Current Tally:

Lunch In: 7
Lunch Out: 1

Thursday
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Breakfast - apple sauce, cake (brought in by someone else!)
Lunch - Chinese/Japanese/sushi Buffet (lunch date!)
snacks - bread, banana

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**Yesterday was really nice. The public TV station had their annual volunteer appreciation dinner, which is always really nice. However, it usually gets pretty long-winded on the awards and stuff. Last night they set up a photo booth with silly props (we took some hilarious photos), some blackjack tables, and Beatles rockband. We kind of walked in and said, "This is interesting." But, we arrived a little late, had time to eat, mingle, and play. & they did a good job doing the rewards in a little more compact time frame. Made for a more fun evening than usual. (Though no complaints - they ALWAYS do a good job).

I, won a t-shirt!!! I probably hadn't bought a t-shirt in 15 years, and had been trying to replace some older ones. So, I put all my raffle tickets in the t-shirt pile, which no one else really wanted. Score!

All that sad, dh's hearing has become more trying, with time. I think initially he has seen it as no biggie. But last night I had to keep directing him to people who were trying to address him. I said, "If I weren't with you, people would think you were RELALY rude!" He's got a learning curve ahead of him. He really just hasn't done many social situations like that. I know he will adjust...

While it was nice he sat with his good ear to me, this meant he couldn't hear anyone else who was talking to him. Next time I should probably take the "bad ear" side.

With the neighbor insisting to take the kids, it was a nice FREE night!

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**In other news, we got our Denver airline tickets. I've never not had time off approved, BUT felt it was prudent to check with the boss before I bought tickets. Anyway, got approval when I asked, but when I went online to book the tickets, prices had gone up a bit. $16 per ticket (which adds up fast with 4 of us!!). I considered the 11pm arrival (original price), but decided to just go with the higher tickets. I think it is MUCH preferable to get home at 8pm on a Sunday night. We can probably bum a ride home at that hour, anyway. & allows some leeway for delays and such. 11pm was just pushing it too much. (I am also used to avoiding late flights like that because the main airport we usually fly out of has a curfew. Nothing like a delay that means you can't fly home until the next day!). I did have to tell myself - "At least there isn't a curfew!" But, it was still hard to justify. If I am spending a bajillion dollars, what's another $64???

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**I did something crazy. I actually bought glasses online. (After wondering if everyone is out of their minds). Actually, my goal was to buy a nice pair, in -person, and to order some online, and compare.

That said, I hadn't gotten around to buying proper glasses, while I had gotten around to ordering some online glasses.

My experience was hit and miss, but I think I am an online glasses convert...

Before I made the purchase, I scrutinized the reviews and looked up any advice I could. I was still skeptical, but gave it a whirl.

The awesome tips I read were how to measure my PD (dh helped me) and how to measure your existing pair of glasses as a starting point (never would have thought of that!!). That was excellent advice.

I have been resistant, because I have had my current pair of glasses for 6 years, and was last told I didn't need a new prescription after 4 years. (i did get one though). I also got a really nice high quality pair of glasses. To wear every day for 6 years, what am I going to complain about. I'd rather pay for some real quality.

BUT, I left my optometry appointment with the impression that I was heading into "new every 2" year glasses route. This made me a lot more open to try these online glasses.

Anyway, I dutifully measured my glasses and looked for something as similar as possible.



Sure, you could find really cheap glasses for $8, but I Wasn't overly impressed with those. These looked closest to what I already owned. "We shall see!"

They were $19 plus $5 or so for anti-reflective coating (which I read mixed things about the quality).

I then ordered another frame (maybe $10?) and paid about $10 for anti-reflective coating and a dark sunglass lenses.

Shipping was $4.95, so my total was about $50.

Fast forward a few weeks, and my glasses finally arrived. My prescription had changed so much, that it was rather obvious when I put on my new glasses that they were eons above my old pair. I could still due the "buy in person and compare quality" test, but overall, for my purposes, I think I am good. I suppose it was good I was lazy!

The quality of the pair of glasses were GREAT. They actually were extremely similar to my old pair, which had cost something like $250 (or was the retail, anyway).

They fit great, and no complaints...

I only have 2 minor complaints. The little diamond on the side looks REALLY cheap. Much nicer in the picture. But, not a biggie unless you look up close.

I can see what people mean about the anti-reflective coating. It's not terrible, by any means, but it is noticeable. If I look in the mirror, the glasses can look a little green. I notice green/rainbow out of the corners of my eyes at time. Nothing I can't live with to save $100-$200. Not as bad as many of the reviews alluded to.

Now, onto the sunglasses. I did buy a plastic pair, since I don't wear sunglasses very often. Didn't mind going cheaper.

Bad bad bad purchase! I tried to go for similar measurements, but was a very different frame shape. For one, it looks terrible on me. Secondly, they look cheaper/more slapped together than my kids' toy sunglasses.

I am not overly impressed in that area. I do have a pair of sunglasses lying around somewhere that I really like. SO, I may try again and go with the measurements/shape from that pair. My other alternative is just to go kind of boring and get a second pair of the same glasses, with sun shades. That would be the cheapest solution. I know I would like them at least. But it does defeat some of the purpose of online glasses - how you can buy a few cute pair of sunglasses real cheap. Eh.

I will probably just go that route, because I wasn't impressed with the plastic shades, that is for sure. It's like you could see all the glue around the lens. The metal ones just looked much higher quality (& I hope this means that they are!!)

Anyway, I have been wearing my new glasses a few days. I wanted to give them some time before I shared the results!

I suppose, if I am happy to wear the same style of glasses forever (which I probably am), then I found a very affordable eyeglass solution. I suppose I could go try on frames in the store, and carry measuring tape, as another alternative. For now, I just welcome the chance to save money.