I'd Like An Interpreter, Please.

When someone comes into court, they have to sign in.  When they sign in, they fill out a paper with their name, address, phone number, etc., and then they give it to me.  I fill in their case number, and write what they are there for at the top of the page.  On the back of the page, they are supposed to read their rights and initial them, stating that they read and understand their rights.  One of these rights is the right to an interpreter.

And this is where our story begins.  One man came in the other day, and wanted an interpreter.  Since he was speaking English very well (like first language well), I was a little confused.  "An interpreter for what?"  I asked.

"So I can understand what's going on."

"But what language?"  At this point, I'm so confused.

"English.  I need someone to tell me what they mean."

And it all came together - by "interpreter," he meant someone to explain the legal proceedings to him.

But how great would it be if we could just request an interpreter?  So I'd like to formally put out my request for a life interpreter.

Any volunteers?

I Don't Live In A Fish Bowl

After starting my new job, the thing I am amazed by the most is how many people feel the need to tap on the bulletproof glass.  Do they honestly think they can test its strength with their fingernails?  Or do they think I'm a fish?

Although there are people that make me glad that there is bulletproof glass in between us.  The scary ones that make me wish that I was armed, just in case.  But for the most part, it's just people who have made bad decisions and are struggling with their demons.  And unfortunately, maybe because I'm really mean deep down (and not so deep down), but some of these stories strike me as really funny.

Like these:

1.  I came across a file labeled "Thor" today.  Thor?  Yes, Thor.  But not, apparently this guy.

2.  The young black man who asked me what time I got off of work.  Um, for you?  Never.  I live here.

3.  The same old lady who has called me three times in the last three days to complain about the fact that her neighbor's water has been on a long time, the fact that her neighbor has dandelions in their yard, and that her neighbor's yard looks terrible, and the ordinance officer hasn't been calling her back.  And although I politely tell her that all I can do is transfer her to the ordinance officer again, I want to just tell her that maybe the officer's not returning her calls because she's complained about everything.  And yet, every time I see her name on the caller ID, all I can think is:

4.  I had one woman call me and tell me that I had messed up big time, and got my name, and asked to speak to my supervisor.  So despite the fact that I hadn't even worked there when this "mistake" occurred, it was all my fault, and I'm pretty sure she was on the other end of the phone looking like this:

So I told my supervisor, and she went back and listened to the tape.  Turns out, the woman was WRONG.  VERY, VERY WRONG.  And although I longed to call her back and just yell:

and hang up, I decided to do the professional thing and let my supervisor call her and inform her that the mistake was on the woman's end, not ours.

After working with the public, I think the biggest thing I've learned at my job so far is that even when you think these things in your head, it's important not to say them out loud.  And it's important to always have a smile on your face and be polite,

even when you are less than pleased with them.