Amanda Takes Off...

Monday I went to taekwondo and did something weird (what, I don't know). My right ankle started hurting to the point that I couldn't do anything properly, so I sat out half the class.

I made it back to class tonight. And on the way up to the studio, I tripped on the third-to-the-top step. My left knee bashed—hard—against the edge of the step. I couldn't even stand up. I stayed there, leaning above the step, iPod scattered (for the third time in a week), trying desperately not to cry. After a very long half minute I stumbled up the rest of the steps, walked into the studio, and sank onto the bench. When I saw Officer, I showed her my knee, which was sporting a small, prominent cut, and asked, "안자도 돼요?" Can I sit down?

She said of course and I spent the entire class watching.

Well, watching and studying Korean vocabulary.

Watching, studying, and rubbing my knee, which was radiating with pain.

Master came into class and asked me what happened. Since I don't know the word for "stairs" or "trip," I had to act it out. I said, "앗! 관장님! 울고 싶었어요. 하지만 울면 안 돼요." Ah, Master! I wanted to cry. But I can't cry."

"왜요?" Why not?

"약속했어요." I promised. I reminded him of our promise.

When he realized what I was talking about he laughed, "Amanda, OK, good job!"