Today, I went out for a late night dessert after coming home from dinner and dessert. It was the type of gloriously irresponsible indulgence I could only dream of when I was twelve. But I’m an adult now. And, for good measure, on my way out, I picked up a pistachio macaron to go that I ate on the walk home.
Anyway, I’m pleased to report we moved out of that old place into a new one which, in truth, is really an old place – being the apartment we stayed in last season. I’m pleased to report that the noise from the next-door construction is vastly improved given that work has progressed to a point several stories above our 7th floor digs. On the other hand, I stepped outside this afternoon and noticed a safety net covering the balcony –
I’m sure those errant cinder blocks will bounce right off it and fall harmlessly to the street level below.
For some reason, every time we pull out the suitcases, the dogs totally freak out. Bubba especially who, I can only assume thinks we’re going to leave him behind. Which probably explains why he always crawls into the luggage, presumably expecting us to pack him away as well.
In addition to moving, I also found time for my annual eye exam (at Akemi’s insistence) which I attended with my reading glasses (on Akemi’s insistence). I work on a computer A LOT. And I read A LOT. A couple of years ago, I was prescribed reading glasses which I never use: A) Because I don’t really need them and b) Because once I start wearing them, I’ll never go back. Also, I just don’t look good in glasses.
See what I mean?
Today, I leave you with this:
http://www.brilliant-insane.com/2014/09/5-reasons-your-students-should-be-reading-comic-books.html
Which reminds me. I need to hit my Toronto comic shop (Dr. Comics in Kensington Market) to check out what’s new. I’m thinking this might be a good time to get back it. I presently have Saga and The Walking Dead on my TPB rotation. Any recommendations?
Thanks for the link! I’m a teacher and that is going out in an email to all my students’ families first thing Monday morning!
Cool….at least you were reasonably comfy in the original place.
Must be nice to be back in familiar territory again, You can quickly get back on your old schedule. Poor Bubba just needs his mama to hold him awhile.
G’day
Men can be so vain. My Dad was the same, refused to wear his glasses.
Me? I have very bad eyesight. Worn glasses since I was twelve, forty-five now. I even have reading glasses and separate ones I wear all other times. Boy I feel old.
..well, since YOU don’t want a pair of glasses, I’ll gladly accept “donations” to PAY for mine! — Glasses-“shopping” is what I did for nearly 3 hours yesterday! As it turned out, I ended up going with the FIRST pair that I had tried and liked! I think it was those little “sheep” crests on the arm-ends and nose-pads that got me… [I’m a YARNY person!] – It’s been decades since I’ve actually gone out and bought NEW glasses. Although, I do get an eye exam EVERY year even though my insurance only covers every two…
AND, I’m proud to say that I managed to keep my “POKER”-face and NOT “blink” when the Clerk gave me the total amount of just over $400.!! – [insurance barely covers half that!] – ouch!
Anyhoo, I can *see* now! But, I think I’ll go back to learning Braille while I still have feeling in my fingers…
😀
Reading glasses will make you look even more sophisticated and intelligent than you do already. So what was the verdict? Did you leave the office with yet another prescription for reading glasses? Save yourself some money and go get yourself some non-prescription readers. My ophthalmologist suggested it. I have several pair – at work, at home, in my nightstand by my bed, in my carry on bag. Congratulations on getting out of the pit and back to decent digs!
I think Injustice: Gods Among Us is one of the best comics series out there. Year 4 is ending, and Year 5 coming next year. Great time to catch up!
When I am not in “Oh geez,I have to get to class ASAP as it started 10 minutes ago” mode, and I sit down for an actual meal from the nearby cafeteria “Dayside”, I generally have an ice cream sandwich as dessert…..and when I think of it, I usually have it first (before my main course lol)! Of course some of the ones in my dorm will sometimes scold me for this, but I will remind them of the fact that (1) I am an adult and (2) I don’t scold them for all the times they go out and get drunk!
Living in a dorm always gives me great stuff to write about in the future 🙂
Hi Joe
The ‘Lost Girl’ rugs still there?
Elminster
I have a reoccurring sight issue which makes it difficult to read. When you can’t read is when you notice how much you actually do read in everyday life.
I have 3 pair of glasses. One for computer… precisely set for 21 inches, reading at 16 inches, and the distance ones. I Really can g around okay. Once I measured where I read, and computer reading length from eye to screen, they were able to make exactly what I needed.
I’ve always had the perspective that wearing glasses makes you look much older than you actually are. Just compare non-glasses-wearing Bianca in Pokémon Black/White with the glasses-wearing Bianca in Black 2/White 2, and you’ll see what I mean.
That being said, I still don’t trust laser-eye surgery, and wearing contacts look… painful… here’s hoping I don’t have any eye problems for the rest of my life. Don’t think I could handle any of these alternatives.
Glad you were able to simply move back into your place from last year. How did ya talk the owners/property mgr. into changing their mind? Did ya decide to call them back and offer a substantial bribe? or Did they call you when they realized no one wanted to lease the place long term due to the construction?
.
STEM educators have been using comic books for many years to get students interested in science and mathematics. I remember Brian Greene even held a panel at NY comic con a couple yrs ago.
Hang on.. gonna go fetch the link. 🙂
…………………. ok here ya go: -> http://www.livescience.com/40491-science-gets-graphic-in-new-comic-books.html
Here’s one of my STEM comic favs in time for Halloween Called Corpses & Skeletons. Its a forensic sciences comic. There are others just as delightfully creepy. The comic about autopsies is almost as much fun.
http://libguides.ius.edu/stem <– scroll down to forensic science for the 'Corpses and Skeletons' and Autopsies comic books
Nice there is a place near by there to get descent pistachio macs. Seems you've been eating those forever eh. ( Nothing like comfort food ta ease the stress!). Ever have them with cherries and chocolate mixed 'in' with the pistachio? yummmm!
Yay on the new/old digs! Go get the glasses. You can fight age but it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Glad you got out of that “rustic” apartment and imagine the dogs are very excited about resuming their supervision of the construction?
I succumbed to wearing glasses when my arms were no longer long enough.
Glad to know you and Akemi, Lulu and Bubba are back to familiar (and much cleaner/safer) surroundings. This place has a park nearby for the pups – right?
Personally, I’ve needed glasses since my mid-twenties and it really isn’t a big deal. If the idea bothers you, try contact lenses. Remember you only get two eyes, so please take care of them.
Well, I’m here in New Jersey by the shore with a nippy 43’F. Time to take boy Stash to the vets for his checkup & vaccinations. Oh joy… here comes the yowling.
2cats
So glad to hear you’re out of that crap-hole apartment!
Poor Bubba – I hope he recognizes the new/old place right away and immediately feels comfortable. Give him a big hug for me.
Re: the picture, now that you mention it, I do see the resemblance! 🙂 You’re right to avoid wearing glasses as long as possible. I’ve worn them since grade 6 and I still hate wearing them. I wore contacts for a while, but my eyes are quite dry and it makes them pretty painful after a day in the office.
Janet, it really is a guy thing. There are several guys in my office who need glasses and refuse to get them. They’d rather have their computer screens at 150% and slowly sound out words when they try to read over my shoulder. I’ve had glasses since 2nd grade, it’s not that big of a deal.
Joe, thinking you don’t need glasses is not the same thing as not needing them. My insurance pays for yearly glasses, so I go to have my eyes checked every year. I swear, every time I get a new prescription it’s a revelation. OMG, trees have individual leaves! You may be surprised what you’ve gotten used to and no longer notice.
And everyone can look good in glasses. You just have to find a frame that suits your face. Take Akemi, she’ll figure out what looks good.
Welcome to middle age. My dad, who was always extremely handsome, was also very vain. He refused to wear glasses until he couldn’t read street signs, do his job or read the newspaper. Finally, he had to give in and wear them. “Hey, what do you know! I can see that now!.” *sigh* There are many fashionable frames out there. Or you could go the Stephen Colbert route and get thin wire frames that are nearly invisible on his face. You’ll look fine. We’ll all still love you.
Hmmm, my comment vanished. Trying again. If it double posts later, I apologize. There are many types of attractive frames out there. Get a pair that compliments your face. Or, you could go with the Stephen Colbert method and get thin, wire frames that are barely visible. You’ll be fine, I’m sure.
Thank you for mentioning the store. I would recommend books like “We Stand on Guard”, “Y: The Last Man” and the new Brian K Vaughan series “Paper Girls”.
BTW, I’ve been wearing glasses since I was three. You get used to it.
Yeah…what Tam Dixon said. THEN…you get old enuff and can have cataract surgery and voila, you don’t need glasses any more. Wellllll…my situation I need glasses for the puter, but otherwise…woo hoo.
@ Jen – I saw the leaves in the trees for the first time after getting a new pair of glasses in the 3rd grade. I still remember that day. It was incredible.
Put on your glasses Joe. Be grateful for your sight.
Ok, a birthday and maybe needing new glasses, I can see the stress you may be having. Ever get a headache?, eyestrain will cause that, there are some really great looking frames out there. I have the frameless ones, lightweight, and I can read, its a right of passage, well maybe, but after a while you will get used to them, maybe you can even try contacts. Or just keep the cheaters stashed around if close up is the issue. And stay the heck away from that balcony! Give Bubba and Lulu hugs for me and treats. Really glad to hear you got moved from the apt from hell.
@Joe:
Welcome back to your Toronto apartment/construction..just like Chicago. 😀
I hope the construction is not a bother this time.
@Drea:
Have your read Brian Greene’s The Elegant Universe? Not that I think string theory has proven itself, but for a background on the theory it’s highly recommended.
Ah Yes, no matter how high of a zen master with cataracts one may be, it will not help one find the x-ring on the range. With my advancing years, I have noticed my inability to read the small print on labels and certain distances. I can read a 10 or 12 type size without a problem. I recently tried to read a book by Victor David Hanson and the type was so small my eyes would water up in my attempt to focus on the page. Poor lighting is another issue.
And it may sound cool but I would suggest not getting zombi contact lenses to ware to work.
@JeffW Yes, thanks. 🙂 It was a very cool read and I too would recommend it as a starter for anyone interested. Greene has published a number of books and papers on vibrationals /resonance theories since then.
Here’s another good one for background by Greene
https://www.ted.com/talks/brian_greene_on_string_theory?language=en
There have actually been a number of versions of string theory over the years.
M- super string, which unifies all versions of super string theory is not a bad read either. And all although it was Edward Witten who introduced the theory to the wider community in 1995, it actually dates back to 1980 and a number of individual physicists who were working on formulation and unification of the theory at the time. Are you familiar with string theory origins? (the Kaluza-Klein theory in 1921). If you find yourself curious you can just google it. There are a large number of excellent papers and articles about it. Waay too many for me to pick one to post here.
Well Joe, its Saturday night and I’m certainly ready to forget my troubles and get happy – sooooo beginning my own ‘descent’ into chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies and Disaronno on the rocks 🙂 And for a topper (if am still having cravings later), my neighbor brought me some of her homemade pistachio ice cream and I’ve a jar of maraschino cherries in the frig that’d go nicely with it. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Safe Flight Monday, Jeff. Hope you’ll share which restaurants you decide to visit in Vancouver
~Sweet Dreams Everyone!~ xo
Joe, my comic book – or should I say, graphic novel – tastes have changed. Mostly all I want to do anymore is read the Lone Ranger. 😛 That said, one of the best stories I’ve read lately has been The Massive (it just wrapped up – 5 trades in all). I don’t think it’s your cuppa (environmental stuff), but it was a real story about real issues with compelling characters, not all blood and guts. I’ve enjoyed the two trades of the Fuse I’ve read (space station police procedural). There are a couple others…but I’m tired and can’t think straight.
I will say this, however – about cheaters (reading glasses). I am very near-sighted, and without corrective lenses I would be considered legally blind. However, since my vision can be corrected with lenses I can’t claim that tax deduction just yet. 😉 Anyhoo, about four ago my close-up vision deteriorated to the point that I had to start wearing cheaters (+2.50). At first all was well, I could read the fine print on labels, I could see the numbers on the phone, I could read a book without holding it at arm’s length. I did not need them for the computer; the brightness of the screen and the distance from my eyes made reading from the monitor no trouble at all.
Fast forward to today. My vision has worsened lately. Now I need the cheaters for everything, sometimes even to read from the monitor. But worse than that I have a permanent blurry – or low def – region in my field of vision. It’s about at arm’s length, so doing anything in that range – from chopping veggies to cleaning to sorting paperwork – falls in this ‘low def’ area, which makes the doing of certain things a bit frustrating. The best way I can describe it is if your glasses are a bit smudged – that’s what it feels like – but no matter how much I clean them my vision is still poor. I need to discuss this with my eye doc because it is starting to interfere with my life, even to the point where I’ve lost joy in doing certain things that I used to love doing.
And I blame it all on wearing – and becoming dependent – on reading glasses. I may be wrong, but that’s what I think right now. So you may be wise to hold off on using those reading glasses until you have no other choice but to do so. (My situation may be compounded by the severity of my myopia, but I really don’t think so.)
das
good comics suggestions? Easy! Try “Injection” by Warren Ellis.
The lonely Cactus stood by the window watching the couple depart. He’d dreamt of a family to jab with joy and now they had left him behind with only a freezer of mystery meat for company. He wiped bitter tears and prayed for a new family to jab, one that would water him once a month and take him on walks to the pincushion factory and vacations to White Sands.
Ha! Hey Joseph, I’m the IT guy for the company that installs those safety nets and does all that concrete work next door to you. I’m also a huge fan of Stargate and now Dark Matter.
Believe it or not, those nets can catch 250lbs dropped from 40 feet above them. Here’s a 25 second video to prove it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCNiawy0kXA
Also, no need to worry about cinder blocks, all that concrete is poured on site. If the Raza ever undergoes repairs and you need fall protection, now you know who to ask. 😉
So happy that you are back at your old place. Hopefully the construction won’t be something to be aggravated about since you’ve seen what you could have ended up with. Good for you guys. Makes me happy.