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Angelia,
when I was in school, I used to do country
western dancing every wednesday and friday
evening. when I told them I was studying to
be a court reporter, people would see dollar
signs in their eyes!! Everyone's first comment
was: Oh, you're going to make a lot of money!!

but trust me, you will earn every dollar!
but it is very cool to be able to do what we
do!!
:)) keep at it!!
kathy

Hi and congratulations on your new baby! I have a family, full time job and go to school full time in the evenings. I just finished Theory II last night. I think if you truly want something we all find a way. Sometimes, I am so exhausted and want to drive straight home instead of going to school, but then I think to myself, if I can just get through this it will only be one job and more time with my family. I have to be honest that I do think about the money, as well, but just being happy and feeling accomplished would give me so much more happiness!

I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to see you post your progress!

Danette

Welcome to the mentoring group. I hope you get a lot of questions answered.

And congratulations on making it back to the profession.

Just wanted to say welcome Angelia! I am older too (39.5) and am just learning theory. I have four children as well and know what it is like to be busy with family. Looks like you have a few older ones. Hopefully they can help you out with the baby so you can get your study time in. You sound like you are willing to work hard toward your goal and I am sure you will make it!

That is great you have your mom to help out. I am teaching myself theory at home. I have three in school and one at home during the day. Most of my time to practice is nap time and in the evenings. I am enjoying learning even though I am starting later in life:). You can check out startran at www.startran.com. I purchased a used machine on ebay. It ended up being a great deal. Best of luck to you and hope to hear on how you are doing.

Hi, Angelia! You found CSRnation, I see. Good start! Now on this forum I can friend you since it's our professional site. Good luck and I'm sure you'll get some good info. and advice here... Don't hesitate to give me a shout-out

I have "googled" steno machines before and
found machines for sale at various prices.

I just saw a little while ago, that a smartwriter
(the macine i've been using for 7 years+)
sold for around $200. i know that sounds
expensive, but that machine will last you into
your first couple of years of reporting until
you start making some money to buy something
newer. just an idea.
kathy hettick

Angelia,
thanks for the compliment!
CLR = Certified LiveNote Reporter

:))
kathy

Angelia,
I paid $2400 for my smartwriter back in
1994, and it had only been used for a
couple of years by a beginning CSR back
east somewhere. they certainly are cheaper
now.

here's a link to one i found when I googled
smartwriter. I'm not recommending this
site but just to let you see a picture of the
writer. it is a bit heavy to haul around, but
it is a real workhorse!! if you can get it cheap
enough, it will work for you for as long as
you need. try to find one in good condition,
parts might be hard to find. they stopped
making these a long while ago, but I haven't
needed "parts" for mine, so....

and no, i'm not selling mine.

http://www.acculaw.com/stenograph-smartwriter.aspx

kathy

it is the software that allows a court reporter
to send the realtime feed to an atty's
computer where the document can be saved
on the atty's computer. and the atty can make
notes and comments to himself regarding
the depo transcript, or mark things the atty
wants to check later or do a word search
through the transcript (during the depo) to
find earlier questions/answers, etc.

really neat program for attys, and now we
are using it in court for the judges to have
realtime and they can make their notes
right on the program at the bench.

kathy

I have a stentura 400 SRT. which I think is a great machine for a student. I think they have a decent trade in value when upgrading.

Hello, Angelia, when I started school I had purchased a manual machine off Ebay for $80. It got me through the first half of the year, then I upgraded to an electric which I purchased used from from Stenotech.

Hi Angelia, I will be preparing to take the written part of the exam in January. The skills part is given in May, I have plenty of time to prepare for that. Thank God the RPR isn't required to start working in New York . I cannot wait to start working!

Don't give up Angelia, keep trying. You can also check stenotech.com

Of course you're welcome in Reporter Mommies.

Hello Angelia!! Thanks for comment. Have you started your schooling yet?

Hi Angelia! Thank you for the comment. Just keep the vision alive and your dreams will come true. You have to see yourself in school and it will happen. When you start, you must practice everyday then you will finish faster.

Thanks for the nice comment!

Did you start CR school? Do you have a machine?

Good for you, Angelia! I was asking because I think I might still have my old manual lying around here somewhere. I'll go try to dig it up if you still need a machine. Let me know how it goes.

Let me check to see if I still have it. My husband may have "made space." If I do, can you just pay for shipping?

I just wanted to wish you luck in school! I know how excited you have been to get started. Keep us updated with your progress.
-Angela

I'm not in speeds yet, I think I have about 4 monthes left to complete my theory including advanced theory.
It does sound like you have a full plate, but you can do it!
I have a Stentura 400 SRT. Works fine for being a student.
Again good luck!