Hi Keva,
I actually find I prefer to write on my machine without the braces on, so that's why I do it. I don't have any wrist pain when writing on my machine if I have it at the right height and keep my body in the right position. But things like carrying my equipment, driving, picking up my kids, cleaning, walking my dogs -- all that kills my wrists, so that's why I wear them virtually all the time but not on the machine.
I do also take the braces off as soon as I get to a depo because I get so many questions from attorneys about them, and I am just tired of talking about it, honestly - not to other reporters or students like you, but to people at work, because I'm saying the exact same thing at every depo if they see my wrist braces.
I think it's a great idea to wear them now. Just so you know and I'm clear, I only started wearing them all the time when I had kids a few years ago. Before then, I only wore them when I slept and worked on the computer and walked my dogs. Picking up little kids all the time has taken a huge toll. Good luck in school and hope that helps!

Good luck in school, Keva. Stick with it -- reporting is a very rewarding profession.

Hey Keva,
Glad my advice worked for you. Good luck on getting through school as quickly as possible. Believe it or not, this is the easy part. This job can be challenging but well worth it.

Hi, Keva. I was a reporter for 10 years and quit when my kids were born. I decided to get back into reporting when they got older and used CRAH to help me get recertified. I've been back reporting for almost a year now. There's lots of good support here. Reporters are such generous people. If you have any questions, let me know.

Keva,

Thanks for your friend request. I really don't know how to be anything but honest. And I can honestly say that both of you in your profile picture are very, very pretty people:)

Hey! So nice to hear from you, and I'm glad you're moving along so quickly. I'm working on 160s and 180s right now. I keep having a stop/start thing going on with the terrible two and new baby and all. I'm just now getting into the flow again, and it feels great! Everybody is well, and thanks for asking. How's everything with you?

Thanks! I put myself into the Mentor's forum more as an opportunity to learn from someone who has somewhere in the order of 10-30 years experience. Once you become a reporter there is so much to learn. I have had my license not even two weeks and I feel so overwhelmed!

Hello! Thanks for the request! If you ever need any help or advice, send me a message and we'll talk. being at 180 is huge!! You are almost done!

My little girl just turned five. You're doing a great job if you're juggling kids and school.

Hello, Keva :) I'm glad you found some interest in my blogs. I haven't been on here much, but if you ever have any questions or anything, please feel free! 180! There's no turning back now, huh? :)

Thanks for adding me as a friend. I see you joined Court Reporter Mommies as well. How many kids do you have?

Merry Christmas.

Hey, Keva...

There are times when I'm writing and realize that I've failed to use a brief for a word or a phrase. That's natural, and it's actually a good thing just to write what you hear instead of thinking so much about writing it in a diffrent way. You will find that theory will be your best friend in the end. Briefs are supposed to come naturally, and if they don't, drop them or work on them until they becomes second nature. Don't worry about drops due to speed, because that will come in time. The less you have in hesitations, the less you will drop; as you practice speed and acuracy, you will train you mind and your fingers to write whatever is dictated. You'll find that you'll keep up more and more. Keep at it, and have fun practicing. I'll talk to you soon.

Hello, Keva...

Just wanted to Holla. I haven't been on here in a while. How's everything going in your speed classes?

Hit me up when you get the chance,

Nikki

Yep.. those are the same issues I am having. I'm in the early stages of speed building.. and it's taking me awhile. I just need more time to focus on what I am doing. My husband and I are in the processof reworking my schedule. I really need to get more accomplished.

What speed are you working on? Are you struggling with any concepts. I'm having some issues with contractions and the the hyphenated or joined words.

Hi Keva, it I'm correct you are studying with CRAH? If so, I am too! How are things going? I finished theory but am refreshing as I have been so hit or miss since the kids are home for summer that I don't feel I have a good grip on some concepts. Just need more solid practice time!

Hello, Keva;
Man, if you students don't stop misspelling "definitely", I don't know what I'm gonna do. Anyhow, Wow, it seems like everybody is gone. Most everybody I check into haven't been on this site in a month or so. I wonder if it's summer vacation or something. I KNOW the students can't afford to take that much time off. I see I invited you and you accepted and that's about as far as you and I have gone. I do hope you find the advice I've given other students and especially our mutual acquaintances. Then, I wait for your question(s). You'll then get your very own diatribe to share with others, too. Now, I asked this question to my group of friends before and I don't know whether you were included in that or whether you were my friend then or not; but are you coming to the annual NCRA convention in Anaheim July 24-27? I will be there and since you're in California, I wonder. What part of California are you from. Are you in the south here with me or are you from the upper north where I went to school or the middle, where I grew up? And that handsome guy you have there, your husband? You make a nice couple, congrats! Bring him and have a vacation down here near Disneyland & KnottsBerry Farm. Without further adieu, I bid you farewell and wait for your question.