Ok they are a part of the Smithsonian Affiliate program, though I think that isn't the only one.

Oh, what a long day. Eye doctor at 10:40, don't get in till 11:15, then it turns into 3 hours of tests and exams and discussions we had six months ago. But in February I have the right eye done, and in March the left eye. There is a cataract in the left eye, though not as bad as the right, so it would have to be done eventually, and doing both only gives me a month of trying to juggle vision that is wildly different between the two eyes. I was worried about the cost, but that's what the savings account is for, as well as that stash of cash in my desk drawer from the housemate's rent.

I then had a few hours' break before the afternoon appointment with my regular doctor, where my blood pressure was worrisomely high--I need a refill on some drugs, which I' getting tomorrow--and we discussed possible thyroid issues, the perfectly resasonable depression issues, and how diabetes is such a bitch to deal with.

So I got to spend the day berating myself for my sloth and self-destructive habits and wondering what crowbar is necessary to get better choices into my head.

Thankfully I was able to get my longing-for-Hubby crying jags in the bathroom and not in front of doctors or staff. So tired of explaining things to strangers. At least my regular doctor understands.

Oh, and I am glaucoma-suspect, so there's a field of vision test in January. whee. He's not sure what's going on, because the pressure in the eye is low, which contraindicates glaucoma. Weird thicknesses in the nerve layer in the back of the eye.

Thanks Sarameg--looks like the only one in Indiana is Conner Prarie, which is awesome, but not really 3-year-old friendly. I wish the Children's Museum had like, six month memberships or three month or something. Then I'd be more into buying it. (The Indianapolis Children's Museum is like...the biggest in the country or something?)

You should contact them anyway and see if they'll offer you a deal, if you want. Lots of times, local places accommodate, if you get the right person on the phone and plead your case.

Connie, that's...a lot. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. But just so you know, in solidarity and all that, it is a lot you're coping with. Give yourself credit and cushions.

I fail at adulthood. It is bad enough that I'm living paycheck to paycheck these days. But I miscalculated what I had available and an overdrawn with no income for a week. My own damn fault. So, I'll be scrounging loose change, seeing if I can sell some of my beaded ornaments, plus any other ways to cover my screw up. So mad at myself.

Oh, and I am glaucoma-suspect, so there's a field of vision test in January. whee. He's not sure what's going on, because the pressure in the eye is low, which contraindicates glaucoma. Weird thicknesses in the nerve layer in the back of the eye.

I had to have one of those last year because of low pressure.

Not a lot, but enough to make it worth your while, psychologically, amiirite?

Most definitely.

Lately I've been having a lot of trouble using computers even medical issues allow the time. Most recent test results explain why: apparently even though my eye health has improved, my vision has grown worse. Which seems like a contradiction. At any rate, currently I'm at 20/50 in one eye and 20/100 in the other. That is my vision with my current glasses and will still be my vision when I get new ones with a weaker prescription. But hopefully the weaker prescription will cause less eye strain, so maybe my sight will get functionally better. I know my medical issues are far from the worst among my friends, even among my friends on this board. But this degree of difficulty in reading and using the computer is really scary to me.

I think it's more than entirely reasonable to be worried about eyes and eyesight. Even with really large print on monitors and such, it's a bitch cookie to deal with.

(I've always wondered at people who get both eyes laser-corrected for vision at the same time. What if it goes wrong? You still have one (almost good) eye left then!)

I went to bed at 9 last night! Yesterday included Ubering 5 hours, tutoring, cat to vet, Instacart audition... and then rescue-driving my roommate from MIT when the Garner protest closed up Mass Ave.

(And then she texted me while I was driving so I couldn't look at it until I was stuck solidly in traffic -- the bus had finally come, so she got on it, so I didn't have to pick her up at all.)

The best thing (besides the nice cookie my passenger gave me!) about the day was that I passed the Instacart audition and I'll be able to start working with them in a couple days!

I feel almost gainfully employed.

Feels funny not to be driving this morning, but I realized I'd done more than two weeks straight and need a day off.