"It is always darkest before the dawn breaks" is a quote I have heard more than once. The meaning of this is usually that in a bad situation the worst of it occurs before turning the corner. In this case, however, I have the more literal interpretation that quote in mind.
As I write this I am at work, and there is nearly nothing going on. I'm sitting at the desk us Paramedics refer to as "The Penalty Box." It is approximately the same size as a regulation hockey rink sized penalty box with not a lot of room. On the desk surface in front of me are a computer screen and keyboard, a telephone, a monitor for security cameras, a multifunction device that has a blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter, and an oral thermometer, various office supplies, a container of disinfectant wipes, three boxes of nitrile gloves, and a two-way radio. The tablet I am writing this post on goes back and forth between resting on my knee and the table.
It is nearly 5:00AM, and it is pitch black outside. Plus, for early September, it is cold outside. It is 44 degrees Fahrenheit - admittedly not below freezing, but a bit cooler in September than one would expect. I was surprised to see the temperatures, but not as surprised as I should be. We do live in New England; the weather and the temperatures can be somewhat labile. We should expect that, though. I suspect there will be more of the same as the season changes further. We haven't seen changes to leaves yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if that starts soon too.
Tomorrow I have to report to the Federal court in Concord, NH, for jury duty. The second time in that court since 1993, and the fourth time in 20 years. All because I vote.
Perhaps I shouldn't be snarky. It is an obligation, and it isn't like I've never served. But it is inconvenient, and I would be lying if I said that I was looking forward to it. There are other things I would rather be doing. Like working - sounds strange, but yes, I would rather work than do this. However, I have been called. And I will do the right thing.
The sky should start to lighten in the next hour or so. And I will wait for it to happen. Because at that point, it is the beginning of a new day.
1 comment:
I've never been called; in the UK, lawyers, religious ministers, pharmacists, vets, police, soldiers, doctors, nurses and midwives are exempt from jury service.
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