Casting

The past two weeks I've been without Valmir, my teaching assistant.  Why you might ask?  Well, he's in a cast. 

He broke his pinky finger while swimming in the ocean over Winter Break.  I was surprised when I returned to see him wearing a splint on his pinky finger.  I of course teased a bit because he could quite properly drink tea with his finger being forced erect in this splint. 

He returned the first week or so and then went back to the dr on a Sunday evening after having worked for 5 days including 3 with students because he was still in some pain.  After watching the sad end to the Bears v Packers game, I got home and talked to my parents.  I noticed that Valmir had called twice and not left a message.  While I was talking with my parents, I heard the phone ring a third time and finally the "beep, beep" signaling that he left a voicemail, I was able to hear that unfortunately the dr casted his hand.  That's pretty normal round here and maybe anywhere for a broken finger. 

Here's the unique part.  In Brazil, if you are wearing a cast you cannot work.  Simply cannot.  You have a paid medical leave.  So Valmir's home for a broken pinky finger for 2 weeks.  The dr originally wanted three weeks but Valmir talked him into 2.  Seriously he cannot come to work for 2 weeks or he could get into trouble.  Please cross  your fingers as he returns to the dr tomorrow that he will be back because I need the ying to my yang again.

Think about the trouble I'd be in if that was law in the U.S.  So, if you're looking for some paid vacation, come work in Brasil!  If you're willing to break a limb, this is the place to live.  Wonder how many people break their limbs on purpose because of this law.  I will not be one of those either accidental or otherwise.