I saw an ad for part-time work in accounting at a local classified paper. The paper was rather famous in the area, The Horse Trader.  I thought it would be a neat job.  It’s really rather remarkable that I got the job, I had no interest in accounting and no aptitude either. I think I got it because the owner knew and liked my dad. Come to think of it, that’s how I got my first job too. Dairy Queen. But that’s another story.

I started working at The Horse Trader and as the day went on, I noticed two girls sitting in a back room with computers. Teresa and Julie. I asked what they did. They typed the ads and scanned and edited photos. This seemed like a much more interesting job. I talked with my boyfriend that night and told him how I wished I could do that.

A few days later I went into work at the paper and noticed the somber mood. I asked what had happened and they told me that Julie had died the night before in a car accident. Her, her boyfriend and two kids were in the car when a semi-truck hit them as they pulled out in an area known to have a terrible blind spot. Her boyfriend and one of the children survived.

Immediately I thought of Jennifer, my manager at the video store. I knew that Julie was her best friend and just couldn’t imagine how distraught she was. I asked my new boss at the paper to let me go to the video store to relieve Jennifer so she could go home.  I rushed to Movie Gallery.

As I walked up to the counter, Jennifer greeted me with a warm smile and asked why I was there. She didn’t know.

I didn’t know what to say. I had to tell her something. I can’t even really remember what I said. I just remember her falling to the floor crying. She called someone and they took her home.

The next day at the paper they offered me Julie’s job and I began to teach myself the programs. That’s how I learned Photoshop.

http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/justified/

Today’s the day. I can feel it.

I didn’t bring my laptop today for two reasons. #1 I’m going to see a movie tonight at the IFC Center so I wouldn’t want to lug it around. #2 The case might settle (fingers crossed) and I’d get out of here early enough to go to work.

P.S. I hear the beeping.

Darn it. I wrote a bunch of stuff and it disappeared. The picture above is of the rows of chairs that are all out if whack. Just taking 10 minutes at the end of the day to straighten them out would do the trick.

10:08am

A guy is listening to “Push It” loud on his headphones. Wait. No. He’s watching the video on his laptop without headphones. Seriously, dude.

Oh no! Another earthquake in Chile!

10:22am

Called! No settle. We are upstairs on the 4th floor in a obvious jury deliberation room. (I’ve seen enough Law & Order episodes to know) We are awaiting instructions.

10:32am

Quotes from the room: “I really hope they settled.” “I think this could be a long one.”

There is our own bathroom in here so we don’t leave! You can hear it all too. YIKES!

10:52am

They certainly love drama. An officer comes into the room and tells us to leave our personal belongings and come out into the hall and line up. I, along with most people, brought my cell phone. After lining up, (I took the first spot, I thought, what the hell, why not?) and we wait. The officer the leads us to the court room, then stops us outside the door. We wait. After a minute or so, he leads us in. I’m in the back row.

The judge, in a very slow and deliberate voice, apologizes. He then begins to thank us for our patience because after all this, the case has been settled. Apparently there was a gap in communication, and we were not supposed to be in on Wednesday. He told the lawyers and somehow it was not communicated properly and we were in on Wednesday. They did not realize we were there until about 3pm when they called us and were were dismissed. He then goes on to thank us again because he believes that the case finally came to settlement because of the jury being picked.

He then asks us to share our experience in a positive way with family and friends. He is very appreciative that we have taken the time to be jurors and hopes that we may encourage others to serve as well. Then he came from behind the bench and shook each one of our hands. Yes, I’m a sucker and bought it hook, line and sinker.

I want to also say that everyone of the people were very pleasant and upbeat despite our situation. We all just laughed. What’s funny is that the officer as we were leaving kept asking us how long we were waiting. He just couldn’t believe it. He was laughing too. Apparently this is a rarity. Imagine that.

I’m really over this.

This morning I get a text right as I’m going through security. I remember my ringer is on so I switch it to vibrate. I go through security and find a spot. I check my phone and find out from my sister that Corey Haim died of a drug overdose. I am sad.

11:35am

I have a feeling today is going to go by even slower than yesterday.

11:54am

I just can’t believe I’ve wasted so much time. But, I’m serving my country. It’s just so weird to look around the room and see all the people sitting around, all for jury selection.

I miss my hot chocolate/coffee combo.

12:12pm

Dude. These chairs are connected. When you tap on your chair, it taps the whole row. Make note.

12:31pm

Tapping has stopped, now I’m sleepy. “I’m not even supposed to be here today!”

12:41pm

The tapping is back. Must be a really good story.

1:32pm

Back from lunch. I decided to walk a different way today. As I was walking, I started to notice familiarities. I was confused. Have I been here? Wait. WAIT. There is an Arby’s here!! Woo hoo!

I get a #1 which is the regular roast beef meal. I wanted a shake, but the lady told me they didn’t have shakes today. BUMMER. I order and step to the side. I see a 2-person booth and grab it because the last time, it took FOREVER for the food to come out. I sit down and to my surprise, my number is called. Awesome.

As I’m eating the roast beef and curly fries, I think to myself, “this isn’t that great.” A deli sandwich is 10 times better and better for me. The name gets me. It’s nostalgia. It reminds me of a life I used to have of fast food everyday. Ok, plus they had a place for me to sit. That can be hard to find.

I decide to go back to the jury room. I get settled and the one guy that I was picked with comes up to me and again talks about how crazy it is that we have been here the whole time. “Why couldn’t they send us home?” he asks. I just shake my head and agree that’s it’s annoying.

I can see why I’m here though. As far as I can tell, they pull people in, question them, and then try to pick some decent people out. They have no idea what people they are going to get. Apparently all the people have been unfair and biased people. I can only hope they’ll find all the people today and we’ll get this show on the road.

2:33pm

Ok, I’m yawning. I’m almost becoming bored of the internet.

2:49pm

I can’t even think of anything to say.

2:50pm

Oh! An argument! There are three ladies. One lady was sitting there. Then the 2nd lady came by and sat down. Then the 3rd lady sat down and started talking to the 1st lady. The 2nd lady is annoyed at their conversation and says, “Should we switch seats?” The 1st lady is annoyed and says, “No, I was here first.” “No, I was.” “No, I’ve been sitting here since 8:30 this morning!” “Well, I’ve been here too!” Then mysterious silence. They do not continue their conversation.

3:01pm

I’m called. As we assemble, people are chatting with each other and joking around. The tension builds. What will happen next?!

The lady behind the counter holds up her fingers to indicate a small amount and explains that the case is “this close” to settling, but nothing is official, so they need us to come back tomorrow at 10am. Well, that’s something.

There is a constant beeping. Roxxan tells me I need to make it a game to find the source. I think it is coming from a room, but now I am unsure.

I hate sitting where people are able to see my screen…

11:00am

VPN established. Beeping is replaced by vacuuming.

11:41am

Beeping has resumed.

11:47am

I really feel for the people having to announce the names. Some I’m sure are difficult to pronounce correctly. Yay! The guy behind me with the bad breathe has been called!

11:53am

Why is a pay phone in the jury room ringing?

12:10pm

Oh my goodness. I don’t hear the beeping. People are talking louder now…. I’m hungry. What should I get for lunch? Wait. Yep, the beeping is there. It was just overshadowed by the people talking.

Ok, now that the guy is gone, he can’t read my screen. When he sat down and turned on his computer, I heard “You’ve got mail!” I haven’t heard that since the movie.

So since it’s only 45 minutes until lunch, I seriously doubt they’ll call me until after lunch. Right? Yesterday they let us out at 12:30pm but that was when I was in a room. I bet the central jury will be 1pm. What’s amazing to me is that they have no way of knowing that I’m even here. It’s not like they check. It’s only if they call your name and you don’t come forward.

12:41pm

Beeping continues. Countdown to lunch. HUNGRY.

1:40pm

I’m back from lunch and in the central jury room. I came back early to get to the jury room because a) it’s cooler, b) it’s a must more comfortable seat and c) better outlet location d) NO BEEPING.

Because it is such a beautiful day, I decided to walk a bit before lunch. I walked down Court Street to Atlantic Avenue. I made a right at Clinton Street and took in the beautiful breeze and warmth of the sunshine. There were trailers set up for the stars of the show Gossip Girl that is filming on the streets off Court & Clinton.

I found a small deli where I got a plain slice, some pepperoni knots and a water for $4. Sweet. The plain slice was good. Definitely better than the ones I’ve been getting near home lately. The pepperoni knots were a bit much though.

2:24pm

And the name-calling begins. Oh, that didn’t sound right. You know what I mean.

2:35pm

I’m so glad no one has tried to talk to me. It’s not that I hate people, I just hate awkward conversations purely for the sake of conversation. I’ll do my thing, you do your thing. My friend Thuc is NOTORIOUS for talking to strangers. He kept telling me of all the conversations he would strike up with people on the train. SO glad I wasn’t with him.

2:49pm

As I look around the room, some are talking to each other, some are sleeping, lots are reading, but what I find the most interesting is the people who are just STARING ala Putty from Seinfeld. Just staring ahead into space. Oh, wait, there is a TV.

3:15pm

Still surfing. I feel a cool breeze, but it is not from the springtime air. The guy in front of me keeps looking back. AVOID EYE CONTACT.

3:35pm

May I just say that I simply LOVE having my computer with me. The time really is passing easier.

3:40pm

Hmmm… Jurors are now being called that have been sworn in…. I hope they tell me something. I have no idea what to do tomorrow if not.

3:48pm

Ok, lady, stop sucking on that candy and swallow it.

3:51pm

Oh yeah. This is a day well spent. It’s crazy that my commute from work and from here are the same. Gotta love the N.

4:08pm

I was called. Back here tomorrow at 11am. Sleep!

I get to the courthouse early so I can get breakfast. When I get out of the train exit, I first go into a Duane Reade (drugstore) then I look outside the window and see a street cart serving breakfast.  THAT is what I want.

I order two eggs on a roll and a Tropicana orange juice. I go across the street to the area in front of the courthouse. There is a open area with benches.  It’s cold out, but I sit and have my breakfast. I realize that I really should have gotten the cheese on the eggs. It’s really dull without it.

I finish up, take a deep breathe and make my way into the courthouse. It’s about 8:10am I was to report at 8:30am. I like to be early. Like an airport, we have to go through security, but unlike an airport, we do not have to remove our shoes and it goes rather quickly.

We are all lead through to a large room. There are three sections with rows of 10 or so chairs attached together like in airports. I walk along the wall to find an outlet, but can’t find one…hmmm…. There were only a handful of people in the room. I took the chair in the very back corner.  I didn’t break out my laptop just yet, I just played on my iphone a bit.

Slowly the room filled up with people. I was amazed that nearly every seat was taken. A man goes to the podium up front to tell us that they are going to show an orientation video.

Now this video starts out just like any other cheesy production. They first show a scene from the middle ages where they say to determine someone’s innocence, they put their hand in a pot of boiling water and if it heals in two days, they are innocent. Another determination is more known, it’s the “throw them bound into the lake to see if they float, and if they don’t they are innocent.” Yeah, that makes sense.

Then another voice is heard and waltzes onto the screen. Ed Brimley of 60 Minutes. Yeah, only in New York. So Ed narrates for a bit, talking about justice, etc, when another voice enters: Diane Sawyer. Really? Please tell me this is a national jury video.  I can’t find any info on google, so I wonder…

After the video the guy at the podium starts talking again. Everyone is told to pull out their jury summons card. We go over every aspect, line by boring line. After we pass the cards down our row to be picked up. The guy up front then goes over the rules of leaving. He repeatedly states that you are only allowed to go outside to have a cigarette and only for 10 minutes. You aren’t allowed to out for anything else, nothing. After he talks about that for about 10 minutes, the girl next to me asks, “so, we can leave, right?”  **sigh**  “No, only to have a cigarette.”

The guy up front then asks a series of questions to eliminate people. “If you have children under the age of 13 and you are in possession of their birth certificate, please form a line to the right.”

“If you do not have a basic understanding of the English language, please form a line to the right.” Now this one, he actually laughed at. He went on to explain that the interpreters were late and they would arrive shortly. However, he kept ASKING the question. Over and over. Not sure what was going on there.

After all the questions, it finally settled down and I decided it was time to break out the laptop.  I had 84%, but I really wanted to get to an outlet because I only had about 2 hours of power and it was three hours until lunch. I scouted and found an outlet next to one of the big columns in the middle. I sat down and got myself comfortable. Not two minutes later, I hear my name called. What?!? I just got comfortable!

I follow the other people through a series of rooms and hallways to an empanelment room.  I arrive to a super small room filled with about 20 office chairs with only one chair left open. I sit down with nearly no space whatseover only to realize that my chair is somehow attached to the person next to me. I didn’t realize this though for a good 20 minutes and just thought that the guy next to me was being extremely rude and hitting my chair. Sorry guy.

At the front of the room are two attorneys. One is a guy in a wanting-to-be nice suit who is the attorney for the plaintiff.  The other is a young woman who is kinda put together, but her long red hair is unbelievably unkempt and looks as though she just rolled out of bed. She keeps playing with it and moving it all around. I really wish I had a scrunchy to give her. She’s the attorney for the City of New York. She’s also wearing cheap ballet flats.

At 10:30am they start asking questions. All employees of the city are excused due to the nature of the civil suit. That takes about six out. They then randomly select eight people and arrange them in the first two rows. They ask them a series of questions about a weird variety of topics. There are two lawyers in the group. One is a guy from Park Slope. Every answer this guy gives is like he’s running for office. He never gives a straight answer. They are questioned til about 11:30am when the two attorneys go out in the hall to “discuss.”

When they come back they dismiss some and take the others to the clerk window. There are now eight people left. They decide to only choose six. I’m one of them. They ask us the same questions. Basically designed to trick you or to give you the opportunity to lie and get dismissed. We are given a lunch break at 12:30pm and told we need to be back by 2pm. I get excited until I realize I have to somehow fill that time.

As I leave the courthouse, I remember a chinese place that I’d been to a couple of times that was really delicious. I figure I’ll go there and relax and have a good lunch. I get there and realize that it’s lunchtime and the place is packed. When I walk in there are a group of kids around the pay counter ordering take out. There is no host or hostess in sight. I wait, hoping to catch someone’s attention, when someone comes in the door behind me. I turn to look at the guy and as I turn around, a waiter signals to the guy coming in and says to the guy, “oh! How are you sir? Haven’t seen you in a while! One?”

What? Am I invisible?? I was here first! As I become more annoyed, another waiter comes and seats me at a 4-person table. Ok. Fine. Just give me my crispy orange chicken.

As I’m eating, they seat an older guy at my same table, but kitty-corner to me. He doesn’t speak english very well and after some issues, he finally orders the chicken with broccoli to which I thought he was ordering chicken with brown sauce.

I get my food SUPER fast and there is tons of it. I eat about half and because I lack a place to refrigerate, I abandon my leftovers. Sadface.

Having an hour left to kill, I decide to go to Starbucks. I have never used my laptop in a Starbucks and have always wanted to. As I wait for my drink, I am eyeing all the empty chairs anxious to get a good one. YES. I find a good one at a booth. Sweet. I pull out my laptop and seemingly connect to the at&t wifi. Huh. A Starbucks/at&t page comes up, but no other pages work. Hmmmm…. oh yeah, it’s not free, you have to pay for it. Erg. I remember that I registered a Starbucks gift card and when I did they sent me an email with instructions on using the wifi for free. Yeah. But I kinda have to have the internet to look up the email. I try calling my sister, but because the at&t network is like swiss cheese in New York City, every call I made failed.

Think. Ok, let me try to retrieve it out of my iphone. After an agonizingly long time (probably 2 minutes) I download the email with instructions. Awesome. Connected. I now have 20 minutes left until I need to head back. I check email and generally feel pretty cool having my laptop in Starbucks.

We all return to the room, and it takes a bit for the attorneys to get there. They get back and we have to do a bit of backtracking in questioning to get back to where we were. We are again asked some stupid questions and then they again go to the hall.

When they get back, I am dismissed. I have to admit, it’s a bit of a rejection. It’s happiness, but I can’t help but think of what caused them to not choose me. Oh well, I head back to the central jury room and find another seat next to a outlet and get settled. As I’m IMing with my sister, I hear my name called. Damn.

Again I go into an empaneling room. This one is bigger, but not much. I see a few of the people from my last room. The two attorneys come in. Now, because this is not yet even began, I am not going to talk any further about it. I will say that I was chosen for the first six and that four of the six were very adamant about how they will not be fair. One of them was just bending her answers to get out of it. I just know it. So two of us were chosen. Bummer.

So there it is. I’m now on a jury. Could be out for five days, not sure. We’ll see how it goes.

Star Wars Mini Amigurumi, originally uploaded by Angry Angel.

These are so unbelievably adorable. It’s now my desktop background. Thanks to Laryssa for showing me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w

We went to Dunkin Donuts for, yes, donuts. I had taken a couple bites of mine and realized that I really wanted some milk with it. So I go to the counter and ask for a small milk.

Well, I guess I must have mumbled or something because the guy couldn’t understand what I wanted. He kept asking what kind of coffee. I just said I wanted milk. Then he got really irritated with me and slowly asked “WANT KIND OF COFFEE??” To which I said, “I don’t want coffee, I just want milk.” He shook his head, then he was asking me if I wanted it hot or with ice. What? “No, not hot, no ice. JUST MILK.”

“Alright,” he said, really befuddled at what I was requesting. So he gets the milk from the coffee machine and puts it in a cup and sits it on the counter and says, “well, it’s not hot.”  So I say,  “yes, I understand that.”

Am I crazy? My sister says people don’t order milk here. WHAT? It’s dunkin donuts. PLUS they have on the menu at the bottom “juice/milk/soda also available.”

They don’t even have milk in cartons. I got it in a CUP. A cup? WEIRD. I’m sorry, but donuts and miik go together. Totally blew me way.

At 6pm, I am leaving work. I walk out of my building to the sound of screaming people running for their lives.
So as a panicked and “not so cool in a crisis” person would do, I called my sister to see what the hell had happened. She didn’t know. Nothing on the internet yet. It had JUST happened.

So I stay on the phone, rambling and scared and trying to keep my cool because I from what I could tell whatever had happened was exactly where I was originally headed.

I follow the crowds. I need to get to 42nd & Lexington at Grand Central to take the train home, the only way I know how.

So. I try to stay calm and I didn’t do too well. It was really really scary.

Ok. Focus. I need to get to Roxxan’s work because she waiting for me because we are going to see a show tonight. She finds out what happened. Seems a transformer blew. (Later we found out it was a pipe burst)
Bus. ok. Roxxan looks up the map for me. I wait. I get on the bus. First time I might add, and I am not impressed and will not look to that option pleasantly in the future.

It takes about 20 minutes to go 10 blocks. ok. So I get off the bus.

Obviously the trains won’t be running at Grand Central. Roxxan tells me there is a station on 34th.
ok. So i get off the bus….hmm….which way to go….I ask a nice lady. She tells me to head to Park Avenue. Okey dokey.

I get to park avenue only to find out no trains are running at that station either. ok. I hear someone say they are heading to the station near Macy’s on 34th. As I’m heading there I take some pictures as I cross Lexington.

Long story short, (TOO LATE!) it was a really, really long day.

Oh, and we also went to a Muldoon’s show and didn’t get home until 2:30am because of all the delays.

I will end by saying that I love New York City. I start every day crossing to Manhattan looking at the Statue of Liberty