Here is a situation that we all come across sooner or later among these beautiful United States – Jury Duty. 

Through our beloved USPS ( United States Postal Service), I have been “hereby summoned to serve as a trial juror for the Superior Court…”  At first impressed that a Superior Court would want me for any reason conjures up positive emotions.   After the 30 seconds it takes me to get over myself, I think rationally.  After all, I have done this numerous times in the past.  So being, the anxiety never lessens. 

Hmm.  My responsibilities will need to be put on hold.  That means a dog-sitter and walker, getting a lead on laundering (and not just personal clothes), pre-paying monthly bills, making unpaid-for-work arrangements, fill the gas tank, collect loose change for vending machines and lunch money, change my voice mail with directions, set my e-mails to ‘vacation response’ without a vacation, cancel appointments, meal plan, get my exercise workouts in now, pack reading materials and medications, and so many more errands that were once enjoyable and done at my leisurely pace!

I have been told to “throw it [the summons] away,” and claim that it was never received.  I have also been told by others who have themselves been told (hearsay) that if you do not respond, “they” will find you.  Who are “they?’  And once “they” find me, what are they going to do with me?

In bold, red print on the summons it reads: “Failure to appear when instructed is punishable by contempt and/or fine, pursuant to [whatever states’] code of procedure section 209.”  Phew!  That’s a lot of guilt for a temporaty volunteer position!   Being found “in contempt” means jail time – I do not want that.  Being “fined” is no better because I do not want to pay for someone else’s legal wrong-doing.  Throw them in the slammer and be done with it!  No no, can’t take that attitude.

So, by the ‘systems’ useful force of guilt-by-duress, I concede.  Following the printed instructions by making a necessary telephone call for reporting instructions, my jury duty-ship-ness is postponed for two days with a message to “contact this office after five o’clock in the evening.”   Such a bother! 

Well, my house is now the cleanest it has been since before Thanksgiving.  My bills uptaded.  The taxes are filed.  Errands are accomplished to include extra dog food and treats.  Everyone has been notified whether they need notification or not.

I am going forward.  Although being forwarned that I will be placed on “Standby Service,” a chosen book will keep me busy as I wait to be chosen – or not – while sitting on a hard plastic chair for six to eight hours.  Sure, I could choose to ‘disqualify’ myself, but there is no recourse for that.  I will go forward and promote my country’s legal system with my brain and my time.   If this is the best I can do to serve my country and its citizens, then so be it.  I’ll catch up on some reading.

Stay positive and expect the unexpected! 

AK.