People Always Confuse Me for.....

I've had people tell me that I look like someone familiar before.... I've been told that I look like Barbara Streisand, Ellen Degeneres, Tasha Yar (STNG), and Stephi Graf. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised if people should confuse me for these celebs.



Different results with different pics!




I'm having too much fun now!!!

Culture Shock

Ok, Y'all I've arrived at my (Country Inns & Suites) hotel for my AF training, because they didn't have on base housing available. I'm really suffering a little from culture shock, as when I went to check into billeting-- it was like stepping into a really fancy hotel-- complete with flowing water/light display behind the counter, and people in hotel uniforms.

They could probably tell I was a little prior-Army clueless, b/c of my raised voice, "This is billeting?!" I feel like God has set me up for cushy. It's a good thing he's into obedience, b/c I don't feel like I'm sacraficing much.

Except for some pride. I had been using a red pen in the taxi cab to fill out a receipt. The driver asked me a question, "I thought he said, 'Did you cut your hand?" B/c when I looked down there was a big red mark of ink where my pen had bled out onto my hand. I said, "OH, It's just ink." But apparently, he wasn't concerned b/c he said, "No-- is it Country Inns?" Those crazy southern mumbling accents.

The funny thing is my hand wasn't the only place I got ink. I didn't realize until I got to my hotel room that I checked in and had a big red splotch on my cheek next to my nose. Not just a little-- a serious splotch! I'm sure it looked like a big bright, red birthmark. Once again, welcome to my life.

Phoebe Days

I'd like to dedicate this Blog to my friend Elle, you are a non-coffee inspiration! (I don't drink coffee either, and yet remarkably we're both cappucinos-- whatever that really means.) Check out her Strikegirl page.

Tara is a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new.However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like.You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation.You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

In fact, I'm currently house/cat sitting Elle's cat, Phoebe, right now. I arrived here last night to feed her and curl up with her on the couch. She's such a great cat. She came into the bedroom at about 1:00 and walked about my head before nestling in by my legs, and later my stomach. A cat is a definite comfort. We've been plotting our plans for today. Should we chase some toy mice, and cuddle up some more? Or should we go kayaking? I think we'll stay dry. I'm waiting to see when she'll discover the dried tuna treat I put on her kitty tree!

AGGGGHHH-- So Bored!

I have no idea why I've titled this piece of writing as ARRRRGGGHHH, Matey. Perhaps it's a combination of absolute boredom and mild frustration. I tried to find out if anyone has actually died of boredom, because I am restless!!!! But apparently, people die from alcoholism because they started drinking because they were so bored. OR they develop some health problems from over-grooming. So I guess I could have a drink and brush my hair like 2000 times. However, I chose the much healthier option of sitting here sober with wild hair, updating my much neglected blog. (That and checking out some lousy videos on youtube.com-- it's amazing what people will do! Although, I do like Ask A Ninja: Question 9 "Ninja Love"-- it's just silly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdS5lkeN8_8 or just go to http://askaninja.com) Random. Random.

I suppose I could give you the 10 sec. life update. It would be cool if I was smart enough to incorporate a bouncing ball so that you could sing along, but I'm not, so you'll just have to use your own imagination. Still in school, was accepted into the AirForce Chaplain Candidate Program, debate if I wanted to stay Army or go Air Force, took my commission with the Airforce. Studied, procrastinated studying, played a game, procrastinated grocery shopping, watched a movie, procrastinated studying some more, played some ultimate frisbee, and wrote my blog. Yes, I know it's so unbelievably killa my life is... I'm seriously considering some base jumping.

Confessions of a Menace

Ok- I admit it I sometimes get myself into strange circumstances, although well-meaning can be awkward. Now, those of you who know me have already lifted an eyebrow and smirkingly question, "Sometimes, hmmm?" Ok! Ok! So God hasn't gifted me with "smoooothness."

Latest case in point... I almost killed a guy ... at Caribou Coffee....

What you are about to read is a dramatic account of this true and almost tragic event. Warning- If you have a lack of sensitivity to humor you should stop reading now lest you be emotionally scarred. The names may have been changed to protect the innocent.

(Dreamy flashback mode.)

The day started innocently. Not a murderous thought had entered my head. Even my random thought pattern seemed strangely focused. I able to easily open glass jars of various goods without strain. The March sky was grey as I headed to Caribou Coffee one early afternoon with the sole intention of conquering my latest chapter in Greek. (This is my dramatic attempt at foreshadow.)

Now you probably should know that this particular Caribou Coffee has a shared glass foyer with Bruegger's Bagels, so you can enter in a door and then choose one of two doors to get you to either merchant. However, once inside you can easily walk over to the other since each merchant's are just flows to the others.

I parked my car, and boldly walked forth unaware of the potential peril. I started to approach the outside door of the glass foyer and noticed that there was a man on a ladder (!) on the inside portion repairing the Caribou Coffee door. As I opened the outside door entering the foyer and the man spoke to me, "Can you close the door?"

I, of course, being ever so helpful smilingly replied, "Sure." Then I proceeded to close the door as the gentleman watched me, then he started to emotionally scream out, "NO! NO! NO!" His fingers were in the door hinge at the very top, and were starting to be pinched by my excellent and forceful door closing skill.

Possessed with the spirit of the 3 Stooges, I realized I was doing this poor man harm and quickly opened the door as I proclaimed, "Sorry!" As I opened the door wide, the gentleman began to lose his balance! It seems he had place one foot on the glass door to balance himself using an opposition of force. (Apparently, the ladder isn't good enough to support you, and balancing with a movable object helps.) And he repeatedly, quite hurriedly, and once again with emotional fervor, shouted, "NO! NO! NO!"

Once again, I closed the door, repeating my apologies... Of course, this could have started a whole vicious cycle of sadistic entertainment for all the Caribou Customers, but I closed it slowly and just enough so that his foot was able to touch it and regain balance. Therefore, the man did not plummet from the ladder, cracking his head on the tables, chairs, and tile having his brain spill like a grand triple espresso, skinny, white chocolate cappuccino.

I stopped everything. Feeling a little frustrated b/c my efforts to help weren't, I looked at him, and said, "What did you say?' brilliant, I know.

He replied, surprisingly, quite calmly, (Apparently, he faces death everyday, and this was the least it had thrown at him.) "Could you use the other door, please?"

"Certainly," I answered, and proceeded to do so. Apparently, I had misheard his mumbling. This also prompted me to think, "Why did he say anything to me at all?!" I could see that the inside of the door was entirely blocked by the ladder, so logically, the path of least resistance would suggest I utilize the other door! He obviously thought I needed some additional instruction not realizing He was dealing with a master menace of the highest ninja menace order.

I noticed afterwards, he didn't speak to anyone else offering them the same suggestion to utilize the other door. I'm glad I was able to serve him in learning a valuable lesson. I ordered my drink from room-mate, who conveniently works there should we have needed to cover up the evidence of any, ah, mishaps. She mentioned that the guy hadn't been doing a very good nor professional job that day, so I also exercise the excuse that "I was God's Righteous Hand of Judgment." Which is always a great blanket excuse, although.

And that, my friends, is how I almost killed a guy on a ladder at Caribou Coffee. It is a sunny March Day, late morning, and I am off to study Greek at Dunn Brothers Coffee. =0)


The Three Stooges Official Website: http://www.threestooges.com/

Mine and the Three Stooges New Year Resolutions:
http://www.threestooges.com/news/Resolve/
(Except Quit Smoking, since I already don't smoke.)

Sumo, baby, Sumo

YES!!!! A random picture of sumo wrestlers! And definately not anyone in cheap plastic, foam, vinyl suits but real squatting, thudding sumo wrestlers.

I heard recently that there was a controversy in Japan regarding sumo wrestling. It seems that some people are upset regarding the influx of foreign (non-Japanese) wrestlers. That some of the top spots of this traditional Japanese sport are being captured by Westerners (primarily, Europeans, I believe). I thought this sounded interesting since the WWF isn't experiencing a grand showing of Asian wrestlers... yet. We'll see what happens.

In other news..... Greek has three genders. Masculine, Feminine and Neuter. That's "neuter," not "neuter-ed," like I've made the mistake of refering to in Greek class. It's not that it use to be masculine, but then it was neutered. I should have stuck with sumo?

So do you think sumo will ever open up a female weight class? I doubted it, but was surprised to find that women sumo is actually gaining momentum since World War II when women substituted for men.

The average height of a sumo wrestler is 6 feet and the average weight is 326 pounds. The extreme is Akebono, with a height of 6'8" and weighing 516 pounds. Sumos also have a life expectancy to age 65. The average Japanese male lives to about 75 years.

Become a Sumo Wrestler: (or exercise/eat like one)http://discoverychannelasia.com/sumo/become_a_sumo_wrestler/index.shtml

For more info on the history of Sumo: http://www.journeythroughjapan.org/culture/culture_detail.cfm?id_news=47696823&type=1

Valentine's Day War Wounds.

I spent my Valentine's Day running around the Minneapolis Skyway (a network buildings connected by overhead walkways refuging people from the harsh winter elements) delivering 37 different floral arrangements in about a seven hour period. I don't think that's too bad considering my unfamiliarity with the area and that, at most, I could carry 3 vase arrangements at a time (then I'd have to run back to the floral store for more-- all the carts were in use by the regular employees). A cash bonus was going to be given to the top 3 temps so I really tried to hustle even eating my lunch as I was walking empty-handed back from a delivery. I don't think I was one of the top 3. I wish I would've worn a pedometer because I'm certain I walked some serious miles that day, despite my comfortable shoes I have a couple of blisters to prove it. Valetine Day's War Wounds.

I was exhausted when I got home that evening, but was so pumped up to receive a letter from the military saying that I had been promoted to Captain! Isn't that awesome! What I find really funny is that I'm currently inactive and have been out of the military for about 5 years (otherwise, I would've been promoted more quickly, because I am valid for promotion). It just seems ironic to actually be promoted because I haven't been doing anything for 5 years! (Of course, they do have a clause that it's only an actual promotion only if valid.) I love the language so here's what it says.....

"The President of the United States has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities. In view of these qualities and your demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, you are, therefore, promoted to the grade of rank shown (Captain). Promotion is in the reserve component and branch in which you are serving. Promotion is not valid and it will be revoked if you are not in a promotable status on the effective date of promotion."

So the real question is if I'm actually in a promotional status.... which I am but at the same time I'm not. What's also ironic is that I'm transferring to the AirForce as a Chaplain Candidate and will take a rank reduction down to Second Lieutenant (which all Chaplain Candidates are). Of course, I probably find this much more humorous than everyone else!

So just humor me....

My Oscar at the Academy Awards

Last night, my school hosted the "Academy Awards." You could dress up however you wanted, including costume. Not a lot of people took the 'costume option.' A lot of people dressed up very nicely. I dressed up (nicely as I could) as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. My hair was the most difficult, simply because it's hard to really get the piled-up look with a medium hair cut.

For those of you just joining in, I've only been at school for about a month, but you'll be quite pleased to know that in my usual 'Tara' fashion-- I'm taking things by storm. Hence, the gold 'chocolate' Oscar I won last night. How else can you explain it? The category was "Top Reasons to Become a Pastor." Although, there were some pretty clever ones when my nomination was read and I stood up sunglasses on looking Audrey Hepburnish and proclaimed (my prewritten response), "Muhahahhahah.... TO RULE THE WORLD.....one soul at a time." I received an abundant round of apalause for my heart-endearing performance. Which was followed by another ferocious round of appalause as my name was announced and I elegantly made my way to the podium.

I accepted with Sally Field's famous Oscar-receiving words, "You like me, you really like me!" I then proceeded to thank all the little people, and all the big people, since I'm at 5'3", most everyone is bigger than me. I now which I would have thanked all the little people.... especially the leprechauns, and the lil' fairies. Of course, the surprise of winning just completely took my breath away, and I hardly had time to think let alone ponder that great moment.

I truly would like to thank the academy, and you, my loyal friends and supporters for the privelege and honor of this great reward. It is truly inspiring!

Smoothies and Papers

YAHOOOOOOO!!!! Today I handed in my very first Master level paper.... (notice I'm celebrating now because who knows if I'll celebrate later). This was a paper for my Hermeneutics class-- the study or theory of interpretation. It's not the study of a guy named Herman. Although, if he was a cute, Herman, he might be worth the study. Also, dissapointingly there is no interpative dance involved at all. I know, it's surprising! =0) This is a four hour class, I have one day a week that involves a great deal of reading outside of class.

All of us use hermeneutics on a daily basis without realizing it. For example, we interpret a sports story different than an editorial, and a newstory different than the comics. (Although nowadays the comics are probably actually more reliable in their facts)

So to celebrate this amazing accomplishment of ONE finished paper, about half a dozen of us walked over to the campus smoothie bar! Unfortunately, they didn't have any smoothies today!!!! Can you imagine that?-- A smoothie bar without any smoothies? PLEASE! It is a contradiction in terms. Smoothie sales increased by 15.6% over 2003! Anyways, we resolved to return in two weeks at the completion of our next paper.


Wikipedia.org provided me with some other Hermans...

This may refer to:
Herman, a comic strip
Herman, Bishop of Salisbury, an English clergyman of the 11th century
Herman is also a popular given name in the English language
St Herman, a Russian clergyman of the 18th and 19th centuries

There are also several places named "Herman":
Herman, Arkansas
Herman, Dodge County, Wisconsin
Herman, Minnesota
Herman, Nebraska
Herman, Shawano County, Wisconsin
Herman, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

(It's funny, I'm from WI orginally, and had no idea there were so many Hermans!)

Shower Surprise

Shower Surprise

As I was waking up, I stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the shower. As I pulled the shower curtain to the side, Eminem surprised me. Yes, 'the' Eminem was staring back at me..... in 20 x 24 poster format. I quickly grabbed him (it) out of the shower and wiped it down with a towel setting it aside for my roomate. I hadn't realize she was a big Eminem fan. Apparently, she had got the poster from her sister and stuck it into the shower to surprise me. Definately, something I wouldn't typically expect. Glad I didn't try any kung fu moves or I might have slipped and knocked myself unconcious on the commode!

So... that got me thinking.... I wonder how many people do shower in the morning vs. in the evening. So I Googled it to find out that they don't have any hard fast statistics, but it seems to be dependent upon culture and schedules. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=6314

In Thailand, it appears to be taboo for women to bathe at night, but the majority of the answers seemed to have more people bathing at night then in the morning. When I was in Mali, Africa, the Bambra people bathed in the morning and the evening. It was taboo to let anyone see you before you had bathed. Of course, they also thought if you used soap you couldn't become rich. So the quality or definition of bath/shower may be different as well.

Stories

"Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God--worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.”
Psalm 51:16-17 The Message

My parents like to tell various stories from my childhood ranging from me taking on our cow-yard bull, commanding a run-away tractor, or bungee jumping out of my crib in defiance of ‘nap time.’ In fact, upon hearing such stories, one friend commented that Dr. James Dobson wrote The Strong-Willed Child with me in mind. Overall, I doubt my parents would describe me as a rebel dissident opposing their autocracy, but as a curious child asserting my independence.

Sometimes, it makes me wonder if God shares stories about me. Can you see God sitting around telling a comical story of what Tara did today, some comical way I tried to assert my independence? Maybe it’s as simple as refusing to accept help in gluing a ceramic dish back together, and now my hands are super-glued to a ‘civil-war’ plate, separated into North and South. (Never happened, by the way.)

My asserted independence has resulted in comical stories which I’m sure God, family and friends have enjoyed. Stories which they’ve humorously recounted in love and fraternal pride. However, there are other stories, which aren’t so funny. Stories where my independence is really just foolish stubbornness, egotism, or rigid-ness resulting in hurt and shame.

God has a whole book about His strong-willed children. As funny as stories about talking mules and spitting fish can be, I really don’t think He takes much pleasure in sharing some of His children’s stories… I don’t think God condemns independence, but I think if we really examined our independence…. we’d realize that sometimes it’s just a comfortable way of justifying pride.

It’s way of saying, “God, I’ll do it. I really don’t need you, and I really don’t need anyone else’s help either.” It’s funny how I’ll sometimes say this knowing quite honestly how desperately I am in need of God and others.

There are stories where ‘independence’ has really just resulted in a heart-brokenness, a shattered spirit. In Psalm 51:17, God calls a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart an acceptable sacrifice to Him. He wants us to lay it down to Him as an act of worship. To sometimes candidly express, “God, I don’t know how you’re bigger than this, I just know that you are.” He wants to be the one who picks me up, dusts me off, and puts my pieces back together. The very thing I often try to do.

Furthermore, God wants me to realize that I need others. If I’m truly part of a body of Christ, I need to be inter-dependent with others. In 1 Samuel 15:22, we’re told that God delights when we obey His voice, and that “to obey is better than sacrifice.”

We think that sometimes obedience calls for sacrifice, but when we start to examine it through God’s eyes we realize it’s hardly sacrifice at all. After all, we often go through the small pains for the big gain… whether it’s in our careers, investments, child-bearing, or physical fitness. We start to realize that disobeying God, being defiant, asserting our independence, would result in sacrificing the His very best for us. No wonder our lives can feel so heart-broken at times!

God wants to nurture our dependence on Him and my obedience so that I can realize His unending, unrelenting love and graciousness. So He can mold me into a greater likeness of His character, that He can complete His good work in me. That I live a full life, living out my purpose and destiny in Him.

Ask Yourself: Is there an area of your life where you feel a bit shattered? How can you be more dependent on God? How can you nurture inter-dependence with others?

Lord, Bless me in my relationship with you. Help me to be obedient and faithful, relying on you in trust and faith to accomplish your will in my everyday life.

Hello, Hello and welcome to my blog! It's new, and so am I-- learning to navigate this Blog world. As I ponder, searching the recesses of my mind, (My mind has recess? I wonder if there are monkey bars on the playground.) I hope to share with you invariably whatever should pop-up in my life or in my mind. That may be a little scary, but gird yourself with strength, courage, and a good pair of running shoes.

Look forward to talking with you more.