Jury Duty

So it's 1:35p.m. on Friday afternoon and I'm sitting in the jury assembly room of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Court Building in Los Angeles. So far, I've managed to avoid being sent to the East Los Angeles Court House for jury selection and ate my lunch. My friend Joel, in his usual good humored way, tried to make light of an otherwise monotonous situation. I will say this, the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse does try to make jury duty less of a chore and I do appreciate the free parking but still. The jury assembly room resembles something out the Soviet era with touches of Christmas decorations. My fellow citizens are a real cross section of humanity. So far it doesn't seem like anybody is calling for a jury panel today so maybe I can leave a bit earlier. At the worst, I would have to come back another day, joy! While waiting, I caught up on some blogging by my recurring teenage crush bassist turned best-selling author. I read his book and was impressed with it. Now that I've read a little more of his writing, I can honestly say that he has a real talent for writing. His style is very honest and straight forward, something I go for in my own work. Also while waiting, I've been observing the cross section of humanity that is here with me. They seem to be quite the group. Mostly middle class, various ages, and backgrounds. Some are sitting idly and others are busying themselves with various activities. One woman is at the clerk's counter trying to leave early due to illness. The reading material they have for those without isn't the greatest selection. Although these days with all the digital wonders, one can find something to read on their phone or i-whatever. Myself, I'm not very good with free time. I get bored easily and start looking for things to do. If I can't find them, I get terribly restless and irritable. Writing seems like a good way to fill the time. In about ten minutes, I'm going see if I can get out of here early and complete my service.