I did my civic duty today and made the trek up the hill to the local polling station. On the way there, I was nearly struck by a car that didn't see me in the crosswalk. I carried some (miserably awful) coffee, too, which I expertly spilled on myself. Incidentally, black coffee is good for spills -- it doesn't leave a fetid stain that smells like rancid cream for weeks. At worst, it merely looks like you wet yourself.

As I crossed the sidestreet in front of the polling station, I had to dodge another car. Seriously, by this time, I was wondering if it was some kind of plot against me. I wonder if they knew which way I intended to vote?

I wasn't intimidated, though. I entered the polling station, made my mark, and dropped it in the box without further incident. In fact, I left there fairly glowing with satisfaction at having fullfilled my role in the democratic process. Aside from almost being run down twice, it was a remarkably positive experience. And the lizard in charge of the polling booth was kinda cute too.