a new direction

I've been writing what's been going on to this point, so I'll do that for this post. Future posts will be different. I'm going to write about what is on my mind, rather than what is around me.

Last week, someone came to our house and crashed on the couch, thinking that it was the neighbor's house. When she figured out that she was in the wrong place, she ran out and left behind her shoes, purse, and a zip fleece. I found these on Friday morning and called the police. I guess they've been having trouble with our neighbors (drugs, noise, parties, etc.). I hope they don't stick around forever, because we really like our neighborhood. Also, their cat keeps coming around to our place looking for food and shelter. And the boys that live there were seriously beating on each other yesterday afternoon. It's a sad situation in that home, I think.

We had a cookout yesterday. Tommy, Bob, Laura and Shawn were our guests, and we had a nice time. We have lots of left-over food, though. I wish we lived closer to our friends; we'd hang out all the time. Maybe Julie will move nearby when she's done with her current job. I would love that.

new kind of post:
I've been thinking about people that are regular fixtures in my life lately. They tend to become furniture. The good thing is that I get used to them being around, get used to their company and style of conversation/entertainment, etc. The potentially bad thing is getting used to them to the point where I don't appreciate them any more. I was telling Laura yesterday how one friend is like a piece of furniture in my life now: I see them regularly, they've been around for a while, I see them in a few different areas of my life... I still get excited to see them whenever I know there will be an encounter, and I still look forward to our next encounter when we part. I think that's a good perspective, right? Especially in marriage! If I started to just never reclined in the chaise-lounge that is Joel and just walked past it on my way to the next room all the time, I would start to lose appreciation for all it contributes to my life. That example is lacking, but I hope it conveys that which I want it to.

To any readers, know that I try to appreciate you and not walk past you on my way to the next thing in my life.