandering through all the people, skyscrapers, and neon. These pictures are from Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara (if I remember correctly).

One thing about going away to Japan is that I was weaned away from my obsession with politics. Now that I've returned, it's really easy to get caught up in the frenzy. But I've already had my fill of discussions and debates (including a big argument) before I went on vacation. Even though current events have been hitting at a fever pitch, I'm over it.

I'm hopeful for my guy Dubya, but I'll accept whatever choice our country makes.

It's our last night. Japan has been wonderful. Tonight we saw 2046. I'm downloading the pictures from my camera. I'm listening to the CD we bought here. I'm not looking forward to lugging our bags (including the luggage we bought here and filled up with stuff from here). I'm also not looking forward to an uncomfortable United Airlines flight. I'm not ready to go home.

Ah well, always leave me wanting more, Tokyo.

Even though I'm having the trip of my life, don't think for a second that I'm not following the MLB playoffs (and Nippon Series). This is a vacation after all, and I love baseball.

So congrats to all you Red Sox fans (James, Victor, Eva, etc.), it was a pleasure to see ARod blow game 6 and Kevin Brown throw game 7.

Ah yes, the joys of the internet cafe.

We had so much fun with Rachel. Thanks! Cindy was especially enchanted with everyday life in Tsubata.

My most recent thought here: This has opened my eyes to what life can be. Thus far, Tokyo is my favorite place in the whole world.

Cindy is taking care of some business for a minute, so I get to dish out a quick post - and maybe read up on the AL series and third debate.

Most of our time so far has been in Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, among the high rises and neon. The shopping opportunities have Cindy in a tizzy. I can't stop people watching and planning our next meal. I'm especially impressed with the JR rail system.

Now we head off to meet Cindy's friend in Kanazawa, which is supposed to be more rural. I'm expecting this to be a nice contrast to what we've seen so far.

Hey everyone. Japan is awesome, I tell you. Awesome. Can't get into it now... but know that we're alive and well.

Two weeks in Japan is only hours away. I. Can't. Wait.

Alright. I've got to get this off my chest.

Angel Coach Mike Scioscia overcoaches. This time, his decision to put Jarrod Washburn in against David Ortiz cost the Angels the game. There is no justification for the move. It was a flat out mistake.

I am not trying to take anything away from Scioscia. Along with GM Bill Stoneman, he has made this once Clipper-esque team a respected baseball organization. Nothing can ever take away what he did for Angel fans in 2002. But he did what he did, and it was painful to watch. Coach, I hope you learn from your mistakes.

Went to Game 2 of the American League Division Series between the Angels and Red Sox. Boston won 8-3 but the game was closer than the score indicates. The stadium was electric in red, all of us willing the team to perform. This was especially apparent when the crowd stood on their feet to help Bartolo Colon escape two bases loaded jams in the first and second innings.

It was working too. The Angels briefly had a 3-1 lead, built on clutch hits by rookie Dallas MacPherson and MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero. Unfortunately the rally was cut short when Garrett Anderson's lazer line drive was caught at first, turning a two-RBI double into a double play.

Yet at this point, things were still looking good... until one of my oldest and best friends decides to give me a call. He's a life long Red Sox fan and right after we talked, the Sox tied the game and ultimately went on to win. Note: He jinxed game 1 too! And while I'm spreading blame around, let's not forget the home plate umpire, who squeezed Angel pitchers with a bite-sized strike zone while giving Boston hurlers a zone that could give a hockey goalie's mother nightmares.

Ha ha. OK, all excuses aside, the Red Sox looked good. It was a hard fought, close game that I'll never forget. I enjoyed the experience. We sat in the left field bleachers and screamed our voices out of the park with two nice older ladies and some guys straight out of a "guys night out" commercial. We had ourselves an Arte Moreno reduced price beverage, nachos, and an italian beef dip. I got myself a game program and a free angel towel. It was a blast.

So the good guys are down 0-2 in a best of five series. Well it ain't over until it's over right? Besides, life long Angel fans like myself are deep down, simply grateful to even be in the playoffs.

Yesterday was my last game of the 2004 season. Even if the Angels go on to win (unlikely as that may be), I'll be on the other side of the world. Cindy and I are finally going on our dream vacation to Japan. :)

Speaking of Cindy, I've got to give her some special credit. She not only met me in Anaheim yesterday, but also wasted countless hours all season long as we attended games, watched tv, listened to the radio, and talked Angel baseball. Thanks!

I tried to pray during lunch. Failed. My mind wandered aimlessly but it was a fine start for a heathen like me.

I'm staying late at work today because I'm highly motivated. Motivated to leave my projects fairly organized before I blow this joint for Japan. And I'll be doing this while following Angel playoff games and attending a Trashcan Sinatras show (and studying).

Looks like these will be coming in handy after all!