Initially I tried thinking of a way to get out of it, but finally gave in and showed up anyway and to my surprise, it wasn’t all bad. I do think that there should be parking set aside for potential jurors at the parking lot adjacent to the courthouse instead of three blocks away. Granted, taking the bus is free, but who wants to wait… not me.

Once inside the courtroom, things happen a lot different than what I have seen on television. Its nothing like “Shark” or “Law and Order”. There are some similarities, but nothing significant. Seeing our legal system in action was an eye opener, so at the end of the day, when my services were completed, I decided within myself, that being summoned to be a juror really isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.

Months ago, the club bearing the name Paris was changed and redecorated and now has a new look. The new club is called Dolce Nightclub and is the opposite of what the former club was. This club promises to offer a laid back environment with jazz music.

Other new businesses are also closely behind the club in their unveiling as well and will open in early October. Some of the new businesses the people of Orlando can expect to see are Brick & Fire Pizza and Wine Company, Ceviche tapas bar, and The Dessert Lady.

As a result of this sudden change, which the techs say that they didn’t even know were being implemented, until one week before, customers have had to constantly deal with viewing problems.

I, personally, had only partially cable service for an entire week. Tell me, how I am supposed to feel when I can only view 20 channels instead of the usual 200, especially when I am still expected to pay for the 200 channels? Well, you better believe that my household will be asking for a credit for the those seven days. Hey, the way I see it, every little bit counts. And I think its only right that I get what I pay for, no more, no less.

The new DVR boxes have a type of smart card in the back of them, similar to the ones that satellite services use. Upon connecting the new boxes, you have to wait 45 minutes for them to boot and load the channels. Another change is how the TV Guide channel looks and how shows are recorded.

Its been a few days and we still are trying to get use to using the new system.

First it was the constant hype of the phone, then the $500 pricetag that came along with it, now this. I find it interestingly funny that a minor could be so smart. Granted, he had help from a few people via internet, but still, it makes one think.

Of course, Apple has no comment, nothing to say. They probably feel like idiots now that the phone can be used by other carriers, as the teenager did through T-Mobile.

When my husband and I moved here in 2002, we had no idea of the growth potential that would later arrive.

Traffic in Apopka is just as bad, if not worse, than traffic on 436 or I-4, mainly because we only have a four lane road. There has been many new subdivisions and businesses added within the last few years. About two years ago, Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ arrived on Park Avenue and The Home Depot took up residence on the northern end of Hwy 441.

Now, we have Chili’s, Staples and Lowe’s on the way. No longer do Apopkans have to drive to Altamonte to get what need… Apopka has what we need and more.

Home sales in Central Florida continue to decline week after week. In my neighborhood alone, there are eight homes for sale by six different companies. I have seen homeowners do everything from putting in new sod, to trimming trees and offering 106% financing to potential homebuyers.

Its not just desperation. People say its a buyer’s market, but it doesn’t seem to be, with all the homes in the area still being unoccupied. I don’t think the market benefits anyone right now. Granted, homebuilders are offering everything from free upgrades to free in-ground pools.

My husband and I would love to sell our home and move into a bigger home in one of the newer subdivisions in Sanford, but we know we wouldn’t get a fair price for our current home.

During the last quarter over forty states saw a drop in home sales. Florida took the biggest hit. Yet, you wouldn’t think that homes aren’t selling if you look around. Everywhere you go, you can see new homes and new subdivisions being added. Why build more when what you have isn’t selling is my question.