This past weekend, I went to the Island of Awaji with the Inter-Hyogo soccer team. The island was beautiful, and it was great excersize to play soccer in a real game (as compared to the couple relaxed practices I'd been to).
I wasn't on the more competetive team, but I still tried my best and ran hard. During the 3rd game, I was trying to steal the ball back from the other team, and I have no idea what exactly happened, but next thing I know my ankle gives out with a small crack, and I'm on the ground.
The same thing had happened to another teammate in the 2nd game!
Anyway, being the tough-girl that I am, I stood up, yelled "SUB" as I walked off the field, and told everyone I was okay. You know I hate to get attention, or ask for help. Mind over matter, right?
So I walk all the way to the nurse station and back (to get ice) before I even look at my ankle. At first it was like a kiwi fruit was under my skin. Not so bad, some swelling. I left the tournament early, driving home with a couple others who weren't staying for the whole tournament.
I did ice, had it elevated, and expected to see improvement in the morning.
But, the next morning (Sunday) my ankle was much worse, so I figured it was time to finally see a doctor.
The doctor was super nice, though, and it wasn't as scary as I expected it to be. The guy kept trying to make me smile and laugh, and pulled out an Atlas so that I could show him my home town; he circled it and marked my name in there. He told me stories of all the places he'd traveled in the U.S., and which places he loved in Japan.
After the X-rays, he brought his wife in to help explain to me, because she speaks some English.
The results aren't too bad. A sprained ankle and a fracture in the small bone of my little toe. No cast (Yay! June with a cast would be the worst!), but I did leave with an ankle brace and crutches!! So sad!
Since Mike's gone, our American friends in the next town spoiled me with great dinner and company last night. Today at school, I've got everyone's attention, and must have explained what happened to me a million times. A couple students saw me get out of my car this morning, and yelled down from the 3rd floor window, "Colleen, what happened!?! (in Japanese though)"
Can't say I like this attention, but it's fun that every student wants to talk to me today, and they're genuinely concerned.
For the next few weeks, I'll be building my arm strength like never before, and relaxing every night on the couch with my leg up, and a book in hand.
It looks like I won't be running with the students on Sports Day after all.
Be careful out there! And when you watch the world cup, think of me :)
Peace,
-Colleen
