tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481675178083649342024-03-13T19:06:10.090-05:00Stenoray's Continual QuestOne stenocaptioner's travels through life.Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-60672524322057026602021-11-25T09:59:00.004-06:002021-11-25T09:59:43.992-06:00Quick Thanksgiving Shout-Out<p>Now that I've finished my official service with ILCRA and things have settled down a bit for me, I'll do my best to keep this blog a little better.</p><p>Until then, check out Christopher Day at <a href="https://stenonymous.com/">https://stenonymous.com/</a>. Fella's made incredible headway in the fight against digital recording and exposing its corporate fuckery. Good source of some Thanksgiving hope.</p>Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-75433926954717932732020-09-02T17:01:00.007-05:002020-09-02T17:01:33.662-05:00And 2020 keeps on truckin'<p>No good news. We'll see when I can pick Guinness steno practice back up -- it'll be a bit. Divorce + house sale + moving is in my future. Give me a month or two.</p><p>But there's Lucifer Season 5 Part 1 and Umbrella Academy Season 2, so I got that goin' for me.</p>Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-25672689106155792592020-05-29T11:04:00.000-05:002020-05-29T11:04:23.362-05:00PostponementSo the Guinness attempt isn't going to happen this year, but it will be NEXT year at NCRA in Las Vegas.Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-11914634830494429572020-02-06T10:20:00.001-06:002020-02-06T10:20:17.582-06:00The Road So FarI said in my last post I'd post my practice regimen "soon," so over a month later, here it is! I've decided on the tag "The Road So Far" to delineate which blog entries are for this Guinness attempt and which are not. Yes, 'tis a Supernatural reference. Last time I discovered it was indeed about the journey and not necessarily the goal, so I chose my tag accordingly this time. Although there is no journey without a goal -- then it would just be called "wandering about aimlessly."<br />
<br />
So if you want to read about this Guinness attempt and filter out my other musings, click on "The Road So Far" in the word cloud to your right. If you wish to read about my previous Guinness attempt, click on "The Impossible Goal."<br />
<br />
So. Practice. In order for this blog post to make sense, I'll have to drag my current celebrity <strike>obsession</strike> crush into this. *<i>runs to Lux, fetches Tom Ellis, and plops him down here</i>*<br />
<br />
If you're a big fan of the show <i>Lucifer</i>, you'll notice that Tom, who performs the titular character, got incredibly ripped between season 3 and 4. Heck, I certainly noticed. (What?? You seriously think this is an entirely professional blog? You have a lot to learn about this town, sweetie.) <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a27363357/tom-ellis-lucifer-workout-photos/" target="_blank">In this article for Men's Health</a> he described how he achieved incredible results in a short period of time. His trainer said that as long as he faithfully kept to the system, "...there’ll be a point when you wake up one day and your body will look different."<br />
<br />
<iframe align="right" allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/F05fvnuF6iw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F05fvnuF6iw?feature=player_embedded" style="clear: right; float: right;" width="320"></iframe>What does Tom's training have to do with my training? Honey, I went to Bible college. I can relate any illustration to any sermon. Here's the connection: If you plot the lines for fitness training and stenography training, you'll see they are parallel.<br />
<br />
We started slow -- 80 words a minute was my first speed class after theory -- and worked our way up. When we were in theory class we asked the teacher to dictate at 225 words a minute, just to hear how fast our exit speeds were, and we couldn't even comprehend writing at such speeds.<br />
<br />
Then when we were in our 160s, we asked the teacher to dictate at 80, and it was incomprehensible that we once struggled at that speed. We woke up and our writing skills were different.<br />
<br />
Same with strength. I started bench pressing with a bare 45-pound barbell, and my personal best at my peak was 110 pounds. I wasn't conscious of getting stronger over time -- I simply followed my plan, and as time passed, it felt like I could suddenly achieve more.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/673308/zero-to-twenty-plus-marine-develops-program-to-improve-pull-ups/" target="_blank">Another article online has to do with training Marine women to do pullups.</a> It was common "knowledge" when I grew up that women didn't have the upper body strength to do pullups, except for those unusually strong women. This is 100% false.<br />
<br />
The TL;DR of this article is that you gotta stop it with the assisted pullup machine, because it's a crutch. It doesn't force your entire body to get in on the act. Jump in with both feet. Hang from the bar. Do negatives -- where you hold on at the top and descend as slow as you can. Practice it daily, if you can. (That's what the ARTICLE says, not me. I've tried this and now my shoulder is jacked up.)<br />
<br />
How do these two articles about strength training apply to my practice regimen? Besides Tom Ellis being my inspiration for both steno and fitness. (heart-eyes emoji)<br />
<br />
For starters, I'm taking off the crutch of practicing slow until I'm accurate and working my way up. In the past I've always -- ALWAYS -- passed speed tests after I practiced at speeds well above my target speed. This was true for school, RPR, RMR, and speed contests.<br />
<br />
I BEGIN my Guinness speed practice by increasing the speed to 420 (heh) words a minute, using the add-on to Google Chrome that is aptly named Video Speed Controller. THEN I decrease the speed incrementally until I'm getting something for everything. It's rough as all get out, but I'm getting SOMETHING.<br />
<br />
And guess what -- that speed is hovering around 360-370.<br />
<br />
Second, the quote from Tom's trainer has bounced around in my brain ever since I read it. From day to day, it's hard to see improvement. Until you look back a few months later and see just how far you've come. If you've ever seen my Failure seminar, you've heard me say something like this before -- trust the system and results will follow. Don't focus on the goal; focus on the system.<br />
<br />
I distinctly remember training for the RMR back in the days of cassettes. I had a fancy cassette player that allowed you to increase the speed. I practiced with speed contest cassettes, and sped it up. One day I was practicing (for the RMR, remember, which is 260 wpm as opposed to speed contest's 280) and thought to myself, "Oh no, I forgot to speed up the dictation." Yeah. I had indeed sped it up, but my system was getting results. It felt gettable. And of course I subsequently passed the RMR.<br />
<br />
So I am trusting the system once again in that before long I will not recognize my skills; they're so advanced :)<br />
<br />
Much thanks for the support of my 100-Day Challenge club, where we encourage each other to practice daily for 100 days in a row. I highly recommend you start such a club. The benefits aren't just accountability; it's the friends you make along the way.<br />
<br />
When's the fifth season of Lucifer coming out??<br />
<br />Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-12600213674345632752019-12-20T11:02:00.000-06:002020-02-05T08:15:13.047-06:00The SequelIt's not set in stone yet, but NCRA is looking at doing another Guinness attempt at the 2020 convention in Orlando. They reached out to us previous attemptors to see if we're interested, giving us first dibs, and some of us accepted.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzLPcytrW3CrnjiYDh9mtzu2iiAaNXCuxW-Yr43D2tGnNEF5H5QZ7x2CvqJIbEFPoVA9aRmDvWEr5HX1oZQF4Ls_wCXwThpmuSbi6504Ys74kG4KIwGygiOxABHFktoz8_XB3GSOtX3SK/s1600/10928923_525692557533827_7041638995180507235_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzLPcytrW3CrnjiYDh9mtzu2iiAaNXCuxW-Yr43D2tGnNEF5H5QZ7x2CvqJIbEFPoVA9aRmDvWEr5HX1oZQF4Ls_wCXwThpmuSbi6504Ys74kG4KIwGygiOxABHFktoz8_XB3GSOtX3SK/s320/10928923_525692557533827_7041638995180507235_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the documentary at <a href="http://www.courtreportingmovie.com/">www.courtreportingmovie.com</a>.<br />
Pic thanks to Marc Greenberg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Note that it is NOT confirmed just yet, but it's still in the preliminary stages. But just in case, I'm starting to train for this again.<br />
<br />
I'm going to blog through this again, like I did last time. I need a better label title than "The Impossible Goal" this time, because I don't want that "impossible" word in there. But I need something to go in the word cloud on the sidebar. Supernatural- and Lucifer- (the Netflix show, not the Judeo-Christian trickster) -themed catchphrase suggestions welcome.<br />
<br />
So here's what I've found in all of two days jumping back in:<br />
<ul>
<li>My ears still hear the speeds. Last time I started practicing at 370-ish, and it took me a while to even HEAR the individual words. This time I started practicing at 420 (heh) and while my notes were garbage, I could still HEAR at that speed. So we're ahead of the game already!</li>
<li>My hands are ACHING. These speeds are tiring. And I'm supposed to go into the gym when I'm done here and do back day. Well, much like your first few days working out leave you feeling like a worn-out shell, I'm sure I'm in that stage of practicing now.</li>
<li>I have just as much no motivation to practice as I did last time. I should do another "motivation doesn't exist - Boots 2 Asses" blog post. I'll put one in the queue to work on.</li>
<li>Hey, this'll give me something to blog about so the bots don't take over my blog.</li>
<li>Photobucket is all weird now -- so many of my picture links are broken on past blog entries. So if you want pretty pictures, imagine a funny yet apt photo illustrating the entry.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Mark Kislingbury is vlogging through his journey as well, so head over to <a href="http://www.magnumsteno.com/">http://www.magnumsteno.com</a> and join and follow along. Like he says, if we don't get it, that's fine. But we're going to TRY. Writing high speeds isn't about talent, or being some kind of X-men mutant -- it's all about effort and work and grinding. If I can get my speed up, so can you. Steno is naturally HARD for me, but practice makes it EASIER.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last time when I did this, my jobs were so incredibly EASY it was amazing. This is definitely a case where the journey is more beneficial than the payoff.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know that I'll do a set blogging schedule this time, like post on Sundays or whatever, but I'll post 'em when the spirit moves. I will however post my practice regimen soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-22537299715789035252019-12-19T11:45:00.001-06:002020-02-05T08:16:28.756-06:00Here we go again...<i>cracks knuckles</i>Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-65109606614613704012019-09-14T14:35:00.000-05:002019-09-14T14:35:59.781-05:00Been a long time since I came around....... been a long time, but I'm back in town.<br />
<br />
I'm back to blogging. These past few years I've had the honor of serving as the Illinois Court Reporters Association president-elect, and then president, and with that honor comes the responsibility for writing a president's column for the Ad Infinitum, our quarterly newsletter, so that took up my writing priorities.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvohLzNvFZ9T5tlR5zURPzqMaeSQ_tgY2LnhFrck5ZzKaxhGJcSK4_V9maVgAT_bp5Tj94T6tXyA4ymYULaUlknbOLJRIGbpDZO1ojUvzRZnYEBcEvkX6YgChnvcQFwOkCQOQTwix0vQS/s1600/69951888_10157564303624190_3474532605779509248_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvohLzNvFZ9T5tlR5zURPzqMaeSQ_tgY2LnhFrck5ZzKaxhGJcSK4_V9maVgAT_bp5Tj94T6tXyA4ymYULaUlknbOLJRIGbpDZO1ojUvzRZnYEBcEvkX6YgChnvcQFwOkCQOQTwix0vQS/s320/69951888_10157564303624190_3474532605779509248_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me and Georgia doing the two step then cowboy boogie.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But now that torch has passed to Georgia Long, my amazing, intelligent, sharp, beautiful*, challenging, and insightful friend, and she will do wonderfully in this role. She's a legacy president -- her mother, Beth Pruitt, served as ILCRA president. She's got a solid background, experience, and insight to take the wheel.<br />
<br />
(I already said "insightful." Oh well, it's my blog and I do what I want.)<br />
<br />
So anyway, now I should be blogging a bit more often. A lot has happened over the past two years, and I'll detail exactly what went down with regards to Senate Bill 2128 in the upcoming Ad Infinitum. Teaser trailer: It was NOT just about voice writing. <br />
<br />
Side note: Voice writing is not the enemy. They're our best allies in the fight against digital "reporting," plus voice writing enables reporters who experience hand/arm disability to continue to work in their chosen, trained field. (That'll be me in a few years.) Voice writers read back, interrupt when necessary, and can provide realtime and captioning. And they're a witness to every single word of the procedure and create an immediate realtime draft -- just like stenography. Their certification tests are almost directly equivalent to NCRA's certification tests, including realtime and speed.<br />
<br />
Head to <a href="http://ilcra.org/data/cms/uploadedfiles/ILCRA%20Digital%20file.pdf">http://ilcra.org/data/cms/uploadedfiles/ILCRA%20Digital%20file.pdf</a> for a fabulous infographic on the difference between CSRs and digital "reporting," developed by ILCRA's own vice president, Mary Ann Casale.<br />
<br />
*Yes, I know, physical beauty is not something we humans should hold quite so dear, but she's seriously beautiful inside and out. I mean, come on. Sheesh.Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-30567362629816036702016-12-23T11:44:00.000-06:002016-12-24T09:03:48.456-06:00At least one challenge I set for myself has been accomplished!It's been a while, hasn't it?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What happened was, I got set up to provide remote CART and captioning, and it's been busy! Plus my new, intense addiction to the show Supernatural, plus <a href="http://www.ilcra.org/" target="_blank">ILCRA</a> board activities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNzAiIUw_cP6IfQfbtiipH4wTz8MZFcv5XLyW_p8bWUli3rQs50YG5n-bUpcT8BICVHUjn2MN4IkFrkQKKMErWWWcA_zf6_P32kFCPDOkTyGzdKhLO9YLY93tUYA40VmWQ3AWIMvnPvdk/s1600/20161223_092322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNzAiIUw_cP6IfQfbtiipH4wTz8MZFcv5XLyW_p8bWUli3rQs50YG5n-bUpcT8BICVHUjn2MN4IkFrkQKKMErWWWcA_zf6_P32kFCPDOkTyGzdKhLO9YLY93tUYA40VmWQ3AWIMvnPvdk/s400/20161223_092322.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
But by golly, I completed the <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-Challenge-2016-39126431" target="_blank">2016 POPSugar Reading Challenge</a>, pictured here and listed below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A book based on a fairy tale -- <i>Beauty, </i>Robin McKinley</div>
<div>
A National Book Award winner -- <i>Invisible Man, </i>Ralph Ellison</div>
<div>
A YA Bestseller -- <i>Divergent, </i>Veronica Roth</div>
<div>
A book you haven't read since high school -- <i>The Great Gatsby, </i>F. Scott Fitzgerald</div>
<div>
A book set in your home state -- <i>Native Son,</i> Richard Wright</div>
<div>
A book translated to English -- <i>King of Taksim Square, </i>Emrah Serbes</div>
<div>
A romance set in the future -- <i>Ready Player One, </i>Ernest Cline</div>
<div>
A book set in Europe -- <i>Secret Healer, </i>Ellin Carsta</div>
<div>
A book that's under 150 pages -- <i>The Shepherd,</i> Frederick Forsyth</div>
<div>
A New York Times bestseller -- <i>The Lightning Thief, </i> Rick Riordan</div>
<div>
A book that's becoming a movie this year -- <i>Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, </i>J.K. Rowling</div>
<div>
A book recommended by someone you just met -- <i>What is Not Yours is Not Yours</i>, Helen Oyeyemi <i>(recommended by a wonderful staff person at<a href="http://www.left-bank.com/" target="_blank"> Left Bank Books</a> in St. Louis)</i></div>
<div>
A self-improvement book -- <i>The Joy of Sex, </i>Alex Comfort </div>
<div>
A book you can finish in a day -- <i>Apocalypsis: Kahayatle, </i>Elle Casey</div>
<div>
A book written by a celebrity -- <i>Actors Anonymous, </i>James Franco</div>
<div>
A political memoir -- <i>Living History, </i>Hillary Rodham Clinton</div>
<div>
A book at least 100 years older than you -- <i>The Innocents Abroad, </i>Mark Twain</div>
<div>
A book that's more than 600 pages -- <i>Fallout: Equestria, </i>kkat <i>(fanfiction is literature too)</i></div>
<div>
A book from Oprah's Book Club -- <i>The Poisonwood Bible, </i>Barbara Kingsolver</div>
<div>
A science-fiction novel -- <i>Aftermath,</i> Chuck Wendig</div>
<div>
A book recommended by a family member -- <i>The Madman's Daughter, </i>Megan Shepherd</div>
<div>
A graphic novel -- <i>The Time Lord Letters, </i>Justin Richards</div>
<div>
A book that is published in 2016 -- <i>The Light of the Fireflies</i>, Paul Pen</div>
<div>
A book <strike>with</strike> by a <strike>protagonist</strike> author who has your occupation -- <i>Out of Time, </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=jason%20meadors&index=blended" target="_blank">Jason Meadors</a></div>
<div>
<i>(I took a bit of liberty with this one, since CART captioners aren't that utilized as protagonists in literature that often.)</i></div>
<div>
A book that takes place during summer -- <i>Midair, </i>Kodi Scheer</div>
<div>
A book and its prequel -- <i>Cole, Strangely Normal, </i>Tess Oliver</div>
<div>
A murder mystery -- <i>Joyland, </i>Stephen King</div>
<div>
A book written by a comedian -- <i>Yes Please, </i>Amy Poehler</div>
<div>
A dystopian novel -- <i>Robinson Crusoe 2244, </i>E.J. Robinson</div>
<div>
A book with a blue cover -- <i>Go Set a Watchman, </i>Harper Lee</div>
<div>
A book of poetry -- <i>Crank,</i> Ellen Hopkins</div>
<div>
The first book you see in a <a href="http://www.left-bank.com/" target="_blank">bookstore</a> -- <i>My Beloved World, </i>Sonja Sotomayor <i>(actually the first book I saw was </i>Living History,<i> but since I'd read that, I went with the second book.)</i></div>
<div>
A classic from the 20th century -- <i>Great Tales of Horror, </i>H.P. Lovecraft <i>(took me the entire year, reading a few pages at a time right before bed)</i></div>
<div>
A book from the library -- <i>The Lost Symbol, </i>Dan Brown</div>
<div>
An autobiography -- <i>The Autobiography of Malcolm X, </i>as told to Alex Haley</div>
<div>
A book about a road trip -- <i>On the Road, </i>Jack Kerouac</div>
<div>
A book about a culture you're unfamiliar with -- <i>What is the What, </i>Dave Eggers</div>
<div>
A satirical book -- <i>Animal Farm, </i>George Orwell</div>
<div>
A book that takes place on an island -- <i>And Then There Were None, </i>Agatha Christie</div>
<div>
A book that's guaranteed to bring you joy -- <i>The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder, </i>William Anderson</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think I got a pretty good mix of classic and contemporary, thought-provoking and fluff. And it's not as time-consuming as you'd think -- 41 books in 52 weeks, so it's a little time spent away from the television, and also using "found moments" between captioning jobs or on the treadmill.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-Challenge-2017-42561300" target="_blank">Next year's challenge has been published here</a>. It has 40 entries, with an additional 12 if you really want to go for it. This was good for me -- I read books that weren't previously on my radar, got more use out of the library, and had some good entertainment as well.</div>
Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-39584327093029244872016-06-13T09:26:00.000-05:002016-06-13T09:26:33.642-05:0018-Year Experienced NewbieIt's raining work. Hallelujah! And it's NEW work, work that I've not done so far. Some of this work doesn't fit in the handy freelance-official-captioning box in which we like to categorize our steno work -- or categorize ourselves.<br />
<br />
How is this happening? Not because I'm special or lucky. It's because I'm willing to change.<br />
<br />
Comfort is fatal to one's career. <br />
<br />
A rut is a grave with the ends not filled in yet. The only thing constant is change. The platitudes seen on cross-stitched pillows on Pinterest boards worldwide.<br />
<br />
They're true! No matter how successful you are NOW, if you don't think you need to change in order for your career to keep or increase its momentum, you're going to be disappointed.<br />
<br />
HERE'S THE KEY REASONS I'M GETTING THESE JOBS: I stay open to new opportunities. I'm willing to upgrade my equipment. I'm willing to drastically change my work setup. I PRACTICE.<br />
<br />
I've done my share of depos, a few hearings and grand juries, and a lot of CART. Last month (was it only last month?) I said YES to three jobs that I didn't envision myself doing when I passed my last 225 Q&A nearly two decades ago. In short, last month I captioned three university commencement ceremonies, provided in-stadium captioning for several baseball games, and provided instant transcripts for a nationally syndicated political radio talk show.<br />
<br />
That's key reason #1! Stay open to new opportunities. "No, I've never done that work." For cryin' out loud, if you say that, you'll NEVER do that work!<br />
<br />
We do CART for a large university which needed captioning for several commencement ceremonies <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIbhZvNYvI8Hi76ZaIjh6-EHlVLj013PcAk63PEVye_QpNPQ8upCSLcN9-t_vhgVlvjJC3-uPrKVQFo8ptIidcoStEY3d173DPZMQqtLxGzg2dhsYygHWdR8Ymx7gANBj0YHUKmAOG3Df/s1600/Snapchat-2422185601823754270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIbhZvNYvI8Hi76ZaIjh6-EHlVLj013PcAk63PEVye_QpNPQ8upCSLcN9-t_vhgVlvjJC3-uPrKVQFo8ptIidcoStEY3d173DPZMQqtLxGzg2dhsYygHWdR8Ymx7gANBj0YHUKmAOG3Df/s400/Snapchat-2422185601823754270.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
this year, so I upgraded my regular CAT software to the full captioning suite. (Might I add, I completely changed software providers at this time, so I had an additional learning curve). We captioners set up in the AV/media/tech room, next to the camera and sound operators. I watched the ceremonies from the backstage monitors. One of the tech staff set a camera to point at the Titantron or whatever the big stadium overhead is (I don't know what it's called. In the WWE it's called the Titantron, so there you are) so I could see the actual captions. We did NOT caption each student's name as they walked across the stage. Everyone has a program with the students listed, so they can follow along. I did have scripts for the ceremonies, as well as some of the speeches that were made, which helped greatly.<br />
<br />
That's key reason #2. Be willing to upgrade your equipment. That job can't be done by regular CAT software.<br />
<br />
Let's talk about baseball. I got offered the chance to provide in-stadium captioning for some of Wrigley Field's home games! No, I don't drive up to the friendly confines every once in a while -- it's done remotely at my coworking space in O'Fallon, Illinois. My only internet service option at home is substandard, so I rented some space from a friend of mine who has his own office. I've got my captioning going and my little mini-MLB Game Day window up so I can see how the game is progressing. It's fun to be part of the show! I grew up Cubs but have since moved to Cardinal Nation, so it's quite nostalgic for me to be rooting for the Cubs again. I don't know who I'll cheer for when I caption a game that's Cubs v. Cardinals. I'll just have to root for whichever team plays someone <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Arrieta" target="_blank">I have a crush on</a>.<br />
<br />
That's key reason #3. Be willing to change your work setup and think outside the box. If you've got to take major steps, but it will be worth it to do so, for heaven's sake, DO SO.<br />
<br />
My next assignment came from an agency new to me, but I'd developed a friendship with the owner over the years and they know I got the chops, so they invited me to help with an ongoing assignment on an as-needed basis. This agency provides instant-delivery transcripts for a daily national talk show, and they need another person to help out. It's challenging, because it's wall-to-wall colloquy, multiple speakers, and they talk FAST. When they have guests, they talk FASTER. Every hour on the hour I send a rough draft to the show's staff, and at the end of the three hours I clean it up and send the final out. What helps is that the show is on for 20 minutes, then there's a commercial break for a few minutes, then the show, then commercials, etc. so I do have some time to clean it up, but I need to write well and fast in order for it to work.<br />
<br />
Key reason #4. Keep improving your skills! PRACTICE. That work requires SPEED. The me ten or even five years ago wouldn't have been able to handle this assignment.<br />
<br />
Were these changes EASY? Was I COMFORTABLE? Absolutely not! I stumbled! I panicked at times! Last month my stomach was tense more than it was calm! Heck, at the time I'm writing this we're trying to figure out why I'm not able to connect through a modem, and isn't troubleshooting a big bucket of enthusiastic joy!<br />
<br />
But let me reiterate: Change is constant. Reporting and captioning today is not like it was five years ago. Reporting and captioning five years from now will not be the same. If you choose to do things exactly like you did ten years ago, you've already fallen behind.<br />
<br />
Comfort is fatal.Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-62940042603400250692016-02-03T12:34:00.002-06:002016-02-03T12:34:52.721-06:00Only Human<a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2015/08/parameters-of-fairly-reasonable-goal.html" target="_blank"><i>If you want to know about the Fairly Reasonable Goal, click here.</i></a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Three months since my last blog post.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been practicing some--honestly, I have! But I'm so busy I just can't find the time!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>And yet you've logged over 70 hours on Fallout 4 since it was released mid-November.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I get home from work, I just want to rest.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>By watching The Walking Dead -- all six and a half seasons -- in the span of four weeks.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
I bust my butt all week with work that I seriously just want to relax on the weekends. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>You watched a total of 20 episodes of CW's The 100 last weekend. The laundry is still not folded.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
THIS semester, though, I've got a nice block of time between classes on a couple of days where I can get some speed practice done, since I'm on campus and don't have the distractions, so I do indeed get some practice in at that time.</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Which you hurry through so you can get back to Netflix/Reddit/Tumblr</i><i>, which are </i>still <i>accessible.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRk7aNxLt0dmkrI75CPEHpHjzFJbIgZ1X23hiC9OGWEkrsGO-tKTdHTKZ-EjEyTzNQSLzPvBsiIygbYxMrzfNTVX4k1K2pxA-3_0fkqBrJKg6T8I72sx_wi0K35FZHFAKcaxpH0sVpiU0/s1600/20160119_201500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRk7aNxLt0dmkrI75CPEHpHjzFJbIgZ1X23hiC9OGWEkrsGO-tKTdHTKZ-EjEyTzNQSLzPvBsiIygbYxMrzfNTVX4k1K2pxA-3_0fkqBrJKg6T8I72sx_wi0K35FZHFAKcaxpH0sVpiU0/s320/20160119_201500.jpg" width="180" /></a>Look, yes, I have turned off my 9:00 pm practice alarm, but that's because I have late classes <i>two a week, to be precise, and they end at 7 pm </i>and sometimes we go to the movies <i>one time since the last blog post</i> and I have to go to bed early because I have to get up sooo early in the morning <i>7 am </i>so I turned it off. Plus I don't want to unpack all my stuff and set up to practice and then repack it again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>You got a frickin' Briefs Catcher last year at convention. And you have another laptop in your home office which has practice material on it.</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
I know. I know. I need to get up and go practice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>But you have a cat on your lap.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
The dog needs to go out. I'll take her out and then practice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>But you have a cat on your lap.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-5271573587695481222015-11-01T10:37:00.003-06:002015-11-01T10:37:57.456-06:00Still Falling Off the Wagon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWNCreW__eycWK5mRPn2YL3xonm0t-e3f8v84A27xtGhTiYSLd5ujz2lR-c6sN-CzhhhycpnR3_Z8VtlHicXbrCH54bw4YI3PlBTif034XRL6hwoYnwRCd6q16_pynE0FRO9is-BtlD2m/s1600/IMG00280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWNCreW__eycWK5mRPn2YL3xonm0t-e3f8v84A27xtGhTiYSLd5ujz2lR-c6sN-CzhhhycpnR3_Z8VtlHicXbrCH54bw4YI3PlBTif034XRL6hwoYnwRCd6q16_pynE0FRO9is-BtlD2m/s200/IMG00280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Yep, it's been hard to keep up with practice. Busy work schedule, plus my Buddy, Mr. Puppy, the Good Boy named Rutabaga went to Doggy Heaven last week. He was 13 years old.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week is filled up workwise for me too with full days, but I'll try. That's about all I can guarantee, right?</div>
Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-81618129341620342112015-09-20T10:11:00.000-05:002015-09-20T10:11:00.277-05:00What Happens to You While You're Busy Making Other Plans<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2015/08/parameters-of-fairly-reasonable-goal.html" target="_blank">If you want to know about the Fairly Reasonable Goal, click here.</a></i><br />
<br />
Planned practice has taken a solid hit these past couple of weeks, due to -- well, lots of things. Last weekend I was at the <a href="http://www.ilcra.org/" target="_blank">Illinois Court Reporters Association</a> and completed the speed contest, but I had to leave due to a family emergency, which took up a lot of practice energy (and emotional energy) the past several days. And I've had a few more classes added to my academic CART captioning schedule since last we met.<br />
<br />
BUT if you fall off the horse, you gotta get back on, so I am reporting that I am doing so.<br />
<br />
(ILCRA speed contest results: I got the Legal Opinion, but didn't get the Q&A [93.5%] or the literary [93.7%]. But both were graded to the end, so that's a small victory, I guess!)Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-39378029463069310342015-08-30T10:26:00.000-05:002015-08-30T10:26:00.439-05:00First Week of School<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2015/08/parameters-of-fairly-reasonable-goal.html" target="_blank">If you want to know about the Fairly Reasonable Goal, click here.</a></i><br />
<br />
First, a bit of accountability. This week has been the first week of the semester, and I do academic CART captioning onsite. So oftentimes this is a very hectic time for me until the schedule settles down, students are done adding and dropping classes, etc., and I can get into a routine. Monday and Tuesday I did NOT do any practice, but I found some time the rest of the week to get it done.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kcPSmFhmhJ4" width="560"></iframe> I did state that I don't have to practice if I'm writing 5+ hours in a day due to my arms wearing out, but you know what? I've got a few of those in my schedule this semester, so I'll have to try to get in at least one short practice session to keep things up. Real-world writing and test-taking writing are two different things for me. Real world isn't a steady speed, isn't measured for syllabic density, and isn't scored and graded.<br />
<br />
But as to my weekly progress: Three takes a day probably doesn't sound like a lot, but over the past two weeks I've felt my speed and accuracy starting to -- solidify? Steno people, do you know what I mean? It's nice to pass a particular test once in a while, but it's better to pass them consistently. Because then you KNOW you've got it!<br />
<br />
The first week of class is done, and I've had some additions to my schedule starting next week, so hopefully I'll be able to maintain the parameters I've set for myself! Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-62759182947642118362015-08-23T09:56:00.001-05:002015-08-23T09:56:52.658-05:00Parameters of the Fairly Reasonable GoalGreetings, greetings! This is my official post whereby I state my clear objective: passing each and every leg of the NCRA speed and realtime contests in 2016 in one go. I've passed each leg except the realtime testimony -- now it's time to pass them all together. This is what I refer to as the Fairly Reasonable Goal (in homage to the Impossible Goal, what I named my 2013 Guinness record quest -- see entries tagged The Impossible Goal).<br />
<br />
<iframe align="right" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BvUZijEuNDQ" width="420"></iframe> So here are my parameters, for those of you playing at home. I need parameters or I won't get it done. The parameters for my training will be much like those used during The Impossible Goal, which were developed by pulling them out of my butt as the situation merited.<br />
<br />
The minimum amount of practice is three takes a day, preferably of different categories. A "take" is usually five minutes, but if I speed up/slow down a Magnum Steno take, the time will vary and that's okay because I said it's okay. A Magnum Steno take practiced twice counts as two times, but if I repeat it again it still only counts as two times. One legal opinion take a day is optimal, but I'll probably get sick of the few dictations I have, but then again, I'll get ninja awesome at those and probably reinflate my legal brief arsenal, won't I?<br />
<br />
The final practice take will be done at 9 pm, and I've set an alarm on my phone for that time. This final practice may be skipped if:<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm physically at an event like a movie, work, or a friend's house. </li>
<li>I'm sick where I can't practice effectively. If it's just a cold, too bad.</li>
<li>I just finished a late job where my arms are killing me.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="http://ilcra.org/" target="_blank">And I am giving myself a complete pass for the weekend of September 11, because that's the ILCRA annual convention, and you should totally go because we have Margie Wakeman-Wells and Anissa Nierenberger speaking. And ILCRA won't have a convention next year because NCRA is in Chicago.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After Christmas (or a few days after Christmas because it's Christmastime), the minimum amount will increase to four takes a day, the last two being at 5 pm and 9 pm.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the spring semester is done, the minimum will increase to five takes a day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Practice may be skipped entirely if I have a job where I write 5+ hours in one day. I've already got some nerve thing happening in my arm -- don't want to wear out the organic equipment. (My schedule this fall does have two days of five-plus work hours, but I should still be able to get in two practice sessions.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once a week, probably Saturday or Sunday, depending on stuff, I'll test myself on a leg and post the APPROXIMATE results here. This will be a BALLPARK result, because I like my weekends. But I will go through my test and give me a rough pass/fail. I'm not going to test EVERY leg each week because, jeez, that's five five-minute takes to go over; three to fully transcribe and grade and two to grade. I'm not doing that every week because I don't want to.</div>
<br />
Ready? Begin!<br />
<br />
<br />Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-39748041248784991392015-08-10T15:32:00.000-05:002015-08-10T15:32:13.659-05:00The Fairly Reasonable GoalGreetings, everyone! It's been a while, yes, and last time I wrote a blog post it's been a while. I'm going to do another blogging adventure through this coming year, because my goal this time is NOT to achieve 370 wpm, but rather to pass all NCRA contest legs in one sitting. All the speed, all the realtime. I've passed all the legs (except for the testimony realtime) of the contests before -- just not all in one sitting. Fairly reasonable, right?<br />
<br />
I'll do much like I did for the Guinness attempt, blogging once a week with my progress. Starting tomorrow, my goal will be to have three practice sessions of five minutes each, with my final practice at 9 pm. I'm going to set an alarm in the evening, like I did for the Guinness attempt.<br />
<br />
Addendum: This is what I look like on the first day of the NCRA annual convention:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1soF3Z5edkcywMNokmMtuz98y5nKDKOLvUv5nxKW159IjWUvtU5x3AqPO0rBhn1fb113nj3pCHyZJ-ttBUTmkMLtq7fxnjwvdPeCoO5PFrN9LSbStw-KhjeQnK-jcR3ozTr1r5w5bSvNX/s1600/cersei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cersei Lannister, all regal and dressed up and hot." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1soF3Z5edkcywMNokmMtuz98y5nKDKOLvUv5nxKW159IjWUvtU5x3AqPO0rBhn1fb113nj3pCHyZJ-ttBUTmkMLtq7fxnjwvdPeCoO5PFrN9LSbStw-KhjeQnK-jcR3ozTr1r5w5bSvNX/s1600/cersei.jpg" title="Cerse Lannister" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I assure you that my husband and I are in no way related.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And this is what I look like on the last day of the convention:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4u0cSxmZK0B1fFV_3a_d_i5UULgsAfKJEBx0gkiCdZuCWlxcrReZSse6ukET3vxH_kBVdGVL8livSXv-7ee3OG_jrynDd-6MaoZTA3vyXNogMOgdfWewPkATa10JEPEcW60AH1YX3_e2d/s1600/dude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jeff Bridges as the Dude, bathrobed and boxered in the grocery store with a hangover-hiding pair of sunglasses." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4u0cSxmZK0B1fFV_3a_d_i5UULgsAfKJEBx0gkiCdZuCWlxcrReZSse6ukET3vxH_kBVdGVL8livSXv-7ee3OG_jrynDd-6MaoZTA3vyXNogMOgdfWewPkATa10JEPEcW60AH1YX3_e2d/s1600/dude.jpg" title="The Dude" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not even kidding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />So stay tuned!<br /><br />Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-8849620440596029032014-06-01T11:45:00.002-05:002014-06-01T11:45:33.598-05:00Catching Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/a4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/a4c.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boy, it's been a while, hasn't it?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><i>...I'll still blog on a generally weekly schedule, I believe. I've gotten into the habit of blogging regularly, and I kind of like it! </i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">--</i><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Me, August 12, 2013</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Yeah, that didn't happen so much, huh?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Couple of reasons. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">A) I haven't had much to say. And one of my Life Rules (which I <i>try </i>to live by but often fail) is: "If you don't have anything to say, don't say it." I don't have a source for that quote. Maybe I made it up.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">B) I've been busy! Since Nashville my CART schedule has filled up more than it's ever been! Add to that my <a href="http://ilcra.org/" target="_blank">ILCRA</a> board activities, and the occasional representing <a href="http://www.stenovations.com/" target="_blank">Stenovations</a> as a vendor at the occasional state convention -- plus I attended <a href="http://www.ncraonline.org/" target="_blank">NCRA's</a> <a href="http://www.ncra.org/meetings/eventdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=11471&navItemNumber=11469" target="_blank">Legislative Boot Camp</a> this year. I wrote about it in ILCRA's<i> Ad Infinitum</i> newsletter. Maybe I should post it here as well. I wonder if I can do that or if our newsletter is copyrighted. I don't know. Anyway...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I received word that one of my blog posts made it to this month's Journal of Court Reporting, so I figured I probably should update this blog in case any of you are new visitors! I thought the article was going to be the entry below entitled <a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2013/08/affording-convention.html" target="_blank">"Affording the Convention,"</a> but I think they printed a different entry instead.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">But finally I'm getting a few ideas for blog posts, so I'll have more to say in the following weeks. Really. :)</span></span>Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-72585347126876773202013-08-23T12:34:00.004-05:002014-06-01T11:24:10.045-05:00Affording the ConventionQuestion: When should one start to save for the NCRA annual convention?<br />
<br />
Answer: NOW!<br />
<br />
If you've got an incredible income, sure, go ahead and pay for it at the last minute. Or if you like to keep credit card debt open, have a go. This entry is not for you.<br />
<br />
The bill for travel to the NCRA annual convention can get pretty steep, and the price can be daunting to come up with, even if you've had a pretty good year. This is my strategy.<br />
<br />
I alluded to this a while back when I did a blog post on what my dad taught me about business. We were able to afford a good family vacation because Dad would put a small amount of money away every month. Every month, faithfully, all year round. <br />
<br />
So I apply this principle to my budgeting as well. Every check I get from anybody, I take a percentage out for taxes (you'll have to figure your percentage out on your own), a percentage out for charitable giving, and a percentage for the NCRA and Illinois annual conventions. Off the top. Every time, no matter what.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/Shut-up-and-take-my-money_zps8b89688e.jpg.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Shut-up-and-take-my-money_zps8b89688e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/Shut-up-and-take-my-money_zps8b89688e.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a> What am I saving for?<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Travel expenses to and from the hotel.</b></i> Last year this particular expense wasn't much at all -- just two tanks of gas. But next year, since it's in San Francisco, I'll need airfare (for two) plus transportation to and from the airport. And cab fare if we decide to go a few days early and explore the city. If I need parking, I budget that under Lodging.</li>
<li><i><b>Lodging.</b></i> I've always found it worthwhile to stay at the hotel in which the conference takes place, even though the nightly rate may be more than at another hotel. It's great to be able to run up to your room to pick up something, or drop off the bag of swag you scavenged from the vendor hall, or simply sleep in a bit later than you would had you stayed across town. When you receive your estimated hotel bill as you make your reservation, be sure to add in a few hundred for resort fees, parking, or taxes not included. Yes, I said a few hundred. ($15 dollar resort fee + $20 daily parking fee)5 days = $175, and that's not counting taxes.</li>
<li><i><b>Convention registration fees.</b></i> Including any contests you sign up for, any software classes, AND some money to participate in fundraising activities like silent auctions or raffles. Include a guest ticket for the Saturday President's Party and/or the awards lunch if you're bringing a <strike>Muggle</strike> spouse.</li>
<li><b><i>FOOD.</i></b> This. I get nerdy with this one and count up ALL the meals I will have to pay for. Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper. Since I usually go all-inclusive with my registration, Saturday I don't have to count lunch or supper (awards lunch and President's Party), so I don't need to budget for that. I count all meals on departure day and return-home day, since I ain't cooking as soon as I get home. Count every meal up, add up the estimated cost, and multiply that by 2. Meals are ALWAYS expensive in resort areas.</li>
<li><b><i>Fun money!</i></b> If you decide to tour the city or go to a Carrie Underwood concert with friends at the last minute, have some cash for that. If your spouse is coming with you, he/she will need SOMETHING to do while you're in sessions. Include this too.</li>
<li><i><b>Equipment/professional enrichment money.</b></i> Convention is the BEST time to get merchandise, since a lot of vendors run convention specials. Now is the best time to try out that new writer *cough*LIGHTSPEED*cough* and meet the author of that book you've been wanting. And have her sign it! NCRA usually has neat reporting tchotchkes and T-shirts for sale at their booth too.</li>
<li><i><b>Expenses related to your home.</b></i> Like pet boarding and whatnot.</li>
</ul>
<div>
That's a lot! But it IS doable. I'm not rolling in the dough, but I can say that going to both state and national conventions has definitely helped to advance my career, and therefore, my income. The connections and the knowledge and the fellowship I've gained are worth every penny.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Start NOW!</div>
Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-27976849076924386072013-08-12T14:30:00.000-05:002013-08-12T14:30:11.273-05:00Journey's End and Regeneration<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Coming out of the regeneration, you know, it wasn't massively painful. It was just very exciting. I thought, well, I think going into it probably is a bit more painful. Yeah."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Matt Smith (the Eleventh Doctor)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/172117-i-regret-nothing.gif.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 172117-i-regret-nothing.gif" border="0" height="195" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/172117-i-regret-nothing.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yes, if you're not into Doctor Who, I realize that quote probably won't make much sense. But I had to use it because it encompassed my feelings about August 8. <br />
<br />
I thank you all for following me through this adventure. It was wonderful to meet everyone, and your support meant a lot. I mean a LOT.<br />
<br />
<b>"Journey's End."</b> I didn't pass, but I did turn in a 370 wpm take. I wanted to at least turn something in if not pass, and I did! Although it wasn't remotely close to passing. But there were little stretches where I had it. And there actually was a 390 take that almost...seemed...gettable. Hopefully we'll have another Guinness attempt in the future, and I'm definitely on board -- IF we have a decent amount of transcription time. This arbitrary 10-minute limit was ridiculous. Mark Kislingbury would have gotten it, I believe, if we'd only had a decent amount of time. By my math, we should have had 18 minutes. I didn't even have time to proof or spell check, much less untangle problem areas.<br />
<br />
<b>"Regeneration."</b> I need to figure out what my next goal is. This may take a while. I'll let you know when I do. :) Until then, I'll still blog on a generally weekly schedule, I believe. I've gotten into the habit of blogging regularly, and I kind of like it!<br />
<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/2013-08-04-peter-capaldi_official_doctor_who-533x710_zpscb5404b1.jpg.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2013-08-04-peter-capaldi_official_doctor_who-533x710_zpscb5404b1.jpg" border="0" height="200" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/2013-08-04-peter-capaldi_official_doctor_who-533x710_zpscb5404b1.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Besides, the state speed contest is coming up in a month.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i><br />
<br />
(In keeping with my Doctor Who theme of illustrations for these past several entries, here's the upcoming Doctor. I'm looking forward to what he brings to the role! And I promise I won't be quite as Who-centric in future posts. Unless a reeeeallly cool picture surfaces that fits the post perfectly.)Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-81034643775265065482013-08-04T10:15:00.000-05:002013-08-04T10:15:19.510-05:00Four Days to Go<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrmC-zWDjIq_GLOkhb3UIZE7hSAQngLpGJ_r1xPbN-7XYcP46VuUPswzcrjOD3dnKJqLK3kUaa-c-1qMd937MJcsGmWiGfDho0nRSorkg8krF2J00WwjQwKmxCrNe5Dz3S3GEoKx8YdGG/s1600/tardis-tomb-trenzalore-finale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrmC-zWDjIq_GLOkhb3UIZE7hSAQngLpGJ_r1xPbN-7XYcP46VuUPswzcrjOD3dnKJqLK3kUaa-c-1qMd937MJcsGmWiGfDho0nRSorkg8krF2J00WwjQwKmxCrNe5Dz3S3GEoKx8YdGG/s400/tardis-tomb-trenzalore-finale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>graphic from doctorwhotv.co.uk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, this is it. Here we go. I've upped the practice speed to 575-600 words per minute. Hopefully that'll give me one last edge. I haven't tested myself in a few weeks, nor have I had a "slow day" that I've referenced in a previous blog. I honestly don't know if I'll make the speed or not. There's been times where I've gotten stuff at the target speed. There's been times where I've blown a slow-down at the end of a Magnum Steno video and it was SLOWER than the target speed. <br />
<br />
Thursday after the attempt some of us are heading to the hotel bar -- WHICH bar is yet to be determined -- to celebrate. Join us!<br />
<br />
I'll try to remember to post something after the attempt (and before I get to celebrating the finale) with the results. Next week will be the debriefing, autopsy, recap, whatever you want to call it.<br />
<br />
But a preview of one of the lessons learned from this past year and a half: Practice faster material than you're doing now. However fast you're practicing, it's not fast enough.<br />
<br />
And regardless of this week's outcome, I'm definitely going for the NEXT Guinness attempt. You betcha.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i>Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-25493382620724185642013-07-28T12:13:00.001-05:002013-07-28T12:13:55.495-05:00One (full) Week to Go<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/Doctor1.jpg.html" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Doctor1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/Doctor1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not him. It's the First Doctor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About a week and a half to go.<!--3--><br />
<br />
I'm still really burnt out on talking about the attempt. Seriously, if it weren't for the love and support of Mr. Stenoray, I'd greatly slack on practicing because OMG WHO CARES it's so close in time and it's not like i'll gain any more speed this close and aslkdfja;sldkfj. Not to mention without his encouragement, I wouldn't be in this race to begin with. Love you, Babe.<br />
<br />
Will I have the speed? I don't know. I'm really hoping to at least turn in a 370. On a good day I can get some stuff, and the tests will be only 60 seconds apiece, so we'll see what happens.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to celebrating Thursday evening after it's over. :)<br />
<br />
<br />Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-66195351021823536012013-07-22T11:07:00.001-05:002013-07-22T11:07:36.198-05:00Two Weeks to Go<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/Second_doctor.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Second_doctor.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/Second_doctor.jpg" width="249" /></a><br />
I must admit... I'm sick of hearing about the world record attempt. I don't want to talk about it. I'm so glad it's getting closer so it can be OVER with. I mentioned <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running" target="_blank">the Oatmeal's Blerg</a> last week, and I've got a combination of the Blerg with Grumpy Cat instilled in my brain. I'm still practicing. I'm just not excited about it, and I DON'T want to talk about it.<br />
<br />
But of course that's no excuse to slack on practice.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-89132012132460672452013-07-15T10:16:00.000-05:002013-07-15T13:43:05.297-05:00Three Weeks to Go<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i><br />
<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/lis_sladen_jon_pertwee_planetofspid.jpg.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo lis_sladen_jon_pertwee_planetofspid.jpg" border="0" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/lis_sladen_jon_pertwee_planetofspid.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Getting closer. On a good 370 I can get something for everything and there's stretches where I'm getting it. <br />
<br />
Other'n that, there's not a whole heck of a lot to report.<br />
<br />
See you next week!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running" target="_blank">ETA: I thought I was done until good ol' Matthew </a><br />
<a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running" target="_blank">Inman of The Oatmeal posted this excellent cartoon about the Blerch. It's geared toward runners, but the Blerch definitely exists for speedbuilders. Check it out, and be sure to read the whole thing--it's five pages.</a>Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-83052685600054544952013-07-07T11:33:00.000-05:002013-07-07T11:42:26.547-05:00Four Weeks to Go<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/DoctorWhoPeanuts.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DoctorWhoPeanuts.jpg" border="0" height="288" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/DoctorWhoPeanuts.jpg" width="320" /></a> August 8 is getting closer. I'm getting closer as well to the target speed, but only slightly closer. O, had I only six more months! I had a particular thought a while back that no matter how much I'd practice, when it came time, I'd wish I'd practiced more. Well, I guess I feel that to an extent, but I also don't feel that I've slacked off. Even during busy times.<br />
<br />
What I'm really feeling, which I feel after EVERY SINGLE speed and/or realtime contest, is "I must shorten my writing even more."<br />
<br />
Did I use the <i>Fast & Furious</i> movies analogy before? Finger speed is like the can of nitrous that Vin Diesel or Paul Whatshisname (Walker?) uses in the races. It's good for short bursts, but you don't wanna be using that stuff all the time or it'll harm your system. (I think. IANACM.) <br />
<br />
Short writing is the engine. You want it strong and powerful, and it'll sustain you over long periods of time.<br />
<br />
"Briefs make me hesitate!" Then you haven't LEARNED the brief. Me, I tend to hesitate more over multistroke words than with one-stroke words. Briefs and a shorter theory makes each job easier for me. I'm always on the lookout for multistroke words to reduce to one stroke, and I review briefs with my flashcard app.<br />
<br />
"I don't have TIIIIIIIIIIIME to learn briefs!" Yes, you do. You just haven't found/won't find it. If you have ten seconds to write out a few briefs on a sticky note and pop that sucker on your steno machine, you have time. If you're watching American Idle (see what I did there) or any television at all (which you're not captioning), you have time. If you're working on supper and you have to let the food simmer for 20 minutes, there's a bit of time. Post a few briefs by the frickin' TOILET ferkryinoutloud!!! If you want your job to be easier, your scoping faster, and your realtime better, you'll find the time to improve your skill. That's what professionals do.<br />
<br />
Okay, I just went all Larry Winget on y'all. Sorry about that (kinda). I can't help but feel so strongly about this though, because this past year and a half of speed practice and shortening my writing has made SUCH a difference in work! I have long, exhausting days, sure. However, my feed just gets better and better, the easy jobs are more frequent, and the killer jobs are farther between. That's been my experience.<br />
<br />
I sat down to begin this post not really knowing what to write, and this is what happens :)Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-90474740226991015762013-06-30T12:38:00.000-05:002013-06-30T12:38:28.259-05:00Five Weeks to Go<i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/5THDoctor.jpg.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5THDoctor.jpg" border="0" height="200" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/5THDoctor.jpg" width="192" /></a> As I write this, it's five weeks and four days to go until the Guinness attempt, 4:30 pm, August 8, 2013. It's open to the public. Come a bit early to the NCRA convention and have a watch.<br />
<br />
I blogged later than normal last week (and forgot to click "publish" until just now), so I don't have much to share except my thoughts. I believe I'm fast enough right now to not completely blow 370, but not fast enough that I'm confident in it. I've been doing speed practice at approximately 500 wpm -- not at all getting it -- but after about a year and a half of training, I know what I must do at this point! I must increase the speed. I'm thinking 530-550. <br />
<br />
The problem with making the speed so high is that as I speed up audio, even with the newfangled technology that makes the dictation not sound like Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, the words aren't quite as clear. But you gotta do what you gotta do!Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248167517808364934.post-88164606585605133722013-06-30T12:29:00.000-05:002013-06-30T12:29:14.555-05:00Six Weeks to Go<a href="http://s153.photobucket.com/user/rhythmkeeper/media/Sixth_doctor.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Sixth_doctor.jpg" border="0" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/rhythmkeeper/Sixth_doctor.jpg" /></a><i><a href="http://www.stenoray.com/2012/05/impossible-goal.html" target="_blank">If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here.</a></i><span style="color: #0000ee;"><i><u></u></i></span><br />
<br />
Yikes! I almost forgot a blog post this week. I had a busy busy BUSY weekend, with a partial sick day plus an out-of-town trip. I'm getting caught up on work and stuff, but it also means I'm behind on practice. I've had a few jobs this last weekend where I wrote for several hours, so when my hands are exhausted, I do not practice, or I practice very little. Not much value in breaking any world record if it means my hands get stress injured.<br />
<br />
So we fall off the horse; we get back on again. It won't be long now. <br />
<br />
August 8, 4:30. Not long now.<br />
<br />
<br />Kathryn "Stenoray" Thomas, RDR, CRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05151758114406921895noreply@blogger.com0