My laptop has been flashing the blue screen of death several times a day for a month or so, and I finally decided to get a new one. The minute I ordered it, my computer woke up and said, “Wait! I was only kidding!”
All of the sudden, my computer is performing just fine. Blue screen of death seems to be a thing of the past, but it’s too late, fucktard. You are history. I’m ready to move on.
I got a jury summons and had to report Tuesday. I didn’t want to go, but duty calls. We live in a suburban area on the edges of the county, but the courthouse is deeper into the rural red part of the region. Dale said try to look intelligent, and they won’t pick you.
Looking intelligent might be a bridge too far, but I did look smart. Slacks, t-shirt with a cotton bomber jacket and leather shoes … as opposed to sneakers. Let’s just say if there had been a prize for best dressed, I would have won it. The things people will wear to court.
The group was asked to wait outside until called. Shortly before our scheduled time, the bailiff came out and said the trial had been canceled. All we had to do was drop our summons in a box, and we would get full credit for having served. Yay!
I got home just in time to watch the Jan. 6 hearing featuring Cassidy Hutchinson. Wow. Duty called for her, too, and she stepped up.
Listening to her brought back painful memories. While my job was certainly not comparable to a White House role, I had a similar position as an aide to a high-level corporate executive. For a multitude of reasons, it was the most horrible job I’ve ever had, and I still have a little PTSD over it.
Regardless of what they say on Fox news, these jobs are not about getting coffee for the boss, although I won’t say I didn’t serve a cup now and then. You are their handler. You coordinate with everyone to get things done, get them in the right place at the right time, prep them for engagements and tell them what bombs are about to be dropped. It’s high-level, high-stress, and I have no doubt she saw or heard everything she testified to.
And it had to be painful to speak up, because there is a cloak of silence when you are in one of those jobs. I witnessed some really bad personal behavior and never said a word, partly because everyone is vested in the boss, and you assume no one will believe you. Some underling no one cares about. Your career is disposable.
The issues were not ethical violations that affected the corporation, so I rode it out as long as I could and managed to talk my way out of the job after a year or so. I felt lucky to survive that experience. Seriously, that was the worst year of my life, and I’ve had cancer twice, so my hat’s off to Cassidy.
And I am once again reminded of how much I enjoy being retired! It does feel like the pandemic is waning somewhat, and I’m ever hopeful for some sort of return to normalcy. Dale and I are thinking about actually going in person to a theater to see a movie!
Although I want to see Downton Abbey, I could stream that at home and be OK. I’m thinking Top Gun would be great on the big screen.
This news coverage also reminded me of some shitty jobs/bosses. We just saw Top Gun on the big screen and it was our first time seeing a movie out of the house. Glad we did. I thought this one was better. What did you think?
Not that it’s a good thing, but at least I’m not the only one with a history of shitty jobs/bosses.
We haven’t seen the movie yet, but we hope to within the next few days.
Highly recommend Top Gun AND Downton Abbey.
As for how some people dress, don’t get me started. I could go on for days. It’s one of my pet peeves.
My friend asked me how she should dress for her husband’s funeral as she was an extremely casual person who did not own a dress. I told her I thought she should just purchase a pair of dark slacks.
She wore summer capris and flip flops.
And, OMG, how many completely naked backsides we are forced to see at pools and beaches. But I just sigh and keep my lip buttoned.
Maybe we’ll have to splurge and see both!
Capris and flip flops for the husband’s funeral. I guess. Although I’m with you. Some of these outfits are ridiculous. The lifeguards where I swim having amazing bodies — young girls — and holy moly, they like to show it.
My husband had jury service yesterday but managed to get out of it (after showing up and stewing for about an hour with a multitude of questionable humanity) by claiming – rightly – that his prostrate issues would make it too uncomfortable if he sat on a jury. He also said that the dress code seemed to be more of a hopeful suggestion than reality.
Ms. Hutchinson’s testimony was riveting. As many have said, anyone who takes issue with her honesty is welcome to testify their “truth” under oath
I was going to try and get out of it because my back problems make it hard to sit for a long time, but I figured I’d tough it out. I love that line about more of a hopeful suggestion than reality.
Yes, I’m looking forward to hearing what those people have to say under oath.
I am also impressed with Cassidi.She is young enough to still have faith in our democracy I guess, and good for her!
Downton Abbey was great on regular TV screen but you MUST see Top Gun on the big screen!!!! We went yesterday to a noon show and it was not crowded at all, we wore our masks in the theater anyway, and it was AWESOME! I could immediately sit through it again!!!!!
Well, I might be going by myself. Dale agreed we should wear masks but then said wearing the mask would ruin the experience for him, so he doesn’t want to go. Argh!
I tried to get out of my second batch of jury duty due to back trouble but, as I’d delayed it because of a mid-week family commitment, it wasn’t allowed. They did look at my sideways when I arrived with my special cushion and said I’d have to get up & pace about every hour. Fortunately, the jury was sent in & out of the courtroom so often I never had to put my hand up to request a break. I was always dressed for work as that’s where I’d have to return if we weren’t needed and got released part way through the day. Most people were dressed similarly, but I suspect my group was unusual or that they called working people for County Court rather than High Court as the cases tend to be shorter.
I was also going to try and get out of it because of my back, but now I’m glad I didn’t. I was mostly worried about having to sit that long, but it sounds like your schedule worked out great! And at least everyone dressed appropriately. That sounds so old school, but I still think it matters.
Hi Dona, as a recent retiree myself, I very much enjoying reading your blog. We are certainly looking forward to the next chapter, although COVID is throwing a bit of a wrench into our planning. I also admire Cassidy Hutchinson’s bravery. After 40 years in the workforce, like you, I have first hand experience in knowing there are individuals in most organizations without the big titles but who keep things moving forward and know all the ins and outs of an organization. Top Gun is also on our list of summer movies.
Hi Kathy! Welcome. Covid sucks, no doubt. But we are trying to expand our horizons. It is interesting to think about the “minions” who keep things moving. And they see everything.
I really want to see Top Gun, but I’m betting it will be once it’s available for streaming. We disagree on the theater experience (: