Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Maybe the smoke is getting here

 The Monday local aqi reading looked like this 

It seems that the smoky effects from wildfires have drifted here and we're starting to get air quality alerts.  I've been headachy for a couple of days, maybe this is why. But the skies are clear.

The comments about work and value were interesting and I noticed nobody  took up my framing.  That was was whether pride in still earning at a very advanced age was well placed. Or whether it was a case of never outgrowing the pressures of a younger age. 

The person in question has never needed to support herself, much less a family. So clearly, different forces are at work, rather than economic necessity. Maybe validation. Maybe social approval. I'm musing here. It continues to be an interesting subject.

My original premise may not have been clear, but it was interesting to see where everyone who answered took it.

And another perennial came up for me in my timeline Monday -- whether birth order contributes to narcissism. That being our daily experience with the present US government, with a narcissist in the White House. 

I think the consensus is that it's probably an inborn trait. I'm guessing that upbringing will bear on this in some way, though, so perhaps that's why birth order seems to have got into the conversation. 

I do know one person who's happy with their birth order -- Handsome Son! He's very self sufficient, and says he hasn't longed for siblings. It's possible that seeing his mother's experience at the hands of sibs might have been a factor! So there's that. 

Eye doctor Monday. At this point practically every body part has its dedicated practitioner. Mostly they're in the same group and access all the info. For some I have to be the messenger. This is one. Not that there's much to transmit.

The eyes are just fine, implants still clear and working, no need to change glasses. Little packet of candy and a coupon for Pataday eye drops for allergies, we'll bill Medicare, bye, see you in two years. 

He said whatever you're doing, keep doing it, you look better than in years. We've known each other for 25 years, so this is encouraging.  I'm pretty sure it relates to Hippolyta and the attention I've given to rehab and continuing exercises. This is good.

He vacationed in England again since I last saw him, this time took young nephews with him. Highlight for them was visiting the Harry Potter set at the studios where it was filmed. 

I suspect the nephews were a handy reason but he might have been excited about it, too.

After the testing, everything from glaucoma to peripheral vision, dilation, current eye health, I was exhausted. Spent quite a bit of the evening sleeping. Just the stress of the machines,the intense lights and the change in vision from the dilation wore me out. And the rapid fire speech of my opto who's a nice man living at top speed always.

Happy day everyone, weigh in, you usually do, with interesting and sometimes unexpected viewpoints.






25 comments:

  1. I too find going to medical tests and eye tests draining.
    I have to come home and just rest. Unfortunately regular tests are needed to keep us healthy.
    I’ve been to the london Harry Potter movie set. Twice. I loved it both times. But then again I’m a tragic potter head
    I do hope the air quality improves for you all

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    1. That movie set seems to be quite a tourist attraction. I've heard from several friends that they've fitted it in to even a brief trip.

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  2. Who ya callin' a narcissist? Actually, compared my three younger siblings, I am the only one who makes an effort about about my appearance. I don't think it is vanity as I have little to be vain about, but perhaps that I am gay, and presentation was important. Thought provoking, indeed.

    You seem like you are a picture of health and will be here for a long and good quality life.

    I heard one MAGA supporter saying how good it will be the US takes over Canada and the smoke will be stopped. Bless her birdbrain.

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    1. That's an interesting take, more about the social need to be well presented than a personal characteristic. Yes, interesting. I would like the smoke to settle on the maga people.

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  3. I had read about air quality alerts in the northeast. Megafire in California. Canada’s wildfire season already the 2nd worst on record. Awful. Now I’m curious to know if birth order has an impact on narcissism. I’ve known a number of narcissists in my life and their birth orders aren’t consistent. Great praise from you ophthalmologist. Keep doing it!

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    1. Yes, I doubt birth order is much to blame, but it might affect how much a person's narcissism shows.
      I only know this way to be, so I guess I'll keep on with it!

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  4. I have noticed, with three siblings of the same sex, the middle sibling is markedly different in temperament and character. I've also seen that alternate siblings - first and third, or second and fourth - have more in common with each other than their other siblings. This is not a scientific, controlled study - just observation.

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    1. That's an astute observation. The only sister I connected with (occasionally) was the second of four sisters, I was the fourth. There were three older brothers who formed their own group.

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  5. You remind me that I failed an eye test last time. I was to sit still with my head in place against a screen and just following blinking with my eyes. I failed, I think because I was very uncomfortable, They offered me a retake, free of charge, but I demurred. I wonder if they will try to persuade me again.

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    1. I dont know that test. Mine all involved trying not to blink! Uncomfortable neck positions though.

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  6. Another checkup passed with flying colours! They do wear one out though.. possibly the worry that something will not be right..followed by the release of stress when it IS all good!!

    The politics...is hard to believe what is going on everywhere..more so in some places.

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  7. I've never been a big believer in "birth order" characteristics. I think people give it WAY too much weight and significance.

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    1. What's yours? The impact is more about how children are treated according to the family constellation and where they are in it. I think their personal character directs how they respond.

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  8. I'm second oldest in my family of 4 siblings and we all live here in the same town. My older brother was always the smartest, my younger sister was musically talented and dramatic, the youngest brother was a red headed sweetheart that everyone loves. My Dad's nickname for me was "Aunt Blabby" because I would often blurt out things that shouldn't be blurted out. We have always gotten along and help each other whenever one of us needs help.

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    1. I'm wondering if you're close in age? That seems to have its own influence.

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  9. I am oldest, the only daughter. Thus I was handed the role of caretaker very early. My mother had narcissistic traits and that's putting it kindly. She was the youngest of three- the only girl. Both of the men I've been married to were the youngest of three and the only boy. I am not saying that any of this had any bearing on anything but I find it interesting. I believe that my mother's narcissism had more to do with how my brothers and I turned out than our birth orders.
    Medical exams of any type can be exhausting, even if the news is "all good!"

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    1. That's a complicated picture. Are you much older than your brothers? That gap accounts for quite a bit in relationships. I wonder if it's not given enough attention?

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  10. I was the oldest of two and old enough to help when my parents had health issues when we were young. My younger brother missed out. I wonder if he had been the oldest…

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    1. I think the age gap is also part of the equation. I seems to have an impact on sib relationships. Was there a big gap between your brother and you?

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  11. What's the conjecture on birth order? Is it the oldest or youngest that tend to be more narcissistic? I'm the oldest and as a young person I was more responsible and directed than my brother, but I think he has surpassed me in later life!

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    1. I don't think anyone's taken a position, just wondering if there's a connection. I haven't seen any opinions on the elder or younger of two.

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  12. We've had smoke warning for quite awhile. It makes things difficult.

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  13. I'm the oldest of 6 so helping out was just part of life. There are a lot of fires around us but the wind blows out the smoke.

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  14. I, too, hate those eye appointments with the variety of tests that I've just had the time before and the dilation and the constant waiting. It's a pain and I don't mean in the eyes. Sometimes I wonder why I keep on keeping on at 85 and more. Bah, humbug!

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    1. It's stressful doing any medical appointment. Fortunately you do age out of some of them. I discourage any just in case tests. At this point why.

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Please read the comments before yours and see if your question is already answered!