WOW

I've decided that I'm going to see a group in Westchester NY that has implanted the new Cochlear Nucleus 5 in a friends two year old. Mom seems to love it but implanted baby loves to rip it off! Not used to the wearing of the device yet, i'm sure.
Window shopping - not commiting to anything. Besides, I'm not sure if it's available in purple!! or pink for that matter!
The tinnitus in my left ear is making me crazy. I can't hear over it and when I turn up the volume on my aids, the ringing gets louder.. LOL figures! Which is why I'm visiting the Westchester ENT. If the ringing gets any worse I wont be able to wear hearing aids in that ear anyway, so next step is CI's.
On another note - Officially on the board of the Westchester Chapter HLAA, on the Rockland County Task Force for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf Communities, volunteering, all while packing on 17 credits and getting A's and B's. Who's busy? Me? Hell yeah. But I love it. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Fulfilling a dream next sememster and taking Ballet.

Twitter

You can find me on Twitter I'm @alicen45. Also, keep in mind that I'm trying my damnedest to get my future rolling so if you come across or know anyone who is hearing impaired please let them know about my VOLUNTEER services. and they should contact me at alicen45@hotmail.com.
I will help anyone who needs assistance!

Time

Time. It seems to be something I'm in serious shortage of lately!
With good reason I assure you. I'm helping an elderly couple get back on their feet. Joyce has a bum hip and needs to have a full hip replacement, so I took her for xrays to see how much damage has furthered in the last 11 years since she last saw her orthopedic surgeon. Yeah, she's been waiting forever, and now her right leg is 2" shorter than the left. Arthritis caused this apparently. After the appointment we got her a new walker, because she insists on being independent and not ride in a wheel chair. OK. So were getting blood work done in the am. Gyula too. Gyula has to have a full range of heart testing done tomorrow. When we were at the doctor's last, they did an EKG, and his heart was erratic. So, tomorrow he's getting another ekg, a sonogram, a MRI or catsckan and Did I mention he's Deaf? Yeah, profoundly so. But an Oral Deaf person who needs to read lips or have things written down for him. Which makes things hard for him and communication. I've also gotten in touch with the "center" formerly League for the Hard of Hearing in NY about getting him hearing aids which, are a federal requirement prior to Cochlear Implantation. Already in touch with NYEE about that one. First his heart needs to be under control, then the rest can follow. So tomorrow should be interesting. By the by, did I mention that these are my parents? Oh, well, gotta start somewhere right? So for my first Advocacy role it's MOM and POP. Lots to do, Lot's to do.

Facts About Hearing Loss

FACT: Approximately 10% of the U.S. population or 31 million Americans have a significant hearing loss.

FACT: Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents.

FACT: 30-40% of people over 65 have some type of hearing loss

FACT: 14% of those ages 45-64 have some type of hearing loss

FACT: 15% of children between the ages of 6-19 have a measurable hearing loss in at least one ear.

FACT: Hearing loss occurs in 5 out of every 1,000 newborns.

FACT: Exposure to a noisy subway, for just 15 minutes a day overtime, can cause permanent damage to hearing over time.

FACT: Hearing aids can offer dramatic improvement for most people with hearing loss.

FACT: A mild hearing loss can cause a child to miss as much as 50% of classroom discussion.

FACT: Listening to an MP3 Player at high volumes overtime can cause permanent damage to hearing.

FACT: With early identification and appropriate services, deaf children can develop communication skills at the same rate as their hearing peers.

FACT: Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss.

FACT: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) affects 50 million people in the United States.

FACT: Babies are never too young to have their hearing tested.

FACT: Speechreading is the more current word for lipreading.

FACT: People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking help.

FACT: Only 16% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss.

FACT: 15 million people in the United States with hearing loss avoid seeking help.

FACT: 1 out of 3 people over age 65 have some degree of hearing loss.

FACT: Approximately 3 million children in the U.S. have a hearing loss; 1.3 million of them are under the age of three.

*Copied from the Center for Hearing and Communication @chchearing.org

Robert Pattinson

Currently filming here in the Big Apple,
Mr Pattinson is surrounded by hoards of over active hormonal girls.
They are a constant at the set, disturbing more than just the actors but the production assistants and crew.
I feel bad for the poor kid.
Yeah, he's attractive.
And talented...
I finally found the lyrics to his music on the Twilight CD.
Now, I understand what the guy is saying.
I would love to work on the Twilight next film. I will fly my own ass out there! lol
Having a part of Stephanie's story would be very fulfilling. (Even if it's just an "innocent" witness to the Volturi's Royal flop).

Thank You Stephanie Meyer!
I had a very difficult time putting those books down.
I guess I was obsessed like the rest.
What girl doesn't want a beautiful, talented musician, with a (perfectly reasonable) flare for overdoing things to protect her?

Who doesn't want to be obsessed over?

The real actors that portray the characters we love.
Kid shouldn't have to run, and get tagged by cabs.
Or have to hire body guards to protect him from the masses of teenage flesh.

Don't get me wrong folks, I loved the movie too. But a certain amount of respect for the actors please.
I know this will fall on Deaf ears.... lol

Diets

Oh. My. God. The diet I've been working on for a while now, has me brimming with tears of Joy. I tried on a dress in a smaller size today to find that I needed a SMALLER dress? A size 4?
I haven't been a size 4 since high school! (long time, I assure you).
I am so happy. Now I can eat a bit larger proportions to sustain the current weight.

CI Hybrids

The trial that I mentioned in my last post was a Hybrid technology for users with residual low end hearing. The group that I evaluated with was very optimistic about this trial and have had success with it.
The implant is shorter than the normal for the Trademarked full implant but, it is just as long as other companies full implant.
Hmm... That's kind of weird right?
In any event - I would not have to be re-implanted should the remainder of my hearing deteriorate, (which is highly likely). So it is worth considering. Just one day at a time.
I'm not really being hard on myself. Just allowing for my emotions to surface. I am doing what I can to make my life and my family's lives better.
Educating the masses! Hot deaf chicks rule~!

Cochlear Implants

I bit the bullet and was evaluated for Cochlear Implants.
What an emotional torrent that followed suit!
I'm not being forced into making any decisions but there is definitely pressure to assimilate. 'They' want me to be involved in a trial for my specific hearing loss.
I'm not rushing anything. Dealing with the emotional aspect of this first and foremost.
It's amazing, Humanity that is. How we take things for granted and even poke fun of other people for their disabilities. That is, until it happens to us.
I remember calling my father all sorts of names, and being really nasty to him - because he couldn't hear. The shame I feel now for my actions is almost disabling in itself.
Karma?

Grades and GPA

Let's get things straight first.
Do I really care about the GPA? ................Well, yeah.
Not enough to retake some classes, though. The only class I will retake is the Algebra class, of which I failed by 7/10ths of a point. Ridiculous.
Never the less, I don't fail any classes and my GPA will bounce right back up. Currently my GPA is 2.9 (ick) despite the F in math. So, I imagine once the math is retaken and passed, this will change.
ASL 101 - A
English 102 - b+
Anthropology is a C. ( only because of the sick kids, mind you) English too. It should have and WOULD have been an A, If I had someone to care for them while they were sick. Never mind the car accident.. ugh.
Still thinking about RIT as an option for my masters.

Book

I've decided to write a book. Yeah, I know. Wow. Whether or not it gets picked up and tossed around the summer selection of next years reading list.... yeah, we shall see. I'm clearly looking forward to sharing my insight and information about going deaf and deaf culture. I have editors galore that are looking forward to my success.
I can only promise you that I will write the book, whether or not I will make it fiction, non fiction or something else in between is a whole other story..
More later and ....
thanks for listening.

Lunacy

I think yesterdays little episode correlates directly with the full moon over head. It went way past a silly little sadness, and quite frankly scared the hell out of me. I'm still slightly melancholy today but, workable. The big boys are home today and are a great distraction to emotion outside of the frustration, of course... lol
I guess the anger that stems from being hearing impaired got to me more than I had previously believed. I have scheduled my evaluation for cochlear implants at the end of the month. Magic pill, miracle or vampire venom apart I think this is the only option for me in reality.
On a positive note, the bunnies are out and I caught a great pic, enjoy....

Feeling pathetic

It's amazing how much a movie can affect you. I just watched Twilight again. Now, I feel like a pathetic little girl still searching for the night in shinning armor Or, vampire in glistening skin. I know, I subjected myself to yet another fantasy. A life outside my own. Different - Ethereal, majestic.

Unlike my own which I find rather hum drum.
OK back to reality - that painting is not going to finish itself!

Back with a Vengeance

WTF? Where have I been? OH, my god. (mine not yours). I have been thoroughly inundated with school work, homework, sick kids, sick spouse, car accidents, sick self, and a general malaise that carries over from exhaustion! This school semester I have been completely bogged down with CRUD. Most similar to pond scum, crud is the everyday yuck that can get in the way of a good education or even life. I miss having 2 minutes to think to myself! Alrighty, enough complaining.
Making things better~ reading a lot of books to help me in my career choice of the future and learning as much as possible about deaf culture. I really have learned quite a bit of sign language and wish that I could practice more but way too many people in my life do not know even basic signs. I've instructed my spouse that it's time to learn so I will be practicing in front of him and the children. Like it or not, I'm going deaf. Even if the approval for Cochlear Implants makes it's way over to me, I will still be deaf.
There is no going back (unless of course miracles in science happen).
OK, so I'm off to the Dr. With what I think is Bronchitis.
Vacation week next week so, I expect to get a good bit of reading in and handing in my paper on Deaf Culture to my Anthropology Professor.

Addendum to Rosie

I write this in the wake of Rosie's passing. I write "you" to signify her.

The last time I saw you was at Maddy's 2nd birthday party.
Vivacious as ever and so full of Joy. No thoughts to the battle with Cancer that you fought and won. That's just another piece of you, who you are. Your passing raises a well of tears that cannot be quelled. Taken from earth in a swift slap of fate. I remember you at 18, when we challenged our hair to mysterious heights. Of course, you won every time. You were always a stunning girl. Envied by many~ including me. Not just for your external beauty but the beauty in your heart. The kind of beauty that cannot be conveyed with words. There will never be another human being like you. Unique. Beautiful. Vivacious. Charming. Elegant. Rosie.

Rosie

Rosie,

I will never get to say "Good Bye" to you.

I will not be able to tell you how thoroughly beautiful you are.

I will not be able to tell you how much joy you have brought to others.

I will however, remember you with love in my heart.

Rosie,

Rest now, peacefully.

Still

I have no idea as of yet why those fireworks were set off. That aside, school is great!
I love my classes, especially American Sign Language. I get to use what I know. In addition, I can learn more about it and be able to apply it with friends who are hearing impaired and deaf. It's amazing how life twists and turns, where you end up, what you end up doing with your life.
I'm really glad I'm here. In this place. Now.
I've been informed by my English teacher that I along with the rest of the class, will be starting a new blog on our English readings. I will probably cut and paste some of it for you to read as well.
Really looking forward to an awesome semester.

Fireworks

What reason could there possibly be for fireworks in January? Some one set em off what seemed to have been just a block or two away, and I cant figure out WHY? Yes, they were pretty for the 30 seconds that they were going off through the trees but, it's January folks. Other than the 1st African American President - I cannot think of a reason for such celebration. They were not the back yard flickers either, I'm talking Full scale, floor shaking, lightning style fireworks. I live in suburbia, with a house 500 feet away from me that burned to the ground about 5 years ago. Um, what possessed these creatures to light em off? I will have to find out and report back here because this seems like a dangerous adventure.

Activity?

Non. I have been drone and dull. Save for the various shopping trips and errands, I have been completely inactive. Monday morning will change all of this. Monday school starts up again and I am looking forward to being out of the house yet again. The importance of getting out and speaking with others is relative to ones personality. Mine requires many facets of friendships and social gatherings. Of which I have not fed lately. To feed the machine you need to have sustenance on which it will survive. It's mid winter and there is nothing but snow and ice. Snow and Ice have no vitamins.

Tuesday

Tuesday the mighty Barack Obama will take the oath into office as our president. No doubt that his speech will crescendo on "hope". Leaving the many who attend, screaming and crying for change. There is a lot resting upon this man's shoulders.
I will be among the many who watch the inauguration. My niece will be at the actual site. Taking pictures as the first Black American President takes the oath into office.

Cultural Anthropology?

Could there somewhere be a Deaf Culture Anthropologist? That Might be me in a few years..
I've dropped the two business classes that I had signed up for. Taking up Cultural Anthropology and American Sign Language 101.
Alicen Noselli PhD. Cultural Anthropologist? I'll let you know if I like the class....
Anthropology is: archaeological research, analyze development of languages, and significance of verbal and non verbal communication in our daily lives. Study of human diversity and universal values, fostering intercultural understanding, stimulating concerns about the issues of cultural change and continuity in one's society.
Sounds good on paper.

Pondering

After spending the day reviewing employment fields and masters degrees, I'm more confused than ever. I did a simple test to address which fields would be best for me. It turns out that service industry, and health care are not my best fields, writing and artistic values are. Is there a writing job for the hearing impaired that I don't know about? I guess writing a book about it would help but, I'm not sure I want to sit at a computer all day and night typing away...like I usually do. Huh? Wait, a job that pays me to do what I'm already doing...?

Masters Degree

Yeah, I'm thinking about what Masters Degree I want to carry on my shoulder. I know a lot of "kids" that just get out of school, decide to go another route after college but, I'm not going to. I want to be sure that what I choose is appropriate for the kind of work I want to do. Which is... Oh, I don't know. I know I want to work with people like myself that have hearing related issues, and perhaps the deaf community itself but in what capacity? Whether it's in the educational, vocational, or non profit organizational kind of way, I need to start planning this route to my masters.
I've gotten the "can do" kudos from a good friend of mine and she sees a brighter future for this meek little introvert. (yeah right!) Thinking about other schools as well with more direct education in my desired field. RIT has MA's listed that might be closer to what I want. but getting to RIT, means getting my BA first. Suny purchase might offer me the opportunity to continue at my college in Rockland (satellite) with a BA in Business, then....? My friend thinks Vocational Rehab in the Hard of hearing world might be for me... Hmmm... much to ponder..

Veggie day 3 or 4......

I had thought that going veg would be really difficult given my attraction to all sorts of meats but, I find that despite the occasional hankering for a slice of bacon I've been really good. Although I must admit, I really wanted a bacon egg and cheese this morning. NO, I didn't do it. Pictures flash across the screen in my head and those cravings are squelched rather quickly. Again for those real life horror stories, see PETA's "Meet your Meat" video.
This weekend, I dropped the meat from my dishes, and tried a new veggie chili non-carne. Which was really good with a little red hot! Also a lentil and rice dish with caramelized onions.
Today brought me to the organic section at the supermarket. They have a whole isle and a half devoted to organics, and health products. I made some purchases. If you've ever shopped with three hungry, cranky children, you would understand why it took a while. I did buy meat products, but not for me. I have never eaten spam, nor will I.
So the whole idea of a veggie life is growing on me. It's not that difficult, when you remember the video... I think a weekly viewing will be a well set reminder of why I'm doing this.

Analogy to vegatarianism

After speaking in depth with my husband about my desire to learn more about veg life, he proposed an analogy, the diamond trade.
If it's not right to eat animals, then it's not right to buy diamonds. We agree on this matter. Since the African "blood diamond" trade and slavery, murder, abuse are tied together, I'm opting out of diamonds too. (Not that I ever was really into it)
If you buy a diamond from a dealer that got it from a legit mine, where nothing like those atrocities ever happened, Is it OK?
No, it still feeds into the supply and demand of the diamond trade, perpetuating the whole trades' issues. So slavery, murder and abuse continue. People killing people over rocks, does not sit right here either.
Please understand that I am not trying to change your views or desires, simply expressing my changing, evolving opinionated views.
Joe also raised the question about animal testing, finding a cure for the hearing loss I've suffered and I must say, I would go deaf rather than suffer an animal to this kind of torture.

Opportunity

It was confirmed that when/ if my essay should be accepted into the Beacon 2009 conference, my pluralism grade will go from a "b" to an "a".
I thought this was a great opportunity anyhow but, up the GPA, YEAH, SURE!
The $100.- prize won't even pay for the gas, tolls and hotel but... Oh the Notoriety.
I am looking forward to all of my collective editors having an input so WE win this F*cker!

A thought on vegetarian life.

I had tried to go vegetarian in my early twenties. The whole idea of animals being killed for my diner didn't sit right with me.
I'm revisiting the whole idea again, after a friend told me to watch a pretty little video of slaughter house action. Lovely. If your curious, check out Peta's website, meet your meat.
I pledged to 30 days of meat-less-ness.

I grew up with chickens and Pigeons. Not for eating the birds but the chickens were for the eggs. The Pigeons were just cool.
We at one point had a piglet, who we named "pinky" in the basement, with no lights and a small confined area about 3 ft around. At the age of 5 or 6, I didn't know why we weren't allowed to play with him, but we snuck in there and played anyhow.
Pinky ended up on our diner table. I don't think that I would have chosen to eat my friend, if I had the choice.
My parents grew up over seas in rural areas, where they were taught that this was the norm. You can rest assured, that I will not subject my kids to this behavior. I will not follow in the footsteps that I detest. After watching the video, I'm not so sure that I will force my kids to eat any meat either.
But I will start checking into farms that are free roaming, vaccine and veterinary caring, organic and other things. This would be a good time to research this fully. I am a mother, and like many other mothers, want what is best for my children. I will be happy to share my findings with you.
I had another friend who suggested that some meat packagers actually dyed their meat to make it look better, and more palatable. I did a little bit of research on this and found this to be somewhat true. Packagers can dye meat that is ground, for purposes such as sausages, cold cuts, burgers and hot dogs. Packagers can also use carbon dioxide to keep meat looking fresh longer.
My friend mentioned that her daughter is allergic to certain food dyes, and I talked a bit about how we changed our oldest son's diet to minimize dye exposure.
The minimizing has had a great effect. He can focus better in school and at home. Which I am extremely thankful for!
My first meal for day one without meat, was egg noodles with white asparagus and Brussels sprouts (aka green globs of evil). I never did like them but my kids do, and that's good! Since I didn't make dinner tonight I had no choice in menu. I ate the Pierogies and the carrots ~not the pork chops.
While I continue to research the whole vegetarian life, I will share my bits and pieces with you. Especially what my vegetarian pediatrician has to say. At the very least I will be educated in matters of consumption.

I don't mind being wrong...

Especially when It's in my favor! How does a "D" in Science turn into a "B-" ? Don't know, don't ask. Just take it and RUN.... So my official grades are lower than I expected. But, well within a good GPA. Business B, English A, Pluralism and Diversity B, Science B-.. Like I said, no questions on the Science thing... Just gonna Shhhhh.... right along here... and hope.....no one notices....

GPA - Currently 3.175 - Is that good?

Next up~ Algebra for Beginners, English Comp II, Business Ethics, and Marketing.

Now that I've had some time to think about what happened with the Winter session classes, I'm OK. I'm good with it now. I fought the blues with a stint of retail therapy!
And that's all I've got to say about that........ Untill I post pictures, Of course.

Winter Session Classes II

I'm trying to keep up with other posts that I've written here. I did in fact drop my winter session classes. There were a lot of tears involved because I am an emotionally volatile woman. Having a hearing impairment, and dealing with limitations can drain you emotionally. I hate having a hearing impairment. I'm sure many of us do. I seem to have a more difficult time with it when it makes me look bad, though. At least this is how I perceive the situation. I've stopped feeling sorry for myself and I'm considering transferring to a more Hearing impaired friendly scenario.
Rochester Institute offers on line courses. They also have a deaf campus for deaf and hard of hearing students. While I don't think that traveling that far would work, the online courses may be just what I need. I need to feel confident in my work, and get many more A's... Since my science class won't transfer credits because of the d, I'm OK with taking another online science course. maybe something environmental or sound centered. While I am considering RIT, I haven't committed to it yet. I have more thinking to do, and advice from people I trust to go over and review.

Apology

I'm sorry for all the bright colors. I realized just how difficult it must be to read while having a blaring pink screen distract you! Since the purpose of the blog is to attract readers not scare you away, I've decided to keep it simple. Let the posts themselves be the attraction, not the color.

Ice Storm

I figured I would test out my new camera on the ice covered trees outside today. I think I've captured just what I hoped. The Japanese Maple is my favorite but the pine looks nice too.

Winter Session Classes

For those of you who don't understand what it's like to have a hearing impairment, be glad. I am very disappointed in the thought that I may have to cancel my winter session classes because both of my teachers are women with light voices. Since I've lost my high end hearing it is especially difficult hearing "chicks". Even with hearing aids. I'm going to attempt to make adjustments and hope they work. Otherwise, I may have to cancel out these classes. Stay tuned for more drama. On the flip side, dropping off the kids and coming home to nap might not be such a bad idea...

Th view on the drive home

I really wish I could tell you how I felt at this point. The mountains in the distance, are so pretty! Both pictures were taken at the same spot. Now you can see why I chose this camera!

The Birkshire mall

I just liked the art that was in the Birkshire, Massachusetts Mall. It towers over an area where stores intersect. The trip was very nice, and quiet. I ate this morning at a cute bakery / cafe in Lenox called "Haven" . The food was fabulous, I had the spinach lasagna. And a cappuccino to rival starbucks! I don't think that waiting for the food made it worthwhile though. after an hour and people who were in back of us on line got their food, we checked to see where our was. My lasagna was cold, I was disappointed. But starving! It tasted great so i overlooked it's chill factor and ate the entirety. I didn't have room for the brownie I picked out when we were in line...sniffle. It got to be too late in the day to go over to West Hartford School for the deaf. I was disappointed but, I plan on taking another trip up there just for that. The drive home was pretty. I took a different route than I had taken to Massachusetts. I posted other pics of the bridge that scared the crap out of me. All in all a very nice trip, and I got my filet at Dakota, too. Very happy about that!

Fish oil

While fish oil comes highly recommended from my pediatrician, I do not think that it's very beneficial if you can't keep it down!
I hate fish, and fishy-ness. I haven't eaten fish since I lived on City Island 15 years ago. Why the hell would I get a liquid fish oil supplement? I don't know. It's nasty.
The kids, they eat sushi, what do they care? They like it.
Please don't make the same mistake that I did and think that the flavoring would "cover" the fishy-ness, because It wont!
I'm off to Massachusetts! I hear "Dakota" calling me.......

Beacon 2009

In writing for the Beacon 2009, I am requesting information from you, my readers. If you know of reputable sources that I can include in this I would be sincerely grateful. I am writing on the impact of being hard of hearing/ disabled, has in the workplace. Information I need would be company's that hire people with disabilities, knowing that they have those disabilities. Other company's that may have had issues with hiring in the disabled area of the work force. In other words, if they got into trouble because they wouldn't hire someone with a disability. Any information will need to be cited, so please include where you got the information so that I can track down the citation. Much appreciated folks! Looking forward to hearing from you!

New Year Post.

I want to start off the new year on a good note. So here it is, my first post of the new year. Life is unfolding quickly for me. I am very thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves. Like school for instance. I never envisioned myself going back to school, ever. It took someone who didn't even know me from any other Jane Doe, to make me realize, you're not done till you're done. Life is a school. We all learn from our experiences.
I learned that Elephant Ears, come back from the dead. I don't necessarily have a black thumb for house plants.... I can vacuum the entire downstairs in less than an hour... Oh, the possibilities! Great things lie in wait...