Vincit Qui Patitur

WELCOME TO MY 100TH BLOG!!!! That's a big moment considering I started in September. Did that surprise you that I'm still going Kahn? And going strong I might add!

I think there are two regular readers that I know of that will know the translation of the title for today. But I find it quite fitting for a summary of this week's adventure!

First, before I forget, here are my weekend football predictions. We are down to 8 teams and I hate to miss any of these games. Unfortunately I have to miss Saturday's games while traveling, and I shall see how my sleep schedule is for Sunday. I think my presence is required in Austin, MN sometime on Sunday so I might have to miss at least one of the games.

Washington @ Seattle..... Seattle is too dang strong right now, I really think they have everything going right and will trounce Washington easily!

New England @ Denver. I will not pick against New England in the playoffs. They looked really good last week as well and I see them playing Denver pretty tough.

Pittsburgh @ Indianapolis. Does anyone actually think Pitt has a chance? Colts win.... by a lot.

Carolina @ Chicago. Sorry Kahn... no way is Chicago winning this in my mind. Carolina is playing well lately and just shut down one of the best offenses in the NFL (G-Men). I think they have learned from their earlier loss in Chicago and will win this one. Good game though - hoping this is the one I can watch.

So yeah, I picked both #1 seeds to win, and both #2 seeds to lose. Deal with it.

Now for the work part..... after another long day to finish a long week, we have been successful in what I was sent here to do. I am cleared to go home tomorrow (Saturday for me). Unfortunately, they haven't left me enough time to see anything. So just more reason to come back sometime! I discussed the possibilities of coming back next year sometime to help again later in the project. Exciting stuff! I'll be ready for another trip by then I'm sure - right now I miss my own bed.... and a nice juicy hamburger (well done).

I will miss Kyoto, but I am thankful for all that I have learned and experienced. I have a much greater appreciation for foreign customs and traditions. I am still watching sumo wrestling. I "think" we're getting to the later rounds as the wrestlers are better. As they introduce the group (either a bracket, or maybe even a weight class), they are introduced one at a time as they circle the ring (there's some ornately dressed little guy in the middle doing ceremonial things while they come up to the ring) and then they all do some ritual dance type thing. It was humorous watching them all and there was one "favorite" that got a lot of cheers from the crowd and his own camera close up. Must have been THE ROCK of Sumo! This isn't sing along with the Sumo! But he looked more American or Western I should say than the others. He also resembled more of an athlete rather than a traditional image of a Sumo. I decided that due to my lack of hair, I am not meant to be a sumo wrestler.

Just got back from a very nice dinner with the full team (all 6 of us!). It was very nice and much better than last night's meal. I did get in a lot of sake so that might have helped:) I enjoy sake and I enjoy just as much how it is served. I'm going to look for a sake set tomorrow in my few hours I have left before heading home. I'm also looking for a Samurai Sword to bring home:) I also have learned that when eating raw fish, there is a trick to make it easier. Take a bite, then make a chewing motion... then swallow whole. Then grab your beer or sake to help wash it down. Repeat till food is gone.

Also note that McDonalds in Kyoto closes at 9:30pm:( I could have gone for something from there..... oh well! Also note that sake is extremely good (I had it cold, it can also be served warm.

I leave you from Japan with a quote that I think came from Confucious.... Too much good sake can make one go home happy and sleep well. That is also quite fitting for me tonight. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! See you on the flip side!