C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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Happy New Year and Jury Duty

January 4, 2016 By C. Lee McKenzie 89 Comments

And so here we meet again! New year. New month. 

How did you celebrate the arrival of 2016? Did you make resolutions? I didn’t. I decided that I won’t do that anymore because I invariably disappoint myself when I do. 
Instead, I tidied up my C Drive, organized my desk, and threw out a pound of food recipes I know I’ll never take the time to create. 
In a way those are resolutions, I guess. Get organized. Get real. Then I took a hike. A short one because it started to rain, but did I complain? Absolutely not. Another resolution? Don’t complain. Accept. I came home, curled up with good book, and lost myself in someone else’s story. Ahhhh! Relax. Take it easy. Read more.
Sneaky Resolutions
I feel as if resolutions have crept up on me when I wasn’t paying attention. Pay attention, for heaven sakes!

I was enjoying my holiday and not making resolutions, when the government called me to duty. Yep. I’m officially on Jury Duty this month. My first reaction was this. 

Good thing I didn’t resolve not to get upset this year. But then I remembered my conversation with a disinterested, non-voter about civic responsibility in a free country, and I quickly changed my attitude to this. 

If I’m not around, I’ll be on duty. Oh, I’ll be taking notes, too. I may need to write a courtroom scene one of these days. Put a positive spin on things! Oye! Can you direct me to Resolution Support Group, please?

Quote of the Week: “Our most dangerous tendency is to expect too much of government and at the same time do for it too little.” Warren G. Harding

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2016, New Year, Resolutions. Jury Duty

Comments

  1. Joylene Nowell Butler says

    January 7, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    Maybe we'll see a jury duty scene in one of your books? I was a witness for the crown once. I was so nervous. Not comfortable with that much attention. The jury was studying every word. I was shaking so badly my teeth were chattering. Hope the chairs are comfy.

    Reply
  2. Erin Fanning says

    January 7, 2016 at 10:37 am

    I definitely think you'll find a story within the jury-duty assignment, and then putting "a positive spin on things" will be a snap. Happy New Year (of reading and writing!).

    Reply
  3. Michael Di Gesu says

    January 7, 2016 at 5:45 am

    Hi, Lee,

    Happy New Year! Love the positive attitude… Yes, I need to NOT COMPLAIN either. Been doing that for months… Never rehab a loft. UGH… Posted pics if you have time to drop by…

    ALL the best this year!

    Reply
  4. Maria says

    January 6, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    Great attitude, and you say you haven't made any resolutions – oh yes you have. Good luck, I wish you great success.

    Reply
  5. S.A. Larsenッ says

    January 6, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    Oh the food recipes. I need to ditch a ton of those, too. Good luck with jury duty. I've been called twice. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Actually, it was nice seeing our judicial process work. I learned a lot. All the best to you in 2016!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 6, 2016 at 4:50 pm

      That's what I'm hoping for, Sheri!

      Reply
  6. Shah Wharton says

    January 6, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Super resolutions! I haven't made any, I never do. 🙂 Why set myself up to fail? Lol

    As for dury duty – scary, but I think I'd find it interesting. 🙂

    Happy 2016. May it bring blessings and bounty!

    Shah X

    shahwharton.com

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 6, 2016 at 4:49 pm

      Indeed. We could use some blessings and I won't ignore any bounty that comes my way.

      Reply
  7. D Biswas says

    January 6, 2016 at 6:35 am

    Get real. Accept. Relax.

    Fantastic new year resolutions!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 6, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      Check back later in 2016 and I'll let you know how well I did keeping those. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Medeia Sharif says

    January 6, 2016 at 6:21 am

    Happy New Year. I also make doable goals. I also did a lot of cleaning over my break. It was great throwing things out and cleaning up my files.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 6, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      The best part was that I found a lot of things I'd misplaced last year.

      Reply
  9. nashvillecats2 says

    January 5, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    Great post for the New Year Lee. Good luck with your Jury Service, I recall my late husband doing his bit for the government.
    Yvonne.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 6, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      I guess we should all be willing to do our civic duty.

      Reply
  10. Nicola says

    January 5, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    Happy New Year Lee! I wish you a year filled with inspiration (including jury duty), good health and lots of fun.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks so much, Nicola!

      Reply
  11. Tyrean Martinson says

    January 5, 2016 at 4:20 pm

    I think goals work well, but resolutions are a slippery slope. I like one of my Pastor's resolutions for this year: finish a whole stick of chapstick before losing it. 🙂 I can try that one.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:44 pm

      That might be doable! Your Pastor sounds like someone with good common sense.

      Reply
  12. Yvonne Ventresca says

    January 5, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    I like to organize for the New Year, too. I hope you have an inspiring jury duty case!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:43 pm

      Let's just hope it's a short and sweet, you're guilty or not guilty type of case if I'm chosen.

      Reply
  13. Heather R. Holden says

    January 5, 2016 at 4:25 am

    I'm not a fan of resolutions, either. I already feel enough like a failure on a daily basis without New Years adding another reminder, LOL.

    And wow, that sucks about jury duty. Taking notes sounds like a great idea, though. You never know when knowledge like that will come in handy!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:42 pm

      I think you're right. Each day you don't live up to what you vowed to, you feel terrible. No resolutions!

      Reply
  14. Elizabeth Seckman says

    January 5, 2016 at 2:53 am

    I always plan to get organized or at least do better at something. Some years I do better than others.

    I have never been called to jury duty. Not that I want to go, but I find it odd. I vote. I own property. Aren't those the things that are supposed to get you called? Oh well. I'll enjoy the peace and take your advice and not complain!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      You're a good girl, Elizabeth. Maybe you could call them, say you'd like to sit in for Lee McKenzie and then you'd have the experience and could pass that off to me. Just kidding! But I am surprised you've never been called.

      Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:40 pm

      You're a good girl, Elizabeth. Maybe you could call them, say you'd like to sit in for Lee McKenzie and then you'd have the experience and could pass that off to me. Just kidding! But I am surprised you've never been called.

      Reply
  15. Cathrina Constantine says

    January 5, 2016 at 2:05 am

    Happy New Year!! I didn't make any resolutions this year! I was called to jury duty when I had 5 kids under the age of 7 at home. I wrote a letter telling them my dilemma, and they haven't called me since…

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:34 pm

      I'm writing that down. However, at my age, I'm sure they'd be a tad suspicious. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Denise Covey says

    January 5, 2016 at 1:56 am

    Heh heh. Every time I get called to Jury duty, I manage to find an excuse to dodge it. So far so good. Hope you have fun!! I don't make resolutions either. What a waste of mental power. Of course, I take my hat off to those who do. Doesn't hurt to want to improve things in your life, but apparently the good intentions peter out after 6 weeks. I was surprised it was that long! Anyway, Lee, HNY! I know we're going to have a blast…after jury duty is over. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:34 pm

      I'm going to my workout this morning, and my bet is the gym will be packed. It always is in early January. By the end, it's just us regulars that are there. Thanks for the visit, Denise. See you lots in 2016.

      Reply
  17. Birgit says

    January 5, 2016 at 1:53 am

    I have not made resolutions in years for the same reason. I hope I am never called for jury duty but that quote is so great that it makes me think differently. I follow a blog-Vidya Sury's-she decided to go through a room and just get rid of 2 things, every week (I think). I have tried to do this but my hubby finds things and brings it back in!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:32 pm

      Oh, I love Vidya's idea. I've been doing it all wrong. I keep attacking cupboards and hoping to empty them. That's not working, but the two things a week just might. Thanks, Birgit.

      Reply
  18. DMS says

    January 5, 2016 at 1:26 am

    Good luck with jury duty. Definitely could be something there that will come up in one of your books!

    Glad you were able to start the year with a hike, even if it was shorter than you might have wanted. You have a wonderful attitude and I wish you a fabulous year ahead. 🙂
    ~Jess

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:30 pm

      Let's make our 2016 the absolute best, Jess.

      Reply
  19. Beverly Stowe McClure says

    January 5, 2016 at 1:08 am

    You have written a very inspiring post, Lee. Love your sense of humor. Smiles are a good way to start the new year. Enjoy the jury experience.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Smiles are the best. I agree. Let's hope our year is filled with them and a few belly laughs.

      Reply
  20. Heather M. Gardner says

    January 4, 2016 at 11:56 pm

    Happy January!

    I LOVED jury duty! I did actually learn a lot and I love watching other people. You know its good research! Best of luck with it!

    Heather

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:52 am

      I think we have a "I Love Jury Duty" group out there for you. I'll let you know what happens. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Kelly Hashway says

    January 4, 2016 at 11:35 pm

    Ugh to jury duty. 🙁 I hope it's over quickly.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:51 am

      Will do!

      Reply
  22. Patricia Lynne says

    January 4, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    Those are good attitudes for the year. I might have to steal some and see if I can make 2016 even better. 😉

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:51 am

      Take whatever you want. Tell me how they work out for you. 🙂

      Reply
  23. Jemi Fraser says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    Good luck with jury duty!!!
    I like your resolutions 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:50 am

      Thanks, Jemi. Darned those resolutions. Now I have to remember them for over 300 days!

      Reply
  24. Spacerguy says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    We the people springs to mind. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few might sound cliché but its very true. Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:49 am

      We must remember these cliches because at their heart is what is true. Thanks, Spacerguy.

      Reply
  25. Annalisa Crawford says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    I guess jury duty is great first hand research – good positive spin on that one, Lee. I love your accidental resolutions. I joked on Facebook that I was going to perfect the art of selfie taking, which in a very short space of time has turned into taking one selfie per day. I probably won't share them, but it'll be great to look back on the year and appreciate everything.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:42 am

      What a super idea! I love that. Selfies as historical–in my case–hysterical–records. Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
  26. Greg Pattridge says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    Jury duty. I've crossed that path a few times. The first time is interesting. The second and third is more "What excuse do I have to get out of here." Anyway, happy 2016.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:41 am

      I understand. Don't you think the county figures out who will come when called and who won't? You're obviously a good citizen.

      Reply
  27. Dianne K. Salerni says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Yikes! A conversation like that would make me appreciate jury duty. Non-voting, anti-civic duty … I'll bet that person leaves the grocery cart in his/her parking pace instead of returning it, too!

    I'm supposed to be on jury duty this week, but I broke my foot over Christmas and can't walk or drive. So I was excused. (I swear I didn't do it on purpose. It wouldn't have been worth it.)

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:40 am

      You broke your foot? That's terrible. Jury duty is a much easier alternative, indeed! I return my shopping cart–sometimes. Well, most of the time. Seldom. I must start this year with honesty.

      Reply
  28. Shooting Stars Mag says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    Glad you're trying to stay positive this year. I don't have a ton of really set resolutions for the year; more like goals that I've always had and just really want to work on. I DO like the idea of a word for each year, so this year I'm going with Exploration!

    -Lauren

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 5, 2016 at 12:38 am

      Oh, yes. A word. I have a writers' group that does that each year. Now I have to remember what I chose in 2015! Have a great year, Lauren.

      Reply
  29. Mark Noce says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    Happy New Years! I think my only resolution is to stay in the Christmas spirit all year long…and to publish my debut novel this August;)

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:12 pm

      Let us know when your book's out!

      Reply
  30. dolorah says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Funny how those resolutions just sort of creep up on you 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      I know. They came as I was writing the blog post!

      Reply
  31. Susan Gourley/Kelley says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    Oh, good attitude. I really hate jury duty but it is a duty. I might feel differently if the justice system ran a little smoother. The whole process is so wasteful of money, people's time and the frivolous cases. I did read a really long book the last time I went.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      Maybe I could write an expose on the system!

      Reply
  32. Yolanda Renee says

    January 4, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    I loved jury duty, sorry, I'm odd. I looked at it as an adventure and it was. I wish they'd call me up again, but hasn't happened yet! 🙂
    I know it's an inconvenience but it is eye opening. You'll enjoy it, well, at least find it interesting.
    Resolutions, goals, the same to me and as an avid goal setter and achiever – love them!
    Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:10 pm

      You can have my spot! I'd love to make you happy.

      Reply
  33. Chrys Fey says

    January 4, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    I love getting organized for the New Year. 🙂

    Jury Duty…yuck. Good luck with that!

    And I hope you have a great 2016!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Let's see how long I stay that way! And I'm hoping jury duty is painless.

      Reply
  34. DEZMOND says

    January 4, 2016 at 5:02 pm

    hope you don't get some nasty case 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      That's my greatest fear! But I could write a crime novel. Maybe.

      Reply
  35. Southpaw HR Sinclair says

    January 4, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    Those sneaky little resolutions! Hey, what a way to put a spin on something! I like it. Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      They do creep up when you're not looking. I'll let you know how the JD turns out.

      Reply
  36. Karen Mortensen says

    January 4, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    Happy New Year. Good things to do. Good luck with jury duty.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      I'll let you know how it goes.

      Reply
  37. Pat Hatt says

    January 4, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    Ugg, true we should look at jury duty as that, but I'd rather avoid it forever haha

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      Not much we can do. It is a responsibility, just time consuming.

      Reply
  38. Lexa Cain says

    January 4, 2016 at 2:46 pm

    I got called in once, but they picked people before me and had no "refusals" so I just sat in the waiting room and read for 2 weeks. I don't make resolutions, but yours sound wise. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      Two week? I'm getting nervous.

      Reply
  39. Misha Gericke says

    January 4, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    Good luck with the jury duty! May 2016 be a wonderful year for you. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      I appreciate that, Misha. Same to you.

      Reply
  40. Natalie Aguirre says

    January 4, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Good luck with the jury duty. Sounds like you have a great attitude to start the new year. Me too.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks, Natalie. Hoping this will be a great year for all of us.

      Reply
  41. L. Diane Wolfe says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    You might as well accept the jury duty, because it's going to happen. I've only been on jury duty once but fortunately I wasn't picked.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:23 pm

      You're right. Do it and see what happens.

      Reply
  42. Bish Denham says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    I've never made New Year's resolutions which tend to fly away as soon as I open a window to air out the house. But, like you, I'm making an effort to organize and clean out stuff. I've been called for jury duty, but never had to sit, though a part of me has wanted to have the experience.

    Happy New Year, Lee!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:23 pm

      You can take my place if I'm chosen. I'll call you. 🙂

      Reply
  43. sage says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    When you show up for jury duty, wearing a flag towel, I expect you will be dismissed! I shouldn't say this because I have been called to jury duty so many times, but it has now been nearly ten years since the Feds had me on their jury pool for the big leagues (federal court). Have a blessed New. Year!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:22 pm

      Oh dear. You and I seem to be popular, but glad they've ignored you at the Fed level for a while.

      I hadn't thought of wearing the towel, but you've given me a great idea. Thanks.

      Reply
  44. Sarah Foster says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    I decided not to make any resolutions this year since they never seem to work out, but I am hoping to get some organizing done as well.
    Sorry about jury duty! My fiance has it this month, too. But since he's 30 and it's his first time and I had to go pretty much the second I turned 18 I just give him a hard time about it. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      Ha! Well, this is my fourth time. I think they like me at city hall.

      Reply
  45. Hilary Melton-Butcher says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Hi Lee – that was bad timing .. but I'm sure you'll turn it to good use for a book or two …

    Happy New Year … and I too need to tidy things up – this week … Happy New Year – cheers Hilary

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:19 pm

      You just never know what will happen when you do something new. Hoping for the best. Looking forward to this year and reading your great blog.

      Reply
  46. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    January 4, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Jury duty sucks but it's something we need to do.
    I did some organizing as well. Amazing how fast things pile up when you ignore them.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      Absolutely. I can now actually find things I stored away last year.

      Reply

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