You’re excused

Well, I didn’t borrow Sharon’s Princess Leia outfit.  Nor did I use Tina Fey’s line in 30 Rock “I don’t really think it’s fair that I be on a jury, because I can read thoughts”.  Quite honestly, I thought the tin foil hat I had made and the T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Aliens are in our Midst’ would be enough.

In the end, it was not about my wardrobe choice.  Apparently, legal discussions went on well after we were told to go home yesterday.  This morning we learned that there was no need for jury selection this week.  We, the potential jurors, were excused…for at least three years.

Mixed feelings – timing wasn’t the greatest for serving on a jury, but there was a part of me that was interested in experiencing the process.

Spider Solitaire – beware!  I will be ready for a rematch in 2012 and beyond!

The jury is out…

So, I was to report to the Court House this morning at 9am with my completed ‘jury selection form’.  There is something intimidating about the whole process.  Must…follow…every…detail…of…enclosed…instructions.

But for one who is normally quite organized, I made a minor slip.  I just assumed I knew which Court House the form was referencing -right across from my favourite pizza-by-the-slice place! 

I quickly realized by the empty parking lot, except for 3 police cruisers, that I was in the wrong place.  Whew…thankfully the correct Court House was right up the street, and still perfect location for making a stop for pizza on the way home! 

Doing my civic duty, I was there with bells on.  Well, actually, I think the security guard wouldn’t have been impressed with the bells and the beeping scanner, so I left the bells in the car and took my Blackberry instead.  

Timing isn’t the greatest  to have to serve on a jury, but there is a bit of curiosity in what it’s like to go through the jury selection process and I am already learning a few things, first and foremost - patience. 

The day started with a line-up to get through security, a line-up to check-in, another line-up to verify personal information, and then sit and wait, and wait…and then they told us that they didn’t anticipate they would get to the selection process today and we were excused until tomorrow.

Apparently, we are ‘on call’ all week.  Too bad ‘on call’ didn’t mean that they called you at home or at work to tell you when you were needed rather than having to be there in person waiting.  I don’t know how the rest of the people (~ 200 or so) feel, but I suspect that there has got to be a better, more efficient way.  That’s a lot of people who missed work, appointments, or maybe even a few extra minutes of sleep.

So, I wonder what’s on tap for tomorrow.  One thing is sure, I will be packing some reading material, my laptop, a fully-charged Blackberry.  Oh…and snacks…

More canoeing/camping shots

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Red Pine Lake...canoeing

A nice way to end one of a few great days on the lake

Table-envy no more

Recently, we’ve been looking at new patio tables.  The one we have is fine, but it really only seats 4 people.  Mark had a fabulous idea – make one.  There is a long-running joke where Mark offers to make whatever I might want…out of wood.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a new chair or a bike…he says he’ll whittle one for me.  It always brings a smile to my face, but lo and behold, and true to his word this time, he made one and it’s awesome!

At over 9ft long, It can easily sit 10 people!  I love it.

We need to finish sanding and then stain it…and I guess it might be helpful if we get some chairs, but, I am one VERY happy camper! 

Don’t drink the water…

We were away this past weekend for a half-Ironman race.  Mark had injured his foot earlier in the week and knew going into this race that he may only be able to do the swim and bike portion. 

I was looking forward to racing and was feeling quite relaxed about the day – alas, not to be.  I strained my back on Saturday and I could only do the swim and bike as well – back spasms on the bike forced me to pull out of the run portion.  Disappointed, but made the smart decision and will focus on getting things back on track for IM. 

But, we had to chuckle.  Upon arrival at the race venue on Saturday afternoon we decided we would do a quick swim first, before picking up our race kits.  The water was very choppy and only a couple of athletes were in the water.  Then we saw the sign saying that the water quality was not acceptable and that swimming was not recommended.  Hmmm, there is a 2km swim in this same lake tomorrow…is it going to change overnight?  Apparently yes!  LOL I didn’t see the signage on Sunday morning. 

Good thing there were lots of these, just in case.