To the Tune of ‘A Few of My Favorite Things’

on May 11, 2011
in All Posts

I just typed out a five paragraph vent about how I don’t have any contact lens and a doctor won’t fill my ‘script without a $130 office call, but then I  deleted it. Let’s talk about something happier…

 

FLOWERS!

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PUPPIES!

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BUTTERFLIES!

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OATMEAL!

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… These are a few of my favorite things! 

 

I feel better now.  Heh.

 

This Sweet and Salty oatmeal was so delicious – and simple, too!

IMG_4041

Ingredients:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative
  • 1/2 banana
  • 2 large dates
  • Salted nuts (I used cashews)

 

Directions:

 

  • In a small pot, combine all ingredients each nuts.
  • Turn heat to medium and stir until liquid boils off (about 5 minutes).
  • Serve and top with nuts.
  • Enjoy and forget about your stupid contact lens.
{ 98 comments }

 

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged May 11, 2011, 9:49 am

    Aww, that seriously stinks! At least the oatmeal sounds awesome – I’ve been thinking about putting dates in as well, glad to hear it comes out good!

  • Amy May 11, 2011, 9:49 am

    Haha. Awesome post. Forget about your stupid contact lens!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin May 11, 2011, 9:50 am

    Ohhh as soon as you said “Sweet and Salty” I was sold. YUUUM.

    Doctors offices are so obnoxious. Argh.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg May 11, 2011, 9:51 am

    Ugh — that happened to me last year. They wouldn’t sell me more contacts until I had an eye appointment. I guess I should be happy that they do that, since I would never go get my eyes checked otherwise.

  • Shell May 11, 2011, 9:52 am

    They have done that to me when i have filled my prescriptions for my contacts in the past grr! Its such a pain.On another note breaky looks yummo and gotta love your fur abies!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat May 11, 2011, 9:54 am

    I love the photo of the butterfly Caitlin!! What a great shot!! Good for you for pushing the whole contact lens issue aside. Your favourite things are some of mine too!

  • Jen May 11, 2011, 9:54 am

    Sweet and salty is definitely my favorite combo. It’s the reason I only by salted peanut butter, and add sea salt to all of my smoothies. That oatmeal sounds like something I’d make. Yummy yet simple!

  • Amy* May 11, 2011, 9:54 am

    Good vision is overrated anyway.*

  • chelsea May 11, 2011, 9:54 am

    That is why I never go to the eye doctor….Yummy looking sweet and salty oatmeal!

  • Shell May 11, 2011, 9:54 am

    oops i mean Fur babies!

  • Freya May 11, 2011, 9:56 am

    Haha, I often write rants then delete them before I hit publish :p sometimes just typing it out helps 🙂
    James is SO beautiful!

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:41 pm

      hahah sometimes it feels good to just get it out.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) May 11, 2011, 9:56 am

    I am totally thinking about puppies and butterflies now! No more problems for today!

  • Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries May 11, 2011, 9:56 am

    Ahhh puppies, my favorite thing! I’m that freak on the street that points and squeals at every cute dog that passes by.

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) May 11, 2011, 9:57 am

    Sorry about your medical bills. Sometimes I type out those venting posts too and I delete them because they just end up bringing me down even more. I find it just helps to get it out, move on, and focus on positive things like you did.

  • Khushboo May 11, 2011, 9:58 am

    It’s not about the issue at hand but instead about the way you handle it and clearly you are doing a great job with that! When all fails, have some oatmeal 🙂

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment May 11, 2011, 9:58 am

    I’ve had that happen to me almost every year since I started wearing contacts!! My insurance only covers EITHER contacts OR glasses each year, and hell if I’m going to wear my glasses every day, so I always end up getting the contact appointment, paying $80 for the “fitting” and then getting my 6 boxes of contacts for the year. Thankfully, last time both eyes were the same Rx, so if I rip a R, I’m not flipping out about having uneven Ls left! 🙂

  • lindsay May 11, 2011, 9:59 am

    Haha, love your positive attitude 🙂
    Anyway, can’t you just order lenses online? Or do you need a new prescription?

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:42 pm

      You need a script to order offline 🙁 Sad face.

  • BeckyH May 11, 2011, 10:01 am

    what a nice way to start my morning =) I think its adorable that James and Maggie obviously have love for each other.

  • Katherine May 11, 2011, 10:09 am

    Haha James looks like he has a major ‘tude in that picture. I love when puppy siblings snuggle together. So adorable. My pups always play fight and then finish by licking each other’s face. 🙂

  • Kelly May 11, 2011, 10:11 am

    1800contacts.com

    Simple to order if you have the box for old lenses

    • Rachel May 11, 2011, 10:56 am

      True, but if you have a high prescription, the contacts may be much more expensive than they are at the doctor’s office. (I’m -9.00!) I’m 24 and have been wearing contacts for the last 11 years, they never let you refill your prescription without a yearly visit. It sucks because I’ve moved a lot for college and grad school and not had vision insurance most years. I know you can often go to local optometrists for less money, but they aren’t doctors like opthomologists. I consider my eyesight to be precious, so even though it always costs FAR too much, I think it’s worth getting my eyesight checked by a doctor.

      • Stephanie May 11, 2011, 11:44 am

        Optometrists don’t have an M.D., but a doctorate of optometry. Just like a dentist doesn’t have an M.D., but is still a “doctor” for your teeth. Optometrists spend 8 years in college and are licensed to do injections, prescribe oral drugs, and treat diseases like glaucoma in most states.

        Also, don’t forget that contact lenses are a medical device, so it’s the same as needing at least a yearly exam for your blood pressure med RX, for example.

    • Melissa May 11, 2011, 11:57 am

      Even if you do have the box, I haven’t found a place online where they don’t have to verify your current perscription before sending you contacts, and if it’s more than a year old, you still can’t buy them. Such a pain!

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:42 pm

      Yup – still have to verify scripts.

      • Lori May 11, 2011, 4:42 pm

        I do get my eyes checked yearly (thank goodness I have good eye coverage!)but when I moved from Canada to the U.S. I was suddenly out of contacts and had not found a new eye dr yet. I ordered mine online using the info on the old box and they did send them to me. I don’t remember where I got them from but they have sent me emails asking if I need more since then (over 5 years ago). I did have to provide my eye drs. info but maybe they didn’t contact him since he was in Canada. I do think it is important to get your eyes checked regularly but also understand that it is a bit much for people without insurance – I don’t think it would hurt to skip a year here and there… Good luck!

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food May 11, 2011, 10:11 am

    Haha! You’re too funny 🙂

    I am all about the puppies and delicious breakfast! Have a great day! 🙂

  • Gina @ RunningtotheKitchen May 11, 2011, 10:13 am

    I do that often too. My post today actually had a little airport pet peeve vent, maybe I should adopt your positive attitude!
    medical bills and health insurance in general just suck, but that oatmeal looks good!

  • Teacherwoman May 11, 2011, 10:14 am

    That does stink about your contact lenses. What a crock. Glad you were able to distract yourself a bit with the happier things in life!

  • G May 11, 2011, 10:16 am

    Ahh I have been having the WORST morning ever and just want to vent and vent and vent. BUT now I will think of positive things and will change my mind set to make the rest of the day a lot better.
    Thank you so much for your positive attitude!!! I needed it today…

  • G May 11, 2011, 10:18 am

    Ahh I have been having the WORST morning ever and just want to vent and vent and vent. BUT now I will think of more positive things and change my mind set so that the rest of the day is a lot better.
    Thank you so much for you positive attitude!! It was much much needed this morning…

  • Sarah May 11, 2011, 10:18 am

    I live in Canada and order my contacts off clearly contacts . ca … you must be able to order from there? or a similar website from the states?? Its cheaper than buying them from the eye Dr too 😉

  • Eyedoctorgirl May 11, 2011, 10:21 am

    As an eye doctor, I can tell you it really is important to get your eyes checked every year when you wear contacts. You’d be surprised how many people come in thinking everything is fine with their eyes and their contacts, but in reality they have swelling in their corneas or a lens that is no longer fitting well. We really aren’t just making you come in to get your money! We are just being responsible. A good primary care doctor wouldn’t just refill someone’s hypertension medication without seeing them yearly, so it’s sorta like that. 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:43 pm

      I know you’re right… LOL

  • Melissa May 11, 2011, 10:21 am

    call 1-800 contacts. 🙂

    • shan May 11, 2011, 11:14 am

      1800contacts still requires that your script be written within the last year.

      i order from lens.com when i need to stretch out my visits — their policy is that if they cannot verify your prescription by calling your dr within 24 hours, they ship the lenses anyway. i live in ny and usually give the number of my local lenscrafters, who never gets back to them.

      it should be noted that i have worn contacts for 15 years and i get my eyes checked every two years. getting checked every year (when my script hasn’t changed in 8 years) seems a bit much. also, not everyone has access to great insurance coverage, so for those reading please don’t judge. the reality is that not everyone can afford yearly checkups and i’d much rather be getting my yearly pap smears.

      • Melissa May 11, 2011, 12:34 pm

        Great idea!

  • Amanda May 11, 2011, 10:21 am

    Glasses make women look smart AND sexy! Always look on the bright side 😉

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me May 11, 2011, 10:25 am

    Yum I love cashews! Nice little crunch in my oats.

  • Kris May 11, 2011, 10:36 am

    I sympathize – I had to fight with my provider to get another box even though my appointment wasn’t due for another month! (I won). 🙂

    Love those pictures – I’m definitely thinking spring now.

  • cathy May 11, 2011, 10:40 am

    i can so relate! you type a post and just don’t like it – good thing we have that delete option. it helps to just rant out that negativity. way to turn your frown upside down, caitlin!! 🙂 (and sorry to hear about the contact woes – as a fellow lens wearer, i can sympathize).

  • Rachel May 11, 2011, 10:44 am

    Not sure if you have an America’s Best near you, but they run a deal that is $99 for 3 years worth of eye exams (no insurance needed and they give you deals on your contacts/glasses). That’s where I always go. $99 for 3 years beats $130 for one exam. Worth looking in to!

    Cute puppy picture! 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:43 pm

      Aw, wish Ihad seen this sooner!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) May 11, 2011, 10:46 am

    That’s so frustrating! But that oatmeal does sound delicious!

  • Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine May 11, 2011, 10:46 am

    YAY for happy pictures! I’m in a funk so that definitely made things a bit brighter! Thanks!!

  • Lili May 11, 2011, 10:49 am

    Sorry about the lens problem…but all i know is: Meg and James look so cute and comfy together! 😀 I have 2 dogs as well, and I love to see them both next to each other. Happy canine kids!

  • Tessa @ Amazing Asset May 11, 2011, 10:49 am

    Aww good for you for looking at positives to turn your mood around 🙂 You are definitely allowed to vent though, that sounds quite frustrating!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) May 11, 2011, 10:50 am

    I wanted sweet/salty this morning, so I munched on a Mojo bar!

    Funny, I just got an eye exam for new contacts, too. I have to wear this “trial” pair for a week. Even with insurance, my exam was $119… and I wear toric lenses, which are $$$.

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley May 11, 2011, 10:50 am

    I thought the cashews were goldfish for a second haha.

  • Crystal May 11, 2011, 11:21 am

    That would be frustrating, but it is important to get your eyes checked regularly.

    How do you decide how much personal information to share when you blog? I’ve recently started a blog, but all of my posts are in draft form. I feel like I either edit myself too much or overshare. I’m having a hard time finding a balance.

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:44 pm

      Hmm I guess it’s just trial and error. I’ve learned over three years what I’m comfortable sharing and not. I have to say that I’ve never regretted sharing anything, and I share a lot 🙂

      • Crystal May 12, 2011, 7:31 am

        Thank you for your reply. It’s not that I think contact lenses are really personal lol! I was just wondering because you said you changed your mind about what you originally planned to write about. I don’t change my mind about what I want to write about-just how much to write and how to say it.

        Right now, I have a lot of career-related things on my mind. I really like blogs like yours where you share a lot. I and probably others feel more connected to bloggers who do (share). I just feel like I have to be careful and watch what I say because it does involve my job.

        • Caitlin May 12, 2011, 7:33 am

          I was always careful with the job stuff because i didnt want my boss to find it, so i feel you!

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out May 11, 2011, 11:24 am

    Don’t you hate that??!! We just went through that with the husband’s contacts.

    But your favorite things are LOVELY!

    Did you chop the dates up into the oats?

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:45 pm

      Oh yes, i forgot that!

  • Kacy May 11, 2011, 11:30 am

    I’m loving all the flowers right now!

  • Katie (Sweet Tater) May 11, 2011, 11:37 am

    haha, that oatmeal looks like it’s topped with goldfish crackers. perhaps i need glasses.

    • Abby May 11, 2011, 12:09 pm

      I thought the same thing! lol 🙂

  • duffy May 11, 2011, 11:37 am

    I get my contacts through 1800contacts.com and they have never had to get a prescription…try them. They’ll say they want to verify your scrip, but I’ve never had them do that.

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy May 11, 2011, 11:49 am

    I know, I hate that about contacts. I despise paying for a contact fit every time I go for an eye exam. I’ve been wearing contacts for 10-12 years, I like the brand I have, just change my Rx and let’s move on. Why pay $70+ for a fitting? Really?! The lovely Rx expires after a year so you have to go in–even if doing it online, I do believe.

  • Kristin May 11, 2011, 12:16 pm

    Couldn’t you just order your lenses? If yours are like mine, the ‘script is on the box.

  • Amber K May 11, 2011, 12:16 pm

    I love a good favorite things post. Although, sorry that it had to prompted by a crappy day. Hope it gets better!

  • Kelly May 11, 2011, 12:16 pm

    Salted cashews might be my favorite all time nut!!

  • Jamie May 11, 2011, 12:27 pm

    I just had Lasik (and my eyes were terrible). I am so glad to never have to wear contacts again!

  • Jamie@everydaydolce May 11, 2011, 12:31 pm

    Boo! I am sorry you’re having issues with your contacts 🙁 Kudos to you for choosing to focus on the positive, pretty things! Hope your day is awesome!

  • Kristen May 11, 2011, 12:37 pm

    oatmeal does make things better~ and ice cream 🙂

  • Haleigh May 11, 2011, 12:54 pm

    Way to turn the day around! All it takes is a small shift in perspective. Love the photo of your puppies!!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss May 11, 2011, 12:54 pm

    Oh my gosh, that sweet and salty bowl looks so delicious! Like a payday in oatmeal form.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey May 11, 2011, 1:09 pm

    Boo to that stinky doctor – I hate when they do that!

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet May 11, 2011, 1:15 pm

    Yay! You know I like the salty n’ sweet 😉

    And finally a picture of James 🙂 What a cutie.

    I hope you figure out your situation at the doctor’s office!

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:45 pm

      hahah he DOES exist!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) May 11, 2011, 1:18 pm

    Ugh… the “joys” of wearing contacts. Been there girl! It blows!

    But love the way to turned things around. 🙂 Love the pictures!

  • Kim May 11, 2011, 1:31 pm

    James and Maggie aren’t even my dogs, but seeing pictures or them sure makes me smile!

    • CaitlinHTP May 11, 2011, 1:46 pm

      Maggie and James say thank you 🙂

  • Rachel May 11, 2011, 1:45 pm

    I’m going through the same thing with contacts! Why do I have to get a 100+$ visit just to get contacts each year!?!?! It drives me crazy. I have health insurance, but my job doesn’t even give the option of eye care. It is so frustrating!

  • Vanessa May 11, 2011, 1:50 pm

    Have you tried Costco? I think your exam is only like $49 there and they have GREAT deals on contacts!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes May 11, 2011, 1:53 pm

    I know I’ve said it before, but YOUR DOGS ARE TOO CUTE!

  • Stephanie May 11, 2011, 2:15 pm

    This bothers me because your husband has somewhat of a medical practice that insurances generally don’t cover, and so I’m sure he appreciates the patients who choose to come anyway to get the care they need. Also, as a small business owner it seems beneficial for you to support other small businesses instead of America’s Best. This is coming from one small business owner to another–just throwing all this out there, food for thought I suppose.

    • Caitlin May 12, 2011, 7:37 am

      The doctor inside of Wal Mart is a doctor that rents space from Wal-Mart. It’s a small, one-man operation.

  • Molly May 11, 2011, 2:29 pm

    I am in the same boat right now with contacts and JUST thought about what to do this morning. I had to comment because I got a good laugh out of deleting the negative post and replacing it with happiness 🙂 I too decided to blog about my run this morning rather than the other 1923849238 stresses going on in my life right now. My blog is brand new and my mom is probably the only one who reads it, so no big deal haha BUT the point is I focused my own attention on the positive 🙂 Go us!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife May 11, 2011, 2:47 pm

    I hate when things like that happen<—but WAY to go on changing your attitude. You rock!

  • Pam C May 11, 2011, 4:18 pm

    This just might be one of my favorite posts! Perfect example of turning the other cheek to negativity; I love it!

  • Elena @ GagaForGrapefruit May 11, 2011, 4:30 pm

    now i want to eat cashews… and good moves on combating that negativity girl!

  • Molly @ RDexposed May 11, 2011, 6:20 pm

    Don’t cave! I did in the past month because I hadn’t had an eye exam in 3 years. Low and behold I had the same vision as I did 8 years ago. Thanks for the $100 charge.

    • Caitlin May 12, 2011, 7:36 am

      hahah yup – same script as before. LOL

    • Caitlin May 12, 2011, 7:36 am

      hahah yup – same script as before. LOL

  • Julie May 11, 2011, 6:26 pm

    I just love reading your blog and you never fail to make me smile. I love how real you are. I can relate to you in so many ways 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin May 11, 2011, 7:05 pm

    Focusing on happy things is such a great mood changer! The thought of eating oatmeal always puts me in a better mood too. 😀

  • Leslie May 11, 2011, 8:05 pm

    Ummm… nasty. You do realize contact lenses go IN your body, right? And that you can have all kinds of growths, sores, bacteria, and infections?

    This is to everyone, not to pick on Caitlin, but really – take the health of your corneas seriously! We are talking about your vision, ladies!

    And besides, it is a federally regulated thing, like any other prescription – don’t blame your doctors for following the rules.

  • Mac May 11, 2011, 8:42 pm

    I had that same problem earlier this year since I was taken off of my parents insurance and thrown to the wolves. I literally went a year (I know HORRIBLE) wearing the same pair of contacts! Luckily when I became a GA I got insurance that covered that, however, my term as a GA is up and now I’m back in the no insurance boat.

  • katie May 11, 2011, 9:42 pm

    yum dates in oatmeal? Do they get melted and mixed in or do they remain whole? great idea, dates and bananas are seriously the most versatile/ useful ingredients!

    • Caitlin May 12, 2011, 7:36 am

      I kind of chopped them up but they did melt into the oats. SO good.

  • kate May 11, 2011, 10:03 pm

    the last time i went to the eye doctor, he charged me 45$ for a contact lens exam. i’m sorry, i’ve been wearing the same type of contact lens for the past 15+ years, 45$ to reaffirm that seemed ridiculous to me.

  • OptometristLady May 11, 2011, 10:32 pm

    I know an eye doctor already posted, but i just wanted to make sure you know- we aren’t doing it just to get your money! As someone has already said, there are a lot of things that can be happening to your eyes that you may think is fine but isn’t. If you found an optometrist who actually DID just hand you over a script, that would be considered negligent of him/her. Besides the things that can be happening from just your contacts, there are other things that could be happening to the back of your eyes that you may not know of. For example, optometrists are usually the first ones to see/diagnose Multiple Sclerosis- just from looking at the back of the eye! Also, I know going to an optometrist might not seem like much… “they don’t really do much…” type of attitude is what a lot of patients have…. but we honestly go through so many things when examining your eyes. We, of all people, know how priceless good vision is. Since you are healthy, it doesn’t seem like anything could be going on and a lot more things can happen from contacts than you can EVER imagine. (trust me- we spend soooo much time learning about all the things that can and do go wrong!) And when did $100 exam become too expensive for your sight? I must have seen too many patients who are willing to pay who-knows-how-much for their 20/20 vision back that I take it the wrong way when I hear people complaining about the price… Lets just be grateful we have good vision and have people around us who care that we maintain it. Also, optometrists (generally) aren’t in it for the money. If we were in it for the money, we would have gone into a different medical field that is far more lucrative. I don’t mean to come across harsh or anything, really! I just want to let you know that we go through so many years of studying in order to take care of our patients, and we aren’t going to do it any other way.

    • Caitlin May 12, 2011, 7:35 am

      You DO have an awesome job! Thank you for letting me know how it is from the eye doctor’s perspective 🙂 I definitely think you have an awesome and worthwhile job.

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) May 12, 2011, 4:52 am

    way to stay positive! 🙂 you made me smile!

  • Charise May 12, 2011, 8:55 am

    Ugh, I hate that. That extra $100 for the “contact lens fitting exam” every year on top of the $400 for contacts and $200 for new lenses for glasses (my scrip still changes every year!) is furstrating. BUT, I think of it like my birth control or allergy meds – I can’t get them renewed each year without checking in with the doctor to make sure everything it still OK, and it’s the same with my eyes – annoying, but better safe than sorry!

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