Week testifying in trial, or at least it felt like it.

Last week was definitely one crazy week. As some of you are probably aware, I was back in LA this last week, partly for personal business, which included the trial for my kidnapping ordeal. For those who don’t know, I was kidnapped at gunpoint, in my own vehicle, nearly two years ago on March 31^st, 2009. And almost two years later, we finally have a trial.

So on Tuesday I was transported to the Burbank courthouse by a detective for anticipation of my testimony. Somehow, jury selection took longer than expected and I didn’t even get to testify that afternoon. The deputy district attorney told me I needed to return the following morning and I would “likely” start first thing in the morning since jury selection was complete. Afterwards, I met up with a friend for a meal at Portos.

I return on Wednesday in preparation for my testimony, only to discover that that there was a problem with one of the jury members. That delayed the start and I waited and waited until noon without any answers. I’ve come to realize that when attorneys say “likely,” it actually means “low probability” of happening. So finally get to testify at 2:30 in afternoon. It was actually quite excruciating on the witness stand. Good thing no one I knew was present because it was not pretty. Felt like I was reliving the entire event all over again. I couldn't even look the defendant in the eye.

Unfortunately, my testimony runs through the closing time for court that afternoon, so I have to return the following morning. They cancel my flight again and rebook for the following morning. On St. Patrick’s Day morning, I’m transported back to the courthouse. Thought I would start right away but there was another delay, which I never found out why. I ended up getting rushed to finish up my portion on the witness stand. Time was of the essence, as I finished just in time for my personal ride to the airport. I make a quick stop home on the way to the airport, and then barely made it on time to board my flight. So I at least got a free flight out of all that.

On my flight back I met a 1^st year law student from UM, whose family actually owns a castle in Spain. Sounds like their family is quite wealthy haha. The guy actually invited me to party with him that evening for St. Patrick’s Day. Too bad I had to work the next morning, and boy did I work. On Friday, I worked almost 12 hours, then on Saturday returned for more rounds. Was on call Sunday night, though still round with the cardiologist on Monday post-call, which is unheard of.

Was good catching up with some friends this past week, even though it was a hectic vacation, if you can even call it that. Those I didn’t get to meet up with, catch you next time perhaps.

For those of you who think Miami gas prices are expensive, think again. This is in LA.