Voluntary deafness

I often have to marvel at how much I've changed over time.

When I did my homework, I was often able to do it with the TV on, or with a record playing in the background. I'd sit in front of the TV with a book in my hand, dipping into it, while listening to what was happening on the small screen.

These days, however, I sit and read without the aid of music or a radio or TV programme. In fact, not only do I sit so that I can hear what the neighbours might be doing, I often go to the bedroom to get my wax ear plugs and sit in complete and utter silence in my yellow room. Totally in my own head and focused on my book. For hours and hours.

When I was 14, that would have been the last thing I'd have predicted about my future life. How times change.