2012 Voting Information

Hi everyone!

We're 22 days away from the November 6 election. Below, you'll find voting information for by absentee, early and Election Day voting. While I'm normally advocating for candidates in this email, the election is woefully boring in Georgia this year. However, if you have questions about ballot referendums or candidates, feel free to ask.

1. Vote by Mail

Steve and I always choose to vote by mail since he's often out of town and I like to research as I vote. Fill out a request  and mail it to your county's elections office. No excuse needed! All ballots must be received by the close of business on Election Day, so don't waste any time if you would like to vote by mail.

2. Early voting kicks off today across Georgia and runs through Friday, November 2. There will also be Saturday voting on October 27! You can vote at any location in the county where you're registered. When voting in person, make sure to bring an approved form of photo ID.

3. Vote on Election Day. Sure, you can vote the old fashioned way. Polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm on Tuesday, November 6. You must be in line at 7 pm to be allowed to vote. When voting in person, make sure to bring an approved form of photo ID. Find your polling location here.

If you aren't registered to vote, you unfortunately missed the deadline to register for this election. However, get a jump on the next election by registering today.

Voting is made so simple in Georgia that you have no excuse to miss it! Thanks for doing your civic duty and voting!

Seth Godin

PSA: Poor Tennessee Toth

Reese Witherspoon had a baby today and, bless her heart, she named him Tennessee James Toth. Sure, the Nashville native may be a little homesick and it's a fun name for the former Southerner. For Hollywood, however, it's a little trashy.

I know young Tennessee is just getting acquainted with the world but he could quickly become a cliche. To help out, my lovely friend Molly and I made a list of things he should never do.

1. Visit his grandparents in Nashville.
2. Become a Volunteers or Titans fan.
3. Listen to country music.
4. Run for political office.
5. Use the "You're the only Ten-I-See" pick-up line.
6. Drink Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey or become friends with someone named Jack Daniels.
7. Wear a cowboy hat or own a horse.
8. Wear plaid, ever.
9. Marry a girl named Georgia or Virginia.
10. Dress like Elvis.

You're welcome, sir.

Absurd

I just came across something that made me think of an utter truth: For all the care we put into our reputation, we have absolutely no control over it when we die. And that time period is significantly longer.

As I've mentioned before, I've become quite enthralled with Zelda Fitzgerald. Her big presence in her youth, and her loneliness later in life. Her independence, which was a problem in that era but now would be considered somewhat normal. The ultimate demise of what the press saw as such a happy and dominant marriage.

Zelda, like me, wasn't much for running a household.

From her Wikipedia page:

When Harper & Brothers asked her to contribute to Favorite Recipes of Famous Women she wrote: "See if there is any bacon, and if there is, ask the cook which pan to fry it in. Then ask if there are any eggs, and if so try and persuade the cook to poach two of them. It is better not to attempt toast, as it burns very easily. Also, in the case of bacon, do not turn the fire too high, or you will have to get out of the house for a week. Serve preferably on china plates, though gold or wood will do if handy".

You can imagine the shriek of laughter I just let out when I saw this.

Zelda- on an apron! HA!

Not perfect can be good enough

I bought a painting a few years ago that hangs in our bedroom and is emblazoned with the quote, "I know well from what I flee, but not what I'm in search of." That's how I feel often in life, that I'm escaping displeasure without really knowing what will make me happy.

I'm in the middle of Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream by Whitney Johnson, which I came across after her interview with the Good Life Project. Whitney, who has accomplished so much in her life fearlessly, saw other women around her who didn't have the same inspired dreams she does, but were also not fulfilled. Her book is meant to inspire them to dare to dream, to recognize their dreams and have the courage to follow them. It's definitely given me some of her courage and open-mindedness.

One of the stories just touched off a spark. A contributor writes about how she encouraged her son to draw as she read him a story. As he drew, he realized that his images didn't quite stack up to the professional illustrations that accompanied his favorite books. His wasn't good enough. Instead of enjoying the experience, he threw a temper tantrum and drew big, dark lines over his work. His wasn't good enough and no one would see it.

It made me wonder how many times I cast my work aside when I'm not happy with it or, even worse, refuse to start a project if I don't think I can succeed. I'm driven by success. Without it, I'm not really interested.

Now I realize that I'm selling myself short. If I don't let myself do, even if I might fail, I'm going to miss out on the many achievements I could have and success may elude me.

Living in Midnight in Paris

Living in Midnight in Paris

Have you seen Midnight in Paris? Steve and I love Woody Allen movies, but this one is endearing for so many more reasons besides the director's quirk. It's a great story of wanting, wandering, trying to find your place. It also has such whimsy and just a hint of Dali, another personal favorite.

After watching the movie, I've been learning more about Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of F. Scott and the basis of many of his characters. She also embodies the 1920s indulgence mentality and spent much of her own life on a similar search for purpose. I'm reading her biography now and a review will be forthcoming. 

For now, check out this set and certainly find the movie soon. 

Proof & Provision

Is anything more lovely than being able to show out-of-town friends a good night in your city?

I was finally able to meet my good Twitter friend, Callie, last week. Our love of the Braves made it easy to strike up a conversation. We've talked for more than a year now and it's great to know that we're great friends in real life.

Nate and Sharon joined us, and Nate's great recommendations came in handy. After a great dinner at Cypress Street, we tried Proof & Provision in the basement of the Georgian Terrace Hotel. I highly recommend this bar, especially if you're entertaining out-of-town guests.

Across the street from the Fox Theater (which is always fun for visitors to see), the drinks were creative and strong. The service was friendly and quick. The atmosphere was classy, but laid back. I only wish that it was a little quieter and that I had taken pictures!

Pictures borrowed from the Proof & Provision Facebook page.