17. Regain a modicum of self-respect - Part 1
This item pisses me off a little, since it’s not intrinsically humorous and thus doesn’t lend itself to a short, vaguely amusing post. Boo. But really, it’s the crux of this whole project, even if it’s not as easily quantifiable as the others (“Developed a healthy sense of self-esteem - check!”).
A couple of weeks ago I went to the optometrist for the first time in three years because I was having trouble reading the lecture notes at uni. My eyesight has worsened by a truly medal-worthy 2 dioptres, taking my eyesight to a peachy minus-9.5.
“Do they actually make contact lenses in that script?” I asked my doctor.
“Yes,” he replied, “…in some brands.”
He asked why it had been so long since my last appointment. And honestly? I have NO. FRIGGIN’. CLUE. I have expensive, kick-ass health insurance. I have no particular animosity towards eye tests. There’s no shortage of optometrists in the city for me to visit. I just hadn’t thought to make an appointment.
My reasons for avoiding other doctors are probably more relatable. At 22, I still haven’t visited a gynecologist. Even though my retainer has come a little loose, I’ve been giving the orthodontist a wide berth. Much as I enjoy being half-naked and examined closely with a magnifying glass, it’s been awhile since I caught up with a skin cancer specialist.
But this is all bullshit. If there’s one thing to take away from all the media regarding the US healthcare reforms (and the coverage in Australia was pretty heavy), it’s that we’re really bloody lucky to be able to call up a local women’s health centre to make an appointment without worrying that we won’t be able to pay for it (or that there might be a picket line of born-agains outside). Hell, my skin cancer doctor bulk-bills! This is about us - well, specifically ME (my Tumblr, my rules) - saying that me and my wellbeing are important enough to spend a couple of uncomfortable minutes in the company of a speculum.
And this isn’t just about healthcare. It’s about all the other little things I neglect - seemingly insignificant things, like washing up the dishes. Or ironing. Or doing something (anything!) with my hair. I’m important enough to take the time to make me and my house look as fabulous as we can. My boyfriend deserves to spend time with someone who cares about herself as well as him. And my eyes are enjoying being able to read subtitles.
17. Regain a modicum of self-respect - Part 1
This item pisses me off a little, since it’s not intrinsically humorous and thus doesn’t lend itself to a short, vaguely amusing post. Boo. But really, it’s the crux of this whole project, even if it’s not as easily quantifiable as the others (“Developed a healthy sense of self-esteem - check!”).
A couple of weeks ago I went to the optometrist for the first time in three years because I was having trouble reading the lecture notes at uni. My eyesight has worsened by a truly medal-worthy 2 dioptres, taking my eyesight to a peachy minus-9.5.
“Do they actually make contact lenses in that script?” I asked my doctor.
“Yes,” he replied, “…in some brands.”
He asked why it had been so long since my last appointment. And honestly? I have NO. FRIGGIN’. CLUE. I have expensive, kick-ass health insurance. I have no particular animosity towards eye tests. There’s no shortage of optometrists in the city for me to visit. I just hadn’t thought to make an appointment.
My reasons for avoiding other doctors are probably more relatable. At 22, I still haven’t visited a gynecologist. Even though my retainer has come a little loose, I’ve been giving the orthodontist a wide berth. Much as I enjoy being half-naked and examined closely with a magnifying glass, it’s been awhile since I caught up with a skin cancer specialist.
But this is all bullshit. If there’s one thing to take away from all the media regarding the US healthcare reforms (and the coverage in Australia was pretty heavy), it’s that we’re really bloody lucky to be able to call up a local women’s health centre to make an appointment without worrying that we won’t be able to pay for it (or that there might be a picket line of born-agains outside). Hell, my skin cancer doctor bulk-bills! This is about us - well, specifically ME (my Tumblr, my rules) - saying that me and my wellbeing are important enough to spend a couple of uncomfortable minutes in the company of a speculum.
And this isn’t just about healthcare. It’s about all the other little things I neglect - seemingly insignificant things, like washing up the dishes. Or ironing. Or doing something (anything!) with my hair. I’m important enough to take the time to make me and my house look as fabulous as we can. My boyfriend deserves to spend time with someone who cares about herself as well as him. And my eyes are enjoying being able to read subtitles.
Posted 1 year ago & Filed under 17, self respect, doctors, important but not particularly humorous, Notes
