Thursday, January 22, 2009

Does anyone want to take my place?

I have been summoned for jury duty. I totally and completely forgot (big surprise) that back in November one of those juror information/questionnaire forms came for me. I filled it out online and then dismissed it from my mind. Imagine my surprise when, on Saturday last, the actual summons arrived in the mail. I yelled and said some choice words while standing in front of my house at the mailbox when I realized what I was holding in my hand. I'm glad that there were no neighbors outside at the time.

My term of service is 1/26 thru 1/30 and I am to begin calling after 5:00 P.M. on the 23rd to get instructions. I will be told either to come to the courthouse or to call back the next evening. It says: The phone line may be busy, so keep calling until you get the information. Isn't that so nice? I guess they try hard to make sure you are truly inconvenienced. That way, in the end, you might feel like it was all worth it when you see the result of your hard work. Or, they just like to create some excitement in citizens lives and make them wait on pins and needles. If this is what some people consider exciting, then there must be some very bored people out there.

Now, I'm all about doing my part. I have no problem with being a good citizen and performing my civic duty as one. This is the second time I have been summoned. The first was 13 years ago. I went and I went happily. I didn't have to serve. I was dismissed after a few questions and that was just fine. I thought it was kind of fun to have had the experience. I went on my merry way and figured I would never have to do it again. Wrong.

I wouldn't mind doing this at any other time, but next week is going to be a bad one. Ryan is going to Idaho Monday thru Thursday. Avery has dance on Monday, Tuesday is Tyler's birthday and the list goes on and on. I just can't remember it all right now. Normally, I would ask my mother in law to help out with the kids, but get this: she's been summoned as well. That's right. She's been summoned for the same time period and for the same courthouse. So, my sister in law has agreed to be available to help out with the kids. I guess I can only hope that I get my instructions on the 23rd, go on the 26th and get dismissed right away. Thereby, lessening the inconvenience to all.

13 comments:

Jillene said...

HOLY CRAP!! I was summoned once 2 weeks after I had Olivia. I was dismissed because I was nursing.

I can't believe that Elaine was summoned for the same time and courthouse. That is CRAZY!! If you need any help just let me know!!

Also--I hope this doesn't mean that you can't go to dinner on the 30th!!

danamack1 said...

What the heck again!!!!!! and Elaine oh my I have never gotten one so I guess I should count myself lucky Knock on wood oh wait we might not have any wood here at work. They might just dismiss it also. That sucks if you need any help with the kids let me and dad know

Kristina P. said...

What is your number? If it's high enough, you probably won't even be called to go in.

Heather said...

Eek, that's no fun. I can also help out too if needed. Let me know.

Amanda and Nick said...

This is so awful! Nick has gotten the letter in the mail TWICE but luckily never summoned. I have managed to escape all that for now so I will cross my fingers. I am so sorrrry. Ugh.

Rosie and Derek said...

They always seem to summon you at the VERY worst times! The first time I was summoned was 3 days before our wedding. Thank goodness I didn't end up having to go!

Hizzeather said...

I like Jury duty! But if you're too busy, maybe you can postpone it?

Good luck!

{Rebecca Fellows} said...

Yikes! Good luck. I'm off next Monday and Friday if you need my help, too.

The Van V's said...

Good luck!!! I had to report once and got picked....it was interesting and luckily only lasted one day.

Holly said...

Yuck, so sorry. Maybe because you were both called they won't pick either of you. Any way it happens, hope you are able to get out of it.

Bobie said...

Shoot dang!! Good luck with it!!

TuTu's Bliss said...

mmmm nope! I feel for you though! :)

Wendy said...

Crazy we both are summoned this week. good luck, maybe they won't need you any of the days. I'll cross my fingers for you!! and do the same for me