Down with movie theaters!

Last night Hubs and I went out on a long-overdue night out. We headed out to our favorite Indian restaurant. Afterwards, I wanted to see how I would do at the movie theater so we went to see Invictus with Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

I loved the movie; hated the theater. The previews were so loud that I had to turn off the implant. Although the movie was not as loud, I was still reeling from the effects of the previews and missed most of the dialog. We paid 20 bucks for this?!? We traded our comfortable couch next to a warm fire, subtitles, wine and all-you-can eat popcorn for this?!?! Wow.

On another note, today has not been a great hearing day. By 1 pm I was worn slap out and had to take out the implant. However, I have received today's encouragement: This morning I scored 90% on a word-recognition list. Giddy up!

Candy and the cell phone

So, the audiologist advised me to wait until I was further along in my program before I attempted to chat on the phone- especially on the cell phone. Of course, telling me what to do is a lot like putting dark chocolate in front of me with instructions not to touch it. I am gonna eat the chocolate.

I decided to phone sister on my cell phone. And wow.

We talked for about 10 to 15 minutes and I got 95% of what she said! I was so excited that I accidently hung up on her. Then I called daddy. Got about 95% of what he said! I was so excited that I called sister back. I think at this point she is thinking about putting a block on my number or perhaps changing her phone number altogether.

So that was my encouragement for the day! Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Four days after activation

Overwhelming and exhausting are the two words I use these days in response to inquiries about my activation and subsequent rehabiliation. Thanks to my Father above, I am making amazing progress but make no mistake, this is tough.

My brain is having to relearn sounds. Literally. I got into a discussion with Mama over the way boiling water sounds. I have heard it as a low roar most of my life but now I am hearing it as a tinkling sound. My brain tells me this can't be the correct sound, so I have to confirm it with my family and friends:

Me: "this boiling water sounds like it is tinkling not roaring"

Mama: "right- that's how I hear it"

Me: "are you certain this is right? maybe you are not hearing it right"

Nice. Its a wonder that I still have any family or friends left.

I have a small goal every day: to look for that day's encouragement provided from the One who loves me the best. He is the author of all good things and king of encouragements.

Today started out frustrating: I had to cycle through the four programs several times this morning since I was having trouble with environmental sounds. I did not do well on the word recognition lists. I felt overwhelmed -all I wanted to do is take out my implant and sit in a hot bath with a good glass of red wine.

It was a fist-clenched, teeth-grinding choice to believe that encouragement would come. Come it did. I chatted with Mama via phone twice today and understood 85% of what she said. This is huge! My two prayers have been that I would be able to talk on the phone again and understand the words of praise music. Am jazzed that I am already doing phone rehab in the first week of turn on!

Texting

Bless my heart.

Ignorance really is bliss.

Apparently those itty bitty key pads on my phone are not so quiet when I text my friends. Note to self: No more texting in church...

Cochlear Implant

On December 21, 2009, I received a cochlear implant in my right ear and have since been in a world of complete silence. God willing, the silence will be broken tomorrow afternoon when my implant is activated. Several people have asked what this will look like, so I have copied a blurb from the ASHA (America Speech - Hearing Association) Web site that does a good job of explaining activation:

About 4-6 weeks after surgery, the person returns to the center to be fit with the microphone and speech processor and to activate and program (called mapping ) the implant. The initial fitting process is done over several days and may include additional visits over several months. The reason is that, as each electrode in the cochlea is activated, it must be adjusted and programmed into the speech processor. As the person develops skill in using the implant, further adjustments and reprogramming is required. Once the optimum program is obtained, fewer visits are required. Usually there are annual visits to the center for checkups.

Twice Baked Potatoes

6 baking potatoes

6 T butter

1/2 c heaping of Grana Pandano cheese or parmesan cheese

2/3 sour cream

2/3 cottage cheese

1 c half and half

whole package of fresh chives

1 t salt

1/8 t pepper

paprika

Preheat to 400 degrees. Wash potatoes and rub olive oil thoroughly over skin and season with seasoning salt. Place in oven and cook for 1 hour.

Let cool and cut into halves. Scoop out potato flesh and mix well with rest of ingredients except paprika. Fill potatoes with mixture and sprinkle top with paprika. Bake for 20 minutes @ 350 degrees.

Red Sauce for Enchiladas

2 T butter

2 T flour

1/4 c chili powder

2 c chicken stock

1 t (heaping) cumin pepper

1 t oregano

Heat butter over medium heat, mixing in the flour to make a roux. When roux is smooth (about 1 min), add chili powder. Continually stir for about 30 seconds (mixture should be thick and crumbly). Add chicken stock, bringing it to boil. Add cumin and oregano. Simmer until mixture reaches desire thickness. Do not overcook. If still too thin, add tortilla chips to mixture.