Don't Procrastinate

Just because you have 60 days (or however many) doesn't mean you have to use them all. There's nothing worse than having something looming over your head; it puts a damper on everything else you're doing.

I spent last weekend producing a transcript for which I'd requested not only a 30-day extension, but an additional 30-day extension from the Court of Appeals. The notice of appeal came in right before Thanksgiving, and then there was not only that holiday, but the Christmas season as well (with the attendant company). By the time I could start working on it, I only had two weeks to produce. So I asked for an extension. Then because of my court scheduling, I realized that was going to need another.

Finally I buckled down and got the majority of the pages done and off to proofreaders (yes, that is plural) and produced the final pages with nary a day to spare. I feel so relieved. And exhausted. But now I don't have anything hanging over my head saying, "You should be working on me instead of (insert activity here)" anymore. There is nothing better than that feeling of accomplishment.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh. Now I may enjoy the spring weather in NC.

Be Careful What You Wish For.

My happiness in being nominated to the board has been tarnished. Because of my current method of reporting, my fitness is being called in to question. Additionally, there are questions about a so-called 'umbrella' organization.

Man. Now I'm being asked to make a decision on a hypothetical situation that may or may not occur.

NCRA is a stenographic reporting organization. I consider myself a stenographic reporter by training, and a voice writer through injury (but am good at both). The bylaws specifically state that the association is to focus on the advancement of steno reporting. How does one answer but to say, "I will follow the constitution and bylaws"? Unless and until they change, it's a moot point. Isn't it?

I'm not even sitting - and the election is in August - and it's starting already?
Apparently I live in interesting times.

Being Active

So this career field can cause a bit of spread, if you know what I mean. We sit all day doing our jobs and then we sit some more in front of a computer to produce our work. It's imperative to move around a bit. I will admit that I'm not much of an athlete. Strike that. I'm NOT an athlete at all. I'm a musician, but not even that much anymore.

You read my New Year's Resolutions - one was to work out four days a week (not doing too well with that, but I have had injuries/illness) and to take one class per semester. Well, I'm trying to get really focused. I'm healthy again. AND I registered for an eight-week dance class. Yes, I of the two left feet, have decided to learn how to line dance. First class was Tuesday, March 9. It was a lot of fun, and I don't think I did too poorly. Of course, next week will be the test.

The good news is I was out there, working up a sweat for over 90 minutes. I was moving. I was having fun. Find your fun, get out there, and move! Don't sit at your computer all day.

On being myself

I got an email today. The email congratulated me for being placed on the slate for the national association's board of directors. I had a nice interview with the nominating committee on Saturday up in the DC area. It only lasted an hour. It was pretty relaxed - more of a conversation than an interview, per se. The nice thing was I knew everyone in the room. Hopefully, that meant they knew me too.

My resume was sent in previously, as was a fairly comprehensive questionnaire. The conversation was pretty generic, but it made me think a little more clearly about where I stand about our profession. What I believe. What I see as our future in this ever-changing world of technology and declining budgets.

In other words, I grew. It felt really good, when our time was up, to realize that I hadn't been nervous. I had just been me. If the me that I am was what they wanted for the leadership of the association, then all well and good; if not, so be it. Either way, I was true to myself and learned a lot more about what I think about our profession.

To get the email today was humbling. It was an honor, too. To know that they had chosen me from a group of truly outstanding individuals was simply stunning. But challenging too. I wonder what they have in mind for me.

Please let me know how I can help YOU while I serve the membership and the reporting profession. I love my profession and my career. I want you to succeed as well.

It's going to be an interesting three years and I hope I can meet the challenges and live up to your expectations.