Loathing a jury summons is almost as American as apple pie in my world. I teach in the public school system for cryin' out loud! Why should I still be subjected to serving my country by sitting in a room with hundreds of strangers hoping I'll be out early enough to grab a decent lunch and afternoon nap?
Today it occurred to me that hating jury duty does not stem from the fact that it takes me out of my classroom for a whole day, which should be enough. No, I despise jury duty because the city does nothing to show me any kind of gratitude for bothering to show up.
I've served at the main courthouse downtown and at the jail/courthouse. However, my summons this time was for the municipal court, a building I've only ever seen in passing. (Actually, the only thing I knew about it before today was that it was where Oswald was placed after the Kennedy Assassination. I didn't know they actually still used the building.) Usually the summons tells you where to park, but this one didn't. Problem #1 and this was before I even left my house.
I left with plenty of time to drop my son off at daycare and face some morning traffic to get to the building on time. Now, I know that downtown likes to play cruel tricks on unsuspecting drivers with one way streets that make getting lost easy and getting back on track a pain in the neck. Well today my problem was NOT wanting to make a turn in a direction a street did not permit. The problem was that even though I needed and wanted to turn left and the street was a one way going left, drivers are not allowed to turn left on the left going one way street between the hours of 7 and 9 A.M. (It was 8:30 A.M.) WHAT THE DEUCE?! That makes zero sense. How can I possibly turn around if I'm not allowed to turn down any streets? I ended up passing one of my friend's apartment building three times today because all I could do was go up and down Main Street.
Once I managed to get back on the end of town where the Municipal Building is located, I realized that I had no idea where I was supposed to park. This court is already in a slightly seedy area and none of the "parking lots" manned by men with little orange flags to wave customers in were appealing to a mild-manner five footer from the suburbs. So again I had to drive all the way down to the other end of Main Street before being able to about face and look for a parking garage near the court (at this point it is 8:45 A.M.).
On my second round about the Municipal Building I notice a parking garage to my right. Yea! Oh wait...there it goes because I CANNOT TURN ONTO THE STREET WHERE THE ENTRANCE IS LOCATED. Son of a...
Finally at 9:00 A.M. I pulled into the parking garage and notice it will cost me $12 to park there. Maybe they validate? (Turns out they don't. Gee, what a gracious way to thank me for my civil service.)
At least I parked near the garage entrance that is directly across the street from the building entrance. Nope, wrong! They even posted a police officer at the door to tell people that the entrance we had to use was around the corner. Then why on Earth would you have an entrance where you would need to post an officer if it's not used as an entrance?
I must be spoiled from my other jury duty experiences because I found this place a complete dump. It has to be the arm pit of our city's justice system. Come 9:30 A.M. (the time the summons demanded we report) and no one bothers to come to the dilapidated juror room to greet us or inform us about what would be going on for the day. There's not even an electronic system to give us a number for sorting purposes. (I'm still convinced they just threw all of our summons into a gigantic hat and picked the 15 they needed.) At 10:15 A.M. a very nice judge came in and made us recite our oaths. By 12:30 P.M. I was on my way to meet my mom for lunch.
In the end I was not chosen. BUT it doesn't change how unappreciated I truly feel because the city did nothing to make it easier for me to be at jury duty. At least they could have gone halfsies with me on my parking!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
13 Going on 30
This weekend ABC "Family" (the family is in quotes because most of the programming I would never watch with my children because it is quite inappropriate) had a Harry Potter weekend. On Saturday they played movies one through four, and today they played two through five. Not only did I watch both days, I even debated watching movie six before going to bed. But the more mature thing to do is go to bed since I have work in the morning.
Whilst watching these films on television, all of which I own on DVD, it occurred to me how attached I am to the entire character list from the book series as well as the actors and actresses playing them in the movie versions. I have to be honest: I've read the series a minimum of three times and can quote the movies almost as well as episodes of The Golden Girls (that's for another post). It is just so well put together, and each character can feel so real. When I watch the movies all in a row or read the books right before a new movie comes out, I see these people grow up.
Today my eyes actually teared up slightly when I realized that the final movie comes out July of 2011. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the rest are very real to me in the sense that I can suspend my disbelief long enough to buy into their adventures and lives. This means that should I ever be blessed in a way to meet Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, or any of the numerous famous British actors that parade through the series I would turn into a useless 13-year-old. I would get some weird hot flash, sweaty palms, barely be able to speak, etc.
Whilst watching these films on television, all of which I own on DVD, it occurred to me how attached I am to the entire character list from the book series as well as the actors and actresses playing them in the movie versions. I have to be honest: I've read the series a minimum of three times and can quote the movies almost as well as episodes of The Golden Girls (that's for another post). It is just so well put together, and each character can feel so real. When I watch the movies all in a row or read the books right before a new movie comes out, I see these people grow up.
Today my eyes actually teared up slightly when I realized that the final movie comes out July of 2011. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the rest are very real to me in the sense that I can suspend my disbelief long enough to buy into their adventures and lives. This means that should I ever be blessed in a way to meet Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, or any of the numerous famous British actors that parade through the series I would turn into a useless 13-year-old. I would get some weird hot flash, sweaty palms, barely be able to speak, etc.
I have to face facts. At 30ish years of age, I'm still a nerd. That's what this is really about.
(Don't pretend. I really, really would like to meet them.)
A Spring in My Step*
Saturday is coming to a close which means my Spring Break will be over in about 24 hours. Usually, I pine for all the lost time and what I wish I'd accomplished over the break. Usually, my house is still a wreck, laundry still needs to be washed, papers need to be graded, and grocery shopping needs to be done. I always feel so worthless after these breaks because I mostly sleep and watch television. Well, I can proudly say that I did not allow my break to pass me by this year. My house is clean, laundry is caught up, and Chris went to get groceries for us this evening. Of course I still didn't grade any papers, but I can live with that. Actually, the only reason I am still awake is to take full advantage of all my time left (plus The Karate Kid is on).
I also think I feel great about this week because of the Lenten Mission I attended Monday through Wednesday. Fr. Dennis of The Brooklyn Oratory spoke about joy. How cool is that? Belonging to a religious order that goes around preaching about experiencing joy would be an awesome way to work for the Lord. Anyway, I thought I would share a bit about what this has done for me. Naturally, I am not going to give an exact overview of each day (who would read a post that long?), but I would like to condense my favorite parts.
The overall message of the three days was: Forgiveness leads to spiritual wellness which leads to joy.
Night one really defined forgiveness for me. I know it is not approval to continue the act and that the only thing stopping me from forgiving is my own stupid pride. What really struck me is that forgiving is only the beginning of the healing process. I need to realize some people are too toxic to have in my life and will continue to hurt me. After forgiving those people, I will need to remove them from my life and move on to reaching joy. Since no one is in a position to condemn anyone else ("For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you." Mt. 7:2), once I forgive someone from my heart I cannot continue to "seek justice" by wishing horrible things upon them.
Night two discussed the environment for forgiveness which, of course, is the truth. When I forgive someone I will have to face some truths. These truths might be humbling and I might not like facing my own inhumanity (or the inhumane thing that was done to me). I must ultimately ask, "How true am I being in my life?" The closer I grow to God in the truth the stronger my spiritual wellness. It is important for me to remember that the truth cannot overwhelm me if I embrace it and rely on God to allow it to set me free.
The last night was by far my favorite because it shows that there is a light at the end of a healing tunnel. That is reaching joy! Fr. Dennis gave us nine ways to develop joy:
The most moving thing we read during the mission was this poem that Mother Teresa put on the wall of her school in Calcutta:
It was a very rewarding three days. My whole life feels refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the school year:).
*As you can see, my blog underwent a face lift. It turns out that the old black background with hot pink type was causing me mild headaches (I guess my eyes don't work as well as they did when I first set up my blog). I found a background that still expresses me and is much easier to read.
I also think I feel great about this week because of the Lenten Mission I attended Monday through Wednesday. Fr. Dennis of The Brooklyn Oratory spoke about joy. How cool is that? Belonging to a religious order that goes around preaching about experiencing joy would be an awesome way to work for the Lord. Anyway, I thought I would share a bit about what this has done for me. Naturally, I am not going to give an exact overview of each day (who would read a post that long?), but I would like to condense my favorite parts.
The overall message of the three days was: Forgiveness leads to spiritual wellness which leads to joy.
Night one really defined forgiveness for me. I know it is not approval to continue the act and that the only thing stopping me from forgiving is my own stupid pride. What really struck me is that forgiving is only the beginning of the healing process. I need to realize some people are too toxic to have in my life and will continue to hurt me. After forgiving those people, I will need to remove them from my life and move on to reaching joy. Since no one is in a position to condemn anyone else ("For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you." Mt. 7:2), once I forgive someone from my heart I cannot continue to "seek justice" by wishing horrible things upon them.
Night two discussed the environment for forgiveness which, of course, is the truth. When I forgive someone I will have to face some truths. These truths might be humbling and I might not like facing my own inhumanity (or the inhumane thing that was done to me). I must ultimately ask, "How true am I being in my life?" The closer I grow to God in the truth the stronger my spiritual wellness. It is important for me to remember that the truth cannot overwhelm me if I embrace it and rely on God to allow it to set me free.
The last night was by far my favorite because it shows that there is a light at the end of a healing tunnel. That is reaching joy! Fr. Dennis gave us nine ways to develop joy:
- Develop a short memory--stop revisiting the pain
- Keep learning, growing, expanding
- Be a good friend
- Thank someone who has enriched your life
- Overlook a flaw
- Count your blessings
- Look for humor in daily events
- Deepen your faith
- Make peace with your life
The most moving thing we read during the mission was this poem that Mother Teresa put on the wall of her school in Calcutta:
The Paradoxical Commandments
by Dr. Kent M. Keith
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001
by Dr. Kent M. Keith
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001
It was a very rewarding three days. My whole life feels refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the school year:).
*As you can see, my blog underwent a face lift. It turns out that the old black background with hot pink type was causing me mild headaches (I guess my eyes don't work as well as they did when I first set up my blog). I found a background that still expresses me and is much easier to read.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
If This is an Actual Medical Emergency...
My upcoming Spring Break is more than much needed. I'm pretty sure that if it was not next week I would end up in a padded room. Really it comes down to this past entire year. April 27, 2009 I gave birth to my glorious baby boy. As much as I adore him, that event has wreaked havoc on my body. I'm not talking typical baby weight I can't lose or things sagging that used to be much perkier. I mean my body thinks it is 80 years old.
At the moment I am on four different prescription medications. Good grief, I'm only 29 years old. I've also had to have three different day procedures and a couple of visits to the emergency room (I don't even have to fill out paperwork in the ER anymore-I'm in the system). It is also disheartening that every call I make to an office starts with: "If this is a true medical emergency, please hang up and dial 911."
So I've decided to find all the things to be thankful for this past year. Otherwise it would be too easy for me to dwell in the doldrums of my physical health. When I started making an effort to be thankful every day, I realized how miserable so many people choose to be. It actually started to hurt knowing that some people have completely shut themselves off to all hope and goodness in the human race.
The idea that humanity is beyond salvation has really plagued my mind. Too many cynics are droning on about how irresponsible people are bringing so many children into the world who cannot be properly cared for. Although I like to joke about the opening scene to Idiocracy, I need to believe that good can and is still being done in the world. Maybe that's why I have been particularly overjoyed at the news that so many of my friends are pregnant or will soon be having babies. I know my friends are loving and competent people. I have faith that they will teach their children how to care and create and respect and learn and forgive and all the other things that seem so easy to overlook in society.
These attributes I hope to impart to my son and any other children I may be blessed to have.
At the moment I am on four different prescription medications. Good grief, I'm only 29 years old. I've also had to have three different day procedures and a couple of visits to the emergency room (I don't even have to fill out paperwork in the ER anymore-I'm in the system). It is also disheartening that every call I make to an office starts with: "If this is a true medical emergency, please hang up and dial 911."
So I've decided to find all the things to be thankful for this past year. Otherwise it would be too easy for me to dwell in the doldrums of my physical health. When I started making an effort to be thankful every day, I realized how miserable so many people choose to be. It actually started to hurt knowing that some people have completely shut themselves off to all hope and goodness in the human race.
The idea that humanity is beyond salvation has really plagued my mind. Too many cynics are droning on about how irresponsible people are bringing so many children into the world who cannot be properly cared for. Although I like to joke about the opening scene to Idiocracy, I need to believe that good can and is still being done in the world. Maybe that's why I have been particularly overjoyed at the news that so many of my friends are pregnant or will soon be having babies. I know my friends are loving and competent people. I have faith that they will teach their children how to care and create and respect and learn and forgive and all the other things that seem so easy to overlook in society.
These attributes I hope to impart to my son and any other children I may be blessed to have.
Friday, March 05, 2010
When the Sun Shines Good Things Happen
My last post highlighted some humor on behalf of one of my gifted and talented (GT) students. It is much easier to be an impassioned teacher with them because they tend to validate what I do more often than other students I have.
These "other students" are definitely my remedial reading kids. When I accepted the offer to teach them, I hoped I would be earning some teaching "street cred." I knew they would be slower learners and barely able to read. I even knew they might be a bit difficult behaviorally. What I didn't know was how great the disparity between teaching remedial readers and GT students would be or how miserable it would make me. Imagine spending 90 minutes telling students to stop poking each other with pencils, to hand a book back to its owner, to sit properly in a chair, to stop picking their teeth with the pen they borrowed from me, etc. and then the next 90 minutes trying to stimulate minds who are ready to discuss stoicism and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Exhaustion is not strong enough for what I feel. Plus, the reading students don't tend to care about what I'm trying to teach them or what they should be learning. Rarely do I feel like I'm getting through.
HOWEVER, this morning the term "antagonist" came up in our lesson. One of my readers raised his hand and said, "Oh Mrs. Croupe, they had that word on the TAKS test. I remembered that in class we talked about 'anti-' meaning 'against.' That's how I figured out the answer."
Now, imagine me smiling.
These "other students" are definitely my remedial reading kids. When I accepted the offer to teach them, I hoped I would be earning some teaching "street cred." I knew they would be slower learners and barely able to read. I even knew they might be a bit difficult behaviorally. What I didn't know was how great the disparity between teaching remedial readers and GT students would be or how miserable it would make me. Imagine spending 90 minutes telling students to stop poking each other with pencils, to hand a book back to its owner, to sit properly in a chair, to stop picking their teeth with the pen they borrowed from me, etc. and then the next 90 minutes trying to stimulate minds who are ready to discuss stoicism and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Exhaustion is not strong enough for what I feel. Plus, the reading students don't tend to care about what I'm trying to teach them or what they should be learning. Rarely do I feel like I'm getting through.
HOWEVER, this morning the term "antagonist" came up in our lesson. One of my readers raised his hand and said, "Oh Mrs. Croupe, they had that word on the TAKS test. I remembered that in class we talked about 'anti-' meaning 'against.' That's how I figured out the answer."
Now, imagine me smiling.
