Liz's Deaf Blog

Next live chat on 30th March between 7-8pm. Which will be last one for time being.

2012-03-08T20:07:00.002Z

Next live chat

30th March

between 7-8pm UK time!

This will be last one for time being.

I shall look forward to seeing you there if you can make it. And if this proves a popular night, I shall stay in Chat Room longer. We can all chat for as long as we want. But if it proves quiet like tonight. Then I will leave early.

Get yourself a drink and nibbles at the side. Relax and have fun.

Latest from my garden

2012-03-06T13:08:00.000Z

Here is latest from my garden, which were taken end of February, and as I write this which I went out to my garden before posting this, the display of my spring flowers has just got better. So I must do another update later sometime.

My Christmas Rose below. I have three of these in my garden, which they all have shown, but two of them out of three of them are good display. Here is one of those.

Below my Winter display of Anemones that wil carry on flowering through Spring. I don't know if this variety I have goes on longer than Spring.

Spring is coming. My Crocus's coming through.

In photo below, my Heather doing well in garden.

Two Chat Nights for your diary: 8th March 5pm till 7pm, and last chat night for time being, on 30th March 7pm till 8pm.

2012-03-06T08:38:00.002Z

Two Chat Nights for your diary:

8th March 5pm till 7pm,

and last chat night for time being,

on 30th March 7pm till 8pm.

If you want to know how first chat went in chat room via this blog, then please click here for more details.

I look forward to seeing you, if you can make both or either of these dates. Stop as little or as long as you want.

8th March is not far away, and 30th March will be the last chat I will be arranging for the time being. I look forward to chatting with you like before, whether yo have chatted before or not. All are welcome for a civilised chat, and whatever topic you want. Ideas from last chat can be found on above link, that were discussed before.

Pastures new

2012-03-04T10:33:00.000Z

This may sound like my last post, but I can reassure you it won't be. I'm sure I will have more posts to write still. But I may be quieter on here than normal, and they could come few and far between, while I concentrate on Liz's Crafted Cards.

Even if I do stop writing altogether here. I can reassure I won't delete my blog. I know how valuable it is to my readers.

But I just wanted to let you that if I was to become quieter here, and on my lizdeaf1 Twitter account, then you know the reason why.

Contacting me

I would like to add since I first wrote this post also, that if you need to contact me about deaf related stuff, I can still be contacted by using the email to the right of this blog.

Please do not use my email for Liz's Crafted Cards, for deaf issues. I will not answer.This is soley for Liz's Crafted Cards only.

Although I may take longer than before, I will still answer your emails, when I next pop into this email inbox.

Please do not use my handmade cards business email address for deaf related stuff, as I will not reply using that address, that is not associated with my card business.

What a nice surprise

2012-02-24T21:44:00.000Z

Today I watched The Bionic Ear Show at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society. As you will know, I have seen this show before, so I won't go into explaining what The Bionic Ear Show is all about, instead if you like to read my post when I first seen this, then please click here for that.

My Mum came with me to watch The Bionic Ear Show, and this was the first time she'd seen it, and she enjoyed it very much. Interpreters were also arranged. One for BSL users, and the other was a Lipspeaker. Which was a nice surprise. I wasn't expecting that. :)

Like before, the bloke who presents the show, I could lipread. So most of the part I followed him, lipreading and listening to him through the loop setting of my hearing aid. I used the Lipspeaker when at times I could not see his face clearly, and when the audience were asking questions.

If you ever get the opportunity to watch The Bionic Ear Show, which is suitable for all ages. I recommend it.

Am I a medical mystery, or should there be an answer?

At the end of the show, there was a question and answer session, which gave us an opportunity to ask questions about our ears, hearing, tinnitus, etc... that we felt were not answered in the show.

I had a question to ask, which was something I had on my mind when I last seen this show, but could not pluck up to ask. But this time I did now.

I explained how I am a medical mystery, regarding as to why I'm deaf, and that I still struggle to get my head around this. I asked does medical mystery really exist? Or should I be really seeking an answer why I am deaf?

He told me that there are others like me in the same situation, where Audiologists really do not know, and that to get support and chat with others like myself, is to go on a course at Hearing Link, as they help with people who feel like I do and more. He told me Hearing Link helped him 10 years ago.

Now this is something my regular readers will know was recommended or suggested a couple of times in the last 2 years. I explained to him how I got a form but never filled it in, because of concerns with work. As he told me, and as I know myself, I know work has to give me this time off work as sick or annual leave for these courses. He gave me the link for them, which I realised after it was the same as I knew already. I know I would benefit from their course. But I shall have to see.

Liz's Crafted Cards on air

2012-02-21T12:04:00.000Z

My new website for Liz's Crafted Cards is on air today. You can find it here http://www.lizscraftedcards.co.uk/

I shall be adding this link later to this blog sidebar. In the meantime for latest developments of my card business, where I will start selling cards 1st May, visit Liz's Crafted Cards Blog for the latest. The link again is to the right.

I thought it was me, but it wasn't.

2012-02-20T12:30:00.000Z

For just over a week, I had what I called were my 'deaf days.' By last Saturday I was getting really annoyed, because I now realised I was struggling to hear the beeps for when I changed the settings on my hearing aids. After a few hours of trying different things, from what I have learnt in the past regarding hearing aids, and new ideas. All was failing.

It wasn't me

I needed to cool down at this point, as I was frustrated and did not want to take it out on anyone. So I disappeared in a room on my own for one last attempt. I then realised it wasn't me at all. My left hearing aid was definitely dead.

So I came downstairs and told my boyfriend, partly relieved knowing it wasn't me. But also realising I got now all weekend in a part silent/mumbling world. I also explained to him, that it may not be the hearing aid itself, but just the bit at the end of the hearing aid to be replaced. As knowing from past experience it was something as simple as that!

In my own world

Although I was doing better since my right hearing aid was adjusted when I had these new hearing aids, and I could tell this benefit worked now in this situation. I was still struggling to hear with just my right hearing aid. In these situations, I rather my right hearing aid be down than my left one. So I was feeling tired and frustrated because of the extra hardwork than normal in putting in to try and follow what was said. In these situations I find also I tend to drift off in a world of my own. And I did. Looking out the window, spotting things that no hearie would see as sharp as me in this situation.

I did not feel I was good company this weekend, being quiet in parts and being in my own world. But luckily I have a good boyfriend who knows how I can change when this happens, and we did talk at times, but also to just cuddle up and watch tv quietly.

Input shoes
I managed to get into Audiology today to have my hearing aid looked at, which turned out to be the end bit that needed replacing. As I put it into my ear, it was nice to hear the world again. I also took the opportunity to do something about hearing my mp3 player again when on the move. My preference was another loop setting just for my music. But failing that, I asked if my setting could be switched on for my input shoe, and I would try listening that way.

It turned out this setting was on. But I explained I could hear nothing. After she went to find out some information, it turned out that my shoe may not be compatible for these hearing aids I wear now. So Audiology are ordering me a pair. Now I was gobsmacked I could get these on NHS, as I bought my last one. I also asked do I have to get the input lead for them, or do they. She said we will try and get them for you. But can't promise. It will take about 2 weeks to get these.

Wow. I just walked out there feeling I'd won the lottery, with hearing the loud world we live in, getting input shoes for my hearing aids, and possibly lead too.

My chosen item for swap of Personal inductive neckloop I did not so long ago

2012-02-16T11:07:00.001Z

Not so long ago, I did a swap here on my blog, where I was swapping my personal inductive neckloop for any offers made. But in case for those who did not know me well I gave a few ideas. Here is the original post if you'd like to refer back, by clicking here.

Hannah went for the giveaway, and behind the scenes we were emailing one another about this swap, as Hannah wanted to make sure, that I'd have something I like.

So.... I am a big kid at heart, and I think books for the younger reader are just as good as some adult books, or even better. So I chosen The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine. I have read a couple of Anne Fines books and found them very good, and from what I read about this one, and the reviews for it, it sounds very good and funny. So I am looking forward to reading this and laughing along myself too.

Here is my book which arrived safely today.

Thank you Hannah.

Employment struggles in the UK

2012-02-15T10:00:00.000Z

Since when I wrote my post of looking for work, so I could get more hours than I currently do, but gave up after looking for three and a half years, through getting no where, because some employers did not want to take on a deaf person, even though I was skilled in jobs I applied for, accept for one who mucked me about, which I don't put my deafness to.

I was wondering, and so another reader, how you are getting on looking for work. More details to follow below.

My above post was before recession hit the UK. But now after recession hitting the UK. Do you feel as a deaf/hoh person, its made it harder getting work, than before recession? Or does it make no difference?

Charlotte who is a reader of my blog and is also deaf, emailed me regarding employment struggles. Charlotte wondered about deaf struggling with employment. Not just about careers but casual jobs in between study as well.

In the UK's current climate with the job cuts she wondered if deaf people struggled more. Is it harder for us to get administration job involving telephone work, cafe/bar jobs?

If there are any graduates or people leaving college, who are deaf or hard of hearing? It would also be interesting to look at what careers you end up in. Do you end up working for deaf companies, self employed, or manage in hearing companies?

Any information, opinion,experiences would be greatly appreciated. Please leave your comments below.

Ambitions

2012-02-13T15:39:00.003Z

Writing
Although I have put my writing for children on hold, and also my course, which I think has a time limit on it, and if so, I will have not completed anywhere near finishing. In fact will be too late now, if had to be completed in 2 years. (Will have to look at the fine details to be sure.)

I had stopped writing and doing this course when I had the mastoid pain, and never been able to get back into it since. I will one day I'm sure, sit down in front of my pc, and alter my story I have wrote for children, where needed, through the advice given, and approach publishers in my own time. Publishing one book is my only aim. If I do more after that, then that will be more than I aimed for.

Card making
Making handmade cards is my ambition. Something that slipped way last year when I was going to do it. I think I was on a downer looking back. But just did not realise then, as there were quiet a few things I was not happy about underneath.

Now as you know, I am working on a website for Liz's Crafted Cards. I already have my blog, which can be found here, where you can keep up to date with the latest.

In a few weeks, or less, my website will be on air. My shop will open later after that on there. I am looking forward to it, and what the future may bring.

Guest Post: by Alicia Moore "Are Online Courses a Good Idea for Deaf Students?"

2012-02-10T07:41:00.000Z

In the past decade, onlineeducation has become an extremely popular option for students, whether it isfor secondary education or graduate education. Undoubtedly there are manybenefits to taking advantage of online courses for both hearing and deafstudents. Yet, for deaf students in particular, online courses may open anentirely new world of opportunity that they may not have access to when pursingtraditional educational tracks.

Opening Vistas

One of the main benefitsfrom online education is that deaf and hearing impaired students may have thechance to experience activities they might not be exposed to in a traditionalclassroom setting. For example, many online distance programs, such as SimpleK12,North Dakota schools, and the Bryan, Texas Independent School District havevirtual tours of museums and other field trips that are facilitated byinterpreters to ensure the students understand the tour. In many cases, even ifthe students were to visit these places in person, there would be no guaranteethat there would be an interpreter available to provide information or answerquestions.

In addition to virtualfield trips, deaf students who live in remote areas also have the opportunityto simply interact with others. Often, deaf students who live in rural areasare isolated and have few opportunities to talk with others like themselves. Asa result, their interactions in the hearing world may be limited because oflack of access to individuals who are able to communicate with them with ASL.

However, according to anarticle in the International Journal of Instructional Technology and DistanceLearning, advances in online courses for deaf students have have allowedstudents and their instructors to interact with each other in ways that havenot been possible in the past. For instance, tools like videoconferencing canprovide students with the opportunity to use American Sign Language (ASL) tocommunicate with other hearing impaired students and adults, and find out aboutother experiences outside their own.

Online courses also havethe potential to open up career opportunities for deaf and hearing impairedstudents. Through online courses, students can obtain the knowledge necessaryto enter the workforce in their given field. Students may also have theopportunity to interact one-on-one with mentors to learn job search skills,practice job interview role-playing activities or learn about technologiesavailable to them that they might not otherwise have discovered.

As Online TeachingDegree points out, special education is a rapidly growing field, and as aresult there are a number of schools that cater to students with special needs.For example, Ohlone College in California offers a mentor program that encouragesfor deaf students to continue their success beyond the classroom. GallaudetUniversity is also well known for their wide range of services available todeaf and hard of hearing students, including a fully-staffed career center tohelp students in their job search activities.

Equal Access

Another benefit to onlinecourses for many deaf students is that it allows them equal access toeducational opportunities. Many online courses are not specifically designedfor deaf students. Instead, they are web-based text courses that includereading materials online, in addition to quizzes and tests. However a number ofschools are now working to integrate video demonstrations and high qualitygraphic illustrations to enhance the course material. As a result, students areable to learn the course materials through visual means, rather than needing tolisten to a lecture. Thus, a student’s hearing ability is not a factor insuccess or failure in the course – it is a question of whether or not thestudent learned and retained the course material.

Additionally, one newtechnology that is slowly being integrated into online courses is voicerecognition software. This software works simultaneously while a professor isspeaking and giving a lecture and provides real-time closed captioningtranscription to students while they are watching streaming videos.

Generally speaking, deafstudents benefit greatly from online courses. Through web-based technology,they are able to access educational information that has not been available tothem in the past. Likewise, online courses provide opportunities for deafstudents to interact with a wider network of people. For deaf students livingin rural or remote areas, online courses can open an entirely new world forthem, providing a bright future. Finally, online courses provide deaf andhearing impaired students a valuable means of social interaction that is neededfor social development and healthy living.

Visit online teaching degree where Alicia Moore is the content curator and editor ofOnline Teaching Degree.

Giveaway: Nokia Wireless Loopset LPS-5 (open only to the UK)

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000Z

Today's giveaway which is open, only to the UK, due to postage costs, is my Nokia wireless loopset, which is in good working order, and in good condition.

The Nokia loopset LPS-5 is ideal up to moderate hearing loss.

For more details what this Nokia loopset does, please click here. And if you want to see my original post when I wrote about it, then please click here.

If you would like the Nokia Loop, then please say why you want it here in this post. The first person to comment here saying they want it and why in this post, will get the Nokia loopset, which I will send by signed for delivery.

I will contact the winner by email for where they would like it sent, so please don't leave your personal details in the post. Your details will not be shared with anyone else.

This post will close, when first person gets here to say they want it, and why.

Thank you to those who popped in Chat today

2012-02-06T18:32:00.000Z

Thank you to those who popped into chat today. It was really nice, and more came than I expected, so I really enjoyed today. I hope you did too.

Chat was from 3pm till 6pm. But I ended up starting chat beforehand, as there was someone patiently waiting there, and I did not have a heart to make him wait for next half hour.

Then more popped in throughout the day. I had a guest chatter as well as those who logged in, and the rest were who I knew through Twitter, but first time in literally chatting with them.

Great conversations were made. From talks about hearing aids and deafness, Ear Gear, to the weather, and back to deaf issues where we compared the differences to here, and where they lived.

I know from two I spoke with, out of many that came, that chatting through the chat room was a positive experience for them, as it was for me. I'm happy to hear that.

So if you'd like to chat again. I have more arranged. You can click on Events tab for the latest of these chats, as well as other events. But I will also mention next chat even here too, which is 8th March between 5pm and 7pm UK time.

Do you like hamsters? Then this post is for you.

2012-02-03T22:45:00.001Z

I don't know how long I have been followed InkBlots has been following me here, reading my blog. But I received a couple of comments recently, and thought I'd pop on over to InkBlots blog and see what its all about, and love it. I thought I'd share it here it here too, as you will like it if you are an animal lover or hamster lover. The blog is called inky the hamster mommy, which if you click here, it will take you over to it.

Although I won't own anymore hamsters myself for the time being, I shall never forget my first hamster, Bubbles and what love she gave. I felt Bubbles was took short from me, as she wasn't old, but I did not want to see her in anymore pain, and there was nothing more that could be done for her.

Its surprising what love a small pet can bring to your life.

Swap Personal inductive neckloop for....

2012-02-03T22:00:00.000Z

This swap is open to all.

I have a personal inductive neckloop, which I bought from Connevans last year, which I have not had long and is like new. And due to my new hearing aids, I have found I cannot hear my mp3 player now with them.

I think the neckloop will suit a person up to moderate hearing loss. Profound hearing loss or worse, I don't think you will find any benefit, like I don't. For more details about the neckloop, please visit this link, which will take you to Connevans, where I originally bought it from.

Would like to swap something for my neckloop?

If you think this is what will work for you, and you would like to do a swap, then please tell me what you would swap, for this neckloop, in this post, giving details of item.

I'm open to offers, but in case you are not sure of what I may be interested in, especially if you are a new reader of my blog, then here are a few suggestions below.

2 handmade greeting cards for my neckloop
OR 1 cross stitch item for my neckloop
OR a book. (Fiction, animals or craft book)

I hope a few suggestions gives you some idea, but as said above, I'm open to offers.

Please make sure that what you plan to swap, that they are items you can send through the post, especially if you are overseas from the UK. I shall be sending my item by signed for delivery, to make sure you get it safely.

I will leave this post open till 29th February 2012, so please keep your swaps coming in, and you can leave more than one swap you may have, if you want to, for me to pick from, and from comments left here, of what you'd like to swap for my neckloop, I will pick one I like the sound of, after the closing date, and if I need to, I will ask more questions about it via email, and if I'm still definitly interested in your item, we will then exchange addresses, which I do not not share your address with anyone else.

Please do not leave your personal details here in this post, just description of your swap.

I will let all readers know in a new post, of who I swapped with, when deal is done. I will only give first name of person I have swapped with. Nothing else in new post.

I look forward to your offers you may have.

Results of polls that closed 1st February, and an update regarding Liz's Deaf Blog posts

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000Z

Results of polls

On 1st February the following polls closed.

To see results of those polls, now they are closed, just click on above you are interested in, and it will take you that particular poll.

Thank you for taking part in those polls, and I hope you had fun too. For any latest polls going, just see to the right of my blog as always.

Update regarding Liz's Deaf Blog posts

From today, and onwards until I have done, I will be closing posts to comments up to year 2011. So if there is a comment you'd like to leave on any of these posts, then it is best to do it now while you can.

Posts from 2011, while I continue to blog here at Blogger, will remain open.

Thank you for reading.

Liz's Crafted Cards

2012-01-28T21:55:00.000Z

Behind the scenes at Liz's Crafted Cards, I have been busy changing the layout of my website, as well as making cards, (hence me being slightly quieter here and on Twitter.)

My shop is not open yet, and as you know, originally I was planning to set up shop at at Misi, but with what I see going on there, it does not look good for business for them who own Misi, and for me as a business either. So I have been searching for setting up my own shop elsewhere. I will announce that later!

Although I will possibly get quieter here, I do add some tweets at my Twitter account set up for my card business, and post on my blog; Liz's Crafted Cards.

You can follow Liz's Crafted Cards exactly the same way as you follow me here, which will help you to keep up to date, as soon as it goes on air. Later I plan to talk about the kind of cards I'm going to sell on there.

Following with any of the above for Liz's Crafted Cards will keep you up to date with the latest happening. When I officially open, which will be when I have finished my NVQ course at work in March I'm told, or before. That will be when I will have a date to announce, for the opening of my card shop.

I would like to add that if I do become very quiet here on my deaf blog posting wise, I am no way going to disappear. My deaf blog will stay on air for you to see, as I know this blog as helped you in some way or another from email received. And I will still post myself at some point frm time to time, I'm sure.

Also if guests would like to still post here, with a deaf related topic, you are still very welcome, so just apply the same way. See Guest Post page for more details on guidelines I have. I may take slightly longer to answer your emails. But they will get answered.

Until my next blog post here on Liz's Deaf Blog. Bye for now, and take care.

Guest Post: by Deaf Girl Amy

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000Z

I am so honoredthat Liz asked me to be a guest blogger. Most people know me as Deaf Girl Amy. I lived as a hearie for the first twenty-seven years of my life. Then, I was struck with a bi-lateral hearingloss, which turned my world upside down, and not in a good way. I have been living with a hearing loss forover sixteen years with the last eleven years having a severe to profound loss. I wear bi-lateral hearing aids to helpme communicate.

I wrote a bookrecently, “A Survival Guide for New Deafies!”, to help people like me, who findthemselves adapting to a life of silence. I view it as a disability, because I know what I am missing. I remember being able to have a conversationwith 5 people and not having to pivot my head constantly and being able tounderstand everyone, even when they were talking over each other. As with anything in life, unless you havelived through something it’s hard to understand.

When I lost myhearing, the amount of prejudice I encountered was astonishing, and sadly it camefrom everywhere; the Hearing Culture and the Deaf Culture. I was the biggest outcast. I belonged nowhere. The Hearies didn’t want me because it wastoo difficult to communicate, the Deaf Culture didn’t want me because of mybeliefs and refusal to turn off my voice.

What I learnedthrough it all is that, regardless of which side of the fence you are on, it doesn’tmake your way the right way. I have alsolearned there are specific life skills to each side. Hearie life skills and Deafie life skills,some are shared by both, but there is a distinctly different set for survivaland thriving as a deafie.

It took me yearsto understand this, but once I put it all together and identified thisphenomenon and the unique skill sets, my life got so much better. Itruly do not want anyone to experience the hellish journey I took to becoming athriving deafie. It is painful, selfdefeating and unnecessary. So, that iswhy I wrote the book. It offers the lifelessons I learned, it also has the top ten rules of a new Deafie, to make thetransition to being a Deafie easier. It’s a small book that is full of tips and humor that will help bothhearie and deafies.

All my experiencesand desire to help people, has lead me to found the Flaunt Your Bits and PiecesFoundation. Our mission: to eliminatethe stigma attached to hearing aid, cochlear implant and sign languageusers. Through education, exposure andinteraction with people who have a hearing loss. To that end, we also believe in treating the whole person when it comesto hearing loss. We are eager to share our information with Audiologyprofessionals on how to treat not only the physical symptoms but the emotionaland psychological symptoms, which encompass hearing loss life skills for lateonset deafness.

We are a small start-up, working on our non-profit status to support ourobjectives. You really can’t tell fromthis post, but I really do have a sense of humor. You can find me on Facebook (Deaf GirlAmy) Twitter @DeafGirlAmy, Youtube (DeafGirl Amy) and my website: Http://DeafGirlAmy.com Pretty easy to remember. Thanks again to Lizfor sharing her blog with me. Hats offto an awesome lady!

Rest in peace Bubbles

2012-01-17T13:09:00.001Z

Today I took my hamster, Bubbles back to the vets, after she deteriorated over the night. It was decided in best interests that Bubbles would be best put to sleep.

Thank you to those who have shown interest in posts regarding Bubbles.

Rest in peace Bubbles.

This can't be true

2012-01-16T12:36:00.001Z

I was reading a link via Twitter which took me to The Sun newspaper website. Now after reading this story, some of this what I read surely cannot be true.

To read this story on their web page, then please click here so you know what I am on about. Which will take you to their news story Disability benefit claims treble by GRAEME WILSON, Deputy Political Editor.

The bit that I cannot believe is true, is where it says:

Under current rules, thousands can get DLA without seeing a doctor and by simply filling out a form.

You will find it about half way down the page.

Now I don't know about all of you, but I know some of you, like myself, when it came to claiming DLA, had to let them have access to medical records, to prove the disability you were claiming for. I had to when claiming for my DLA. I needed them to have access to my records to show that as proof, that I have a hearing problem, and to show how deaf I am, and whatever else they needed to know.

So if there are people that have received DLA without doing this, as The Sun claims in their story. If this is true! Then why were they given DLA without medical notes being looked at first? I don't get it!

Still health concerns with my hamster, Bubbles

2012-01-16T12:16:00.000Z

After taking my hamster Bubbles to the vets this morning for a follow-up appointment, there are still health concerns, even though she has shown to look brighter in the eyes, by keeping her eye open that remained closed, after antibiotics to treat her womb infection has cleared the worst of it, but the smell remains, which means the infection is still there. Hence why the vet has decided another week of antibiotics.

Walking around on his examination table, and from the same thing I have seen too, she is not quiet walking as she should yet. I described it as though she is walking with her bottom down to the floor, as though she's crammed.

The vets description, which I agree, her tail looks rubbery the way she has it. Which shouldn't be like that. Bubbles breathing was checked, which seemed fine, and stomach examined.

I go again in another weeks time, back to the vets with Bubbles. So time will tell then on further news I can give, when I know myself.

Maybe this can help for you if you are used to analouge hearing aids, but now are wearing digital hearing aids, and can't get used to them.

2012-01-14T09:05:00.005Z

I know there are some of you that used to be analogue hearing aid users but now are wearing digital hearing aids, who I have heard either through my blog, or meeting people in person that can't get on with digital hearing aids. Some of you prefer analougue hearing aids full stop over digital, because you feel you can get on with them better.

I can't compare analogue to didital hearing aids, as digital hearing aids is all I know, but Steve over at Hearing Aid Know will understand, and I have read some handy advice today he has wrote, that may help you. Click here, which will take you to his post in question at Hearing Aid Know.

First photo of my garden in the New Year, for you.

2012-01-13T13:00:00.000Z

Here is first photo taken of my garden in the New Year.

You will see there is a bit of a colourful display at the bottom of the garden, where I planted some Autumn bedding last year.

Next photo I will be posting here, will be Summer time, where I hope there will be a even more colourful display.

Blogger now supports threaded comments

2012-01-12T09:48:00.002Z

Blogger now supports threaded comments, and I have noticed today that my blog is enabled to do this. I shall be keeping it like this.

So what does it mean?

It means when you leave a comment on a post, you can engage more fully in that post, because you can choose to comment as a whole on that particular post, or if you need to leave your response with a particular person in that thread, then you can click on reply below their comment.

For more details about this, click here.

Would you like to write a Guest Post for Liz's Deaf Blog, to appear after February?

2012-01-12T07:56:00.000Z

Would you like to write a Guest Post here on Liz's Deaf Blog?

I am accepting Guest Posts that will appear after February and onwards on this blog. Guest Posts appear once a month here on Liz's Deaf Blog, when they are submitted, and they are look forwarded to by all readers of this blog.

To look at past Guest Posts that have been written here on Liz's Deaf Blog, just click on Guest Posts in the labels bottom right of my blog. And if you are interested writing for this blog, then send your submission to my email, which you will find to the right of this blog, and I will contact you to let you know when it will appear here.

Thank you.

A promise I have failed to keep.

2012-01-11T15:32:00.001Z

A promise I made to you, I have now failed to keep I have discovered today.
I promised that I was going to share a video of Bubbles. One I filmed before she shown signs of arthritis. I have discovered after looking for this video on my computer today, that I thought I had transferred successfully from my phone, along with another image. Turned out not to be successful. Instead of it being a video, it was several images instead.

Now I am sure it shown I successfully transferred this video. But its not there from what I can see, and I don't have original on my mobile phone either, because I deleted it.

I am doing a final search using Recuva, as this post goes to air. So if I do find it, I will put it on air tomorrow or Friday. But if there is no post of this video of her by Friday morning. Then I can only apologise now.

So sorry.

Comments are welcome...But!

2012-01-11T14:34:00.000Z

Comments on Liz's Deaf Blog are welcome. But unfortunately, I have been receiving comments over the last two months by people who wish to just promote their business.

I would like to add that comments left here are for the purpose of communication between me, you and other readers. A place where we can chat on the same discussion raised in that particular post here. Not to promote business websites.

I have now from today updated my Disclaimer to reflect this.

I have now added the following:

Comments left here on Liz's Deaf Blog, are moderated before going on air. Comments left are their own expressed views.

Any comments left that include a link to an external website may be eliminated at my discretion. The purpose of leaving comments is to provide communication between you, me and other readers. Not to promote business websites.

Please click on the disclaimer tab at the top of this page, and make sure you know what is in my disclaimer, as well as what I have also added from today their too, as any comments left which include a link to an external website just to promote a business, will not be accepted, and so your comment may be eliminated.

Please also observe my other notice about comments left to the right of my blog, which has been there for some time now.

Siemens waterproof hearing aid

2012-01-10T10:15:00.000Z

Have you heard about Siemens new waterproof hearing aid?

Its the Siemens waterproof and shock resistant hearing instrument, Aquaris. This is only available privately as I write this, but how long do you think we will get it on the NHS? Do you think we ever will?

I find it amazing that technology has come this far, that you can actually swim with it, and it will still be in good working order, just like also cochlear implant wearers can now do also.

Here is link to a story of a partially deaf BBC dancer, who gets to wear these hearing aids.

Obstacle Illusions by Stephen J. Hopson

2012-01-09T14:39:00.000Z

Back in April last year I did a post on Obstacle Illusions by Stephen J. Hopson. For those that did not see that post, please click here to read it.

I wanted to give an update of his website I discovered from reading his book, and share it with you.

His website can be found at http://www.sjhopson.com/

Bubbles Update

2012-01-09T09:10:00.000Z

Saturday

Here is update on my hamster, Bubbles as promised since post I wrote on Saturday, when I talked about her health near the end of the post, and taking her to an open day surgery on that day.

I found at the vets that was nothing they could do for the eye, as it looked fine regardless.

I mentioned I seen a bit of dried blood on her, and around a her bottom and tail last weekend, thinking it was a cut, but not seen any blood since, and could not see any cut. After the vet checked her bottom area out, sniffing, and also feeling her abdomen that at first sign he thought wet tail, but seeing a bit of discharge, and the smell that she may have a womb infection more like, so she would need antibiotics. For a small animal, I knew giving her antibiotics would be a problem for me, as I cannot hold her with one hand like the vets do, and was concerned I would drop her. I'm only used to holding her with two hands. He was happy I was honest with that.

There were antibiotics I could add to the water he mentioned, but because you can't always be sure how much they take in, you don't know they are going to get the right amount. I added that I don't think she is drinking as she should, as her litter tray does not contain the usual amount of urine as it normally would.

He advised the oral antibiotics as best, which he administered a dose there. When he put her back in her carrier, we were laughing at her expression. I'm not sure though if that was a like or dislike for what she was given.

I had to see how she go over weekend, and bring her back Monday, but not to my local veterinary branch, but instead the one in Mansfield, because if there was no improvement with Bubbles, then the best thing would be to put her to sleep. They had the necessary equipment there, for small animals at the Mansfield one, should Bubbles need to be put to sleep.

Bubbles was walking around her cage quicker I noticed on Sunday, but she kept herself to herself. Did not look happy still, and a mess with her condition.

Monday

Monday morning was an early trip to the vets in Mansfield, which I got a taxi straight there, not knowing exactly where there other branch is. Bubbles looked bright eyed this morning. Her eye she kept closed for sometime, was open. And although she was looking brighter, I still wondered whether I'd be coming back home with her.

The vet first noticed like I did, how her eye was open. He noticed she seemed more alert too. So it looked promising, and asked me if I like to continue treatment. I said I would, and that under his supervision today, so he could correct me where I go wrong, to have a go picking her up with one hand and administering her antibiotics.

He said I did alright, and gave me a tip to just hold her a little higher up from before, so it pulls her mouth back a bit for administering antibiotics. But other than that, I seemed ok, and checked if I was happy to do this. Which I am.

So for a week, Bubbles will be on antibiotics, and I take her to my local practice, next Monday, for a follow-up appointment to see how she's doing.

I shall give an update on Bubbles after that appointment date, on how she is getting on.

Since yesterdays post

2012-01-07T09:08:00.001Z

Since yesterday's post I thought I'd give you an update.

Hamster cage

Zooplus decided out of the two options I gave them, to choose option 2. They wanted the cage returning.

As they chose option 2, as they know from my email, I wasn't going to wait for another cage, only to find the same problem as before, while they pack it the way they do, to find I have another damaged one. So will be having a refund.

I have a return code of them to put on my invoice slip, and they gave me details regarding returning the item, in which I have gave them my day of choice to get it picked up, which is Zooplus that will have to pay for.

I really hope they take on board a suggestion I made for packing. I think this small fix would fix the problem. But in the mean time I am in search of another cage, that I find ideal for her.

Bubbles

But although I will be keeping my eyes open, I will hold back paying for next cage at the moment, and maybe not getting a cage with more than two levels. Bubbles health is showing problems again. Her leg is starting to give more problems. Although she is flexing this leg, I can see a slow deterioration. Also for a week now, one of her eyes she has kept half or fully closed, even though looking at it, I can't see anything wrong.

Today is open day at my vets, so I will be taking her back for another check over, and see what can be done, because I am concerned after my boyfriend raised it, that they may not give her another pain relief injection, being a small animal.

I shall update you next week, in a post called Bubbles Update, and let you know how she is.

Chat Room dates for your diary

2012-01-07T04:00:00.000Z

I hope you can make some of these dates, for chats in Chat Room via Liz's Deaf Blog, where I will be there too.

Make a not of them in your diary or calendar, and I'd look forward to seeing you if you can make it.

6th February 2012, at 3pm till 6pm UK time

8th March 2012, at 5pm till 7pm UK time

30th March 2012, at 7pm till 8pm UK time

Please click on Events at top of page for more details on these events, and other events I know of around Nottinghamshire.

Since yesterdays post

2012-01-06T11:55:00.001Z

Card shop

Since yesterdays post, I have decided to close down the Weebly site I had for my cards and concentrate on just the Blogger one. So all the information there on Blogger, along with link to my shop I have with Misi I hope is easy to navigate your way round of.

Last night I gave it a final tweak, and this morning I added a new page. So I hope when my shop opens later in the year, it becomes a pleasant experience for you.

If you have not looked at its new look today, then pop on over and see what you think. Link to the right of this blog. There is a poll on there also, open till 1st March 12pm uk time, to let me know whether the site is easy to navigate or not. I would really appreciate your input in this poll.

Thank you.

Hamster cage

Today, after a waiting for an expected delivery, my new cage for my hamster arrived from Zooplus. The cage is ideal for Bubbles, but I was apprehensive about ordering because of damage that other customers have experienced when they received it. But customers did say they got a replacement, and cage has good feedback. I have not seen a cage I like near by where I live.

Today when I started to unpack it, I discovered I am another one of those customers who has experienced the same complaint, where the base is damaged. So I am waiting for their reply after not long contacting them about this. I've gave em two options. So they can take their pick.

I left my comment on reviews of this cage, along with suggestion of what they could add in their packaging, which is only a small edition that I think would help with the problem, and would not add weight to their package as a whole.

More later. Until then, next post is on air later today.

Using a different site for my card business

2012-01-05T13:27:00.003Z

I have been using Weebly originally for my card business I plan to start later this year, for a month now, but came across my first major problem with that site today while editing.

I love this site, and the layout I had there, but whether I plan to use Weebly in the long term, I do not know, so I have undeleted my blogger one, and gave it a make over, and I will be using this as my main site instead for keeping you up to date from now on. But my other site is still on the web, so whichever you use, it will have same information, and same shop link. My Weebly site was something I was thinking of paying for later as things progressed, once I knew it would be ok. This was the first hick up with that site. So ruling nothing out yet. Will keep you updated.

The link in my sidebar has been updated accordingly too. My shop I plan to have is still with Misi. So no changes there.

You can follow me on my card website like you do here, by choosing your preference, whether that is by feeds, email or Google Connect. And I also have a link to take you to my Twitter page, as I write this. Twitter link you will find on my home page of my card site.

Sound and Fury dvd giveaway

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000Z

I have Sound and Fury dvd to givewaway, which I purchased a few months ago last year, but as mentioned in a post here on my blog last year, although there are captions on this dvd, this was one US dvd I could not get to work, compared to others I own. So I could not enjoy it as I would have liked. But my Mum who is hearing did enjoy watching, and she was asking me lots of questions during and after the film.

So would you like Sound and Fury dvd?

Then please read below for further details on how to enter.

How to enter and giveaway rules:

Giveaway is free to enter and open to all. So please bear in mind that if you live outside of the US, that unless you have a dvd player open to all regions, then you won't be able to play it.

The first person to tell me they want it, here in this post, will get the dvd.

Please don't leave your personal details here. I will email you for them, for where you like it delivered to. Please bear in mind I live in the UK, so please make sure you tell me exactly where you live. i.e. USA, Canada, New Jersey etc...

Once I have winners details, I will close this post and announce in this post we have a winner, showing all comments for this post. Please see comments who was first to enter and where I will say congratulations to the winner, to see who that is.

Your details will not be kept or passed on, as soon as I have posted your prize, I will remove your details from my emil inbox.

Closing date for this giveaway will be as soon as I have a winner.

Post update on 5/1/2012:

We have a winner. Well done to Candysweetblog.

My Siemens Impact DP

2012-01-02T04:30:00.000Z

As mentioned in my previous post, when I talked about my ProPocket, I had to have new hearing aids, as my old pair would not work with the ProPocket. My old pair were Siemens Reflex DP, but my new pair are Siemens Impact DP, which I chosen the silver colour this time. Makes a change from the beige pair.

Now I was told as my settings were put into my new pair, that there would not really be much difference. They look the same. I will have my same settings as before. Bla bla bla.

But it was different. Firstly the beeps I could just about hear in my left, but not at all in my right, were higher tone than before. Why the hell were these kind of tones on there anyway, we are talking about this out of my hearing range. The other tones for other settings were different too, and could not just hear in a quiet room those. So these were changed, so I could hear them without straining, thankfully. :) I have to remember now, if I hear two beeps as I would associate with Programme two, if I'm not touching my remote, I will know its my battery that's gone flat instead. This was the only tone I could use, as others were out of range.

My right hearing aid setting, which I really should had got sorted long ago, was turned up. I now feel I am listening with both ears now instead of just left ear, like before, with the right making it just level things off with nothing else.

All in all, I spent 45 mins with my Audiologist, to tune my hearing aids to suit me. I was the last patient there. Which was a good job. As usual when I have new hearing aids. I was getting flustered, because I knew it would not be straight forward as the Audiologist makes out to be. Sound is not same as before. I cannot slip them in and find they are like my old pair. So once again I had to get used to them, which with what I was experiencing, would take a couple of weeks or so, like my last pair.

Learning to hear things sound naturally again

My voice did not sound like my own, sounds around me were different again. As I left the room unsure about these hearing aids, my Audiologist wanted to make sure I was ok before I left. But like I said to her, I can hear clearly. I can tell, but I need to get used to them like I had to before with my old pair. I rather come back asking for things to be turned up, than the other way round, having it turned down. But as I made my way to work, which wasn't far to go, with me already being in the hospital grounds, I realised that I needed to turn my hearing aid volume up, as it was low on remote. So once I got it to middle way, I could tell this was better, but I still needed to get used to them.

Now describing how I hear with these hearing aids, and why it was strange, is hard to explain, like I discovered when I googled and found someone had the same experience as me, when he went from Opticon Spirit 3P, to Siemens Impact DP. But I could understand what he meant when he gave it a go.

For me to describe the difference between my old pair, to these new ones, the only way I can describe as though the tones I am hearing are higher than before. But unlike the person I mention above, I found I have not had to turn everything up, other than I found I was having problems with my MP3 player, which now I have found to hear it, I have to turn only this up, and use my silent headphones. My neckloop does nothing now.

When I next go to Audiology department, I will make sure setting is switched on for my input shoe I have used on left hearing aid in past, as a back up for not hearing loop.

Here is link I found who described his experience here.

My ProPocket

2012-01-02T04:00:00.000Z

You will remember last year I talked about ePocket I decided I was going to have, but I discovered that this was no longer in production, and instead they had ProPocket instead, which does the same thing as ePocket, it just did not have a display to show your setting you were on, volume, battery indicator.

Here is my ProPocket, which I have been using since 16th December 2011. I think it looks smart. It takes 2AAAA batteries. Never heard of these batteries until now.

Here is my ProPocket in its protective cover, from scratches or water splashes. This cover does not make my control waterproof, so I still have to be careful, especially in my line of work as a cleaner. And using this cover does not prevent me using my remote in any way.

This is its belt clip. I have not tried this, and won't, because I would expect it to come off. I'm happy to keep it close by, or in my pocket.

This button is the key lock. Which this photo below will show its locked. That's so there are no accidental switches of the buttons.

When its unlocked, you will see the green marker, as shown in photo below. So when you have done changing your settings on your hearing aids, its always best to lock it after.

The three buttons I have on the front, are the programme button. (Marked P) This is for changing the programme on my hearing aid, which is my every day situation on programme one. Programme two for blocking out background, and programme three my loop setting.

When I change my programme on my hearing aids, I will hear my usual beeps I associate with that programme.

The buttons marked with a + and - are to turn up, or down the volume.

This button is the standby button. So without taking off my hearing aids, if I'd like to switch off for a bit and not listen. Then this button does that.

Whatever I do with my remote, both my hearing aids will change at the same time.

I put my hearing aids in, or take them out like before I had my remote. My hearing aids by the way are now Siemens Impact DP, as my other hearing aids did not work with the ProPocket. I will talk about these in my next post, of my experience with them.

I've been nominated by sarah

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000Z

I have been nominated by Sarah at Speak Up Librarian of the above blog award. Thank you Sarah. :) I was nominated of this award last year on 17th December 2011, which was a lovely surprise. And I have not heard of this award until now.

Now my responsibility is to pass this award to 5 other blogs worthy of your attention.

The award is given to a blog with less than 200 followers that deserves a little more recognition. There are a few simple rules that go along with the award:

1. Give a shout out to the blogger who nominated you by linking back to their blog.
2. Nominate 5 other blogs with less than 200 followers.
3. Spread the good blog karma.

Lastly, don’t forget to add the Liebster blog award image to your post.

So here they are. But first I'd like to add, I did want to nominate Xpressive Handz of one, but Speak Up Librarian beat me to it. I don't know if I can nominate again or not, someone who had one before, so after searching my choices and pick some who I like, but have not been chosen, I have come to the following 5 blogs:-

Mog Renewed A friend of mine who I have known a few years, who writes her own personal blog.
Living with a Neurelec Cochlear Implant by Lisa B A blogger who I have not long been following long, who is writing a personal blog of her experience with a CI. Hence the title.
Hearing Aid Know A very useful blog that has been going for years, that I still read today.
Face Me A personal blog, who I have followed for some time, and keep going back to see if there are any new posts, who will be sharing new experience's to come.
The Ear of My Heart A blog I read now and again.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year Graphics

Hope you had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

So what has been happening with me while I have been away? (With exception of some posts.)

I have also I have been visiting other blogs and leaving comments. I have been enjoying reading on my Kindle. Better than I thought I would.

Enjoying the holiday period with family and friends, and relaxing where I could. With some studying also, where I could, but unfortunately out the two courses I'm doing, I have packed in the M.O.S.T. course, due to the fact this home study course did not represent the Microsoft Word 2007 I'm using, making it even more difficult on top of what I was hoping to learn, which I feel I could not absorb.

I was still on this section, when I have many other sections to do in this course too. So not convinced this course was the right one. I shall learn instead, in a classroom, with another provider, as this has worked better for me in the past when doing these type of courses. I have heard I am not the only one to quit this course because of the difficulty, etc..

I am still doing my cleaning course and loving it. I look forward to receiving my recognised qualification, once done.

Also I have been enjoying using my ProPocket, which came with an unexpected happening while at Audiology being sorted with it, and so I had to learn again, and make a little adaption here and there. But that is all to come in another post later. So all will be explained there.

Next two months I will be having giveaways, one on each month, starting with one to come soon this month, and I thought I'd do a swap post too, on a post. Again you will have to look out for those posts. So if you don't want to miss out, then the easiest way is to follow me. You can do that in more than one way, so pick your preference, which you will find to the right of this blog.

And one day soon, I will receive my ScreenPhone from Social Services, after being assesssed. So more on that later in the year.

Until next post, bye for now and take care. x

Forum removed from this blog

2011-12-30T18:15:00.000Z

I have gone with the majority that took part in the poll, who voted 'no' for the forum. Thank you to those who took the time to participate in this poll, which has been closed earlier than originally planned.

I thought the July date was too long for this poll, and as I have a rough idea how quick you participate in polls you are interested in, which has been aired here and on Twitter, like previous polls, then I think I have the answer I need. So forum was removed earlier today and poll is now closed.

Have a Happy New Year, and all the best for 2012. See you then.

Chat and group via Windows Live closed with immediate effect

2011-12-29T23:00:00.000Z

Last year some time I mentioned about whether you'd like to chat as a group via messenger using Windows Live. I did have one who shown interest who joined not so long ago. But to be honest, I totally forgot about this group I created, due to no interest shown in it.

After finding I had a member. I thought I'd mention about this group again next year, before being hasty about deleting it. Reminding you of this private group. But after trying more with it tonight, I could not get any info out there on it.

So I have decided to close this private group with immediate effect. So if you are reading this, my apologies to you for closing it, when you not long joined.

The chat room will remain here on Liz's Deaf Blog. This is no way affected at all by recent events, so I hope to see you there in February where there is an arranged chat happening there. Please see the Events tab of this blog, which you will find at the top of this page, for more details of this chat, and events I know of in Nottinghamshire.

Take care and bye for now. See you in 2012, which is not long far away.

How are you seeing 2012?

2011-12-28T12:10:00.000Z

How are you seeing in 2012?

A fresh start?

A day like any other?

Or new challenges?

Would you like a forum here on Liz's Deaf blog or not?

2011-12-28T11:18:00.004Z

A poll was opened and created in a post on 21st December 2011, to see if you would like forum to stay or not, here on Liz's Deaf Blog.

This poll was due to close on 1st July 2012 originally. I still do have the poll set to close on that day, but I may close it sooner if there is a strong for 'no' response to get rid of forum, in this poll, which at the moment there is. I would not want to keep a forum open, you would not want here on Liz's Deaf Blog.

So have you voted?

If not and you would like your say, then please get it in now, as your opinions count!

Thank you to those who have voted so far in this poll.

So do you want the forum to stay or go? Place your vote in poll below. Link below will take you to it.

Here is link to that poll.

Post Update
This poll has now been closed tonight on 30th December 2012.

Thank you to taking the time to vote in this poll, which I have removed forum accordingly. See this post; Forum Removed from this blog.

Update on Liz's Deaf Blog

2011-12-21T12:37:00.000Z

I said I would never do a forum anymore. You all know this as I mentioned this on my blog more than one occasion.

But because I have faithful readers here at Liz's Deaf Blog, I thought I'd give it a trial and see how it goes here, after giving my blog yet another tweak on how it looks, which I am now happy with, and I hope you feel relaxed, and like the new look of this blog too.

The forum is small. Its best to start small, especially with other things I have planned for in my life. So we shall see how it goes.

I am using Nabble for my forum, which is embedded in my blog. I have never used this before, so I am slowly getting used to it, but still have a bit more to learn I feel with this.

Please feel free to look at it and make yourself a member. There may be still changes to come on it, but the layout is there at the moment, and this is how it will stay for time being.

I will keep this going for several months, before deciding if it stays or goes, but if it does go, I will let you know.

I have created a poll below too, to see if you would like a forum here on Liz's Deaf blog or not? So please take the time to make your vote count, as after all you are the reader here too.

Poll will close 1st July 2012 at 12pm uk time.

Thank you to those who take the time to vote in this poll.

Post Update
This poll has now been closed tonight on 30th December 2012, as said in this post, which click here for more info. Thank you to taking the time to vote in this poll, which I have removed forum accordingly.

See you in the New Year.

Bye for now till next year

2011-12-16T08:54:00.000Z

Today is a busy day and exciting one. I can't believe Christmas is just next week!

You will remember

Not so long ago I talked about ePocket I was planning to buy for my hearing aids, but it turned out they no longer available, but instead ProPocket is now being used that works the same way, but without a display reading. Read more here if you missed or forgot about this post. Well, after emails between me and my audiologist, I decided I was still going to have it, as I planned, but I never thought I'd be getting as quick as I did! Not being near Christmas.

So today will be busy day, with hairdressers appointment this morning, a trip after into town, then to Audiology for my ProPocket. Yep I am picking it up today and being sorted out with it. Through excitement I Goggled the ProPocket to see how you work it. Its easy to use, and I am very impressed with what I have read.

I will tell you about my ProPocket some time in the New Year, to let you know how I got on with it etc...

Straight after my appointment with Audiology, it will be time for work. Then when my shift is over, it will be a chill out in front of the tv, before bed. My weekend is with the family, which I can't wait for that, as some of the family members I will be seeing will probably be the last time till after Christmas.

An update on Bubbles

Since Bubbles trip to the vets, see her story here, she has responded well, and looks herself again. So glad about that.

What else is going on

I'm still doing my computer course. I did think about quitting it at one point after hearing its not a qualification as first impression given. But decided I will still continue, because either way with what I have been learning, it will still benefit me in some way.

I am finding it a struggle, and so getting a book to help me with part of the course, which will come in handy for years to come after.

I am also still doing my cleaning course at the hospital, and enjoying it.

Keep a look out for two more giveaways to come her on Liz's Deaf Blog. See to the near top right of my blog for more details, and there will be more posts to come.

Until the New Year. Bye for now and take care, and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hard of Hearing group at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society to meet twice monthly

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000Z

From February 2012, the Hard of Hearing group will meet at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society twice monthly, on 2nd and 4th Friday's, 10am till 2pm.

If you are interested in meeting new friends like yourself, then just turn up. A warm welcome is given, and there are events to look forward to.

For further enquiries, just contact rachael.ravenlock@nottsdeaf.org.uk who will be happy to help.

Paperbook, ebook, or both?

2011-12-15T10:40:00.002Z

Some of you I know are kindle owners when it comes to ebooks, and although I like holding a paperbook, I can't help being swayed, after seeing them and hearing about them.

What ebook do you have if you have one? Please feel free to comment.

Don't forget to vote in the poll below too, to say whether you are ebook, paperbook or both.

Poll closes 31st March 2012, at mid-day, uk time.

Inspiring

2011-12-15T09:11:00.000Z

This is a story I think we should all read, that I read yesterday. A beautiful story of a dance school of people who some could not speak or hear, helping one another with dance moves they were learning. Click here for rest of story where I found it.

I think this is an inspiring story for all.

I think this a good idea.

2011-12-14T09:06:00.000Z

I think this is a really good idea I have just read about over at CCAC Blog, about a texting service happening in Australia when you are out and about in public areas, like train stations for example, and never miss public announcements again.

Read more here.

A quick note about Liz's Deaf Blog, when it comes to comments.

2011-12-13T14:15:00.000Z

This post is a quick note to let you know in the last few days I have changed my blog settings, in how its moderated.

I used to have emails sent from my blog of comments waiting to be moderated, but because of me catching the wrong button I wanted to press, of whether I wanted to to publish or not, on top of a technical problem at that time, it meant I accidentally scrapped a comment recently, hence why I posted that comment by copying and pasting what was saved in my email inbox, that some of you will know, if you read that post in question, where this was done in comment box.

Its not the first time since I have done this, since being with blogger, and so I now have stopped receiving notifications from my blog account to tell me there is a comment waiting here on Liz's Deaf blog. This means that comments will take longer than before to show here, as I won't moderate them until when I am nexted logged into blogger.

Look forward to comments as always, and enjoying our chats.

Until next post, which is in a few days time. Bye for now.

"A Survival Guide for New Deafies!" by Amy Sargent

2011-12-12T16:00:00.001Z

"A Survival Guide for New Deafies!" by Amy Sargent, as mentioned on Xpressive Handz blog is a book for new deafies that Amy wrote, so others who find themselves where she was 15 years ago, don't have to suffer the hellish journey she went through.

Amy found her way through sheer will and bad experiences, after losing her hearing when she was 27 years old.

So if you are newly deafened or know a loved one who is, this book could be a lovely present for them this Christmas.

Amy also has a website which is a good read and full of information. You can also find out more about her book, and buy it from there too. Visit http://deafgirlamy.com/ for more.

Closed Caption App for Android

2011-12-12T16:00:00.000Z

Over on Xpressive Handz earlier this month, there was a post about Closed Caption App for Android. See this intersting post here. The first I heard about it was through Xpressive Handz blog. I was very interested to try this out as I have the android phone.

So after viewing link on Xpressive Handz via her blog, to see what it was all about on my computer, I then used my mobile phone to see if I could get it through there too, which I found I could, but compared to other apps that I can get if wanted, in which money would have been taken out of my phone credit for it, this app I had to use a credit card. Something I will not do, because phones are not like computers, where you are protected better. So until I can get the app that way, it does not look like I will be trying it out yet.

Anyone else tried out the app? Leave your views here about it.

Bubbles first trip to the vets

2011-12-12T11:49:00.000Z

Bubbles had her first trip to the vets today, as I have been concerned with her health, especially over the weekend, as I wanted to make sure she was not in any pain.

Since Bubbles photo above, in her youth, for hamster years which she is just over 2 years and two months now, as any hamster owner will know, she is getting on a bit now.

After her check up at the vets today, my suspicions were confirmed, she has a touch of arthritis in her back, right leg. She was given an anti-inflammatory injection, and I am to see if she picks up. If not, then bring her back.

Bubbles has done very well with her health, being this her first trip, and a little worry for me, which was soon put at ease, and also to learn she is not overweight, as this was something else at the back of my mind too.

I think the vet was very impressed with her good behaviour. I was too. :)

ePocket

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000Z

As my hearing has not deteriorated any further from having op on my mastoid back in March, I decided to look into the ePocket that I knew I could get for my hearing aid. The ePocket is a wireless remote so I can change my programme or volume of my Siemens Reflex DP hearing aids. Which will come in handy for me now I wear Ear Gear over my hearing aids.

Through a few discussions with my audiologist, I have discovered that the ePocket has been discontinued, but it has been replaced by the ProPocket. Through what Siemens have told my audiologist, the ProPocket device is apparently very similar, in that I can change the volume and program on my hearing aid, but I don't have the read out window at the top of the unit, like the other one had.

Any other further queries about the ProPocket, or if I want to purchase one, I just contact my audiologist back, which I have done, to say I have further queries and I will purchase one.

I will review the ProPocket and tell you how I found it later next year.

Christmas party at The Ear Foundation

2011-12-11T09:25:00.001Z

Yesterday was the Christmas party at The Ear Foundation. This being the first time I attended one of their parties and so I did not know what to expect.

My Mum came along too. This was the first time she attended The Ear Foundation, and she enjoyed the day. She already has said she is going to a couple of next years events already, as we were looking at print out for next years dates.

As well as that, she also won a prize in their Christmas raffle. I did too, which was hand cream and Boots Botanics range day moisture lotion.

There were a couple of triva games in the day, and some one came to play the keyboard and flute, and we sang to Christmas carols.

George came also and he had a surprise for us all, a recital of two Christmas poems he wrote, which were both very good, and gave us a smile.

And in between all this was a chance to chat with one another, and catch up since we last met. Not forgetting the buffet, which were made by different people who attended the event. I did not know I had to bring something in towards the buffet. Apparently when I discussed this, I would have been told in an email. An email I have never got prior to each events we are supposed to get. Otherwise I would have bought something in.

All in all it was a great day for all. As we departed our different ways and said goodbye, etc.. I pointed out I wouldn't be joining them at the pub today, as I would be getting back because of Mum getting back. Next even will be in February, which I will be attending.

I shall be updating the events page of my blog, so please feel free to see updates I will add there for you, and details.

There is no right or wrong way to get support you need

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000Z

This post first appeared on Xpressive Handz, as a Guest Post for her blog on 21st November 2011. Thank you Xpressive Handz for giving me the opportunity to writing on your blog.

There is no right or wrong way to get support you need

How you get support as a late deafened adult is up to you.There is no right or wrong way going about it.

Here in the UK when you are first told you are deaf, thereis no counselling support offered there and then, should that person need it.You just go away with your hearing aids, after being fitted and shown how touse them. Then you come after so long for a review, so they can see how you goton with them, and if they have helped. If nothing is more needed to be done,then you go back away again, and the only time you need to come back is formaintenance, or if you have any problems.

I felt later in the year, that I needed support, or somekind of counselling. But I did not know where to turn. So I kept my feelingshidden, until i decided to write my personal blog; Liz’s Deaf Blog. My blog wasmy therapy, which I never realised would one day help others, when I firststarted writing this.

A few years down the line, when I was claiming for DLA(Disability Living Allowance). All my feelings, and more, surfaced up again.With other problems going on in my life also, I felt like it was one viciouscircle.

I then approached my GP with these problems, thinking Iwould not get support for my hearing loss issues, and found that there wassupport out there. And that I could talk to a counsellor about what I wasfeeling with regards to my hearing loss, along with my other issues.

So my advice, is don’t wait like I did, until you feel likeit spiralling out of control. If you feel you need counselling, then go to yourGP, and ask for counselling.

Find your own group, as sharing your problems regarding deafissues you face with others who understand, will be of great help, like joininghard of hearing groups in your area. You will make friends along the way.

You don’t have to start a blog like I did. But if you feellike writing about it, and sharing it to the world, and chatting on other blogsas well, that you can get support and make friends that way too. I have madesome great friends along the way, through blogging.

Season's Greetings to all my blog readers

2011-12-08T14:36:00.001Z

Christmas is not long away. Are you all ready?

Here is a photo of my Christmas tree, which is more decorated than its been the past. I think it looks more Christmasy for its make over, and I feel in a Christmas mood too.

I hope whatever plans you have for Christmas and the New year, that it turns out to be safe and happy event.

May good health be yours into the New Year and onwards.

Christmas Ornaments Graphics

BSL dvd giveaway (competition open to only the UK)

2011-12-07T21:00:00.000Z

I have a BSL dvd called Sign In, an introduction to British Sign Language, which is an introduction dvd to British Sign Language. So its ideal for those of you starting out in BSL.

If you like to know more about this dvd. Just click on Sign In, an introduction to British Sign Language above, which will take you to Amazon.co.uk site.

I bought this dvd originally from Forest Books, but I have since bought a set of dvd's elsewhere to learn BSL, that I talked about briefly earlier this year.

So if you would like "Sign In, and introduction to British Sign Language" dvd, I have one dvd to give away, to the first person, that leaves a comment here, saying they want it, and who live in the UK. So I know you want the dvd.

The first person to do this, I will contact you by email to see where you would like your dvd sending to. Please don't leave your personal details in the comment box.

This giveaway is now closed as we have a winner.

Hello and thank you O2

2011-12-07T19:59:00.001Z

Hello and thank you to O2. I am on air with them, and glad to be with them, the deaf aware company, for my home broadband and phone.

Yesterday

Yesterday was the day to have a new line installed, but my only let down was that the time some one was supposed to come to do this, they did not turn up! I sent an email using my phone, and nearly a couple hours later I had a text to say I was online. I went down to my local O2 store, as one I felt that by no one turning up between hours stated, I had been waiting in for nothing. Also I now needed to make sure I wasn't going to be charged for something that did not happen.

I was reassured I would not be charged for engineer who did not turn up at my home, but to check on my first bill that I have not been charged, and if i have come straight back and they will sort it out. Or I even have an email option, as someone by email was willing to sort this too, if it needs to be.

I was concerned too that because I did not have new line put in where I was planning, that this now would cause problems, as I was out of sockets for my electrical stuff. And yes I was using an extension lead. :)

But after phone discussions which the O2 Team Leader relayed what was being said, having a second line would be impractical, because I did not want my home broadband quality affected.

It turned out through discussion if I wanted it moved the line that was already in the home, it would be expensive, and time consuming.

So once I decided on all my options and a chance to terminate my contract with O2 if I wanted, if I felt I wasn't happy. I decided to stay and sort something else out at home, which I wasn't keen on doing. But before I left the Team Leader at my local O2 store told me what she did, as she had a similar situation, and I could not believe I had not even thought of this myself! Get a power tower. This had ten sockets I was told, which was more than enough for me. :) And to make sure I get one that protects me from power surges. I was really grateful for this suggestion, but still could not believe my brain wasn't in gear to think of this myself.

How wonderful they were able to help me with something as simple as that! :)

After leaving O2 store with a beaming smile and thanks, I went straight to Argos to buy one, and set it up ready at home.

Today

I wanted to be wireless with my internet, so I did not set it up till today, just a few hours ago, when my usb wireless adaptor I needed to work with my wireless box, came today. It was all easy to set up, compared to previous provider. I was really impressed.

Next thing

To contact Social Services now I have a landline for my ScreenPhone.

Need help with chat?

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000Z

In the short time chat has been available to the side of my blog, I have discovered it to be used by guests or by people who have signed up. I have the impression, and I have heard from some of you, that you are enjoying using chat. Thank you for your comments and kind words left via chat. :)

Do you need further help on how to get the best out of it? Then please click on the tab at top of blog labelled Chat, which there I hope you may find the answers you need. If not, and there are further queries you need answering, you can either leave a comment here in this post or send me an email, which you will find to the right of my blog.

When I have seen comments left by you in chat, unfortunately its been when I have not been online at that time, or I've just missed you, but I have still answered them.

Would you like the chance to join in the fun and chat with me when I am actually on? This could make chat even more fun and enjoyable, knowing someone will be online at that time, as you are.

Would you like some set chat dates that I could list under events page of this blog, so you can see when I am online? Let me know here, and please feel free to leave suggestions regarding chat also.

Guest Post: by Xpressive Handz "My First Meeting"

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000Z

I would like to begin by thanking Liz for asking me share one of my posts as a guest here on her blog. Thank you, Liz for this privilege.

I recently attended a meeting with Hearing Loss Association of America, HLAA. We had real time captioning (CART) on the screen beside our speaker which made it possible for me to catch just about everything being said. I say "just about everything" because there were a few things I typed into my phone for future reference and when I looked away, I missed what was being said or captioned. The lecture was on the topic of Tinnitus, and the speaker was Dr. Jason C. Schmitt Au.D. Doctor of Audiology.

As soon as I was signed in, Nancy Kingsley who is the President, HLA Lancaster County and State Co-Director, HLAA Pennsylvania asked if I needed her to sign for me. What a kind offer! We had CART (real time captioning) set up next to the podium so we could see what was being said, not just by Dr. Schmitt, but it also captioned questions from the audience. I wish more organizations would use this wonderful visual for gatherings, services and presentations. What a world of difference it made for someone who doesn't hear well, or at all!

I met kind and interesting people. Some had hearing aids, some had cochlear implants, some are deaf, some are not. I'm looking forward to the next meeting where we will be learning about how to use Bluetooth technology with our hearing aids. I wonder if it works for people who have cochlear implants as well?

It is wonderful to have found a place to meet with warm, open, supportive people sharing information and genuinely wanting to help others by being present and sharing their experience with deafness and/or hearing loss. If you've not attended one of these meetings as yet, I would encourage you to do so.

To find a meeting near you in the U.S. http://www.hearingloss.org/content/hlaa-chapters-and-state-organizations

To find similar meetings in the U.K. Social Groups at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society; http://www.nottsdeaf.org.uk/acquired-deafness-project.html

Got my home broadband & home phone sorted with O2

2011-11-24T11:01:00.001Z

Today I got my home broadband and phone sorted with O2, the deaf aware company, at Mansfield. As usual very helpful and deaf friendly, unlike other internet service provider, which I will not say their name anymore, but instead I will call them the Idiot Group. Which after filling in the latest about the Idiot Group last night to my boyfriend, hence he said they are idiots and I came to that name.

By the way the idiot group have tried to phone me 7 times in 3 days. Even though as emailed yesterday, they supposed to removed my number and put my request in that I only like to be contacted by text or email. Something I HAVE ALWAYS MADE VERY CLEAR from the start. The Idiot Group used to be very good. But it was only since end of last year that I started getting problems, which became a nightmare all this year.

Anyway. My contract comes to an end with the Idiot Group on 11th December, but I will not be using them before then anyway, as joyous O2 will send round an engineer on 5th December, to put in my new line, and I will be up and running not long after with my home phone and internet. :)

All communication by O2, as they do already with me, will be by text and email. So I have been told I will get updates by text with things like reminder and confirmation of installation date, the engineer is in the area, and any other updates they feel they need to tell me, will be done this way, and by email.

Now I have a day I will be installed for my new line, my next port of call is to contact Social Services, to see if I can get the Screenphone still, otherwise I will be buying one. So that when I do need to make those important calls, I can do them myself via Text Relay. :)

Until next post. Happy days. :)

Once again Virgin Media have tried to phone me

2011-11-23T10:44:00.001Z

I received a phone call this morning, which I did not realise my mobile had gone off in my pocket. I wondered who the number was, but did wonder if it was Virgin Media again. After Googling the number, it did not take long to discover that it was Virgin Media.

WHY PHONE, VIRGIN MEDIA? There is no need. Bloody email me for gods sake if its that important. You are a pain in the backside, and you say you don't mean to upset me. Well once again I don't bloody believe you, because I would not be moaning about this on my blog, would I!!!

I AM DEAF!!

If Virgin Media go bust one day, because of loosing profits, through loosing their customers, than sorry to say this, but I would find it bloody funny. Until you know what customer service is. You won't get anywhere. Maybe I ought to get you done for harassment now Virgin Media.

Virgin Media still can't get it right, when it comes to their deaf customers

2011-11-21T21:16:00.001Z

So much for me being quiet until 1st December here. I had to blog about this now, otherwise it would be old news by then. *sigh*

This evening Virgin Media tried to phone me twice on my mobile phone. I cancelled call on both occasions. Now there was only one thing Virgin Media could be phoning about, and that is because I sent a letter to give my 30 days notice to leave them, after not being happy with the service they give me. I dare not have a landline phone. I know they have not learnt their lesson, and there is no way I'm getting in a contract to be stuck with them longer than needed.

But again as always, although they pride their service when it comes to serving deaf or hard of hearing people. As they say. They still fail miserably to me.

If they pride their service to deaf customers:

Then why phone me every time in the past I have contacted them, even though I stated they email me, or write a letter?
Why ignore the most important detail requested, in how I wish to be contacted?

When I got home, I found that Virgin Media had sent me an email, not long after trying to phone me, about what I thought, and was waiting to hear about.

I sent a letter by Special Delivery, to make sure when ending my contract with them, there be no problems, like saying they had not received it, for example.

Now this was their email to me, copied and pasted here.

Spot any mistakes?

Hi Miss Fisher

I?m writing further to your letter regarding the confirmation for the
closure of the above account.

Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience or frustration this
issue may have caused. Please be assured this was certainly not our
intention. As a company dedicated to provide excellent standards of
service, it is always disappointing to learn of instances where this has
not been achieved.

In regards to the charges of the account, I have taken 30 days notice
from the date of your email. This will mean your account will close on
the 11 December 2011.

On 21 November 2011 a bill was sent for the amount of £33.00. This was
due to be taken out of your bank on 13 December 2011. I have cancelled
the direct debit. Please wait for the final bill which will be sent on
or after the disconnection date of 11 December 2011.

Please accept this as confirmation that the account is pending to be
closed. On 11 December 2011 your account will be disconnected

Can I ask that should you have any issues outstanding that you contact
me directly ? I?d like you to see me as your personal contact at Virgin
Media. If I can?t help you I will direct you to somebody who can.
You can contact me on 0845 045 1119 extension 6384. A message will be
taken in my absence and I will call you back the same day. Please be
aware that we are only open during business hours 9am-6pm

Kind regards

Majid Chohan
Customer Complaints

So did you spot the mistakes? Well I highlighted the above in red for you.

Once again, I'm asked to phone if I feel there is any issues outstanding.
I have told Virgin Media times many I don't have a landline phone, and that I am deaf.
Again they ignore my recent letter, when handing in my 30 days notice to cancel. That I requested they email, or write to me.
REMEMBER I said earlier in this post, they phoned me first??? *sigh*

They are not exactly trying to impress me into thinking of staying with them, by doing this are they?

Well I am sure, and I am really hoping that this will be the last time I talk about Virgin Media.

I look forward to joining O2 for my home broadband and landline, after being impressed by their customer service, when I joined earlier this year with my mobile. Something Virgin Media are no where near the standards of.

Coming soon on Liz's Deaf Blog

2011-11-16T09:30:00.000Z

Coming soon to Liz's Deaf Blog

Giveaway: Sound & Fury dvd

There are captions on this dvd, but as mentioned here on this blog, not so long ago, I could not access them, to say I don't have problems with other dvd's from US. But maybe you will have better luck, if you need them.

So if you fancy winning this prize, then keep a look out, here on Liz's Deaf Blog, for that giveaway post, and how to enter.

Guest Posts

There will be also guest posts to come over the coming months. One of them will be from Xpressive Handz, which will be here on air 1st December.

There will also be more posts from me too, here on Liz's Deaf Blog, and I will be keeping Events page updated too. So if you are interested in what's going off in Nottinghamshire, then please click on Events at top of the page, for the latest.

Until next post. Take care and bye for now.

Twinkle Fingers

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000Z

On 9th November, out of curiosity, I Googled deaf awareness training in Nottinghamshire, so I could contact companies I found to see if they like to do a Guest Post for my new blog.

Now for those who were on Twitter on 10th November, they probably noticed I was a little excited or wondered why I kept tweeting about them. If you want to follow Twinkle Fingers via Twitter, you can find them here.

Well yeah, I was excited on Twitter that day. :) I did not expect to see a deaf awareness provider in Nottingham.

They also do private lessons on BSL, which is something I can think about now discovered, as this was something I was crying out for last year.

As well as Deaf Awareness company training, they do BSL company training too, and they have a shop, which I've bought complete dvd set of BSL First Steps. So I am looking forward to those arriving through my door, and get back into practice, and remember the signs I'd learnt but letting them slip away, because I'm out of practice.

And there is more they do, but visit their website for exactly what they do.

For Twinkle Fingers website, so you can learn more about them, visit here today. :)

Mark Drolsbaugh

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000Z

Back on 29th October 2009 I wrote a post about a book I was reading, called On The Fence: The Hidden World of the Hard of Hearing by Mark Drolsbaugh.

I know there are some of you who like reading his books too, and I came across his own website I'd like to share with you, which is called Deaf Culture Online.

My blog is featured on Alltop - Top Deaf News

2011-11-10T13:45:00.002Z

Liz's Deaf Blog is now featured on Alltop - Top Deaf News area of it. As well as my deaf blog, you will find other great deaf blogs there too.

Check it out today here. :)

Ways to follow this blog

2011-11-09T23:04:00.000Z

You can follow using feeds or by email. Please see right of this blog for the option you'd like.

Following by one of these, means you will get updated posts sent directly to you, as they happen.

Also you can follow by Google Friend Connect. This can be be found bottom right of my blog.

Please come and join me, and partcipate on this blog journey. I look forward to hearing from you, as we share our experiences. :)

FEMA conducting a national alert test in United States, with testing out how useful Twitter will be.

2011-11-07T12:22:00.000Z

Do you live in the United States? And do you use Twitter?

FEMA are going to test out Twitter to see how useful it could be in alerting deaf and hard of hearing people, and need you to join in to show how efficient it could be.

If you would like to know more about this, then pop on over to Xpressive Handz who will explain more about this and why. and how it will work, which will happen on 9th November.

Signed Singing Evening at Mansfield Deaf Society

2011-11-04T21:24:00.001Z

Signed Singing Evening

“Bringing Deafand hearing people together through music”

Where?

Mansfield Deaf Society,Wood st

Mansfield, NG18 1QB

Mixture of pop and christmas songs

Wed 7^thDec

from 7.15pm

Tickets£5

Under 12’s £2

Money raised will bedonated to Mansfielddeaf society

Contact Keith on07849590998 for tickets

email keithwp63@hotmail.co.uk

Position of chat box has been confirmed.

2011-11-04T14:26:00.000Z

I have been running a poll for some time now, which closed last night, for where you like to see the position of the chat box on Liz's Deaf Blog.

A majority have chosen for it to appear to the right of my blog. For results, click here, which will take you to that poll.

Thank you for taking part in this poll.

No captions on Sound and Fury dvd

2011-11-04T12:26:00.000Z

Recently I bought three dvds from an online site, after making sure first that they had subtitles on them, as it did not state, and I knew nothing about them. I was told they all had, but of the three I bought, one did not have them. This dvd was called Sound and Fury. By clicking on Sound and fury you will see what this dvd is about. I did not get it from here I'd like to add. The link is for info purpose only.

My dvd player is open to all regions. I am a big fan of Sue Thomas F.B.Eye series, as you know from blogging in the past about them, and these all play fine with captions that are available on my dvd discs, but Sound and Fury dvd, although it states on the box it has Closed Captions, I do not see Closed Captions anywhere on the disc to switch them on that way, but also when I switch them on as I would on my remote, they say off, they will not come on like they should when pressing the button I would use to get them on.

So if it does have Closed Captions as stated on the dvd box. Then why don't I see them on the disc? Why can't I switch them on using remote, when yet I can watch Sue Thomas F.B.Eye series ok?

I have found and heard myself of people who have bought this, experiencing the same problem, even where the disc originally come from. So I know its not me.

Have you experienced the same thing with Sound and Fury dvd? Did you actually get them on, or like me failed to see them? I would like to hear from you.

My Mum enjoyed watching this dvd I'd like to add. She is hearing by the way. She found it extremely informative, and was asking me more questions about Cochlear Implant, etc.. From what I could see, it looked good. But unfortunately without Closed Captions, I cannot follow it. So I am very disappointed.

Further education

2011-10-31T12:57:00.001Z

Just letting you know that as well as doing my NVQ in cleaning at work which turns out its called GCF Level 2. Same meaning as the NVQ level 2, but new name from what I have read on the internet. But going to check this out when I see the assessor later this week, to make sure I will get the same recognition or better.

I am also doing my computer course too, called Microsoft Office Skills Training, called M.O.S.T. for short. This is mainly e-learning based. I will fill you more later on these as I progress.

Until next post. Bye for now.

So that explains it all

2011-10-31T12:49:00.003Z

When I mentioned in my last post I wasn't feeling well and achy, I ended up feeling much worse later, and at the weekend, although what I had planned at the weekend, I wasn't going to let that stop me, but I did struggle in parts.

But what I have been experiencing. The pains in every joint, very tired I could sleep forever, nausea, fever, and some headaches, turns out it was side effects from my flu jab. I did wonder if it was the flu jab when I noticed I had a red rash around where my injection was done, and it was feeling burning too. But it wasn't until I started doubling over in pain at work, in front of a Supervisor that my wonders of whether this was all down to the flu jab, were confirmed.

As I write this today, I still feel very tired, but pains are just aches now, with still headaches at times. But I will be going to work, and carrying on what I need to do at home later tonight and tomorrow.

I have never experienced side effects like this with the flu jab before. Normally it would just be a tender arm or nothing.

Do you have the flu jab? And did you experience side effect of it like me this time? Or were you lucky to not experience this?

Visitor from Nottinghamshire LINk came to Nottinghamshire Deaf Society today

2011-10-28T16:25:00.000+01:00

A visitor from Nottinghamshire LINk came to Nottinghamshire Deaf Society today, to explain about what LINk do.

Last time I spoke about them, was back in August, if you'd like to read more about what they do, then please feel free to click on this link and it will take you there. Which the information on that post I got from a leaflet.

Having someone come and explain more what they do though at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society, I found more helpful, and I understood better their role in what they do. While they were there, they made some notes of what we raised as a hoh/deaf group. Like visual displays ought to be every doctors surgery now, and having a BSL interpreter at all times in places like doctors surgeries, and not just when you need them, that you have to book and wait longer than you should.

Also to recognise that having a Lip-speaker booked and readily available is just as essential for those who need it like someone who requires a BSL interpreter.

I think we all found this rather useful as a group, who attended Nottinghamshire Deaf Society that day.

It was also pointed out that Local HealthWatch launches October 2012, to replace existing LINk's across the UK. This will incorporate other functions such as advocacy and complaints, as well as LINk community issues.

More details to follow they said, once Health and Social Care reform bill is ratified during 2011 - 12 parliament session.

After this chat by LINk, it was lunch, and chat amongst ourselves until time to go home. I really enjoyed today, even though I was feeling very tired and achy. So if you spot any mistakes that have fell through, then this is because I wrote this same day too.

Would you like to join us at Not5tinghmshire Deaf Society Hard of Hearing Group? New comers are always welcomed. Next one is on Friday 25th November. See you there.

I know the feeling

2011-10-27T16:17:00.001+01:00

I sometimes wish I could have my hearing back. If there was ever a chance to, I would have it back, but until then, I have to make the most of what I have, with the help of my hearing aids.

Here is a post called Wanting to be hearing. Go and take a read.

Deaf discrimination. It happens, but it shouldn't.

2011-10-26T03:00:00.000+01:00

Deaf discrimination. It happens, but it shouldn't
Sadly deaf discrimination still happens, even with the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) in place. It just goes to prove what I said years ago, that the DDA will change nothing.

Why?

Because when I was looking for work at one point for three and a half years, and getting no where, even though the interviews I had, I had a skill for, they did not want a deaf person. Even when then, I could just nearly use a phone. I could tell on the interviewers face, that I was too much trouble for him, even though I only needed a phone with a booster.

If I'd have took it further. What would have happened?
The employer would have simply said I gave the applicant an interview.

Another example, was when someone was supposed to phone me back. Again this was when I could use my mobile phone, with some struggles, but would get by if the person spoke clearly the other end. This person was told by an RNID advisor, some communication tips, along with what they should do, should I have difficulty on phone. That phone call never happened. When the RNID advisor rang them up to see why they did not phone me as planned. Their excuse was there were alot of applicants.

My other recent discrimination as blogged recently, was about education. Click here for more on that post.

I have done a Google search, using the following words, deaf discrimination in 2011, and clicked for pages in the UK. And here is some of what I have come up with, although there will be more, as this list goes on forever, or it won't be there, because the matter was not raised in the first place, because like what I have experienced here, and more I have not raised, it's again the matter of proving it.

So here are some stories what I have found using this search term, and other general browsing of sites. Just click on them to read more about them.

Refused car insurance because of Deafness.
Deaf and hard of hearing people 'still face discrimination' when seeking work.
Empire Cinema and their non-existent loop.
Deaf diplomat to appeal against job discrimination verdict.
Disability Charity Discriminates Against Deaf Worker.

But thankfully not every deaf discrimination is got away with. And I hope more are stopped too in their tracks when discriminating, and getting their just desserts.

Have you been discriminated? Did you do anything about it, or like me, remain quiet because you felt you had no proof?

Or are you an employer, and like to receive Deaf Awareness training at your work place, so you are helping your deaf employers/clients, the best way you can?

If you do feel you need deaf awareness at your work place, then please click here for Suzie Jones Consultancy, who are one of many providers that provide these classes.

Education is our right!

2011-10-25T15:11:00.000+01:00

Education is our right regardless of who we are. If we want an education, then we should not have problems accessing it, just because of deafness, religion, culture etc.. But this is something I recently experienced myself.

Those who have followed my blog for some time now, will know that I have wanted a qualifiaction to show I can do the job I do, in cleaning.

I have shown enthusiasm right from the start with my employer, right from interview, to being employed, and onwards, that whenever I have been asked would I like to do an NVQ Level 2 in cleaning, would I want to do it. I have always said yes. I'd love to. From the person higher up, to the Supervisor who have asked me this. I have always said yes. But nothing more has ever happened. I even started asking myself. But again nothing ever happened.

A couple of weeks back when discussing with a work colleague about it. It turned out a course had started in cleaning. This lady who does it, comes every three weeks, and you spend about an hour with her. She had two lessons with her so far, and the third one was the following week from when we were having this chat at that time. The Supervisors in question, who I have both mentioned about me wanting to do this, and they supposdly putting my name down for it, were on this course too. My colleague said do you want me to raise it with Supervsor when I go down to the office? I said yes. But I could not see what it would do, because its not like they don't know already that I want to do this.

You can imagine at this point, I am feeling a little bit bewildered, and confused, trying to get my head around why I was not asked and put down for this course already. I was also a little pissed off, because here is me who has been wanting to do this for years. They say tthey will put my name down. I hear bloody nothing but the same. Yet people were doing this course, who had not waited as long as me. The Supervisors in question were doing this course too. (Bearing in mind these Supervisors in question have not worked where I worked as long as me.)

A few hours later. My work colleague tells me she mentioned about me, regarding this course in cleaning, and I start next week. I thanked my colleague for asking on my behalf. But again I was even more baffled, and like I said to her, why is it when you ask just now on my behalf, I get in just like that? But when I have said yes to them myself, when they have asked me, I get no where? And when I have asked myself I get no where?

She could not understand it, but then I was told something else, that was said in the office by the Supervisor, before this Supervisor said yes, tell her to come next week. The Supervisor said I did not ask Liz (that's me) if she'd like to start it because of me being deaf. My colleague quickly defended apparently, saying that Liz (me) has a right to education as everyone else. Then was told I start next week.

Now I was shocked and angry when I heard this. I have had chats regarding my deafness in the past with her, one to one. So to hear her apparently say this. I was shocked and angry. Who was I to believe at this point?

I confronted the Supervisor the following week. First to confirm I am starting my cleaning course, which I was. And secondly about what I heard she said. Telling her how shocked I am to hear this, and that i am angry to hear this, explaining to her that is this why I have waited so long, because I have been put on a back seat, because I'm deaf?

I said if there was such a concern about me, then maybe you should book a Lip-speaker for me. After all, if I want one, its my right to one. Not to actually stop me doing a course I have been waiting for all these years I have worked here.

The Supervisor said it was not true. And that she would never say that, and talking more in defense for herself. She admitted though, that maybe she should have followed things through, making sure it was done than forget.

Now as a hard of hearing or deaf person yourself. I don't know if you are good with body language, and can spot a liar when you see one. I usually can. But on this occasion, I cannot spot who the liar is. And someone out these two is a liar.

I discussed this with my boyfriend, and he thinks its the Supervisor, who has done a good job of covering herself up. And I am starting to wonder if that is the case, because when I confronted her about this, she did jump in all the time, rather than wait and listen to what I was actually saying. If she is the liar and did say what she said, rather than do it in a better way. Then I am very upset about this, because of all people who I thought had understood in Supervisors, was her, along with another one. But as usual it leaves me not to trust Supervisors to full extent.

At end of the day, I am in this cleaning course now, finally, and I am working on doing another course too, a computer course, when Supervisor remembers to get this form signed for me. I hope to post this off before the weekend.

Job opportunity at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society

2011-10-20T11:43:00.000+01:00

Cook Needed Urgently

8 to 10 hours per week - Monday and Wednesday

£6.50 -£7.25 per hour depending on experience/qualifications

Do you want to work with the Deaf Community?

Can you provide a two course meal every Monday lunchtime for 20 to 25 people?

Can you also provide freshly made sandwiches / cobs for 40 people on Wednesday lunchtimes?

Do you hold a current Food Hygiene Certificate? Or are willing to undertake training?

Do you have experience in using British Sign Language or undertaken any Deaf Awareness training? Or are willing to undertake training?

If the answer is yes then we’d like to hear from you.

You will be supporting a group of elderly deaf people who use our Community Centre twice a week to meet socially and access our services.

It’s a great place to work and a great team to work with.

For an informal chat and/or application form please contact Sarah Shaw on 0115 970 0516 or email sarah.shaw@nottsdeaf.org.uk

This post requires an enhanced CRB check.

What make of hearing aid do you wear?

2011-10-19T14:28:00.000+01:00

All I have ever known are Siemens behind the ear hearing aids, which I have on the NHS, at my audiology department, near where I live. But I have learnt that down at Nottingham if I was there, they have Phonak or Oticon, as well as Siemens make. They may be other makes they do too, which I can't remember since that discovery some months ago, when I went to see a Hearing Therapy there.

Alhough I manage and cope the best I can with my hearing aids, I do wonder by having the same brand all the time, if I'm missing out. Everyone rates nearly that Oticon are good. And I am coming across hearing more about this brand of hearing aid being mentioned, than I have ever done before.

One day I may mention when I see a particular audiologist where I go at the moment, if they have Octicon there? If not and my hearing changes more worser, I may take the decison to being transferred to Nottingham Ropewalk, so I can try out these Oticon hearing aids. But because of the distance I would have to travel, I will need to ask a few questions with them at Ropewalk, before making it official. But I won't do it just yet. But it will be back of my mind, till I feel the time is right to.

Until then I thought I'd do a poll to see what make of hearing aid you have. I have two polls below going.

The first poll is to see what make of hearing aid you have. If you don't see your make of hearing aid being mentioned, then please add it to the poll, making sure you place your vote too.

The second poll is to see if you have your hearing aids on the NHS or Private.

Please could you answer both of them at the same time. Thank you.

Both these polls will close on 18th May 2012, at 7am UK time.

Christmas Fayre at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society

2011-10-18T13:48:00.000+01:00

Christmas Fayre at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society

22 Forest Road West

Nottingham

12th November 2011

10am to 4pm

Children's Activities in Santa's workshop

Stalls include: Christmas Cake Weigh Competition

Tombola

Christmas cards and gifts

Homemade cakes

Hand made crafts

Knitted gifts

Toys and books

Christmas decorations

Plants/Flower decorations

Everyone welcome

Donations of gifts, cakes, items for sale needed

Entrance Fee: Adult - 50p

Child - Free

All money raised to Nottinghamshire Deaf Society

Christmas Graphics

Any enquiries:

Rachael Ravenlock
Acquired Deafness Project Worker

Nottinghamshrie Deaf Society

Direct Line (Voice/Minicom): 0115 988 7576

SMS: 07817275253

The Ear Foundation Sound Advice Adult Days - Living with a CI

2011-10-17T10:40:00.000+01:00

On the 15tth October was my second visit to The Ear Foundation, which today I was going to another of their Sound Advice Adult Days they have. This one was called Living with a CI. (Cochlear Implant) I went on my own this time. And as before I felt welcomed and part of a group.

Once we had out tea or coffee, we all took our turns to give a quick introduction of ourselves, then it was on to Sue Archbold, Chief Executive of The Ear Foundation who discussed the recent research paper on 'Adult Experiences,' before introducing who would be talking about their experiences with a Cochlear Implant.

Abigail, who gave me a warm welcome at The Ear Foundation when I last attended, and who I chatted with mostly at the pub too on last trip, talked about her experiences with living with a CI, which I found very interesting and it was nice to know more about her.

George talked about his experience on living with a CI. He is blind, and and because he was deaf too, he was allowed to have two Cochlear Implants. Both done at different times. He has wrote twenty-six poems so far, which started right back before he got his first Cochlear Implant. So some of his poems were written when he was feeling very low. I felt tearful listening to his story, but also found him inspirational. The room fell silent as we all listened to him. And we all agreed, if he ever decided to publish his poems, we would read it.

Anna who was born deaf talked about her experiences of having a Cochlear Implant, and how she decided to finally go ahead and make her decision to have one, and the different attitudes she had to face on her journey around her. One I could certainly say I have had the experience of as a hearing aid wearer, like I'm sure you the reader has too, and that's being expected to hear completely well, now you have a hearing aid or Cochlear Implant, when this just assists us.

Carol and her husband came all the way from London to give us their experience of wearing a Cochlear Implant, as well as the impact on the family view. Carol talked first about her deafness and then deciding on her Cochlear Implant. Her journey of this. Then her husband talked about the family impact, of how it was when she was deaf, to leading up to choosing a Cochlear Implant, to her being switched on and hearing sounds etc..

So all in all this event today was very good, with a good buffet at lunch time.

Each one had their own experiences of wearing a Cochlear Implant. But all were positive about their choice they made, and don't regret their decision.

I'm glad I went to this event, as I'd learnt so much more from each and every one of them.

When the event drawn to a close, I joined some of them who attended this event, at the pub down the road. I did not get the chance to speak with everyone as I'd liked. But really enjoyed the day. Next time I hope to be there, will be their Christmas party one.

The importance of remembering that hearing aids assist us. Not give us our 100% hearing back, like it used to be.

2011-10-14T12:50:00.000+01:00

The importance of remembering that hearing aids assist us. Not give us our 100% hearing back, like it used to be. Should be remembered.

It's something I find, and I'm sure many others find who wear hearing aids of all kinds, that because we hear, we are expected to hear like that all the time. Sarah over at Speak Up Librarian as explained why she needs hearing aids, and explains also how this assists us, not gives us our full hearing back as we remembered. And gives examples what it is like to hear if you were deaf on different levels, which will hopefully make you understand what it can be like.

We will never regain our hearing that we used to have, unless some miracle really happens sometime in the future.

For more read about this, visit Speak Up Librarian, on more understanding why we need to wear our hearing aids.

You have 3 weeks left, to make your vote count!

2011-10-13T10:18:00.000+01:00

You have 3 weeks left, to make your vote count as to where you would like to see the chat room.

There are two options available.

To the right of the blog, or on a page of its own.

Have you placed your vote yet? If not, then click on this link, that will take you to the poll still running, and make your choice.

As I write this, most have gone for the right of the blog, but anything can still happen between now and when the poll closes. So if you don't want to loose your say, then make yours count too.

It doesn't matter whether you will choose to use it or not. Even if you are just a reader of my blog, you are still entitled to vote, where you would like to see it. You might be a reader who does not want to see a chat room to the right of the blog. If that is you, then place your vote for your choice.

Or you might be a reader who will be using it, and like to see it there at all times.

Anything can happen between now and up to 3rd November when this poll closes at 10pm.

Before. Leading up to blogging. And present.

2011-10-11T14:15:00.000+01:00

Some time ago The Deaf Blog asked me if I'd like to write a Guest Post on their blog. I was happy to.

What I have wrote, is before me blogging. Leading up to blogging. And present.

So if you'd like to know more about me. Especially how I felt when I discovered I was deaf, and before I started blogging. Then please click here for my Guest Post on The Deaf Blog.

Friendship verse for you

2011-10-11T00:17:00.001+01:00

Friendship Graphics

For my blogger friends

2011-10-11T00:16:00.001+01:00

Friendship

Chat rooms

2011-10-08T12:37:00.000+01:00

Currently there are two chat rooms I have set up, to the right of this blog. So I can try them out, and see what they do.

The first one after five minutes of setting up on blog, is more likely not to be here by Monday afternoon, as you cannot tell if I am there or not. And there is no way to to set that up with this provider. But I like the layout.

The second chat room, I find the layout is nice to the eye, and you can see as a reader if I'm online. So this appeals to me more out of the two.

I have tried others that I did not air here. But I found some complicated, but all were not nice to the eye. I have not come across anything else.

Please if you have not voted where you prefer to see the chat room on my blog, then please make your vote count. There is still plenty of time to vote. To vote where you would like to see the chat room, then please click on this link. The poll is open till 3rd November 2011, at 10pm UK time. Most people have voted so far that they would like it to appear to the right of my blog. Are you happy with that result, or would you like to see it on a separate page? Then make your vote count!

If you'd like to leave comments regarding chat rooms you'd like to suggest can be used, then please leave them in that link above or here in this post, when I did a post "Chat. Your vote needed continued - Discussion."

Liz's Deaf Blog 3 years old today

2011-10-07T22:04:00.000+01:00

Liz's Deaf Blog is 3 years old today, what is left of it as I write this. My first post I wrote, click here for that. I have corrected another post where I said I was coming up to the 3 year mark on such a date. A date I got wrong, and also how mabny years. Which if any of you looked at my original post, to what I said in some post back then, would have spotted my mistake. The last few weeks have been going by very quick for me, and I feel like I am in a trance in some days. Hopefully this will past. Of all people how long my blog has been going, I for one should get it right.

Anyway back to post.

No way
I'd never thought that I would still be blogging now, or still find stuff to write about. If someone said I'd be still doing this now some years ago, I'd be saying no. I'd run out what to say.

Those who have been regular readers of my blog, right from the beginning, will know how I had my lows, then my really lows, reaching high and falling slightly back down low in my feelings. To finding I'm kinda ok. You will, as you say, probably seen me kinda grow, in to who I am today.

Changes
In the 3 years Liz's Deaf Blog has been going, its had many changes along the way, a slightly different name to suit who I feel I am, to different looks depending on my mood.

My blog first started over at Wordpress, and it was only this year, not so long ago that I transferred to Blogger, after not wanting to be associated with adverts I discovered that appeared in some of my posts that Wordpress put there. I seen a dodgy advert, and I was not going to be associated with that. It was amazing after I announced my news I was moving, how that not long disappeared. But I was still moving.A worrying move at that time for me, but not looked back since.

Not long after settling in Blogger, I created a new page for deaf events in Nottinghamshire.

Come and go
I have discovered some of my favourite blogs are now gone, and also found new ones to follow. I hope past bloggers who have now gone are doing well in their lives. I send best wishes your way if you are reading this. And I miss you.

Friend's I have noticed have changed. Some have gone and not heard of again, even though I have kept in touch, in return I have heard nothing. A sad time, but something I have learnt to put behind me. I cannot do anything about it, if they don't want to keep in touch. Others, are few and far messages in between because of their busy lives they lead. But its nice when I hear, that they are keeping well.

But through my blogging, I still have one particular friend who has been there all the way, through my blog and hers. This friend knows who she is I hope, when she reads this. Thank you. Its marvelous what blogs can do.

Other media
Also as well as blogging, Twitter is another media where I have kept in touch with old friends from Facebook, to making new ones. Some of these have been great support in certain times over the last few months, and very recently too. Thank you. I hope you know I mean you, when you read this.

New follower?
And if you are a recently a new follower to Liz's deaf Blog, I hope you find what you read useful, and enjoyable.

Thank you
To old and new readers, and to my dear friends far and near, thank you for your support, for following me, and to reading my blog.

My last garden update for 2011

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000+01:00

I made most of the weekend hot weather we had here in the UK with family, and catching up on removing the weeds in my garden that took hold, due to me sadly neglecting it a bit, which I now can see my Anemone are looking better than I thought they would. I am looking forward to seeing colour from this Autumn.My garden being now back to it's former glory as you remember it, with a change and new additions to it now.

The first new addition which I have had for a while but forgot to mention in an earlier post, is my Buddleia I have in a large pot, on my patio, which will bloom a purple display next year, and attract butterflies to my garden hopefully.

I have added a Canna to my border, which was a gift from my boyfriend. This will flower late Summer, so i won't see the delight of this until next year now, which will need a cut back next spring ready for it. So looking forward tyo this display it has in Summer.

I have removed my water feature, and added this, (see photo) and more heathers instead. I will look into a water feature to have on my patio instead. I have disappointed a few who know I have already got rid of this..... Sorry.

Ready for next years display in Spring, I have planted some bulbs; Daffodils, Crocus and Tulip's.

I have also ordered a Beauty berry Profusion, and two Azaela Geisha Red. One will go in a pot on my patio, and the other will go in my border, replacing Salvia Red and Celosia Venezuela, as these plants are just one season. So I will be looking forward to a red display of what the Azalea Geisha Red will bring next year.

This will be my last garden update for this year. I will report more come next Spring.

HTC ChaCha smartphone - my review

2011-10-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

This review is of my own. How I will see it will be completely to the next person. So please respect my views like I would of yours. I am no way a technology geek. So I don't know everything, hence to find out more about the phone, I have added a link to take you to this phone on the HTC website.

Thank you.

Review of HTC ChaCha

Now I have got that out the way, here is my review, finally as promised of the HTC ChaCha, which I am still loving very much.

The HTC ChaCha is a touchscreen phone with a qwerty keypad, and has the latest Android Gingerbread 2.3 operating system, with HTC sense.

Facebook

It has a one touch share button for Facebook. As you know, I'm no Facebook fan anymore, so this button is of no use to me. I have found using this phone, that the Facebook button you will see bottom of phone, does not bug me as I thought it would. I forget it is there. There is also a Facebook chat widget, so you can get chatting instantly with your Facebook friends.

Personalise your phone and screen to suit you

You can personalise your phone and screen to suit you. As you can see in my photo above, this is how I have set my home screen. I have made accessing my text messages and Yahoo mail instant. I have other things there, but not that important to me, but there if needed.

If I slide my thumb from the right to the left of the screen, I have another window open to me, which I have set to calendar, and if I do the same action again, I have another window that I have left as it is to quickly access Bluetooth, Wireless and other settings.

Another window I have added, which I can access by swiping my thumb across in the same direction is a clock page, where I have two clocks on my screen. One for my own time where I live and the other for Chicago. So I now exactly know what time it is where my friend lives. No more working it out.

By swiping your thumb in the opposite direction, you can visit each window from before or return to your home screen. If you just want to return to your home screen, then it is quicker to click the bottom left of the screen.

Visiting the web

Visiting the web I can see pages now as I would find them on my pc, and not be limited to certain websites that my last phone could not do. And I can access Talk By Text Web, which was the main reason in getting this phone, should I be out and about on my own, and need to contact somebody out of the blue.

Camera

I don't go looking what pixels a camera has on a phone to win me over. I look at my needs what I want my phone for, to see it suits me and I can get on with it, to win me over. But I do know you like your camera, and I have been known myself to use the camera on the phone I have been using at that time, and shared a photo from that, here on my blog.

So here are the camera details for you.

It has 5 megapixel colour camera, with auto focus and LED flash. And a VGA front camera.

I have not used my camera to take a photo yet, but I'm sure I will be impressed, as I have used the Video capture on it. And that was good quality I found, when filing my garden for a friend.

To find out more about the HTC ChaCha

To find out more what the HTC ChaCha can do that I have not mentioned here, and its specifications, visit http://www.htc.com/uk/smartphones/htc-chacha/ to find out more.

Would this be a type of hearing technology you would use if you could?

2011-10-05T10:40:00.000+01:00

I came across this video clip first via Twitter about "29 year old and hearing for the 1st time," and then I came across it again when my friend Sarah was discussing it on her blog, over at Speak Up Librarian. If you'd like to read her post then please click here.

What I did not realise when viewing on both occasions until Sarah made a note for us all, that it wasn't a cochlear implant. So intrigued, and wanting to know more, I clicked on the link in her blog that tells you more about the hearing technology this lady was wearing.

The technology this lady was wearing was Esteem hearing implant, which is designed for adults with moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. As I don't know my type of hearing loss because I am a medical mystery, it probably rules me out.

The implant is hidden, as it is surgically implanted. To read more about Esteem on how it works, and how it is fitted, visit this link for more information, as going there first to find out more, will be explained much better than I can. Then come back here and answer the question as titled in this post, Would this be a type of hearing technology you would use if you could?

I am certainly intrigued.

Are you who is reading this, wearing one? If so then please share your experience here.

Chat. Your vote needed continued - Discussion

2011-10-05T09:08:00.003+01:00

I started a discussion regarding of a Chat room I was thinking of adding to my blog. A poll has been started. Please see here for this post, and to keep yourself updated.

Thank you to those who have submitted their vote about this, but I do need more votes.

Secondly please input there or here about further discussions regarding chat.

This post is to see about your preferences of what chat room we are having. Some suggestions have been made in previous post (click on link above) but I wanted to start a discussion here in case you feel you want something different to that.

Would you like to use one of these proposed chat rooms mentioned in other post, or would you rather use msn?

Although I was planning on using a chat box on this blog itself. I decided on this so anyone could join in, where as msn, you would have to seek permission first by email.

Chat box would automatically be a group chat. So you get the chance to chat with others while visiting my blog. Where as msn, it would be one on one until permissions were changed with your permission of course to do chats with others.

I feel for me, that setting up a chat room would be less time consuming. (Although this does not mean I won't be monitoring.) Than msn for this.

Whats your thought?

Although a chat box is being considered and more likely will be set up on this blog, in an area voted by you, it does not mean that when you feel you need a private chat, you can't have one. I would like to stress that when a private chat is needed, you can contact me via email. And if you need a chat via msn, then please let me know, and I would try and arrange a particular day and time for you.

Texting service for patients at Kings Mill Hospital

2011-10-03T23:14:00.000+01:00

This was nice to read recently, as it was something I have raised a few times with them. Kings Mill Hospital have announced a texting service for patients, so you can cancel or re-schedule appointments.

So if you are already registered on the hospital system with your mobile phone, you will receive a text reminding you about your appointment, but now you have the option of replying to this text message to re-arrange or cancel your appointment.

So for this service to be more effective as it can be, the next time you have an appointment at the hospital, if you have not gave it them already, then please pass on your mobile number to the reception staff, so you can use this service.

Not only is this service available for everyone. It is also very handy for people like me who cannot hear on the phone.

Does your hospital do it? If not, give them the hint. You may have to do this more than once, but one day it will hopefully happen at your hospital.

Chat. Your vote needed.

2011-10-03T14:44:00.000+01:00

For some time I have advertised side of my blog, how if you want a chat via messenger, I was quiet happy to chat with anyone, providing they email me first, as I wasn't going to accept a messenger invite straight out.
I have decided I shall use a chat box widget for my blog. What widget I shall use, I have not yet decided, so if you'd like to make suggestions, then please do here in this post.

This chat box will appear I'm thinking to the right hand side of my blog. That way, you could see chat box regardless of what page you are on.

Having it to the side of my blog, will mean the chat box will be narrow. So before completely making my mind up that this is where it will be. I thought I'd put it to a vote. So if there is a particular place you'd like to see, then please make your vote count.

I will keep this poll open till 3rd November 2011, at 10pm UK time.

This does not mean though, that should you require a private chat either via email or arrange via messenger, that this can't still happen.

A sense of belonging

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

Everyone needs a sense of belonging. And I'm sure regardless of whether we are hearing or deaf, we may have some point felt we did not belong. As a teenager at school I did not feel I belonged anywhere. I kept my head low and did my school work. For that I was bullied, because I did not muck about like they did.

Later in life I found my place, but then I came deaf and I found my confidence going low and finding out who I was. This is where I started to struggle again with who I was, but it wasn't until a couple of years down the line I really started to feel low. But I got back up again.

Now I never realised that the sense of belonging would come back and hit me again. I have been now three times to hard of hearing group at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society. I enjoyed the first two and wrote here how I felt I belonged. But on my third trip to this group, although I may have looked ok, inside I did not enjoy myself. And I felt not belonging. Why? I don't know. I missed this months group attendance. I had an appointment, and I wasn't going to change it if I could. But I am going in November and December. After that, I don't know if I will keep attending.

Costa Cafe events I go to. I have been to two. The last one hardly anyone was there. In fact there was only three, and two staff that manage it. I made my mind up on coming back home that I won't be going to anymore of these, as the trip I have to make for just two hours chat, is a trip not worth taking.

The Ear Foundation I felt really at home. And I felt very welcomed by everyone there. In fact I nearly felt like crying with how settled and welcomed I felt, and a sense of belonging I had. I have never ever felt like that before. I do feel at home there. I will be going again next month, then to the Christmas party one in December. I'm sure I will be blogging about these events later.

A flower from my garden, for you.

2011-09-29T15:50:00.001+01:00

This was taken a while back using my camera phone, of my Clematis 'The President' in bloom. This flower lasted for some time with a second flower popping out a couple of weeks later.

I thought I'd share this with you now, while I remembered.

My choice of smartphone

2011-09-29T08:55:00.000+01:00

Since these last two posts As I search... and As I search continued and some decisions I have made so far, I have now chosen the right smartphone for me, which I will mention later in this post.

What I narrowed it down to

I narrowed down my phones originally to the HTC Salsa and HTC Desire S. My heart was set on the HTC Salsa. I went down to the O2 store at the weekend to buy it after tryingt it out and realising I could type on a screenphone now, from previous experience in the past. But I still wasn't sure if it would be right for me. But all I could see were touch screen phones, and although I love Blackbery, I wasn't going to pay the tarrif needed for that phone. So not practical.

I was allowed to take my phone home and try it out. If it wasn't suitable for me, or I could not get on with it, then I could take it back for an exchange or money back.

I spent the whole day playing with it, till I decided its going back in the box. I could not fully get on with it. Found it complicated.

Next day

Next day I went back to the O2 store and explained my problem and concerns, and also asked some questions, and so I learnt something new in general about all smart phones that day. I also had to think about what I was going to next, as I knew in O2's small print that you can only exchange once. So I went around the store trying out other phones in my time, avoiding HTC phones.

I found a Samsung touchscreen phone I liked and could get on with, and there was another I could get on with too. I can't remember name, but I know the downside was you would not be able to fit it in your trouser pocket. I then spotted a qwerty keyboard type phone, which I don't remember seeing that the other day, and I was playing on this for nearly 10 minutes, before realising what make I was playing with. A HTC phone. So much for avoiding this make, but then if I knew and avoided it, I would not have realised how well I got on with it.

I asked the assistant a question about this phone, which was the HTC ChaCha I was getting along with, by the way, but decided because Talk By Text web was still down, which it been down all weekend, that I'd have my money back instead.

I chatted about the phone later that night with my boyfriend through the web cam, and also to his son who is good with technology. So something that was on my mind, I was put at ease at.

Talk By Text Web

I emailed Action on Hearing Loss regarding the Talk By Text web situation. So my concern with this was reliability. In an email received from the them, they said it was down at the weekend but all up and running now, and reassured me that any Android phone, or iphone, Talk By Text Web would work with it.

The smartphone I bought

So next day through text I chatted with my boyfriend again about the latest, and he suggested to go for it, so I went back down to O2 store to buy the HTC ChaCha, and the same assistant who I'd seen before served me. I told him how I was surprised the other day how I got on with this phone, to say I was going to avoid it, till I went on the HTC ChaCha. He said I probably got on with this better with me liking a keyboard style phone more over a touch screen. I was very lucky too as they only had one left in store.

I have now been using the HTC ChaCha since Tuesday. But I can get on with this and love it. I will tell you more about the HTC ChaCha in detail later, in a separate post.

Learnt something new last night

2011-09-27T15:13:00.000+01:00

Last night I learnt something new. In fact my boyfriend learnt this too with me.

Most of you know I use instant messenger. It's great for long distance chats when you have made friends with someone who lives the other side of the world. Or if you have family too that live far away. It comes in very handy when you cannot simply pop round, because they live that far away. It can save on phone calls too.

Well using msn. I logged on last night, after I got home from work to chat with my boyfriend, Richard. We wanted to test out his camera. After a technical hitch his end, that quickly got sorted. I was able to hear, and see him, and also, which is the bit I learnt, as I always wondered this. I was able to type my conversation too. Very handy if I could not lip-read or hear him.The video quality was very good, and now he knows how to use it, its something we will be using often, so we can chat with one another and see one another, when we are not together. It will also be very handy for him, to speak with his daughter too, who lives in Ireland and maintain that personal connection.

I found this experience great and I hope to use it more.

I don't know if Yahoo messenger works the same way, as msn, where you can see, hear, and type your conversation, all in the same box. Maybe a reader here can tell me.