Happy May Day! Shoot it's the 2nd. Nevermind.

My last post was the 22nd and a lot has happened:

1. Most importantly - PAY DAY! I love love love pay day. I have received a pay check for the past ten years and after working so hard to receive that piece of paper it still puts a smile on my face. Unfortunately being out of work for about three months, the money came and quickly went to pay "the man." Until next time. May 25th to be exact.

2. Trip to Seoul - Finally took another trip to Seoul to visit and celebrate a friends birthday! Hope you had a wonderful time Vanessa because I know I did! It was a time to just lay back, eat some great food and drank way too much. What a wonderful weekend. I also ran into a few other teachers who were at orientation with me. Random, but very nice. We hung out together for a bit, but eventually had to part ways. Thanks to all for sharing your weekend with me.

3. Patellar tendonitis - I've had knee pain for literally years, but never did anything about it. Last week I started to get blisters on the bottom of my right foot (I know, gross) which really caused a lot of pain. And before this, I kept getting sharp pain in my lower right back. Knowing this was most likely due to whatever was happening to my right knee I still ignored the issue; until last week. The pain had become unbearable. I couldn't stand in class let alone walk home after work. I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with P.T also known as jumpers knee. This is where I start to vent. I am familiar with tendonitis. Now, I may not necessarily know how to treat it, but I know what causes it. After giving me the diagnoses the doctor started to tell me how to treat it. 

Doc - no exercise

Me - I agree

Doc - Rest

Me - I agree again

Doc - You need to lose weight

Me - What? 

Now, I understand how weight can affect your joints specifically your knees, but I'm a pretty healthy, slightly chubby 26 year old who danced for 7 years in my adolescent/teenage years. Mmmm, I just don't think that's it. Korea - us Americans/foreigners will never be your size 0 nor have your small framed stature. I've seen you treat people who are of perfect weight for their height like their elephants. Please stop treating everything we have/get is because we're HUGE. Patellar tendonitis - not a "fat" problem. Type II diabetes - "fat" problem. Just stop it Korea. It's not nice.

The doctor did send me to physical training, what we call physical therapy and gave me medication for inflammation. I will go back to PT this Thursday.

4. Andong Volunteer Teachers (AVT) - Like usual, I've found an organization to get involved with. Andong Volunteers Association (AVA) is located in my city and they do various things to contribute and give back to our wonderful community. Through AVA I am personally apart of AVT. We have implemented and organized an English class at an orphanage. We are literally starting from ground up. Last night was our very first class and it was wonderful. I personally felt sick most of the day, but after seeing how the students enjoyed themselves, I left feeling great! I hope everything will work out. I have high hopes for the AVT team!

5. School Update - I know my last entry was more of a rant on how I feel about teaching with my co-teacher. However, I finally spoke with her and things have been amazing. I finally feel like we're on the same page. She seems to have the class under control and realizes I'm here to teach. We came to an agreement that I will plan one lesson a week and she will do the other. So far it has worked perfectly and I feel we both walk away from class not agitated with one another, which of course is great.

6. This weekend - Not only is it Cinco de Mayo and I will be traveling to see more friends, but my brother, Byron Ceasar II will be graduating from his master's program at UMKC. Congratulations and I really wish I could be there to see you walk across yet another stage.