Something new

When we moved here we bought a new washing machine. It was the first new one we had ever bought...all of our other ones (2) were hand me downs and they lasted for 25 years. So we bought this new GE thinking it would last for 20+ years...WRONG. About six months ago it started leaking water. Wayne (my Mr. fix it man...he can fix ANYTHING) ordered parts for it and went to work on it. Unfortunately he found out it was a bad transmission (after buying about every part except that) and was going to cost $200+ to fix. So...we decided to look at buying a new one instead. He was dead set against a front loader although I really wanted one having used my parents before. After reading tons of reviews and being determined to buy an energy saver he decided a front loader was the way to go. He got on consumerreports.com and ordered the best one there for the price. It is a Frigidaire GLTF1940F. It was delivered on Thursday. I have done laundry in it twice (well more than 2 loads...i mean 2 days of like 3-4 loads each) and LOVE it. It is not that big of a tub (if I had more kids at home I would recommend a larger tub) but works great for our family of 4 (which I keep expecting to shrink). 

Other than that not much is new. I played soccer (as did Michael) last Tuesday and probably will again this week. I think I am a detriment to whichever team I am on but something pretty cool happened last time. The ball was flying through the air and the really good Brazilian dude on the other team tried to head it but it flew right into my head. I closed my eyes but they told me later that I had headed it right to my teammate and he made a goal. It was my first assist (and I didn't even know it)!! So sometimes I guess lucky things do happen :) I was so sore afterwards (not my head...just the rest of me) but a couple days rest and I am good as new. I can't wait until Tuesday.

I have a medical dilemma. I am 47 years old. I do not mind people knowing how old I am...I after all have a 28 year old daughter so I have to be in my upper 40's. I found out back in December 2007 (yes...nearly a year ago) that I have cataracts. It is kinda a mystery why I ended up with them but I have them and have to get eye surgery. For the cataract surgery they remove the lens and replace it with a new lens. I am kinda scared to have it done because I have watched the surgery a lot while on my rotations for PA school. I did a rotation at the VA hospital in Wichita KS and a local opthomologist came and performed the surgery once a week. I would assist. Hence...the reason that I have not had it taken care of yet. Anyway...that is not my dilemma...just a little background info. I can get a regular lens which will make it so I can see far away but not mid range or close up. This surgery is completely covered by my insurance. I can get a crystalens which is a new lens and the muscles from your eye moves it so you can see clearly at all distances. This lens costs $2650+ per eye. Insurance covers the surgery but not the lens. If I get the regular lens I CANNOT go back later and get the crystalens. If I get the regular lens I will have to wear reading glasses (or the progressives like I do now) for the rest of my days. I have always had perfect vision until around 43 years of age when I had to get progressives as my near vision left. Do you think it is worth $5300 to get crystalens? We have the money but we are also wanting to retire sometime. That is my question and I would appreciate your input.