Success

Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill

I am celebrating the end of yet another semester. What, you ask, is so different about this one? Well, let me tell you. I find myself at the very point I have so longed to be at. Finally, success and the future is on the horizon. My goal for the end of this semester was to pass my exit level speed tests for both Lit and Jury. My reward to self was going to be a new pair of deliciously sassy shoes. After all, what makes you feel more fantastic than a great pair of shoes. Anyone in court reporting knows the only way to reach success is by completely failing tests time and time again, until that one magical moment comes along when it all of the sudden it just clicks. It is as if your mind and your fingers suddenly decide to cooperate with one another, and the result is pure magic...I mean a test pass. I am happy to report that this semester I successfully reached my goal and them some. Hence, celebrating must commence. In addition to these test passes, I also (completely out of the blue) passed all my 200 QAs, as well. I was completely shocked and obviously ecstatic about this accomplishment. So I find myself at the end of this semester officially at 225. I am also officially registered and preparing for the upcoming RPR in October and November, and the only things standing in my way of graduation are passing my 225s, finishing my internship hours, and one more academic class. Let the shoe shopping begin!

ACRA Conference

The Arizona Court Reporters Association held their annual conference in Tucson, AZ over the weekend and so I decided to drive to Tucson and participate. After all, what better way to spend my Saturday than with a room full of perfectionistic, Type A personalities. It was fantastic! I woke up bright and early and hit the road around 6 am. I totally forgot how much I loved the drive between Phoenix and Tucson. (Okay, to be honest, I never remember finding it that exciting. However, for some reason, this time I totally enjoyed it.) I am certain it is due to my long, 7 year absence from my beloved desert.


A picture of Picacho Peak which is about half way between Phoenix and Tucson.

I arrived right on time at the Hilton El Conquistador which was where the conference was being held.
It was nice...your typical desert-oasis type resort surrounded by mountains. (Sorry no pics.) The conference was fantastic and I learned some helpful things, made some excellent contacts, and was able to check out some of the latest writers. I was hoping that by checking out the machines in person, I would be able to narrow down my search, and finally be able to make a decision on which one I want to purchase. Some things never change though....I still can't decide. I think I have narrowed it a bit, so I'm making progress. All-in-all, it was a great way to spend my weekend. I've just been completely exhausted ever since. And now to start another week....

My Martha Stewart Moment

Thanks to a poor memory, I have no recollection of how I discovered my new found love for strawberry cake. I highly suspect a baby or bridal shower may have been involved, but there is no way to be sure. Although I am uncertain how this sudden passion for strawberry cake developed, the only thing I am certain of is that I have been craving a piece of moist, creamy, strawberry goodness ever since. This morning, out of the blue, I came across a recipe for Strawberry Pie, and although it wasn't quite strawberry cake, I was unable to resist the temptation any further. I immediately ordered my ingredients (yes, one of the advantages of living with the parents) and gave in to my persistent cravings and created a little taste of strawberry delight. I would, however, ask you to ignore the fact that I spent my Saturday evening in a kitchen. That fact alone has suddenly made me feel aged enough to be living in a retirement community. So I will push that notion right out of my head and remind myself that I too deserve to have a Martha Stewart moment, even if it is at the expense of a Saturday evening out. So without further adieu, I give you my deliciously, tasty, mouthwatering good, homemade Strawberry Pie...