Glasses.

Pretty much my whole life I've wanted glasses.  My mom always wore them and I used to ask when I would get to have them.  She always answered something like, "Oh, you'll need them when your eyes are old like mine," and assured me not to rush into something like that because it's not as glamorous as it seems.

I was told the same thing about shaving my legs ("Don't be in a rush to start too young, because it's a real chore!")  and braces as well ("You think you want them now, but just wait 'til you have them...")

And they were totally right.  Shaving is such a chore that I've been known to give it up completely in the depths of winter.  And while getting braces may have briefly made me feel older and unique (one of the first in the class to get them!) they were, in the end, a pain in the ass.  Not to mention the awesome headgear I got to wear at night that made me look decidedly not-cool.

So the same is likely true for glasses, I know.  Yes, most people with glasses find them to be an expense and a nuisance and not much more.  But those of us without glasses see them as a fun new accessory, right?  Whenever I go with Minh to pick out his new frames (because without his actual glasses on he can't even see what he looks like in the mirror) I inevitably wander off and start trying on frames for myself.  You know, just for fun.  I fantasize about finding just the right pair for me -- something fun and unique without being so trendy that they will go out of style too soon.  And then I snap back to reality and remember that I am supposed to be helping Minh choose between the dark grey or the black frames.

Well, my time has come.  I have my very own "baby prescription" as Minh calls it for some weak glasses to make it so that Minh doesn't have to read street signs and movie sub-titles to me all the time.

My own glasses shopping experience was not everything I had dreamed it would be.  Having the whole family at Costco with me, kids melting down, and cold food melting in the hot car, I had to make a pretty quick decision.  I had narrowed it down to two pairs -- Practical and Funky.  I was worried the funky ones were too out there, too quirky, but Minh liked them.  And when I put on the practical pair he feigned sleep.  Bam.  Done.  One pair of  Funky Glasses for me, thanks.

I don't even have them yet, but Quynh is already asking when she can get glasses.