We had our most interesting Craigslist transaction to date last night. The buyer had been sending me essay length text messages for a few days, each punctuated with excessive exclamation marks. Last night was the hand off, but they were a little late because they got in an accident on their way to our place. When I told her coming late wasn't a problem she texted, "You're amazing! I feel bad, I don't even know your name!!" I'll confess I got a little weirded out by a potential Craigslist crazy being superfluously friendly. When they showed up, the buyer was indeed a sweet, sweet girl who was clearly high out of her mind. Slurring and mild stumbling and loving every single thing in our living room. This explained so much.
We completed our transaction, and away she went, giggling with delight over her vintage yellow trunk.
The End
Friday, November 5, 2010
Cleaning House
Sometimes I get really excited about doing laundry and washing all our bedding and Lu's blankets and vacuuming and bathing that little dog. It feels good. I think it's one of my most fulfilling check marks on the running list. I really like to get it all done in one day. Then I just roll around on everything, feeling so clean and fresh and accomplished.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Observations from Jury Duty Part III
In the future, I'm definitely going to pipe up with some crazy story during the jury selection process about how I'm traumatized about something or another and cannot offer an unbiased opinion about, well, anything really. Definitely coming up with that now. The key story elements will be as follows: my entire family, my house and car being broken into on the same day, and the persistent violated and now vengeful state in which I exist.
It was my observation that the attorneys picked the first twelve non-oversharing, non-crazy-storytelling peeps in the jury pool. Since panelists one and two had both had robbery/ID theft/anger issues, my neighbor number three and I were the first two picked. My theory was just to lay low and not say anything and get looked over. Obviously, wrong.
But the trial was short. We heard all the evidence and deliberated and came to a verdict in one day. It was pretty clear cut and our vote was unanimous. Defendant was not negligent in her driving and not responsible for plaintiff's medical bills. (I'm allowed to share this now.)
My other personal verdicts of the day include:
1. Plaintiff needs to cut off his ponytail and take a shower before appearing in court again. And probably shave, too, but that was the least of his image issues. I'm not expecting him to wear a suit, but everybody can lick their hand and smooth down their hair a little. The defense attorney could have given him some tips in the slick hair department.
2. Having been arrested for child abuse sorta undermines one's claims of starting a charity to help women and children. They kinda cancel each other out.
3. I'm fairly certain that this was the plaintiff's attorney's very first case ever. Plaintiff should have hired Jim Adler, the tough smart lawyer. Jim Adler can get you some undeserved money pronto.
My last object of note is the 1000 piece cat puzzle that was on the shelf in our jury room. Very curious.
It was my observation that the attorneys picked the first twelve non-oversharing, non-crazy-storytelling peeps in the jury pool. Since panelists one and two had both had robbery/ID theft/anger issues, my neighbor number three and I were the first two picked. My theory was just to lay low and not say anything and get looked over. Obviously, wrong.
But the trial was short. We heard all the evidence and deliberated and came to a verdict in one day. It was pretty clear cut and our vote was unanimous. Defendant was not negligent in her driving and not responsible for plaintiff's medical bills. (I'm allowed to share this now.)
My other personal verdicts of the day include:
1. Plaintiff needs to cut off his ponytail and take a shower before appearing in court again. And probably shave, too, but that was the least of his image issues. I'm not expecting him to wear a suit, but everybody can lick their hand and smooth down their hair a little. The defense attorney could have given him some tips in the slick hair department.
2. Having been arrested for child abuse sorta undermines one's claims of starting a charity to help women and children. They kinda cancel each other out.
3. I'm fairly certain that this was the plaintiff's attorney's very first case ever. Plaintiff should have hired Jim Adler, the tough smart lawyer. Jim Adler can get you some undeserved money pronto.
My last object of note is the 1000 piece cat puzzle that was on the shelf in our jury room. Very curious.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Observations from Jury Duty Part II
Universal Observations:
Don't wear boots when you have to go through security.
When told they won't have access to a bathroom for over an hour, women turn into wild beasts, trampling each other to get to the ladies' room.
People don't listen to instructions.
People don't listen to other people's questions and like to reword the exact same question and ask it again. For the fun.
People freak their freak when told they can't eat for an hour and a half.
Most people really want to follow the rules and not get in trouble. Older women are especially concerned.
Personal Observations:
I shouldn't freak out about being a few minutes late because, at this kind of party, there will probably be someone much more tardy than I and there's no way they're starting on time anyway.
Riding the bus isn't too bad.
I love sweater weather!
Don't wear boots when you have to go through security.
When told they won't have access to a bathroom for over an hour, women turn into wild beasts, trampling each other to get to the ladies' room.
People don't listen to instructions.
People don't listen to other people's questions and like to reword the exact same question and ask it again. For the fun.
People freak their freak when told they can't eat for an hour and a half.
Most people really want to follow the rules and not get in trouble. Older women are especially concerned.
Personal Observations:
I shouldn't freak out about being a few minutes late because, at this kind of party, there will probably be someone much more tardy than I and there's no way they're starting on time anyway.
Riding the bus isn't too bad.
I love sweater weather!
Observations from Jury Duty Part I
Universal Observations:
The court system provides a fascinating cross section of humanity.
Some people like to talk to strangers a lot. Some people don't.
People are freaked out (and sometimes belligerent) about missing work and losing their jobs right now.
In a group of a thousand local people, chances are you'll know a couple of them.
A collective groan makes everyone feel better about waiting.
Scarves, although cute, can make your whole body really hot and sometimes make you feel like you're suffocating and dying.
Personal Observations:
I seriously don't like to sit in the middle of a mass of hundreds of people. Against a wall is better.
I should always carry a pen, but I don't.
When I'm feeling like I'm about to pass out, sitting on the toilet is a gross option, balancing on the sink is too precarious, so sitting right on the bathroom floor will have to do.
Old ladies will take care of you if you're in a jam.
The court system provides a fascinating cross section of humanity.
Some people like to talk to strangers a lot. Some people don't.
People are freaked out (and sometimes belligerent) about missing work and losing their jobs right now.
In a group of a thousand local people, chances are you'll know a couple of them.
A collective groan makes everyone feel better about waiting.
Scarves, although cute, can make your whole body really hot and sometimes make you feel like you're suffocating and dying.
Personal Observations:
I seriously don't like to sit in the middle of a mass of hundreds of people. Against a wall is better.
I should always carry a pen, but I don't.
When I'm feeling like I'm about to pass out, sitting on the toilet is a gross option, balancing on the sink is too precarious, so sitting right on the bathroom floor will have to do.
Old ladies will take care of you if you're in a jam.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Saturday Morning
We rode bikes.
Carter pretended to read for class but really just girltalked with me.
I drank coffee.
We watched the changes around the Kimble and giggled at the impressive number of people headed into the Bird Mart.
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