Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Sleepless in Seattle



Sunday night I drove to the 100+ miles to Seattle so that I could report for Federal Jury Duty Monday morning. I had made reservations at the Hyatt because it's so close to the Federal courthouse and they were willing to give me a deal on a room because I was a potential juror. When I printed out my confirmation before I left the farm there was a note on the confirmation that my reservation had been changed...uh oh. Hmmm...the date was correct, the price on the confirmation was what I had been quoted, so I dismissed any concerns and loaded up the car for the drive.
The drive was fine...although it was snowing, I was really glad that I had made the decision to drive down in the evening instead of waiting until morning.
Check in...no problem, although they seemed to be extra nice.
The bellman pretty much insisted on taking my luggage up to my room with me, normally this strong farmgirl carries her own bags..but I had a lot of stuff because of the potential length of my stay and frankly I was too tired to care.
Off we went...and the elevator went up...and up...all the way to the 30Th floor, the very tippy-top. My dear bellman directed me to turn right, then left, then right again. Finally...it hit me, those darling people at the Hyatt took pity on me and gave me a corner suite, it was huuuuuuge. This farmgirl immediately spazzed out and got all hyper...while the bellman tried to show me around my new digs, the mini bar that looked more like a mini-mart, the twelve foot high windows with electronic window shades...good gravy it was deee-luxe.
The bathroom? A marble palace as big as my living room...
The picture is the marble foyer,
I shoulda packed my roller skates, seriously...a girl could do some spins that place was so big.

The bummer is, I got in late Sunday night and had to leave that glorious room at 7:15 on Monday morning to report to the courthouse. It took me forever to go to sleep because I was soaking in all that luxurious beauty, I've never had the space needle as my night lite!

After a long day in jury voir dire I was released from my civic duty and sent on my way.
Even though I was only in the city for one night it feels like I've been gone for much longer, the jury selection process was long and complex...it was the largest group of jurors they've ever called in because of the sensitive nature of the case.
I came close...but they didn't pick me.
It would have been intense...and I know I would have shed some tears.

It's lovely to be back home among the swirling clouds of dog hair and to my bathroom that's the size of a closet.
Ahhh...
Farm Sweet Farm.

7 comments:

jkluginbill said...

My 19-year-old sister has been called for (county) jury duty for the first time. She is beside her self with pity! :) She wasn't dismissed and is in the call and wait program now. I keep telling her it might be fun/educational...She just doesn't want to.

I wouldn't mind at this point. The only times I've been called I was pregnant and nursing, haven't been called since. I wouldn't try to get out of it at this point.

Your hotel experience is fantastic. I don't think they would do that at the roach coaches in Bham! :)

Anonymous said...

I am glad you didn't get jury duty. What if you got used to such luxury? Would the farm ever see you again?!

Tami said...

That's my room! Isn't it great!

bobbie said...

Wow! Don't think I would have slept much in a setting like htat either.

I never had jury duty in my life. Was called 3 times, but nothing came of it. I'm glad. I cannot imagine myself trying to make a decision that might have such consequence for someone's life. My husband was called once a year without fail - including AFTER his death.

bobbie said...

Wow! Don't think I would have slept much in a setting like htat either.

I never had jury duty in my life. Was called 3 times, but nothing came of it. I'm glad. I cannot imagine myself trying to make a decision that might have such consequence for someone's life. My husband was called once a year without fail - including AFTER his death.

Carletta said...

Love that pic!
I served on Federal Jury Duty once - I'd do it again. Good stuff.

Lori said...

Tips on how to make jury duty enjoyable. I like this tip.