8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC Part 15

[Esteri]

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

Monica - We'll keep you and your son in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[radioclash2]

I swear I have never dealt with death so much as lately.
First DH's Uncle being killed by the train a couple of weeks ago and today.
I got an email from a close friend that a mutual friend of ours killed her entire family and then herself today. I can't begin to tell you how out of character this was. She was just so sweet. She was such a good Mom, always up at school being room mom. PTA etc. You always saw her smiling and laughing- but not creepy/manic like. I cannot even imagine what must have happened in her mind to do something like this. We are not remotely talking about an Andrea Yates type person. I am still completely in shock.
It was not fun telling my DD that her classmate was dead and his Mom did it. They had a 7 year old DS and an 11 yo DD. Both my kids were friends with each of their kids.
This has hit way too close.
This is especially so sad when great people are looking for kids to love and make a wonderful home for and another Mom. kills hers. Just does not make sense.

That's just really "pit of the stomach" sad. I can't imagine what horror must overtake a person to harm their child/children.

Prayers for you & them.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, CHERYL! I'm sorry I missed your birthday yesterday!

Crew -
Todd and I have been working behind the scenes on the t-s****'s I thought I'd give you a little update.

Children's Shirts
It occured to me to verify his ability to do children's shirts - rather than just assuming he can do it. No problem. One thing to think about is creating a second (smaller) set of screens for the children's shirts. Let's face it - the artwork sized to fit the smallest shirt will look pretty darn silly on an adult, and will be too big for the little shirts.

This means that the "volume" discount would be calculated separately by group since two set up charges are involved. So, if we have 200 items ordered, 150 use the large screens, and 50 use the small screens. The orders with 150 would get the 100 count prices, and the order with the small screens would get the 50 count prices.

So, the question is - do we want to have two sets of screens? And if not - how does the artwork get sized?


Colors other than Black and White


Here's the scoop on colors other than Black and White. Additional colors will not add to our cost, the shirts are priced separately depending on color already, and the set up charges are spread evenly among all.

However, they will add significantly to the headache of making sure everyone gets the right stuff, and setting up eBay to take the orders. In order to get these discounts, we make a single order. Walt ships all the shirts to me, and I sort, package, and ship them to you. This is already going to be difficult enough without adding a rainbow of colors. In addition, there's the whole artistic angle of putting the artwork on a color that just plain clashes with the artwork. Ug!

However, like BIP I'm not all that thrilled with black myself - so this is what I'm willing to do. (Yes, yes, the Capt'n and I have already discussed.) If there is enough interest, I'll look into figuring out pricing to create a special red shirt.

I am willing to bucket dye shirts that will then be screen printed. I will match the dye to the red in the artwork as closely as I can. Understand, bucket dye shirts do not come out a solid color. The color flows and fades across the shirt. Here are pictures of two shirts to give you an idea:

This was originally a plain white DCL polo shirt we bought on our cruise last August. White is just so, well, plain. I was going for the feeling of the ocean here - I think I got it. I'm really pleased with how this turned out.

Here's something similar in a dark red / burgundy color - closer to what I'd have to do for these shirts. Though, I think our red is a little more brown. I'm putting this here because it nicely shows how the different components of a mixed dye move through the fabric at different speeds. Those light colored areas are actually a greenish gray. Looks cool in real life. But, be forewarned - any bucket dyed shirts you may get may or may not be solid red, and certainly won't be the same shade all over.

The artwork would then be screen over the bucket dyed shirt.

If there is interest, I'll go figure out costs for these kinds of shirts. They will probably be more expensive, and the ordering window will definitely close earlier to give me time to get the dying done.

Be aware: The official t-s**** colors remain, Black for sail day, and White for PC.


Ordering Windows
We originally were looking at having three ordering windows: Now, Christmas, and Just In Time (about 120-90 days from sailing). "Now" is out the window as 1) nobody wanted it, and 2) we're so late in the year that "Now" basically is the same as Christmas.

Given the above (multiple screen sizes, etc.) does anyone still want Christmas? When I asked before not many wanted it - the vast majority wanted Just In Time. So, if you want them for Christmas, they will be more expensive as the volume won't be as big.

So the next question is: How many folks prefer Christmas delivery over Just In Time? (I'm figuring an October order window, provided we can get the artwork sorted out. To allow for Walt's time, and the time I'll need to sort and ship.)


You can respond here, or PM me. I'll be checking in this week, but after that - PM is the surer method until Sept.

I really like those tye dyed shirts you showed- the blue AND the red that on my screen looks a whole lot like neon pink (hahahaha. some of you will get why I'm laughing hysterically)

We would need kids shirts. Unless everyone else is only going to buy them for adults and not children? If everyone is buying for the children too- I don't want my kids to be left out!
We're of the notion that "just in time" would be best. I'd want to make sure we're actually going to be able to go on the cruise before purchasing the shirts. Plus I'd like to to be able to purchase the correct sizes which is more difficult to do (with growing children and shrinking husband and HOPEFULLY I'll be shrunk some by then) if we ordered them too far ahead of time. So Christmas wouldn't be a good time, IMO that would be too early.

The odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 83,930

The odds of being struck twice by lightning twice are 1 in 9,000,000+

The odds of a meteor landing on your house are 1 in 182,138,880,000,000



You might wonder why I am posting these odds. It is because even though these are long odds they can still happen.

I say that because it appears now that the odds of the Dodd family making this TOAL are really, really slim. Things with our schedule for our work make it almost impossible to go. So impossible that we really have decided to rearrange our vacation plans for 2008.

The one slim chance is if we get transferred again after only two years. If that were to happen it would be announced in May of 2008 just a week before the 90 day mark for the TOAL. Coincidence? Maybe and maybe not. If that happens then we will see if it can be possible but the odds are slim.

But for right now we are making new plans for other TOALs. Like Andy the VM I do plan to stay on this thread but not quite as active as before. I do have another thread for our December cruise that needs attention.

Also I am going to make the September 3rd meet at DTD.

Thanks for all the fun times. I really wanted to make this cruise.

Sorry Captain but Mr Gibbs has to miss this sailing.

Oh Brack.
I hope some miracle happens that you can come because we'll sure miss you! I was really looking forward to meeting you.

I just found this Caribbean Soul t-***** at our local West Marine

Arrrghhh!

Very cool shirt!

I booked with a different TA (before I became a DISaholic.....). I have been satisfied with the TA I have, but DUs response here would make me consider them in the future.

Ditto!
Sad to say... but true. All I've received from my TA is the price increase and then later emails to show new confirmations reflecting the higher price. NO mention of additional onboard credits to offset this.

Well, we've officially sent the email...

We notified DU that we will be cancelling. I wish I could say that it's because we got some good news. But it's because we HAVEN'T gotten any news that we're cancelling.

Now we're just going to wait and see what happens with some of the kids we've inquired about, and then maybe we'll plan a regular Magic cruise for later in '08 or early '09 when we know more about what's going to happen.

We took the week off work last week and went camping up in Michigan. During the week, we did a lot of talking and a lot of soul-searching.
A large part of our decision comes from the fact that the child/children we get will likely have some sort of issues, whether they be health or behavioral issues, issues with attachment, or just the normal issues with the transition into a new home. We know that no matter what children we get, there will likely be some pretty significant bumps in the road to our becoming a family, at least for the first year.

We're just not comfortabe making the commitment to take such a huge vacation while we'll likely still be in that "transition period". Who knows whether or not the child/children would be able to handle it. So after a long heart to heart, we decided that we'll cancel, and then we'll do another cruise later when we can have a better grasp on our situation.

So that's it. It's official. While we're sad, we know that it's the right decision for us right now. Maybe there'll be another "TOAL" in '09!

I'll still pop in here from time to time and keep you updated on things. Thanks to all of you for all of your encouraging words over the past months. This has been a tough journey for us so far, and it seems we may still have quite a ways to go.

So thanks for being a GREAT group of folks, and I will really miss meeting you all on the cruise! Hopefully I'll get the opportunity to meet some of you on a future cruise!
-Christal

Oh I wish you were still coming but it does sound like you've made the right decision for you and the child/children. So I'll just say we'll miss meeting you!

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

sending you lots of hugs, pixie dust and praying for your son (and you). {{{big hugs}}}

BIP - well darn that really sucks. Based on your follow up posts (which I didn't quote), I'm assuming you've already approached the neighbor about fixing the problem without having to take it to court. Sigh.

We had a similar issue with our yard when we got this house. (Like under 3"-6" of water during the winter rains.) Though in our case our lot was simply lower than the others, no one artificially made it that way.

French Drains. Lots of French Drains. We dug a 6' dry well in once corner of the back yard - filled it with rock and covered it with dirt, and later landscaped. The dry well was connected to a trench about two feet deep, that ran the length of the yard. Also rock filed, with a periferated pipe, and dug so that the water would go to the dry well. We couldn't take the water to the street from the back becasue we have two very large, very old trees on either side of the house, who's roots block access. Still, they keep the house 20 degrees cooler than the outside, so who are we to complain. Then another drain along side one side of the house where we put in a lot of concrete, and the dog run (gravel) - this drain takes the water from the downspouts, the patio, etc. to the street. It's close to the surface to make cleaning easier.

When we relandscaped we did raise the level of the low spots to match the surrounding area. It was a lot of work, but our yard is dry.

Of course, in our case we were digging up the yard anyway to do a total re-landscape. Though the water control went in about 18 months before the re-landscape - we wanted to be sure we got it right.

Sadly, it sounds like you already have landscape in and aren't particularly interested in digging it all up.

Esteri- I have already talked to her and she doesn't care. It's making her yard not flood anymore and she did all this work to make her yard look better so she's HAPPY that her yard isn't flooding anymore and she thinks she has a right to do whatever she wants to her yard. She's wrong...
Our backyard isn't super landscaped- it's not a large backyard and most of it is taken up by the pool. We just have landscaping right up against the house in the back, then the pool, and the dogrun/concrete drive extending into the yard from the driveway on one side... grassy area on the other side with no landscaping or trees. That's the side the floods over- that's the half of the yard that she made the fence higher with a gap underneath and then raised THAT side half of her yard to make it all run into our yard. But that makes it flood into the pool and our patio also. We don't have much landscaping but we can't just make our backyard higher all over because of the pool. It's like the pool is in the middle of the backyard (grassy area on one side, dogrun/concrete drive on the other with our trailer parked there/etc.) and so we can't raise the yard higher than the pool. Yanno?

 

[Esteri]

No responses here either Tom. I did read or heard on the Podcast that Disney was planning a letter of explanation. Too late, should have been with our other letter. I don't know if this is true or not but may be since we have not had any responses to our emails. Not even the one to the general DCL email address.

I think we should at least give them the chance to recover. Let's see what this letter says.



DOG SHOW STUFF FOLLOWS (Ignore at will)

I promised you the picture of Taiko's major win in MT when it came. So, without further ado...

Heeeeeere's Taiko!!!

 

[radioclash2]

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

I don't know you, but I do know Mom's. Of course you will figure this out...you'll do it for him. I'm hoping for you that your cries will be short lived & will help you feel better. I'm hoping for you the clarity you need to stay steady & move forward.

 

[Esteri]

Esteri- I have already talked to her and she doesn't care. It's making her yard not flood anymore and she did all this work to make her yard look better so she's HAPPY that her yard isn't flooding anymore and she thinks she has a right to do whatever she wants to her yard. She's wrong...
Our backyard isn't super landscaped- it's not a large backyard and most of it is taken up by the pool. We just have landscaping right up against the house in the back, then the pool, and the dogrun/concrete drive extending into the yard from the driveway on one side... grassy area on the other side with no landscaping or trees. That's the side the floods over- that's the half of the yard that she made the fence higher with a gap underneath and then raised THAT side half of her yard to make it all run into our yard. But that makes it flood into the pool and our patio also. We don't have much landscaping but we can't just make our backyard higher all over because of the pool. It's like the pool is in the middle of the backyard (grassy area on one side, dogrun/concrete drive on the other with our trailer parked there/etc.) and so we can't raise the yard higher than the pool. Yanno?

Well, pthththththt.

On the other hand - it's an opportunity to maybe make some changes in your yard.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Happy Birthday BibbidyBobbidyBoo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SHELLY/AKA SHELLEY/AKA BIP*

*I forgot whether it was *ly or *ley so did a little search to find the answer. Looks like this is not as simple as it seems.

​

Happy birthday BIP!!!

Happy Birthday Shelley/BibbidyBobbidyBoo AKA BIP!!!!

Crew -
I think Issac (turns 6 today) got left off the birthday list. Or maybe I missed a step somewhere.

In any case, it would be meaningful to him to receive birthday wishes from my online friends. Could you manage it? Please?

Thanks!


And Happy Birthday BIP!!!

Happy Birthday Bip

Happy Birthday Shelley and Isaac!!!

This was DS8's Birthday cake for 3 years (3 different cakes, but the same design each year!) I "erased" his name so I could give it to you. DS had it for his 5th, 6th & 7th birthdays. (We finally changed for the 8th to a Pirates theme )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!​

Pamela (pdarrah)

Join me in a birthday dance for Shelley and Isaac!!!!

ing To say Happy Birthday BIP

Happy Birthday Shelly,

and... Hap - Happy Birthday Issac!​

Happy Birthday to Issac & Shelly!

Happy Birthday BIP and Issac!


Tom you all have a wonderful trip to Hawaii!!! Enjoy

thanks everyone for the well wishes on my birthday.
And Happy Birthday to Isaac! Kid with the coolest birthday ever. hehe


Oh and it is shelley with ey... but y'all can just call me BIP.

I appreciate the well wishes/posts. Today wasn't exactly a good day.. nothing special for my birthday and some bad news relayed to me today/etc. Even my kids getting on my nerves (do they have to pick TODAY to fight like cats and dogs all day long?!?) -- I think I'm at the point I just want to pretend tomorrow is my birthday. LOL So anyway, thanks for the well wishes cause it makes me feel loved.
Well, atleast noticed if not loved. hehe

Love you guys! Hope everyone has a great day... and NO ONE ELSE has to cancel the cruise. Ya hear me?!?
(had to edit to remove images- went over the limit! LOL)

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Well, pthththththt.

On the other hand - it's an opportunity to maybe make some changes in your yard.

Well, I know you're trying to keep me thinking positive and I appreciate that- but really there is no way to fix this and IMPROVE on the yard. There is landscaping around the back of the house (up against it) and that's all we really need. The pool takes up the majority of the yard- one side had a concrete drive where the trailer goes (and we're thinking of building a storage shed on the remaining concrete... if any room left then a playhouse with fort that the kids want) and all that is left is a small area of grass and the kids need SOME area to play in- yanno? I'm certainly not wanting to add landscaping right up against the inground pool or trees in this small yard just to add to the trouble of cleaning the pool.
The neighbor took care of that too- by adding 2 trees in her yard RIGHT NEXT to the fence... these trees are already a good 6-8 feet taller than the fence- so we already have additional leaves/etc. to clean out of the pool thanks to her. (one of the things we liked is that there weren't any trees in our backyard -or hers-to make it hard to keep the pool cleaned.. she took care of that "positive" too! ugh)

If anything we're going to have to put in french drains (although landscaper that came out last week said we don't have enough land or enough incline to really put in french drains without compromising our inground pool possibly in the future) or a swale clear from the backyard down the side of our house and front yard to the street- which messes up the very small area we have for the kids (and dog) to have grassy area to run/play in. Well it's really too small to RUN-atleast for the kids. LOL

It's just a mess.... wish I could find a positive to this but there isn't one. It's just a mess that is going to be expensive to fix and then a PITA to take her to court over/etc.

 

[radioclash2]

Anyone know why 7 y/o boys cannot see the peas that they spilled on the floor at dinner time?

 

[tom31b]

Anyone know why 7 y/o boys cannot see the peas that they spilled on the floor at dinner time?

They can see them, they chose not to.

 

[Verandah Man]

I swear I have never dealt with death so much as lately.
First DH's Uncle being killed by the train a couple of weeks ago and today.
I got an email from a close friend that a mutual friend of ours killed her entire family and then herself today. I can't begin to tell you how out of character this was. She was just so sweet. She was such a good Mom, always up at school being room mom. PTA etc. You always saw her smiling and laughing- but not creepy/manic like. I cannot even imagine what must have happened in her mind to do something like this. We are not remotely talking about an Andrea Yates type person. I am still completely in shock.
It was not fun telling my DD that her classmate was dead and his Mom did it. They had a 7 year old DS and an 11 yo DD. Both my kids were friends with each of their kids.
This has hit way too close.
This is especially so sad when great people are looking for kids to love and make a wonderful home for and another Mom. kills hers. Just does not make sense.

How sad, I'm so sorry..........

 

[radioclash2]

They can see them, they chose not to.

Thank-you zen master. You are wise.

 

[Verandah Man]

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

 

[got2travel]

I swear I have never dealt with death so much as lately.
First DH's Uncle being killed by the train a couple of weeks ago and today.
I got an email from a close friend that a mutual friend of ours killed her entire family and then herself today. I can't begin to tell you how out of character this was. She was just so sweet. She was such a good Mom, always up at school being room mom. PTA etc. You always saw her smiling and laughing- but not creepy/manic like. I cannot even imagine what must have happened in her mind to do something like this. We are not remotely talking about an Andrea Yates type person. I am still completely in shock.
It was not fun telling my DD that her classmate was dead and his Mom did it. They had a 7 year old DS and an 11 yo DD. Both my kids were friends with each of their kids.
This has hit way too close.
This is especially so sad when great people are looking for kids to love and make a wonderful home for and another Mom. kills hers. Just does not make sense.

All I can offer is

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Anyone know why 7 y/o boys cannot see the peas that they spilled on the floor at dinner time?

No clue.
But when you figure it out- please do share with me!

 

[Sarangel]

I swear I have never dealt with death so much as lately.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

You'll get through this. And so will your DS. Have the cry, do the research, and know that we're all here for you to bounce ideas off of.

Anyone know why 7 y/o boys cannot see the peas that they spilled on the floor at dinner time?

I dunno, but 5 year old girls (or their 49 year old fathers) can't see 'em either.

 

[castoff]

Some may find this of interest - while some may not. But according to a "Solar Calculator" web page hosted by BP... this is what I can expect in rough terms as a result of installing a 3kW array:



As such - my break even in constant 2007 dollars and a constant 2007 rate of power COST is about 19.7 years. Or if the US Congress passes the pending bill to renew the US Govt Tax credit at $4000 as currently proposed - then my net 1st year cost will be $12,600 with a 16.9 year period to break even. I can live with this and SMILE because I expect power rates to continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation! So this this results in a slightly faster break even.

Although I have been reading your posts about this............It is interesting but too much math for me.

dog permit??? so you can't take him outside without it? never heard of that before.

Let me explain.............They have special preserve parks around here that your dog can be off leash. You have to get a dog permit to enter. It costs 35.00 till December, but it is nice that all dogs have been checked for up to date shots ect. They even have a special area just for dogs that are 25 lbs. and under. Dante is having fun running and playing with other dogs.

 

[m&m's mom]

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

There is an inner-ear degenerative disease that runs rampant in my family. Fortunately I do not have but my Mom and brother do.
On a funny note, when we have extended family dinners there is a huge conversation that is like- "which ear is your good ear?", "which ear is your good ear?". Takes us forever to be able to sit down.
My brother has worn double hearing aids since he was in his 20's. He needed them earlier but refused to admit it. My brother is also folically challenged (bald ) ) which makes his hearing aids very noticeable. He is a bond trader that has to go out to see clients all the time and is very successful.
I guess what I am saying is I know it is very scary now, but the Audiologist is correct, it is amazing what they are doing these days.
I have a piece of advice. Don't do what my Mom does. She decided since she was folically challenged as well- although not bald-she would make her hearing aid less noticeable. She picked up all the hair from her haircut (all 10 of them) and glued, yes, glued them to her hearing aid. My DH saw this "thing" that looked like a rat and jumped 10 feet in the air!

 

[castoff]

Thanks Paula!

... as you kno... it's kind of a quiet visit if ya get my drift. No plans made with anyone this time. I think very few people (family/relatives/local friends) even know we're coming over.

At any rate, I am looking forward to hitting the beach everyday in the early AM or late afternoon. The Korean BBQs, evening hula shows with a box dinners - and I do look forward to surprising a few old friends - maybe.

Well... I guess... on the other hand I don't think I want to see too many people this time around. We'll just stick to small things to do this time.

Maybe we'll hit the swap meet at Aloha stadium this time around. We havn't done that in a few years.

Cheers,

Tom

My kinda vacation. Enjoy !

I swear I have never dealt with death so much as lately.
First DH's Uncle being killed by the train a couple of weeks ago and today.
I got an email from a close friend that a mutual friend of ours killed her entire family and then herself today. I can't begin to tell you how out of character this was. She was just so sweet. She was such a good Mom, always up at school being room mom. PTA etc. You always saw her smiling and laughing- but not creepy/manic like. I cannot even imagine what must have happened in her mind to do something like this. We are not remotely talking about an Andrea Yates type person. I am still completely in shock.
It was not fun telling my DD that her classmate was dead and his Mom did it. They had a 7 year old DS and an 11 yo DD. Both my kids were friends with each of their kids.
This has hit way too close.
This is especially so sad when great people are looking for kids to love and make a wonderful home for and another Mom. kills hers. Just does not make sense.

I am so sorry to hear of this, know you and everyone involved are in my thoughts & prayers. Can't even try to understand how this happens, just too sad.

I'm in shock right now and could use your prayers, pixie dust, or whatever you believe in. My son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. It seems to be progressive and they are not sure when or if he will lose his hearing completely. We've got an appointment later this week to begin getting him hearing aids, an appointment next week with the ENT doc to try to determine the cause, and trying to get an appointment for genetic testing. We're trying to get all this done before I leave in 2 weeks.

It's all so overwhelming. I flucuate between being concerned about the cost since my medical doesn't cover hearing aids, the timing of trying to get things in place before I leave so that he can be ready to start school while I'm going, to the quality of life impacts for him.

I've noticed over the last few years that he would have the TV up rather loudly and that I would have to repeat things to him. But I passed it off and ST behavior, more of a listening issue than a hearing issue. But last month he asked to get a hearing test done. They started us out with his pediatrian and when they noticed some abnormalities in his test, they referred us to an audiologist. His hearing is about the same in both ears, but way below the average.

I have to give the audiologist credit though. When explaining that he needed hearing aids, she made it sound so cool with all the gadgets he'd be able to get. Such as special plugs for TV and iPods. And there's a device that the school has to provide that is a microphone that the teacher wears and it feeds directly into the hearing aid. My son hasn't complained at all yet about having to wear them. Especially after she told him he could get special designs on them.....get this, her example.....a skull and crossbones


I'm slipping into the 'why me' mode this afternoon and that is not a place I want to be. I haven't had a chance yet to have a good cry, pour into the research or do anything productive. I had to get back to work after the appointment. I just feel that I'm going to crash and burn tonight but I need to stay positive for my son.

Monica: I know what it's like to feel the rug being pulled out from under you. Know you can vent here anytime. I will say prayers for you and your DS. Sending PD also because that can never hurt.

 

[captaincrash]

Although I have been reading your posts about this............It is interesting but too much math for me.

.

Thanks for the humoring remark...

.. I post this stuff in part because I am not 100% certain of anything with this solar thing. Maybe someone will offer a thought that gives rise to new info. I had a couple of really good suggestions and page links that increased my knowledge of the situation... for which I am thankful.

And litterially - this is just the calculator from a manufacturer. It gives me another opinion of what to expect and it is very conservative.... while the sellers are obviously aggressive (imaginative) in thier projections. I hope to realize something in between. Especially since the BP calculator does not perform a precise estimate - it is just a generalization of sorts.