My jury duty experience continues. The judge has instilled all fear into us for ever saying anything about the trial. So, lest I end up on the other side of the court, I won’t.
But I did want to mention something about this temporary life sentence I’ve received.
We were told it would it a month-long trial. Given the flexibility of my life, I had no excuse to be let off. In it all I’ve found myself adapting to a life I’ve not known for some time.
Like showing up for work.
It’s not that I don’t work every day, I just usually don’t leave the house.
Nor do I worry about arriving on time. These days, very little in my life is dictated by the clock . . . except the one in my stomach.
I previously mentioned the “dress code.” It’s not just about presentable pants, but I’m sure they’d frown at pajamas . . . and expect shoes (both optional around the house).
Then there’s the commute. The courthouse is some 20 freeway miles away. Anymore I don’t do freeways during peak hours. But here I have no choice. And neither, apparently, do tens of thousands of others, half wanting my lane . . . all late.
Why, if I’m a volunteer, am I so stressed about punctuality?
But I’m reminded I’m not a volunteer; being on a jury is my civic duty.
And it’s all to be done in just a certain way, narrowly proscribed by protocol and the judge. Line up to enter. Be quiet. Keep your mind open. Discount having heard certain things even though they were just said, because it isn’t “evidence.” (Right!)
In time there will be group work. Getting things decided “in committee” is something I’ve been glad to be done with for a long time. I trust I’ll be up to it.
At least the nice thing about putting in a long day is “quitting time.” That, and “weekends.” (Both concepts from earlier life.)
All this has made me feel a little like I’m once again working a job.
It’s not bad really, I’m learning a lot, meeting some interesting people, and generally enjoying it.
And the pay is $15 a day.
It’s the first time I’ve had an income that’s regular in years.
I could get used to this.
.
____________
Anyone interested in my talk at Capo Beach Church referencing some personal reflections about life, Vernon’s, and all of ours, click here.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
4:57 pm
Very refreshing and enjoyable Hyatt!
Keep an open mind as this may lead to a new and promising career as a courthouse sketch artist. Anxious to hear your next segment.
Scott
5:17 pm
Last night I called my son and he said that yesterday’s message was really good, no I mean really, really good. He was beginning to read the book of Ecclesiastes. Then later on I spoke to a friend who said she was going to read Ecclesiastes due to being influenced by your message. I was just thinking how much I enjoyed more scripture and less expounding rather then the opposite.
Onto your current topic of jury duty, my daughter just completed an externship as a Deputy District Attorney and was full of stories on a daily basis. Enjoy the experience.
5:34 pm
Paychecks are fun. It’s been more years than I can remember since I’ve received one that wasn’t a love note written by the hand of a child, or in the form of God’s handiwork like a breathtaking sunset. Is that irregular?
I enjoyed hearing you speak yesterday :-) Thank you for blessing us with yet another one of your many gifts! I’m still mentally chewing on all the goodness. YES, it’s about HOPE. God never ends on a negative.
5:39 pm
If it’s expected to last a month, it must be one complex, grueling trial. Being one of the adult ADD types myself, my three week duty was a huge challenge. Enough with people-watching, pay attention! I’m glad you got selected, Hyatt, I hope they pick you to be the jury “leader” during deliberations.
7:37 am
OHHH Hyatt, you are so funny once again! $15 a day! A job, commuting, getting dressed appropriately, and being punctual. All so funny that it is so different than what you have been experiencing for so long now. Great Blog.. Thank you! I have never been asked to be on the jury, so this is interesting. Thank you for sharing.. Blessings! Lisa
10:12 am
Great Attitude Hyatt. I am sure that God is involved in your placement on this Jury duty and you have a divine purpose for this service. Stay dialed in to everything.
10:22 am
It was a pleasure to be with you like that again for awhile on a Sunday morning. (I admit that I wondered if you were wearing a pair of your new pants.) I took away many a thing as a result of listening to you speak, and one of them was about work and how we are to approach it, be in it, do it with everything we’ve got no matter what it is. Your approach to jury duty is quite the example. Praying for Vernon, and for all of you.
8:42 pm
Just so interesting, I love your outlook, observations and conclusions.
Love your blog!
9:57 pm
Great job, hyatt – just blogged you (again) and linked your talk from Sunday. (:http://welcomeheart.com/journal/2014/07/01/dont-give-up-morning-and-evening.html
10:06 am
You and I have bantered for several years around whether you are retired or not. Your position is always… “not.” I had to agree since I know your work ethic. Now you seem to toy with the idea that perhaps you are; especially when compared to a commute, dress code, conduct code, fixed schedule and the illusive “consensus building” that is the biggest part of the “meetings” you will conduct with your fellow citizens. By the way, if you add in business travel, you would have compiled all the elements that drove me to take early retirement.
Having served on a couple of juries, I would offer this advice. Since you are a gifted communicator and leader, arrange to become the foreman of the jury. On my first jury, I spent long nights in a jury room going back an forth. On the second case, I arranged to reluctantly be selected as foreman. The first thing we did was to take a straw poll to see where we stood. We then went around the table and asked each juror to talk about the evidence that most swayed them and who they believed. Buy the time everyone expressed their observations and we took another poll, the two contrary votes aligned for a unanimous decision. By the way, I was one of people that changed their minds when I heard the female jurors observations.
Most jurors only want to do the right thing. Most are not accustomed to making significant decisions on the spot. Most people want to follow competent leadership. Lead on Hyatt.
12:41 pm
Hmm. a new “fixed” income? Did they offer you mileage for a deduction? Or how about a per diem for meals? Forget the trial, you need to take this to the judge! Get it settled once and for all. If no mileage or meal per diem, how about a compromise and they let you wear pajamas, since they want to to relax? But wait, there’s “moore” ~ how about a retirement plan? a 401(k)? A ROTH IRA? What are your options? Are there mutual funds or stock options or state bonds involved? All these details! Yes your honor, we’ll get to the trial, but what about . . . . . ? :)
7:05 pm
A senior citizen was appointed to integrate a jury. He received an acceptance form to be filled out in advance. In case of refusal he was asked to check his reasons. Those were: Sex, Health or Age. He wrote a foot note: Despite my age and traffic jams I could accept. as for Sex my hearing is even worse and for that I will not show up.
3:13 pm
For the first time, I just now got time to listen to your message…..absolutely great! (Or should I say, “Thank you for giving us God’s message in Ecclesiastes?”) God’s Word has certainly proven true and the wisdom there in Ecclesiastes has been our source of joy and wisdom (should I also say it has been a source of good sadness?)……I guess we’d say “He really does mean what He tells us.” THANK YOU!
(Soon be sending you info on Ed’s 80th BD! That will be a time for partying and rejoicing – for sure.)
11:23 pm
Alas, I was not informed in time to attend the reading of the verdict. I should have liked to have been there for that since I sat through all the rest! Perhaps you’d care to fill me in on the details sometime?
-Matt Sandoval
Juror #10