Jury Duty

Today I am serving my first-ever full day of jury duty.  I actually arrived several weeks ago for my first jury duty service; however, after taking in the full breadth of what that service meant (at least 1 day, and I had to stay all day no matter what), I asked to reschedule my service.  Today I came prepared: I have my work laptop, food, and I at least tried to get here early enough so as to get prime placement (a) at a table and (b) adjacent to a power outlet.

I have mixed feelings about jury duty service.  It is inconvenient for one thing; however, I fully recognize the importance of this sort of service.  Though I am a "public servant" by day, I feel as though this sort of service is more visible than the important work I do on a daily basis.  Yet, the thought of sitting in this juror's lounge for the entire day--and the possibility of having to stay even longer--leaves me with a feeling of uber dread.

That stated, here I am.  I wanted to share that embarking on this day of service, snuggling up to this well-worn table someplace in the Judiciary Square District of DC, harkens back to the days when I would go into my mother's work for the day.  I cannot remember the circumstances when I would go in to her work.  But I do remember the process of trying to fight boredom while waiting for her to finish her day.  The nostalgia of that experience is not entirely unpleasant.  Perhaps that will temper the dread today I bring with me to this service.