Day 170 - It's always something!

That's not me, but that's a fellow court stenographer! I feel like that most days, indeed.

Being a court stenographer is pretty nice. The pay is good, the income from transcripts is really great, and I work for a court system where I get benefits like retirement and health plan.

But I buy my own equipment. It's pricey. The steno machine and the software to run it alone is $10,000. Then there's the computer and printer that's required, as well as office supplies, continuing education fees and society dues. That eats my margin of profit like Cookie Monster eats a batch of cookies.

My laptop went kablooey last Friday, and now I'm struggling to find a replacement. I called friends and family to see if they had one. Nobody did. So I ended up having to go online to Dell Computer's website and get a new one. That's another monthly payment in my already stretched to the limit monthly budget.

IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING!!!

My current laptop cost me $1,200 over six years ago. But its HAS lasted six years, which I should be grateful for. My new laptop -- which shows up in about 7 - 10 business days -- costs nearly that much, as well. It has to be top-of-the-line in order to run my court reporting software. (sigh.)

Lord, I know you see these "emergencies" even before I see them. You foresaw that I would need the airline $$$ to fly out to see my mother...and You provided the money by way of an ordered transcript. I know you see this, too. Please, help me pay for this every month. I'm trusting in you. Amen.