The Best, Unexpected Day

Mundane magic is the best kind. A humdrum day holds a series of delights. On a rainy Tuesday morning I headed to the courthouse. Simple explanation, a summons for jury service. Civic duty still feels like something to take seriously despite the ludicrous and deranged behavior of the federal and several state governments. There’s no guarantee you’ll be assigned to a trial, you simply sit in a room and listen for your name.

I’d never been to a courthouse before, my last summons didn’t require me to appear. The jury service website gave general information on what jurors can bring inside. I packed my bag with my laptop, book, water bottle, and assorted snacks. Occupying myself with writing was the best option to pass the time. It’s how I want to, and soon will, spend most of my time but I digress.

The city’s courthouse is reminiscent of any municipal building from the 90’s. Various shades of brown and taupe with speckled flooring. I and other potential jurors made our way to the jury room after splitting to peer down identical hallway entrances off of the elevator bank. The preferred back rows of seats were already filled. If I followed my first mind, ignored the sectioned off portion and went up the steps instead of circling around the parking lot, I would be in one of those seats. A sign facing the sidewalk I walked along would have been helpful.

After receiving instructions from our room manager, the Clerk of Court, and a viewing of “You, the Juror” (2021) we were free to move about the two designated rooms. I made a beeline for the second room and promises of electrical outlets and tables. With my parking validated, I settled in to brain dump and edit a post. A few revisions in, before I got through half of my water or opened a snack, “I have good news. They don’t need a jury today, you all are free to go!” Amongst the cheering, I asked to no one in particular “Does that mean we have to go back to work?” “I’m at least going to go home and take a nap first” a woman declared as she walked past me.

While it is fortunate to not sit in a room full of strangers all day, my mind and body were not in work mode. A dilemma was at hand. Return to work or enjoy a day to myself. Sit at my desk in clothing slightly damp from the rain or lounge on my couch in dry garments. No one will know we were released early. Take it as a blessing! Tempting but I’m not a good liar so I begrudgingly decided to go to work, a choice my mother appreciated.

I took my time though. I dropped off my old phone at the repair shop to have data transferred to an external drive. Those zeroes and ones are important to me. After, I reluctantly headed to the office. As I turned onto the street, there was an unusual sight. The parking lot was empty. I drove by my preferred lot, and it was almost completely empty also. What a splendid turn of events!

My first thought was to go home and enjoy the day! But again, I’m not a good liar so I looped around to get my laptop. Turns out the power went out for a second time, I was aware of the first, and most people went home. Obviously, I chose to join that number. My couch would see me after all! I took another liberty and ran errands for an office baby shower the following day. Grocery shopping with senior citizens and after watching an oversized butterfly balloon escape a staff member’s grip and float up to the ceiling.

Back home, happy to have errands completed before rush hour, I changed, sat on the couch and opened my laptop. I don’t mind emails, tasks, and meetings when I can tackle them from the comfort of my home. I felt so good preparing for bed that evening. A few simple surprises boosted my mood throughout the day. Small, ordinary moments make life agreeable and interesting. It was the best, unexpected day.