Immy: Hearing Aids - Part 2

So I went to the Hospital on Tuesday for my eyes (boo, but yay also as there was nothing wrong!). And, whilst I was there I thought I may as well get some batteries and tubes, since I was hanging around waiting for my lift. I went to the front desk - as we previously know not to go to Audiology anymore for these things! AND I took my red book, just to dodge any volunteers who refuse to give me any batteries, just because of a booklet.
Thank heavens I had my sister with me (as I couldn't see due to eye drops) who could see the batteries the lady gave me, and notice that they were the right ones. I took the ones in my handbag to my sister so that she could check and the lady looked confused, so I explained they were the ones that I purchased (the ones from boots - in the other passage) and she was surprised and asked where you get them and how much. I told her that they were £3.59 and she actually gasped and covered her mouth, which seemed a little dramatic    but she said that she never expected them to be so much. (but, really, a normal packet of AA batteries are just as much, if not more!) I gave her an overview of the story about how I wasn't able to get them and she said that you can get batteries from Audiology at anytime, despite the volunteers desk being closed!
I was never told that you could, but I suppose the only reason I really knew of that was because there was a nice woman who spent the time to take an interest in what I was asking. Also, she gave me 4 packets of batteries! (despite the lady next to her telling her that she should only give out two - but she completely disregarded it (YES!))
I also went to Audiology to get some tubes (as they don't have these at volunteer desk! good idea they had there, cos I then had to go to Audiology anyway!) and found out that the service at the local doctors is back, but only for 1 day a month, and only for 2 hours - still that can be a massive inconvenience but, at least there is a actual chance to receive some batteries!
So I am fairly pleased that my services have resumed - but again, I had to go digging! But, at least I know now.

Driving with the RAC by Eleanor

So, just had pretty much everyones nightmare happen. My car breaking down whilst at least an hour drive from home.
 Left Norwich last night, usual time, heading towards home. About 5 minutes into it and my dashboard lights turned off (meaning I couldn't see my mph, temp, petrol gauge etc) and completely panicked thinking the front lights had turned off too. Luckily after testing I could see they were still on (this is about 9pm in darkness on a dual carriageway!). However people behind me kept flashing me indicating something was wrong and I suspected my rear lights had turned themselves off too. A woman pulled up besides me at traffic lights and she looked at my front lights and looked extremely confused, giving me more suspicion that my rear lights weren't on.
 I pulled over at the first opportunity, a layby in the middle of the A47 dual carriageway. My suspicions were right and I wondered if I could get away with driving home with no lights on (pretty stupid thought, and probably would have upset quite a few people after they'd gone into the back of my car  not being able to see it!!).

 After considering all options, I did what anyone would do and called my mum. Mum was a tad busy so the next port of call was my grandad who I knew I wasn't that far from (about 15 minute drive away). He said the only thing he could do was come and find me and call the RAC. It is the hardest thing in the world to explain to someone where you are, when you don't know yourself! We must have spent about 10 minutes trying to work out where I was (I knew, but trying to explain it sounded different to where I actually was!).  I am not a very confident person on the phones but I can just about call my mum, and I am getting used to talking to my grandad - he is slightly hard of hearing too  (I suspect but not diagnosed so don't go telling him I said that!!) so we talk quite loudly and clearly to each other!! It was an instant relief to know that my grandad was coming, just to have some company on a busy A47, parked up behind some big scary lorries (which I suspect weren't empty..) in a broken car.

 When my grandad came (about 15-20 minutes later) and after having had all the possible lights on (front lights and hazard lights) just so he could see me I felt so much more comfortable and supported. I wasn't worried about anything, nor annoyed, nor frustrated... I didn't feel anything other than comfort and happiness that someone would do this for me :).
 After explaining to him that I didn't feel comfortable calling the RAC (thinking they only had a number to call rather than text) he did it, and thank gawd he did. Listening to him trying to explain where I was, the road names, the places... I'd still be stuck there now if it was down to me! They said they would be a maximum of 2 hours - they have to tell you the longest possible time they will be but hopefully before then.

 40 minutes later and the RAC man arrived!! We explained to him that I was hard of hearing. He was a mumbler, just my luck, but I had an awesome grandad that stepped in :) Turned out to be a blown fuse and after about 30 minutes of fiddling and trying a new bulb, taping wire etc he was done!
 I think it was difficult for the RAC man to know how to deal with me - he tried to talk to me a few times but I didn't really respond (out of not knowing what he was saying) and he'd turn to grandad to repeat it. It was really difficult, in the dark not being able to lipread what he was talking about and being too tired to keep explaining that I couldnt hear. Maybe it was a bit of laziness on my part but you hope after being told once you make the effort to remember/demonstrate understanding.

 I googled the RAC just now and it turns out they do have a mobile number to text, this would be extremely interesting for the future to use if I were ever stranded somewhere with no grandad nearby to help out. I must admit I didn't know about the text number and I'd never considered breaking down and needing their help. I've gone about 3 years without breaking down (minus one or two setbacks but family were around to help in those cases). Hopefully *touch wood* it will be another 3 years at least before another one...

 I am so grateful and blessed to have such an amazing grandad and I'm so relieved to get home. I love you grandad xxxxxx

Immy: "It's more a personal achievement rather than a significant one"

Hello there everyone!

I wanted to share something that means quite a lot to me personally. The quote for this post I have been saying actually to the people who I've been talking to about this particular news. As a person I'm quite private about the things that I do as I do worry how people will think (deep down) and I hate anything to backfire so I've kept things quiet till I at least know it's going to be successful - sadly I can't blame it on my hearing (haha) but only my self-esteem, but I feel this is a thing to be proud of at the moment.

For anyone who has been following this blog and read the posts that myself and Eleanor have been posting you'll have realised that we have been doing some film reviews as a side-line to our deaf problems (It's a little passion of ours as we LOVE the cinema!).
I did a review recently on The Hobbit - The Unexpected Journey (click here to read it) and it had quite a few hits on it for us, which I was very pleased about. (thank you for reading if you have!) And, I have this online Celebrity Gossip & Lifestyle Magazine that I read called 'Female First' - which I always read from, love everything on it and I follow it all the while (It's the inner girly blogger that's obsessed with it!) and they were asking for film reviews - so I spoke to Eleanor about it saying I was tempted to send one in.. and she told me to do it (pretty much as blunt as that!), so I nervously email the woman that we're suppose to send them to and did the finale of clicking 'send' - which was quite scary. I almost felt like a laughing stock by just doing it, (yes, I don't know either!) so, I just avoided my emails in the hope that the internet had actually lost it and pretended it didn't send, but it did.

However, I'm so glad I did, (well till the moment it said '1 unread inbox message: Lucy Walton. R.E: Movie Review - Imogene Reynolds.') but I read the short and very pleasant email that the lady sent back after nervously sending my review! Here was the email:

The Email does actually end with the postcode and the link to the Female First website. But that's not the point, the point is SHE ACTUALLY EMAILED ME BACK ON MY REVIEW. Yes, every time I think of it, it makes me want to cry. I don't even mind if she was being sarcastic - but, I'm just so pleased I took Eleanor's shove and done something which has pushed me further, and left me feeling pleased with myself! Also, I was thinking, " I do have more, many more reviews!" but I don't think i'm going to bombard the woman just yet with my crazy sense of happiness. I think it's happiness in the sense that, because I follow the Magazine and look at posts daily (and follow them on Twitter - (yup, i'm no stalker!!) that it probably would meanmore to me personally than anyone else. I don't expect anyone else to understand nor, really care - but I really do. And it does prove if you jump in and do something you don't feel comfortable with - it could be the best thing you ever do!

(Now my mother is encouraging me to go to University to do Creative Writing - Haha! Got to love her! ;))

Immy's Review: It's Complicated.

It’s Complicated

Directed: Nancy Meyers

Starring: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, Hunter Parrish, John Kasinski, Rita Wilson

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Stars: 4.8/5

(Warning – Contain Spoilers)

‘It’s complicated’ is exactly my type of film. A romantic comedy with fun-loving characters with a slight twist. The reviews with this one seem split 50/50, but it’s a Rom-Com so it’s exactly what we expect. I fell in love with the look of the film whilst I watched the trailer; it made me laugh and smile. Meryl Streep is fast becoming one of my favourite actresses, especially after her performance in ‘The Iron Lady’. (Read my review here)

It all begins with a rather confusing conversation where Jane’s (Meryl Streep) at party and talking to friends with her ex-husband (we weren’t to know yet) and they talk of a holiday some years ago, then in come walking her ex-husbands wife. Now one of the things I love in films is where the narrator is actually the thoughts of a person, in this case it was Jane. You almost immediately know it’s going to be an entertaining film when it’s narrated in this manner, simply because we think what we think – and nothing gets left out!

It’s a really nice film as it’s one that can be easily related to at whatever stage you’re at in life, it’s something you can imagine and where you can really feel for the characters.

So when her ex-husband is with a younger model with the perfect body she does feel a little flung to the side, (her face and narration said it all!) what with her youngest daughter leaving for college and left in a big house all by herself. But she has a successful business that she enjoys and she doesn’t mope – she has plans for her future. Everything about this film felt light, it was very pleasing and full of very big, dramatic, comical moments.

Jane busies herself with tasks like having an extension put onto her already big house and goes to a plastic surgeon which is highly hilarious but runs out after getting nothing done. Jane feels she’s at a time in her life where she can experiment and have fun. She’s free. She has a fantastic group of friends who are very supportive of her decisions and they’re very open and laugh about many silly things and scenarios. (It’s a girl group thing!) They tell her that she needs to date, before sharing and giggling over many sex jokes.

A funny thing about this film is that she always bumps into her ex, everywhere. The best thing to any Romantic Comedy is the chemistry between the main characters – without that it flops. Jane and Jake (Alec Baldwin) have amazing chemistry and are incredibly flirty for which is unusual to be with an ex, let alone an ex-husband. They meet at a bar one night in New York before their son’s graduation and they have a few glasses (bottles) of wine before they end up having sex. It’s a very strange concept when thinking about it during the film because you can understand it, yet at the same time you can’t. Simply because you think to yourself that they’re divorced. Now, there must have been something significant in the marriage to cause the divorce – and it hits you; life. Life happens and it gets in the way of what you probably felt for your partner in the very beginning and I think many people can relate to that situation.

They begin having an affair behind Jakes wife’s back – who he’s trying to have a baby with (just to make it more baffling). Meanwhile Jane is getting to enjoy the company of her Architect Adam (Steve Martin) who she also has fantastic chemistry with. So it is a hell of a twisted romance, but also, I could see how it might all happen.

Jake constantly keeps trying to crawl back to Jane which admittedly gets a little tiring, which I think ultimately pushes Jane towards Adam. Jane just feels like there’s unfinished business with Jake, what with them both sharing 3 children and a past. But, she wants something fresh and untainted – and that’s where Adam comes in. He’s a massive breath of fresh air after all the complications with Jake.

After realising that Jake isn’t what she really wants anymore, she falls into the arms of her beloved Architect, who is completely smitten with her, and the camera zooms out as to say ‘they all lived happily ever after’.

All in all it’s probably a very girly film, for a girly night in. But it was a very enjoyable watch and I’d definitely watch it again! I never feel a romantic comedy deserves a 5/5 simply as the storyline can become predictable. (However this one, I did wonder if at some point she’d end up with Jake) So really, it does have to be praised in the fact it didn’t quite end up how you’d imagine. 

Immy - *Rant* over Hearing Aid Batteries!

I'm sorry, most of you probably don't want to read a post full of moaning. However it's something as a Deaf person, I have to say as it's been getting under my skin!
My local Hospital is a good 6 miles away from my house and I have no transport, so I have to either rely on my parents giving me a lift or getting the bus at £4.10 a return - either way, it's a massive pain to get there. They did have a service where they had people from Audiology come round the villages for things like batteries, clean tubes and anything else you wanted to ask them about. But, last month they got rid of that service (yes, it was only 2 days a month and at the most awkward time, but you always made it so you could go) - due to the funding at the local Doctors. Now, I understand in a way why they may have dispose of that facility as there is probably very few people in the Norfolk villages that are Deaf or wear hearing aids, so if they needed to cut funding on something it may be that. Simply because they think 'well there is a Hospital you can go to' - but they just don't think about us small people who find that difficult!
But saying all that, going to the Hospital isn't that straight forward either as the last time I went up there they altered everything about how you can pick them up, where you can pick them up and well, I was annoyed I hadn't been told. Especially when you have a new system to pick them up! They've got it now so that you have to use a red booklet to collect anything from Audiology - only it's not at Audiology anymore it's at the front desk, where they've plonked volunteers at the desk who don't know nothing about what they're doing. I don't just say that out of being annoyed, they honestly don't know what they're doing.. I asked them (before I had the red booklet, or understood there was a red booklet (and wondering why I was never informed I needed a red booklet)) if I could have some orange batteries and was told "well, are you Deaf? Do you need them?" I tell them yes, as I am Deaf with two hearing aids.. but they looked at me disbelieving so I had to lift my hair up to reveal my aids (it was like I had to prove myself!), then I get asked "Do you have your red book?" I say I don't have a red book nor do I know of a red book needed.. and they point blank refused to give me any batteries. Now, I stood there thinking 'well would I honestly be standing here, asking for batteries, with hearing aids in.. if I didn't actually need them?' Now, would I? Why would I waste my time doing that? Why would anyone?
Anyhow, I got a red book eventually.. and I get A packet of batteries - 1 packet, of 6.. now, why? It'll only mean i'll have to go back in a months time, at my inconvenience (but, I need them to pretty much survive - so..) . I just don't understand why they have to make everything that much more difficult.

The reason that inspired me to do this piece was that on Saturday I had to go buy some batteries as they both went out at the same time. The Hospital 'couldn't cater to this facility' as it was the weekend.. so I had to result in going in Boots and getting some for £3.59 a pack! It seems a lot of money when you can normally have them for nothing.
but I suppose it's NFN. (Normal For Norfolk) - Eleanor Inspired!!

Can you relate to this? Have your Hospital got a new system on the receiving of hearing aid batteries? Do you need a red book? Or feel you have to prove you're Deaf to anyone? We'd love to hear your stories too!! :)

Imogene: I spotted with my little eye..

...Sign Language in a television advert!

Yes, I was very impressed to see an actual person signing in a TV advert in the middle of the day, like they've always done it! But, I actually have never seen someone signing on a TV advert? (Has anyone else and I've not spotted it at all?) I've seen it on the programmes (usually at 4 in the morning etc) but never adverts. Made me smile to see some deaf-awareness going on at prime TV time.
However, I don't need the sign language, but there will be very many that are extremely grateful to be able to understand the advert. I did find it extremely random as to why it'd be on a solicitors advert - but more to the point, it's something new and hopefully will spread!
Thank you world for finally accepting us!

(watch the advert here)

Modernising Kings Lynn - By Eleanor

 So, exciting news!
  After at least a year since my email to the Majestic Cinema, Kings Lynn asking them if they would consider putting subtitles on their screens and being promised that they would look into it, only for them to sell and new owners take over. Then after emailing the new owners and being told that subtitles are not possible with their projectors and only when they upgraded to digital (planned for 2013) would they be able to offer them...... They have finally said they are able to provide subtitled screenings and will be looking into providing them! Hooray!!

 I am so excited about this because it will mean so much less driving for me. I've had to drive an hour and a quarter to my nearest subtitled cinema, always re-arranging my life around the random times they are shown.

 To me it feels like an acceptance. The world is constantly changing, adapting to everyones needs. The majestic cinema can only accept wheelchair users in one screen at the moment because the building is listed and a lift cannot be added. With their new expansion they will be able to offer wheelchair access to more screens. With their digital screens they will be able to offer subtitles. This may also mean audio description for the blind too.

 Other cinemas have had these options for a long time already and its always felt like Kings Lynn has been one step behind. Last year we finally had a Primark arrive (which is still extremely popular), a multi-storey car park built and things that I can't think of at the moment!!

 Come on Kings Lynn, one more step and you'll have caught up with everywhere else :)

Immy's Review: The Iron Lady

The Iron Lady

Directed: Phyillida Lloyd

Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Iain Glen, Olivia Colman, Harry Lloyd

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Stars: 5/5

(Please be warned that there are Spoilers in this post)

I started this review like I have done any other review, reading the reviews. I have to say there is very little criticism on the film as a whole. I was surprised by this as there is always something negative, but honestly the only slight negative point was that it kept flicking between time lines – which left some confusion. Although, personally I think that’s the way the film was intended, to make us imagine the state of mind of Dementia.

I also watched the trailer before the film also, and I have to say, it seemed very eye-catching, but it wasn’t how I imagined it to be. I expected it to be more ‘real footage’.

The first scene was really dramatic. It showed the old Mrs Thatcher in a shop buying a pint of milk, in a frail manner walking to the counter and then walking back to her home. The music was very moving – it went very well with the scene. It then moved onto her sitting at the dining table eating her breakfast, talking to her husband. Here she seemed confident, (unlike the first scene) and sure of herself. After the scene her husband had disappeared and she was sitting at the table alone. Her husband was in fact dead. It appeared that she had two faces of her persona; she had her sure self, talking assertively and then the side of being scared and lonely, the reality.

The film in general was very touching as we can all only imagine how dementia affects a person, some of us have experienced this with a loved one and exactly, how horrible and disturbing it can be for them and for relatives. So, in all it gave a better understanding behind the illness, especially seeing that something so simple as a word or phrase can trigger back to the past – as for example in the film she’s getting ready for dinner with the company of friends and family, when she says “I prefer the company of men”. She hears laughter and it took her back to a time where she was ridiculed for being the only lady in her position.

In this film it showed us how she was teased most of her working life. She seemed as if she had a really good way with words and trying to speak her point – she wanted to make the world a better place, and she thought she knew best as she understood the difficulty of hard living in a middle-classed world. She had to work hard for everything she got, so her judgement became clouded as she became obsessed with everyone doing the same to achieve. She became very career driven and stubborn for people to hear her opinion and I think she lost sight of her colleagues and family – simply because she wanted to do right, in her mind, above everything else. She was a controller, she wanted to be in charge and questioned everything anyone spoke to her about – personally I think she was just head strong and became a mother, who wanted to do better for everyone, but eventually it seemed it got the better of her original quest, which was to make a better Britain. The power seemed to take over as she was in denial over the elections when another party challenged her for the position by saying “I am the Prime Minister” – when she was in her old state.

There were lots of emotional scenes in the film which got to me. It was just interesting to see the two sides of the one person, it was a film that showed that no matter what she seemed to have done wrong, she is still a person who got hurt, old and lived with the decisions she made. I think this came out more when she was watching her old home-tapes of the children and kept playing them over and over. Then to twist it again, she throws herself into denial over her husband talking to her – she doesn’t want to look like she’s loosing her mind. (With her career it wasn’t something she was able to do) She wanted to remain in charge of her life.

Through the film we also see how she lost so much when Britain hated on her for the Poll Tax and the problems over in the Falkland Islands and, well, so many other things. But, you have to admire how in the film she stood her ground for so long, that she ended up coming out on top – which it showed precisely how well she did her job. She was harsh, but honest to everyone for exactly what she stood for and no-one can knock her for that in the end.

For the final part of the film, we saw once again her attempting to get rid of her husbands’ clothes and finding an old memory box that belonged to him; inside there were cards from their children, leaflets from the elections and a photo of the family where she breaks down to tears and asks her husband if he was happy – I think this is where we see exactly how alone she felt at this time. It was her time to then say goodbye to the husband she’s been keeping alive for so long in her head and to finally let go of everything negative about her career. It was very sad and I spent most of the last scene sobbing – I could only imagine how it would feel to have to say goodbye to someone you have been with most of your life and loved. To the one person who has always stood by your side no matter what.

I really enjoyed this film; I gave it 5/5 simply as it was a moving story, and I have to say, one of the most heart breaking films I’ve seen. Mrs Thatcher was played by the exceptional Meryl Streep – an actress who has done her finest work doing this film. She’s always been one of my favourite actresses, especially since doing the hit Mammia Mia! She did nothing but shine in this tale – also, was shocking how much she actually looked like the real Mrs.T!

 All in all it was a very touching and made me sad – but also it inspired the fact, that no matter what your social standing, you can always come on top and achieve. From a daughter of a green-grocer to Prime Minister - no matter what your thoughts on her political standing, that’s admirable.

Madagascar 3: Eleanor's non-subtitled review.

Title: Madagascar 3: Europes Most Wanted
Directed: Eric Darnell, Conrad Vernon
Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, Andy Richter, Frances MdDomand, Bryan Cranston, Martin Short
Genre: Animation, PG

 OK so I will start with confessing that I had to go and see this without subtitles. My job
involves taking service users to where they want to go, and this particular service user wanted to see Madagascar 3. Previously I have taken service users to the cinema lots of times without subtitles and immediately regretted it. The last time I took a service user (before this time obviously!!) I made a mental note to stop taking anyone to non-subtitled films; I had been with a fidgety service user to see the awful, dragged out, worlds most non-deaf aware film ever called ‘The Lorax’. I’m sure the film was great if you had understood a word of what was said, but it was an animation so I could not lip-read, the Lorax was constantly in shadows with a young boy who had clearly not hit puberty and had the most inaudible voice for my hearing to detect. I can still remember how I felt during that film and it felt like it went on for hours, trying so hard not to fall asleep (which the fidgety service user definitely helped with).

 Anyway, this review will probably not be like my future reviews. This review, I would like to tell you what I understood of the film (so please, if you haven’t watched the film and intend to watch it DO NOT read any further! – SPOILERS!!).  

 OK so here we go.

1.    The crew (Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe and yes I googled that, didn’t know what they were called apart from Melman as I always think of him as Ross from Friends.) are all in Madagascar and the penguins leave for an adventure. Alex (the lion) thinks he hears them say they’re never coming back and has a dream that they are all old and still in Madagascar – not sure why that was relevant?

2.    I can’t remember how they get out of Madagascar and at this point am really confused because I thought they wanted to be in Madagascar and were loving it there.

3.    An evil woman pops into the story who treasures stuffed animals and really wants the lions head for her collection.

4.    The crew find a circus on a train and want to help them or work with them or something, the circus say no and then yes? And the crew get onboard the train.

5.    Monkeys get the deed for the circus (not sure why this is important either) and we learn why the circus failed previously – due to the Tiger trying to run through a small ring on fire and failing? Alex (the lion) helps get his confidence back and Tiger is able to do the act once again.

6.    The circus crew find a paper article about the animals missing from the zoo and are upset with the original crew because of some reason that I didn’t understand/hear – I thought that the crew were trying to get with the circus and enjoyed being with them?

7.    Evil woman still after the animals but the animals are tranquillised in front of the zoo (that the crew were originally trying to get too?) and the zoo keeper thinks that the evil woman is giving them back and gives her the reward (money).

8.    Evil woman rips up the cheque, she doesn’t want money, she wants the lion and attempts to shoot Alex but he is saved by the circus.

9.    I assume that the crew are happy to stay with the circus? And Marty starts to sing ‘I like to move it, move it’.

OK so that’s my understanding of the film. Because it was animated and largely relies on the animation side of things I was able to get a lot without dialogue. But there are so many things that I didn’t understand that could be solved with knowing the dialogue. It can be so frustrating only being able to laugh at the things I can visually see and missing the dialogue humour.

Although I didn’t enjoy not having subtitles I have always liked Madagascar films and my favourite part was the relationship between the circus bear and King Julien who falls instantly in love. It demonstrated that love is everywhere and it doesn’t matter how different two people are, what they look like, how old they are, if there’s a connection its right.

I also enjoyed the storyline about the Tiger, he got overconfident with the ring trick and when he failed he became grumpy and closed-minded. He lost hope, so the others around him (the circus) lost hope too. But with a bit of help he was able to do it again and become a brilliant act once more.

I feel unable to rate this film because I did not get all aspects of it and do not think it fair of me to judge it on what I have understood. I would say that it’s a brilliant film, the graphics were amazing (I watched it on 2D) and that my service user enjoyed it very much (although they were under the age of 8).

For those of you who are not deaf this will hopefully give you an insight to our world.

‘Getting to understand the world, through my son.’ By Immy.

I have a nearly 2 year old son, who is a massive inspiration in my life – he just does the most amazing things that I fall in admiration over. Since he was young, he’s always taken an interest in the ‘things-that-are-in-Mummy’s-ears’. Though I have notice he’s taking it all in more-so now as he’s learning new things. He’s learning that I’m a type 1 diabetic and take injections – he very often hand this to me and says ‘jection, mummy’. (Don’t worry, it has no needle actually attached to the pen, until you apply it, and I always take it off and discard it safely, immediately after use! (Just so no-one thinks I’m a terrible parent!))

Now, since he has been able to wander around my bedroom, poking his nose into everything laying around, he seems to have taken a huge interest in these two odd looking objects, very often sitting on my bedside cabinet on the side of my bed. My hearing aids.
I always find that as a parent, discovering the best and new things about your childs’ growth and intellect; is to watch them in secret. I do this very often and I always love the result!

So I do exactly this as I roll over in bed and have one eye closed, and I simply watch him pick up my hearing aid, with his dummy in his mouth, holding his favourite toy in one hand and he just stare intensely at the aid. He moves it around every so often, looks at the switches and ear mould, but doesn’t do anything to them, and then I watched him try and put it in his ear. It made me laugh to myself, because I can totally understand why he would try – It’s something that Mummy does and has. I do try and tell him about them by saying things like ‘Mummy, needs them to hear.’ and ‘Mummy, can’t hear things like you, so I have to put them in my ears so I can hear you talking.’ – He appears to understand by saying ‘Ooh’ back, or at least he’s pretending really well!

I know he’s trying to learn about them as when he stays at my mums or ‘Nanna’ he always looks in her ears when she picks him up. (I suppose it doesn’t help that she’s also a type 1 diabetic too – He must be thinking everyone who has injections must be deaf and wear hearing aids!) So, It is really amusing, but secretly I’m proud that he’s curious about them and noticing the little things.
It’s also amusing when we have cuddles and then my hearing aid whistle, because he gets up and looks at me and giggles, and then pokes me in the ear. Yep, he’s worked out they make noises occasionally!

 However I must admit, when I was pregnant, I did have fears that I wouldn’t understand his needs, or understand what he wanted from me when he spoke, (as many children mumble) or worried I wouldn’t hear him in the night if he cried, but my husband helped very much in that area, and we also brought a very visual baby monitor – which is still very much vital and has been a success. Despite these things what I didn’t realise is that you have a strong bond with your child and you grow up with them. It’s not just them learning and growing, it’s also us as parents too.

I have learnt what he’s trying to say to me, I knew by pointing at objects and simply getting to know him as a young boy, that he’s developing into. It’s nice to know, that my fears were nothing but silly, but for a Deaf person, hearing is difficult enough as it is without all the obstacles that seem to come our way. Saying this, I enjoy motherhood and even more my son. I’m just glad to know that it hasn’t affected our relationship, but added to it – I can’t wait to tell him more about them as he gets older and tell him how I hear the world.

Immy's Review: The Change-Up

 The Change-Up

Directed: David Dobkin

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Stars: 4/5

I started watching this film with a notepad, as I read that it was good to take notes during the movie. I found it slightly distracting as I couldn’t watch as intensely as I wanted (well, at Ryan Reynolds anyway... (Yes, a major crush!)) However, I found that after, it helped immeasurably, especially after all the hilarious moments I watched; I didn’t remember them as strongly as I had hoped afterwards.
I was given the chance to watch the theatrical version, or the Extended, Unrated version – I was guessing this had all the rude bits that weren’t in the cinema! So, I chose the extended version, simply as I wanted to watch everything that was being offered to me.

 I have been finding myself reading the online reviews before writing up my version of events. I want to be able to see how much I agree and disagree with others views – and for this film, I strongly disagree in some cases, yet agree in others. I shall let you all know which points they were. Also I always watch the Trailer before watching a film, as I sometimes find that the major interesting and funny moments that are portrayed in the trailer, can be the only 'funny' scenes which subsequently lets the film moral go down.

I have to say I loved the trailer and couldn't wait to watch it! (I am a sucker for any film that has a gorgeous man in and a belly full of chuckles on the way.)

I watched this film in the comfort of my own home, so it was all very relaxed – but sadly you don’t get the cinema effect. (hmph.) I put the subtitles on and let the film start rolling.

 The Change-Up was an easy film to follow, as are most romantic comedies, but I found it really worth the time to sit down and watch properly. It was simple to relate to in the fact that, it’s a real life plot, and it has real meaning under all the ridiculous laughs. We all have had moments where we have wished for someone else’s life because it seemed that life was better, but it’s due to not appreciating what you've got.

Dave is a father of a daughter and twins, married 18 years, has a successful job; but he yearns for a carefree life, like his best friend Mitch – who secretly wishes he could have the stability and security that Dave has in life.

It was something we can connect and identify with, so in that context it did make you think, but with all the hilarious moments, you do get lost in it and focus on the silly things that happen – because lets face it, what happens, wouldn’t really happen!

It’s a predictable storyline, and yes the plot is hardly the deepest one, but it’s a feel good and enjoyable film if you need some cheering up or something easy to chill down to. I do have to say I did agree with the critics that it was ‘the usual that you expect from a Rom-Com’. It basically wasn’t anything we haven’t all probably seen before. The familiar routine of this genre of film is that they all realise what they had before and wish they could get back to what they originally thought they didn’t want – but home’s safe in the end, for everyone.

I suppose really it’s quite difficult to do a review on a comedy as everyone’s taste is different, but I enjoyed it and had a good laugh at the silly events like when the baby did a poo in Dave’s face, simply because any parent will relate to how hard it can be to balance changing a child. Also, where ‘Dave’ realised how Mitch makes his money, by doing a ‘Lorno’ for a day a year – and being told to do various things to a lady, well, it had its humorous qualities, to say the least. So in another way after reading some reviews it did its purpose of being funny with some eye-candy thrown in, so that's okay, yes(?) I'll leave it for you to answer that question.

The film was given 4/5 stars simply because it was lacking that originality that you want from a film; we all want to see something different and have that feeling of ‘Wow, that was amazing, I have never seen nothing like that before.’ I didn't get it here, I’m afraid, but I highly recommend it if you’re up for hanging out with friends.

El's Review: The Hobbit - The Unexpected Journey

Title: The Hobbit – The Unexpected Journey

Directed: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, James Nesbitt, Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Sylvester McCoy

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Stars: 5/5

It begins with a thrilling backstory of a historical dwarf-city that is invaded by a dragon obsessed with gold. Enter Bilbo Baggins, or as we know better know him; Martin Freeman.

Everytime I see Martin Freeman I always think of him from ‘The Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy’, an image I cannot shake from my head of a man in his 30s wearing a dressing gown. He’s a great actor don’t get me wrong but I always find it hard to follow actors in different roles. To his credit, The Hobbit probably wouldn’t have worked without him.

If, like me, you are an avid LOTRO fan you will recognise some of the sights immediately, such as Rivendell, Moria, the stone giants, the orcs, the wargs etc etc. Many of the scenes were shot in the beautiful views of New Zealand which acted as the perfect backdrop for the film giving justice to the book itself. The combined sights and sounds (obvious dramatic music and upbeat catchy verses for the odd ‘just running around’ scenes) were set beautifully and have not degraded The Lord of the Rings in any way and made me want to revisit LOTR to experience some of that magic once again (Will be watching the trio within the next week or so!). The CGI was done extremely professionally that I did not notice all the areas that must have been done. The stone giants must have been largely CGI and the detail was astounding.

 Gandalf has always been a favourite characters of mine and in The Hobbit you get the chance to see him perhaps not so confidence and self-assured as he has been in LOTR which was brilliant to see, nothing better than finding the backstory of a character. Other familiar faces such as Elrond, Galadriel, Saruman and Gollum return and provide a constant and much needed link between The Hobbit and LOTR.

The scenes between Gollum and ‘Bagginses’ were beautiful to watch with the constant riddle torment and the obviously personal torment for Gollum/Smeargul ending in the clever ‘What have I got in my pocket’ scenario. We finally got to see why exactly Bilbo had the ring in the first place (setting the scene for the LOTR trio) and that he does know a little about the power of the ring. Although Bilbo plays a character that does not know much about much, this adventure is the making of him and quite predictably eventually shines, saving one of the vital characters and becoming a valuable member of the team.

The whole film was much more upbeat and light compared to the heavy action-filled LOTR. I have always loved LOTR and did enjoy The Hobbit just as much, if not more. The fascination of the ordinary Bilbo Baggins (yes, just plain ordinary) with attachment issues to his mother’s plates and determination not to change. Bilbo is set to embark on a life-changing adventure with a gentle shove from a friendly voice. The storyline provides us with a life lesson; new adventures and experiences are all around but they have to be embraced.

Admittedly a little disappointment and dread filled my heart when Bilbo spoke his last words ‘I think we are over the worst now’. Of course not, it’s a three parter.

Immy's Review: The Hobbit - The Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit – The Unexpected Journey

Directed: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, James Nesbitt, Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Sylvester McCoy

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Stars: 4.8/5

I begin with saying, that The Hobbit is a film for any fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The story is about a young Bilbo Baggins and his adventure with Dwarves to reclaim their homeland, Erebor.

Now I have never read the book, so unlike my husband I don’t know every fact there has ever been known to man about the story. Saying that, it seems that may be a blessing as many people I know have said it’s incredibly hard to follow. (However, I may give it a go, one day.)

Before writing my review, I looked around on the Internet at various other writers, everyone has an opinion - many very positive, but also a few being disappointed over the depth of the plot. 

After watching the Trailer, I did wonder if it’d be worth a watch as it did look pretty identical to The Lord of the Rings but, I am a big fan of The Lord of the Rings films; so after been given the chance to go to the cinema (with subtitles) it was all rather exciting. I felt as a deaf person, if I hadn’t viewed the film with subtitles I would never had understood the tale as well as I did. For a book that is supposedly difficult to follow, I found it surprisingly easy – this may have something to do with the rating and the clever breaking down of the intricate tale by directors and script writers, however I did find this film really heavy at times, (It definitely isn’t your film if you loose concentration easily or easily bored) as there were lots of information that you learnt that connected you back to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Which was fantastic – it made the whole story that much easier to relate and understand. I found the whole part of the Old Bilbo Baggins wasn’t easy to comprehend in the trilogy, as we didn’t know his involvement fully (unless you've read The Hobbit previously), so he simply came across as a grumpy old man who was infatuated with the ring. So going back to the start where Bilbo was kind and inspirational, made a lasting impression. It finally started making sense how you imagined he felt and why he grew into what became an obsessed character. It also became clear as to why the Elves and Dwarves didn’t get on, and the dark history between them.

There were times where there was lots of humour. (Yes, it wasn’t all doom and gloom, as you’d imagine.) The humour did come across in the first scenes, as young Bilbo was wandering around his house, reading maps, books, oh and not forgetting the constant smoking of his pipe! Also the scene's showing Gandalf's and Bilbo's relationship were worthy of a few chuckles. It became entertaining more-so when the Dwarves entered Bilbo’s home. There were lots of scenes that were very fairy-tale – the beautiful hills, mountains, the relaxed way of life in The Shire, and Rivendell. (But we see more of this in the Fellowship of the Ring.) However it did become very flippant in parts where it was light-hearted that suddenly turned sinister, like in the first scenes with the Dwarves, they were, happily singing, sitting around a large wooden table, eating and uproarious laughing. It gave the whole happy view of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves – yet it became very dark with deep singing as they are spread out in front of the fire. It was very eye and mind boggling saying the least.

Now, I have to say the thing that really stuck out to me was the graphics. They were amazing. I have seen so many films in my time but these were so bang up to date, that the creatures look so life like; you’d think they were real! I mean we’ve all been to a film where you can obviously see it’s been green screened and it’s totally out of tune with the background – but here, it was perfect. (Yes, I admit in several screen shots I was trying to pick out the CGI mishaps – but failed.) 

The thing I always find really fascinating about The Lord of the Rings films is how the buildings are all model built that are just upscale, I mean you don’t ever realise how good our technology is for our films today compared to 5 years ago, until you watch something like this. The make up and costume again is breathtaking as you know it’s all been done over years to such a high quality! I never know how they begin to start on a project that massive. It shows that with long and strategic planning, it really does make it all worthwhile.

The only thing that stopped me giving the film that 0.2 off the fifth star, was the length of the film – it felt like it went on forever (It really wasn't helped by the length of advert time there was!) and what with there being 2 other films to come, It does make you think if it’ll be over stretched, especially with The Hobbit being a reasonably average thickness book. But we’ll have to wait to watch the next one to see if that is the case.

In all, this film really impressed me after watching the Trailer and I’m pleased that it did and to be honest, I’m already looking forward to the second part, and the third.

It’s definitely an enjoyable and remarkable film to start 2013 off with – a truly memorable film!

428 words about me, Immy.

Hi, my name is Imogene, but people call me by various other names. I have a severe hearing loss, so am completely reliant on hearing aids, I don’t mind it so much as I've had it since a young age, and learnt the word patterns and have become a fluent lip-reader.

I really enjoy the experience of going to the cinema, I like the loud noises and the ‘around the whole room’ part – but I don’t like going to a non subtitled film. Don’t get me wrong, I've been to loads of films and have got parts of it – but I never come away truly satisfied, and to be honest feel stupid asking what happened after. I think people get the impression you’re not all together there and think you may be dumb, but that’s not the case – it’s usually the voicing of the characters wasn't clear enough or that they were looking away at the important moments that binds the film together.
Saying that though, I have gone with my other half many times and at funny parts where everyone is laughing, I’m sitting there like ‘huh?’ and I lean over and ask him and he always tells me what was funny – but again, I felt stupid for laughing 10 seconds after everyone else..

Then, one of my best friends (Eleanor), showed me a site about subtitled films and asked me along for one, and to be honest I’ve never gone to the cinema since without subtitles. I’ve been able to come out of the film understanding the plot – which to me was amazing. Who knew how much help, some words on a screen could be? So now, we just make a day trip to the cinema simply for the subtitles. What’s the point of going to a film and sitting there not understanding, wasting money on something that you gain nothing from?

I enjoy a massive range of films from Fantasy, Action, and Adventure to a hilarious Rom-Com. I have a massive thing at the moment on the Batman and Iron man side of the movies – Who doesn't like the idea of a hugely attractive man, who saves the world? I do!

So this blog is simply for your entertainment, all thoughts are our own and well we’ll be very blunt and say it how it is from a deaf and lady point of view. I can promise you some smiles along the way – as I’m sure we’ll have many laughs ourselves over our projects! Feel free to comment on anything and well, make yourself at home.

Ta-ra!

The beginning, by Eleanor

I’ve realised that I love going to the cinema when the films are subtitled. Too many times have I gone just to be a part of the social circle only to be sat full of regret, wasting 2/3 hours of my life not understanding a word that has been said. It has frustrated and annoyed, upset and depressed me. It can be quite a difficult process, being isolated from going to the cinema with friends because in all frankness it’s a waste of money and time to watch a film you will never understand until you have the good fortune to come across it on DVD or TV and the subtitled option is available.

 Even now I believe cinemas could do more for deaf users. My local cinema does not provide subtitles at all and I have to drive an hour and a quarter to my nearest subtitled cinema provider, re-arrange my life to be able to go at random times that is shown and find someone who can afford or wants to come (no I can’t go to the cinema on my own, it seems such as a waste when I have to drive so far anyway!). Even at the Odeon the trailers are not subtitled and yes I know they aren’t part of the film but if I really must have to sit through 5/6 constant trailers I’d quite like to know what they are about and maybe feel a part of the laughter from the row behind. It would also be nice to know generally what films to be watching out for and what might interest me to come again. Just because I cannot understand what they are saying, doesn’t mean I should miss out on the same information being given to everyone else?

It has been an absolute relief and joy to have a friend such as Immy to share my frustrations with. We feel the same about so many of the issues in life, not just at the cinema but in everyday life. I know that if I ever want to try a new experience with enticing deaf-awareness involved that Immy will be instantly by my side.

When eating Pizza Hut just a few days ago Immy felt that we should have somewhere that we could rant about these feelings and share with the outside world. You know Immy has a good idea when she starts with ‘I know it sounds gay but…’. And here we are.