I Answered the Phone...

I rarely answer the phone anymore, because every time it rings I think... either it's Roscoe, or a telemarketer. It's almost always a telemarketer, so I don't often answer it. And this irritates Lisa because it might not be a telemarketer. Who knows, it could be someone looking for one of the several people who once lived...here. Anyway, a couple of days ago, by chance, I was standing right next to the phone when it rang. Why not? I picked it up. Not a telemarketer, a survey. Oooo... ok, I was feeling cooperative, not too busy. I took the survey. And the "quick survey," in fact, turned out to be more involved than quick.

Have I ever been called for jury duty?
Would I be able to be on a jury if asked?
Would my employer compensate me?
What do I think about this aspect of the legal system, that aspect?
Is everyone guilty?
Have I ever committed a felony?
Do I know any cops?
Jailers?
Lawyers?
Judges?
Do I know this lawyer, that officer .....
How well do you know him?
Does he live in your town?

... oh, I forgot a page of questions... and on and on. Lisa was glaring at me. "Who are you talking to? Erin, I need the phone."

Ok, so eventually the lady tells me that the research group is having a focus group this weekend. Would I be willing to be an alternate in case one of their participants cancels? It would only last from 9am-5pm.

And then I heard myself telling her that that would be fine. Wow, Erin, you hate these kinds of disccussions: talking with a large group, of complete strangers, for hours on end, without food or sunlight, about topics you know virtually nothing about. What is your problem? For some reason I tend to sign myself up for things that I know will make me uncomfortable, thinking that I might grow into it, or something. I don't know if this is a good habit or a bad habit. But it is definitely a very annoying habit. I kicked myself and tried to envision myself sitting in a room with a bunch of people, telling them what I think of the legal system as it functions here in south central Idaho. And I drew a complete blank.

So, today the researchers called back with the good news that they now have an open spot, if I would be willing to participate. Sure, I said. Good grief Erin. But for some strange reason, I am acutally excited about this. I have never been in a focus group, maybe never will be asked again. And quite frankly, I am very curious to see what this is all about and to see what the process is like. And I guess it doesn't hurt that breakfast and lunch will be provided... I'm always a sucker for free food. And I suppose the $200 they are going to pay me to talk to them about what I think is a pretty nice bonus.

Good thing I answered the phone.... now I've qot a little adventure this weekend. I will sit in a room with 24 other people for 8 hours talking about all kinds of legal stuff. Hmmm... could be interesting. Could pay for a plane ticket to Seattle too.