Order in the court

When my wife checks the mail, I never ask what we got. Ninety-nine percent of the time, it's political flyers, circulars and general junk mail.

But in late September, we each received an envelope from the county, and with that, it was time again for us to participate in jury duty. For the first time, we were called on the same day, Dec. 18 (mine was actually rescheduled from two days earlier). I was in the county court-at-law, and Erica was in federal district court.

Brazos County Courthouse

Both of us have been called several times. I have never actually served; Erica has served once. To be honest, while I find the judicial process interesting and am honored to fulfill my civic duty, it's not interesting enough to devote time listening to both sides in a court case.

Indeed, as I'm still between jobs, I had a strong feeling I'd be called to serve. Once again, though, I was dismissed -- both cases were settled beforehand. My brief time and service were rewarded with a handsome $6.

For Erica, though, it was a different story. She actually was moved to another room on a different floor for a grand jury selection. And wouldn't you know -- she was picked, requiring service one day each month for the next six months, beginning in January. Have fun with that, honey...;}

Merry Christmas and a blessed 2014. Til the next time...