New Blog Started

I started my new blog and will be abandoning this one. This one didn't have a whole lot of focus, but more on just random thoughts. This new blog, which is called Nev'a-After Theory, will be focusing more on how to live a healthier lifestyle as a court reporting student. I've been really neglecting my health, since I was so focused on theory, so I'm going to start posting what I'm doing to improve my well being and strength. Being a court reporter requires a very healthy body and lifestyle. Not focusing on keeping your arms strong, and good posture, is how people get carpal tunnel and have to drop out. I'll also be focusing on my practice techniques and updates on how my speed building is going. 

I hope those who are following me will also head to my new blog, but if not I understand. I moved my dictation and flashcard sets over there though, and if you want to stay up-to-date on them you may want to head over there. Besides, my new blog looks way cooler. I really put in some effort to make it look more me. Its lovely and unique, at least I think.

See you there! (Clicky)

Thinking of starting a new blog.

So I'm finally out of theory, which was about a 6 month course, and I'm looking forward to about 2-3 years of speed building and studying for the CSR and RPR. I've been trying to find ways to avoid burning myself out. A lot of my family members, none of them court reporters, are concerned about perhaps I'm studying too hard. I'm figuring I need to find new ways to study without being on the machine all the time. I get told my machine is becoming more of an extension of my arm because I take it with me everywhere.

After watching this video (click here) on MSN I decided I wanted to start a new blog with a totally new system of not only building speed, but also building a bit more of self-confidence in myself and my abilities. I also need to work on strengthening my wrists, because during takes I don't feel pain but the aftereffects of writing a lot, and perhaps pressing too hard on the machine buttons are starting to get to me.

I'll probably keel over and die though before giving up. I really love everything that has to do with my machine, I just need to avoid burning myself out. That video mentions five ways of preventing burnout, and I think it applies to us too.

"You know how good it feels when you devote your energy to the things you care about, but in order to keep doing everything that matters to you its essential that you care for yourself first." ~ Anna Lappe

"The first key is recognition: Check in with your body. How are you feeling? How is your stomach, are there butterflies? How is your anxiety level, do you feel peaceful? If you say no, that you're off the edge, you better do something about it right away. The first step is to check your priorities. Are you giving away time to things that don't matter? Have you left time for things that are important?" ~ Joan Borysenko

"The second thing is friendship. Most of the data on stress reduction shows that we are the medicine for each other...or pets. I've got a couple of dogs even when friends are no where to be found if I pet them those dogs my brain hormones change and the stress level goes down." ~ Joan Borysenko

"...The third thing, its gratitude! Can you imagine if you just got up in the morning and list five things you're grateful for, or before bed you think of one thing you're grateful for that you never really thought much about before. It actually reduces your stress, it improves your immune function, and it makes you more motivated for success. ~ Joan Borysenko

"Centering and Meditation is very important for preventing burnout. Whether you sit and meditate, or do yoga or Qi Gong, it brings you into the present moment so you can let go of fear and worry." ~ Joan Borysenko

"Diet and Exercise, you have to eat right and exercise. Nine servings of fruits and vegetables, and lots of whole grains, will change your body chemistry and put you in a much better mood. And exercise is practically a <unknown>, I can tell you that the Joan who goes out for a bike ride, and the woman who comes back are two totally different people. All my cares disappear." ~ Joan Borysenko

I think these are good keys for success, so I'm going to start a new court reporting student blog based on these keys soon enough. I think they're good hints for getting up there. Who knows, that could also be a key to finally writing a book like I've dreamed of doing. 

Last Full Day of Theory

Here it is, the day that everyon- I'VE been waiting for! This is my last full day of theory. We're doing a quiz on the last two chapters and probably going to go over review and everything. I'm leaving theory at 80 WPM takes (I have 2 more 80's to go), which is higher than the 50 WPM that we're supposed to graduate at. So basically I'm ahead of the game when it comes to what the class expects from you.

I'll also announce what writer I ended up getting. Theres a lot of hints, especially after the Diamate Tripod topic. I ended up getting the Wave afterall and I absolutely love it. The touch is just perfect, I love the tilting feature, and it was in my price range. I also have, in the next three years, a trade in ammount for if I want to go to the Diamante. No, this is not a welcoming for you to question this decision though. I already have a paper writer, I didn't need another. I did my research and I'm completely content.

I get a week off before I start going into 60-80, which I'm already ahead of the game on. I'll probably be in there for perhaps a week before I go to the next speed class. It'll give me enough time to get used to the new system we'll be going into.

I'm hecka exited. I'll finally be doing official speeds and be able to practice more, since I'm going to be dedicating all my time strictly to my court reporting classes.

Going Absolutely Bonkers Here

Posted on: Depoman -> Arrrrggghh!!! -> Going Absolutely Bonkers

So today is the big day that I'm supposed to get my own realtime machine and Case Catalyst Software. My own; I'll be doing my own realtime practice outside of school on the fantastic Case Catalyst 12, not Case Catalyst 4 from our campus, for the first time. I know its gonna be a while to set things up like installing the software and charging the battery for it, but ugg, I so want to get it over with so I can start learning how to use it. Its only an hour away from where I alive, according to the tracking.

I keep thinking I'm hearing the FedEx coming up to the house, but alas, nothing so far. I'm trying very hard to keep myself busy. I've never felt so anxious, at least not since I was 10. Even when we went to Disney World, clear on the otherside of the country I wasn't this anxious. I've usually been a very calm kid with the mentality "it arrives when it arrives." Even on holidays I was more interested in family members and eating some goodies than opening the gifts.

I think I'm becoming a steno nut... I'm dying here. I'll post an update when it arrives, if i remember. I'll probably be doing cartwheels and backflips through the room.

But yes, by tomorrow I'll be set up and ready to edit my own dictionary, if Stenograph loved me enough to give me the StenEd Starter Dictionary. If not...I have to wait till Monday to get it. I'm praying it won't be so.