KIDZ BOP

      Truly I watch way too much kid and teen television programming. But that's neither here nor there.

     What I've found disturbing in the last few days, is how many times I've seen that dang KIDZ BOP commercial.

     Um. Should a group of 11 year olds be singing Adele's, "Rolling in the Deep"?

     I mean, really little Timmy? We could have had it all?...

     But then again, my generation had Kid's Incorporated...

***

Wisdom's Knocking:

Time can afford you perspective or in extreme cases a lack of perspective.

Almost Brought Me to Tears

     

     So I told you about being called for Jury Duty yesterday.  I had to go back today, and had the privilege of seeing how the jury selection process goes down in a courtroom. Unfortunately, I wasn't 1 of the 12 in the "Box". Nor was I chosen as an Alternate. Yes. I'm kinda bummed about it. But the 10 other folks that were left unchosen, alongside me, basically cheered with relief that they weren't apart of the official jury.

     Needless to say, I have had the most entertaining two days being in the courthouse. In fact, I'm planning on going back in the next month or so to sit in on a couple of cases, just to see how it all fully goes down. Did you know that the general public can sit in on court cases at any time? Minus juvenile cases and certain high profile cases. But for most criminal, civil, or family cases it's fair game. Public Gallery court room seating here I come!

     Another draw for me to go back to my city's courthouse is the particular judge that I saw in action. One of thee most articulate, calm, considerate, focused, and humble folks I've ever seen up close and in person. It was clear to see that he was totally walking in his calling. At one point, as the judge was talking, I almost started tearing up, because I had this overwhelming feeling that this man spoke with such clarity and peace because of the overflow of something much greater than the actions that I was seeing before me.

     And let's just say, with a little bit of Internet stalkery today, my hunch was right. This man is grounded. And he is too legit to quit. Hey, hey.

     So I'm looking forward to more insights regarding human behavior, our justice system, and how certain complicated matters rest on the shoulders of spokespeople called lawyers. I realize that my experience these last couple days may have been quite idyllic, and I'm more than aware, that not all judges are fair, not everyone plays fair, and that an accusation (and even a conviction) is not a complete-and-shut case on character, but merely a doorway to discover it.

     Let the adventures begin.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Justice is meant to be a restorative work.

Footloose

     This October will feature the release of the remake of the 1984 film, Footloose.

     To be honest I have mixed feelings about it. Mostly stemming from the fact that this iconic movie feels to me, like it just left theaters yesterday. But more honestly, this 2011 Footloose remake makes me feel like I'm officially getting old.

     I'm fully aware that the generation that will be rushing to see the "new" Footloose, may have no idea about the Deniece Williams jam, "Let's Hear It For the Boy" as a backdrop to one of the most memorable teacher-student dance scenes of the 1980s, featuring the late, Chris Penn.

     Will the new 2011 "Footloose" have as much heart as its predecessor?

     We'll soon find out.

Wisdom's Knocking:

At least once a day, you should dance like nobody's watching.

Today at Court...

     

     So today I had my first adventures at court. No. It's not what you think. Wait. Maybe it is.

     I was called for Jury Duty. Which by the way is proving to be the highlight of my week.

     Um. Why do people detest this adventure? I mean, I felt like I was about to enter into my new favorite show, "Suits". Seriously, I kept trying not to cheese all day. I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't "on set".

     All to say, I only got sworn in today. I can't mention any details about the case, as you know, that would be illegal.

     But what I can tell you is that I learned to never wear a belt to the Courthouse. Ugh. Especially when going through security scanners 4 to 5 times throughout the day.

     The line of the day:

     "You can go ahead of me, I need to take my belt off." By yours truly.

     Just think about that line.

     Now picture me saying that to a young man in his finest thugwear who was already eyeballing my physique before I walked up to the security.

     I mean, did I really say that out loud? Yes I did. Oddly enough, it seemed to catch us both off guard. I'm pretty sure I made a thug blush today.


     And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you make a day in court official.

Wisdom's Knocking:

When going to the airport and courthouse, leave your belts and hi-top Converse sneakers behind.

While You're Busy Complaining

    Photographer: Daniella Hovsepian 

     The teenagers that I love and mentor will be quick to tell you that I have little to zero tolerance for complaining.

     I'd like to think of myself as more of a Solutions girl.

     Anyone can be a critic. But unless you put forth effort to change or remedy the situation, you lose the right to truly be a part of the reward when it does come. No in fact, you simply become a squatter, expecting life and people to cater to you, instead of seeing everything in front of you as a gift and not a demanded right.

     The energy of complaining could be used to find and follow a solution.

     Call it "Glass Half Full" perspective. I simply call it, "Get Off Your Butt and Contribute (To Your Own Life and Maybe Someone Else's)" perspective.

     The older generation handled pain and discomfort with such grace and patience. Many of us are reaping the rewards of our great grandmothers and great grandfathers. Because, instead of complaining constantly about how unfair life was to them, they worked and pressed on to make things better for us.

     What a gift.

      I hope to be worthy of it one day. Not entitled. Worthy.

Wisdom's Knocking:

While your busy complaining, life is still happening.