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A tale of sickness and the life destined to be a snorkeler

When I was younger and a girl scout, I went to camp on Catalina Island and learned how to snorkel. Like a real snorkeler, learned to dive, spit in your mask, etc. But I always yearned to do more. Flash forward to 17th birthday, I get scuba diving lessons. So excited! My body denies me by on the first in pool lesson in 10 feet of water I cannot equalize and I get vertigo when I come up and freak out. The next day I return my stuff and lie to the people that I have to work and can't make it. College - I do one day of the scuba class, have flashbacks and then quit that class and join the kayaking class (which I do not regret taking).

This week - I am here in Thailand, I plan on taking the 3 day class, get certified, I am going to be a diver! I wake up the day of the class with the WORST SORE THROAT. Self diagnosed strep throat which I have confirmed because I started taking antibiotics and 4 days later I finally felt back to normal. But seriously! How could I get sick again! I am destined to never learn how to dive. How can this be? My name means Guardian of the SEA. I should be diving all the time and instead am trapped at the top of the water. Stupid Ear/Nose/Throat - You have cursed me from my true fate of communing with the sea.