32 Thoughts I Had On Jury Duty

    A harrowing tale of civic duty and missed connections.

    1. I'm going to be late. Who decided 8:30 a.m. was good time for this?!

    2. Cute security guard thankyouverymuch.

    3. This room is very big and there are a lot of people here.

    4. Why did I even bother to dress nice?

    5. You don't check in?! How do I get my points for attendance though?

    6. Ooh found a sliver of sunlight, phew. Maybe that cute business-y juror will see me in said glorious lighting.

    7. Glad I brought my own pen. State budget cuts are real.

    8. Oh, I get it now. They lie to you like your parents do by telling you it’s 30 minutes after school has started to get you there on time.

    9. Yes—a video!

    10. Boo—orientation. I’m appreciating the diversity in cast tho. Thank you Asian defense council.

    11. I get it! I’m doing my civic duty and it is NOT boring.

    12. THERE IS WIFI!!!!!!

    13. I really should've brought my iPad to catch up on my stories.

    14. The woman next to me has knitting needles—maybe she'll teach me. I just brought this silly book about tidying up and am stuck visualizing folding my clothes properly.

    15. The first culling has occurred, about 50% of a little over a 100 people have been dismissed for various reasons. So jealous.

    16. I like this clerk. Her tone is firm with an undercurrent of kindness.

    17. Now the waiting game...

    18. Ugh, I forgot I have to listen for my first name with a mash of noise for my last name.

    19. I should've bought snacks.

    20. I see someone grading trig homework. I'd offer to help, but I barely passed.

    21. Three people called. Can I volunteer as tribute?!

    22. Taking a bathroom break. Maybe that’ll soak up some time.

    23. Nope. Wonder if they called my name?

    24. 20-30 people called. No dice.

    25. Napping is hard. An airline made these seats.

    26. Second group called. The herd is thinning.

    27. Finally lunch and some sunshine!

    28. A hottie and soup dumplings—yes!

    29. Oohh lunch hottie is also here for jury duty. Maybe we’ll get picked together and then marry in the fall.

    30. Third round. Damnit—beaten out by another Dennis!

    31. Thank you other Dennis! Dismissed for eight years.

    32. Shit, I ripped my pants at some point today and have been walking around with a giant hole in them.