Jury Duty: Comments

I've had a few days to really think about my jury duty experience. It was awful, I won't lie, and if I ever get called again it will be way too soon. I understand the need for democracy in the courtroom, but the fact that human beings can't or won't drop all their baggage at the door to the jury room can be a big stumbling block to achieving any sort of resolution. During the selection process the attorneys take into account things like close ties to people involved in the case, even the witnesses; ties to law enforcement, and whether or not violent crime has been a factor in your life. You can tell who is trying to avoid jury duty by the way certain people plead their own personal case. I feel they should ask who is willing to serve instead of attempting to disqualify people. Of course, who's to say that they'd ever be able to seat a full jury.

Jurors have a difficult job. They're supposed to uses their common sense, but can't ask questions; look at both the real and circumstantial evidence and make a decision. It's not that easy. But I guess it really shouldn't be.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. You don't have to do much more than show up, eat dinner, and hang with friends and/or family. Our family isn't huge, but it's not tiny either. We managed to pack away the best part of a 20 pound bird, 10 pounds of mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, and the four pies that mom made. And thankfully, this year, the weather was cooperative enough not to rain so we could get outside for an after dinner walk. But perhaps the greatest moment was watching the men in my family watching "March of the Penguins." You had to be there to really apprecite it.

Friday morning started early. The alarm went off at 3:30 am. Can't miss those sales. It's ridiculous, I know, but it's tradition. And Thanksgiving weekend is all about traditions. We literally shopped until we were about to drop. The great news is that just about all of my Christmas shopping is done!

In our family the Saturday after Thanksgiving has it's own tradition. It's tree cutting day. Yes, my mother always gets her Christmas tree two days after Thanksgiving. She likes to enjoy it for as long as she can. And I don't blame her. I do the same thing!

Brunch with Friends

Other people often find it amazing that I've maintained friendships with my high school pals. My current students are really surprised since many of them can't wait to escape the high school drama and leave those people behind. I don't know whose experiences are more the norm. Those who do stay in touch, or those who do not.

Every year around the holidays a group of us makes the effort to sit down for a couple hours, usually over food of some type, and reconnect our busy lives. Over the years our little group has grown to include spouses, children and occasionally visiting friends and siblings. It's one of the things I really look forward to. Yesterday's get together was bit different. It's the first one in may years without any of the husbands, and it's early in the year, since we usually meet around Christmas. It's been sixteen years since high school, and the four of us who made it yesterday (Jen, Trina, Amy & myself) have seen the world far and wide; had many jobs, homes, experiences, yet there's something still that draws us back to each other, a kind of mini reunion ritual. I for one am grateful for it. So, thank you ladies, and especially Trina for hosting again! Lisa, we missed you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Jury Duty

It's been a long month of jury duty. Actually, I haven't had the duty, just have had to check in every day. But the message was different yesterday. I had to report this morning, and just my luck, I was selected for the trial. And not a short little one day experience. Oh no, it looks like I'm going to be there all week. Hopefully it won't be held over until next week. I have plans and I don't want to change them! And did I mention that I'll be out of my classroom all week. Not exactly happy about that either. Oh well.

I know a trial by jury is a constitutional right. And, lover of the democratic process that I am, I wouldn't change that. I really do believe the U.S. Constitution is a wonderful document and the rights of U.S. citizens should not be abridged. I do, however, have problem with the circuitous and labyrinthine process that trial lawyers take. And the means which potential jurors use to get away with not doing their duty.

Parental Visit

My parents came to visit this weekend. It's always nice to have company. Sometimes life gets a little to self-centered. We had a great few days. There were Christmas bazaars to visit, and a trip out of town for some shopping. Unfortunately our usual coastal activities were quelled by the fact that the weather was awful. Not surprising, I guess, in November.

Conferences: What a waste of time

I know. Teachers shouldn't say things like that. But the truth of the matter is that conferences at the high school level are a complete waste of my time. For the last two nights I've been sitting either at a table in the gym or in my classroom waiting for parents to show up. I saw a grand total of three in the combined six hours. I don't know about other teachers, but I have a lot of contact with the parents of my students. In some cases more than either the parent or student wish. And I don't care if I am getting comped the day before Thanksgiving for the time wasted during the last two evenings, I had many other things I could've been doing.