Preschool, here I come!

Sammi started preschool almost two weeks ago. I feel bad that this hasn't been posted earlier. She was incredibly excited! She began the countdown the day that school finished before summer break! She had her outfit picked out weeks in advance and the moment she woke up that morning, she threw on her clothes and was ready to go! Because school doesn't start until after lunch, it was a very long morning. She has been having a great time. Here is the cutie before leaving on her first day of her second year of preschool.

NO! NOT AGAIN!

I was greeted by this beauty of a letter the other day. After I submit it, it is only a matter of time for the summons to come. ARGGG! Anyone have any good ideas on how to get out of jury duty?

I served as a juror almost six years ago, very shortly after moving to Milwaukee. Alex was barely two. She referred to it as "duty duty." And, hence it has been named in our home. The dreaded "duty duty." I didn't know anyone well at that time, let alone well enough to hoist my busy toddler on. A big thanks to Janelle, Trudy, Mary, and Laura for taking care of her. The average case in the county trials are typically two days, but naturally, the case that I was assigned to took all week! Parking was a disaster, finding my way to the actual courtroom was challenging, the weather was awful. Overall, one of the worst experiences of my life.

To the judicial system, this letter is a reminder of my civic duty and opportunity. To me, it is an hour long train ride into the city at 7 a.m., a cab ride, a terrible feeling of disorientation to find exactly where I need to go, a burden on a friend or five to watch two kids (one of whom will need a nap, but more than likely won't because he's not at home), at 3:00 add one more kid, ride arrangements to and from preschool, ballet, piano, and soccer for "a two week period." I consider it a perk for felons to not have to endure this.