Rochester, NY

1:48 PM

Two weeks ago I passed up a road trip. It’s rare for me to do that. My host family from Harrisburg needed help driving a car out to Washington state. It pained me to pass. I was into my writing and the timing was not right.

Sometimes things have a way of working out. I have not been the most active person in government in my 29 years. As you may know, I have some opinions on things regarding our government. I learned today that if you are out of town (maybe traveling the country) you need to apply for an absentee ballot a month prior in order to vote. I am registered to vote, but did not get an absentee ballot in time.

I have been going back and forth about when I could get back to Charlotte to see my people. The light went off today. It may not be the brightest idea I’ve had, but I am leaving Rochester and heading down to Charlotte. I am going to drive the 12 hours to VOTE! I’ve never been passionate about my right to vote. They keep saying this is a huge election. I am not fired about either of our two choices. And to say Nader is in there, it’s true, but he can’t win. Up until this, I’ve never cared. 4 years ago, if you said I had to get an absentee ballot, I’d say too bad and forget about it.

Whether it is Bush or Kerry, big money still runs the show. If someone gives you $1 million and their vote versus another person who gives you only their vote, who will you cater to? Sad but true. It’s still a big election.

This year is different. I am different. I think we all are a bit different after a near tie and then September 11, and then Iraq. There is a lot at stake.

Anyway, I am embarking on a mini-journey. I am not sure of the exact itinerary (except for Charlotte on Tuesday), but I will be hitting:

• Asheville, NC – college friends have moved there

• Charlotte, NC – old stomping grounds

o I also have a new baby to see there

  • § My cousin Colin and Kim = Jaime

• Columbia, SC – old graduate school friends

• Charleston, SC

o Another new baby

  • § My cousin Kevin and Cathy = Maisie

• Wilmington, NC

o My cousin Morgan is in college down there

• Raleigh, NC

o Another new baby

  • § My buddy Bob and Morgan = Davis

- Greensboro, NC – old boss

I feel like I’m politicking with all of the babies I’ll be seeing. I’m hoping to do a couple of interviews along the way. I have some calls and emails in. The book is coming, but the passion is still for the road. I’m outta’ here! See you on the road…