Test Pass!!!!!

Unless you are a court reporter or a court reporting student, you cannot fully appreciate all the blood, sweat and tears that goes into this program. So when you actually pass tests, it is most definitely a reason to celebrate. That being said, I heard back from my instructor that I passed both my 180 Jurys. Let me hear a big woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!! That means I am now working on  exit level speeds for Literary and Jury. Can that really be?! I'm thrilled! Maybe I WILL actually make it through this program after all. Now, if I can just bump up that Q&A to 225. 

Veterans History Project

A while back I signed up for the Veterans History Project, a project that is dedicated to collecting and preserving the wartime stories of our veterans.  As part of the project, the Library of Congress collaborated with the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) and the National Court Reporters Foundation with the 1000 Voices Initiative, which with the help of court reporters and court reporting students helps to transcribe the veteran's interviews that have been submitted to the Library of Congress. In true Steno-Diva fashion, I took what should have been completed in 4 - 6 weeks and stretched it to a more comfortable 6 - 8 weeks. All the same, I finally completed my transcripts and couldn't be more thrilled that I am finished. I had originally volunteered for the project so that I could receive my 2009 NCRA subscription for free. Let's face it, I'm not making the big bucks yet, so of course, the word "free" was enticing. I didn't realize the amount of work it would require though. I can't say that I regret doing it though. Quite the opposite, actually. I learned a great deal about my writing, areas I can improve on, as well as numerous things regarding editing transcripts. So it was actually a very educational experience, not to mention the material was pretty interesting. Still, I am glad to have that off my plate. Shout-outs to my unofficial mentor!!!! Without your help I would most likely still be working on this project as we speak.

Fashion Faux Pas

No more commercials, no more debates, no more yards and street corners peppered with political signs. Alas, the election is finally over and we can move on...after all, Jack Bauer will be back to save the free world in a few weeks anyways. Although, I will be more than thrilled at Jack's return, I will most definitely NOT miss the chaos and craziness that comes with with campaigns and elections, but even more than that, I will NOT miss Michelle Obama's outrageous outfit choice for such an historic occasion. 

The horrendous Narciso Rodriquez frock Michelle Obama chose to wear on election night lacked the usual polish and class of an outfit you usually find in an outfit worn by a first lady. The black cardi was simply confusing, not to mention it completely ruined the proportions of the dress. My eyes kept being drawn to the criss cross black satin trim across the waist and down the sides. I found it somewhat distracting. For such a momentous occasion, I found the choice quite surprising and somewhat uninspiring. She has quite often made some interesting and fashionable choices in the past, but this was a total let down, and dare I say, a fashion faux pas. Although I give her points for going with something outside the typical Oscar de la Renta box, I think the ball of red and black is a total miss. 

Election Day

Our duty to vote

To exercise our freedom

Our day to speak up.

What should I do?

So I have been feeling somewhat dull and boring lately. My days have been pretty predictable with working all day long and pursuing my never-ending battle with court reporting at night (yes, 12 credits on top of full time work will do that to you). Anyways, this lackluster feeling about my life was quickly reaffirmed when I stumbled across photos my brothers recently sent to me of their latest adventures. Boy, now I'm feeling even more dull. So what should I do about it? I need an adventure, something exciting to spice things up. Granted, I'm not in Colorado surrounded by amazing peaks to climb, and my tree climbing skills are still in the beginners stage, so I doubt I will be scaling up a tree solo anytime soon.  Still, there must be something in the Midwest that provides some excitement and adventure to be had. If there is, I definitely need to find it.