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!