Thirty-One. Thirty-One years old. It doesn't seem like much, until you look back at what was going on in 1978.
The average household income was $16,000.00.
A gallon of gas was $0.63.
Japanese car imports account for half the US import market following the energy crisis and increase in fuel prices that fuels demand for economy cars.
The first Susan B. Anthony coin was minted on December 13th.
The Volkswagen Beetle ceases production after nearly 30 years.
Illinois Bell introduces the first ever cell phone network.
Space Invaders begins a huge video game craze.
"Son of Sam" serial killer David Berkowitz is sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, after terrorizing New York City for a year.
First "test tube" baby, Louise Brown, was born via in vitro fertilization.
Popular movies included Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
Popular songs and musicians included "Night Fever" and "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees, "Three Times a Lady" by Commodores, and the Grease soundtrack featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Popular TV shows included Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, Saturday Night Live, CHiPs, The Muppet Show, The Love Boat, Charlie's Angels, and Three's Company.
We've come a long way, baby. Look at that yearly income - that's some serious inflation. In 2007 the average household income was $50,000 according to the US Census Bureau (well, and the Wikipedia).
* * * * *
I went to the eye doctor on Friday to get the old (and I mean that) peepers looked at. Plus, it was time for some new glasses. Well, a few days before my appointment I thought that I would like to give contact lenses a try. Again.
See, every time I try them they are never comfortable, always feels like there is something gritty in my eyes, and they are forever feeling dry. But, every few years I try them again, because someday... someday... they will work for me.
Luckily I think that day was Friday. :-)
I got set up with a trial pair and already, a few days later, I am really excited to wear them. Today I was an idiot and put them in the wrong eyes (no, I didn't put them in Jarrod's eye. I put the left lens in the right eye, etc.) and learned that my prescriptions are close, but not quite the same. The fit was right, at least. LOL
Then today we took Jarrod to his appointment and I told the nurse that I loved them and I wanted to keep them - she told me about them, ordering, care, etc. These are Biofinity Toric lenses - and I am in love. The most comfortable lenses I have worn EVER. They are replaced monthly. They do make daily wear toric lenses but they are a little spendy. ;-) Maybe some day.
So as I said, Jarrod went to his appointment today. His vision changed a little bit so we got him new glasses. Now I remember why we only take him every other year. Our flex plan renewed September 1st, and I think already we are down 60% of it. His bill for new glasses and sunglasses was just about $700.
Pick your jaw up off the floor. I know I had to.
My contacts, for a year's worth were $180-something. AND I get a $55 rebate later! Now I realize that doesn't include the solution and care for them, but I don't think even then I will catch up with that one. ;-)
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