Saturday, September 23, 2006

Hi Guys!

Sumo Update since Cyprus Rally isn't going well... Day 14 is over and today was a big day of upsets! I was busy listening to the rally on Rally Radio so I didn't watch the tournament today. I can't wait to watch the digest tonight!

Asashoryu was beaten today by Chiyotakai! I love Chiyotakai so I'm happy to see him upset the Yokozuna. I'm sure it was a huge upset! That actually makes him 12-2 now and still the leader but just an amazing bout today!! I can't wait to see it.

Kotooshu beat Hakuho, that is great his record is now 9-5 but Hakuho dropped to 8-6, that is an awful record. It will be awhile before they consider him for promotion now! Ama lost again today and went from matching Asashoryu's record to now being 10-4 but still that is fantastic record and I'm proud of him. He lost to a higher ranking rikishi and someone much bigger than him.

Kotomitsuki lost tonight too, his record also being 8-6 and that isn't good for him!! Takamisakari won and I can't wait to see his fight tonight. His record isn't good, just even 7-7. I hope next tournament he'll be back in his winning ways.

I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow. Asashoryu has won the tournament today, even if he loses tomorrow he still has the best record, the closest to him is 4 losses. So he has clinched the tournament this time! You know... just like wrc we always know who wins... I hope Sumo changes around soon just like I hope WRC changes soon!!!

Love,
Viki

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Hi!!

Sumo day 10 over and done.. not good for many.... at least not the guys I like!

The good news is that Asashoryu and Ama still hold the lead at 9-1. I'd love to see an upset and have Ama win this tournament! That would be fabulous!!!

Unfortunately Kotomitsuki was the one who lost to Asashoryu. Miyabiyama took out Baruto and from what Kristi says in Estonian news he may have gotten injured today. I can't find anything in Japan news yet. Knees are very fragile in Sumo, they are holding up hundreds of kilos... and the biggest reason for Sumo Rikishi retirement at younger ages is failing knees! I hope Baruto is going to be fine tomorrow!!! Bully Roho ran over Kotooshu tonight too!! Last but not least Takamisakari lost tonight too!!

Baruto has a 4-6 record, it is very bad for him. Kotooshu and Takamisakari are even 5-5, it isn't good either but it is better. For Kotooshu it is especially bad, he is higher ranked at Ozeki, they are required to maintain better records!! Kotomitsuki is still at 6-4, if he wins the rest of his bouts he will be fine!

I hope for a better day tomorrow! Today's Sumo reminds me of some bad WRC memories of Subaru cars and their troubles!!

Love, Viki

Monday, September 18, 2006

Hi Gang,
Just a quick Sumo update. I just finished watching tonight's action and now I have to lay down again. My back is really hurting and I want to make it to work somehow tomorrow!!!

Day 9 is over and Asashoryu was the winner in his match with Roho! Also Ama won today so that means Asashoryu and Ama are now tied for the lead with 8-1 records! I think that is fantastic for Ama!!! But there are many days to go and this is no different than rally.. anything can still happen! Most likely Asashoryu will win the rest of his matches and the tournament, like I said... it isn't much different than Loeb in the WRC.

Unfortunately today was a bad day for most of my guys! Baruto, Kotooshu and Kotomitsuki all lost! Kotomitsuki still has a good record and Kotooshu is still holding a winning record but for Baruto it isn't good news, he has a losing record now. If you don't win more matches than you lose, then you lose your ranking. I hope Baruto can win the rest of his matches each day!!!

Takamisakari won today and his record is the same as Kotooshu's so he is holding 5 wins 4 losses. I also hope he can win more of his bouts over the next week!

Tomorrow Asashoryu takes on Kotomitsuki... hmmmm I wonder how that will go!!!

Roho and Kotooshu will fight it out and I hope Kotooshu stomps him down!!! Baruto meets Miyabiyama, Miyabiyama is usually pretty strong but right now they both share a 4-5 record so they are equal this tournament. I hope Baruto stomps him down too!!!

This tournament has brought many surprises. Today was the day my friends and I wanted to go to the tournament, but as I said we didn't get tickets. In the end with my back things worked out for the better. I would have paid a fortune to be miserably uncomfortable!

Love,
Viki

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Hi Guys,
Sumo Day 8 update.. and I really think I need a new back!

Well, about the back... I'm really wondering if I could just get a new one. I felt much better today but just a little walking and sitting and getting up and down really put me back in terrible misery! I just can't believe it. I must say thankfully that the pain shooting down my leg with the pinched nerve is finally under control. That is something, isn' t it? Just can't get over the terrible back pain now. Well, one more day of rest and back to work, we'll see!!!

Now on to exciting SUMO! Today was the 8th day of the Aki (fall) basho. Things are not as I'd like them, in that some of my favorite guys aren't doing as well as I'd like, so it is just like the WRC these days I guess....

Tied for first now are Yokozuna Asashoryu, Ama and Roho with 7-1 records. Five are tied for 2nd with 6-2 records including one of my favorites: Kotomitsuki. As for Kotooshu he lost again today and sits with a 5-3 record. It isn't bad, it is still a winning record but it is a shame. Even worse is Baruto and Takamisakari are both with a 4-4 record. Ok, still they are doing their best so the Sumo is still exciting!! One huge disappointment is that Hakuho is sitting at 5-3 which means he will not have any chance to be promoted to Yokozuna (grand champion) this time. Last year he had a nearly perfect record and everyone said that he was surely to be considered for promotion but the Sumo elders didn't consider him. Now, his record isn't good. Even if he wins all the remaining bouts it is not possible to be considered this time! That is a real shame! I had hoped to see him promoted to Yokozuna soon!!!

Tomorrow will be very exciting Asashoryu and Roho will battle it out. I really hope Asashoryu wins the bout. I certainly like his attitude more than I do Roho's. Ama faces Baruto tomorrow. I want Ama to finish with a great record but of course I love Baruto so I hope Baruto wins tomorrow!

Hakuho takes on Miyabiyama and since I don't like Miyabiyama I am really pulling for Hakuho in that bout for sure!!

Monday's sumo will be exciting without a doubt! Tomorrow is also a national holiday in Japan so many people who can't usually watch Sumo will be able see it on TV and some lucky ones will be there at Ryogoku watching it live. (unfortunately we couldn't get tickets for tomorrow!)

See ya tomorrow,
Viki

Friday, September 15, 2006

Hi Gang!
Sumo and back update!!!

Sumo day 6, a real upset!!!! The "Loeb" of SUMO: Asashoryu was beaten today by Kisenosato! It was quite amazing. Now the sole current leader with 6 wins and no losses is Ama! My friend likes Ama so I'm happy with that! Ama is quite a small guy compared to the others. I like it when the small guys win!! Ranked in 2nd now include Asashoryu, Kotomitsuki, Roho and Kasugao. Unfortunately Kotooshu lost today and that makes him, Baruto and Hakuho among those ranked in 3rd with a 4-2 record. Takamisakari got his groove back today and won but he is now at 3-3.

Still a lot of days left, anything can happen, I mean today Asashoryu lost so it proves that anything can happen!!!! I'd like this sumo trend to follow over to the WRC world and see if the WRC Loeb can be shaken up a bit!

As for my back, earlier I was going to say it was better but this evening it seems the same. I've had some dinner and watched Sumo and I'm going to lay down and see if I can stay awake long enough to watch some TV.

I hope to be up and about by Monday!!!! Say a get well prayer for my back please!!!

See you all tomorrow!
Love,
Viki
Hi Gang!
Just a note to update you on SUMO! The Aki (fall) Basho is 5 days old now. The tournament is being held at Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo! We had planned to go, but couldn't get tickets for the weekend days. It seems now that was a good thing as I couldn't sit for many hours on the floor in a small space anyway. It was a blessing in disguise that we couldn't get those tickets!

Yokozuna Asashoryu is tied for the lead with 5-0 record with Megashira 6 ranked Ama. Asashoryu is very strong this time, as I have told many friends before I like him but he is the "Loeb" of Sumo. He is strong and it is boring becuase you always know he is going to win, and he will probably win all of his 15 matches of the tournament as well. Everyone else is trying to get 2nd place, doesn't that sound familiar with the WRC?

Hakuho, Kotooshu, Kotomitsuki and Chiyotakai are all tied for 2nd with 4-1 records. Tied with them is Roho, who is also very strong.. I guess he is the Dani Sordo of Sumo.. Seriously, he is strong but he is a little dangerous becuase he is violent. The last tournament he got into trouble for pushing a photographer and he broke some windows in a restroom at the arena when he was angry after one match. He was suspended for three matches and was made to apologize. I worry about him, his attitude seems scary to me. I used to like him but I'm not so sure anymore. It isn't that he is a foreign wrestler that gives him that scary attitude, there are Japanese sumo that I don't like their attitude either. However, if his stablemaster doesn't teach him control he'll make a worse impression for all foreign wrestlers in Sumo.

Unfortunately my favorite Baruto isn't doing as well this time and neither is Takamisakari. Baruto is 3 wins and 2 losses and Kotomitsuki was showing good signs at first but now has dropped the last three and is 2 wins and 3 losses!

The Rikishi (sumo wrestler) which I don't like the most is Miyabiyama. He has a terrible attitude in my opinion. I don't like the way he looks or the smug look on his face when he wins. I just don't think he has a sporting attitude and that smug look isn't favorable in my opinion. So I'm happy to report that he is having trouble at only 2 wins and 3 losses. If you have ever watched Sumo or you ever do watch I'm sure you can see what I mean about his attitude. I don't think he'll ever be violent like Roho was but he just has a bad attitude. I'd rather the "Loeb" Asashoryu win than Miyabiyama each time.

Well, 10 more days to go, anything can happen, it is just like Rally!!! I hope Kotooshu and Baruto improve and I hope Takamisakari gets his groove back!! He always looks like he's going to cry when he doesn't win. It makes me want to cry too!

You can see Sumo updates in English at the following site: http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/hon_basho/index.html

By the way, my back has improved some or the drugs are working better! I've been in bed most of the past few days. I'll stay in bed most of the next three days as well. I hope to be feeling better soon. I still haven't unpacked my car from Hokkaido and I am carrying around suitcases, ladder, tripods, boxes, asst this and that and my prized Jari-Matti Spoiler!!! :-) Of course I'm still sad I got his broken spoiler because it meant he didn't win Rally Japan. But every time I look at that spoiler with his name on it I do get a warm fuzzy feeling...

Good night to all! I'm taking my back to bed!
Love,
Viki

PS Jari-Matti, thanks again for the spoiler!!!!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Hi Guys!
Oh, sorry you are waiting for the rest of the rally news but I'm still not posting it! I have each day of the rally on the laptop, but I can't get the laptop wireless to click in and work. So I can't upload, and that is also where all my pictures are... on the laptop.
I did just want to update you all that I came back from a marathon trip to the emergency room tonight. I was there so long I just wanted to sleep there and go home in the morning. X-Rays and tests done, they gave me a muscle relaxant which still hadn't kicked in after an hour, I got a second dose. I wondered if my muscles would work at all. I'm just immune to medicines I guess. Anyway the doc says in addition to the herniated disk I have a pinched nerve. That is causing the pain all the way down my right leg and it runs all the way to my big toe which is actually numb. I suppose it seems more scary than it is. She gave me some incredibly strong drugs, told me to stay home two days and take them, not drive and I should be functional by Thursday! I may still have pain and I can take a lesser pain medicine then but this should get me through the worst part of my pain.
Anyway, wish me well soon and I hope I can sit long enough to upload all about Rally Japan and get all the photos uploaded and into albums so you can see them all.
Talk to you later!!
Love,
Viki

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Hi guys!!

I'm sorry again not to have "real news" to post for you from Rally Japan!!! I just wanted to post a quick message to you and let you know that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth after getting back to Tokyo from Hokkaido!!

Actually the last day in Hokkaido I reinjured my back. I've had trouble with my back before and the doctor said then that I had a herniated disk. The pain is exactly the same this time as before, less so than my first attack but worse than the last time I had trouble! For those of you not familiar with "herniated disks" you can read more about them here: http://familydoctor.org/341.xml.

Anyway I was miserable driving from Ryohei's house (where I started feeling the pain suddenly) to Sapporo. That is another reason I decided to stay in Sapporo rather than driving the rest of the way to Otaru. Luckily I had a nice bed and got some good sleep. The ferry was another story, sleeping on the floor, I knew I couldn't do that because I was sure I couldn't get back up. I knew before I got there I would be miserable. I wished they'd let me just sleep in my car seat!! I did make it somehow with a little prayer and some luck but driving home from the ferry port in Niigata was tough. Daytime the drive usually takes about 5 hours since there is some traffic. It is about 350kms if I remember correctly. I did make it but I stopped twice to rest and took a nap from lack of energy with the pain.

I haven't been able to unload my car yet either, I can't lift anything heavy and I certainly can't carry anything up all the stairs to my house. So I brought up a few things and the rest of my stuff is just waiting in my car till my back gets better.

Good news and bad news is that I finally got some good sleep Friday night after taking some pain medicine. It worked well and I was thankful to get good sleep, however, I overslept for work Saturday morning because of it. I woke up just 30 minutes before I was supposed to be at my class. I was so upset!!! I had planned to go and gotten everything ready including my laptop with the pictures of the trip to show my students a little about WRC. There was no time for them to cancel so they met without me. I am still so sorry about that and have felt bad all day. I slept most of the day off and on taking some pain medicine. It is the middle of the night now and I woke up so I just write you and take some more medicine and going back to bed after this...

Good night again...
Love,
Viki

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Hi!!! Here I am Tuesday (actually Wednesday at 2:30am) after Rally Japan. I am still somewhat of a zombie. I left Obhiro on Monday night and drove to Ryohei's house about 1.5 hours from the city. Cooked dinner with his mom and ate and basically passed out sometime before 10pm and woke up at 1:30 this afternoon. I am now in Sapporo, I am staying at a very nice business hotel on the top floor.. it is actually a double room but I got it for the single price. Not too bad a price either, including paid parking (typical of many Japanese hotels) the cost is about 8,500 yen for the night and I get some free Onigiri (rice balls) for breakfast in the morning too.

I have days and days of news, I know all you want to hear becuase everyone has emailed my cellular phone for the past week... I am exhausted, working is harder than spectating, that is for sure and there is much more stress. I did enjoy my time though, I would not want to go back and change anything.

Did I mention in the guestbook that Denis Giraudet is one of the most handsome men I have ever seen. He is sexy beyond belief. He has a sophisticated sexiness about him, what I kept referring to as 007 handsome. I really was overcome with his manner, his voice and his looks when I picked him up. No different than picking up a movie star like Sean Connery for me.

I also found out that Jari-Matti Latvala is 100 times more handsome than his pictures show. I fell in love with his English on Rally Radio and I saw some photos of him, I thought he was cute. But when I met him I almost died!!!!! I have to honestly say that he is almost on the mark for me as far as equal to Petter in his looks. I mean of course you all know I am totally in love with Petter but Jari-Matti is just as good looking so I may have to split my heart a bit and make them equal. Not only is J-M handsome he has a boyish cute to him, of course that is because he is only 21 years old. It is sad to think how young he is. He is the youngest of the PWRC drivers this year. Aki is 2nd youngest. J-M's voice in person is just as cute as on the radio. He is also kind, sweet and caring. He took a lot of time to talk to me and that meant a lot to me. Even the last night in Obihiro after rally he was so depressed about crashing out the next to the last stage of rally (like Petter last year) of course and he came to talk to me at the farewell party about his feelings and what had actually happened since I had not heard the entire story yet. His mechanics gave me his spoiler, they even washed it and I had it with me and he came to my car to sign it. What a sad memory of his roll but still since it did happen, at least I have a piece of his car. I actually have two other smaller pieces too.... :-)

Another great thing about J-M is that one of his mechanics "Asko" is also very sweet. Asko is J-M's chief mechanic in the Finland championship but this time Asko was working alongside different mechanics for the team. Anyway my own team did not talk to me that much so I spent a lot of time with Asko learning about the car. He explained many things to me and taught me about some things I wanted to learn about. I enjoyed talking to him and appreciated his time. J-M's team mate rolled and retired and could not go on. So some of the mechanics could go back earlier if they wanted. Asko will be busy from next weekend so he wanted to get back to work and also to see his family. He decided to leave Sunday afternoon. When he came to say goodbye to me I cried. He asked me why I was crying... but I had really found such a good friend in him that I was sad he was leaving. I know it was silly but I could not help it. Later Sunday evening after I knew Asko was long gone I got a phone call on my cell phone and answered it. He said "This is Asko" and I panicked, figuring he would only be calling me if something was wrong. Instead he was at Narita Airport waiting for his flight and was shopping for souvenirs for his wife and wanted to know what the difference between two things was and get some advice from me. That was also sweet that he wanted my help to get the perfect gift for his wife. He really is a wonderful guy, I told Jari-Matti that later at the party and he thanked me for complimenting Asko since they are really good friends. I told J-M that I cried when Asko left, he seemed somewhat shocked but not so considering that he had already figured out I have a huge and emotional heart.

When Takuma first retired on Saturday I was with Becs while she was doing Rally Radio and I started crying. She said I could not do that, I could not get too emotional. When J-M rolled I was sitting in the PWRC lounge area and talking to one of the other team bosses. Just then someone said he rolled, I jumped out of my chair so fast that I knocked it over trying to get to the computer screens showing split times and the GPS tracking systems. I was watching the screen to see if his car would move and I started crying. The Team Tango boss told me that it was ok, that they weren't hurt if there had been no emergency call yet. But I was so upset I was crying again. I was worried about him and Miikka but also I felt so sad that he was in the lead and lost everything. Just like Petter last year on the same stage, he went from leading the rally over one minute to retiring in a second's time. In J-M's situation faulty parts caused his retirement. Not driving error or anything. What a shame for sure. He said "I was over one minute ahead so I was driving very cautiously without pushing, no need." Well that stage claimed Petter last year and J-M this year so I am all for thrwoing that one out of Rally Japan in the future. It is bad luck for Subaru men!

I need to go, will write more after getting home and getting full internet.

Lots of love,
Viki