Identity Crisis
plus Tradition
plus Tradition
"Identity crisis," you say? My first thought when I hear that phrase is the title of one of my critique partner's early books. I don't think that manuscript has seen the light of day, but nothing ever goes to waste--it was a stepping stone to something better.
So... for my identity crisis. When a person gets old, odds are high that this old fogey will develop cataracts. Which (not saying I'm old, mind you) is exactly what happened to me. Yesterday, the first one was whittled off.
Nowadays, they have some pretty fancy lenses. I should mention that my good eye has never been corrected to better than 20/60. I have no discernable vision in my bad eye. Anyway, we sprang for the astigmatism correction--an extra $1,200 but Mr R and I figured these lenses would be worth the money.
What I didn't realize was how entirely macabre it would be not to wear glasses. I've worn glasses since I was six years old. All the time--sometimes even in the shower. And speaking of the shower, it'll be really nice to be able to tell which is the shampoo and which is the conditioner!
I keep trying to push my glasses up. I've lost me readers about 17 times already and I've only had them for an hour and a half. I keep moving my head up and down to get a better focus (because I wore progressive lenses for decades) but I can already see better than I think I can. The doctor said it takes the brain a while to catch up.
One thing I'm really tickled about is that the surgeon thinks I'll be able to read print books again. That would be so awesome! I have hundreds of excellent research books but haven't been able to use them for several years. Mr R is always game to look up something for me, but that's not the same as browsing through myself.
Life can change a lot in a year, but some things we can rely on, and one of those is holiday traditions. Christmas is a fun time in Idaho and we take our lights seriously here.
Mr R and I are going through lots of changes. He retired (I never will), we moved from Seattle to Idaho, and we're taking huge steps to improve our health. We've gone from city living to growing our own apricots and tomatoes, canning our own peaches, and buying real beef from a real farm.
But one certainty is the calendar. The Yule season comes every year and with it a remembrance of what is important in our lives. For me, it's the blessing of family and friends. I might add that our definition of "family" is a bit arbitrary and quite a bit more inclusive than blood ties.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
So... for my identity crisis. When a person gets old, odds are high that this old fogey will develop cataracts. Which (not saying I'm old, mind you) is exactly what happened to me. Yesterday, the first one was whittled off.
Nowadays, they have some pretty fancy lenses. I should mention that my good eye has never been corrected to better than 20/60. I have no discernable vision in my bad eye. Anyway, we sprang for the astigmatism correction--an extra $1,200 but Mr R and I figured these lenses would be worth the money.
What I didn't realize was how entirely macabre it would be not to wear glasses. I've worn glasses since I was six years old. All the time--sometimes even in the shower. And speaking of the shower, it'll be really nice to be able to tell which is the shampoo and which is the conditioner!
I keep trying to push my glasses up. I've lost me readers about 17 times already and I've only had them for an hour and a half. I keep moving my head up and down to get a better focus (because I wore progressive lenses for decades) but I can already see better than I think I can. The doctor said it takes the brain a while to catch up.
One thing I'm really tickled about is that the surgeon thinks I'll be able to read print books again. That would be so awesome! I have hundreds of excellent research books but haven't been able to use them for several years. Mr R is always game to look up something for me, but that's not the same as browsing through myself.
Life can change a lot in a year, but some things we can rely on, and one of those is holiday traditions. Christmas is a fun time in Idaho and we take our lights seriously here.
 |
| Christmas at Indian Creek in Caldwell, Idaho |
 |
| More holiday lights--I love how they reflect in the creek. |
But one certainty is the calendar. The Yule season comes every year and with it a remembrance of what is important in our lives. For me, it's the blessing of family and friends. I might add that our definition of "family" is a bit arbitrary and quite a bit more inclusive than blood ties.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Happy reading!
Click here to sign up for Jacquie's newsletter
Pickle Barrel Gazette
If you're on Snapchat, friend me! My handle is jacquierogers. You can get videos of Sassy's latest updates there. And goofy pictures of her scribe.
Keep up with Jacquie Rogers' latest news at the
Jacquie, you look younger since your surgery. Thanks for sharing the beautiful lights photos. Bea and I always go driving around to look at lights each year. Hope the coming year is one of health and happiness for you and Mr. R.! We count you two as family (Mercedes, too).
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely an important part of our family! I wish we could be together for Christmas. Hugs.
DeleteI agree mom looks younger... Maybe what I need to do is get her a pair of those old lady glasses necklaces... Lol
ReplyDeleteAnd if you ever game I'd be more than happy to drive down to you guys and bring you up here.
LOL. The Mercedes Mercy Mission Fetching Service. Rounding up stray family members since 2019.
DeleteExcellent observations. You really do look amazing without those glasses and I'm thrilled you may get to read those print books again. That is a huge gift for researchers. Yay! Doris
ReplyDeleteAs you know, the real deal is being able to read microfiche! Woohoo!!!
DeleteWow, you do look younger and vibrant. So happy for you that you were able to successfully get your vision back. Enjoy the holiday season and all the sights and sounds that come with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Each day my vision seems to be a bit better. I'm not sure how much improvement my next surgery will have but I'm liking it so far. :)
DeleteHappy Holidays to you, too!
Congratulations on the new vision! Same thing happened to my older brother who had worn glasses since he was 5. He finally quit trying to adapt to NOT wearing glasses and had a pair with no correction except for the bifocal at bottom of lenses for reading. Love the holiday lighting pictures. Bet it's cold in Idaho!
ReplyDelete