Random late-night musings from a studied out college student

So I just finished a bunch of studying, and I get to go to bed so I can get up and do it all over again ( I have a physics test on Wednesday).

Just thought I'd post a few thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head lately.

First, some positives:
It's pretty cool to not be looking at someone who is talking, yet still be able to hear every last word. Jim (the guy who lives in the room next to me) was in my room the other night and it was really dark and I couldn't see his face too well, but with the combination of my implant and hearing aid, we were able to carry on an entire conversation. This never would have happened before my implant. Also, in church, I was actually able to bow my head and close my eyes and hear the prayer! Pretty cool!

Death Valley, on Miami's final drive of the game last Saturday, owned the title of "loudest place on earth" without question. You had to be there to hear it and believe it. I'm just thankful I still have my hearing after a game like that (and especially after the instability of my hearing from last semester...seems like I lost my hearing in every loud situation I was in). I wore an ear plug in my right ear, and was still able to hear the band and crowd noise with my implant (not to mention, I could FEEL the crowd noise!). The game itself, while a loss for the Tigers, was unquestionably the greatest football game I've ever seen. Definitely an Instant Classic, and one in which all Tiger fans can be proud of their team for standing toe to toe with one of the better teams in the country. Triple overtime...the Tigers played like the champions they become when they rub that rock and run down the hill.

I have a personal audio cable that I can connect my implant to audio devices, such as a laptop computer, an Ipod, or a stereo. I am using it right now, as it is plugged into my computer and playing the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Greatest Hits". The clarity of the sound is actually very good, which goes to show that my implant is definitely continuing to improve in the area of speech understanding. While I already knew many of the words to these songs, I'm actually hearing some words for the first time without having to look up the lyrics! I'm also excited that I can use Ipods now! Before, I couldn't, because I couldn't really use headphones that well, but this audio cable just plugs right into the back of my implant.

And then there's some negatives...

My balance is still an issue. While day to day activities don't bother me, I work hard, but I like to play harder...when I play sports, I defnitely notice an issue with my balance. It's hard for me to run across the field and look over my shoulder for an oncoming frisbee or football without losing my balance or stumbling or generally feeling a bit of dizziness. It's getting to be quite frustrating, and I'm noticing certain things (like catching a football or frisbee) have become much harder for me when they were not that hard before. I hope this gets better.

The magnetic coil, which comes in different strengths, is not quite strong enough for sports. When I run or play basketball (or anything in which my head is moving rapidly), the magnet falls off. Usually when the magnet falls off, the whole device goes with it and it falls to the ground. Fortunately, to prevent the behind the ear part from falling, I have an ear mold that I wear with the implant to keep it attached to my ear...but the ear mold does not do anything about the magnet. I'm currently waiting for a stronger magnet, which should be useful for when I play sports. Right now, my only solution is to wear a hat, because this applies some pressure to the magnet and keeps it to my head. I'm probably going to switch to wearing headbands soon...so you can refer to me as the D-Balla or something like that from now on...because I'm going gangsta.

Sorry about that last thing, it's late and my jokes aren't funny at night.

That's about all for now. I dislike not being able to post regularly, but I don't get much time around here to do so, so I'll keep updating when I get the chance!

Oh yeah, I got to see my family again this past weekend, as well as two weeks ago for the A&M game. It's always great to see Mom and Dad and 'Brother John' (lol, Mom).

Maybe I'll put some pictures up for your enjoyment, sometime! Here's a teaser...

Go Tigers...Beat the Eagles!