elfelia's Xanga

tales of lasik

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:10:38 GMT

As a followup to a previous xanga entry, I had to let you all know that I decided to take the plunge and get LASIK!

The way LASIK works is that a cut is made in your cornea to create a flap, which is pulled back. Then a "LASER" (Dr Evil-style quotes) is used to reshape your cornea and repair your vision. Prior to surgey, I take a xanax to relax myself a bit. I handed Heather - my friend/LASIK chauffuer - my glasses (the last time I would ever need them!) and followed the technician to the room. I recall vaguely saying "I'm scared. I don't think I'm ready." He told me to relax, put some numbing drops in my eye, and we ran through some practice scenarios where I focused on the different lights that would fix my vision. Then it was show time. One eye at a time, a clamp was placed on my eye, blacking out my vision. Then a "LASER" cut the flap in my cornea. As this was the part I was most scared about, I was cool with being blacked out. Then my surgeon taped each eye open and got me ready for the second part of the procedure. I focused on a blinking light (really the "LASER") for 30 seconds for each eye, with my surgeon holding my face to make sure I didn't make any sudden movements. Between the xanax, the adrenaline and the "not wanting to mess up my eyes"-factor, I found it pretty easy to stare at the blinking light.

Almost a month later, I am super happy with the results. I'm still using lots of eye drops and the night vision isn't completely where I want to be yet, but otherwise I am very happy. Eve more awesome my doctor offers a warranty in case my vision starts to fade (where I would qualify for enhancements) as long as I continue to get yearly checkups. I highly recommend the procedure. The feeling of waking up and being able to see is unbeatable!

bikes

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:30:35 GMT

I know some of you out there are into biking. I'm considering getting a bike in the new year. My employer reimburses $400 a year for certain types of fitness equipment. I got a fancy heart rate monitor + distance measurer this year so I'm out of the majority of my money, but that $400 is already burning a hole in my pocket!

Should I get a road, hybrid or mountain bike? I initially wanted a hybrid because I thought I would be able to take it off-roading, but some of research I've done says that is actually not the case. Hybrids are primarily for road biking still. I probably wont be doing much if any off road biking. Anyone have any suggestions of where to start researching bikes to buy? My budget is probably about $600, as I don't want to spend a lot, but have heard that a $400 bike will not last the test of time.

lasik

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:13:19 GMT

Has anyone out there had it? My friend got it earlier this year and loves it. I'm thinking of getting a consultation in the next few weeks and maybe the surgery next year (after the Austin half-marathon)

I'm trying to decide now whether or not I would like to do it. Annual enrollment at work starts in a few weeks so if I do, I would like to put the money aside in a healthcare spending account.

Pros: No more contacts, timing.
Cons: Big laser in my eye, money, restriction on activity for a few months

Let me know your thoughts!

double congrats!

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:45:02 GMT

Congrats to Mr and Mrs Liaw! (look elsewhere for pictures because I didn't really get any :()

Secondly, congrats to Mark and Rose!

random thoughts...

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:02:19 GMT

SYTYCD: my money is on Sabra or Lacey to win it. Danny is a beautiful dancer and Neil has the teenybopper crowd, but I think it is going to a woman to win it all!
Blockbuster Total Access rocks
Tyson's got a girlfriend -a longhaired dachshund named Mia - in his training class
Friends leaving sucks...

and now i return to xanga lurking... (but you'll really find me on facebook)

It is a little known fact that...

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:38:20 GMT

It is a little known fact that gum causes liver failure in dogs. How do I know this random nugget of information you may ask? Ask Tyson who is currently under observation at the emergency pet clinic. He'll be fine since I caught it early, but apparently the chemical Xylitol which is prominent in sugar free gum, is harmless for humans but lethal for dogs.

update:
Tyson is doing quite well. He never seemed to figure out what all of the fuss was about. When I picked up Tyson after his overnight stay, the receptionist gave me my dog (with an IV catheter in his front paw), discharge papers, and an IV bag to take to Tyson's vet so he could be observed during the day. I was a little incredulous at how serious this all was... and that the bill from the incident was more than one month's rent

what it means to be a real grownup

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 22:32:47 GMT

I think the real sign of a grown woman is whether or not you can keep white clothing clean. Sadly, I cannot. I wore a pair of white capris (donated from my sister's closet) and got an array of stains from blueberries (topped my waffles at brunch) to random pocket stain (bumping into the grocery cart) to the unfortunate booty stain from when I scooted up against my car. Can someone make me feel better that no one can keep white clothing clean? Or is it just me?

Chang-Hu wedding 3.10.07

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 02:20:20 GMT

I was very blessed to be a bridesmaid at Jennifer and Jensen's wedding this weekend. It was the most perfect day, with David "almost Crowder" Taylor officiating, a beautiful Austin day, yummy salmon (and prime rib - I had a taste ), the mimosas (yum), the loud peacock -- followed by chill Austin time at Mozarts and gourging ourselves with Rudy's BBQ. What more could you want?

My most favorite shots from the weekend...

The First Dance...

Emmy and my goofy shot with the couple

Decorating their room at the Hyatt

A silly Rose-Erin reunion

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 21:54:20 GMT

Are Americans Ignorant about Religion?

my favorite oscar moment...

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 04:02:51 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfgCKLzSau8

ps: who knows how to post youtube videos on xanga besides using the link?