AEL opens this Friday!

Well, I've finally set a date for the official opening of AEL. I will open AEL on Friday, December 21st at 2:00pm until 7:00pm. I've been very busy preparing for the opening. I still have so much to do but I'm excited to open this Friday!

Today I emailed many friends and acquaintances and I am very pleasantly surprised to receive so many email replies within a few hours. I received many kind words and best wishes for my new venture. I was very humbled.

Maybe I will have a grand opening party after I iron out a few of the wrinkles. Stay tuned to the "Official Blog of AEL" to see when the party starts!

Finally a sign!

Finally, the sign is finished and in place. I did the basic design of the sign with much help from my wife and the sign maker. The sign maker was a really nice man who did a great job at a very fair price. I am very happy with the finished product.

I built the stand (thanks to the local home center) and attached the sign. It's actually very sturdy. These pictures were taken from across the street. We'll see how effective it is very soon!

Good news, bad news...

Well, the good news is that I can get ADSL at AEL. It will include a digital internet based phone, (but of course I can't get a phone number until they install it).

The bad news is that it will take at least a month for the installation, (another bummer dude).

For the first few weeks when I'm open at AEL, email and surfing the internet will have to wait until I go home after I close. Oh well, I'll live (I hope).

Internet blues

Why is it so difficult to get internet service in Japan? It takes at least a week for the provider to come to your place to assess if they can provide their service. Even if they can, it takes at least another 2-3 weeks for them to actually connect you to their service.
Yesterday NTT came to AEL to assess if they can provide optical fiber cable service and they told me they cannot, (bummer dude). Now I have to start the process over again.

The couch fits!

Well, I'm very happy that the couch fit through the door, (now I won't have to sit on the floor, lol). The couch is very comfortable and supports my back really well. I'm sure my guests at AEL will enjoy a very comfortable place to sit.

Yesterday I moved the refrigerator and computer table, but I have more furniture to move to the lounge. It's starting to come together but I still have much to do to open the lounge. I hope to open next week, we'll see.

Please show me a sign...

Here is the view of the building from the bus stop across the street where AEL will be located. We'll be on the top floor (3rd) at the right corner of the building.

I'm trying to decide what type of sign to use and where to locate it. I'm not sure I can light the sign at night because there's no electricity outside. Maybe I can put some lettering on the side window (upper left window of the shaded side of the building). My wife suggested that and also putting Christmas lights around the window border (good idea honey)...

I think I also want something on the balcony side facing the street. Check back to see what I come up with!

So much to do, so little time...

Today I've been working hard as well as thinking about everything I need to do to get AEL open. What will be the grand opening date? Where is the best place to put the sign? How should I arrange the furniture? What should I wear to the grand opening?

I have to finish the website also so I can get it hosted on the proper portals so people can find me on the internet. I must also create a basic mobile website very soon. Tomorrow the couch is being delivered. (I hope it will fit through the door)...

Oh yeah, I have to finish the flyer also! Wow, I have so much to do...