Don't Laugh...I WILL Say "Duty"...Several Times

"There is no more valuable work that the average citizen can perform in support of our Government than the full and honest discharge of jury duty" (HANDBOOK FOR TRIAL JURORS SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTS. Published by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, Washington, D.C. 20544).

YEP! I'm a big dork...I read the nine-page Juror Handbook this morning in lieu of my big day in court tomorrow. I'm prepared to be selected because in my mind it's 99.99% possible I will be chosen to perform my civic duty. My support is as follows:

In 2010, I received the first jury duty summons from the Eastern Texas U.S. District Court. I completed the questionnaire online and waited for my day to be called. Following directions, I called the toll-free number the night before only to find out that I was not needed. Insert sad emoticon...

In March of this year, DING! I was summoned again. I completed the online registry again and waited for my day in court. During my wait, I lost my best friend and sister. I was still "honest and intelligent... [and had] integrity," but I was too distraught to have "good judgment" (pg. 9). One call to the court, one message left, one call returned okaying my excuse, two automated voicemails telling me to appear, one more message left to the court seeking clarification, and one return call that I was excused later, and my civic duty was done. OR SO I THOUGHT!

Two weeks after sister's memorial service, Hubby Dearest came to me with a sheepish look and head hung low. He had intercepted the newest jury summons on Friday and hidden it until Sunday to give me a relaxed weekend. Sweet Man! "No freaking way!" I screamed. Wash, rinse, repeat...except this time, the automated information line called the week before to tell me my services were not needed due to court being cancelled. Alright! Once again with feeling..."Whew!" (Not really, I have always wondered what it would be like to sit on a jury...always called, never selected).

LUCKY ME! Two weeks ago, the neighbors could hear me. "YOU'VE. GOT. TO. BE. KIDDING. ME!" Yep, I had received another jury summons. Chad laughed uncomfortably. Wash, Rinse, Repeat. Beginning last Thursday, I started receiving the call from the automated information line stating that I should appear tomorrow (Tuesday, June 28) for jury duty. Then it called me again on Friday and Saturday. I am almost sure I'll get a call today. I think I am going to get selected for sure this time!

THE DOOTY OF THE DUTY: I have to wear a dress/pant suit (I only own one...please, DEAR LORD, let it fit!). The case could go until July 6 (did I mention I only own ONE suit!). You're not allowed any electronic entertainment to keep you occupied while you wait (guess I'll take a book...paper and ALL!). I have to miss work for however long it takes (at least they pay $44/day and mileage but that's still not as much as I make at work).