Civic duties and consolation prizes...?

Argh. That just about sums up what I'm going through. Jury duty is causing me a bit of stress. Although I am excited about my civic duty and being a part of The Process, I have to say it is causing a chink in my chain.
This past Friday I received a call from a lovely woman with whom I met while working the Kerry campaign in Southeastern Ohio.
The first words out of her mouth were, "Super, I need you. Talk to your husband and ask your dad if you can stay at his house... We need you to come do what you did two years ago."
It wrecked me to have to say, "Dads and The Mister have nothing to do with it, I have jury duty." She only needs me for the last week and a half before the election, meaning I would travel to Ohio this weekend and stay there through November seventh.
Today I was called back in for the questioning portion of the jury selection process. I had to sit in the witness box and answer whatever was thrown at me. I may have gotten a little sweaty what with the microphone and hoopla. However, my charm was on and I definitely got a laugh with one of my answers... it really is all about the delivery because my answer was very serious, indeed. Aside from that, they told me I had made the cut (depending on how you look at it) and would have to call in for further reporting instructions. The lady told me things looked good for a panel and they hoped to get everybody (me included) back in tomorrow afternoon. It was a little unclear, but I believe there is a chance I could still be dismissed.
If you don't remember, this case is projected to last well into January.
Essentially, I'm at odds between my civic duty and my need to change the world. Which is more important? Each begets the other, so really... sigh.

On the other end of the spectrum, The Mister has decided if I am chosen on the jury, then I (obviously, he says) need a MacBook. Yes, there is a ton of waiting during jury duty, but I am pretty sure this is a big, fat, roundabout excuse. It's adorable that he seems to think I'm not on to his ruse. Oh, he's a cutie and if he wants to buy me a MacBook, who am I to stand in his way?
Personally, I would rather have this, but I am happy to wait another 335 days. Oh to saddle me with another dilemma... diamonds or MacBooks, civic duty or saving the world...
What the fuck is a Super to do?