Court

 If nothing else, I am ALWAYS punctual.  I don't run late.  If I'm late to something, it's because something happened.  Something out of my control.   I've always been this way.  And after having two kids, I have become even more vigilant about it.. because it' a LOT harder to pull off with two little boys doing every thing in their power to delay any and all plans. 
This feeling of making punctuality a priority doesn't really seem to resonate with anyone else.  I am constantly surprised at the general population's lack of importance when it comes to schedule, and consideration for other people's schedules.  It was always something that doctor and dentist offices have done-- overbook, and make us wait.  But now, it seems that everyone has taken to "overbooking" their time.  Cell phones, Internet, and social media have helped to make this a way of life.
 
My preliminary divorce hearing was scheduled for 9:30 this morning.  The area around the court house is very congested, and parking is difficult.  So, naturally, I gave myself extra time to get there.  I arrived at around 9:15, sat in the lobby of the courthouse, and at 9:30, made my way into the assigned court room.   There was the bailiff sitting at a desk, fiddling around on his cell phone.  I cleared my throat to get his attention, and asked if I should just let myself in.  He said yes, asked my name, and which case I was involved with and told me to take a seat.. any seat except the red ones, which are for attorneys only.  So I did.   I sat and sat and sat.   I knew my lawyer would be a little late.  She said she would be there around 9:45-- which made me really anxious..  I was scared that I would get called on and she wouldn't be there and I'd be left to try to figure things out on my own.  Well, that worry was for naught.  Ah, apparently, EVERYONE is late to court..  I sat there, floored by the casual attitude that seemed to blanket the entire building. (or at least the first floor)  People came and went in and out of the courtroom.  Some wore jeans, and/or sweats???  Lawyers and clients alike sat and played with their iphones...  I was so confused.
Was I the only one in the courthouse that grasped the gravity of what was going on there?  I sat in my black suit dress and heels.. my hair pulled back in a neat respectful pony tail.  Conservative jewelry, and of course, my black overcoat.  I guess I was the only one there today that thinks that divorce is kindof a big deal? 
Ok, ok... I'll end this boring rant...   John never showed up. By now it was close to noon.  He claimed that he never got the memo.  My assumption is that he just never opened his mail..  I think if he knew it was today, he would've shown up so that he could get his word in.  My guess is that he just never looks at any of his mail, except for when he's looking for the monthly check.   In my years with him, he never opened mail.   To him, I guess mail only contains bills and important documents, and lots of physical evidence of reality and responsibility.