br1ckt0p's Blog - 2old2play

PRK: The 4-month Follow-up

I posted a few months ago, with some detail, about my PRK procedure. PRK is an alternative to traditional LASIK. Instead of creating a flap, the epithelium is simply removed and allowed to grow back. The healing process that goes along with that takes some time compared to LASIK.

I recently visited the doc for the 4-month review. The verdict?

Left eye - 20/20
Right eye - 20/20

Both eyes - 20/15.

They don't go past 20/20 on individual eye exams.

This is great, and worth every penny. No more prescription glasses or contacts to wear under the motorcycle helmet. As a matter of fact, I often ride with my full-face helmet sans sunglasses underneath. No more JAMES WORTHY look on the b-ball court. And finally I can wear regular sunglasses, right off the shelf. I had worn prescription glasses since 1984. Not anymore, and it's surprising liberating.

If you're someone who's considered LASIK/PRK, and you have the finances (cost is ~$3500), do it. It's worth it.

[4 Comments]

Office Linebacker Weighs-In

Office Linebacker and Gus "Cole-Train" Cole voice acter Terry Tate offered his opinion on Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin

Crazy Protester Interrupts Palin Interview - Watch more free videos

[0 Comments]

This Is a Bold Statement

Lots of people like, trust, and watch this guy.
His take on investments in the stock market is interesting.

[4 Comments]

Doomed to Repeat History

You know the old saying "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it".

Well, it strikes again. Here's George Carlin in 1988.

[2 Comments]

PRK; One Week Later

OK, some people know, others don't. Last Thursday, I had laser eye correction surgery. It's something I've wanted to do for quite a while, but haven't put back the money, and I don't want to finance it. Well, I put back the money so I moved forward.

First step was the exam. For background, I have been told multiple times that with my needed correction and "eye issues" (astigmatism & myopia) that I was an ideal candidate. For the most part, it was true. Except one minor snag: epithelial membrane disorder. The epithelium is your eye skin. 70% or more of people have a normal one. Mine was "loose". That means that with traditional IntraLasik, the flap may not heal well and cause problems in the future. Still no biggie. I just need PRK. Same lasers are used. However the recovery time is longer - more like 4-5 days as opposed to 1-2 for Lasik. I say go for it.

So I go in Thursday and get to it. A little Valium for nerves and a few dozen different eye drops for numbing...ready to roll! They call me under the laser & I focus on the little green light. They tell me "an instrument" will briefly obstruct my view, but keep focused where I was. The "instrument" can most closely be compared to an electric tooth brush. They use that to remove the epithelium. Sounds freaky. Well, it was a little, but I was high so it didn't matter. Did that to both eyes and it was on the the laser portion of the surgery.

For me, the laser was the all new ALLEGRETTO laser. It was reported to be really fast, really accurate, and good for things like limiting halos and whatnot. Right eye: Less than 12 seconds of actual laser work! Left eye: Less than 15 seconds of actual laser work! Heck yes it was fast. I could sort of smell the burning, but it was mild. Otherwise the procedure really was a piece of cake.

Recovery Thursday I took sleeping pills as to just sleep all day, as that's the best way to heal. Friday was my first follow-up visit. Oddly, I was seeing 20/20 already. This is really rare for PRK, as peak vision isn't attained for a minimum of 8 weeks. Still, they were pleased as was I. Light sensitivity was the worst part. To keep the discomfort to a minimum (not pain mind you, just discomfort), I was taking Vicodin. Good stuff. Saturday was the most uncomfortable. It was sort of hard to rest, and I couldn't see as well. Light sensitivity was REALLY bad. Sunday was better, but I really just wanted to sleep as much as I could. Monday was followup visit #2. Vision had diminished to about 20/60 in the right eye, 20/40 in the left. They sort of expected that. Also at this visit they removed the protective contact lenses. That really helped with the light sensitivity thing.

I stayed home until Thursday (yesterday) with a sick kid. The first day back to work, my eyes were exhausted and somewhat dry. Pretty much everything was a little blurry. Just keep using those eye drops and it does improve.

So today. Well, things are really looking up. I'd say it's about 20/20 again in the left. The right, about 20/40.

Overall, it was well, well worth it. Dr. Gary Tylock did my procedure. He was a real professional. Discussed the surgery with me ahead of time. He had it done to him. He addressed any questions or concerns too. His staff was great also, from start to finish. I didn't know what to expect. Now I do, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I wish Lasik had been an option simply from a recovery standpoint, but it wasn't. Still, after about 25 years in glasses/contacts, it's really cool to not need them anymore.

[2 Comments]

Scatter Shooting

--Have you seen the movie STEP BROTHERS yet? You should. I saw it yesterday and it kicks ass. This is the first time I've heard the words "nutsack" and "drum set" so closely related.
Also, this points to how some movie reviewers don't get it. They get caught up in useless bullshit. The Ft. Worth Star Telegram gave this masterpiece 2 of 5 stars. Meanwhile that POS assfest musical Mama Mia got 4.
--Sometimes it's nice to help friends. A buddy came by yesterday to work on his big ass SUV. He's taking his family for a visit to Tennessee (his parent's house) and wanted to make it as fuel efficient as possible. We did lots of little things: cleaned the plenum at the EGR valve, cleaned the throttle body out, cleaned the MAF sensors, put in a K & N filter, put on a new fuel filter, etc. The pain in the ass is that it was 107 in the shade yesterday. Still, I didn't mind. This guy ran the nail gun on my fence project this past March. He nailed every one of the 800 or so pickets.
After we finished yesterday, we went to eat BBQ. Good stuff.
--My boss is a god damned idiot. He thinks forcing us to see students on a walk-in basis will somehow stop them from complaining. Nothing will stop them from complaining except being clear that there is a certain line not to cross. The more he bends, the more demanding they become. They whine, threaten, and pout. And he gives in some more. What he doesn't know is that his position as director is in major jeopardy. Crap I hope they appoint me.
--Went on a 3+ hour motorcycle ride Friday night. Man that was great. It had finally cooled of a tad. AND, I got a new seat. A MUSTANG seat. My tailbone has been begging for it since day one. Any of you motorcycle riders with seat issues need to check out the Mustang. They're pricy, but worth every penny.
--Had a good fucking time playing Gears Saturday night. Full rooms and very close games.
--I farted at breakfest this morning, and it made my eyes water. I like to stop at Chic-Fil-A. Good sweet tea, and they have biscuits & gravy. Today, not so good.
--NERDFEST IS COMING. Once again, I have to skip the LAN. Instead, I'll be going to Indianapolis for GenCon, the biggest board game convention in the US. We have a booth there, and last year was my first time going. I don't play board games, but there are 3 of us who ride up together and man the VixenTor Games booth. Nights are a good time. Expect pictures this year.

[0 Comments]

Funny. Cruel, but funny.

Wife + Gun + Fireworks = Great Prank

[3 Comments]

Rack 'em Willie Is teh Funneh

Such a giggle...watch them in order (probably NSFW):

[0 Comments]

Funny

[0 Comments]

Which Transformer are You?

I AM 79%MEGATRON

Take the Transformers Quiz

[4 Comments]

Geroge Carlin Dead at 71

It's just a sad day. Last night my leader, George Carlin, passed away of heart failure.

At 71 years, he was no Spring Chicken. And with a history of heart problems, one would think this not too unexpected.

From his somewhat cheesy impersonations in the late 50's to his 7 Dirty Words to cocaine binges to becoming a very insightful and brilliant political observer, George was true to one person and only one; himself. By doing so, he was true to his legions of fans as well. He was unfalteringly consistent.

This is rambling, and I know it. Waking to this news this morning was crushing. Crushing. It is not a good day.

George, I know that right now you are "down there, looking up at us".

Simon says go fuck yourself.

[3 Comments]

This Warms My Heart

Not a fan of "Vibrator" Bill O'Reilly. He's a hack.
But this little hissy fit is hysterical. (Language warning...F-bomb usage) Bill O'Reilly Freak-Out

[2 Comments]

Combining 2 of My Fascinations

Japanese culture and the rock band Kansas:

[2 Comments]

George Carlin's "Rules to Live By"

George Carlin is my leader. I saw him live for the first time last Saturday in Fort Worth. Frankly I love the guy. I'd give him every penny I have if he needed it. Odd the sort of things you'd do for a person whom you've never met when they make such a profound impact on you as an individual.
Hopefully some day soon I'll have the chance to meet the guy. He's 70 now, so he's no spring chicken.

Anyway, here goes:
"Life is not as difficult as people think; all one needs is a good set of rules. Since it is probably too late for you, here are some guidelines to pass along to your children.

1. Relax and take it easy. Don't get caught up in hollow conceits such as "doing something with your life." Such twaddle is outmoded and a sure formula for disappointment.

2. Whatever it is you pursue, try to do it just well enough to remain in the middle third of the field. Keep your thoughts and ideas to yourself and don't ask questions. Remember, the squeaky wheel is the first one to be replaced.

3. Size people up quickly, and develop rigid attitudes based on your first impression. If you try to delve deeper and get to "know" people, you're asking for trouble.

4. Don't fall for that superstitious nonsense about treating people the way you would like to be treated. It is a transparently narcissistic approach, and may be the sign of a weak mind.

5. Spend as much time as you can pleading and impressing others, even if it makes you unhappy. Pay special attention to shallow manipulators who can do you the most harm. Remember, in the overall scheme, you count for very little.

6. Surround yourself with inferiors and losers. Not only will you look good by comparison, but they will look up to you, and that will make you feel better.

7. Don't buy into the sentimental notion that everyone has shortcomings; it's the surest way of undermining yourself. Remember, the really best people have no defects. If you're not perfect, something is wrong.

8. If by some off chance you do detect a few faults, first, accept the fact that you are probably deeply flawed. Then make a list of your faults and dwell on them. Carry the list around and try to think of things to add. Blame yourself for everything.

9. Beware of intuition and gut instincts, they are completely unreliable. Instead, develop preconceived notions and don't waver unless someone tells you to. Then change your mind and adopt their point of view. But only if they seem to know what they're talking about.

10. Never give up on an idea simply because it is bad and doesn't work. Cling to it even when it is hopeless. Anyone can cut and run, but it takes a very special person to stay with something that is stupid and harmful.

11. Always remember, today doesn't count. Trying to make something out of today only robs you of precious time that could be spent daydreaming or resting up.

12. Try to dwell on the past. Think of all the mistakes you've made, and how much better it would be if you hadn't made them. Think of what you should have done, and blame yourself for not doing so. And don't go easy. Be really hard on yourself.

13. If by chance you make a fresh mistake, especially a costly one, try to repeat it a few times so you become familiar with it and can do it easily in the future. Write it down. Put it with your list of faults.

14. Beware also of the dangerous trap of looking ahead; it will only get you in trouble. Instead, try to drift along from day to day in a meandering fashion. Don't get sidetracked with some foolish "plan."

15. Finally, enjoy yourself all the time, and do whatever you want. Don't be seduced by that mindless chatter going around about "responsibility." That's exactly the sort of thing that can ruin your life."

[1 Comments]

A little fun

I was 65% Hillary, 58% Obama, 45% Ron Paul, 20% McCain.

[1 Comments]