My\u00a0jury duty experience continues. The judge has instilled all fear into us for ever saying anything about the trial. So, lest I end\u00a0up on the other side of the court, I won’t.<\/p>\n
But I did want to mention something about this temporary life sentence I’ve received.<\/p>\n
We were told it would it a month-long trial. Given the flexibility of my life, I had no excuse to be let off. In it all\u00a0I’ve found myself adapting to a life I’ve not known for some time.<\/p>\n
Like showing up for work.<\/p>\n
It’s not that I don’t work every day, I just usually\u00a0don’t leave the house.<\/p>\n
Nor do I worry about arriving on time. These days, very little in my life is dictated by the clock . . . except the one in my stomach.<\/p>\n
I previously mentioned the “dress code.” It’s not just about\u00a0presentable pants, but I’m sure they’d frown at pajamas . . . and\u00a0expect shoes (both optional around the house).<\/p>\n
Then there’s the commute. The courthouse is some 20\u00a0freeway miles away. Anymore I don’t\u00a0do freeways during peak hours. But here I have no choice. And neither, apparently, do tens of thousands of others, half wanting my lane . . . all late.<\/p>\n
Why, if I’m a volunteer, am I so stressed about punctuality?<\/p>\n
But\u00a0I’m reminded I’m not a volunteer;\u00a0being on a jury is my civic duty.<\/p>\n
And it’s all to be done in just a certain way, narrowly proscribed by protocol and the judge. Line up to enter. Be quiet. Keep your mind open. Discount having heard certain things even though they were just said, because it isn’t “evidence.” (Right!)<\/p>\n
In time there will be group work. Getting things decided “in committee” is something I’ve been glad to be done with for a long time. I trust I’ll be up to it.<\/p>\n
At least the nice thing about putting in a long day is “quitting time.” That, and “weekends.” (Both\u00a0concepts from earlier life.)<\/p>\n
All this has made me feel a little like I’m once again working a job<\/em>.<\/p>\n It’s not bad really, I’m learning a lot, meeting some interesting people, and generally\u00a0enjoying it.<\/p>\n And the pay is $15 a day.<\/p>\n It’s the first time I’ve had an income that’s regular<\/em> in years.<\/p>\n I could get used to this.<\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ____________<\/p>\n