snap

Snap is probably the worse sound an athlete wannabe like me can hear.

Here I am driving back 3 hours for a game of amateur local soccer league, and after playing decent games the previous games, am having an off day. Accuracy is worse than usual, feeling out of shape.  At some point I had a great move. A rare offense move for me since I am usually on defense (not in shape enough to chase people). And I am running fast to beat the goalie for a ball which is bouncing high. I manage to get in front and lift my leg high high and touch it gently , with my toes. The ball bounces above the goalie, which is way-out of the goal area, and lands just above the net. Close , but not enough. I was smiling when I ran back- it was a nice move. Give or take 10 minutes later- it's 3:0 to them -  we just cleared another ball, I begin to run up and SNAP- I wasn't even running fast. I hopped on the other leg to the outside and wandered why I hadn't felt enough pain. I knew it wasn't good, since I tore another muscle in the past. My instinct proved right unfortunately and my calf muscle is torn.

It's a week after the injury- most of the swelling is down, but the pain is still here- when I make a wrong move – simple things are not simple any more – that's the annoying part, for example- I am thirsty now-  but going 10 meters to the tap for water – is it worth it?

Some things have changed- and my race in Kona in June is gone –  but , you should always look on the bright side. I had short time to train and raise the funds I needed. Now I have more time for both, and likely Alla will come with me – my scheduled race is now Vegas in December – not the best destination (Because I have been there - I would have preferred a new destination), but Vegas has lots of shows and fun things -  I am sure I will manageJ

Another shame issue is that spring is in full blossom  - the trees are amazing, and I am missing out. The soccer season has ended for me, my volley ball season ended before it even started. Orienteering season will be half over by the time I can run again  (start running in a month I hope). I think I will sign up for monopoly season.

I just got back from hilarities – it's a comedy club – 2 funny comedians- forgot their names. The good thing about these clubs is that ever so often people get free tickets. Now Alla won some tickets and I got to go (don't worry about the club, they make money when you buy food there). So an evening of laughs is always good. One of the comedians shook my hand after the show as we were coming out – for coming in my injured state (I am walking on a crutch – to take the pressure off the muscle). People open doors for me, tell me to sit and stuff. I don't like feeling that I can't do stuff, on the other hand (not other leg) it is convenient – and with Cedar point opening day in 10 days- I need to see if the crutch can save my some line time for the roller coasters- that is an activity I can definitely do.

My 6 days on crutches is giving me perspective – you appreciate handicapped parking ( I wish I had a monthly sticker- it's so much easier when it rains- and here it rains a lot)- the problem is that I can't run to avoid the rain. It's hard to have an umbrella – since I needed both my hands to hold the crutches (I had 2 till today) and I cannot find my umbrella – since it is tucked away in the Katharina mobile. Crutches are useful in hitting elevator buttons, and those buttons to open doors (handicapped buttons). But I can't hold anything, ahhhahhahah.

Today I had my 1st therapy session which included ultrasound message and some simple looking but effective movements that made my day a whole lot better, which some freedom to move. The sessions are done by Hostess a.k.a Alla's sister (hostess , because she is always hosting- and large events- like the Seder). I don't have a better nick name at the moment- maybe I should call her Inna.

 

Paper work is not one of my strong sides- this fact is widely known. I don't know why people are surprised to find that I didn't have medical insurance  in the last year. I should have had one, but for some reason the forms were not filled out. I can blame someone else or myself for that… so let's go with someone else. I didn't need any medical attention in the last year – so I was saving money for the company and myself without knowing – not to worry. My insurance is valid again, all taken care of. But this week I came to the doctor (looked at my leg for a second, and told me I had a tear- even I knew that…. What I didn't know is the name of the muscle (I still don't) and the extent of the injury (could have been worse)) without insurance information. I came to the physical therapy with no insurance information. I filled out the forms and got approved, and I managed to lose my new shiny red debit card. I live here for over a year without a local credit card- which is a pain- since I cannot purchase some things like ticket- and last week I finally got a debit card- which is not a real credit card- whatever I buy goes out of the account right away and not at the end of the month – so it's convenient cash- but not convenient If I can't find it? I am not worried since I lost it right away and convinced that it is still in the apartment- trying to hide under a stack of bills.

 

Before the trip to Israel I have to do a few things that I want to write but I will have to shut up and silence my fingers about- and my plans for the east side vs west side games continues- it's on June 20^th – a whole day of events. I am looking forward for that, but I still have a lot of work to get it done. This fundraising is forcing me to be organized, which is a great little side benefit.

 

I am landing on the 29^th and we plan to be in Eilat, dead sea, Jerusalem, Nazareth and other places – so busy busy and fun week. Than go straight back for the fund raiser and hopefully to enjoy the rest of the summer on 2 working legs.

I have a new nick name now – I was referred to by many variations of gimp – mostly gimpy (which means צולע), cute name but kind of lame.

Recently I dropped alla close to the door- because of the high hills- now the rolls have reversed.

And the new Xmen is really good – yes, it is a fantasy movie, but the plot and characters are good.

 

This was a very rambling entry- I guess this is what happens after a silent week, my mind is cluttered with useless events trying to flee…

I guess it's time to say good night – now that Boston won , man united will meet barca , things are becoming more interesting.

Remember- always look positive – you never know what good can come out even from an injury.

Even captain Dan received magic legs (2 points on the movie I stole this line from)