Maybe I’m Too Sheltered…
Today I have something on my agenda besides writing, volunteering, and the general minutiae of life. And I wish I didn’t. I long for the calm, quiet days of working diligently, peacefully, with little human contact. (Sounds great, doesn’t it??) But today, I must interact. Today I have to go to court.
I have never been inside a courtroom. All my expectations are being culled from Perry Mason, Legally Blonde, and other Hollywood creations. I’m anxious to see how the real thing measures up.
I didn’t imagine picking an outfit for this project would be so difficult, but when I went into my closet last night, thinking to quickly pull something together, I realized I have no spring/summer dress pants. Really. I have jeans, courduroys, track pants, yoga pants, but no pants appropriate for court. I have capris, but they don’t seem serious somehow. I really didn’t want to wear a skirt or a dress, but I ended up in one anyway. I’m wearing a long black skirt with a subtle pattern, a black blouse and a black blazer. I feel very grim.
Luckily, they’re looking for a character witness and not a fashionista.
I’ve already had the pre-game with the lawyer this morning, and that was relatively painless. He even indicated that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t have time for me. That possibility thrilled me to pieces. I want to be helpful–I totally do–but I can see myself breaking under thes stress: The lawyer for the opposition asking me a question, and me saying, “No, but–” and him bellowing, “NO FURTHER QUESTIONS!” Maybe I’m working myself up for nothing. But this is a big deal. It’s not my big deal, but it’s a big deal for a friend of mine. So I’m tense with nerves and anxiety…and maybe a little nausea. And my heartbeat is crazy erratic. I need to calm down.
Good or bad, I will be treating myself to a theraputic slice of lemon meringue pie when it’s all over.
04/12/2011 at 5:02 pm
I've never been in a courtroom either.
Enjoy your pie when it is all over.
04/12/2011 at 5:08 pm
if it makes you feel better not only wouldn't I have appropriate clothes, I also wouldn't have appropriate shoes, so you totally have me beat. Good luck!
04/12/2011 at 5:55 pm
I am always excused from jury duty because when the lawyer interviews me as a potential juror, I look 'em in the eye and say "I can spot a guilty person just like that" and I snap my fingers.
04/12/2011 at 7:53 pm
Hope it went well.
Lemon Meringue pie will cure a lot of ills
04/13/2011 at 3:06 pm
I hope things went well. Bummer about no pants.
04/13/2011 at 4:34 pm
You have me wondering if that's true, David.
Thanks for all the good luck wishes. It went as well as it could. With the exception of the pie.