FOR TODAY… January 22, 2010

Outside my window…

Icy rain falling, and slushy ice particles all over the ground and driveway. Hope everyone is careful out there today!

I am thinking…

… about the numerous families in our church that are hurting. Disease, sickness, unemployment and divorce are taking their toll on the families are our small church. So many hurting people! I don’t feel comfortable calling someone on the phone because of my hearing loss unless I know their voice very well. Instead, I try to send message of encouragement, but it seems woefully inadequate. I’m thinking and pondering if it even makes a difference? How can a note of “I love you” even begin to help heal the hurt in the life of a broken-hearted individual?

I am hearing…

… very little, but only because it’s quiet! My kids are still in bed, and hubby has left for work. The two “big dogs” are the only conscious beings with me right now! They are laying very quietly after wearing themselves out while outside this morning. Tyco is panting (because the heat is on inside obviously), and Chloe is stretched out at my feet. I can hear the clickity-clack of the ceiling fan above me, and a slight humming sound from the heat vent.

I am thankful for…

… my husband’s steady job. I know so many who are worried about current contracts, or are unemployed. It is a scary economy right now. I try not to let a day go by without telling God “thank you” for my husband’s current position!

I am wearing…

… blue jeans, gray sweatshirt, thick socks and hiking boots. Oh! And a gray turtleneck underneath my sweatshirt!

A Cochlear Implant…

… can be really fun to “dress up”. I call it “CI BLING”, and enjoy changing the colors out every month. It will be February soon, which means I’ll be changing my blue and silver for pink and red. Being very visible about my hearing loss has only served to be in my best interests!

I am remembering…

… my great-grandmother Webster. I came across an ASL video quiz that I made a couple of years ago which was for my “level 3” class. The video quiz was about my great-grandmother. A sweet centenarian, she was fairly active all the way up until she broke her hip that last time. I miss her. She was a no-nonsense, practical Christian.

I am going…

… to our homeschool co-op’s bi-monthly “Hang Time” tonight. The teens enjoy these get-togethers just hanging out, eating junk food and playing games. Since Chris is a senior, this is my last year to do these!

I need to…

… finish up the laundry. I only got about 1/2 of it done yesterday before work.

A disability is NOT…

… an end to life as you know it. I am able to do most of the things I use to enjoy. Those things I cannot do, I have learned to enjoy other things to take their place. Having a disability does not mean you aren’t “able”!

I am currently reading…

… “Our Sacred Honor” by William J. Bennett.

I am hoping…

… for snow believe it or not. Hey! If it’s going to be THIS cold (25 degrees), there should be snow to show for it!

From the kitchen…

… we are having chicken tacos tonight (soft-shell). I have chicken thawing out, and of course a can of refried beans for the picky-eater in our family. At least she fixes those beans by herself so that I can concentrate on the chicken!

Around the house…

… I need to remind Terry to take care of the sump pump. A plumber came out to look at it and said it just needed the pit cleaned. He “Googled” it wouldn’t you know, and needs to buy some “stuff” in order to follow the directions and take care of it. If I don’t keep reminding him, these “honey do” things tend to get forgotten.

One of my favorite things…

… is a bubble bath. The only thing is? I NEVER take one anymore. I mean? Who has time? I shower at night in order to avoid the rush in the morning with those who have to in the A.M., and by the time I get to the shower… I am TIRED. I just want to get it, shampoo, get clean, get dry and go to bed!

My husband…

… is like a little boy when it comes to “24”. He mentions lines from the last episode all week. I tolerate watch the show simply to humor him. Truth? Half the time I have no idea what is going on!

My daughter…

… has dived right into school. She seems to really enjoy her classes so far. She got her first “B” last semester, and is determined it not happen again. Me? I was happy with the occasional “C” for some of my classes!

My son…

… is such a social butterfly. He certainly enjoys being with people. He’s always been this way… even as a little squirt. Now he’s a 6′ 3″ “big squirt” and still loves being around people. Homeschooled first through twelfth grades, some may think he was isolated and alone. On the contrary, his life has always been full of people and activities.

My assistance dog…

… needs her vest washed. It takes awhile to dry, so I have to do it on a day we aren’t doing anything else. Maybe I can get to that after church on Sunday! (crosses fingers)

A picture to share from this week…

(My January CI BLING)

Denise Portis

© 2010 Personal Hearing Loss Journal