Civic Duty

Today I had to serve jury duty..I never got called into a room so I had plenty of time to waste..Here is what I did during my time. Lucky you! So here is what I wrote.

This whole doing your civic duty thing is really overrated. I have been sitting in this somewhat chilly room for what seems like ages. They keep calling all these panel #'s but are avoiding my like the plague. That's ok though, I really dont' want to have to go & pay attention to a court case. At least out here I can get research done & let my mind wander.
A nice woman,Kathy I think, sat next to me this morning. She struck up a brief conversation & she seemed polite enough. She was reading The Stories Bees Tell. I commented ono how I had heard it was a good book & then I saw it- my brian shouted "RUN NOW! SAVE YOURSELF!" The tip of her bookmark was sticking out advertising a Lutheran church. Uhoh, an uberchristian woman..I better keep my mouth shut & hope she does too. But she did, she saw I was working on thesis stuff & left me alone.
Gotta pee...just don't want to disturb those around me - that's ok, I can hold it for now.
Sitting in front of me is "Mr. Red Fuzzy Hair Ponytail man" Yeah that's a bit too long so I'll call him Hank - ok Hank it is. Pretty quiet, but does a lot of reading. He's reading I am me, I am free. Wonder what that's all about?
Went to lunch at the Thompson Center. Glad they gave us an hr & a half. People actualy stayed in the room, I need to escape. When I returned someone was in my seat. HOW DARE THEY!! now I know seats aren't assigned but really now the whole seating system in thrown off. HOW RUDE!.
Now Hank is on my right & Kathy is in front of me. See that throws off the whole karma.
Oh then there was Mr. I'll Catch the Elevator for you Man. Yeah, I think I'm gonna call him Adam, yeah kinda looks like an Adam to me. On my way out to lunch he held the evelator for me & pointed me to the Thompson Center. Nice guy - older, looks distinguished - like he accomplished something with him life. He was on the same elevator when I returned from lunch -saw he has the same panel # I do. Now he's in my row - yup Adam, me and Hank.
Oh, then there is one of my favorites - I call him, Newly Married Man 0r Rob, yeah Rob will work. Rob was behind me, but now he's in the same row as Kathy. I call him Newly Married Man because while reading (can't tell what book, but it does have a character named T-Bone.) he keeps stretching with his left hand, or resting his head on his left hand. He is obviously proud of that silver band on his finger & everything that is stands for. Awe-how cute, good for him, poor guy could be at home spending quality time with his wife. Yup there goes the hand again.
The noise coming from the heating vents is driving me nuts. Kinda sounds like a fountain - you know, like when you spend time in front of Buckingham Fountain. Sounds like a constant rush of water. Maybe that's why I have to pee..that or the ginormous Diet Coke I had at lunch. That's it I gotta pee--looks like Adam is snoozing, hate to bug him but nature calls.
AHHHmuch better. Woke Adam from his nap but he didn't seem to mind. On my way back from the washroom, he commented on how this is going to be the longest hr yet. See, if you panel isn't called by 3:30, chances are you can leave - yeah I know I just cursed myself. I just heard the phone behind the desk go okk, you know the bat phone, crap could mean that I will be called soon. NOOO!
Rob just got up. He's using a picture of him & his wife as a bookmark. Again, how sweet. I want that, someone to love me enough to use my picture as a bookmark. Hey Mrs. Newly Married Guy - count your blessings.
Wonder if these people have any idea that I"m over hear scribbling stuff about them & creating lives, worlds & relationships for them.
Saw one overly bleached blond lady reading Wicked. Bad hair..good book.
There are 3 identical bald heads in front of me. No kidding, 3 men, all in blue dress shirts. All three men are victims of male pattern baldness. Aww poor guys. Think I"ll call them The Three Barones - after Frank Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond - That's ok I have a soft spot for bald guys - I think they're cute =)
All of these people look so bored, I feel bad for them, but I too am among them.
Wow there goes Rob again, flashing that hand. Geez I get it. Your married, you've joined the ranks of the blisfully happy-blah, blah, blah. You know what? I think I will create a story about how Rob & his wife met (see next blog for that)
Just found out that Hank is studying Japanese. He's teaching himself. That's incredible. He seemed a little annoyed that Kathy bugged him though.
3:15 - so close. I'm hungry, gonna check out the vending machine.
My ass is numb!
Adam is old - just heard him mention something about Canasta Card.
Rob likes Skittles - good choice.
I opted for the Peanut M & Ms.
3:25 DEAR GOD LET ME OUT!
People are starting to get antsy, up & down, lots of shuffling, we are all hoping to be let out soon.
Ok where is that mystery voice behind the microphone who can set us free?
Who's the patron saint of jurors? Maybe I need to say a prayer.
Is there a god or goddess of jurors? Is a sacrifice in order? I'll find me a virgin - maybe not in this room (I'm out =) !) but I can find one. Hope Rob isn't one, man that would suck for him - Nah, he looks too happy - probably got morning sex - lucky bastard. STEPHANIE GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER!
I give up I'm going for a 2 yr old magazine.