Emily Bloss

Here’s a picture of my first completed project - it’s counted cross-stitch. I saw this at the craft store and really liked it. Plus, it said “Great for beginners!” so I thought what the heck… I’m make it for my brother-in-law and his family for Christmas. That was in October of 2006! It took me until January 2007 to complete it. I had no idea how much time it would take and I tell ya… I have a new appreciation for people who do needlework. My mom made a koala bear for me, and my sister made a beautiful wall hanging and now I know the kind of effort required to create a gift like that, so thanks again, Mom and Kelly!!

Yesterday I had to show up for a jury summons, and I got picked! I’m very happy to be doing my civic duty. It’s a criminal trial and it’s very interesting… I’m learning a lot about our legal system. For example, the number of jurors for a trial is determined by the state. In Florida, only three kinds of trials get a 12-person jury… murder, fraud and one other thing I can’t remember. All other trials only have a 6-person jury. Now I can see why our justice system is so backed up - not a whole lot of people get moved through the courts. It’s sad that one person’s alleged bad acts can make extra work for so many others. Think of what great things we could do with all that money we pour into the correctional system.

The sad part of the whole thing is how people complain about having to be there. I understand they have other things to do but we have to take the bad along with the good in this country. We have the greatest place in the world to live because people take the time to make sure justice is done.