One piece of campaign mail, urging me to save the economy by voting for the opposing party was the only offensive piece in today's mail. Well, only slightly less offensive was the news that my homeowners association fee would go up yet again next year. I did get a coupon worth $10 off a $30 purchase, so I came out ahead on this particular trip to the mailbox.

And that will have to tide me over for nearly a week, as I leave in the morning for Atlanta, where temperatures will be anywhere from the low 30s to the high 60s. Frankly, I'm thrilled to be able to break out the turtlenecks, gloves and scarf that only get taken out and worn once a year. (I don't like them to feel so neglected.)

As per my usual night-before-a-trip ritual, I have yet to begin packing, and my flight leaves in 15 hours and 15 minutes. That gives me about 13 hours and 40 minutes to finish and, knowing me, I bet I can do it.

I'll be back Nov. 3 with all the details from my Wicked Weekend.

There was one piece of campaign mail from the correct political party, and one from the incorrect political party, so I'm going to call it a draw. Can I also call it a draw if I got a car insurance bill in one envelope and a coupon in another? No? Didn't really think so.

So, tonight, "How I Met Your Mother" is a repeat from last season. Fortunately, it's "Sandcastles in the Sand," one of my favorite episodes. So, I get to snuggle up on the couch, pop some gnocchi and get lost in Robin Sparkles' power ballad. Now that's entertainment.

I am pleased to report that there was no campaign literature in today's mail. Of course, there was no mail today, so if there had been any such literature, I would have been really confused.

I did, however, receive one call, asking me to volunteer for my party nominee's campaign. Of course, once I told to friendly voice on the other end of the call that I was a member of the media, she immediately understood and reminded me to vote on Nov. 4. I told her I'd already taken care of that last week, she thanked me and we hung up. End of weekend politics for me.

Of course, rumor has it that my mother ran into Matt Damon (I hope she didn't hurt him) at our local campaign headquarters -- and she has the pictures to prove it. More details to come.

I only got one piece of campaign mail today, but it was addressed to someone who hasn't lived at this address in at least 15 years. Plus, it was for a candidate whose party I don't belong to. So, it just angered me.

I did, however, receive a recorded message from the man from my party who's running for sheriff. Maybe it was the New York/New Jersey accent, but I thought he kind of sounded like a thug. I voted for him anyway.

No Silver Alerts, no campaign fliers in the mail. My Entertainment Weekly, however, did look as if it was left out in the rain (with the cake from "MacArthur Park," no doubt).

I intend to spend the next 48 hours relaxing, while accomplishing all that I need to do to prepare for my Wednesday morning departure. Should be easy as pie (or, possibly, a cupcake).

Another day, another Silver Alert.

I really hope this doesn't happen more than once a week. It could get even more depressing. Today, they are looking for a 2007 white Toyota Camry. (In my mind, the only thing more prevalent than a white Toyota Camry is a beige one, so good luck.)

Also, there were two pieces of campaign literature in my mailbox today. (Yes, I'm keeping track until the election's over.)

A very long day.
And I don't have much to say.
But I can haiku.

So, how did that sound to you?

In the two weeks since Gov. Charlie Crist signed Florida's Silver Alert program into law, I have seen two such alerts posted on overhead "smart signs" during my daily commute. At first, I didn't know what a Silver Alert was, but when I found out, it made sense to me.

A Silver Alert is designed to help missing people with cognitive disabilities or dementia. Since Florida has more people age 65 and older than any other state, I'd stay it's about time it joined Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas as a state with such a program.

The first Silver Alert went out a week after the program began. Luckily, the 86-year-old Boynton Beach man was found alive -- when he crashed near the jail in Miami. When I read the story, I thought of my late grandfather, who kept driving far longer than he should have, frequently getting lost and driving for hours before finally returning home.

So far, all the alerts have been successful. I'm glad we're doing this, but it makes me sad to think it's such a necessity.

It took two-and-a-half hours, but I'm proud to say that I've cast my ballot in the 2008 presidential election. I voted for the man who (I hope) will be sworn in as the 44th president exactly three months from today.

I didn't mind the line. The folks around me were friendly -- and of the same political mindset, so there was no awkwardness when politics seeped into the conversation. When I left the polling place, I couldn't help but wonder how much longer those still in line would be there, or how late the poll workers had to stay after all the voters were done.

I just hope this election goes smoothly, and that Florida is not the cause of any major problem. We're using optical scanner ballots, which were four legal-size sheets (front and back). This was a little bit overwhelming, but once you realize that everything is written in three languages, it's a little easier to take. Luckily, I went over a sample ballot in advance, and all I had to do was bubble in my choices. Yes, I felt like I was back in school, but instead of using a No. 2 pencil, we had to bubble in with black, ball-point pens. For 16 people, six state constitutional amendments and 10 county ordinances, it took about 15 minutes.

But, when I was finally done, and I fed all four sheets into the machine -- oh, what a feeling!

A few thoughts on Gov. Sarah Palin's appearance last night on "Saturday Night Live":

• She and Tina Fey really do look alike.
• She can read cue cards well.
• Nice dig at "30 Rock."
• Nice dig at Alec Baldwin (who can't read cue cards well).
• I enjoyed her "raising the roof" during Weekend Update, but was she even listening to the words of the rap?
• I can't believe she stayed till the very end, or that she wore those boots with that suit.

Aside from her appearance, the show wasn't really buzzworthy. But, her appearance generated enough buzz that SNL posted its highest ratings since March 12, 1994, when Nancy Kerrigan hosted and Aretha Franklin was the musical guest.

Josh Brolin was good, and I enjoyed his crack that, while researching for his role in "W.," he discovered that neither he nor Dubya was actually qualified to be president. Of course, his excellent monologue was cut short by Oliver Stone, who pleaded with Brolin to mention the film's name, which he then did. The rest of the skits Brolin was forced to appear in did nothing for me. Poor Josh.

Mark Wahlberg's appearance showed he does have a sense of humor, after all. I was worried for a minute when I read about his rant on Jimmy Kimmel's show. But, no, he was able to make fun of himself. Loved the "say hello to your mother" bits with both the people and the animal.

In about 10 minutes, I'm going to take a nap. This may seem unusual, but there is a method to my madness.

You see, I'd like to be awake for this week's installment of "Saturday Night Live," but I usually fall asleep before 11:30. So, I figure if I get a couple of hours of shut-eye beginning at 9, I can wake up refreshed and alert by 11. You know, like a power nap.

Now, all I have to do is make sure to set the alarm properly -- this one's got a.m./p.m., so I've had a few evening alarms recently. It shouldn't be too hard, but you never know.

Josh Brolin -- who is playing the title character in Oliver Stone's "W." -- is hosting, and I've read that the real Dubya is going to put in an appearance. Also on tap: Sarah Palin. Should be an episode for the ages.

The recently created office social committee pulled off its first event this afternoon -- a so-called random act of fun.

Well, the verdict is in: Not only was it fun, but it gave everyone in the office a nice sugar high with which to end the week.

What was so much fun? We made our own caramel-covered apples! I actually let mine set in the fridge before taking it home with me. I don't know if I'll ever actually eat it because: A) it looks so perfect; and B) I've always found it difficult to eat goo-and-nut-covered apples on sticks.

Another stellar day in my world. It began late and ended early, which is always nice. But, I think I need to take a class in remedial alarm clock setting. (Do they offer those?)

I got to catch up with an old friend who I hadn't seen in 16 years. That was fun! It's been a great couple of weeks for catching up. I wonder if I can continue the streak into next year.

For all the fabulousness that was yesterday, today was just the opposite.

Sure, everything that needed to get done got done, but I would've liked it if the process could've been a little more efficient.

I guess it's true what they say: Everything has a way of evening out.

Which means I'm in for a great day tomorrow!

It was a really great day: Not too long, not too short.

I accomplished what I needed to do without feeling bored or overwhelmed.

And, to top it all off, I was able to run some errands with time to spare before I have to set my alarm, go to bed and wake up eight hours later to start all over again.

Sometimes, when the planets are aligned, things just go my way.

I just found out that an early to-press date will allow me to take the long weekend I'd been hoping for. It must be meant to be.

I was so busted.

Even though the store clerk said it'd be OK to put in for two rebates, it really wasn't.

I thought I had it all figured out: I would fill out the rebate forms, using my home address and e-mail for one entry, and my work address and e-mail for the other.

Unfortunately, I slipped them in the mail at the same time. In identical envelopes. With identical stamps. And identical return address labels.

Whoever was entering the information into the computer database must have seen them both, and invalidated one of them right on the spot.

So much for beating the system. I guess this means I'm just not cut out to be a criminal.

It's been kind of a lazy, do-the-laundry day for me.

Well, that and "Absolutely Fabulous." I had to keep myself occupied while the linens were spinning, right?

The main doors to the building where I work automatically unlock every day at 7 a.m. They automatically lock again at 7 p.m.

Today, I was cutting it really close -- on both ends.

After waking at 5 a.m., I got ready as slowly as I could, but still arrived at my office building at 7:05. (It's actually good that I was so early; I found out later that there was a massive traffic tie-up that would've taken longer than my commute to get past.)

I worked hard all day -- I took a break for lunch -- before finally leaving the building at 6:35.

And so, I have just closed the book on another 12-hour day. May it be my last ... for at least a little while.

I'm not going to beat around the bush: I failed miserably in my attempt to stay away from the Internet in observance of Yom Kippur.

But, looking on the bright side: At least it kept me from eating. I even managed to go to a supermarket, then come home and whip up a batch of egg salad without so much as a taste.

At about 7 p.m., the family began to devour the platters of food that covered our table. We didn't come up for air for two hours.

When that was over, there were the traditional goodbyes and cleanup duties. Plus, I even stayed for the opening skit of the ridiculously named "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday," which will air live at 9:30 p.m. on for the next three Thursdays. They parodied the second presidential candidate debate. My favorite part was when "Tom Brokaw" called on audience member "William Murray" to ask a question. Viewers were treated to Bill Murray asking Barack Obama (Fred Armisen) and John McCain (Darrell Hammond) how they would ensure the Chicago Cubs would not lose again in the playoffs. Obama said it was not in the cards for the Cubs to ever win the pennant or the World Series, and their fans would just have to learn to root for other teams. McCain agreed with That One.

And that, my friends, is why I love SNL during election season.

Tonight begins Yom Kippur, the day of atonement for Jews. So, in keeping with tradition, I will skip work, sleep late and eat nothing between tonight's dinner and tomorrow's break-the-fast meal at sundown.

OK, maybe it's not in keeping with all the traditional traditions, by they're my traditions nonetheless.

And then there's the egg salad. I should get a T-shirt: Ask Me About My Egg Salad. (Yeah, that'd go over well.)

Also in keeping with the theme of the day, I will attempt to stay away from the Internet for a full 24 hours. I'm setting the bar low by saying I won't be able to do it, but tune in tomorrow to see how long I last.

Another seemed-quicker-than-it-really-was workday for me, so no complaints here.

Now, all I need to do is make sure tomorrow is a quicker-than-it-seems day because I have dinner plans.

Seems easy, right? Not really, but I've got my fingers and toes crossed.

Today got off to a rough start, but the good news is that it only improved from there. (Kind of the same way the rest of the week always improves from Monday on.)

I brought my ear buds to work so I could watch last week's episode of "How I Met Your Mother" - about the gang's search for the best burger in New York - before anyone else arrived. I almost did it, too. About a minute away from the end, I heard someone sneak up behind me bearing Frito-Lay treats. I shooed him away nicely and continued to the end.

Of course, for the rest of the day, all I could think about was hamburgers. Oh, well.

Sometimes, it's nice not to have any obligations.

I slept late, watched TV, read a book, took a nap, watched more TV and did some laundry.

It may seem like not much of a day to some, but it was just perfect to me.

It was a bit of a weird day today. Not that anything in particular happened. In fact, nothing really happened at all.

The highlight of my day was a conversation with my sister, during which we discussed, well, nothing of any substance. It was like our own little "Seinfeld" episode.

Of course, that's one of the most iconic shows of my lifetime -- if not all time -- so I guess I have nothing to complain about.

I have two working televisions! I have more channels than I will ever watch, but one of the three that I need to see doesn't work. Maybe it has to warm up to the new antenna. I had a brief issue with that particular channel, which was fixed when I rotated the antenna.

Unfortunately, I had to purchase a separate antenna (which came on a little stand) and this one doesn't seem to be able to rotate. What do I do? Excellent question.

Since I have one television that I know gets reception on all the channels, I'll stick with that one until I can figure out how to make the other one work. Hopefully, all will be in working order by the time the final 18 episodes of my favorite show begin to air later this season.

Right now, I should be parked in front of the TV, gearing up for the vice presidential candidate debate between Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.

Alas, I am not.

I figure I can read all about it in the morning.

Besides, I'd rather spend this final hour of my night writing this entry, checking e-mail and attempting to hook up a converter box and antenna to my large TV (which is only large because my other TV is so small).

That's right: I'm going to attempt to bridge the centuries with two pieces of technology invented decades apart. And I can't think of a better way to spend a Thursday evening. (Well, I could, but I don't want to go into detail about that here.)

After all the craziness of the last couple of weeks, it felt good to be able to get back to a normal Wednesday routine.

Sure, I was somewhat on my own in the workplace, but I got the job done and was rewarded with the season premieres of "Pushing Daisies" and "Private Practice."

From now on -- or, until the end of the TV season -- Wednesday is going to be my most favorite day of the week. I'll work hard, then I'll veg out in front of the Boob Tube. Ain't life grand?