Season's Greetings from all of us at CanScribe!

There have been so many changes over the course of the last year... and more exciting times to come!

We recently moved into our new location in Kelowna and are so enjoying the new space.  We have a lot more room to grow and our offices and classrooms have lots of windows to allow natural sunlight in to shine in on all of our brilliant students and staff.

If you live in or around the Kelowna area, please come by for a visit.  We would love to show you around the new school!

We are currently busy working on the next version of our Medical Transcription course and will be launching new computer training very soon as well.  We are really excited about the new courses and can't wait to share them with you.

There are a few new faces around the college and I hope you get the chance to meet, or at least speak to everyone.  We had 2 Kevin's join CanScribe this year.  Kevin Blucke is our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (aka accounting geek) and he really, truly loves working with numbers and is brilliant at it!  Thank goodness because it's now off my plate!  Kevin Gaudet is our Office/HR Manager. And yes, he did get the job because he was sleeping with the boss (he's my husband!)  Although it's a little confusing having 2 Kevin's around, we are really fortunate to have them as part of our team.

Sarah Kennedy and Linda Kovacs joined our Student Services department this past year, Zoltan Fellegi is the newest member of our Admissions team and Josh Arlitt joined our IT department.  Sarah is originally from Ireland so we're always after her to share some Leprechaun stories and Irish jokes with us (she has some good ones).  Linda has lived in Kelowna her entire life and I actually first met her when we were in high school.  We went to rival schools so we had to meet incognito so as to not enflame the rivalry any more than it was!  Zoltan is originally from Hungary and came to us highly recommended from one of staff members – they actually live together!  Well, we just couldn't say no to someone whose name means 'life', so we welcomed Zoltan aboard.  Josh Arlitt is kept busy ensuring that all of our computers are performing at top level and does a myriad of other "IT" duties.  When Josh first joined us we convinced him that the newest member had to bring in goodies every Friday for a few weeks and we got treated to pastries his first Friday - keep it up Josh!

We are truly luck to have such wonderful additions to CanScribe. 

Jacky Hughes is an Admissions Representative with CanScribe, has been with us for over 3 years and is our little firecracker!  Jacky is about 5 feet and probably weighs 90 lbs soaking wet... but I'll tell you what... the girl can eat!  We've been to buffets with Jacky and boy can she put away the food... and she doesn't gain a pound.  Don't you just hate people like that?  Well, we can't hate Jacky... she's just too darn cute!

Gary Campbell continues his role as Director of Information Technology and boy have we kept him busy this year.  Gary was overseeing up to 30 different IT developers on one of our projects but never missed a beat.  We're not sure when Gary slept last - I swear the guy is a machine.  Hey wait... maybe I should check!

Jo-Ann Clarke, our Senior Academic Officer has also been kept very busy developing our new MT and computer curriculums.  She had instructors and curriculum developers stationed throughout North America, working from home on these projects.  Jo-Ann oversaw the entire process... even through an operation!  Well, we did give her time off when she was on the operating room table.  And then we kept bugging her to get the doctor dictation so that we could transcribe it!!

Kudos go out to our MT instructors for all of their dedication and hard work helping students successfully complete the course.  Our hats go off to Susan Cunningham, Deb Albert, Marcia Gordon, Lori DeVaney, Sandra Stevens and Robin Reynolds.  Susan, Deb and Sandra are all graduates of our Medical Transcription course and we have enjoyed working with them and watching their skills bloom over the last few years.  Samantha and Jo-Ann had the pleasure of meeting both Marcia and Robin in person at the ACE convention this year and spent a lovely evening talking shop over dinner... and dessert. Lori resides just to the south of us in Washington state and we all delight in her humorous posts on the CanScribe forum.  Thank you ladies for all that you do!

Carolyn McEwen was promoted to Student Services Manager this year and has done a tremendous job in ensuring a high level of customer service is consistently offered not only in Student Services, but in every department.  She holds herself to high standards and expects the same of the rest of us.  And I must share this with you... Every single day Carolyn looks like a million bucks... dressed to the nine's... hair done perfectly... I think I may add Wardrobe Consultant to her title.  We could all use a little McEwen magic!

And then there is Samantha Carnegie.  Oh dear... where do I start. Sam has been with me for over 6 years and I still can't get rid of her.  I've tried and tried... but she just won't leave! I'm kidding of course.  Sam started with CanScribe in April of 2005 as Student Services Manager and has worked her way up to Director of Admissions and Student Services.  She has done an outstanding job in all of her positions and knows CanScribe better than anyone else... well, maybe expect for me... maybe...

I must say I find it hard to believe it's been 9 years since CanScribe started, but I wouldn't change it for the world.  I've had the immense pleasure of meeting fantastic people along the way and have hopefully had a small part of helping people achieve their goals and get their start in new and rewarding careers.  There is nothing better than when we receive a call from a graduate thanking us for helping them change their life – that definitely touches the soul.

I would like to wish each and every one of you a Blessed Christmas and nothing but the very best for the coming New Year.

- Colleen Gaudet
President & CEO
CanScribe Career College

As many of you know, I am very passionate about the medical transcription industry and I also have a passion for medical books and also books in general.

Years ago while working for a company, we had a lady who would send out weekly quizzes to the MTs.  This was done to enhance our researching skills as well as general knowledge.

Occasionally, this lady would throw in a strange word just for fun.  Being the curious person that I am, I emailed her back one week and asked her where in the world were the words coming from.  She told me from a book she had titled "The Word Museum - The Most Remarkable Words Ever Forgotten."  Naturally I was intrigued and inquired further about her medical library.  She never told me how many books she had, but she led me to believe there were many.  I would be ashamed to count mine.  I know I have over 75 books (and growing) which includes reference books, grammar books, and textbooks from courses as well.

These are silly words and you will probably never encounter them, but I think they are fun and interesting.  Enjoy!

fatherbetter - Surpassing one's father, in any respect.

flepper - The under lip.

blutterbunged - Confounded, overcome by surprise.

yule-hole - the last hole to which a man could stretch his belt at a Christmas feast.

quignogs - Ridiculous notions or concepts.

heart-quakes - Tremblings of the heart.

dog's soup - Rain water.

cockerate - To brag.

ziff - A beard.

stove-of-sickness - A fit of illness accompanied by a high temperature.

pack and penny day - The last day of a fair, when bargains are usually sold.

jussel - A dish made of several sorts of meat minced together.

out-woman - To excel as a woman.

out-mouth - A full, sensuous mouth.

married all over - Said of women, who, after their marriages, fall off in their appearance and become poor and miserable-looking.

hipshot - Sprained or dislocated in the hip.

gratulate - To rejoice.

grammar-folk - Educated people.

aspirin-hound - One addicted to extensive use of aspirin. Addicts either take it internally or roll the powdered tablet in cigarettes.

belly-pinched - Starved; hungry.

cheeping-merry - Half-drunk; "elevated."

chicken-pecked - Under the rule of a child, as hen-pecked is under the rule of a woman.

lowlyhood - Humility.

ninny-broth - popular name for coffee.

pogonophobia - A fear of beards.

- Robin Reynolds, CMT, AHDI-F
CanScribe Instructor

A survey was taken years ago asking 100 mothers from Japan and the United States one question.  If you could choose one word, a gift you would wish for your child, what would it be?

Mothers from Japan chose effort.

Mothers from the United States chose ability.

Both of these choices are wonderful gifts, but ask yourself these questions.

Do you have ability?  Are you willing to put forth effort?

When we consider these questions, another question comes to mind.  If you lack effort, will your ability mean anything?

Each person has unique abilities.  You have chosen to learn and become a working part of a fascinating and changing industry.

When we choose to become a student, we also choose to accept the responsibility to learn as much as we can and be the best we can be.  During the journey as a student, there are many people available and eager to help.  Their job is to guide us and support us and encourage us to be self-reliant.  Our job is BE self-reliant.

Step 1. Make the choice.  Choose to learn.  Choose to change your life.

Step 2. Make the commitment.  Make a list of tasks needed for accomplishing your goals.

Step 3. Be accountable.  Learn the process.  Research the answer.

Dear Self,

You and I are a unique pair.  Together WE are a group willing to recognize and enhance our abilities.  What's in it for me, Self?  What can you do to help me?  What's in it for you?

Do you tell me what to do and how to do it?  I know I have heard you say yes to that so many times, Self, I cannot count them.

Self, what can we do together to make a better us?  I can study and learn.  I can try to figure out problems on my own, but I am much better at it when you help me, Self.  We can ask others, but don't we need to try on our own first?

Would you be willing to help me, Self?  I am just me.  I have you so now WE have me, myself, and I.  Together WE can do anything.

Hey, Self!  Let's do as much as we can, all 3 of us.  We will work hard and as a team.  If we do this, others will see the effort WE are putting forth and they will help us develop our abilities one step at a time.

Self, you told me WE could do it.  You told me people would be willing to share their abilities and efforts to encourage us to accomplish anything WE choose to do.

Self, let's go to work!

Sincerely,
Me and I

GOALS

1.    PLAN

• Train rides are fun, but be sure you do not have a ticket for Procrastination Station.
• Evaluate your home life, current work life, and set a schedule that will work for you and school.
• Adhere to your schedule.  School is now a job.  You are accountable for yourself.
• Be accountable.
• Discuss with your family and friends.  They will be happy to help you if you help them understand what goals you want to accomplish, what it will take to accomplish them, and the end result.

2.    BE RESPONSIBLE

• If you are not sure how to do something, ASK, but be willing to find the answer yourself first.  You will retain the knowledge better and this is an investment in YOUR future.
• Own your mistakes.  We all make mistakes.  Recognize your own mistakes and mistakes by others with grace. "Mistakes are not my enemy.  They are to help me learn and grow."  John Maxwell
• Face your frustrations.  You are your own worst critic.  Use the magic word...Patience.  Be kind to yourself.
• Adapt to your surroundings and learning environment.  Change is not always a welcome event, but it is inevitable. "Only do what only you can do."  Paul Tsika
• Be accountable.  You chose to become a student.  Be a good one.

3.    BELIEF AND TRUST

• Believe in yourself.  If you believe in yourself others will too.
• Trust.  You can rely on yourself, but it is much harder to trust that you can rely on others.  Trust they will do their best to help you, but know that sometimes the best help is to let you do it on your own.

4.    REWARD YOURSELF

• Imagine yourself completing your course and achieving your goals.  Own it!
• Do something special, just for yourself when you accomplish a task.  Small things, a plant, a piece of chocolate or send yourself a "way to go" card.  YES, send a card to yourself.  We did it!
• Hug your family and friends.  Smile at a stranger.  You may get a smile back.
• Feed your body and water your mind.  One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, and those around you, is to take care of yourself.  You are worth it.

5.    RESPECT

• Respect yourself and your choices.
• Respect others and their time and expertise.

Good luck and enjoy your learning experience.

- Lori DeVaney
CanScribe Instructor

We all know there are strange ailments out there, but what follows is a collection of documented medical conditions that are very much out of the ordinary.

Exploding Head Syndrome

Patients with this syndrome present with what they describe as hearing very loud explosions that occur within an hour or two of falling asleep.  They don't complain of having any pain associated with these occurrences.  It is thought that fatigue and stress play a role, but the exact cause has not been determined and will often resolve without treatment.

Pica

Pica is when a person feels compelled to eat inedible substances.  This can range from dirt, glue, hair, lint, and paper to things like sharp objects and glass.  It is thought to be caused by a mineral deficiency and the most-frequent patients include children in lower-income areas and pregnant women.

Capgrass Delusion

A mental condition where the sufferer believes that a person very close to them – a family member or spouse, have been replaced by an identical imposter.  The patient can continue to have a peaceful relationship with this 'imposter' but does not trust them.  Occasionally the 'imposter' can be violently attacked.  Some people with this condition even start to question their own reflection.  It is usually caused by a brain injury or a mental illness such as dementia or schizophrenia.

Alien Hand Syndrome

People with this disorder have a hand that behaves independently of the person's intentions.  Extreme cases reportedly have the 'alien' hand wrestling the other hand, or attempting to strangle the person while asleep.  The cause is brain trauma such as stroke, aneurysm, or injury.  There is no known cure.

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

This is a neurological disorder that causes a distorted view of size.  Objects are perceived as being either much larger or much smaller than they really are.  The disorder is temporary and has been linked to migraines, brain tumours, or hallucinogenic drug use.

Walking Corpse Syndrome

Also known as the Cotard Delusion, people with this syndrome believe they are dead and decaying with loss of internal organs or body parts.  Some victims even believe they don't actually exist.  Typical causes for this syndrome are mental illness or brain injury.

Spasmodic Dysphoria

This is a neurological disorder that affects the larynx.  It causes involuntary movement of the larynx causing muscle spasms that impair speech. Oddly, if the person is singing, laughing, whispering, or talking in a high-pitched voice there is no spasm.  There is no known cure, but short-term relief is attained by injections of Botox.

Medical Students' Syndrome

If you think you have suffered from any of the above ailments since reading about them, then you may actually be suffering from Medical Students' Syndrome.  A hypochondria-like condition, up to 80% of medical students suffer from this syndrome at some point.  It causes them to believe that they have the diseases they are studying.

- Susan Cunningham, RMT
Instructor

As you now know all too well, one of the hardest things about transcription is developing the listening ear and untangling complicated phrases in what is essentially a foreign language, the language of medicine.  Almost all the words we are trying to untangle are brand new to us if we've heard them at all yet, but the brain is desperate to please and give us something, anything, in its memory bank that sounds right.  It doesn't matter if it is or isn't right as long as our mind thinks it sounds right.  It doesn't help that there are some pretty crazy sounding medical terms out there that turn out to be real.  Barrack is pretty healthy so it's unlikely that an esophageal condition has been named after him, but if you don't know the right word, Barrack might sound good enough if spell check takes it.  It isn't.  Transcriptions are a new puzzle for the brain and ears in every sound file.

To let off steam in my classroom, we used to play MadGab to work on taking what we think we hear and turning it into what was said.  Playing this game helps exercise phonetic listening and logic skills without the added difficulty of brand new medical words.  These skills are essential for developing the listening ear and for hearing the real words in our dictations.

In the game, the idea is to play with a partner and have them read the phrase to you.  You listen to the flow of the words to figure out what the phrases really are.  If you can get someone to do this with you, it will be even more beneficial.  If they don't peak at the answer first, it will also be a better exercise.  If you can't get a partner, say them out loud to yourself.

See how you do on these nonmedical phrases.

1. He ears jaw knee.
2. Inter tenement who knight.
3. Tooth hum sup.
4. Oak and a duh.
5. Ace lip puff that hung.
6. Eggs hearse sized hay lee.
7. Eight wean gull any size.
8. Loose Ian desk eye width dime hands.
9. Row linen thumb honey.
10. Set jerk lock.
11. Up arrow tin issues.
12. Purse annulled rain her.
13. Out ache arrow view.
14. Sent drill hum Eric aah.
15. Chest chew wade aim in it.
16. Earl eat Tibet Earl eat who rice.
17. Lay surge urge hurry.
18. You shore new dull.
19. Police comma kin.
20. Ale hum pen moth wrote.

If you enjoy this game, it's a great family games night activity (which is why I knew about it to bring it to the classroom) that will help you with your phonetic listening skills.  You can buy MadGab or use one of the many websites that generate phrases for it.

Combine this exercise with saying your medical vocabulary words out loud to yourself and you will find that your dictations get clearer all the time.

Sea yule ate her!

- Marcia Gordon, CMT
Instructor
Answers located in the Announcements Folder in the forum

In the four sentences below there are five incorrect words.  These are not spelling errors in the normal sense, but rather words that sound the same when dictated but depending on the spelling used have very different meanings.

1. Examination of the patient's right lower extremity demonstrates callous formation along the dorsal aspect of the foot.
2. The terminal ilium shows minimal prominence of enhancement, but no wall thickening is identified.
3. The liver demonstrates a course echotexture.
4. There are small bilateral plural effusions, left greater then right, with bibasilar atelectasis.

- Sandra Stevens, RMT
Instructor
Answers located in the Announcements Folder in the forum

Motivation is important for good studying.  When you are motivated, you will find it easy to stay focused over a period of time.  When you are not motivated, you will not only find it difficult to stay focused, but you will find it difficult to get started in the first place.

Here are some ways to increase your motivation to study:

1.    Reward yourself for studying.  Basically positive reinforcement.  Reward yourself each time you accomplish something.  Knowing what goodies await you ahead, will motivate you to persevere in accomplishing your tasks.  For example, if you ace the exam, you will buy yourself an IPod or what you want.  Food goodies work well too.

2.    Study with your friends.  Go onto the forum and chats sessions give your fellow students a lifeline.  Students who study at least once a week in a study group with other students are more likely to have a better understanding of the course materials, ask good questions, and be more engaged in discussions.

3.    Remind yourself of your long-term goals.  Knowing what you want to accomplish is the most basic form of motivation.  The appropriate output is a reward itself that could motivate a person to work.  So if every time you feel like lazing-off, think about what you really want at the end of the day, to gain momentum.  In this case, it would be to pass your upcoming exam.

4.    Eliminate distractions.  If you are surrounded by things you would rather do than study, you will probably do those things instead of studying.  Finish up all of your assorted loose end tasks.  The less time you spend thinking about them, the more time you'll spend actually studying.

5.    Develop interest in what you have to study.  The best way to make study interesting is by indulging in learning activities that suit your nature and are in sync with your interests.  For example, if you have a strong Creative Nature, you should try and learn lessons by picturing them or using images to relate to specific topics.  If you love what you do, the question of boredom will never arise.

6.    Take breaks.  When you feel that you need to take a break, try to stop at a point where it is logical to stop.  This will make it easier for you to resume studying after your break.  Break your studying into smaller groups such as one hour, than taking a 5 minute break to do something physical instead of sitting.  This will wake your brain up and keep you more alert and less bored.

7.    Establish a comfortable environment.  You will be more inclined to study if you feel comfortable.  As much as possible, you should designate a special place to study.  This place should be uncluttered and should provide few distractions to allow for maximum concentration.

8.    Establish reasonable goals for a study session. You probably won't get very far if you look at your study session as "mission impossible." By setting goals for yourself you will be able to monitor your progress through larger tasks, such as working through a chapter in your text. In addition, setting a goal for yourself at the start of each study session can act as a motivator, as you should be able to see yourself working steadily toward an end result instead of working at a seemingly never-ending project.

9.    Use a motivational poster.  Place the poster where you can see it as you study.  The poster should include positive words and a picture depicting success.  You can buy one or even make your own.  You can also read inspirational stories about real people who have achieved success through effort.

10.    Just do it.  Once you do, you will feel a lot better than if you are worried about getting it done.

- Linda Kovacs
Student Services Representative

Two spies want to get into an enemy's military base.  In order to get in, they have to give the correct countersign to the guard at the gate after he gives them the sign.  So they wait, hidden, near the gate so that they can overhear the countersign from another soldier.

One soldier comes and the guard gives the sign "6".  The soldier answers "3".  The guard lets him pass.  Another soldier comes. The guard says "12" and the soldier gives the answer "6".  The guard lets him pass.  So, the first spy goes to the gate and the guard says "10".  The spy, sure that he knew the answer, says "5".  Immediately, the guard shoots him dead.

Then the other spy, who saw that his fellow spy was killed when he gave the countersign, now understood what the right answer would be.  He walks to the gate and the guard says "8".  The spy gives the correct answer and the guard lets him in.  What was the answer that the spy gave?

- Jacky Hughes
Admissions Advisor
Answers located in the Announcements Folder in the forum

My favourite dictator errors:

Fracture to the proximal phalanx of the right fourth toe on the right fifth foot.

I recommended to mother that she get an over-the-counter ear removal preparation.

He also has external hemorrhoids, which he says he likes to keep to himself.

The patient was given Dr. Smith's car and instructions were given to him to follow up with Dr. Smith within the next week.

He did develop perianal skin irritation with some skin rash extending out onto his bucket.

The patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

This is a 48-year-old white female black lady.

Last time he ate was about 8 hours ago when he had a bowel of cereal.

The patient has been depressed ever since she began seeing me in 1983.

Periods of vaginal spotting with crabs.

She is careful when talking about her husband and her gag reflex is normal.

Assessment: Right 4th toe contusion, possible fracture.

Plan: Buddy tape the right 4th toe to the left 3rd toe.

Her mother looked at her ears today and brings them in today to be checked.

Sterile dressing was applied and the knee was sent to the recovery room in good condition.

Preoperative diagnosis: Unexplained abdominal pain in the knee.

She is numb from her toes down.

Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

Lab test revealed an abnormal lover function.

Examination of the genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.

Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.

The patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

- Deb Albert, RMT
Instructor

A T2202A form is an official statement for income tax purposes, it is issued to all students who have paid tuitions to CanScribe Career College.  The form shows the amount of tuition that can be deducted from your income tax as well as the number of months eligible for the education deduction.

The T2202A is based on a tax year (January to December) and not a school year.  So students who enrolled with Canscribe in 2010 and only received partial T2202A forms will receive the balance of their tuition paid and month's eligible for the time enrolled in 2011.  Those students who enrolled in 2011 will receive a T2202A form for the amount of tuition used and months enrolled. (E.g. if you enrolled in July 2011 you will receive a T2202A form with half the tuition paid and 6 months enrolment time and in Jan 2013 will receive a T2202A for the balance.)  All T2202A form will have a transfer document if you choose to transfer the deduction to a family member.  All forms will be mailed out by the end of January.

- Kevin Gaudet
General Manager

Anyone using a computer should have basic computer knowledge.

Upon completing our computer course, you will be computer proficient and confident in your computer skills.  Our courses cover all of the basic skills you will need. Realize new opportunities in your personal and/or professional life!

Most office positions require that you have a solid working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and it is such a valuable tool for home use as well.

If you are not skilled in the current release of Microsoft Excel, you may be missing out on some great opportunities.  By taking this course, you will become proficient in Excel.  This course is great for any level of user who wishes to get the most out of Excel.

Word is used everywhere!  Whether you just use a home computer or need it for work, this course is a definite 'must have' for all computer users.

And Microsoft Word keeps changing.  So even if you were proficient using 2003, you will be struggling with 2007 or 2010 since the menus and hotkeys have changed.  Whether you are new to Word or a long time user, this course will help you master Microsoft Word.

If you use Microsoft Outlook for your email - you need this course.

We all use email, but who really knows how to take advantage of all of the options that Outlook has to offer?  Our graduates do.  This course teaches you how to use Outlook to its fullest so that you can spend your valuable time on other important things.  Impress your boss and family members with your new found knowledge.

- Carolyn McEwen
Student Services Manager

1.   What's most likely to occur when your diaphragm goes into spasms?

2.   What S-word is defined as "a lateral curvature of the spine"?

3.   What hereditary blood defect is known as "the royal disease"?

4.   What arthritic disorder occurs due to increased uric acid the blood?

5.   How many of every 10 victims infected by the Ebola virus will die in 2 days?

6.   What organ of the body does not feel pain?

7.   What is the largest internal organ in the body?

8.   What organ in our body remains the same size from birth throughout our lives?

9.   What is the hardest bone in the body?

10.   Can you name what our body replaces every 3 to 4 days?

11.   What do itchy people call the "rhus radicans" they were sorry they came into contact with?

12.   What was the most widely prescribed antidepressant in the 1990s?

13.   What's the medical term for low blood sugar?

14.   What brain operation was tried first on a confused 63-year-old female in 1956?

15.   What do leukemia sufferers have too many of?

16.   What's the common term for a cerebrovascular accident?

17.   What does the attachment of human skin to muscles cause?

18.   What condiment was sold as a medicine in the early 1800s?

19.   What are you likely to have if you sleep in a cold room at night?

20.   What can the body can survive longer without - food or sleep?

- Jo-Ann Clarke, CMT
Senior Academic Officer
Answers located in the Announcements Folder in the forum

Remember the last job you had; the one that you thought you couldn't last one more minute, until finally you quit?  You then decided to make a change and look into medical transcription, something new and completely different.  You were presented with new concepts right from the get go: Online training, online employment, the ultimate learn from home, earn from home option.

Consider how many frustrations you've faced throughout that journey.  Think about some of the things you did to overcome those obstacles, moreover, think about your frame of mind both during, and after facing those challenges.  My advice to you is to keep that thought in mind the next time you are afraid to make a change.  You are obviously more than capable of taking a leap of faith.  Change is good, it is the spice of life!

I recently made a "big" change and decided to get my haircut.  It made me look like I belonged in an 80's big hair rock back, yet I still felt good about it.  The same old hairdo was really quite a bore, and doing something different was much better than doing nothing at all.  In case you're interested, most people thought it looked good.  I seem to be the only one that sees Lee Aaron in that hair style.

My point here is that you may be sitting there thinking "Yes, I do love this job" or "I'm still in the course and nervous about the job prospects."  Either way, your ability to make that leap of faith has resulted in a big positive change.  Pat yourself on the back for having the courage to break out of the normal everyday routine and do something different!

Oh, and by the way, there is plenty of work available to those of you in training.  We are more than happy to provide job placement assistance upon graduation

- Samantha Carnegie
Director of Admissions and Student Services

Jacky's Infamous Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked white rice
2 cups raisins (optional)
1 litre whipping cream
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons cinnamon

1. Whisk together whipping cream, milk, eggs, vanilla and cinnamon in a large pot.
2. Place on medium heat.  Add sugar and stir occasionally until it starts to boil.
3. Add cooked rice to the mixture.  Stir frequently!
4. Place raisins in a small bowl.  Add cold water until raisins are just covered.  Microwave for 3 minutes.
5. Drain raisins and add to mixture.
6. Continue to boil and stir frequently until desired consistency (should be thick).

Can be served hot or cold!

- Jacky Hughes
Admissions Advisor

Kevin Blucke, Vice President & CFO–  Kevin graduated from Kwantlen University of Surrey, BC in 1994 from the Accounting program, with a minor in Computer Studies.  He became a Certified Management Accountant in 1998 and a Certified Public Accountant in 2008.

Kevin has over fifteen years experience in accounting and management, recently as President of Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Previously at Dryco Building Supplies Inc. and Delroc Industries Ltd. (Langley, BC) as Chief Financial Officer.  He has volunteered as Chair of the Certified Management Accountants of BC – Okanagan Chapter as well as a Director of the BC Restaurant and Food Service Association.

Kevin has been featured on the cover of Management Magazine and in national advertising campaigns for CMA Canada and the National Credit Union of Canada.  In 2008, Kevin was awarded the CMA Brand Ambassador of the Year award as voted by his peers for his ethics, knowledge and the person most resembling the ideal CMA.

He currently volunteers as coach for a local indoor boys' soccer team.

- Kevin Blucke
VP of Operations

Josh Arlitt is a brand new IT & Support Technician working at CanScribe.  He is fresh out of school at UBCO and excited to be working in the field of IT.  Josh was born and raised in Penticton and moved to Kelowna when he was 18. 

He is keenly interested in software development and technology in general.  In his spare time he designs webpages and writes video game code.  He is an avid video and tabletop gamer.  Josh would describe himself as patient and eager to help with technical problems.

- Josh Arlitt
IT & Support Technician

Match the baby picture with the employee, and you will be entered to win one of four great prizes.  Please email your answers to skennedy@canscribe.com, by January 13, 2012, to be entered in our draw. 

Prizes to be won include:
1 Stella Dot Bracelet or
1 Stella Dot Necklace and Earrings Set or
1 Paul Mitchell Shampoo and Conditioner or
1 Matrix Shampoo and Conditioner

Kevin G			1
Linda			2
Samantha			3
Josh			4
Kevin B			5
Carolyn			6
Colleen			7
Gary			8
Robin			9
Lori			10
Sarah			11
Sandra			12
Susan			13
Jacky			14

We are so proud of all the CanScribe graduates and would like to congratulate you for a job well done!  Please keep in touch and share your experiences with us!