Today is the day....

...to get out and VOTE! We've been preparing for this day for months now and I'm so anxious to see what the outcome of this very historical election will be. I found out that you can register at the polling place here in Wisconsin, which I am very excited about! I was so bummed when I thought I couldn't vote so when I heard the news that all I need to bring with me is a copy of a bill showing my new address I was so stoked. I'm not looking forward to the big lines at the polling place though.

I think I am probably one of the few people in all of Madison that will be voting for McCain. Wisconsin as a state is more conservative, but Madison as a city is much more liberal. Abortion is a very important issue for me and I just can't vote for Obama because of his stance on that issue. To be perfectly honest though, I'm really not thrilled with either candidate.
I love how the elections bring communities together though. My friend Katie was over the other day and she's a huge Obama supporter and she was telling all about the different ways she's got involved and been able to get out and meet and people through joining groups that address postcards to people in the area or different events like that. She's actually joined a "Women For Obama" group and loves it. Because I didn't think I could even vote in Wisconsin I haven't really got involved, but I've loved hearing how this election has brought back a real sense of community for her to our community.

Speaking of community...I believe I'm going to join our neighborhood association group. They meet once a month and also have park clean up days or different events throughout the month. Even though I'm new to the area, I want to get involved and be a neighbor that actually does good things for the community rather than just sits on my butt and complains about all the problems. I emailed the association director yesterday and should be hearing back soon regarding what I can do to help. I've noticed that the particular neighborhood we moved to is kind of in a transition place where the neighborhood will either get better or worse but not stay the same. I'm praying that things will get better. It's not a bad neighborhood by any means, but it definitely seems like it needs a little attention.

Anyway, I'm off to vote - and then I'm heading straight to Starbucks to redeem my free coffee from voting! Hopefully that will start my day off right!