A Mission...

So many ideas

jason@slangman.com — Mon, 12 Nov 01 17:24:00 UT

Wow, I had not realized it had been so long since my last entry. I haven't written for a while because I have been interviewing for jobs and my paranoia makes me think that my perspective employers might find my journal and discover what I have written about them (if anything).

Technically, I have only been interviewing with one company, and had three interviews. Today is (was, it is already 5:30pm) the day I was supposed to hear about their decision, but I have heard nothing. I AM screening my calls though and the one I didn't recognize didn't leave a message so that might have been them, although I doubt it because the number was a mobile phone (the Japanese have different prefixes for mobile phones).

Well, in other news, my roommate and friend Ryo has just offered another possible alternative to me working the corporate life this time around. His proposition is not longterm, but would be a perfect job to get me where I think I need to go. I don't want to get too excited about it just yet, because it is related to the entertainment business, and nothing is ever confirmed until you have the money in hand. I really hope it works out though... I'll keep you posted.

In completely unrelated ranting, why is it that the Japanese video rental stores carry all of Adam Sandlers movies except for Happy Gilmore? Perhaps not the best movie in the world, but come-on, why not that one?

Additionally, I have found that my LA wardrobe is severely deficient of winter clothes. It is getting colder here and I am layering-up as much as possible without looking like I am pregnant.

Well, seems that I am rambling again. I am hoping for some much needed direction soon... should come within the week.

Sorry...

jason@slangman.com — Mon, 29 Oct 01 01:00:00 UT

I really meant to write a good long entry today, but just haven't had the time. As the fall season becomes more and more pronounced, I begin to miss my family more. I cannot say that I miss them more than pizza yet, but it is getting closer.

Anyway, that's all for now, sorry.

Not much to report...

jason@slangman.com — Mon, 22 Oct 01 01:00:00 UT

Well, nothing really earth-shattering to report today. I had an extra job in a tv commercial this morning... not nearly as glamorous as it may seem though...

My days now are filled with ideas of how not to spend money... my LEAST favorite thing to think about. Just waiting to see if I get any ideas of what I would like to do next or if I should just concentrate on teaching... I am thinking of flipping a coin soon...

Like an idiot, I recently got my haircut very short so I look as though I am in the army... perhaps not the best move at this stage in the global terrorism game... however, my previous statement about not spending money means that I am home a lot more, which means I should be out of harms way.

Well, I am starting to bore myself... which is difficult knowing how much I love to hear myself talk (or write) that is... oh well, time to go.

Ja ne! (see you later!)

The Simpsons... dear god the Simpsons!

jason@slangman.com — Wed, 17 Oct 01 01:00:00 UT

You know that feeling when you JUST wake up, and you aren't really sure where you are, if you are awake or dreaming, etc... I have spent the past few weeks like that.

I cannot say my new career choice of acting/modeling is turning out to what I was hoping. I find that the whole idea of purchasing someone for a day or a few hours is quite silly. I never had to be put in these shoes before, so in that way I really appreciate the new perspective, but I don't think my mind wants to deal with this career...

For instance, and this will come as NO surprise to many of you, I found myself on the set of a Microsoft commercial last week as an extra, but could not sit still, I was so concerned about the shoot itself. At one point, I actually pulled one of the crew members aside and asked if they knew the light next to me was off (it was on in all previous shots)...

Then, two days ago I found myself at an audition or some Sony thing and couldn't relax because the casting session was so unorganized... which I am learning very quickly is the norm in Japan. But imagine you are called for an audition, you travel about 50 minutes on three trains, wait for 10 minutes at the station for your agency rep., walk about 10 minutes to the audition, wait there to be called in for another 10 to 15 minutes, then sit down in front of two or three Japanese guys with a small digital camera and a script that makes no sense to you at all. Then they say, "ok, pretend there is a big tv screen where I am sitting, and you are watching it, then read your lines". My "lines" consisted of "Go for it!" and "I think it'll be Ronaldo". Then they say, "thank you". At no point do they ever give you the context of the commercial or even tell you what they are trying to sell...

I guess these experiences are reminding me of why I got out of this business in LA, in the end it's just bad tv, and I'm not sure I want to be a part of that anymore.

On the opposite side of the career spectrum, I am finding that I really enjoy teaching. I met a new student on that Microsoft shoot, and she came over for her first lesson today. The first lesson is free so that the students can decide if they are comfortable with you, and if they think you are a good teacher...

Todays student speaks the least amount of English of all of my students, so it is a real challenge to explain things to her. However, it is always fun meeting new people and truly helping them acheive their goals. That said, I think I take the responsibility a bit too far as my one hour lessons often average about 80 minutes.

What else, oh yeah, my good friend Kristine has started a journal of her own, and if she writes more than one entry I am sure it will continue to be a good read. However, I hope she doesn't write more than four because they she will break John Antonino's record of...well...four. Great journals guys, I just wish I could read them more!

Also, I am working on dedicating more of my time and brain power to starting a business of my own when I return to the US... I have a lot of free time now that I have always begged for, so now I must produce... we'll see...

Oh, and yes, the Simpsons have finally made it to Japanese network tv!!! Now, I can finally watch them as they were meant to be seen in both English and Japanese! However, I am not sure if watching them makes me feel better or home sick? When the episode finished last night I really started to miss everyone back in the US... DOH!

That's all for now... Hopefully I will wake from this weird fog soon and gain control of myself again...

Just an update...

jason@slangman.com — Fri, 28 Sep 01 18:33:00 UT

Oddly, the less I work the faster the days seem to pass. I cannot believe it has been 5 days since my last entry, the days are flying by...

I did not get one job all week, and had only one audition, but somehow I seemed to spend quite a bit of money this week on "stuff". I bought a much needed bed frame for one, so I no longer have to sleep on a matress on a hardwood floor... yipee!

And, tonight, I have decided to go out drinking with some friends... well, because I deserve it! I am sooo sick of being worried about money, that I have decided not to be, which, as you all know, means that YOU have to be worried about money so when I don't have any more, YOU can lend me some... by the way, shouldn't you be working instead of reading this!?

Well, unemployment got hold of me yesterday for some reason, and I finally decided to domesticate and clean the apartment... I figured, if I am not working, I better be living in the cleanest apartment in Tokyo. Sometime around 10:00pm, I actually walked across the street to the convenience store and bought some coffee milk (a weird milky coffee the Japanese seem to love) so I could ride out my cleaning fit until the wee hours of the morning... it worked, I finished around 3:00am, only because Ryo had made a surprise appearance at the apartment around 2:30am (lately he only comes home once or twice a week because he is so busy at work), and I felt like we had to enjoy a chat for a while. Then, I found myself unable to sleep because I kept thinking of all the other things that needed to be cleaned, and so I was up at 8:00am, cleaning and organizing again... no wonder I am so sleepy now... I don't think it will be a long night drinking with friends... I am ready for bed now.

Well, overall I am content with my current challenges and headaches... and nervous that George W. Bush is about to begin WWIII... where is Al Gore???

Oh, I guess I should stop rambling about nothing... hope everyone is safe back in the US... I miss everyone and hope to see you all in Japan SOON!

ps. my Japanese is slowly improving.

Lasagna

jason@slangman.com — Sun, 23 Sep 01 18:16:00 UT

The weather has suddenly changed... literally overnight... it is getting colder, like fall... the air is different and I am being flooded with memories of my years on the east coast of America... I saw a lasagna on tv today and I missed America... I don't even really like lasagna... I just miss the idea of eating it every now and again... I am constantly overwhelmed by my senses... perhaps they are too sensitive... whatever it is, I feel very very alive and want so much to give some to others...

I have stopped, and I am smelling the roses...

I'm an actor...???

jason@slangman.com — Wed, 19 Sep 01 19:50:00 UT

Well, I came to Japan to try something different. When I first got here, I immediately got a job not too dissimilar to the job I had at Autonomy back in LA. The difference was that I was working longer hours and liked my boss much, much less...

So, essentially, I got myself fired by mouthing-off all the time... so I found myself unemployed, and knew that I could not get another 9 to 5 job... (or 8:45am to 10:00pm)

I had to figure out a way to beat the system... many others do it, and they seem to make rent... somehow...

So, I spoke to a friend who was also fired from my last company, and we shared a common interest of trying to milk the Japanese media for all the money we could find. It seems that we make a good team too, because within the last week, we have joined 12 talent agencies around Tokyo with several more on the way for next week. Last Tuesday, my roommate Ryo hired me for a shoot his company was doing, and last Friday, I had my first narration gig reading copy for English text books. This Friday I will appear as an extra (with my friend James) in a tv show staring the Masked magician (apparently famous for giving away magics secrets which is why he wears a mask). On Saturday, both James and I will be an extra in a Japanese drama posed as graduate students.

Now, when people ask me what I do, I say Narrator/actor... pretty weird! So, each day, I get up, realize I have no job, freak-out momentarily, then do my best to trust that I will have enough money to make rent (knowing full-well that I have enough money in the bank to make rent easily for the next 6 months... but still trying to make it without dipping into savings).

As intended, I am now enjoying Japan more because I am doing something different! I have no idea if I will ever make enough money at this profession, but I will never again have to wonder weather or not I could... soon, I will know for sure.

But enough about me (for now), my sister just got engaged and will be getting married in February of 2002... less than 6 months from now! I can't believe it... I am so happy for her and Kenny!

Back to me. Well, unusually, I don't know what to talk about... I have had a pretty good past few days... I had a few great conversations and emails with Sharon and Johnny, my sister is engaged, my mother has come closer to realizing how smart and powerful a woman she really is, and I have made the decision to do something scarey and different and yet, I am ok with that... and it is only Wednesday!

I am still trying to think of a company to start though, but since I think I have decided that I will not start a new company in Japan, and will only do it when I move back, I feel that I have some time. Additionally, at this time I think I have decided that (but everything may change in the future), I will probably only stay in Japan for the next year. I have just recieved my work visa which is good until Sept. 2002, and if I want to stay beyond that, I would need to get another 9 to 5 job and apply for an extension... not impossible, but ever since I realized I am ready to start my own company, I am excited to start. At the same time though, I will most likely never have this opportunity to live in another country and try a new profession again, so I might as well live-it-up while I am here!

Now I am just rambling... I am sure it has something to do with caffine... ... damn you caffine... damn YOU caf FINE!!! oh, but if Johnny said it it would be funny!?

Well, someday in the future I will be reading this journal in some drunken nostalgic haze and the last thing I'll want is to remember myself as being so boring and long winded ("too late"... who said that)... Anyway, time for me to get back to the surreal city of Tokyo...

To what end?

jason@slangman.com — Sat, 15 Sep 01 22:19:00 UT

As usual, I have just read through my emails, read through the journals of my friends and family, and have been comforted by the messages within them. Noticing the positive effect these journals have had, I need to ask (albeit selfishly) why more of my friends and family don't keep a journal? Again, selfishly, I will list some people I would like to see start a journal:

Sharon (started but may have stopped, and she is a very good writer), my mother, my brother, my friends Kristine and Laurie, this is too hard, basically, if you are reading this, you should start a journal too (if you haven't already)... don't just sluff this off, go to the website and sign-up, it's free!

I feel as though a long and rambling entry might be coming, and I will try to curb that, but here goes...

I have spoken to my friends Sharon, Johnny and my mother in the US since the attacks, and each time I stated how helpless I feel being so far away in Japan. However, after having read everyone elses journals, I know that I am not alone. No one knows what to do because there is no presidence for reacting to random acts of mass murder... and really, for that I am thankful! As Americans, we have been shielded almost exclusively for so long with the belief that we were so powerful that no one would dare attempt such an attack. As I begin to look more closely at people reaction to this horrible event, it is obvious that no one knows what to do. Do I go to work tomorrow? Do I talk about it? Do I donate money? blood? to who??? Am I wrong to smile at something that reminds me how fortunate I am for all that I have? When can I laugh again? How can I show how deeply this has affected me?

I too am caught in this social and emotional trap. I spent the day after the attack in my apartment watching the news. I could not eat the entire day. I had a weird feeling of embarrassment even to step foot outside... I can only imagine that is has something to do with the Japanese belief system of pride...?

I punished myself over and over again... feeling guilty for all that I have and now for those who have lost everything... and I am reminded of the greatest asset in my life... my ability to see how much I have!

As I watch the news I contemplate each victims thoughts... did the passengers on the planes that were flown into the towers know they were about to die that way? Were they looking out the windows noticing how close they were to the buildings and began thinking that something terrible was about to happen? What about the people working in the towers? Someone had to notice the plane about to fly into the building right into them... what did they do in that last second of their life? And what about the victims in the smoldering top of the building who knew that there was no way to escape in time, and decided to jump instead of be burned or crushed to death? They woke up that morning, went to work, and soon found themselves ready to leap to there death... These people, given the chance to live just one more day, would live so honestly, so compasionately, so beautifully, if only they knew the end was coming. So as I watch the news, I am drawn to the ideas that the 27 year old Japanese financial assistant working at Fuji Bank on the 92nd floor had so many ambitions. He was 27, working abroad in New York City, climbing the ladder of his company, paying his dues... maybe he loved playing baseball after work? maybe he was engaged? maybe he just started taking night classes? maybe he really missed Japan? he had secrets, he had dreams, he had times when he felt alone, and frustrated, and angry, and blissful. He smiled at his accomplishments, reveled in his friendships, planned for his future and tried to make others happy. He never tried to change the world, or discover the meaning of life, or even change another persons views... he just did what he thought was right. He never imagined his death would come so soon, or be so gruesome.
He took his final minutes or seconds and missed everything. He had no time to share his secrets, or relate his dreams, or describe his fears, he simply missed everything he knew was about to be gone forever. Crushed by the weight these feelings, he simply missed.

I feel like I can see him. I am staring into his eyes, now widened by his thoughts... all he wanted to do was keep living... not spectacularly, not with incredible wealth, just simply... and now that would no longer be possible... the quiet of his stare, the blink of his eye, the simply act of living is all that is needed to understand his thought... just to be alive.

So here WE are. WE are alive, with similar ambitions, similar dreams, fears, secrets and to what end? If faced with similar circumstances, would we feel the same? I know as I sit and watch the news, that my sadness is for all the secrets that will never be shared, and the fears that will never be comforted and for the dreams that will never be realized...

These unfortunate victims who have died so prematurely truly need to be remembered forever, as with so many other people who have died before there time. And each of us will remember in their own way...

I will concentrate on living with my heart, and not with my head. I will not regret, and will always view each second of my life as extra, a bonus. Should my life end suddenly, I will smile knowing taht everyone in my life knows exactly how much they mean to me, and how much I love them. I will never need to feel cheated and will always live not only for my dreams, but for all the people who never had the opportunity or luxury of seeing there dreams realized...

I realize this point of view may sound selfish, but to me, it is the best way to honor the masses of people who died before their time... to live, and live with an incredible passion for every second of my life!

A different life...

jason@slangman.com — Sun, 9 Sep 01 16:41:00 UT

So where am I these days? I have tried twice to finish my thoughts about my rage against society, unsuccessfully...

Essentially, my mood is being changed on a hourly basis due to the smallest of influences. But who doesn't feel like a leper when you walk down a crowded street and everyone else is holding hands? How can you not feel alone when you see a woman blissfully clutching a flower her boyfriend has just given her? I not trying to deny the impulse, but rather to follow the impulse to the source, pick-up the source, shake it like a rag doll, set it back down, and expect that any more of that impulse crap will result in much worse than a shaking (long sentence).

Sure, all of you budding pyscologists out there will note that I may have some anger issues, but I assure you, it is just for illustrative purposes.

But relationships are the easy one! Money, success, independance, comfort... that really gets to me. How much of my wants are imposed by society, and how many of them are mine? I am pretty sure I would like to own a Jet Ski some day... I never saw that as a symbol of success or prestige, but I just think it would be fun...

What about a car? How about money for expensive meals? How about money to travel, and why?

And space? Space is a luxury in Japan, and to a lesser extent, the rest of the world (not talking about India, I am sure it is worse than Japan). And I definately feel more comfortable when I have space and nature around me. Now I grew-up in a beautiful big house with a great peace of land, so it is really no surprise that I yearn for something similar, but how much of that is my core of need or want or happiness?

So where is the line between my innate needs and the wants and pulls and pushes of society?

So, I always play it safe. I always look down the path with my perfect eyesight and project all the possibilities until I am left with the knowledge to survive better than average... but more often than not, I am not conscious of this darwinistic process... my mind just does the work and I couldn't stop it even if I tried, and I have tried. As I have said previously, perhaps the only way around this process is through the consumption of alcohol or drugs. However, as one might guess, this kind of mentality will not allow the consumption of drugs for obvious reasons, and the consumption of alcohol will only ever reach a certain level. But in that, I have comfort (despite the discomfort) in knowing that knowing is better than avoiding... follow?

But never before have I entertained the idea of pitting the reasoning beast against my desire to not reason... if you think it sounds like a catch 22, well, you're right, but I am going to give it a whirl...

So this means, that I guess I will try to methodically try not to be methodical... and perhaps lose my mind in the process... but it should be a good show...

For instance, I have decided not to take a full-time job. Instead, I will be contacting every casting, modeling, and narration/voiceover agency I can find in Tokyo. I am choosing something I have no control over, like finding work based on my looks and voice, something which is completely subjective, and I will be attacking this idea methodically. But I will not be taking the safe road... living paycheck to paycheck (so to speak, I still have a nice chuck of savings).

The goal, is to increase the learning, as with most new endevours I entertain. However, it will truly be interesting to see how my intellect treats the helplessness of not knowing where or when your next job is coming from... he he he, should be interesting!

-continued-

Getting Focus

jason@slangman.com — Sat, 8 Sep 01 23:22:00 UT

Well, without reading where I left-off in my last journal, I will attempt to keeping writing on the now accelerated thought (that's a good thing)...

So, society... my arch nemesis... where were we... oh yeah, I hate your rules. Why, do I feel inadequate sometimes about not having a girlfriend, or a job, or more money in the bank than other people I happen to talk to about money? Who creates these standards that somehow affect my emotions and responses to absolutely meaningless questions... why do I care... oh yeah, cause society cares... and they supply the questions...

In true Jason style though (weird to speak in the third person), I say Fuck society! I am through living by those rules... I am building, stock piling, preparing, and I will create a new reality... one that other people understand too, otherwise I am just crazy...(insert "of course you are crazy" joke here)...

Break: As if I am doomed never to finish these thoughts, my roommate Ryo has just called me to say that he is going home. It is now 11:30pm on a Saturday night, and he has not come home since leaving for work on Monday... that's right, the work ethic is a bit different in Japan!

Anyway, his office is only about 10 minutes walk from here, and I am going to accompny him home (he backed into a pole in his car once because he was so sleep deprived... now he taking the train, but I am still worried). Anyway, I have to go, but I will try to write again tomorrow.

Hope all is well!

Trying to Keep Focus

jason@slangman.com — Wed, 5 Sep 01 16:56:00 UT

As my mother has just pointed out to me, I have not written at all in September... sorry. However, since I am one of the few people who has a journal, but does not have a computer at home, I feel as though I should be given some slack with regards to the frequency of my journal entries... just to get to this internet cafe costs me, $2.70 one way on the train, plus $3.00 per hour for the computer... so to just check my email costs me $8.40...

My sister Jennifer however, is on her computer all the time, and like me, she also has not written in her journal in September...

But perhaps the biggest mystery, is why my mother does not have a journal of her own??? Knowing her son has to spend so much money to call her to find-out how she is doing, you would think she would be happy to start a journal of her own, but alas, no... if I had a nickle for each time I had to cry myself to sleep not knowing how she was... well, I'd have quite a few more nickles...

Enough about that though... now for rambling about me...

I have been losing much focus lately, but feel as though I am still hanging-on (just fingertips at this point) to what I should be really concerned with...

Society, or rather the idea of normalcy, is really taking its toll recently. I find myself always fluctuating about being concerned with money, being alone, or just fitting-in to a new culture... however, all of those things have more to do with societal expectations of myself than they do with my actual happiness...

== Just got a phone call from another exemployee of the company I was fired from, and so many people have been fired recently, that there is talk of organizing a class-action suit against them... now that we are all unemployeed it sounds like a good idea...

Anyway, I have to go meet with a few of these folks now, so I cannot continue at this time... I will finish these thoughts soon though as I feel I am close to some more major decisions about my future...

Hope all is well back in the US... I miss all of you!

Blah Bllaaaahhhh bleaasdkkdk..........

jason@slangman.com — Wed, 29 Aug 01 20:19:00 UT

Well, the visa application is in... I am still frustrated that I do not know Japanese yet... have started to look into taking Japanese classes... getting worried about money (in relation to taking Japanese classes)... have many interviews this week... it is not a problem finding work here... still trying to decide where to start a new company... still trying to decide what the company should be... need to keep focus on starting... hit comforting/depressing benchmark in Japan - Starbucks employees are starting to remember "my drink"... in a way it makes me feel like I'm home, but we all know that it just means I go there too much...

Wow... just had to get that out, and use as many ... as possible.

I don't really feel like writing much lately. I kind of feel like I have been waiting in the concession stand line at the movie theater, I finally get to the front, and now I cannot decide what I want... I know, I know... really weak analogy, but you get the idea.

Once again, I am putting more pressure on myself than anyone. I am trying to research different ideas that I have, but I am not satisfied unless I can see serious profit potential or security from the initial investment within the first 6 to 8 months.

It is a bit obsessive considering that most companies don't turn a profit for three years, but working at Autonomy has taught me the incredible value of the enormous profit margin...
I am looking for the security of knowing that I could become clinically insane and have my entire staff hate me, but still turn a profit at whatever I am doing... that's the AMERICAN dream!

Selfishly, I not only want a high-profit company, but also a fun company to own and operate... I know, I know... and once again, I am frustrated that I haven't figured it out yet...

SO that's why I feel like I am treading water recently... I am applying for blah jobs just to get some money to stop myself from worrying... but I know that no matter what job(s) I take, I will not be happy until I am working for myself... I am trying to keep an open mind though.

For now, I am just living. I really hate the feeling of waiting to get tired so I can wait to get-up, and wait until I have a job, so I can wait to get an idea I like, so I can get excited about the future, the possibilities and all that goes with it.

Oh, before I forget... anyone who has any video tapes to send me... ABOUT ANYTHING, I would really appreciate it... I have been watching the same Friends episodes over and over again because Ryo doesn't have cable and I cannot understand Japanese enough to watch any tv. Since he loves friends, we have the first two seasons on tape, but that is it! Really, ANYTHING, will be better than my compulsive boredom eating which is really starting to make me fat.

Here's how you do it... the US post office has this handy envelope called Global Express that should fit two VHS tapes easily. The beauty part is, that it only costs $9.00 to ship the envelope to Japan, and I will get it within 3 days... Yipee!!! For those of you that lost it, here's my address once again...

me
5-13-15 Kinuta 5 Bankan #202
Kinuta, Setagayaku
Tokyo, JAPAN 157-0073

Thanks in advance!

Also, as I have mentioned in my previous email, it is my sister Jenn's Birthday today (Wednesday, the 29th), so those of you that know her, please call her or email her to say Happy Birthday!

Actually, Jenn mentioned to me that what she really wants for her birthday is for everyone to send videos to me in Japan... she really is sweet like that! So you don't need to buy Jenn anything, just get over to the post office is you want her to be happy...

Well, writing this journal has definately made me a bit happier... just thinking of the smirks on the faces of my friends and family as they read my smart-ass commentary makes me feel almost they they are here with me... I really miss everyone, and hope that I can figure out a way to see you all again real soon!

I guess I'll end on that good note! Thanks for the inspiration! (remember Jenn wants videos to be sent to the above address, she does not want expensive gifts sent to her... you want her to be happy don't you??? DON'T YOU????)

Viva las Visa

jason@slangman.com — Thu, 23 Aug 01 19:36:00 UT

Well, it looks like a few of my fears have passed... one of my old co-workers smuggled my approved visa (certificate of eligability) out of the company and gave it to me... that means that I can legally stay in Japan and work for one year!!! That is a load off my mind.

Now, I am going gang busters trying to find part-time work... I am throwing my headshots out to everyone I can, applying to every temp teaching service I can find, and generally just pimping myself all over town... it's kind of fun.

Anyway, I never did post my ideas for the company... I was supposed to have them up by Tuesday, and despite the fact that I knew what the ideas were at the time, I wasn't ready to share them... sorry.

side note: I am sitting in a crowded internet cafe right now, and the 50's Japanese guy next to me is looking at porn... everyone can see what everyone else is looking at, and it is just a bit weird... I keep looking over and seeing a completely naked girl with legs spread, etc... you get the idea... I'm gonna sit with him for a while... be right back... just kiddin...

Anyway, I am currently concentrating my efforts on developing an idea for an English conversation school / bar that may eventually turn into a host/hostess club... given the way the Japanese learn English (not very well)... what I mean to say is... at the end of the day, they are paying $30.00 an hour just to talk to an American or westerner... sad but true... but hey, I'm a westerner...

Well, other than that, I am considering buying a computer... a mac... and think it will greatly increase my ability to get my business plan going...

Oh well, kind of hum drum today... I will write more when I have more interesting news...

Take care!!!

Boycott

jason@slangman.com — Mon, 20 Aug 01 22:33:00 UT

I have decided not to write anymore journal entries until Johnny and Sharon start and keep-up with their journals...

If this bothers anyone (I cannot imagine it would though), you can email John at m_pibb@hotmail.com

Thank you for your time...

What did I want to do with my life again...?

jason@slangman.com — Sat, 18 Aug 01 16:52:00 UT

Before I officially begin my journal, I would like to recognize the much anticipated arrival of Sharon Kim's journal... I am so happy she is finally apart of the growing community that is www.journalscape.com ...

Now then, now that I am unemployed again, I exist each day to determine what it is that I will be doing for at least the next few years if not the rest of my life (although, I really do not think I am capable of doing just one thing for the rest of my life).

My current outline is as follows... I will be brainstorming ideas for companies that I can start in Japan, and different companies that I can start in America. After I have a good list together, I will be scrutenizing over the fun and overall profitability of the various ideas, and will narrow my ideas down to just a few for each country. Then, and here is where you come-in, I will be posting my ideas with very VERY VERY brief business outlines to solicit your advice and opinions about the various ideas.

Initially, very few factors will be taken into consideration when establishing this initial list of ideas... for instance, the fact that I want to create a new car company may seem a bit excessive considering the obvious start-up costs... but I will not be limiting any potentially good ideas at this phase in the game.

Additionally, if anyone reading this journal has any ideas for a new company, and would like to forward them to me (as long as you would never expect anything in return), it would be greatly appreciated.

I will make it my goal to have this initial list of ideas posted here by Tuesday, August 23rd.

Also, before I forget, it is my sister Jennifers birthday on August 29th, just 11 shopping days away... even if you don't know her, just go to her journal and email her to say Happy Birthday... how do you get to her journal you ask??? Well, if she ever gets off her lazy ass and links our journals as I have requested, it will be easy for you to send her a warm birthday greeting.

I am sorry, this entry is pretty lame, but really, all I do recently, is stair into the crossroad... I am a bit nervous to think so seriously about this new company, because I know I am about to be deciding to risk what little money I have on something that I have never done before... but that is the difference between entrepreneurs, and people who dream of being entrepreneurs... in the end, there is always comfort (for once) in knowing that no matter what happens, my obsessive compulsive nature will take-over, and I will be fine... ahhhh, obsessive compulsive... my safety flaw...

In related news, while doing my brainstorming, it has come to my attention that I have many strange ideas that might not neccessarily make me any money, but would be really good ideas for other comapnies to try or institute... of course I am trying to figure out how to make money with this, but usually it is just about adding something here or making greater efficiency there or something that you really cannot charge for...

One example of this, although far grom the best example, is the Big Mac. Currently, McDonald's uses hamburger paties on the Big Mac... trying so desperately to capitalize on every possible variation of there food, I cannot understand why they haven't tried the Grand Mac, the same Big Mac with Quarter Pound paties instead of the hamburger paties...

The I thought about the possibility of opening a consulting business for efficiency and productivity, but I really want to own a shop of somekind... decorate, design, market for, etc...

I don't know... I guess we'll just have to wait until Tuesday to see what the first wave of ideas is...

Hope all is well with you! Sorry again for the lame entry...