Sometimes Stillness Can Be A Good Thing

It's been almost a month since my last blog post. Today I got an e-mail from Steph over at Praise the Mother asking me where the hell I have been. It's easy to get wrapped up in life sometimes and forget that your blog is sometimes the only connection you have to some of the great people in your life.

Life has been incredible, bittersweet, standing-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff-about-to-jump kind of exciting. It's also been scary, its always darkest before the dawn-ish. It's hard to know where to begin. The hearing aids are fantastic, EXHAUSTING, but fantastic. (which is one of many reason's I've been MIA) The last week has really been the only time that I haven't come home from a busy day and passed out from mental exhaustion. It's been a big test, a huge learning experience, and it has opened up a world of opportunity I have never known my adult life. My confidence has grown exponentially, as far as meeting new people, working, and just going through day to day situations. I firmly believe that the arrival of my hearing aids was the beginning to one of the best chapters of my life.

School starts soon, and I have a great new job, making the best money I've ever made, which isn't saying much but still. Ned is getting better and better, we still have those not so good days but the progress is there.

The incredibly trippy thing is, that while things are falling into place, our present situation is a tough one. We've had to juggle bills, rob peter to pay paul (as my mom puts it), depleat our savings to a very sad amount. And it SUCKS! But the promised land is just around the corner, and the days go by so very slow. But we will get there. That is what is so refreshing, I have no superstition or anxious uncertainty. I know I am walking this path, these are the good things I am welcoming into my life and I am not afraid. I never thought I would say that, but it's true.

Another reason for my absence is the birth of a new blog. I've been exercising and eating well and thusfar lost 25lbs. It's basically my daily journal, nothing to fancy or exciting but taking my bloggy time none the less. But I promise to take the time and sit under the lilac tree with more frequency in the future. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Better Late Than Never

Most of you know that tomorrow is the big day. At 9am tomorrow I will be the proud owner of snazzy new RIC digital hearing aids. It's been a long hard journey to get here. When I received my first set of hearing aids in my early 20's, I wasn't as ready as I should have been. I couldn't deny that my hearing was bad, but I wasn't ready for the mental and physical adjustment that came with wearing aids. I would get so frustrated by the audiological overload that soon I wore them less and less. I thought (despite the advice of my dr) that it would be an immediate fix. Of course it wasn't. That's why they are called "hearing aids" not "hearing cure". Only after Stella was born did I really begin to accept my hard of hearing status. To not beat myself up over my uncontrollable handicap. I realize now that having hearing aids will not only boost my confidence in social situations but It will ease the frustration of my loved ones as well. The next few weeks, hell months perhaps will be full of ups and downs. But I'm confident that soon I will take full advantage of my new ear gear.

Something I've been trying repeatedly to let some people know (especially Mom & Dad) is that this will not be a quick fix. I will not suddenly understand everything they are saying. I still need them to stick to the communication rules that apply now. What they and I can look forward to is less repetition and more acknowledgment when they call my name. My Voc Rehab counselor (it maddens me the most insurance companies, including Medicare will cover glasses but will not cover hearing aids) gave me this great little sheet advising a well hearing person how to better communicate with someone who is hard of hearing. It sums it all up so well. And I thought that this is certainly something I should share with you my family and loved ones.

1. Be sure to always face people who are hard-of-hearing, and if possible, get on the same level as them. This allows them to better understand you, because they have additional information about what you are saying. They will not only be able to focus and listen more efficiently, but will also have the opportunity to interpret your facial expressions, lip read, and speechread. All of these will be possible because they will be able to directly see your face.

2. Always be aware of the lighting in the room. It is best for the light to be shining in the speaker's face, rather than in the eyes of people who are hard-of-hearing. Having the light shine upon your face as the speaker will accentuate your facial features. This will allow them to read your expressions and lips more precisely. Never let the light shine in the eyes of people who are hard-of-hearing. They need to be able to see the person they are communicating with, and light in their face will most likely distract and inhibit them from using all of the clues and information available.

3. Be aware of the fact that even though the people who are hard-of-hearing may be able to hear you, your speech may sound distorted. Therefore, they may have trouble understanding some of the words that you say. Try to avoid becoming angry or frustrated with them, because it gets no one anywhere. It is good to be aware that they may not always fully understand you, so that when this does occur, you can prevent negative feelings.

4. Always talk to people who are hard-of-hearing in the same room as they are. You should never yell room to room, but if you absolutely must, tell them who you are and make sure that they have heard you.

5. Take into consideration that everyone has a decreased hearing ability and understands less when they are tired or sick.

6. Speak in a normal fashion but at a slightly slower pace. This will make your speech clearer. Do not shout, exaggerate, or string your words together too rapidly.

7. Keep objects out of your mouth and away from your face when talking, especially your hands. Anything that will obstruct the person's view of your face or the clarity of your speech will make you more difficult to understand

8. Rephrase your sentences rather than repeat them if the person has trouble understanding you. It is better to find a new way to say what you are trying to get across rather than to repeat the same confusing words multiple times.

9. Never speak too rapidly or use complex and long sentences. You should also always pause between sentences and phrases to allow people who are hard-of-hearing time to process what you have said and ask for clarification if necessary.

10. If you are giving people who are hard-of-hearing specific information such as time, place, price, or a telephone number, ask them to repeat it back to you to assure that they have correctly heard you. Many words and numbers sound very similar.

People that are hard-of-hearing may often become frustrated that they cannot understand what people around them are saying. It can also get very frustrating for their communication partners when they are trying to tell them something and cannot easily and effectively do so. Although these tips may seem simple, they can make a world of difference for both parties. Communication will be a much more satisfying process all around!

Happy Father's Day Ned !

There are many reasons why I think Ned is a great father. He has taught our daughter to be absolutely fearless. He has taught her the comedy of biology (those two laugh so hard when anyone near them farts). He's taught her how to hang with the boys. She will one day thank him for always having her back, for teaching her all these lessons and countless more to come. He lives and breathes for her, His love for her has saved his life on occasion I'm sure of it. And most of all. He focuses on staying healthy mentally and physically for her. He is the best father I could have asked for for her. I'm so lucky and honored to bear witness too it.

I'm dusting off an oldie that I created for Ned's Birthday awhile back. Of course I have a few special treats in store for this father's day. But this one sums up perfectly what I would give him if money was no object. Even sacrificing my precious Obama for his beloved Ron Paul. (Seriously he just loves the guy!) So it's worth sharing with the world once more. This time substitute "happy birthday" for "happy father's day"

Ned Birthday Love from Frances B on Vimeo.

I'm A Believer

Angie over at Gathering Up The Pebbles recently recommended to me a green smoothie. Looking at the ingredients I was very skeptical. I was certain that if walked outside picked a handful of grass and ate it that would surely taste better than this green smoothie. Greens and berries? What?! My Green consumption has consisted of spinach and salad greens. Being from the south my nose has been victim to many a pot of collards, and the occasional batch of mustard greens. I've avoided them like the plague. But I trust Angie and I was willing to give it a shot.

And I am so glad I did. My first try left me with a pretty decent smoothie. It didn't taste at all like a cup of collard greens. It was sweet and fruity. And CHEAP! And VERY good for you. And did I mention cheap?! (man was that a lot of "ands" or what?) Best of all you can play with the ingredients. I am confident that soon I will concoct a green smoothie that will be an absolute delight for the taste buds. But courtesy of Angie here are the basics.

1. Put about a cup of greens (Spinach, Kale, Mustard, Collard, etc) in your blender with 6-8 ounces of water. Blend Well.

2. Add your fruits. I usually do a banana or apple first. Blend. At this point the concoction is very green and is not appealing to the palette...so add...

3. Frozen berries! This turns the color anywhere from a dark purple to a bright red (which in my book makes it easier to drink)

I found mustard and kale greens on sale for 99 cents a pound I grabbed what I thought was surely a pound and discovered I had maybe 1/3rd a pound. 38 cents?! SCORE! I still have enough left over for at least one more smoothie maybe more. So you could easily get by with one lb of greens per week.

And you can ad whatever fruit you like bananas, oranges, apples, pears, go crazy!
I've also read about some people adding pomegranate juice for sweetness. I thought about throwing in some rhubarb as well.

AND!! you can easily add things like flaxseed oil, Protein powder, vitamins the list goes on and on.

Trust me I was a huge skeptic about this drink but it is fantastic! And you can easily knock out those veggie and fruit requirements for the day. Plus this thing packs a nice vitamin and energy punch. Give it a shot, you will be so glad you did! Thanks for the schooling Angie!!

Favorite Things- Exercise Edition

My neighbor has talked about this cream of hers many a times. "It burns like hell but damn it works" I was a little skeptical to say the least. Sensing my disbelief she gave me a trial size of it. And let me tell you. It works! It really really works. And it has made the aches and pains of the last 2 weeks but a brief feeling. My right knee is not liking all this "get healthy non-sense" and I slap a pea size amount on and bye bye cranky knee. My back was tweaked yesterday and after a little rub down, it really loosened things up. I can't recommend a product more it's retailing for about $16.00 but considering you use only a smidgen of ointment at a time it's an absolute steal!!

Order it on-line now, you will be so glad you did

Wiggle Iggle Friday - Gangsta Galifianakis

Comedian Zack Galifianakis isn't everyones cup of tea but oh he is mine. He's the smartasses smartass. I cannot wait see The Hangover, and I'm so glad that finally Zack is in a movie that's decent and getting the attention he deserves. I remembered today this Kanye West Video that features Zack on his NC farm. And I thought it a nice edition to the Wiggle Iggle Friday collection.

Enjoy

Can't Tell Me Nothin' from Zach Galifianakis

OY #1,789,546

If you were in my local Target at 11:40 today..Yeah that was me and my daughter.. Sorry about that.

The visit started off well. She was walking around saying "Hi, How are you?" to everyone. It was supposed to be a quick trip to the pharmacy. On the way back out she decided she wanted a snack. We were in a hurry so I said no. She goes hippy protester on me and starts wailing "Snnnnnaaaaacck" wanting to now expedite our exit I pick her up and she immediately starts yelling "HELP! HELLLLP ME! HELP" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I was grateful that I had her id on me and I was completely expecting someone to stop me.

We made it out and home, and I realized with pride. That either my daughter is just too damn smart for her own good or someday she will win an Oscar.