To anyone who's interested in my ongoing bilateral cochlear implant saga, here's an update:

I just returned from getting a new program for my speech processor. It's another rainy, dreary day in Philadelphia, which seems to be the trend each time I get "tuned up." Ahh, the glorious flick-flack sound of windshield washers, what a thrill!

In any case, the sound is less baritone (yay!), but the discrimination, or comprehension of speech, has yet again taken a nose-dive (boo!). This is normal, and just means I will once again have to "filter out" extemporaneous noises with my brain to understand what someone is saying to me.

I recently wrote a fellow implantee in Dallas to compare experiences. She had been first implanted 17 years ago (18 years for me) and got the second implant last February (this January for me). I asked her how long it took for her to feel that her ears were "balanced," and that she was now hearing normally. She said, "well, about three months ago."

So it's going to be a loooooong process. And well worth it in the end.

Thanks to all for your encouragement in this endeavor!

Ch(ear)s,

M.

Good news, Marilyn, and thanks for the update.

As for the rain, it could be worse -- it could be snowing.

@

M,

"Ch(ear)s..." love that! Your spirited approach to this experience is inspiring. You have my admiration and respect. "Flick-flack" indeed!

Cheers,

Kat

Dear colleagues,

Only just now checked yesterday's message board...thank you all so much for the birthday greetings! I am really touched. (Otter, you're right about the Piscean forecast...I've been tracking this for months. This is said to be a breakout year for Pisces!)

Turning 55 felt much like turning 54...in other words, just another notch in the belt. Grateful for continuing robust good health and relatively sound mind.

The TeeBeeDee gig is a challenge as Betty's role is integral to the strength and cohesion of the community. She is one smart, well-balanced, talented individual. I can only hope to be of some small service in her absence. Thankfully we have the grace of another couple weeks working together. There is quite a lot to learn.

Now - a word on FictionAddiction. This venture has involved quite a lot of work, time, energy, collaboration and compromise. It is my fondest hope that all of you wonderful writers will submit a story. I'm happy to answer any of your questions but thought it best to have those come to me in private mail to preserve the contest announcement intact. But feel free to discuss in this forum as well. I know you may be wondering about the identity of our judges. It seemed prudent to have them remain anonymous as two are esteemed colleagues from this group and Tier II. The other is a member of TeeBeeDee management. I am neither entering nor am I involved in the judging but will be receiving the stories and passing them on to our judging panel (without the authors' names).

Again, happy to answer any questions. Now...sit down and start writing!

Cheers!

Kat

@

Love "chocolate Sunday" and "jelly bean trails!"

Hippity hop,

M.