Today was Day 1 of my jury duty service that I’m making up for missing over vacation. This is my first time ever being called to show up, and it’s quite an interesting experience.

I drove down to Compton this morning at about 7 am. I found the parking structure, made my way inside, and found a seat in the big jury waiting room. For the first two hours pretty much nothing happened. The guy in charge went over all the information we needed to know and oriented people. They called for their first jury around 11 am, but it was going to be a long one (over 20 days) so they only called people whose work would pay for it. While we all sat there with nothing to do they put on Pirates 3 for us to watch, haha. Then from 12-1:30 was lunch and I had a cheeseburger in the cafeteria. I kind of felt like I was in jail.

After lunch they started showing the Simpsons movie, but about 30 minutes into it I got called for jury selection. We went upstairs and waited for about an hour, and eventually they brought us into the courtroom. By the end of the day they were still questioning jurors from yesterday’s group, and since they’re not done, we all have to show up tomorrow. If I get chosen, which I think is unlikely since there are so many of us, it would last until next Friday. Otherwise it will end tomorrow!

Luckily I took my notepad and a pen and was able to scribble out several pages of writing while I waited. Something I found interesting upon entering the court building was the “what not to bring inside” list. It had the usual items like guns and drugs, but there were two items inparticular that seemed redundant. Somewhere after guns they listed “knives,” which I would agree is a no-no inside the courtroom. But immediately following “knives” was the word “daggers.” I don’t even know the difference, but I was unaware daggers still existed. I’ve never heard someone say “yo slim, stick a dagger in his arse!” Maybe if there were gangs back in the middle-ages they would have said this, but I don’t think the word “dagger” has been used since Elven times. Would the word “knives” all by itself confuse people?

Gang Banger: Man, I’s gots to go to court t’day. (Looks at sign) Oh shiz, it says no knives. Hmm, does that word also refer to the dagger I am carrying in my overly baggy pants? Perhaps the court considers some styles of sharp metal objects okay and they would not mind if I brought my dagger inside.

The mood in the house tonight is very somber. We’ll be holding a candlelight vigil for the death of summer in a moment.

I hit 40,000 words on the book tonight. That’s 15,000 in a little under three weeks! I’m hoping that momentum isn’t hurt too much by work. I know you’re probably getting tired of the updates, considering you don’t even know what the story is about, but I’ll update you anyways. I can tell you that I spent a good 5-10 minutes tonight researching what a gunshot wound feels like. The best description I read was 1000 tiny knives stabbing you all at once. I also did some research about the Invasion of Panama in 1989, and how the pit maneuver works. Exciting stuff!

Off to bed. (Pours out bottle of tequila onto the floor dramatically)

Stacie and I are pleased to report that our family has grown by one. Yes, the dog has come to live with us.

It’s sort of a bittersweet change because she had to leave my parent’s house. I really wish there were two of her so we could both have her. I’m sure they will grieve the loss, but I see a new dog in their future, and we can’t wait to help them look.

We’ve watched 7 episodes of LOST now and might squeeze one or two more in tonight. Stacie has also started playing Animal Crossing, so we might start playing that together. I mowed and edged the lawn today, that was fun. Stacie’s girl scout friends are coming over right now with a new bread board, so now we can cut stuff. Although we don’t have any knives yet, haha.

Now we’re going to try and cook dinner. Cross your fingers.