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Thanks for the ideas, but trip is being booked through-sm

Posted By: Debra on 2005-11-06
In Reply to: If you book your trip - sm - Traveler

ticket agent that does not offer insurance or refunds for any kind of cancellation.


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Have fun on your trip! sm

...and don't you dare feel guilty about leaving the kids.  Taking this trip will make you a better mother when you get back.  Enjoy your vacation!


trip
I went back to visit the family Thanksgiving and that is where I have been torn, as it has been seven or more years since I was back in the Midwest and of course, seeing my granddaughter for the first time really set me to thinking about returning. When this offer was presented to me, it threw me for a loop nevertheless, but I am still thinking about the fact that I am now 50 and none of my friends is getting any younger and that right now, I feel isolated in more ways than one, with the living situation and with working at home. I have a base of friends where I currently live, but they have their own lives and interests as well. In a way, I feel that if I do return back to the Midwest, that I will have the "support" that I need as well as being able to at least have a life at times. I am currently involved in a relationship, but because of work schedules and financial constraints (mostly on his end) that has been hard as well.
We have everything already for the trip, but.....
we haven't purchased the Disney or Universal passes - I am wondering if those tickets can still be purchased easily at the resorts - we are not staying on site, but rather on International Drive
How was your puppy and your trip?
Been wondering.  Hope everything went well.
Hawaii trip
Do you know how we can find out?  I mean, today is July 11th, so its 10 days from when the winner was supposedly chosen!  I have to put in my vacation time doncha know!  LOL
MQ Hawaii trip
According to the MQ home page, it states that someone named Lori Gryttenholm is the winnder of the trip.  It didn't say which office she is from.
If you book your trip - sm
through one of the many online companies, such as Expedia, Travelocity, or Hotwire (to name a few) they give you the option of purchasing cancellation waivers. They are usually 35 to 50.00 per person.

Just means that if you have to cancel the trip for any reason, you get all of your money back aside from the cancellation fee (the 35 to $50.)
FLORIDA TRIP

I have bought plane tickets on the internet.  You book your flight online and then you print out your tickets. It all worked out fine.    Are you a AAA member?  I have used them for our trip to Disney.  They took care of everything for us.  (FLIGHT, HOTEL, THE PARKS)


IMO no, trip is not tax deductible at all. (nm)
x
Only way trip is deductible is if it is
Like if you are going to an MT seminar or traveling to meet a new client, etc. Working while on vacation doesn't count since you aren't required to work from that location.

When it IS business related, you have to have receipts and legitimate paperwork proving it is work related and that you spent time conducting business. A trip expense like that would be a red flag to the IRS to audit you, so you darn well better have excellent documentation.
Hawaii trip for 2 winner?
Does anyone know if they have announced the winner for Hawaii trip offered by MedQuist?  When I filled out my entry form it said the winner would be announced on July 1, 2005.  I am so curious!  :)
Whe my daughter went on a school trip...
there was an option on the form to opt for insurance. Have you gotten the paperwork yet?  It might be there on there. 
You're a trip, RadGuy.
c
4 of those years are used to learn an ego trip.
x
I don't know if you'd make the trip in time. When my
mother was dying she died within 24 hours of her kidneys shutting down - by this I mean she quit producing urine.  She had cancer that has spready rapidly throughout her body so there may have been contributing factors involved.
LOL! I know the feeling - my last trip was $350 - one cart!
x
YOU CAN EVEN CRUISE/TAKE ROAD TRIP

I'm leaving again next week on a cruise, and can take the work with me.  As an MTSO, I don't have to transcribe, but could if I needed; just download via ship internet to laptop and type offline, then send back.  I use to move files, answer emails, and JUST IN CASE, have the ability to transcribe should the world fall apart while I'm gone!  Also, if you get an AIRCARD, you CAN download/send files while traveling where phone signal is available.  Life is good with flexibility!!!


Same here, although I won't be spending it on a trip to China
I do disagree about not being good at MT though. I think many competent MTs shoot themselves in the foot by not recognizing the value of their skills and working for less than they are worth.
working on laptop while on trip -- q:
If i do work some while on a trip, with good reason but still not required of me, is that trip then tax-deductible, or would that be wrong?
Cross country trip to CALIF and
back. My husband and I took three weeks and drove to California and back through the Southwest. Saw Yellowstone and the Giant Sequoias, Santa Fe, Sedona, etc. We had never been there and it was great just driving with no set plans, stopping along the way whenever and where ever we wanted... such freedom.. My second best was a week and a half to Glacier Falls, Montana, but that's been years and years ago. Heck, any vacation is a great one! My bags are packed and ready anytime!
Not all QA people are power-trip freaks (sm)
I work in QA and would probably welcome an email from an MT who said they really tried but that there were numerous blanks in a report they just sent to me. I frequently did exchange emails with helpful hints and tips to the MTs until we were given a quota to reach, then I had to cut down on the "extra" feedback and just send the basics. I hated it because I like the personal touch with feedback.

Some QA staff do end up with their job as a power trip; I was just never that way. I remember what it was like waiting on feedback and cringeing at some of the remarks I would see. I vowed not to do that to fellow co-workers.
Would you make a 60 mile round trip every day
I have been driving back and fourth to a hospital for over a year.   It is 30 miles away.  I have to put two small children in daycare close to my home because it is more affordable then the ones close to where I work.  This is another issue.  If I have to take them to the doctor or if they have anything going on at the daycare that I can attend well, I have to take a full day off.  The pay at this hospital is only 9 cpl so the pay is not what is really keeping me it is the bennies.  $65/month covers my kids and I.  It is excellent coverage too.  We also have a 401k plan where they match.  We also have flex spending, PTO which is about used up because we keep running out of work.  We are only allowed to get sick 5 times a year, that includes family too if we have to take off.   I have asked to work at home because they have home MTs.  I used to be one of them but they moved me in house they did not like my slow internet connection.  Now that we have cable internet available I asked if can go back home and they seem to give me the run around like it is either "not in their budget" or “maybe in a month or two” but that never comes.  These outsourcing companies keep dancing around.  I just really want to be back home closer to my kids and so I can eat lunch with my husband again.  I do know that any job I get there will be pitfalls.  I am just afraid of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. 
Sounds like she is on power trip. Stand your
x
The high school class took a graduation trip sm
to Aruba. I guess every parent that let their child go on the graduation trip was in bad judgement. There are many HS trips out of the country. Please get a grip.
Going on a school trip for childs chorus competition--sm
in March to New York. Went to a meeting with school/parents and told the school board will cancel the trip if the terrorist threat level goes to red--understandable, but also we would lose our money ($1600 for four of us to go). Does anyone know of an insurance company who underwrites trips or tours?  One of the parents said they heard of this but did not remember the details or company.
drove 80 miles round trip to work for $5/hr...sm

sitting in a metal folding chair at a folding banquet table, banging away on a Selectric in a room full of smokers. This was a service that would UPS cassette tapes out to your home when you started working from home. Obviously this was 25 years ago. After two weeks, the owner let me go and told me he couldn't make money off of me, even at $5/hour. But then I applied at the hospital for a radiology transcription position (because now I had experience!) and they hired me because I was the only one who would work on Saturdays. When I consider what I had to go through to break into the field, makes me laugh when I see newbies fresh out of school with no experience asking for 6 cents a line to work from home...I guess just understand you do what you have to do to break into the field. That goes for every job that is hard to get into.


If he has a sudden bronchospasm at home, he may not LIVE during the trip to the ER. He needs to go.
s
When I took a business trip one time, I came home to an immaculate house.
Then during the next few weeks, I couldn't find certain things like clothes, dishes, and items I kept on the counters. DH had decided to put all the dirty stuff out in the garage where the babysitter couldn't see it because he was embarrased by the mess he and the kids had made. There was mold and mildew on everything because he taped it inside boxes or stuffed it inside coolers, and he forgot to tell me about it.
It was a graduation trip with the high school class. There were chaperones but evidently sm
she went out on her own, but for you the blame the parents and victims dosen't make sense.  Go back to your rocking chair and rock on.
Just got back on a Timeshare trip - cost - 200 and included 3 nights hotel
and tickets to a bunch of free stuff! It was fun. Was it worth it? I am not sure! We got hounded pretty bad about 'buying a timeshare' but it was very affordable! Beautiful place too!
UNBELIEVABLE!!! I am speechless. I literally have no words! A $5000 trip to China to teach

them how to steal our jobs?



 


 


Took an RV trip last year and toured around the west, one of my favorite stops was Palo Duro Canyon
outside Amarillo, and also Santa Fe, New Mexico.  No trip this year, just had a baby, but hopefully one next year!
Any ideas?
I'm beginning my carreer as a medical Transcriptionist - which is best Expander program, are there any good ones lower priced??  anyone know if there's a free trial with any of these programs?
Some Ideas - sm
First, keep a list of each job # you do...this is useful in case there is a dispute or lost work. Also, if you later need to request a copy, you can ask your QA dept by job #.

Second, your question: I do about 20 reports a day for around 750 lines. It takes me anywhere from 4 to 10 hours. :( New accounts are really slowing me down lately.

HTH!
Try these ideas.

I picked up an exercise bike at a yard sale for $1 and a mini trampoline for $5.  Whenever I need a break to recharge, I get on the bike or trampoline for 5-10 minutes.  They say that little spurts of exercise throughout the day are as effective as exercising all at once.  Plus, it'll help clear your lungs out.  Another thing to try is to just step outside for a moment and take some really deep breaths of fresh air in.  You used to inhale deeply with smoking, so now you inhale deeply without the carcinogens.  You can also try yoga or tai chi.  Very calming on the nerves.  I also switched to herbal tea, so I'll take a break and fill up my little teapot for one.  Replace your bad habit with a good habit.  Just don't replace smoking with eating.  If you need the hand to mouth thing, try air popped popcorn, cut up fruit or vegetables, a small amount of nuts or seeds, or hot peppers.  I keep a jar of Bit o' Honey and fireball candies on my desk, so I'll have one of those a day.


It's important to reward yourself, so take the money you would ordinarily have spent on cigarettes and get something for yourself.  I like to buy books, bubble bath, stinky candles, mocha lattes, restaurant gift certificates.  You can also put the money you're saving into a big jar to watch it add up for a BIG reward.  I saved enough to buy a dishwasher, which is kind of silly for a reward, but I really wanted one.


thank you both for the ideas
nm
several ideas on where to go

Number one was psychology, but that will take too long, going part time, and knowing in the next five years MT'ing might not exist.  You need a bachelor's to get foot in the door.  I wish they had schooling completely on line for this degree, but they do not. 


Second is something with cooking.  Would like to work with people on diet and weight loss, since it is the way i've lived my own life for years and I believe strongly in it.  The chef/cook field is predominantly male, so it will be hard to get a foot in the door there.  I can be a certified dietician all on line within a year, but the pay isn't all that good.


Ultimate goal would be a personal chef or working for myself doing SOMETHING.  I think thats everyones dream.


all these ideas
are right up my alley of interest.  I have a community college in my area that offers a certificate in cooking.  I've sent away for the packet, and I feel this is the direction I want to take, since I actually enjoy cooking and working with food.  I'm just in a premid life crisis.  Thanks for your advice, i'm glad I posted today.   
Some ideas....sm
For the business expense part I would buy a printer that uses a different ink cartridge than what you have now. The best one you can afford. I would tell them that my home printer won't handle that much printing (they might even be able to get you a good deal on one from their supplier). In the meantime I would go to Kinkos or printer and have them print the reports and SHRINK WRAP or package the bill with the reports while you are waiting on your new printer. javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');

Thanks for the ideas.
I do have that book and an equipment book as well. Thanks for the idea I will ask and see if they let me.

:)
The ideas seem to be getting better and better, lol--SM
I like the sticker--I could certainly give a quick glance. But the bead of glue or "diamond" ideas sound even better, as I won't have to even look/glance to check and correct my hand position Thanks--you're some resourceful ladies and I was drawing a complete blank on such a simple annoyance, lol
Two ideas

My daughter LOVES trains, and you can find scenic train trips all over.  We did one in Romney, WV that was just wonderful.  The train was called Potomoc Eagle, and we did see bald eagles on our trip. 


Not sure where you are in WV, but what about Hershey, PA?  Probably not the cheapest vacation, but lots to do.  Besides HersheyPark itself (very kid friendly) there is a zoo, a garden and more.  I'm sure there are packages available.  


I'm anxious to see what others come up with too.  We are in PA and looking for some close trips as well.  Which beach do you go to?  We found a beautiful not-so-commercial beach at Lewes, DE last year and can't wait to go back!


Good luck with your planning!   


Thanks for your ideas! (s/m)
I really appreciate your taking the time to answer my post and give your input. I already know that I will have signed on for real at a new job before I ever walk out the door at my present one. And although I want SO badly to tell them to "take their job and shove it", I guess I have to not burn my bridges, either, just in case. I had thought about doing some part time work, but I'm usually so burned out at the end of the week that I don't know if I could do that or not. I run around like crazy on Saturdays, just trying to do all the household chores, shopping, etc. that doesn't get done during the week.

I seriously considered training for another career about 10 years ago, when we were told our jobs would "be taken over by VR" eventually. But I got into MT because I don't fit well into most other professions. I've had a couple of my own businesses. Too much worry and having to be available 24-7. I've gotten lazy in that respect. The same with going back to school. I'm just hoping I can keep on scratching out a living with what I know how to do, until I have enough saved to at least retire to part-time work to supplement my 401K & whatever Social Security is still left in 2025. So, I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Some ideas
All teachers don't come out of the same mold, but my friend who is a teacher says the best gift she can receive is a gift card from a grocery store. She likes all gift cards, but it's easier to use the grocery store ones. We all have to eat!! An Amazon.com gift card is also good.

Her second favorite is homemade cookies or other edible products.

Trinkets and personal gifts are great, but she says she remembers students by their personal qualities (or lack thereof lol) more than any personal gift.

Good luck!
Thanks for all your ideas !!
We have decided to make a picture collage of the puppies that survived and "mom and dad", and include it with a basket of goodies that can be eaten while on the run with an assortment of coffees, teas, individual bottles of flavored water, etc.

Although we wanted something unique, the goodie basket seemed to be at the top of everyone's list... so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Again, thanks for all the help.
Thanks for the ideas!
I think some of these might get me arrested, but they are good ideas! Hubby would love them! I am going to take my special chocolate chip cookies to the airport for him to eat in the car. I will give him a kiss and a big welcome home card too. Thanks to you all! :-) Just 1 week to go now!
Some ideas...
I'm in the same boat, but decided to get over it as July has come and is on its way out and the work is still very skimpy. Fortunately, my rent isn't due until the middle of the month and I'll figure something out about the rest of the bills even if it means getting reaaal good at Ebay.

Some suggestions:

--Check the local temp agencies, perhaps they have something, med. transcription or not, that might be available to help tide you over.

--Consider hiring on with another "back up". That's not being disloyal. It's being smart and sane. What good are you getting frustrated, upset, being tense about where the rent's coming from if not your current employer? What good are you to your family who is depending on you or your employer if you're all out on the street?

--Whether you tell your employer what you're doing (to literally keep yourself afloat) or not is up to you and depends very much on your relationship. Think this particular over very, very carefullly regardless of how much better it might make you feel regarding loyalty.

Hang on, hang in. We've both no other choice. We'll get through this.


Need some ideas
A friend of mine has throat cancer and is undergoing radiation.  His throat hurts and he has no teeth and I am trying to come up with some high calorie food for him to eat, he says he can't taste much and has been doing milk shakes and mashed patotoes, any other ideas.  Really need to be high calorie because he does not want to have a PEG and if he can keep up his weight and still swallow then he won't have to have one.  Thanks for any suggestions
Some Ideas for You RE: LX-219

 


First, sorry about the funny way my answer is formatted below, I'm no good in this little box.


Are you dialing into a Lanier system?  LX-219 and other Lanier equipment only works with Lanier. 


 Ranzy Luster in Texas fixed my LX-219 with large display for a flat rate of $100, gave a 90-day warrantee with the repair.  He sometimes advertises on the MT Daily site.  He has been around a long time.  His phone number is 254-235-3241 and his e-mail is rluster@transcribe solutions.com.  I felt he treated me very well and he was fast.  I should say if the large display is not working, I don't believe he works on that, but if you can see anything in the large display, I believe he will work on it.  Ask him.


Look in your User Guide for the LX-219 and try performing the call-echo-cancel sequence.  If you are calling into a Lanier system, then it is not recognizing your machine.  Lanier machines send a proprietary tone in to connect with the host modem. 


Sometimes the phone is set for dictate instead of transcribe.  You can try this: Press  *99 (that's star-99) then the 1 key


If set for transcription it will say 20 through 39. 


My old Lanier service tech said he always used 20 as his default when setting machines for transcription mode. 


When you dial into Lanier, the LX-219 must be programmed with YOUR ID number.  So, program one key with the number you are dialing, then another key with your ID. 


You can test how this works by dialing the phone manually, touching all the buttons just like the regular phone, then input your ID number, the system should recognize you. 


I haven't used my LX-219 machines in a long time, I use a Lanier TXC card to download large amounts of dictation to a sound card in my computer, but the above were some hints I wrote for myself in the handbook for the LX-219 a couple of years ago. 


Is your C-phone located near any other equipment?  That can cause static.  Move it away by itself. 


I hope something here helps.  Give Ranzy a try.  He might have some suggestions for you. 


Some ideas
Grilled cajun chicken or shrimp over Caesar salad. Marinated steak over salad. Marinated chicken or shrimp kabobs. Italian sausage kabobs with peppers and onions and cherry tomatoes. A crustless quiche. Shrimp scampi. Tasty veggies..brocolli with cheese sauce, cauliflower with cream sauce, glazed carrots. Cole Slaw. Stacked thin burger patties filled with layers of swiss cheese, mushrooms, onions, or whatever you like. I find if it's tasty or fun to eat you don't miss the carbs as much ;)
Any ideas

Sorry, this is kind of long, but I would appreciate any advice/comments.


Back in May I was contacted by someone to whom I had sent my resume several months prior.  She asked if I would be interested in some part-time work, and I said that I was.  She had no idea how much or what time of day, etc. 


Well, it turned out to be quite a bit of work, and I wound up calling her and letting her know that it was too much, as she would ride me about turnaround time when I had let her know that I already had almost full-time work prior to accepting her part-time deal.  She did have another girl working on the account, but her work needed to be edited (fully to voice), and she asked that I hang in there while she found someone else, which I did, and she went through about three other girls.  During this time she would hit me with sometimes 2+ hours of dictation out of the blue, and there would be many days with nothing at all.  I had actually been hoping to still get daily work, but just a reduced amount from what it had been, and was still hoping that is how it would go once she was able to find someone else to share the load. 


Anyway, about a week ago I received an e-mail from her that she no longer had the account, and here is where my question comes in . . . I really liked doing this dictation, and am interested in trying to obtain the account for myself, but they are in a different state from me.  Since she has lost the account, I do not feel that it would be stealing, but obviously they must have had a replacement transcriptionist/service prior to telling her they would no longer need her services, so I am wondering how long I should wait and what approach I should take . . . should I call them, or perhaps mail something, or even call and try to get an e-mail address???  I was not told what the reason is that they no longer use her services either, by the way, and as far as having said what I did about it being too much work, I would give up something else to have this account if I could get it, but at the time I told her it was too much I had not decided that.  I had been considering proposing just that to her, for a negotiated higher wage, but then she lost the account. 


What would you guys do?


TIA for opinions/ideas!