I've never been that good of a diarist. I can't tell you the number of little journals I've started, with all good intentions, only to flounder ten days, two weeks, a month into it.
Obviously, blogging is no different. That 18 months have passed since I posted is mind-boggling. That said, I share a great part of my life on Facebook, which allows me to interact with reporters and other friends on a daily basis. Doesn't mean I shouldn't do this too. I just haven't.
The past 18 months have been full of revelations and changes. I'm no longer ONLY scoping. I am working as a reporter/manager for my own firm with just a handful of excellent clients. I'm exhibiting at NC Bar Association events. I'm being asked to deliver presentations at regional and national training events. I reorganized my business into an LLC and am developing a new Web site. That's just the business side.
On the personal side, I've been working with an energy worker. I have been through a considerable purge here at the house. I've started to exercise for real - I competed in a triathlon last year and did the Disney 10K at Marathon Weekend just last month. Al and I celebrated 25 years of marriage last year.
All in all, it's been pretty fun the last 18 months. But I do need to blog more. I want to share more of my traveling court reporter stuff (Intersteno is in Budapest this year!) and my trainings in various locales (Deerfield Beach, FL, and Las Vegas!). There are always the trips in the new RV we got last year. And I've always thought I'd LIKE to be a travel writer, so, I really should get in the habit of it.
Next trip is Florida, this weekend. Maybe I'll post a picture from there, or even a blog post. It could happen.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Friday, June 28, 2013
Out of the comfort zone... and into another software!
When I left my employment with the State almost two years ago, I decided that I would restart my scoping business. Aside from using Eclipse software, I decided that I needed to add Case CATalyst to my repertoire. I bought it. I used it on a couple of assignments, but just couldn't muster the speed that I had already developed using my main software (which, in fairness, I've been on for over a decade and my fingers fly automatically to the correct keys).
So I let CC languish. I looked into selling it and transferring the license. In the end, it was cheaper just to keep paying the support fee.
Fast-forward to this week. I've been reaching out to folks for files on CC because my significant other is under five years away from retirement and HE is interested in scoping! People were watching that... and then a colleague reached out in need. She had a trip planned and didn't want to take her computer. Would I be willing to proof one day and scope another? Um...
I said yes. Dusted off the license. Grabbed the handbook. And hoped for the best. There were 200 pages to proofread and then another 200 to scope. I did all the pages. ALL of them. I'm thankful that the court reporter was willing to take me on and answer a lot of style questions and, more importantly, the issues of uploading and downloading said files appropriately. In the end, I finished all the pages and she's on a plane to a tropical locale.
Sometimes it takes a while for an idea to percolate to the top. Sometimes you just have to take the leap of faith and hope that someone ELSE's faith in YOU can bring you up.
I'm not by any means where I ought to be, but I can now say that if someone needs help on CC, I can do it! Still not in my comfort zone, but it's better than it was even 48 hours ago.
Challenge met!
So I let CC languish. I looked into selling it and transferring the license. In the end, it was cheaper just to keep paying the support fee.
Fast-forward to this week. I've been reaching out to folks for files on CC because my significant other is under five years away from retirement and HE is interested in scoping! People were watching that... and then a colleague reached out in need. She had a trip planned and didn't want to take her computer. Would I be willing to proof one day and scope another? Um...
I said yes. Dusted off the license. Grabbed the handbook. And hoped for the best. There were 200 pages to proofread and then another 200 to scope. I did all the pages. ALL of them. I'm thankful that the court reporter was willing to take me on and answer a lot of style questions and, more importantly, the issues of uploading and downloading said files appropriately. In the end, I finished all the pages and she's on a plane to a tropical locale.
Sometimes it takes a while for an idea to percolate to the top. Sometimes you just have to take the leap of faith and hope that someone ELSE's faith in YOU can bring you up.
I'm not by any means where I ought to be, but I can now say that if someone needs help on CC, I can do it! Still not in my comfort zone, but it's better than it was even 48 hours ago.
Challenge met!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
It's more than just a job...
Every year the states put together budget proposals. Every year we freelancers wait to see how the budget will affect the jobs of our official colleagues and, by extension us and the whole of our profession.
This year we heard that the NC senate had a provision in their budget to eliminate fully half of the complement of official reporters on staff in the state system. Additionally, they sought to (1) bring in contract employees and (2) add electronic recording in superior courts.
The officials were spurred to action - as were many of us on the freelance side. Letters were written, emails were sent, calls were made, and meetings were set up and attended. Passions were ignited!
While many people think that reporters in the courtroom are an unnecessary expense, anyone who has ever had a family member or loved one involved in a court case will probably say that the reporter's presence was comforting; certainly the fact that a person is there to ensure that the proceedings are taken down accurately THE FIRST TIME is very important.
Court reporters are human beings; yes, they cost money to employ, but the benefit to the system is not something to be sneered at. Reporters are hard-working individuals. They are highly skilled. They utilize up-to-date technology (ever hear of realtime?) and provide their own equipment. But most importantly, at least to my mind, they are impartial and they bring the human brain into the production of the record. A machine simply cannot do what a skilled reporter can.
Most reporters that I know LOVE what they do and don't consider what they do a "job." They consider it a profession, a career, a calling. We're passionate about what we do. And we strive to do the best we can. We know how important the written record is.
The officials aren't quite safe yet - though a grassroots effort got the officials' positions heard in the state House committee, and hopefully the compromise bill will not include any reductions in force.
I know I love what I do and I hope to continue to do it a long time; when you do what you love, it's not work.
This year we heard that the NC senate had a provision in their budget to eliminate fully half of the complement of official reporters on staff in the state system. Additionally, they sought to (1) bring in contract employees and (2) add electronic recording in superior courts.
The officials were spurred to action - as were many of us on the freelance side. Letters were written, emails were sent, calls were made, and meetings were set up and attended. Passions were ignited!
While many people think that reporters in the courtroom are an unnecessary expense, anyone who has ever had a family member or loved one involved in a court case will probably say that the reporter's presence was comforting; certainly the fact that a person is there to ensure that the proceedings are taken down accurately THE FIRST TIME is very important.
Court reporters are human beings; yes, they cost money to employ, but the benefit to the system is not something to be sneered at. Reporters are hard-working individuals. They are highly skilled. They utilize up-to-date technology (ever hear of realtime?) and provide their own equipment. But most importantly, at least to my mind, they are impartial and they bring the human brain into the production of the record. A machine simply cannot do what a skilled reporter can.
Most reporters that I know LOVE what they do and don't consider what they do a "job." They consider it a profession, a career, a calling. We're passionate about what we do. And we strive to do the best we can. We know how important the written record is.
The officials aren't quite safe yet - though a grassroots effort got the officials' positions heard in the state House committee, and hopefully the compromise bill will not include any reductions in force.
I know I love what I do and I hope to continue to do it a long time; when you do what you love, it's not work.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Becoming a Better Mentor
As you all know, I love mentoring. This profession has given so much to me that I believe it is only right that I pay it forward. I'm currently mentoring five students (FIVE!) and a few recent graduates as well. I love that my "babies" also become my friends and colleagues.
I've decide to step up my game a bit as a mentor. I'm going to take vocabulary words from my cases - whether it's reporting or proofreading - and develop a weekly list for my mentees. They can add the words to their dictionaries, look them up if they need to, and generally increase their knowledge base so they'll have an even better foundation once they are out in the world of reporting.
I've also thought about adding suggestions for brief forms and theory choices, homophones to be aware of. I do not consider myself to be THE expert on reporting, but I've done enough depositions, hearings, trials, etc, that I have a sound basis in vocabulary (and research thereof!) that I can pass on these things with confidence.
Hopefully the tidbits I share will assist the new reporters-to-be on their journey.
How are you paying it forward?
I've decide to step up my game a bit as a mentor. I'm going to take vocabulary words from my cases - whether it's reporting or proofreading - and develop a weekly list for my mentees. They can add the words to their dictionaries, look them up if they need to, and generally increase their knowledge base so they'll have an even better foundation once they are out in the world of reporting.
I've also thought about adding suggestions for brief forms and theory choices, homophones to be aware of. I do not consider myself to be THE expert on reporting, but I've done enough depositions, hearings, trials, etc, that I have a sound basis in vocabulary (and research thereof!) that I can pass on these things with confidence.
Hopefully the tidbits I share will assist the new reporters-to-be on their journey.
How are you paying it forward?
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
I love what I do. All of it. And you can love it too.
Take a deep breath, and then plunge in. The water's chilly at first, but there are life preservers and swimming coaches all around.
Please check out this link for information on careers in the court reporting and captioning field.
http://www.careersincourtreporting.com/
If you have any questions after wading in, let me know and I'll try to answer them; if I can't give you an answer, I'll direct you to someone who can.
Take a deep breath, and then plunge in. The water's chilly at first, but there are life preservers and swimming coaches all around.
Please check out this link for information on careers in the court reporting and captioning field.
http://www.careersincourtreporting.com/
If you have any questions after wading in, let me know and I'll try to answer them; if I can't give you an answer, I'll direct you to someone who can.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
What a difference a year makes
It's been a long time. I'm not excusing myself from not writing; I'm apologizing.
This time last year I was lamenting how quickly tax time approaches; this year I've already got all my tax documentation ready for the accountant, save my medical tallies. (Which were high last year - part of my reason for not writing; I had some issues that needed taking care of)
I'm moving along on with my desired path of scoping for my realtime court reporters. I have developed my business plan and implemented it in that I'm doing more daily copy scoping. Somehow, though, I've also added more reporting. This is a good thing. I'm really enjoying the variety of work. I'm training someone to take over the scoping for MY work that I report; I continue to scope for my reporting clients.
Add to the mix the mentoring that I so love to do. And the training that I need to do (and want to do).
I'm going to try to add the CLVS certificate to my arsenal to make myself more marketable for the international work; many of my reporters work with videographers on their international jobs. Wouldn't it be great to have a CLVS who was also a reporter and scopist along to help the reporters in the evenings? Yeah, I thought so too.
I'm working on making my home a little bit more livable. We've cleared out papers in the garage (450 pounds' worth have been shredded), added to our deck, and we're organizing and purging and decorating our abode.
That's what a busy reporter/scopist does. Gets caught up, sometimes, in the everyday and forgets to blog. I'll get back on the wagon. Have a GREAT Valentine's Day.
This time last year I was lamenting how quickly tax time approaches; this year I've already got all my tax documentation ready for the accountant, save my medical tallies. (Which were high last year - part of my reason for not writing; I had some issues that needed taking care of)
I'm moving along on with my desired path of scoping for my realtime court reporters. I have developed my business plan and implemented it in that I'm doing more daily copy scoping. Somehow, though, I've also added more reporting. This is a good thing. I'm really enjoying the variety of work. I'm training someone to take over the scoping for MY work that I report; I continue to scope for my reporting clients.
Add to the mix the mentoring that I so love to do. And the training that I need to do (and want to do).
I'm going to try to add the CLVS certificate to my arsenal to make myself more marketable for the international work; many of my reporters work with videographers on their international jobs. Wouldn't it be great to have a CLVS who was also a reporter and scopist along to help the reporters in the evenings? Yeah, I thought so too.
I'm working on making my home a little bit more livable. We've cleared out papers in the garage (450 pounds' worth have been shredded), added to our deck, and we're organizing and purging and decorating our abode.
That's what a busy reporter/scopist does. Gets caught up, sometimes, in the everyday and forgets to blog. I'll get back on the wagon. Have a GREAT Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Facebook-less.
I have had my Facebook account turned off for about five days now. In that time I've been tweeting, I've signed up for Foursquare (see what I mean about addictive personality?), and I updated my LinkedIn profile. I've also driven to an RV center to do a test-drive of the rig that my husband and I want to purchase. I've done all kinds of housework (purging). I've even made dinner.
But I really do miss my friends. I've had a couple contact me and ask what happened; some knew, and others were informed by a few close friends what's going on. I may - may - decide to log back in this weekend. I have a fantastic girls' weekend planned with some reporters from Ohio and Illinois, and I may need to post pictures, etc.
What I can say is that I was productive - though I didn't have quite the page volume to really say SHUT IT DOWN - and I did find things to distract myself when I needed a work break. I watched a movie with my husband and basically shared time with him that I might have spent listlessly reviewing my Facebook page.
Politics isn't going anywhere, nor is religion. But I have a sense that I'll be revamping my privacy sections a lot in the future. For now, I'll be offline, possibly checking in on Foursquare. And I'll be working on my backlog pages too.
But I really do miss my friends. I've had a couple contact me and ask what happened; some knew, and others were informed by a few close friends what's going on. I may - may - decide to log back in this weekend. I have a fantastic girls' weekend planned with some reporters from Ohio and Illinois, and I may need to post pictures, etc.
What I can say is that I was productive - though I didn't have quite the page volume to really say SHUT IT DOWN - and I did find things to distract myself when I needed a work break. I watched a movie with my husband and basically shared time with him that I might have spent listlessly reviewing my Facebook page.
Politics isn't going anywhere, nor is religion. But I have a sense that I'll be revamping my privacy sections a lot in the future. For now, I'll be offline, possibly checking in on Foursquare. And I'll be working on my backlog pages too.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Facebook and Work
I know many of us are now using social networks to keep connected with our family, friends, and colleagues. One of the things I've been learning about myself is that I LOVE to share. After cancer, you tend to really focus on the positives of life and try not to dwell on the negative. For me, I have enjoyed sharing my travels and my foodie adventures, quoting movies with friends and finding out who shares my quirky movie preferences, and even sharing some of my working life with friends and colleagues.
One of the OTHER things I've learned about myself is that I really believe in the old maxim about keeping your opinions about politics and religion private. It's not just that it really is a private thing, though I strongly believe this, it's also that if you are using social media, you never know how your friends will interpret your posts. Some people who may see your posts may have a differing opinion and may decide to take their work elsewhere, may end your friendly relationship. Is it worth it? I don't think so.
Then there's the third thing I've learned. I have an addictive personality. I love being on Facebook. I love seeing what my friends post and learning what's going on in their lives. Most of the time my Facebook page is open in the background and when I get to a break point in my work, I can escape and touch base with my friends.
After a day filled with political commentary that filled my wall, I decided to call a halt to my Facebook usage. I deactivated my account. I did it with little to no warning. It's been about 12 hours or so now, and I miss my friends. But I'm trying to think about the work that I need to get done, the things I can do AWAY from my computer (a bike ride? a deposition assignment? time out with my husband?) and I'm hoping that I can wean myself from my addiction. And get a lot more pages churned out.
One of the OTHER things I've learned about myself is that I really believe in the old maxim about keeping your opinions about politics and religion private. It's not just that it really is a private thing, though I strongly believe this, it's also that if you are using social media, you never know how your friends will interpret your posts. Some people who may see your posts may have a differing opinion and may decide to take their work elsewhere, may end your friendly relationship. Is it worth it? I don't think so.
Then there's the third thing I've learned. I have an addictive personality. I love being on Facebook. I love seeing what my friends post and learning what's going on in their lives. Most of the time my Facebook page is open in the background and when I get to a break point in my work, I can escape and touch base with my friends.
After a day filled with political commentary that filled my wall, I decided to call a halt to my Facebook usage. I deactivated my account. I did it with little to no warning. It's been about 12 hours or so now, and I miss my friends. But I'm trying to think about the work that I need to get done, the things I can do AWAY from my computer (a bike ride? a deposition assignment? time out with my husband?) and I'm hoping that I can wean myself from my addiction. And get a lot more pages churned out.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
To the Students
I was at the convention in Philadelphia earlier this summer (August) and was interviewed by Marc SSteno Greenberg for his documentary called a Year in the Life (of a court reporter) - he's following Mark Kislingbury and other intrepid reporters who are on the quest to master 450 words per minute and firmly plant themselves in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Marc had me sit down and do the interview in his suite and asked me to tell about my special story - you have heard it before, about the NC Innocence Inquiry Commission - and then to give a message to students.
Here is the message:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/VMg64pzC_60
Marc had me sit down and do the interview in his suite and asked me to tell about my special story - you have heard it before, about the NC Innocence Inquiry Commission - and then to give a message to students.
Here is the message:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/VMg64pzC_60
Friday, September 21, 2012
Oops, I did it again
I got caught up in my life again. I was going to try and do better, and I let myself (and you?) down. I'm human. Fallible. Distractible. (able?) SQUIRREL!
It's been an even more interesting summer than spring, but in a better way. We've figured out most of my health issues and taken care of them surgically. Of course now I'm on the other side of the surgery dealing with hot flashes, poor sleep, and Vitamin D insufficiency. As Gilda Radner used to say (as Roseann Roseannadanna) "It's always somethin'."
My recovery period was a full eight weeks, which culminated in a trip to the NCRA annual convention in Philadelphia. Had a good time - only did the social events - shared a room with three friends, ate at GREAT restaurants, explored a little, and got my 'mojo' back with regard to volunteering.
Dove right back in with my big workload (my clients were glad I was back, I guess) and I started to prep for the voice realtime test. Apparently, however, my prep was insufficient, as I did NOT pass the exam. Not only did I not pass, I actually did WORSE than I had the last time (w/out practicing?! How does THAT happen?).
The next test is in October. I've gotten my Dragon 12 upgrade. I've set a RealtimeCoach practice schedule. And I've got some depositions in which I can start to really practice in 'real' mode. I want this. it can be done - this I know; three people have passed the realtime test this year. This is a good sign. I wanna be one of the next group to do so.
So I'm back in the saddle with not only this project, but others: working with the professor at Campbell Law School to have a 90-minute class with his 3L students on making a good record and working with court reporters; committee work for NCRA and NVRA; travel plans; and just all-round living and keeping up with my friends.
First things first, though; gotta get my Vitamin D today, so I'm going to sit on my deck and edit for a few hours. One of the great benefits of my particular job within the profession.
I'll be better. I will. See you soon.
It's been an even more interesting summer than spring, but in a better way. We've figured out most of my health issues and taken care of them surgically. Of course now I'm on the other side of the surgery dealing with hot flashes, poor sleep, and Vitamin D insufficiency. As Gilda Radner used to say (as Roseann Roseannadanna) "It's always somethin'."
My recovery period was a full eight weeks, which culminated in a trip to the NCRA annual convention in Philadelphia. Had a good time - only did the social events - shared a room with three friends, ate at GREAT restaurants, explored a little, and got my 'mojo' back with regard to volunteering.
Dove right back in with my big workload (my clients were glad I was back, I guess) and I started to prep for the voice realtime test. Apparently, however, my prep was insufficient, as I did NOT pass the exam. Not only did I not pass, I actually did WORSE than I had the last time (w/out practicing?! How does THAT happen?).
The next test is in October. I've gotten my Dragon 12 upgrade. I've set a RealtimeCoach practice schedule. And I've got some depositions in which I can start to really practice in 'real' mode. I want this. it can be done - this I know; three people have passed the realtime test this year. This is a good sign. I wanna be one of the next group to do so.
So I'm back in the saddle with not only this project, but others: working with the professor at Campbell Law School to have a 90-minute class with his 3L students on making a good record and working with court reporters; committee work for NCRA and NVRA; travel plans; and just all-round living and keeping up with my friends.
First things first, though; gotta get my Vitamin D today, so I'm going to sit on my deck and edit for a few hours. One of the great benefits of my particular job within the profession.
I'll be better. I will. See you soon.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Exercise and the hidden Gotcha!
One of the other things that has been in the forefront of my mind has been the need to be more active. With that in mind (in January) I decided that I needed a little more accountability in my fitness regimen, so I decided to join the local gym/wellness center.
I've always been pretty healthy (except for that cancer thing a dozen years back) and don't go to the doctor very often. Sadly, because I DID have that cancer thing, the facility wouldn't accept me until I got a doctor's release. (Sometimes being honest can be a pain in the patootie) Off I went to my GP's office. There they said, "You haven't been here in three years; in order for him to release you, we'll have to do a full physical." I decided to try elsewhere. Called the oncologist. Their office said, "He released you to your GP four years ago; we can't do this for you." I knew I couldn't go to my GYN because, well, I'd been MIA from there for about 15 months. But I did make an appointment.
Ended up going to the GP and getting a physical. Wherein he said, "You could lose a little weight." Um, Yeah, dude, that's why I'm trying to get you to release me. *headdesk* "Oh," he said, "have your GYN do a urinalysis." Okay. Went to the girl doc and she says, "Yep, you do have blood in urine. And you'll need to get an ultrasound done because, hey, by the way, you have fibroids."
HOLD THE PHONE! This bloaty feeling isn't from JUST sitting at my desk, not exercising, and enjoying my food?! Nice.
I get a referral to a urologist (still had pesky blood). Turns out THAT is okay, just my "normal" - and whoever said I was, anyway? - but that the CT showed the measurements. And so did the ultrasound. Let's just say if someone is missing a football, I know where it is.
Needless to say, medical stuff doesn't just go like clockwork and all the above 'work' that I did ended up taking about three months. Blogging DEFINITELY wasn't on the top of my to-do list. Heck, I was all freaked out there for a little while because I didn't want that cancer thing to come back, you know? And with all the urology stuff, well, that bothered me.
The good news is that I'm going to have surgery on June 25 to rectify the situation. Of course, I'll be down for a couple of weeks and on some very interesting pain meds (probably no blogging then, either), but I'll have to deal with it. Wait... the Tour de France starts on June 30. Yeah, I'll be fine.
But the REALLY good news is, after I get all this done, I can actually GO TO THE GYM!
I've always been pretty healthy (except for that cancer thing a dozen years back) and don't go to the doctor very often. Sadly, because I DID have that cancer thing, the facility wouldn't accept me until I got a doctor's release. (Sometimes being honest can be a pain in the patootie) Off I went to my GP's office. There they said, "You haven't been here in three years; in order for him to release you, we'll have to do a full physical." I decided to try elsewhere. Called the oncologist. Their office said, "He released you to your GP four years ago; we can't do this for you." I knew I couldn't go to my GYN because, well, I'd been MIA from there for about 15 months. But I did make an appointment.
Ended up going to the GP and getting a physical. Wherein he said, "You could lose a little weight." Um, Yeah, dude, that's why I'm trying to get you to release me. *headdesk* "Oh," he said, "have your GYN do a urinalysis." Okay. Went to the girl doc and she says, "Yep, you do have blood in urine. And you'll need to get an ultrasound done because, hey, by the way, you have fibroids."
HOLD THE PHONE! This bloaty feeling isn't from JUST sitting at my desk, not exercising, and enjoying my food?! Nice.
I get a referral to a urologist (still had pesky blood). Turns out THAT is okay, just my "normal" - and whoever said I was, anyway? - but that the CT showed the measurements. And so did the ultrasound. Let's just say if someone is missing a football, I know where it is.
Needless to say, medical stuff doesn't just go like clockwork and all the above 'work' that I did ended up taking about three months. Blogging DEFINITELY wasn't on the top of my to-do list. Heck, I was all freaked out there for a little while because I didn't want that cancer thing to come back, you know? And with all the urology stuff, well, that bothered me.
The good news is that I'm going to have surgery on June 25 to rectify the situation. Of course, I'll be down for a couple of weeks and on some very interesting pain meds (probably no blogging then, either), but I'll have to deal with it. Wait... the Tour de France starts on June 30. Yeah, I'll be fine.
But the REALLY good news is, after I get all this done, I can actually GO TO THE GYM!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Connectivity and Hobbies
So I told you all that I'd try to get some posts together about what I've been up to these past four months. First off, the whole FUN stuff thing.
I've posted before about how working as a court reporter can be a very lonely thing; we're the only one of US in the room when we're working. We're alone when we edit our transcripts. When we are together, though, is convention and, increasingly, on the Internet. Facebook has been an incredible boon for the court reporters that I know. It's allowed us to keep in touch with reporters we usually only see once a year at convention. It's allowed us the ability to "meet" new reporter "friends" in Facebook groups (Court Reporters Vent Here, Encouraging Court Reporting Students, Punctuation for Court Reporters... the list is HUGE!) and develop THOSE new relationships.
I had a cyber meet-up with a reporter in California about two years ago. Not sure exactly how we ended up "friends" on FB, but we are. Then I started seeing her posts and she mine (I'm profligate in my posting... I just have WAY TOO MUCH FUN with my life, be it work, vacation, life stories, or just silly observations and have to share!). Turns out that her husband is a semi-pro cyclist. We were commenting a LOT on Tour de France happenings and cyclists. One thing led to another and she posted in the fall (or maybe early spring?) that the Tour of California was coming through her home town and if we wanted to see something up close, we should come visit her. Remember, we've NEVER MET IN PERSON. We accepted her invitation.
Who does that? Invites people they've never met into their home for four nights? Turns out the four of us were completely simpatico - they're foodies and like a nice wine, not to mention the bike thing. It was a GREAT four days that included a start at Crissy Field in San Francisco, a roadside view of a mountain stage in Danville (Mount Diablo), and a finish in Livermore. For my husband and me, it was a bucket-list experience. For them, I don't know, but...
Anyway. What I'm trying to say is that when you get out and MEET PEOPLE, whether in real life or online, you have a chance to find people who have similar interests and you can really expand your experiences. Don't let this "solitary" work type that we have make you a hermit. Get out and MEET your fellow reporters. Each of us has a passion or two (or more) outside of court reporting. Find those reporters who share your passions and develop an even stronger bond than the language of steno.
Don't be afraid to spread your wings on the Internet, be it in message boards, Facebook, or professional networking sites. You'll be amazed at the relationships that can develop.
I've posted before about how working as a court reporter can be a very lonely thing; we're the only one of US in the room when we're working. We're alone when we edit our transcripts. When we are together, though, is convention and, increasingly, on the Internet. Facebook has been an incredible boon for the court reporters that I know. It's allowed us to keep in touch with reporters we usually only see once a year at convention. It's allowed us the ability to "meet" new reporter "friends" in Facebook groups (Court Reporters Vent Here, Encouraging Court Reporting Students, Punctuation for Court Reporters... the list is HUGE!) and develop THOSE new relationships.
I had a cyber meet-up with a reporter in California about two years ago. Not sure exactly how we ended up "friends" on FB, but we are. Then I started seeing her posts and she mine (I'm profligate in my posting... I just have WAY TOO MUCH FUN with my life, be it work, vacation, life stories, or just silly observations and have to share!). Turns out that her husband is a semi-pro cyclist. We were commenting a LOT on Tour de France happenings and cyclists. One thing led to another and she posted in the fall (or maybe early spring?) that the Tour of California was coming through her home town and if we wanted to see something up close, we should come visit her. Remember, we've NEVER MET IN PERSON. We accepted her invitation.
Who does that? Invites people they've never met into their home for four nights? Turns out the four of us were completely simpatico - they're foodies and like a nice wine, not to mention the bike thing. It was a GREAT four days that included a start at Crissy Field in San Francisco, a roadside view of a mountain stage in Danville (Mount Diablo), and a finish in Livermore. For my husband and me, it was a bucket-list experience. For them, I don't know, but...
Anyway. What I'm trying to say is that when you get out and MEET PEOPLE, whether in real life or online, you have a chance to find people who have similar interests and you can really expand your experiences. Don't let this "solitary" work type that we have make you a hermit. Get out and MEET your fellow reporters. Each of us has a passion or two (or more) outside of court reporting. Find those reporters who share your passions and develop an even stronger bond than the language of steno.
Don't be afraid to spread your wings on the Internet, be it in message boards, Facebook, or professional networking sites. You'll be amazed at the relationships that can develop.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Time flies when you're...
So the saying goes that "time files when you're having fun." It's true, it certainly does. It also flies when you have a lot on your plate and very little time to sit back and relax (believe me, I wanted to!).
That said, I'm back. I've had interesting work and health issues going on for the past few months and I think we're about back on an even keel. I hope.
In a nutshell, here's what I've been up to:
No wonder I've not been around! Wow!
And on my plate now:
But I promise that I'll get back here more often.
And I'll also delve into each of the items above individually. It's definitely been a "life lesson" on several of them!
Until then... Happy Memorial Day and, if you're military or military family, THANK YOU.
That said, I'm back. I've had interesting work and health issues going on for the past few months and I think we're about back on an even keel. I hope.
In a nutshell, here's what I've been up to:
- Tried to join a health club, needed doctor's permission, which led to all kinds of doctor appointments and a surgery to come the end of June. But I did get the gym membership
- Got assigned a new "baby" reporter to mentor and got to meet her in Vegas for a training course and then see her again in her home state (California)
- Picked up another NC Innocence Inquiry Commission hearing to report/transcribe
- Scoped in daily copy several big cases
- Trained a friend on how to do what I do; trained a reporter on how to use the voice technology
- Supported a friend on a life-changing venture
- Did a training session for myself (in my favorite venue, Vegas)
- Had an actual vacation with my husband in San Francisco
No wonder I've not been around! Wow!
And on my plate now:
- Research into the Associate of Spanish Language program at Wake Tech
- Practicing for the realtime tests for voice and steno
- Continue to mentor the new reporter AND new scopist
- Have surgery and heal up well
- Plan for the next trips, wherever they may be
- Work on a sales pitch for a travel program (this is cool)
- Work with a deck builder on designing a lovely space for our backyard
But I promise that I'll get back here more often.
And I'll also delve into each of the items above individually. It's definitely been a "life lesson" on several of them!
Until then... Happy Memorial Day and, if you're military or military family, THANK YOU.
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Court Reporting Family
This is an AWESOME profession. Granted, it's a "niche" and "specialized" skill, and we court reporters are generally solitary in our workspaces, but when we need to, we come together just like a family.
This past weekend, one of our family lost her husband. She is currently in leadership ascendance and will become President of NCRA at the next annual meeting. Her husband was a fixture at all of our meetings, a true GOOD MAN and one with a smile and hug for all. He never met a stranger. During the two weeks leading up to his departure from this plane, we got daily updates, sent prayers, and generally sat vigil with her from our faraway desks. This week, many of our family will be with her as she farewells him at his memorial service. The love that has been evident is astounding. And humbling.
So even though we may be a little dysfunctional at times (what family isn't?), we seem to know how to pull together when one of our own needs our support and love. I don't know a lot about other professions, but I'm damned proud to be a part of this one.
Godspeed, Richard "Bear" Smith. Rest assured that your beloved "Cubbie" is being watched over by her family.
Say "I love you" to those you love every day. No matter what.
This past weekend, one of our family lost her husband. She is currently in leadership ascendance and will become President of NCRA at the next annual meeting. Her husband was a fixture at all of our meetings, a true GOOD MAN and one with a smile and hug for all. He never met a stranger. During the two weeks leading up to his departure from this plane, we got daily updates, sent prayers, and generally sat vigil with her from our faraway desks. This week, many of our family will be with her as she farewells him at his memorial service. The love that has been evident is astounding. And humbling.
So even though we may be a little dysfunctional at times (what family isn't?), we seem to know how to pull together when one of our own needs our support and love. I don't know a lot about other professions, but I'm damned proud to be a part of this one.
Godspeed, Richard "Bear" Smith. Rest assured that your beloved "Cubbie" is being watched over by her family.
Say "I love you" to those you love every day. No matter what.
Friday, January 27, 2012
On Administrivia
As working reporters, we sometimes get bogged down in the daily work of reporting and producing pages. But there's more to a business than the actual WORK. There's the little thing called paperwork. Most of us hate it. I challenge you to look at your desk right now. How big is the pile of bills to be paid, invoices to be filed/mailed, etc?
The thing is, the paperwork - or administrivia as I like to call it - is VITALLY IMPORTANT to the success with your business. Rather, keeping UP with it is. Bills have to be paid timely every month to keep your credit score healthy. Invoices have to be produced and mailed, and collected (which is often the hardest part) in order for your business to have a healthy cash flow.
I've made a date with myself. Every Friday morning I sit down and clear off my desk and file things, get things ready for the post, and just generally review what's on my plate to be sure nothing falls through the cracks. I can't guarantee that it works 100 percent, because I might forget to write something down to begin with, but it's a good habit to get into and I think it makes my brain and heart rest a little easier over the weekend if I know I've done all that needed to be done and hit the post office with what needed to go before the close of the week.
Even though you hate it, try to make a date with yourself to keep current on your operating minutiae. You'll be glad you did (and so will your accountant!).
The thing is, the paperwork - or administrivia as I like to call it - is VITALLY IMPORTANT to the success with your business. Rather, keeping UP with it is. Bills have to be paid timely every month to keep your credit score healthy. Invoices have to be produced and mailed, and collected (which is often the hardest part) in order for your business to have a healthy cash flow.
I've made a date with myself. Every Friday morning I sit down and clear off my desk and file things, get things ready for the post, and just generally review what's on my plate to be sure nothing falls through the cracks. I can't guarantee that it works 100 percent, because I might forget to write something down to begin with, but it's a good habit to get into and I think it makes my brain and heart rest a little easier over the weekend if I know I've done all that needed to be done and hit the post office with what needed to go before the close of the week.
Even though you hate it, try to make a date with yourself to keep current on your operating minutiae. You'll be glad you did (and so will your accountant!).
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
1099 Time... Again
How does January 31 sneak up so quickly on me every year?
I mean, really. Before Christmas I got all - and I do mean all - my personal bills in envelopes, tallied, and ready for just the last bills. My BUSINESS stuff, well, not so much. There's a pile there waiting to be filed. And, of course, miscellaneous income 1099s and the business personal property tax filings are due 1/31 and 2/1, respectively. Oh, my.
And, inevitably, my week before the due date is chock-full of work. Daily copy stuff, regular transcription, my own reporting. Somehow I will find a way to file all this stuff, run the reports, confirm my ownership of stuff. But, really, couldn't we just wait until February 15th? Is it too much to ask?
*sigh*
I mean, really. Before Christmas I got all - and I do mean all - my personal bills in envelopes, tallied, and ready for just the last bills. My BUSINESS stuff, well, not so much. There's a pile there waiting to be filed. And, of course, miscellaneous income 1099s and the business personal property tax filings are due 1/31 and 2/1, respectively. Oh, my.
And, inevitably, my week before the due date is chock-full of work. Daily copy stuff, regular transcription, my own reporting. Somehow I will find a way to file all this stuff, run the reports, confirm my ownership of stuff. But, really, couldn't we just wait until February 15th? Is it too much to ask?
*sigh*
Monday, January 23, 2012
Getting back in the swing...
The last post had to do with freelancing and the freedom we have. So much freedom do I have that I took FOUR WEEKS off. And now, for the past week, I'm trying to get back to 'normal' for me.
The cash flow is off, of course, but so is my body clock. I had to let everyone know I'm back and ready to work. Had to do all the little things that didn't get done while I was gone (my list is nowhere near finished, either) and get my paperwork back in order (hello, tax time!).
But I hit the ground running! Took a dep on Friday, picked up two rush scope jobs, accepted two more dep dates from different attorneys (woo-hoo!) and scheduled all of this week. The 1099s aren't done yet. Neither is the one transcript that I need to get out. (Lucky me, my client knew I'd be gone for a long time and wasn't in a rush for it; but it's going out today; colleagues, don't do this - it was DEFINITELY a special situation and a superspecial client.)
I'm glad to be home, sleeping in my own bed, working at my desk and not my mother's kitchen table in the RV. Glad to have my stuff around me and my crazy life back. There is no normal in a freelancer's life, but there certainly is familiar. And the time off really does make you appreciate your freedom. Back to work!
Happy freelancing.
The cash flow is off, of course, but so is my body clock. I had to let everyone know I'm back and ready to work. Had to do all the little things that didn't get done while I was gone (my list is nowhere near finished, either) and get my paperwork back in order (hello, tax time!).
But I hit the ground running! Took a dep on Friday, picked up two rush scope jobs, accepted two more dep dates from different attorneys (woo-hoo!) and scheduled all of this week. The 1099s aren't done yet. Neither is the one transcript that I need to get out. (Lucky me, my client knew I'd be gone for a long time and wasn't in a rush for it; but it's going out today; colleagues, don't do this - it was DEFINITELY a special situation and a superspecial client.)
I'm glad to be home, sleeping in my own bed, working at my desk and not my mother's kitchen table in the RV. Glad to have my stuff around me and my crazy life back. There is no normal in a freelancer's life, but there certainly is familiar. And the time off really does make you appreciate your freedom. Back to work!
Happy freelancing.
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Freelance Life
Being a freelancer gives you, well, freedom. It's been a wonderful "holiday" season - I've had a few transcripts to get out, but I've been having a lovely time visiting with family and friends. Yes, I would have been able to take time off had I been working a full-time job (say, with the State), but I didn't have anywhere near the time I've taken already (since 12/23) and that I have yet to take (perhaps until the 18th?). The liberation I am feeling is awesome!
Of course, my cash flow for February will probably take a bit of a hit, but how do you quantify the quality of life?
I'm looking forward to getting back to work - eventually. In the meantime, I love the ability to do my editing on a netbook computer with a WiFi connection, and the ability to finalize transcripts on the Web.
Happy Freelancing!
Of course, my cash flow for February will probably take a bit of a hit, but how do you quantify the quality of life?
I'm looking forward to getting back to work - eventually. In the meantime, I love the ability to do my editing on a netbook computer with a WiFi connection, and the ability to finalize transcripts on the Web.
Happy Freelancing!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Welcome 2012
Two years ago I set down a few of my "resolutions" for the year. Like most people, I didn't achieve them. I'm not really sure why. Were they unattainable? Did I not make out a good plan? Were they more like dreams than actual goals? Not sure. So this year I resolved to not make any New Year's Resolutions.
Instead, I have decided to look at the direction my life and my career is taking and evaluate if it is still the direction I wish to continue in. What pieces of my old life can I shed? What facets of my career no longer serve? What goals do I see that I can attain and what are the steps to take to do so? What are the things I'd like to do, just for me?
So here they are, in a nutshell.
I'll still be a court reporter for my clients, but I'm not going to be the whirling dervish I have been in the past, working for different agencies all over the place. I'm going to continue to work in my scoping business, but I'm going to develop a daily-copy client base (based on the west coast would be awesome, especially since we know I'm not a morning person). I'm going to make myself available to travel with my daily copy reporter(s) - esp. if they need to go overseas! I have my passport, it's current, and I'm so willing to see new places! I'm going to train a couple of new scopists so that my client base doesn't have to feel left in the lurch. I'm going to LEARN how to use the other software that I purchased so that I can be as proficient on it as I am on my main software program. Oh, that just makes me more versatile.
I'm going to, along with my spouse, clean out the clutter - from our garage, from our closets, from our kitchen cabinets - and really focus on the important stuff.
The lifestyle changes I started at the tail end of 2011 will continue, I hope. Better eating habits, more exercise (I really am enjoying the yoga), more local stuff, and hanging out with friends.
It won't be horrible if none of these come to pass, but I'm not as daunted by these as I was by the others (giving myself a deadline to take a test and pass? Sure way for it NOT to happen).
I hope your resolutions/challenges/promises/changes, whatever, are meaningful to you and that you succeed in the direction in which they point you.
Instead, I have decided to look at the direction my life and my career is taking and evaluate if it is still the direction I wish to continue in. What pieces of my old life can I shed? What facets of my career no longer serve? What goals do I see that I can attain and what are the steps to take to do so? What are the things I'd like to do, just for me?
So here they are, in a nutshell.
I'll still be a court reporter for my clients, but I'm not going to be the whirling dervish I have been in the past, working for different agencies all over the place. I'm going to continue to work in my scoping business, but I'm going to develop a daily-copy client base (based on the west coast would be awesome, especially since we know I'm not a morning person). I'm going to make myself available to travel with my daily copy reporter(s) - esp. if they need to go overseas! I have my passport, it's current, and I'm so willing to see new places! I'm going to train a couple of new scopists so that my client base doesn't have to feel left in the lurch. I'm going to LEARN how to use the other software that I purchased so that I can be as proficient on it as I am on my main software program. Oh, that just makes me more versatile.
I'm going to, along with my spouse, clean out the clutter - from our garage, from our closets, from our kitchen cabinets - and really focus on the important stuff.
The lifestyle changes I started at the tail end of 2011 will continue, I hope. Better eating habits, more exercise (I really am enjoying the yoga), more local stuff, and hanging out with friends.
It won't be horrible if none of these come to pass, but I'm not as daunted by these as I was by the others (giving myself a deadline to take a test and pass? Sure way for it NOT to happen).
I hope your resolutions/challenges/promises/changes, whatever, are meaningful to you and that you succeed in the direction in which they point you.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Hannukah, Winter Solstice, Christmas...
What a wonderfully hectic time of year. For us court reporters, it usually means a mad rush to get transcripts out - and usually they're expedited - before we can get our houses decorated, our shopping started, and our baking done. The four/five weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with all kinds of wonderful parties, musical events, pageants, and the like.
Our normal hustle and bustle gets "hustlier and bustlier" and we type A personalities thrive on this. Your court reporter friends are running full tilt and getting EVERYTHING done (and you probably cannot believe how we do it). And we're exhausted. But loving every minute of it. You see, we thrive on the challenge and the fast pace of life.
During the run-up to Christmas (or Hannukah or Solstice, whichever you celebrate) we're getting all our ducks in a row so that we can actually STOP. For a couple of days. Or even a week, if we're really lucky.
We know how important our time with family is and we relish it. After spending hours listening to domestic cases, criminal cases that break our hearts, and sometimes civil cases that numb our brains, we relish the time to just be. It recharges us. It gives us the incentive to work hard; we know that when we do stop work for a little while, we can PLAY hard.
So come Saturday evening, I know I'll be singing Christmas carols. Sunday morning we'll have a fabulous Christmas breakfast and a lovely time opening presents, and later on we'll attend a potluck with the other snowbirds at Mom's RV park. But mostly, we'll all enjoy the chance to just stop and BE.
I wish you all a lovely holiday, whichever you celebrate, and I hope that you enjoy all of your down time with family. Truly, this season affords us the opportunity to slow down and be with the people who mean the most to us. Joy to the World.
Our normal hustle and bustle gets "hustlier and bustlier" and we type A personalities thrive on this. Your court reporter friends are running full tilt and getting EVERYTHING done (and you probably cannot believe how we do it). And we're exhausted. But loving every minute of it. You see, we thrive on the challenge and the fast pace of life.
During the run-up to Christmas (or Hannukah or Solstice, whichever you celebrate) we're getting all our ducks in a row so that we can actually STOP. For a couple of days. Or even a week, if we're really lucky.
We know how important our time with family is and we relish it. After spending hours listening to domestic cases, criminal cases that break our hearts, and sometimes civil cases that numb our brains, we relish the time to just be. It recharges us. It gives us the incentive to work hard; we know that when we do stop work for a little while, we can PLAY hard.
So come Saturday evening, I know I'll be singing Christmas carols. Sunday morning we'll have a fabulous Christmas breakfast and a lovely time opening presents, and later on we'll attend a potluck with the other snowbirds at Mom's RV park. But mostly, we'll all enjoy the chance to just stop and BE.
I wish you all a lovely holiday, whichever you celebrate, and I hope that you enjoy all of your down time with family. Truly, this season affords us the opportunity to slow down and be with the people who mean the most to us. Joy to the World.
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