Shorthand

As part of my Masters course in Journalism I'm having to learn shorthand.
Shorthand is fucking hard. It is a lot like learning a language. It is based on reinforcement and repetition. It requires patience and practice. It is very, very tedious. It takes up about 20 hours of your time a week minimum.
Well, sort of like learning a language, but without any of the benefits that spur you on to learn a language. Learning French for example, there are certain factors that can spur on your learning. You imagine to yourself what knowing the language will result in In your mind you imagine strolling round Paris with a beautiful French woman on your arm. She is intoxicated by your English charm. You stop by a cafe. You watch the tourists.
There can be no such aspirations with shorthand. The point is simply that you can write down somebody saying something.
On the riviera? in the Louvre? No, most likely simply to document the misdemeanors of a local shoplifter, or joy of joys the opinions of a smalltime local councillor.
Sample Phrase for dictation.
'Where was the girl in the office today?'- I don't know, and I don't fucking care.

I've said too much.