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France - Palace of Fontainebleu and Paris
 The Ambling Rambler We left Dijon and drove around looking for the 'Centre Ville', but didn't quite get there. We decided to drive straight to the Palace of Fontainebleu rather than look at other little villages, seeing we got a good variety of them on the way through France so far. I was astounded by the sheer size and apparent wealth. Once again I managed to get in fr...Fri, Oct 28 2011 Rhodes - Day 1 and Near Death by Donkey!
The Ambling Rambler We arrived in Rhodes, Greece from Athens after 3 hours sleep. We got a taxi from our hostel in Athens to the airport as the trains weren’t running at that time of the morning (5am). The taxi ride was fine, but very fast, although the speed limit was 50, I don’t think anyone on the road stuck to that speed at all. In any case, we were at the...Mon, Oct 10 2011 Cochlear Implant Number 3 - Two Year Review!
The Ambling Rambler I just had my 2 year mapping, about 6 weeks early, as I was up in Auckland for another reason. I had my 18 month review back in October, and at the time I thought there was no real improvement. However, soon after I did notice that for some reason I was hearing better on the phone.I was still getting some Non Auditory stimulation though, which was getting worse, whi...Fri, Feb 25 2011 Cochlear Implant - 18 Months Review
The Ambling Rambler Just had my 18 months mapping with this new implant. For those that have forgotten, this is my third implant, after the first one failed. Reimplanted in same ear. Electrodes migrated, so reimplanted again in the same ear.. I feel I'm not doing tooooooo badly...HINT (open set) Sentences at 3 months: 100%HINT (open set) Sentences at 6 months: 98%HINT (open set) Sen...Fri, Oct 15 2010 An Excellent Vibrating Alarm Clock
 The Ambling Rambler Funny videosRemember in my last blog I said I slept in and missed the Camera Club trip. Now if I had this as an alarm clock, I doubt whether I would ever sleep in again.Not sure the cat would like it though. I can easily see this as a huge seller within the Deaf Community.Wed, Aug 25 2010 Oscillopsia
The Ambling Rambler People often wonder about me. Why a perfectly 'normal' looking person doesn't work. I do look normal don't I? However, behind that 'normality' I have a disability. It's one that is very hard to understand when I tell you about it, so best given by way of the video below...The disability is bilateral Oscillopsia. Basically, when I lost all...Sun, Aug 01 2010 Cochlear Implant - 9 month Review
The Ambling Rambler My 9 month review for my new Cochlear Implant was yesterday. Most results improved, except for the ones in background noise....HINT (open set) Sentences at 3 months: 100%HINT (open set) Sentences at 6 months: 98%HINT (open set) Sentences at 9 months: 100%In background noise +10db SNR at 3 months: 92%In Background noise +10db SNR at 6 months: 96%In Background noise +1...Sat, Jan 16 2010 Robyn Carter - In Concert!
The Ambling Rambler I have been partaking in some Cochlear Implant research in conjunction with Auckland University. The research is being done to find out if people with Cochlear Implants can learn to sing in tune. So far I've had two singing lessons and I'm really enjoying it.I have been encouraged by the researcher, that I can sing in tune, and that I have a good quality voice for ...Sat, Nov 07 2009 Honesty Rules in Blenheim
The Ambling Rambler I'm so pleased I'm moving to Blenheim. Its such an honest place.As I got out of the Landrover today at the library, I didn't notice that my cellphone fell out onto the pavement. Being deaf, I don't usually hear things that drop, even with my cochlear implant.Anyway, Carol and I browsed at the Blenheim Library for half an hour and just as I was leaving, I realised my...Thu, Nov 05 2009 6 months post switch-on - Cochlear Implant Review
The Ambling Rambler It's now been six months since I was switched on with my third Cochlear Implant. Things are finally starting to go back to what I was used to with my first one, which worked well for 15 years before failing.My results this time were this.. HINT (open set) Sentences at 3 months: 100% HINT (open set) Sentences at 6 months: 98...Wed, Oct 28 2009 Word Mispronunciations!
The Ambling Rambler I've always done it. Right from when I was young. I still do it now. Mispronounce words. You know as soon as the word has left your mouth, and people look at you with that strange look on their face, that you committed that terrible sin of not saying a word properly. You get mixed reactions. It could be....The rolled eyes. Those are the worse. It's confirmation ...Tue, Sep 22 2009 CI 3 month Review - Hearing Like a Bat!
The Ambling Rambler Just been to my three month review. Very little changed, my map is staying very stable which is really nice. After tweaking the high pitched electrodes in a very minor way, I was given did an aided audiogram test. The results of this was amazing. Maybe I'm not Robyn any more, maybe I'm Batman!!! Take a look...This is pretty amazing as I don't think that at any t...Wed, Jul 22 2009 A NZ break-a-way :)
The Ambling Rambler At the beginning of the year, when I was still down and out, morose, upset, and struggling with total hearing loss, Air New Zealand Grab-a-Seat advertised flights to Christchurch for $10 each way. I grabbed them, and was booked to go to Christchurch 21st May, coming back on 2nd June. You can't sneeze at these prices.I emailed my step-sister Liz and asked if I could ...Sat, Jun 06 2009 Cochlear Implant Update
The Ambling Rambler I keep getting little messages in my inbox asking...'How's the hearing?' and'We haven't heard you talk about your CI - trust it's going well...?'...and I keep meaning to give an update but keep ending up being sidetracked. First my gorgeous burmese cat went missing, so I was too busy delivering flyers and trying to find her, so the updates went by the by. Then I to...Fri, Jun 05 2009 Of French Horns and Bomb Raid Sirens
The Ambling Rambler This new implant is wonderful. I am now able to use the phone with confidence at long last. I was forced into it really as I have had to ring around all the vets to see if my old grey girl has been handed in. Unfortunately - she's still missing and i'ts now 9 days. Her poor mate sits at the top of the stairs every night waiting for her to come up. Sad.Anyway, for...Thu, May 14 2009 Missing - Lost
The Ambling Rambler Missing/LostNorthcote/Hillcrest AreaMuch Loved Family Pet, Burmese Blue, 13 years oldHealthy but slightly arthriticVery Vocal, Likes cars, NosyMay be locked in a little used shed/garage.Answers to the name of Mika (Meeka)Owner desperate to find her.That's the flyer I have been delivering around my neighbourhood today. I've searched high and low, canvassed the neighb...Fri, May 08 2009 It's a Success...
The Ambling Rambler It's now two weeks since I was switch-on with my new ear. These are the things I have been hearing...Indian Mynah birds fighting on the neighbour's roof.When someone talks to me from Facebook there's a quiet 'click' sound that alerts me to the fact they've messaged me on chat. I had no idea that it gave a sound at all. Spider Solitaire - has the most wonderful soun...Tue, May 05 2009 Wired for Sound once Again
The Ambling Rambler The 22nd April took a long time to come. In fact I was emailing my implant team my countdown on a regular basis in the last week. I think my Facebook friends also got sick of it!I didn't take anyone to my switch on this time around. I think the Novelty of being switched-on has worn off the third time around!I arrived and the usual thing happened - just like last ti...Tue, May 05 2009 It was All Worth It!!!
The Ambling Rambler This scar of mine - I have to say I'm proud of it because....It was all so worth it. I'm sitting here tonight, watching 'Stars in their Eyes'. I can follow the music and lyrics, and it's so pleasant. Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have been able to do this.I know the scar is a bit in your face. But I remind myself that it was a such small price to pay for an amazing, e...Tue, May 05 2009 Waiting for Switch-On
The Ambling Rambler My third Cochlear Implant operation finally happened 3 weeks ago on the 30th March.Just a quick recap - I was originally implanted in March 1993, and switched on in April 1993. I had 15 years of near normal hearing with this implant (Cochlear Corp N22). This failed in June 2007. In March 2008 I was reimplanted with the new Freedom implant and switched on in Apri...Mon, Apr 20 2009 I could never be an Air Traffic Controller!
The Ambling Rambler I've always had a problem. Right through my life, this particular problem of mine has caused either great hilarity, extreme embarrassment or made me feel very dumb. Especially if it was pointed out (yet again) by my big brother. I thought I was alone.You see - I cannot tell which way is left, from which way is right. I'm left/right challenged. If someone tells me...Sat, Mar 21 2009 Just what part of DEAF do people not understand?
The Ambling Rambler I'm still gobsmacked at the continuing sagas that happen around me when it comes to my deafness.Two weeks ago I had the following conversation.Person 1: "You should read Robyn's blog - it's hilarious"Person 2: "Yep - Robyn you should write professionally"Me: "Well - I would if someone would pay me!!"Person 1: "I still can't believe some of the things she h...Fri, Mar 20 2009 I have a Surgery Date !!! Wheeeee !!!!
The Ambling Rambler 30th March.30th March30th March30th March30th MarchWhew - it's such a relief. Never ever have I ever looked forward so much to have my head cut open. If they could do it tomorrow I'd even be happier, but this at last gives me something to look forward to, and the hope that I might hear something other than my confounded tinnitus all day. The only unfortunate thing ...Mon, Mar 02 2009 Finally - The Legal Opinion
The Ambling Rambler ACC sought a legal opinion from Bruce Corkill QC based on Phil Birds report. QC stands for Queen's Counsel - so as far as legal matters are concerned in New Zealand - that's pretty high up. Again I've had to upload them as images. If you need to make your screen bigger so you can read it, you can hold down ctrl and press the + key several times, or you can just dou...Sat, Feb 28 2009 The Outside Independent Surgeon's Report to ACC...
The Ambling Rambler This is what the Cochlear implant specialist said in his report to ACC. Unfortuantely I wasn't able to cut and paste text but had to upload them as images as it was a scanned document.Sat, Feb 28 2009 ACC Declined Funding for my Cochlear Reimplantation
The Ambling Rambler Ugh.It happened. ACC denied me funding to fix my defunct, not working Cochlear Implant. It didn't come as a surprise - I had had a really bad feeling about ACC right from the beginning. Probably not helped by the case worker who had been trying to PHONE me despite me putting on my forms that I was unable to hear on the phone!!!Anyway - their letter verbatim......We...Sat, Feb 28 2009 Lipreading Misinterpreted? Or just bad Luck?
The Ambling Rambler I've been advertising for flatmate. You know the story, recession, hard times, need something to help pay the mortgage. I really didn't want another student, as now that my daughter has left home, I'm ready to kick up my heels, and don't want to be tied down cooking meals for people every night of the week. As I'm totally deaf now, and can no longer use a phone, I g...Mon, Feb 23 2009 I'm Still Waiting ......
The Ambling Rambler Waiting for anything is always frustrating, waiting to get some vestige of hearing back because of a slow government department is making me want to scream.Just to recap - I was originally implanted in March 1993. For 16 years I had near normal hearing with the cochlear implant. In June 2007 my implant failed. In March 2008 I was reimplanted and my old electrode a...Wed, Feb 11 2009 My Brain Keeps Playing Tricks on Me!
The Ambling Rambler Yep - tricks It's constantly testing my sanity! I can't hear a thing. Nothing. Nada. Not one iota of sound gets through my ears. The degree of deafness was brought home earlier this week when I sat in my lounge completely unaware that my house alarm of 140db was blaring.. And I heard nothing.But wait! I can hear the waste disposal when I turn it on. Yep - defi...Wed, Jan 21 2009 Is My House Alarm Useless?
The Ambling Rambler My house is not only protected with an alarm, but it is also monitored. I sometimes wonder if it's worth having the place monitored, because the alarm has only ever been activated so far, by my cats being locked in a room. Over the years, the cats have cost me a pretty penny in callouts to check the place for burglars. At $60 a pop, this isn't cheap.When I go out, ...Sun, Jan 18 2009 Total Deafness Brings out my Evil Streak
The Ambling Rambler I'm now totally deaf. I hear nothing. Nada. My cochlear implant processor has been relegated to a drawer until I can be reimplanted. This is not America where I can dial up private health insurance to get it done quickly - no private health insurance will touch anything to do with ears with a 10 foot barge pole. It makes me wonder if they think helping deafness i...Sat, Jan 17 2009 It's Official!
The Ambling Rambler It’s now official. I’m have just been diagnosed with depression for the first time in my life. Simply because of the frustration I’m having with lack of hearing, and lack of action in terms of ACC funding my new implant.The hearing loss I’m dealing with is huge compared to when my original implant was up and working properly, and I haven’t really heard properly exce...Tue, Jan 06 2009 I'm So Over Being Deaf
The Ambling Rambler I'm seriously no longer coping with this whole deafness issue. I managed to get through Christmas, but New Year totally sucked. I was meant to go up to my brothers place for afternoon tea on New Years Eve, but I couldn't get off the couch and face yet another afternoon sitting around with a plastic smile on my face, understanding nothing, and wishing to go home. Ye...Mon, Jan 05 2009 Goodbye 2008, Welcome 2009
The Ambling Rambler 2009 is here. I didn't bother heralding the new year in, I watched a movie on TV then headed to bed early. My fault entirely - I ate some dark chocolate truffles. They gave me a headache. I needn't have gone to bed early - the headache kept me awake, and also next door was having a party and was playing the music loud. Obviously very loud. I couldn't hear anythi...Wed, Dec 31 2008 Frustrated
The Ambling Rambler I'm so frustrated. I can't hear squat. It's been 6 weeks since we applied for funding for reimplantation to our group ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). I had hoped that they would have got hold of me before Christmas to tell me that they had approved of funding. This way I would know that I would be having my operation sometime in January - but no - I had ...Tue, Dec 23 2008 Vodaphone Answered - 12 Days Later!
The Ambling Rambler Here is their reply to me...Hello Robyn, I have discussed your case with my manager. We have come to a conclusion stating that we would be able to provide you with $10 off your broadband service if your home phone line rental is with us .Since your home phone line is with a different provider you are currently paying $50 for your broadband service. If your home phone ...Wed, Nov 26 2008 Vodafone - Shame - Another Deaf Unfriendly Company
The Ambling Rambler I'm not very happy with Vodafone. I have to deal with them because ihug (Internet Home Users Group), sold themselves to them. When it was ihug, I had a great service there, if I ever needed help, I used to email someone, and give my MSN details and a helpdesk attendee would add me and we would sort the problem via msn, seeing I couldn't hear on the phone. This was ...Fri, Nov 21 2008 Another Implant Update...
The Ambling Rambler Well - we've finally found the problem to why my impalnt has been going backwards, not forwards. About two weeks ago I asked the Implant Team for an x-ray to see if the electrodes were still in the same place. I remember reading some time ago of someone having this problem, and so wondered if I had this as well. My specialist sent me the form and I had the x-ray tw...Sun, Nov 02 2008 Latest Update with My Implant
The Ambling Rambler Sound has been getting more and more painful, and I feel movement again, so on Friday it was back to the Implant team to get my electrodes adjusted again. Rather than the electrodes being switched off, they were able to turn the upper six right down. Which doesn't leave me a very good dynamic range as most of those upper six comfort levels were actually on very soft...Sun, Oct 26 2008 Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) - Deaf Unfriendly
The Ambling Rambler I'm incensed. I'm spitting tacks.On Monday I got a standard letter from the BNZ Bank.It offered me a Gold Card with a $7500 credit limit. If I didn't want a Gold Card I was then pre-approved with an increase in credit limit with my existing Visa Card.If I wanted to accept the gold card, then phone an 0800 number.If I want the pre-approved credit limit - do nothingIf ...Wed, Oct 22 2008 October Implant Update
The Ambling Rambler I've been having more problems with my implant. When I was switched on in early April, it showed such promise. I had 17 out of 22 electrodes working. My test scores for listening without lipreading were 94%, which was so exciting, as back then - as I would get used to the new sounds, it would improve. How wrong I was.Nearly very month, I've had an electrode switch...Mon, Oct 20 2008 Another Deaf Unfriendly Company
The Ambling Rambler I ordered some photos from my favourite photographic place the other day. Their service is second to none, and the quality of images wonderful. They also don't mind communnicating via email when needed, and their deliveries are on time and quick. Wonderful company.Shame I can't say the same thing about the courier company that delivers their products. Not for the ...Thu, Oct 16 2008 What on Earth is going on???
The Ambling Rambler It used to be that I could head down to my local video store and hire just about any DVD to watch, and it would be captioned or subtitled. A few wouldn't be, but they would be mainly New Zealand movies. New Zealand doesn't have the law like the ADA (American Disabilities Act), so they don't legally have to put captions or subtitles on any of theirs. I believe NZ m...Sat, Sep 27 2008 Implant Update
The Ambling Rambler It's nearly been six months with my new implant now. I have to tell you all I'm still struggling with it. How I long for the days of easy hearing I had with my old implant before it failed on me. Where nothing was a struggle. Where I could pick up the phone and ring my girlfriends for a laugh and natter. Where I could deal with marketing phone calls swiftly and w...Mon, Sep 15 2008 Deafess and Photography
The Ambling Rambler Someone asked me recently whether I would be so keen on photography if I had perfect hearing. I found it rather hard to answer that question as I've been deaf all my life and have never had perfect hearing. We all do things in life, the things that shape us, through our own experiences, some that aren't of our choosing, and we all tend to bend towards those that we ...Fri, Aug 22 2008 Are Customer Service People Dense?
The Ambling Rambler What is it with Customer Service people? I'm sure I've blogged about this before but..I had to ring Southern Cross Healthcare today about a claim they should have paid while I was away - they were asking for information that they already have on file (sigh!!).I still cannot hear on the phone, so I asked a friend to phone for me. My friend kindly explained that I was...Mon, Aug 18 2008 Best and Worst of the Say What? Club Philadelphia Convention
The Ambling Rambler This is the third day I've been home from the USA after attending the SWC con in Philadelphia. So far I've done 6 loads of washing, and gradually putting things away. My house each day is looking less and less like a bomb site, and turning into a home again.My cats will NOT leave me alone - they obviously missed me and all they want to do is smooch or sleep on me, o...Thu, Aug 07 2008 28th July - San Francisco
The Ambling Rambler Well. Life certainly is not boring. And it's days like these you really wish you had normal hearing so you can sort things out yourself.It started last night. I hit the sack at 8pm as I was simply exhausted. Mike went out and searched for a beer and dinner and walked the streets. He felt someone brush up against him, but didn't think anything of it.Until.... this morn...Tue, Jul 29 2008 Highs and Lows
The Ambling Rambler I heard it, I heard it. Finally! It's been over a year since I heard my washing machine beep when it finished all the cycles and was ready to be hung out. For me this has been a real nuisance as I would put a load of washing on, then completely forget that I had. Then my washing would go out far too late in the day to be hung out and get dry, or I would find the l...Sat, Jun 21 2008 |
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