Erika is considering joining the US Army as a linguist. She found she picks up languages like my dad did. He could read, write, and speak six languages and could speak five others. Her idea of a soldier and warrior is one who protects those who can't defend themselves. She has exhibited those traits since she was in first grade. Normally, she's a gentle soul who loves kittens. If she sees a bully picking on someone smaller, she's right there in the middle of the fight.
When she first got to Japan, she was approached by three girls who felt they had to teach my daughter her place (Erika later found out these were the school bullies or "Yankee girls"). My daughter said she felt bad because these girls were built like her older sister; 5 foot nothing and maybe 100lbs (Erika is 5'8" and 52 inches around the shoulders). Erika gave a warning that she doesn't put up with threats. One of them flipped her off. Erika had the girl on the ground by the collar before the girls knew what happen. The girl was informed she could be broke like a twig, and they were never to be caught picking on anyone. A couple of days later, my girl caught the three girls trying to take another girl's lunch money. Erika had the three girls on the ground so fast they didn't know what hit them! She told them they were warned. As a result, Erika now has a fan club at the school. This is something she hates because she's somewhat of a loner and enjoys her quiet time. I have to laugh every time I think of this because they have to wear a stereotypical Japanese school girl uniform, and all four of them were wearing them while the three of them were getting thrown around! Picture a stocky Danish farmgirl type of girl (built something like a blond German Oktoberfest Beer serving girl ) in a Japanese school uniform throwing a couple of Japanese dolls around!
