After my "rebirthday" celebration, I didn't get back on the practice wagon - instead, I kind of practiced haphazardly - despite knowing I'd signed up for the RVR. But I started back on January 1, 2024 - in a different kind of practice group. It's called "The 90-Day Testing Challenge" - meaning we practice daily AND we have to take at least one "test" style take and grade it.
Now, since my testing is all for realtime certification, I'm taking tests and NOT editing them - grading straight from the printer as if I had taken the certification test. Today was the first pass - I'm shooting for Q/A only as the RVR-M is only testimony (at 200 wpm).
To be fair, though, today's take was with open microphone, which I know I'm much more proficient with. But my equipment is packed for me upcoming travel week so I practiced with what I had - open mic. It felt good - and faster than the test speed.
I can say, though, that I wish I had had the word list ahead of time because instead of five syllables (Mr. Robertson) I could have said my two syllable USUAL witness honorific of "cupcake" throughout the take. Would've saved a LOT of breathwork!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! And another Monday. I'm still dragging with the time change so I'm starting later in the day than normal. But I'm excited to start a new week with so many projects, a trip to convention, some consulting gigs, some volunteering. I think that's what I love so much about what we do, y'all. Every day, every week, every month can be an adventure! Ain't it grand? (Now I just need to find time for a nap)
#stenographer #courtreporter #courtreporterlife #voicewriter #entrepreneurlife #smallbusiness #mishmash
You all know I love giving back... and I've been speaking at the local law school for many years now, sharing with the students who will be future litigators how they can work WITH court reporters to create a truly excellent record.
I love doing this - and if you have the chance, please consider doing it in your area. The "baby" lawyers appreciated it and the next generation of court reporters will too!
We all love rituals - girls nights, massages, regular workouts... but what about our working rituals?
Do you have any that ease you into your productivity? Perhaps alleviate any anxiety?
Our job as a stenographer (or captioners) is filled with stressors and if we can develop rituals for ourselves to help limit those stresses, think how healthy, happy, and productive we can become?!
It's that time of year: time to clear off the desk, file all the documents, and take stock of how you did. It's also the time to set some benchmarks for next year.
Merry Christmas to all.
Sometimes you just run out of time. If you don't use an "extension" as a crutch, it can be a really smart thing to do to help you manage a time crunch or overloaded responsibilities.
