I love my children more than I could express in words, but I have to admit, I had been looking forward to this day for a few months. I didn’t know exactly what to expect for today, but I so relished the chance of having a few hours to myself without the responsibility of any children.
Today was going to be different. I woke up early, put on a nice outfit, fixed my hair, and applied make-up. I whipped up some pancakes for everyone while the house was still quiet, and I got together everything I needed for my day. I packed my lunch, the laptop, and a novel, and I noticed a spring in my step as I moved throughout the kitchen prior to departing.
I read for a couple of hours today, a leisure activity in which I do not get to take part for that length very often. I chatted with some new acquaintances and caught up with an old friend. Nothing about the day was extraordinary, but I took pleasure in doing the ordinary that had somehow slipped through my fingertips these last few years.
I rested. Sitting in my chair I could do or not do while I waited. I didn’t clean, I didn’t discipline, and I didn’t teach numbers. When I had to go to the bathroom, I went–and I closed the door all the way–and I didn’t hold my breath as I left, afraid of what mess I’d find in the kitchen. And as an added benefit to the near-perfect day, I got paid for my freedom.
When I came home, I hugged my beautiful children and stepped right back into our normal routine. But I couldn’t help but glance back from whence I came….
For the beautiful day, all I can say is ‘thank you.’ God bless the United States of America and our wonderful judicial system. Thank you Gwinnett County Courts for calling me today for jury duty, and while I know you don’t need me tomorrow, please call me on Wednesday. Please.
Jennifer Vignola Davis 
Hahaha… what a fun ending! I pictured you at a coffee shop or somewhere wonderful like that, not jury duty. That's too funny! Glad you had a nice break! Love your header… have I been clueless and never noticed it or did you recently change it? ♥ Michelle
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Thank you! Yes, my husband changed my header for me and made some other changes to the sidebar as well. I like it better. Hmmm…maybe next time I'll try a coffee shop; my standards are low! 🙂
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Great blog post, (this is MOM) and i totally can identify with you about the reading part. i'm one of the very few that doesn't mind jury duty. My last jury duty, i really was a JUROR. It was quite enlightening
and very interesting. Good for you!
♥ mom
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What a fun ending! Enjoyed this post very much!
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Maybe you're the only person who WANTS to be called for jury duty. Or maybe that automatically happens when you have three young children!
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That must be the case because everyone who got called to be on the jury groaned, whereas I kept thinking, "Why won't they pick me?!" Maybe the lawyers saw my occupation as SAHM and thought I needed to get back to my job…darn them. 🙂
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I have always hoped to get called for Jury Duty but never have! I loved the post, too! I first was picturing you welcoming them home after a sleepover at the grandparents house! Great ending too!
Hope you get called for Wednesday! 🙂
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I didn't. Oh, well. I'm sure I'll get called back in a year or two. I've been called to jury duty three or four times now (but have never made it to the actual jury).
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Ha! This was so good. Glad you enjoyed your "vacation".
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Jennifer, The next time I'm called for jury duty I will bribe someone to let you take my place. Of course, you will have to supply the bribe money as I am retired and broke.
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Would you front me the bribe money? I'll pay you back with the $30/day I'd make on jury duty.
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