Every year I like to propose a guiding word for my year, a word that will help me steer my actions and my working life. This year’s word is “manifest.” For me, I’m specifically focusing on the verb form. What do I mean to do this year? I want to manifest more control over my time. I will be taking …
The summer has flown by, and my amazing Great Cross-Country Train Adventure was everything I had hoped it would be. I was able to combine a business trip (annual convention) with visiting stenofriends in CA and CO, and I was also able to explore new places and travel in a new way. Traveling by train is different than driving or …
(Presented Only from Personal Observation) An amendment has been brought to the membership of NCRA by a group of professionals wishing to recognize voice writers and invite them to membership in the NCRA. This vote will be called during the annual meeting this summer. As with any suggested change to governing documents, members are encouraged to seek out information as …
I usually take my computer with me when I travel, and I often find myself at the hotel room’s desk for at least an hour each evening, editing a transcript. This year, I tried something different. We planned for a cross-country road trip out to Ventura, CA, where I would speak at the California Deposition Reporters Association conference. On our …
This week was a double opportunity – to speak with prospective litigators in their trial advocacy class and to speak with prospective court reporters in their certification prep class. So what did I focus on? The integrity of the record. We spoke about court reporters being the ones tasked with this solemn duty and how attorneys can assist in the …
It’s kind of cool to be a part of a profession that you can share and people say, “Oh, I always wondered how you did that!” The first week in February over the past few years has been reserved by the practitioners of our profession for daily outreach – every day there’s a suggested topic for posting. What do you …
Every year I have a word that guides my thought processes throughout that year. I’ve used “embrace” and “focus” and “authentic” in the past. Last year’s word was “flourish.” I still have my “focus” bracelet on my arm. It’s a good reminder. But 2025 is a different kind of year for me. It marks 35 years affiliated with the court …
I love networking. It’s true. I’m somewhat of a convention junkie. In March, I attended the Virginia Court Reporters Association’s M.A.R. Education Day – and the M.A.R. is for Mario Rodriguez, a reporter I met early in my career and who has sadly passed away. His passion for court reporting was off the charts and his state association has found …
I love my profession and all the opportunities it has afforded me. From being able to manage my own working hours, becoming a small businessperson, educational and leadership programs, and fantastic travel opportunities, I’ve tried and enjoyed a bit of everything. But by far one of the best things about my participation in this career path is the friends I’ve …
For me, “Happy New Year” means good luck with your clean slate, your new focus word, and endless opportunities to embrace. This year is much like others in my past, where I have a word which I will use as my guide in my actions. Last year’s word was “renew,” and I believe I did find in myself a renewal …