Oh, that's scarey! But, you know, maybe a light bulb will go off and you will whiz through your tests -- it could happen! You might just be stuck on a certain fingering or letter combination and when you overcome that, it won't be too much harder at the 100 speed. I'm sending positive vibes to you......ooooh.....LOL!

Theory and speedbuilding are never finished, that's for sure! I see one of our reporters practicing a lot - she's been at it for nearly 30 years - still does speedbuilding. We actually don't have that many hearings that are stenoed. We have electronic monitors (I am also an electronic monitor-have to be able to pinch hit) for most hearings , so she has to keep up her speed. You will get it though! I have faith in you!

Hi Brittany. I am in Speed Building 120/140. It took me forever to get out of 80/100. I miss theory now. I just thought it was hard way back when. Take my advice, and unless you like Speech a whole lot, take it from somewhere else. We are only supposed to spend 5 hours a week on academic classes, but Speech took up at least 10 hours a week. Forntunately, it was only a 7 week class and this is our last week. Who is your theory teacher? What academic are you taking?

i do feel pretty ready for it, but i don't want to get too ahead of myself. i still need to take every qualifier really seriously! i don't have any academics left to do. at my schoool, you can't sit in qualifiers (the last class, the one where you pass ONE and you can go to the state test) unless all of your academics and interning are done. it's a nice motivator! sounds like you're getting close to that 80! keep it up! what made you pick your school? is there not one around where you live?

Hey, Brittany!

I was in the 80/100 class a the beginning of this term. I recognize your name too from there. How's it going?

Hey Brittany, I do live in Dallas, I attend Court Reporting Institute of Dallas too. I just switched to online for this quarter, but I'm seriously rethinking that, it is way harder. Arlington is not far, although I rarely go there and don't know much about it. So why did you move? I like school I just wish I had more time to enjoy it, I work 11 hour days four days a week, sucks. And I wish I didn't feel in such a rush to get out, but working and going to school with a child, well it's hard. I want more time for her and for me, and more for us, so I feel as if I needed to be out of school like yesterday, know what I mean? But I find it all interesting and I enjoy it, at the same time I hate it, cause it is going to be my profession so it is kinda stressful. Ima keep doing what I can, put it in God's hands, and pray it all works out the way it should.

Happy Tuesday, Brittany! How's your week going?

Hey Brittney, I just left you a note on the forum. I didn't realize you were from Dallas. I did a lot of research about getting certified in TX because my husband is from Dallas, and I will tell you that TX has their own RPR to become certified. Because it is exactly the same test as the National test, the RPR, it seems like you could take that certification and transfer it over to states that require only the RPR. My understanding is that the TX exam is called a CSR, and not "the RPR," so you would still have to pass the RPR afterwards to receive that license. The good thing though, is that if you pass the CSR in TX it would be wise to try and take the RPR asap after your TX certification because they are exactly the same, with the exception of the written test, of course. But, if you are looking to perhaps work in states like where I'm from, CA for example, then you are dealing with a completely different test, which is a 15 min 4V. Nothing close at all compared to the RPR. Well, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to write to me! Take it easy, Elise Nock

Hi Brittany. Hesitation is a common issues among students and working reporters and there are different ways to approach diagnosing and correcting the problem.

Reading back from your notes is a great way to identify where you hesitate. Once you do that, working on the words or theory principles that cause you to hesitate.

Also, transition practice, taking a page of the newspaper and copying it slowly will help you with hesitations because you are writing new words slowly and you are engraining them in your mind which helps reinforce your theory.

Also, take the time to read more...read more periodicals (Time, Newsweek, etc.) especially if your eventual goal is to be a captioner. Captioners have to be familiar with a variety of subjects and must have a strong vocabulary for the job.

I remember going back to my theory books when I was in school because I wasn't very confident in my writing and I did do that for awhile. Since you're studying from home, I would devote some time to reviewing your theory. The stronger the foundation the better writer and less hesitation you will have which translates into an easier time speed building.

Also, going to a physical school for the interaction with teachers for feedback is good, but I learned a lot on my own without my teachers helpingme. I wouldn't go to a school to see how other students are doing. Everyone learns differently and how you learn is unique to you and not anyone else. School is great for the social aspects of making friends and supporting each other.

I hope this helps you out, stay in touch.

Good Wednesday, Brittany! I read your comments on your flowers on Tara's page -- oh gosh, I wish we could get flowers to grow like that in Roswell. It's the desert --no wonder aliens picked Roswell to land! When I lived in California I remember EVERYTHING just GREW and grew. I miss the hydrangias and geraniums the most.
I'm sure your flowers are lovely and will do well.

Indiana is a long way from San Diego! Okay - you deserve flowers -- I agree! Those winters are brutal. I spent one winter in Chicago with my husband when we were married - never again - I don't know how anyone takes the snow!

Everything is goin' good this week...good practice--caught up on my hours--how 'bout u missy??

Hi Brittany, we go to the same school! I'm sure I'll be seeing you in speed class soon!

What a great picture! Wow your really strong!!

hi!!! sorry it's taken me so long to write you back! i actually went on a cruise!!! it was SO nice and i just stopped peeling haha. so how's school going? it sounds like you go to a great school! i hope all is well! :)

Oh, so you're really a tree hugger! LOL! Is that in Redwood National Forest? Amazing place! Just wanted to say Hi!

hey you! how's it going? i went to ensenada and cabo san lucas on my cruise. it was really nice to get away from school! now we're on break too, we get two weeks off tho. how are you enjoying your break? i really wish break didn't come write now tho, cuz i wish i were in school practicing for my test! we'll only have 3 qualifiers when we get back before the state test. AHHH! i'm freaking out! i'm going to try and intern all next week. we'll see tho ha.

Hi, Brittany! How did the last couple of weeks of the quarter go for you? At least the CASE test wasn't difficult! How did speedbuilding go?

Sorry to take so long to get back - had to make up work! I laughed about your comment on Eureka, CA - it is WEIRD up there - and maybe they did film Twilight Zone there - but then, you can say the same the same about Roswell! It's alien week here this week! Parade is today (have an eagle eye view from the Courthouse)! Have a good one!

I know girl I plan to do so much better this time around! I missed the damn VC tonight though..great start! I am leaving for NC on Friday and have to take my machine and all that good stuff. Maybe I could pass an 80 finally!!

I love the tree picture by the way! You do take on alot don't you! :)

Bonjour! How's the first week going? I'm in class with many many unfamiliar faces! But I know a few - but I miss interacting with my other friends! How are your flowers doing?

Hey Brittney, I jsut added you on my friends, I am online also with you. Erika =)

Nice to meet you too Brit!!! Yeah I've been slacking on my practicing, but I'm getting back into the swing of things. I doubled up on my academics so I can get those out of the way. =)

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm definitely open to considering taking online courses, but it's a little easier said than done in my position. We had to move in with roommates when I quit my job to go to school full time, so if I ever decide to try online classes, I'd have to figure out somewhere else to go.
Meanwhile, I see on your profile you use CaseCatalyst. I'm using the student version of ProCAT right now, but I think I'm going to switch to Case or Eclipse eventually. Are you happy with it?
Thanks again,
Stephanie

I'm going to Cerritos College in Norwalk. . .I'm actually really happy with the school, which is probably one reason I'm trying to stick it out on campus. The teachers are great.

Hi Brittany, check out The Brief Zone !
Great Drilling Material For Any Steno Theory...
www.thebriefzone.com

I've made a habit of asking everyone about their software. I'm planning to buy professional software later this year, so I'm trying to figure out which one to go with.
Thanks for your input!

Congrats on promoting speeds!

hey brittany!! how's it going? how is school?

it is football season now! craziness! oh, life after school is wonderful!! i took the machine portion of the csr on july 25th, got the results exactly one week ago, took the professional practice test on saturday, and taking the english test tomorrow. the results for the last two tests take about a week each, so by next week i should be applying for a csr #! well, assuming that i pass everything!! i haven't been interning, i've been studying like crazy! but i might next week and the week after that to get back in the swing of things. but it feels good to be done! i'm excited to be able to start working soon!

i started march 20, 2006, and passed my first qualifier (my first try too) on april 24th, 2008. so it took me about two years to get qualified. the only thing i really did at home was my academics. i would study my legal and medical at work haha. but i didn't do much machine stuff at home till i was in 180-200.

woo hoo! i just found out today that i passed the last leg!! now i'm just waiting for the number to come in the mail! what a relief. waiting is SO hard!

keep up your hard work!! i'm sure time will just fly by! i look back now, and my schooling sure did!

Brittany! What class did you wind up in! I hope you moved ahead! Is there another class at our speed (did you get Lipford? We have Scoggins) I miss your shining face!

Hi, Brit! Oh, I really miss you in class - we have about 25 and we have Ms. Scoggins, who I think I will like. Got report cards today - OMG! Did not do good! Didn't realize that if I didn't pass both my 80's I was pretty sunk! So, needless to say, there's nearly mass mutiny in my class as I am not the only one struggling through that speed - oh, well - I will just have to do better this semester--I'm going to try doing my SA by dictation only - my problem is going from the written to dictation and I think the only way to get over that is to just do everything I can by dictation - what do you think? You always have the best tips and advice!

Well, I really hope you like Ms. Ramirez and maybe a smaller class is better - but I bet it is lonely! Listen, you are really really talented and I just know you are going to do great this semester -- just keep telling yourself that and envision making your speeds! And let's do keep up here - maybe we will be in the next class together!

On another note, I heard from your Mom - she sounds like she's hanging in there, too! Did you get to do anything fun for our "break" - I just vegged out - and really enjoyed it! The fall flowers are coming out here and I thought of you on my drive to work this morning! I picture your house something like Wisteria Lane with all these lovely blooming bushes and trees! LOL!

Well - have fun !

Hey, Brittany - how did your first week go? Mine went great - I wrote better last night than I have in a long time - hope it continues - did anymore people show up in your class? we have about 30!

Thank you for the comment, Brit. :) I hope your writing is going well. I'm cramming this weekend as usual. I need to get better organized. How is it going with you?

Hi, Brit! Hope you had great holidays! How did your semester go? What speed will you be going into?! Sorry I'm so late in replying. I just hit a real funk for the last six months and now I'm back. Do you know who your teacher is next semester? I haven't looked yet!

Hit me back and let me know what's new!

Hey, Brit - just read your 12/6 comment - I feel better knowing I'm not the only person who has to work an hour on a sentence! I want to vent for just a moment -- okay?

Since the online students don't get to talk much and heaven forbid the DF is not the place to do it - I honestly do feel better about what I'm doing. It takes that kind of work and more for me to master this stuff, but no one owns up to it. I have toyed, and am still toying with the idea of leaving CRID and possibly going to CRIL. They don't offer a degree, just a certificate, but they have performance evaluator, they have online classes that have video and you are linked up realtime, you get a teacher's personal evaluation of your work within 48 hours and so on. It's so much more up-to-snuff than CRID is. I am really frustrated because I've been in school for a year and have had little-to-no input as to what I'm doing right or wrong.

Okay, enough said. I'm just wanting more feedback about how to do this and be more efficient. I hear we are supposed to get performance evaluator next semester and I hope that's true. Of course, I honestly think it will make some aspects much more difficult for us.

So, that said, I'm still at CRID and going back into 80/100 and hoping I pass before midpoint!

And how is your day going? Thanks for listening!

glitter-graphics.com

Have a fantastic 2009, Brit! Jeannie

Hey, Brit! How's your first week of the new quarter going? I've been pounding the keys and adding briefs, going to start testing again tonight! Say Hi when you can -- I'd hate to lose touch!

Hi, Brittany! So glad to hear from you - I was getting worried about you and Tara! Glad you have a great instructor. Initially, I received Ms. Lipford, but I don't do well under her, so I begged and Mr. P put me back with Ms. Scoggins, whom I adore and can ask ANYTHING and she gets back to me with constructive input! That makes such a difference. And I'd love to be back in class with all familiar people!

Yes, CRID could do some stuff different and I'm anxious to get the Performance Evaluator, but look at the post on my site from Virginia Kling about that - I asked her what her opinion was and after reading her post, I'm not so upset about the delay - I don't know that I'm ready for it, yet.

I wish we had cameras for video linkup to the classroom - that would be nice - but it's probably more technical stuff to go wrong - not everybody is in tune with their equipment -- so, I guess I will just go along. Onground school is not an option for me, so I'm staying for a while - the cost is prohibitive, though, and I'm rethinking that.

Several people left from my last class and went either onground or to other schools and a couple went to voice school, so I'm just hitting the keys as hard as I can and it seems to be working - I really need to get this done and that stress is eating me alive! If Tara goes onground, it will be really interesting to see how fast she attains her speed - I do think that online is harder, but there is no substitute for practice and as I am practicing more, it's getting better. I hope I can just get to 100 by the end of the semester - that's what I'm trying for!

Well, keep you head up and keep checking in - I'm here all the time! Tell Tara HI for me!

Hey, Brit! Sounds like school is going great for you! That's terrific. Yep, you bet I will ask for her my next quarter - I need someone like that and I'll insist on it! I'm so glad it's working out - what speed are you at? I envy that personal touch! Although, I will say that Mrs. Scoggins is really good for me - she keeps in touch and has really helped me through a lot - and I'm the old pro in the group, so I have to keep it up and help the other girls - they are all new to speed - it's a great class.

sorry I haven't been on the board - I've had pneumonia for a month and been in bed - still managed to pass an 80 though!

Oh, how's your mom? I don't think she EVER gets on here - is she doing okay? Tell her I said hi!

Oh, Brit! We are all in the same boat! I still have an 80 to pass, but I think I can do it. Then, of course, I still have the 100's to do -- I'm getting scared - I am going to call Mr. P today. As I understand it, if you took 3 quarters of theory, then, you have 4 quarters to do the 80/100 class and if you don't hit 100 by the end of the 7th quarter, then you are out of aid - is that what you were told? I'm in my 3rd quarter of the 80/100 speed class and, at this point, due to things with my kids and my job, I may need to quit CRID and go to Indiana online - they have a great program and I have two friends who will be starting in 2 weeks there - they are in the same boat as us - they have a much stricter online setting and they have an interactive classroom - you use video and realtime linkup and you are actually in a class and although it's tougher, I think it might be better.

I'm just not sure -- I hope you pass your 100's -- I'll pray for you - I'm going to try and do the same thing -- the need to get through school has suddenly become top priority. So, I'm having to pour on the steam and I just don't know what I'm doing "wrong" that I'm not getting the speed -- I'm sure you feel the same way and I wish I had answers.

I'll let you know anything I find out and I'll keep you in mind.

Tell Tara hello and I'm sure her dogs are lovely - I'm a big shepherd fan (I have an Anatolian right now - she's such a sweetie) -- Take care and I hope you had a really happy Valentine's day!

Hey, Brit! Is your mom thinking of going to CCR in Indiana? I have been looking into that program and am seriously thinking of changing schools - their online is really terrific and interactive. I have another friend who is transferring there. I was just wondering if you knew what Tara thought of it.

Wow! That was a book, Brit! Congrats on promoting, by the way! Proud of you for that!

Well, I have been through absolute mental hell over school and theory recently -- and then my life changed, drastically, so I'm sticking with CRID. I did a LOT of investigating and I had the same conversation with Mark K. -- too late to go back - so, I'm trying to incorporate his theory as much as I can --

I feel the same way -- If I knew then what I know now, I would not have chosen Phoenix -- it's just too stroke intensive, although it is a logical theory -- but -- I have had a change of heart about many things and am leaving to go to Dallas this summer, so I'm going to stick with CRID -- it's expensive, but, like you, I just don't think that moving is a good idea. Although, at this point in life, I feel like i am going to be paying for school forever!

I talked with CCR and it seems like a really good school, but I don't think the trade off was what I wanted and then I decided to move, soo......

Just keep writing -- it's going to come and we are going to be fine! I hope your quarter is great this time -- who do you have? I still have Mrs. Scoggins and I have to dig in - my last quarter before I lose aid --

Let me know -- have to go for a hearing right now....

Well, I'm back - so is Tara going to CCR? I spent a lot of time talking to them and going through their website and I WISH I had that at CRID - I really think that CCR has a top notch online program -- and, frankly, I was intending to go ahead and register there, but since I plan on relocating to Dallas (if I don't get cold feet), I am going to stick with CRID. I know that Debra McCarty registered there and I need to see how she's doing and how she likes it -- she said someone else from CRID had gone over -- I'll let you know what I find out.

I did have a chilling conversation with someone the other day -- of the 30 or so that I started out in class with, first semester, only 12 are left -- ughhh......I don't know if that's verifiable, but that's what we came up with -- scary.....

Wow! you got more information out of them than I did - Nikki seemed surprised I called and was interested in going -- and they've had open house all this month and I haven't done anything - someone called today - I am so torn - I just don't know what to do! Part of me says to stay at CRID because I will be there (I'm moving because I need to give my children a bigger life and I'm ready to go back now that they are older) - the other part says to jump ship -- I'm really impressed with CCR -- I'm not sure (and I have to run right now, so I will continue this)...

I've been trying to call CCR tonight and can't get through - why am I moving to Dallas (if I don't get cold feet, because that's a long way to go when it's just you and your daughter....) because I want to go back to the city and Jackie needs to be in Texas schools - she's planning on going to medical school but she needs to have the opportunity for a better high school for a couple of years, first.

So, would you be attending class four nights a week in a video conference? How is the testing set up and do they have Performance Evaluator? Could you give me a little information, I'm still thinking of going -- I'm in the same boat as you -- I hate to trouble you, but I'd really appreciate the help ! Thanks!

Wow, that sounds GREAT! I will most definitely give them a call.

I talked to Nikki at CCR, whom I believe is the director of admissions or something like that, and she gave me a 2 week guest pass to login to their board and see how things are. She also explained a bit about how the classes are. I'm not sure if I wrote this on your thread or not, but if not, she said you can login in to the scheduled class times on-site and actually dictate with the class and you can see your instructor on webcam.

Sounds like it might be similar, but I don't know if it has all of what you described.

That school sounds really great, though. Keep me updated and let me know what you decide!

I got to tell you, I can't wait to get away from CRID. I just can't believe how on our own we are there and not to mention, the disorganized Administrative staff! My theory teacher was GREAT (Mr. Sadler...had him for both theory classes), but after that, there's a lot to be desired.