Today I was an anthropologist on a first date.

Today I had an identity crisis. Juror or anthropologist? Juror or anthropologist? Apparently the docket was uneventful, so Margaret Mead it was…

I found a great seat, allowing me to observe the entire room. All the usual suspects were present – the comedian, the knitting granny, the disgruntled redneck, the cute young girl (constantly applying lip gloss) the Blackberry fiend, the chronic cougher (thank goodness I wasn’t sitting next to him) the immigrant, and of course, the soduku / crossword master.

As time went on, people succumed to discomfort and solitude. There was squirming, half smiles, and in some cases, even an attempt at breaking the ice without getting too personal. Anonymity is very important you know.

Today was like a first date – awkward, but intriguing. I’m secretly hoping for a second date. Maybe I will even be able to fulfill my civic duty…