Not the kind of pool you’re thinking.
A jury pool.
I had jury duty today. I got the summons in the mail a few weeks ago, and I wasn’t all that surprised by it. I knew it was likely coming soon because I got the “juror’s questionnaire” a couple of months back. And when I checked the website on Friday night, I learned that I was required to report on Monday morning.
Oh joy.
So, this morning I got up 45 minutes earlier than usual, got ready, and then schlepped downtown to the Hall of Justice. I waited in a line for security, then waited in a huge line just to get into the jury room (with 300+ other people).
Once inside, however, I’m happy to report that I snagged the last seat/table with access to a power outlet, and I settled in with my laptop. I soon found out that the case I was assigned to wouldn’t begin until 11:00 a.m., so I was in for at least two more hours of waiting. I made the best of it and spent my time editing photos from my session last week. And if I’m being completely honest, it was actually pretty damn awesome. I was more productive there than I’ve been able to be at home, that’s for sure.
A little after 11:30 (yes, they were running late!), the deputy finally came down to get my group and go to the courtroom. There, I proceeded to listen for two hours as the judge and attorneys questioned the first 16 jurors (a group I was not a part of).
I alternated between actually listening and reading my book, but some of the stuff I heard made me shake my head in disbelief. Some people are just so frustratingly stupid. I cannot imagine having to deal with this crap on a daily basis. So, kudos to judges and attorneys. Maybe there’s actually a good reason you’re paid so much, huh?
One woman was absolutely determined to answer every question in a way that would seemingly disqualify her from being a juror. (For background purposes, the defendant was charged with DWI.) First, when the judge asked if anyone had any conflicts over the next few days that would prevent them from being a juror, she raised her hand and said she has to work tomorrow. Um, yeah. You and the WHOLE REST OF THE PLANET. The judge was all, “OK, um. Thanks for telling us that.” God bless her and her restraint.
Then, when asked whether anybody had any friends or family that had been convicted of a DWI, this same woman told the judge that her ex-boyfriend had a DWI. Not only that, but her son’s best friend’s girlfriend (I’m not even kidding) was recently charged. She went on to completely exaggerate the effect that her son’s best friend’s girlfriend’s DWI had on her life, and subsequently on her ability to fairly evaluate the defendant’s guilt or innocence. Because you see, she was the one who saw the son’s best friend’s girlfriend on the news!! She had to call and tell her son what had happened!! It was so dramatic!!
Whatever, lady. I swear, I wanted them to pick her just to spite her. But alas, they took the easy way out and got rid of her annoying ass. Can’t say I can blame them.
There was another guy who kept asking questions and basically said that he thought the legal BAC limit was too low, and that he didn’t believe there was anything wrong with having a few drinks and driving. Alrighty then.
In the end, all of the jurors were drawn from that first group of 16, and I was released without ever having been interviewed. S’all good. My duty has been fulfilled, and I’m off the hook for eight years.
In other words, I’m safe from jury pool morons until at least 2017. HOORAY!
We had the pleasure of seeing all three nephews this weekend! GAH I am just in complete love with these boys.
First, my brother came over for a bit on Friday night, and brought little Hunter to visit. We had him on the floor so he could show off his new “pushing up” skills, so I took a few quick snaps of him.
On Saturday morning, we got up and drove down to Michael’s sister’s house to visit with the other two nephews. Talk about a great age… Brendan is SO.MUCH.FUN. right now. He’s also exhausting, but hey, we’re the ones that get to leave at the end of the day. That’s the best part of being the aunt and uncle, right? :) He’s using a lot of complete sentences now, talking up a storm. He repeats everything you say (totally dangerous!), and just has a funny little personality. He’s hilariously awesome. And ALL boy.
What’s also really cute is that he’s starting to use our names. He’s known our names for a while, but would only use them if prompted. (While pointing, asking “Brendan, who is this?” would get you the correct answer.) But now he randomly comes up to you and addresses you by name. It’s adorable. For an example… Michael was holding him shortly before we left, and he was playing with Michael’s hair. I don’t know why, but he does this a lot. He had his hands on Michael’s head and all of a sudden he said, “Nice hair, Michael!” Honestly, I can’t stand the cuteness.
Unfortunately, we won’t see Brendan and Logan again until Thanksgiving. But I’m sure it’ll be here before we know it!
Lately, during most of my “free” time, I’ve been working on my photography–I’ve even had a few more photo sessions!
My investment in this hobby (or whatever it’s going to be for me) is part of the reason I’ve been such a poor blogger lately. Much of what I post is about what’s going on in my life, but in an effort to draw some lines for myself and keep personal and “professional” separate, I don’t feel like it’s appropriate to share my photos here–as much as I may want to! When they’re my personal photos, sure, but when they’re for clients? Not so much. But I can at least tell you that I think things are going really well.
On Monday, I had a session with a precious little 14-month-old girl, and as soon as I downloaded the pics to my computer, I was doing the happy clap. Even before any editing, as I was looking through the images, it was the first session where I actually felt that I “rocked it.” This is a big thing for me, as I’m my own worst critic.
Back in May/June/July, when I did a session, I’d take 200 snaps and I’d be lucky if I could find 10 images that I felt were worth keeping and editing. Now, I’m still taking tons of photos, but I actually have to narrow them down to absolute favorites, because otherwise, I’d be spending way too much time editing pics from one session. Now, it’s common for me to pick out 30-40 photos that I want to edit. I love that. But I can really only edit 20-25 for the client, so I’m forced to narrow them down even further, which is hard, but a good problem to have, right?
Don’t get me wrong, I am still learning every single day, but I am starting to feel more confident and comfortable with my ability. That’s really been half the battle for me.
What’s funny is that I look back at photos I took five months ago and cringe. At the time, I thought I was doing a good job, but now I look at them and think “Oh, they could’ve been SO MUCH BETTER.” It’s useful to look back to see how far I’ve come, but I have to stop doing it. I have to remember that they’re memories nonetheless, and I had to start somewhere. I’m sure that five months from now, I’ll look back at my current photos, and they’ll make me cringe, too. The journey just never ends.
After the success of the session the other day, I suddenly had the urge to do more–quickly! I’m really hoping to squeeze in another handful of sessions before the weather really turns. The colors and light are so beautiful right now, and the wardrobe and accessories (jeans, sweaters, hats, scarves, etc.) are so adorable on little ones. But since I’m working solely with people who have heard about me through word of mouth, it’s been somewhat challenging to get new subjects in front of my lens.
My other motivation is to make a little extra cash so that I can justify the camera upgrade that I so desperately want right now. CHA-CHING! Until then, I’m still plugging away with what I have. I have to keep fine-tuning the basics, because when I get a new camera with way more bells and whistles than I’ve had previously, it’s probably going to set me back a bit because I’ll have to take the time to learn it all. I’m hoping to do all of my learning in the dreary winter months so that I can hit the ground running once we thaw out again.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…
Every once in a while, I go through a blogging funk.
The past few weeks have been one of those times. I’ve managed to keep up somewhat, but I’ve been posting a lot of recipes and not a lot of real posts.
I just feel like I have nothing of substance to write about. Nothing to bitch about. Nothing to share.
I also feel like I don’t have a lot of free time, and let’s face it, being busy is not conducive to being a good blogger! We’ve actually been so busy that I’ve almost been feeling overwhelmed, but they’re all things that aren’t really interesting to anyone outside of our family and friends. And I’ve been plugging away at my photography (more on that tomorrow) whenever possible.
Anyway, if anyone out there has any questions or comments for me that might inspire a blog post, let me have ’em. :)
Scene: Local Post Office.
I pull up in a hurry in order to ship my Operation Baking Gals package.
I rush in at 5:03 p.m., and knowing that they technically close at 5:00, I’m relieved to see that there are still a couple of customers being helped, and nothing appears to be locked up yet. I hesitate at the door for a moment, and suddenly, a cheerful fellow customer (CFC) looks at me.
CFC: (smiles) “Go ahead!” She waves me into the door. “They’re not closed up yet! They’ll help you.”
I smile and heave a big sigh, as I had wanted to get this package out yesterday. Unfortunately, I realized too late that the post office was closed due to the Columbus Day holiday.
As I step foot over the threshold, I am greeted abruptly by a post office worker (POW).
POW: “We close at 5:00.”
Me: “I know, but I just have this package–“
POW: “Are you paying by credit card? Or cash?”
Me: “I have both. I’ll use whatever is easiest for you. I just need to get this out to–“
POW: “You’ll have to use the automated machine. We’re closed.”
I eye the two other customers being helped at the counter.
Me: “But I can’t use the machine, because this package requires a customs form.”
POW: “Do you have it filled out?”
Me: “No, but I’ve done them before, it’ll only take me a few seconds. I’m trying to send a package for soldiers in Afghanistan. Can I please just–“
POW grabs a handful of customs forms, shoves them at me, and basically pushes me back out the door.
POW: “You’ll have to come back tomorrow. Fill out your customs form before you get here.”
Me: “But I– Really? I just want to send this to–“
POW: “We close at 5:00.”
Me: (at this point, visibly disappointed) “Well, um… OK. Is the office down the street open later?”
POW: “Nope. Everybody closes at 5:00.”
I’m forced out of the doorway and he closes the gate in my face. I turn around, dejected, and Cheerful Fellow Customer (CFC) is still standing in the atrium. Her mouth drops open.
CFC: (loudly, so POW can hear) “REALLY?! Oh my God. Are you– REALLY?!” She looks at me. “I am SO sorry. I can’t even believe him. I’m just SO SORRY.”
Me too, my friend. ME TOO.
End scene.
Seriously. It would’ve taken this guy three minutes to help me. I used to work in customer service, in a pharmacy. I know how badly it sucks when people show up right when you are trying to close and trying to go home. But you know what? We ALWAYS helped every last customer. ALWAYS. If there was a line snaking out the door at 9:00 (closing time), we stayed however long it took to help all of them, even if it meant staying until 9:20, even 9:30 sometimes. It’s called good customer service.
I f-ing hate USPS. HATE. This isn’t the first time I’ve been treated rudely, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. If I truly had another choice that didn’t cost a fortune (i.e. FedEx and UPS), I would use someone else.
*shakes fist* Damn you, USPS. I was trying to do a good deed. It would’ve been nice if you had done one, too.
About
I'm Heather. I'm 33 and have been married to Michael for seven years. Together, we have two beautiful little girls we love more than anything, and a miniature dachshund who drives us crazy. I'm a full-time working mom who has very little time for my own "stuff" these days, like home improvement, cooking/baking, cake decorating, and photography. Despite the team not making the playoffs since 1999, I'm STILL a Buffalo Bills fan, which I think speaks to my loyalty AND sense of humor. I can't wait to pick up the pace with travel again some day... you know, when we're done being ruled by tiny fists. Welcome to my blog.
